Motivated Monday

<p>It’s the start of another week! I’m committing this week to be successful and dedicated!!! Keep me accountable, ok? :) <strong><em>What do you plan to do to make this week successful?</em></strong></p> <p>I had <strong>oatmeal</strong> for breakfast this morning with a <strong>sliced banana </strong>mixed in for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tMQ29nbJLuSWaPbC9mBVnXAJMAmuGSy-dM9b96BRdlR3WnB3nD8KU4WByQzsGLD6_G9Xfhjn7mPPWjA17wpfPtYobVsqKn4tR-R32NPXOgDWl59SCfPfyvIOSfWCmf4u_qikfutzjWnU/s1600-h/DSC08993%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08993" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rWN390eUkXQoD4-xBIlFrEpa-7kkQhwOtfJV9XO8rrO1gZhHvifFWZc0fpfKPX5Aht_EHNnwWIgsNdOxEIYJRwZWNrZ99nD1Srl-zl6fnDs6iFPvWBLA_oRKCMiT94-gESCXM8x5yiZZ/?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="DSC08993" width="404"></a></p> <p>My morning snack with filled with <strong><em>CRUNCH</em></strong>!! One of my staff came to my office telling me she could hear my crunchy <strong>carrots</strong>!! lol Hooray for <strong>0 point</strong>, crunch snacks! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zJceqUVvAzJPRF48nc-AmjzgcKkrfdB1xsquKsDMlC3hz8ISpkN4AtTB-RtbhcHsPx0DsSaYwYVhTXiHIAdPJmlUIE6kFn4DN-8Kc7BHjrekro7I9DrLpTYsqtrt_DWhuI-mMEhsqMFZ/s1600-h/DSC08994%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08994" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssMUjyEBYjU4Q9hpVFmnRxnFLLsCvhri_z8rFCoBxvN52xHL8Yl3puFNtcp75zNzuMEZKMIBQk3t5t4AD7ES0ADt-3E0Y8dB2GnBISh_l3WsHW0RylfQ19ABR70hd08Q-CEGESHEPPVKe/?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="DSC08994" width="404"></a></p> <p>Lunch time rolled around and I knew just what I was having, leftovers! I had the other half of my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/101010.html">lunch from yesterday,</a> <strong>six inch Subway Club</strong> on <strong>wheat</strong> and the other half of my bag of<strong> Sun Chips</strong> for <strong>8 points</strong>. <img alt="DSC08996" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaolMJenz708YE9TTcOM7Pzfqmv6Rz0OSG4tFku5jc2-JktZx51JUtnUK1tgFhsH7DA4-xacyOdcL9ol9uZF9hqiXI65PyozKvu3ZnwwBgev8wI2cqJpbKtdXLR0jV4vfKE2-GJ5MaN9Y/?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="DSC08996" width="404"></p> <p>I also had some <strong>peaches</strong> & <strong>1/4c cottage cheese</strong> on the side for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuoLkuWuYh_r63vqnfBwK1qMn9-d-YZk9Whj1_yh7k-cnJKWuYuc5_oyDaYfrQIueUS6iIkpmfLl1R2F1SSq9jNkDmyYnOAfMhGI30Ezy4rcCQEWc_s5D0HNv7-kvyj_ppJoIwqXpZ2C8/s1600-h/DSC08995%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08995" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkIFUSz64s8VaHMcHIG8NZ2SL8F5-Qwls-Uc4vXan3xFIsYh8eMbF-a46HQce7lS0zCDTPtxAl1z8H5BBWg7TmrpFXPDsBiGowhqiXeScGJZghi4Li5XGnN74N-_YaZbCdbIw7g2M-fBv/?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="DSC08995" width="404"></a></p> <p>Check out this fun dress I wore to work today! I got it at Target last week. Hard to believe I can still wear a dress <em>in Iowa in October</em>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVz9AHiVc91HVYR1T25pvkjEEjRR-AHFMI-MgOvsx7ftaSJxbgW_v6XWlXfK2n_ZSE8xlIDe5r-OQUiXFHDV_nDdibp_WI1Ks7EoEcMIKPl_cTVbOCroT6xEbp9YHJu5mNi78hzyNW_OL/s1600-h/DSC08997%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08997" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP44UmmuEbfYK6Mu2qAp6iqlrOZEal9LNBzSN4UF9wGP1RehyYM5dyVfulYL2Y_RtjU9lMM3ho56Jtti-0ObFlwFNVCX9h8yq4OnOG1rdJdn1XOCJ-0lK_ufvSEWqcKdQNqPykO28H7x5c/?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="DSC08997" width="404"></a></p> <p>Yep you saw that right, it’s maternity & it was only $6!!! No I’m not pregnant!! It’s a similar style to a lot of dresses that flow out from the waist. <img alt="DSC09004" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GQvXtNjA2N6Ol6sAevdT6auz5-jISezpqVgZlf2aHjyeRmfG9erx7vVgMf4uCAqY-2DT2qhQJBWTdG-FIwJubZqgPNMhtVO6cNNGJGMTp6uNHIdS1_U9jV5DN1H1o80pIwwGhgqGJRyO/?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="DSC09004" width="404"></p> <p>I haven’t been to the gym since July 15th!!! It missed me greatly! ;) I got in <strong>45 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong>, burning <em>480+ calories</em>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHBgRZJT_ioGD8TZ3vtn8Oj5g1Whua15g_g_aPyXT8qbyWVPBvYRTBiKENZeflw7Wv0QNxzdQdtbp6Jw1UXb2fvj9k0Iwwk9o_fJjEVXa0vxvKTul5hyphenhyphen6vv7n1xCK7r-HcmqkPhcea3a6/s1600-h/DSC08999%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08999" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAQwT5ah-AluV5C4Nd0k_bW3lwh1in3EPEMMOB5TEt4aUggAlrzoPT7UBDJiK4DCvdP7xMjNxzBKSplfbx4veGM6T0hh4qNOYEbsAB8USmLpxA5VfroSy2a-JzSG-yRRNHX4Yp67-FapL/?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="DSC08999" width="404"></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Cookies</strong> are the perfect post work recovery food, right?!?! I devoured <strong>2</strong> of these <strong>1 point</strong> bad boys! (Thanks for the cookies <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">Jenna</a>!)<img alt="DSC09002" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVpNP1HQAxzK5bhv3XTdhfim6tHNA0_p1k28JdZ6Ko5_JJ2s1v9rxe5rtgcKal5mtGJBNMAC4OK8ZfubltAUXf4jTZmazoPIqRaRzLSoaLWq-Uo8migU01LIKECKB66pntUxrVR5x-dn7/?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="DSC09002" width="404"></p> <p>My supper was a delicious new try, <strong>chicken enchilada soup</strong>! It’s a <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">hungry girl recipe</a>! My friend, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">Jenna’s, Mom</a> made it for me to test out. Verdict: <strong>LOVED</strong> it! Only <strong>2 points</strong> for<strong> 1 cup</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBUmF6tXweWEdYDUvee-hdzM_3X1kPV_Kng0bQrRMcowXF_6fgzHL8AbwYyURBI4O3egOUEO7vVnu91777TuyzKohAgRMqiTaMm7dPBmwl7zVyXDtLTN8bOwOk71kpFFDeO9BgY98QH5T/s1600-h/DSC09000%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09000" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGJyJJX5H-kc8yNHF7hf-rfmFnuQZq8Y2hsNqh7aYZN0QX44MVOGdm3CYbSD7B-QKyuM5NO_hyaRkFK-_d2YtSOh9jzYTFFGPrY_pewZkJp_Y0vazSvSGQ53uDik1FM0E7SDyAYCBgiJw/?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="DSC09000" width="404"></a></p> <p>I wanted to have a cheese sandwich on the side, but unfortunately my few pieces of bread left were moldy. So I had a <strong>cheese bun</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_GdRuMNag5bta66bKhyphenhyphen1AjSdWUBA0fLFw9WK64HKnzXMw__Xohwes2z4m5Zbo9GNNHK8Gabzfc3sculdmeUvUXSAEbgfkggrLC7ZgeJO0xSY8Nux9OyO9-vwRU3YcAdIw1ZjQtol6uvY/s1600-h/DSC09001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09001" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1qcJ_YRMx9_Etw8Ls1IIauW7o1v5yFiRnkp1NN2ww4ZTr76yI3e1gVm14VfXpVxm6pt-m5WTuatUMqLLTsrFJqW-D07OhbWnE61q5iHMnZvtCvzmkqri-ZHK7OU_Rn-PTXiydLrmjf3y/?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="DSC09001" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 19/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 2 today/8 week <br>H2O = 146 oz <br>EXERCISE = 45 min cross ramp <p>Remember my opening question: <strong><em>What do you plan to do to make this week successful?</em></strong></p>

Motivated Monday

It’s the start of another week! I’m committing this week to be successful and dedicated!!! Keep me accountable, ok? :) What do you plan to d...

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It's just the beginning

After my long, soul-searching post yesterday, I feel about a million times better about my life. I know it's only been a couple of days, but I feel so different that it's hard to put it into words. <br /><br />For the first time in my life, I'm not consumed by thoughts of food. When will I eat? What will I eat? How much will I eat? Will I eat too much? Will I eat the wrong thing? Will I gain weight if I eat that? Will I have a binge today? Will I lose control? <br /><br />It's like I've been under an evil spell for over forty years. A spell that was cast on me to always make me worry about what I eat. To always be fearful of food. To always have food be in control of me and not me in control of it.<br /><br />It's like I found the source of my pain, which was actually compounded by how I've handled the pain, discomfort, sadness, and loneliness in my life. I avoided it. I ate to stop the feelings. I refused to face the pain because it just hurt too much. Instead, it was better to eat away the pain. The only problem with that little theory is that it doesn't work.<br />Today I canceled my Weight Watcher membership. I've only been going to about one meeting a month and honestly, I've lost interest in it. It's served it's purpose for me. I know what to eat, and how much to eat. I understand portion size and the Weight Watcher healthy eating guidelines. Now it's time for me to move on, to try something different. Not another diet. Not another weight loss plan. Instead, I want to stop my war with food. <br /><br />Still, it's scary to leave Weight Watchers after almost three  years. I can always rejoin, however, I don't think I'll ever want to. <br /><br />I weighed this morning on my scales here at home. 174.0 pounds. Afterwards I placed the scales on the top shelf in the back of my closet. I need a step stool to get to them. <br /><br />I have weighed myself every day for the last 42 years. I've made myself crazy with those weighins. It's time to stop it. At least for now. I need to give the daily weighins a break. I'll weigh again next Saturday.<br /><br />Today I followed Geneen's seven eating guidelines. It was not easy, but it made a huge difference. I bought her CD where she explains the eating guidelines in depth. She said it's all or nothing. You can't say you don't like doing one thing and then decide to just not do it. It doesn't work that way. <br /><br />I know that's true because that's what I tried last summer when I read the book. I didn't like #3, Eat without distractions. Distractions include radio, television, newspapers, books, intense or anxiety-producing conversations or music. This one is the hardest for me. I'm getting use to it now, but it was very odd the first couple of times. It really makes me focus on what I'm eating, because well, there's just nothing else to focus on. Surprisingly, it makes me feel a lot more satisfied with my meal.<br /><br />Today I ate what my body wanted. I didn't weigh or measure most of my food, except the oatmeal. I didn't write down what I ate or figure out the calories or the Points. I didn't worry about it. You can't even begin to imagine how this made me feel. It was very difficult, but it also felt like freedom. <br /><br />In case you're wondering, here's what I had to eat today and all of this food is really what I felt like my body wanted. I won't be posting my food every day, because that bores me pieces to write about what I eat. I just wanted to show you what I ate when trying to not be totally restrictive with my food.<br /><br /><em>1 cup of coffee with Stevia and 1% milk (maybe 1/4 cup -?)</em><br /><em>1/2 cup oatmeal, microwaved with a cup of water</em><br /><em>some dried cranberries, maybe 20 (?)</em><br /><em>a few walnuts, maybe 6 halves (?)</em><br /><em>a splash of 1% milk</em><br /><em>1 tablespoon of Splenda/brown sugar mix. I would have used honey but we didn't have any.</em><br /><em>1 small banana</em><br /><br />I savored every bite and it was delicious.<br /><br />I somehow missed lunch and found myself at the gym at 4pm starving to death. That was a total accident because I was running errands and forgot to eat. I had some Kashi bars in my car, some new <em>pumpkin pecan bars.</em> I ate two. I checked the label because I still do that, and they were 120 calories each. This was the only time I didn't follow the not eating in the car guideline, but I was parked at the gym and not listening to the radio.<br /><br />I worked out doing cardio for an hour at the gym. <br /><br />When I walked in the door at home, I was once again starving. I'd burned over 500 calories during my workout. <br /><br />I decided to have another snack before I made dinner.<br /><br /><em>1 small banana</em><br /><em>about 1/2 a glass of 1% milk maybe 3/4 cup</em><br /><br />I sat at the table, slowly eating the banana, drinking the milk. I really wanted to shove it in my mouth and drink the milk in one big gulp, but I took the time to taste the banana and enjoy my snack.<br /><br />Dinner was simple and it really was what I wanted, which is oddly what I eat quite often.<br /><br /><em>A large chicken breast, much larger than my normal 4 ounces, but I didn't weigh it. It was broiled with the Costco Sweet Mesquite Seasoning (love that stuff), and served with a little barbecue sauce</em><br /><em>Brussels Sprouts, more than my normal serving, maybe 1 1/2 cups</em><br /><em>Cherry tomatoes</em><br /><em>A big glass of water</em><br /><br />About an hour after dinner I had a <em>KozyShack tapioca cup</em>. It was not sugar-free. Topped with a squirt (a large one) of <em>non-fat Redi-whip</em>, which I won't be eating again. The pudding was wonderful, the Redi-whip was gross. <br /><br />I'm cutting back on the sugar-free junk I've been eating. I'll still use Stevia because I don't mind the taste of it. I won't be eating a lot of sugar because it doesn't make me feel good. When I eat a lot of it, I get night sweats really bad. A small amount is okay, a lot is bad for me. <br /><br />It's almost 9:30pm, and I'm going to eat a <em>smallish Honeycrisp apple</em> before I go to bed. <br /><br />This is a lot more food than I normally eat, but I don't think I'll be getting up and gorging myself on a 500 to a 1,000 midnight snack tonight<br /><br />I'm really curious if a week of eating like this will make a difference. Am I being stupid thinking I don't need to count every calorie I put in my mouth? Is this a mistake? Yes, it's that voice talking to me again, telling me I'm going to screw this up and gain a hundred pounds. <br /><br />It needs to shut up.

It's just the beginning

After my long, soul-searching post yesterday, I feel about a million times better about my life. I know it's only been a couple of days,...

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10.10.10

<p>Happy Sunday folks! Anyone do anything special for the tenth day of the tenth month of the 2010th year? <em>Run 10 miles?</em> <em>Eat 10 bananas?</em> ;) </p> <p>If you happened to miss my Saturday post you can check it out <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">here</a>, it was fun! ;)</p> <p><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">Our friends</a> had to leave first thing this morning. :( We said our goodbyes and headed the grocery store. There were some good sales for the day, lots of items were 10 for $10!!</p> <p>Back at home I made a quick, delicious breakfast! I sliced an <strong>apple</strong> and had <strong>1</strong> <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">leftover</a> <strong>pumpkin pancake</strong> for a total of <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOkZ64GieGUDcfirNwr0PnotPJwzA0evegRgB0Ze3asjtHInfEVoHTq6luOZrL703B3RuJGX-i5mH-dj6e-gUcRyd96tJ1PtGELz0RMp97AdaRzU57WTt1QYgrZbOAXKeBgG6Tnk-erZ4/s1600-h/DSC08972%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08972" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTce_ZSEZ1WP-WThUXJw3mEBCTaXUOs6CkHE-ncjyOyrOQt7GDk4fFTDsaN9ELIZmIWuhCRn7fSzLFr5_L0sntYMhOauZXDY9lFIbh6R0z7yC7jGVt9N0k7mgi49XqCBfePMa_DAOKyYVh/?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="DSC08972" width="404"></a></p> <p>The pancakes were just as good as the first time around!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-8sjN-5CV5Q0lNS8AKYHaZKrTVOArEOnRQ_UUO_L5SuSxEBFdzS_5CvR38MU1U-SNC047CXbvbIjPEOMHhk1eCo95mQZ3sZeUYM6wS9D7hpuURTfS0vPc6pzDos6Z3PBeFYGXtYcmZjl/s1600-h/DSC08973%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08973" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyjmQ57YkWeVEN4tYGGFLIHpUTHrpVJa-pQZiTjhAuKbdmwIONbTkt2ztfrPyU_G949IdzIbjQGzbPag6hIKPpqcWqbc0byR7enbGGR1BjSaBfMO4HASRThITXXNAQBhk0iw41jzKxi75/?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="DSC08973" width="404"></a></p> <p>I got a few things done around the house, including making a few cards in my craft room! Yay!! :)</p> <p>We had lunch plans with Kyle’s family. They chose a <em>pizza buffet</em>. :( I said <strong>no thanks</strong> and went a block away to pick up some <strong>Subway</strong> to bring back to the pizza place. I got a <strong>footlong Subway club</strong> and saved 1/2 for lunch tomorrow!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHBwPOz3Sy5TSvcI2OMHIY_tSnfZCFD0dUPU-xFP1Pwc6EBZ9K19L-grMx2mj9RdTTAZbep_jQxORMijeYR6r7vDRjuSZNACNymTNO1ZP1pwg4i6LsXkVve1NHVPGRA3M_Gxke2LaPkqn/s1600-h/DSC08974%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08974" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3lekcQW71bTRG5jNE8QGrZQJ3p_NigaT5bUrzICj38DbV0ZK3YkSSF1o7NCP6VhrnNsq9Cyjojv8QrRpFDrurUHd4BG_kiD92ylN3T3a6xocZNKlcw0ei4q1T7oQTzqe6CDChAltDs3j/?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="DSC08974" width="404"></a></p> <p>I also had <strong>1/2 bag</strong> of <strong>SunChips</strong> with my sandwich for a total of<strong> 8 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkCSDZLJEHsAxZp7F9DdMnxXDwOlzCeoKidVIDWjVKanh4Zg7RG2UjS-jzCetsJHA3tY8oeKfmX_bBE_GaQunU0l29sELsGvqzpMbX_zqcJfcv5gpamLy_kFQJMBvk5Wfcf40G8Y2cMxp/s1600-h/DSC08975%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08975" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIFvkayp2k5vV3jj6MEDpcqIGeUfWcjScr52eZBGnSFY3mbRjU2MGS4gsjY4xlCq94FE_2tu6OeCsWCX7Ht4I7AJZnOG3HDRRj18nP-2Zd04wS7thEtk0uyrJlNkIRifDYMGfH9D6XlbN/?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="DSC08975" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I’m not saying pizza isn’t ok, but I’m trying SO hard to stay 100% OP right now. I think it’s ok to work those types of food in your daily points, you just have to be sensible with your choices. Right now I have to stay serious…our Thanksgiving cruise is only 41 days away! I think it’s ok to accommodate your preferences when you have a particular goal in mind!</p> <p>We rested up a bit throughout the afternoon and then headed out for <em>another</em> family get together for supper! Today is my Grandma’s 76th birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CPOCELol92O8wAzopk-k_jWzkShKEjSGdG9nY3yNsWqPPLCkHlbwkyiscvBDSgvuUsHOjd1q9U5od5i4PX4jHZ-LP8E8nVbEHObMEcVs5qVIeqbMJh9b61TIZOhtfRoFxRFoceUDEktM/s1600-h/DSC08991%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08991" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj8OrxbtOmmy1hVKQznu0jZhHJnzMGtkzsEvZteru0fhv7J0roRN7KkAA_Quq_w7IEp4xtv8_nZExZLkGVdPJljXrKM7-rGaid8-Z1quNfmNAf-MQHOm-MaB1QySZAjGgKYAgcvKi8t_z/?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="DSC08991" width="304"></a></p> <p>My sister from Omaha was even able to make it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPZDiRsxv5dHkSOzPdByI4-sNz7Iy5aOX5C2sL-lJOFKjveASdvmLsDqIVNEvHVB6KhOWBH-Nf1kA6S883l7YJED_kjqxP-ACbC9ERdoZP1gobUHAdlE_wHeYhfDAcWmF-o9SCB4zhk5I/s1600-h/DSC08978%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08978" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35Ce_13tbbbOJ-lLA6VRUkiiovImb-M_VgUzD8rk3wgst6GoBjmHMXx1hY5n8LqaOTyXzLQYA4kuW74Qgx7hNQjZDuj4846XLFcwY7dDZdSpIZB_cpSRNn7EBb8NHixcwmISwcUEMUOn8/?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="DSC08978" width="404"></a></p> <p>Sister & BIL<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycdVQvCkBQhM6vQVH8QlBCPK3dasp0tsQQ_3OMT5YBx4TEd6FlE7-SkUwHPY8zttiF4BNzIAoTLOy3nW0vIxFPDtYHtbKGQEZ8OfYK6YUvnsA18v9qNBGgMjQLukwi42GvmqR7uAiHKS/s1600-h/DSC08980%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08980" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnB0122pRt03lk2TXBThuiJZgiUZ5GLoF899aYunMVYDbxkM4D3Qv1AMw7_2NwnIp0C81j9_kIT8k7JE3wNVgWLU9vnwT2yc_UXOwJOJgZsWnmW-uVKXkXEnRdTUtQzeRXp_cdJj3o8bkX/?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="DSC08980" width="404"></a></p> <p>And I got to see Hayden for the 4th day in a row!! Lovin’ it!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHh9oay_IraPIkpTwuJvftVAQC8WhvdbIVU22ejBG7ZYFJHiqKi-G-LCO8cdMM_gIIp-uWa01ap5YMayCEaDLCx170yT3AM_T78_v1n3Rhyphenhyphen5gEewIxTPDOitVKXR1itVbJGgtLLdW_XrX/s1600-h/DSC08981%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08981" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvtXbd9AFVeVynJwcV2vnm9woulDhjeUYrYVUbO2JO4EomE053cFitYOMkbP_iFiwKyJhQeFrEFlKQpkRZH9IHrAfKANIBii0bvYGKRbjjGOHccM3NpLTY11IP2u6GRivYtKmdVcK6Ru8/?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="DSC08981" width="404"></a></p> <p>Supper happened to be at the <strong>SAME</strong> place as <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">last night</a>! It’s a favorite of my Grandma’s! I had the <strong>grilled chicken sandwich</strong> again, but a <strong>baked potato</strong> with <strong>salsa</strong> on the side instead for a total of <strong>8 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhnlAqdPwVwqVIdfwP-ollNA_2JOAZfnAF7aN9LrPrnxVHVxvhTixCB845P91MAcSx0A5hZWz-4Q6YO_g0ysGeTp7uLf-qIjpYi-hX53rsuYjWU45op2eHxEyhDpSOgzNQRjiHyYKtAG1/s1600-h/DSC08985%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08985" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w8HjZPOzEKPo9G-kQYugMWagCG0sZ0_-xN0tP7MAAR7qJ-tQ1DVlpnxaiP9WviA1s6aVNvx5PYPuyJ2_gq9aNzC16V5Gp85OfZ3Gnsfq_MAh8kLS102QoK0z1L9kST4tH7RyAZcwxhks/?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="DSC08985" width="404"></a></p> <p>No birthday celebration is complete without cake!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDccy9betij7KsTYRTwy4WQ8w9AO6oRZt515C5G1IQBTcLdvLH2xO4eZYQpaXE9Xjf4cQwWSauU875xDjLfxGe2ZMNengTuUbITDDeh-PyNgJTfgnhHhMrMJGolZOyqLX3r4mVA_QMD92/s1600-h/DSC08986%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08986" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WxrZM7LCdGQN8UEHq7swLpW9nHLNSjJir6c2lyawkpmKj5TBm8zrFIeenXwCJKxwJ3KJzTXKRJWCwGoRjDDPWRcE2t5WCIxKHIqLXNLLzQK-c-KpMt7qchKA2ZqDIYFRqeHzjDxM04q2/?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="DSC08986" width="304"></a></p> <p>I had just a little sliver for an estimate of <strong>3 points</strong>. I didn't’ have any luck finding champagne cake nutrition facts online so if you happen to find some, let me know! I’m curious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIjU0ZLeSV9tFMxHjIdq_JISJZ8ftAVTEkkL9GtzGolhOwvF7K9PcwXyGDaH8KM5CxhUE1-FM3fTSs0WZ_gTncXTJ_l7OCXOpqIT4saF53X62fcp6ahw3AoB5vIWcb8ghGyRQPm3S-ISr/s1600-h/DSC08989%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08989" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOD6ELdDnDRW0AnV3kXMPxjL_OSdNgLIDMt5iwB9SDT603afj2UPKFo4UIlYjAj4uqrNg1w1glmwkZgM73cAFJAxYthyKPkqaacPFCWqajqyRvrxbykwkklAm3E2wKJxvt-qqdPX4XdhIe/?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="DSC08989" width="404"></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 23/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/6 week <br>H2O = 128 oz <br>EXERCISE = none</p> <p>That’s all for my weekend friends! Hope you enjoyed your’s<strong><u> to the max</u></strong>!! Can’t wait to start reading the Chicago Marathon race recaps!! It was so fun following everyone today! </p>

10.10.10

Happy Sunday folks! Anyone do anything special for the tenth day of the tenth month of the 2010th year? Run 10 miles?   Eat 10 bananas? ;) ...

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Why I've been broken all these years

Some of what I learned at Geneen Roth's Women Food and God workshop this past weekend...<br /><br />For as long as I can remember I've never understood my relationship with food. I'd read about other people struggling with food the same as me, but they always seemed to have a tragic story in their background. It made sense why they turned to food for comfort.<br /><br />For me, it just didn't make any sense at all. I've had a fairly good life. My childhood was the life of a princess. I was loved and cared for, I was told I was the most beautiful and the smartest girl in the world. I was told I could do anything, be anything. I was spoiled and showered with not only love, but worldly possessions as well. I thought we were rich when I was a kid. I learned later in life that my parents were of modest means, but they sacrificed a lot so I could have whatever I wanted. I was blessed with a loving family and a good life. <br /><br />Since I was about thirteen years old I've had an unnatural relationship with food. I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I've often said that I was "broken" when it came to food. I've felt like something was wrong inside of me. That food was too important to me. I wasn't normal when it came to how I thought about food. I didn't understand why. I kept searching for answers but always came up empty.<br /><br />I even wondered if maybe I was sexually molested as a child and didn't remember it. I've read about how sexual molestation sometimes cause women to turn to food for comfort. I knew for me that was ridiculous. I lived a charmed life and nothing bad had ever happened to me. So what the hell was wrong with me? <br /><br />Friday night Geneen had us do a visualization. It involved imagining our mother being there and what she would say to us at the weight we were now. My first thought was, "Oh God, she's going to blame our problems on our mothers! No way in hell my mother caused me to be fat and compulsively overeat." <br /><br />I went along with the visualization, imagining my mother being there, telling me how beautiful I was and how healthy I looked. She'd tell me I was smart and I could succeed at anything I put my mind to. She always said those things to me, no matter how fat I was or how ugly and stupid I felt. I knew she would hug me, and love me just as I am today. It wouldn't matter if I was 125 pounds or 240 pounds. <br /><br />As I was imagining my mother, picturing her there with me, something clicked inside my head. Something I've never thought about before. Something that explains the broken Diana. <br /><br />When I was thirteen there was a terrible event that changed my life forever. My father died of a massive heart attack. He was 51 years old. My mother was 48. They had been married for thirty three years. Their marriage was the kind people dream about. They were best friends and lovers until the end. They held hands, they always greeted each other with a kiss and always said goodbye with a kiss. They never yelled at each other, and I don't even remember them ever having an arugment. They would sit at the kitchen table at night and talk for hours. They enjoyed each other's company. They did everything together. They were in love. I honestly can't even remember hearing a raised voice between them. <br /><br />My father died at home, suddenly and very unexpectedly. My mother and I were home and we witnessed my father's heart attack and watched him dying in front of us. By the time the ambulance arrived he was already gone. <br /><br />Life changed dramatically. My mother went into deep grieving for a year. I've never seen anyone weep so hard. It was like her heart was shattered into a million pieces. It was just my mother and myself. My brother and sister are much older and lived in other states with their families. All my aunts and uncles, cousins, and all our relatives lived outside of Alaska. It was just my mom and me, together to face the world alone. <br /><br />After a year on the homestead we moved to Fairbanks so my mother could go to work. She had never worked outside the home. I was fourteen. I left all my friends I'd known since the first grade. In high school I was painfully shy. I made a few friends, but I wasn't popular. I didn't fit into the big city life. I was scared. Scared of everything. I didn't join any clubs or do any school activities. I never had a boyfriend or even dated in high school. <br /><br />My mother and I became best friends. We did everything together. All through high school I'd rather hang out with my mom than anyone else. I remember many weekends where we would eat all weekend and watch TV. Friday night we'd go to the store and buy anything we wanted to eat. T-bone steaks, potatoes, sour cream, buttered vegetables or salads with thick full-fat salad dressings were all on the menu. Desserts were anything we wanted and as much as we wanted, cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream. Nothing was off limits.<br /><br />My mom always had a weight problem and her weight climbed up to 260 pounds during those years. I was fighting my weight all the time, with intermittent crash diets but the fattest I ever got in high school was 145 pounds. Thankfully I had the metabolism of a teenager and even though I was abusing food I somehow managed to maintain my weight around 135 most of the time (I was 5' 6"). <br /><br />Still, we ate like pigs. It was fun. It was something we shared, that we loved to do together.<br /><br />Now let me back up to something that Geneen talked about before the visualization on Friday night. She talked about pain, about eating compulsively to block out the pain. We don't want to face the pain because it hurts too much. So we stuff it down with food. Momentarily this blocks the pain. In the end though we still have the original pain as well as the pain from the overeating. The guilt. The weight gain. The self-hatred for overeating. We have now essentially doubled the pain. We need to feel the pain, let it wash over us, because it can't kill us. It's unpleasant, but not deadly. Even though we may think we're going to die from a broken heart, most likely, we will not die.<br /><br />Geneen also spoke about how we often live with rules and ideas we learned twenty or thirty years ago. Even though they are based on false principles, we still follow them.<br /><br />Back to 1968 through 1973. My mother and I never discussed my father's death. Even though we were both deeply wounded by it and missed him like crazy, we never talked about it. In those days (1968 is when he died) there wasn't any grief counseling. No one ever came to me and asked me how I felt, how I was dealing with my loss. The only thing I heard from anyone was that they were sorry. As a thirteen year old girl I had to deal with it on my own. I cried myself to sleep every night for about a year, and sometimes even to this day I cry about the unfairness of the entire situation, for both my mother and myself. <br /><br />Friday night this all suddenly clicked in my head. I learned the way to deal with pain was food. I learned that lesson at thirteen years old and have been following it for the last 42 years. <br /><br />When I came home Friday night I really gave this a lot of thought. I thought about how when my husband and I argue and I feel rejection that I turn to food. I never think about the pain of the rejection or the feelings of not being loved. That's too painful, it hurts to much. It's easier and safer to push it down with food. It's easier to not think about it. <br /><br />It suddenly made sense to my why I've been broken so long. It was a true "aha!" moment for me. As Roxie put it, a moment of clarity that explains my life. My sick and obsessive relationship with food. <br /><br />Last night after the second day of the workshop, I came home and did something I haven't done in years. First, I made myself go to the gym. Now that's not unusual, but this time I made a promise to myself and kept it. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I told myself thirty minutes of cardio, no more. I went to the gym and did thirty minutes of cardio, no more, and came home. Even though I was feeling better and could have done more cardio and some weights, I told myself a promise is a promise. Even one to myself shouldn't be broken. <br /><br />When I came home from the gym my husband had made dinner. It was on the stove. Grilled steaks. Frozen mixed vegetables that had been microwaved and half of a sweet potato. It was 7pm, and I was starved. Normally I wouldn't have touched this meal with a ten-foot pole. The steak was well-done because that's how he likes his meat and he knew I wouldn't eat it anyway. I never touch beef and can't even remember the last time I had a steak. The vegetables had corn and carrots, mixed with green beans and Lima beans. Too many starchy vegetables for me. They looked like they had some Smart Balance on them. He always adds it to his vegetables. Still, it looked tasty. I was hungry.<br /><br />I wanted to feed my body what it needed. It needed fuel. I hadn't eaten much all day. Grace and I had packed our healthy lunches for the conference, and I'd had a light breakfast. I looked at the meal my husband had made and thought okay, maybe 500-600 calories. No idea how much that steak weighs. Kind of small, but no idea. <br /><br />I put the food on a plate, sat down at the table by myself, no book, no magazine, no music, no TV, no laptop, no distractions. Just me and my food. It was a strange experience. I ate each bite slowly. It tasted exquisite. The steak, although a little overdone, was perfectly seasoned. The mixed frozen vegetables were yummy (and yes, I could taste the light Smart Balance that tasted like butter), and the sweet potato was soft and flavorful. It was a delightful meal. <br /><br />What was difficult was being alone with my thoughts. Rehashing everything I'd learned about myself in the workshop. <br /><br />I feel like I've only uncovered the tip of the iceberg, but at least I know it's there. I have a lot of work to do on myself. Not only how I look at food, but how I deal with pain, discomfort, and rejection. I have a long road ahead of me but it's one I'm willing to travel. <br /><br />I went to bed last night at 10pm. No wine and no sleeping pill. My husband was already asleep. I didn't toss and turn like normal, but I was asleep within minutes. I slept through the night until 6am. I woke up feeling like life is good and that I'm not broken anymore. I felt refreshed, alive. That is the first time in years that I didn't wake up at 3am and toss and turn until it was time to get up. It's also the first time in weeks, maybe months, that I didn't get up and stuff my face with food in the middle of the night as my husband slept. <br /><br />My life has definitely taken a turn for the better. Getting to know me isn't quite as bad as I had imagined. It's painful, reliving things from my past and how they affect my present. It hurts to face the pain instead of eating it away with food. It feels good to know I'm not broken beyond repair and can finally come to a place of peace with food.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*******************</div><br />Please note, I do not in any way, shape or form blame my mother for anything that is wrong with me. She was an angel and loved me more than life itself. It's just something that happened to both of us, but it's something I can repair in myself.

Why I've been broken all these years

Some of what I learned at Geneen Roth's Women Food and God workshop this past weekend... For as long as I can remember I've never un...

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Saturday

<p>I thoroughly enjoyed waking up on my own this morning…hooray for no alarm clock Saturday! I didn’t sleep in though, I was up and going before 8am!</p> <p>I started my day out with a morning <strong>run</strong>!<img alt="DSC08943" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaSPD3r9r3smF-mP9AVpaR5ZmfVDtSgxRJ-AIVFpLz9xKmlf-ocOEQU0sE_MC2YiWZos4YFDt846V9YW_NxzgiVModi0b8DwAtHa0inMAm2KPu25ntsMdwxHdnd11R241zSUlTFL-ssRR/?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="DSC08943" width="304"> </p> <p>It was a challenge, but I pushed through and finished <strong>3.6 miles</strong> in<strong> 40 minutes</strong>. I felt strong & accomplished at the end!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmLPccg3Bt6NXV5_6WjfhK0NBaBTVYICKTPwc50ox5q8RpErBhoMivWrrWSC1b0PMknhys_EbYRE6x1vEXYQAd5FXmOjn6RmN1mQUFLGiq5z_aXRJsgfcT6mV9UuVNHcVYXHsd13FFQma/s1600-h/DSC08948%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08948" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t0xA8BSRRdmnNbTAHeex0zW8oc4LmLZk8bVa7NHTj86pu7-zMkRmuQAIHCgTV3xOT7xriyNy_bJmN13zI1mP5RwWuCapA1DArabeQ0xHcnwMrbVL81e4Caky3AkrrzAFnwFWs9dVNkfT/?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="DSC08948" width="354"></a></p> <p>I couldn’t wait to get started on breakfast! I knew when I saw <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/GinasWWrecipes/status/26745392457">Gina’s tweet</a> yesterday I HAD to make her <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/pumpkin-spice-pancakes-with-pumpkin.html">pumpkin pancakes</a>! Sadly I didn’t have all the ingredients to make the <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/10/pumpkin-butter.html">pumpkin butter</a>, but they were still OUT OF THIS WORLD good! <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRRUiGD9mHcjGmbWWcuu0FaiTRZUDJLAP-GL9Lg_ExqDsf9Dig9Qbv8C-vCMaoU_-onDm1S26jm_dpU9xFkeCiNxRV5taSIQnpHwWNAeuKvWJhrzKqW_bbbAb3s_J65BKesNjoBqpQd6d/s1600-h/DSC08950%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08950" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_FYF-dyEBwwAO3s5lrNzri7BRUu0plWVIk4b5yuaEOJ6PwsDfqDQhAM_OMY9vtT3VJ6C3lh9PhARgWPhyphenhyphenofnp04mcY3TwBFwYp3ybb-zxNmFCHAh9V2vSekbdTkAXvaQOOdtU-1rMbxn/?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="DSC08950" width="404"></a></p> <p>I spent a good part of the day doing things around the house, running errands, and cleaning! I was anxious all day ‘cause we had friends coming to visit!!</p> <p>I had some <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/comfort-food.html">leftover pizza casserole</a> for lunch in between everything! I had this piece and another small one for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv_OP86hOC__tUh9RR66MZgg6HN2AwHqbac4hefzMW_w4pidibG8AQeLmqZV36F-BVeZN7KDyJ9ujlG7mVganaXrRMjEpKXCOxc8NqL8VQGIUumHsEgLdJR8vJ3KUJZMkXNf1_RReztQJ/s1600-h/DSC08951%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08951" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJb0KF8Q61eRT3B-WzzJDo0uyICeNXCFck8U7TRe-G3I9dU-0-_bNAch_BedyiCaYK-B0YU_uahcKsC6xZD0BD6QAi14CxnUomNH9wZQLptwMd3VUPVz_ZUTba4va1ttD7w0iAY7Gxzi_/?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="DSC08951" width="404"></a></p> <p>My friend <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-post-2-jenna.html">Jenna</a> finally came!! She was quite excited to meet Hayden!! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKkXrwPWTYuNie_kn0My1YNmrGjNu9VkUEJhe7zFWis5Ys_3fLBadTjSOHgb6WX_ENVwmt0yLTy2PrG8t2zuwdJk2DVzLfEZZLofoxC1rw58oIk2_L1BgzvdCzQ8kBot38lIQu1sRNJNK/s1600-h/DSC08954%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08954" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNsaL2ajyd7d_c1lPosSa3lWp7HM_JHhrpWYI4nVSQ7a1Vql-LLP7opanXjX2wcbY1YwJ_eKhSeR7DYTIpMMOqdR20ouq61quC-FZMf4JRpoWtv_Mo9MjJuVgzl4FJbggwYHgQc10Mmp2/?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="DSC08954" width="404"></a></p> <p>Then it was time for supper out with her <strong><u>AWESOME</u></strong> parents! (Hi Betty!!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSfqECzqDuhDWXSikGXRL8Z5PNbcTmjYikmk4xsDztTyQN-TzCSKNGPCz_v1sOmfQ7PFkPjaDiySV2oypN30NSt5CU2k8rSVb_-vXmmXKU-x9S22dh9T_i3MH92Sn1KJLEW0WF5LIYtFr/s1600-h/DSC08959%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08959" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV06sbt2Hf9szwnEhMllKb9jP4uS_3VbwcEZWa4s4vDoFvlFaXRoqwn3qBb9rhK8rrwJSqRcVfOD8Sy04yKk3mqahR5vzgK_WtqISdgaRam56VBynxvkbAAlniya5HhWTE7H0gac24V3x_/?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="DSC08959" width="404"></a></p> <p>Wendi joined us too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82_9puFkRsOsPCdiE82is-XYOkA1Q5V0bmo_gS-afLbvqI11Xv8jvXdvEThqPs89VzBsIVgO9FJUMRa4FpXArKL53xC0cyry6T-DhYRhOj_jYb4IYN0-0zB1D3IW49ltOk6tV3xoRW-E_/s1600-h/DSC08961%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08961" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7ED07BPzT05Iv7Jx826eZoXvKtfj-3GMuoCW-47PnApqJHPiNmyASEWXUFOcriKwirFyUTs_dbIAucAn8APwDbO5qtn_rcilSGsKBW7D9imKnknyfK-dQpdmU_NYRDpyFDxtHBYGVzjB/?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="DSC08961" width="404"></a></p> <p>I ordered the <strong>grilled chicken sandwich</strong>. As always, I decided to forgo half the bun & cheese.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGRc4FqhGWiM1xT3uyLCuQukP-PMGM6kUlRvPr7hbKZDLis_wzwv08l7jnmTSivq3y0YoLnY9M3SZurZUrOtiSpn-ajAk2zLHoXYT96m4npkEeo8dEi_WqEK-_9ZAEhN035w4POho6OGK/s1600-h/DSC08958%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08958" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP1Tggc-TzXmW4flZng7hZeHpTaV5mYgVIAvorigWNEzuVH4ZE77b25bsaRHuKZZZXoOKRoSoNFq5A5wC-dpH3Hj60-4uOH8NqG_qbrOz9oyKn-8YnXn1gdOM4yx1ExVk5m_KYEWyzpbu/?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="DSC08958" width="404"></a></p> <p>The only vegetables for side options were a baked potato or a side salad, so I went with <strong>cottage cheese</strong>. I ate about <strong>1/2</strong> of what is pictured for a total of <strong>7 points</strong> for supper. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe5RUiZfXO6KIvK9pKN_GAQmELobE0ZIqzSF5XoSYrdnjpka_f2ITsI4amO1Mb2Moerq1Eem2cmRvWSEt-nh66gI8y-usd8AH2yhH2eCHsxC3r8c6KWqUUIvA6EaHiPWUFQi6lPCEvW4Y/s1600-h/DSC08957%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08957" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJhyYwBFYVykSRoeFsGTf2WIxtICG8F8zteUy2nWe4IzpO2naNMruBflLi9CRiN952EbHTd9tYOCe9TWJYU9LfqLOekY4FU2lIe514zBmrLhlk4jwexpjQSqYgz06hJlAdpdIYXXDsA6O/?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="DSC08957" width="404"></a></p> <p>Hayden was cashed out all through supper!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighj0MI9cdfIMz5SsajnJnj7fiWjRL2ms4QylWXz5cOfsdk0v_8g9FaXHHOeiM1slJW_3ASZ2p6kEq5wk6Zh3NkzuxjC7qljczRN2Kvcce-gxyEVsao8mPxKE2Ripga9Bu4LUfOxUuC52E/s1600-h/DSC08956%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08956" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkKz3wrbnsBuH4SzpFsb4vo0eLXunUVTEa2NeLrUs-oR-2m8dA6TRe6g0zq5G9VSTuv25RZI6JeVepBOBXsBDo_LBr5W9242fDBssedsjSwMS8wqbnXAVEIFdakYXP4-dMO6d2MRj2EaU/?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="DSC08956" width="304"></a></p> <p>Mama Wendi & Hayden called it a night and the rest of us were out for a night on the town!</p> <p>We started it out with some <strong>pumpkin soft serve</strong> <strong>ice cream</strong> from the Dairette! <strong><em>OMG, this was AMAZING</em></strong>!!! Jenna and I shared a medium cone. I am estimating my half to be <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSDja6B7pRxJsvlHNhIgeOEBudLwNzXj6Prm2uBKJytD8kVfwGWqcJGcVVQBc9SkNP2yEX-q0T7-rTgZRNWV_vGBl89lucf7EY8qYYO2pPB1tu_fYfLNqmDSyfXLNrT-3iWGbq587So9Y/s1600-h/DSCI4264%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCI4264" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5DCnAlK8hqyGF8glFvbPvXM_ShoI8JRlSTpKMrN69D7cprzp9icUomcLseDQN9l7-OcJ0TxorxZ_z_yWC9yeazCHZ55EvcBHENmPndozSpTM6ZRTO8Cfm29DxGr-0vD9B9wu3jujImop/?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="DSCI4264" width="404"></a></p> <p>Then we met up with Jenna’s BF who was in a wedding all day. Lookin’ snazy Mark! ;) LOVE this couple!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XjoTe01P2jJRHKR8F7yDIxtnbL7b-PvwTKYtgxydZm1f46JBO4CMA2YerqAUAoU98E8v3sUjc0YEEMa-Mr4f8tXZvQd5hQALqJtEFuUm_n2dFSr6VVzwItXRdE93xtuqkIlhzpt7f-tW/s1600-h/DSCI4265%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCI4265" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w5fkGBbBXHdjr2KnlGgQ9DmdD1wlZyt9QJCxusCBozDsQAZ1u_vW-P8JjrVKUF_1-Xgdf4YvHu0Pw9b2amp78xqsYpf4O07oyf96Uuj-iGZHnmE7D3d-R5uEwOhb3bGJVFAR7dswnKVj/?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="DSCI4265" width="304"></a></p> <p>Mark was one hungry groomsman! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CQyBtNODcUFoNY2z8a7QKqETtdLNX26yonbD4CFZz_3-PqBxXlIu0dmCuKyaI-_hMJRbp5tfknVDiVLTVA4u19hCKpWq_hihlRO3qZfm7P3Dz17kqi8Dc9-lXwkfGxkM2e94hWQZDkro/s1600-h/DSC08964%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08964" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek8ncfAGljjG1osVGz-wwwrCFGQhfvanYmjwGD-YWKSfRVr5xG5RHXKz8x1iyU5CWOpltjE81Z-nWUT9UVd4dSMuYLMkXpqOvzYufcaOJWy6Mb16LoFtugSGmVFrDAksX_AceoTiUezdd/?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="DSC08964" width="404"></a></p> <p>We all enjoyed the night catching up with everyone. I did have 1 <strong>Select 55</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkJSvAPQ2gilgfqYE9yvL9kgZXq_WkyF2WLJgWfjDzTz42jkEp9NCvdX9WZr4-Vtf2BfJFTvCvPvS_1wPeE7a1aZCex7a_RnlCnKGJTrOSvRoC4THIW8rEoJlNckyXgFpBYzdfNtSONha/s1600-h/DSCI4270%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCI4270" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAUocm3Wkjyjbfasj6F1dAKP285Ja5aEMe2E0hrBOuVe_gIdBuxt4pQ5Ge2r74GestpSQswFySnRhqJq1bFvsfJlsxzkuCtGQFrP6kt3pxkC1zsLjPZYUuGvCEP9YjexcryNAR_Jj9-Y1/?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="DSCI4270" width="404"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU1egkvUxak-4P_uB7ACNA0xOya06qRCmts2UbBYSl4pVt3XcPVUJ5nGgFkkYB2Ul20Mz5uyrTfIRpuziwW3YFbd1K0KgiMYF6v8hs6VReMqOvOWxuum_e8-NxFWgedEc_b_QrogD57qn/s1600-h/DSCI4274%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCI4274" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjcvEAj8zZM_27L8JUhBYnSyAxZYkM0mhyO9OOqCOJfOLU_M2bfwaCT-50rbedhc2z5icmvinf7DCFSrn-O4HQUFR_KsVnBwh11h1K9Fg-FWXez-gGmnzK0fA4cAQ-cesYoBw1lyuYJlC/?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="DSCI4274" width="404"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5evETlMpYMAKmdG-QTfS1jKxSdro2BLTiVEnA3FBVHwx7SGhd6se7fyecACUDfnOAaG3EejeHnR2rVcgRu0TgHbBxzgp_d4PSS5qIplCOhKMimRPeryeL1C7QNVJjO2bpdBaiX87J_AR/s1600-h/DSCI4271%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSCI4271" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqpgTLPg47uUfoplgnl5oavORPs1GfICWF0JuKRoQ5WAjBPJQwu_1K0fdBybJAcZvszRF9k3NZP-BfsWpEf0pllAzDsN5hW_VDIauCvxQ41ctZtpVrcWxyIacpRO17tLQOpiYLAHZCaZp/?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="DSCI4271" width="404"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Overall it was a fun Saturday, on plan, got my exercise in, cleaning, and good times w/friends!! </p> <p><strong>SATURDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 24/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 1 used/34 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 5 today/6 week <br>H2O = 160 oz <br>EXERCISE = 3.6 mi run <p>That’s all for now! Off to celebrate my Grandma’s birthday…on 10.10.10!!</p>

Saturday

I thoroughly enjoyed waking up on my own this morning…hooray for no alarm clock Saturday! I didn’t sleep in though, I was up and going befor...

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Planning de la semaine du 11 au 15 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 11 octobre de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 12 octobre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 13 octobre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 14 octobre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 15 octobre de 13h30 à 17h.<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/01/egee-nouveau-partenaire-la-maison-de.html">EGEE</a></strong> - lundi 11 octobre de 13h30 à 17h (sur rendez-vous)<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> - vendredi 15 octobre de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous)</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 12 octobre de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 13 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 12 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 15 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 15 octobre de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>RSA - Conseil Général</strong> - mardi 12 octobre à 10h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Visite d'entreprise</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>Visite de l'entreprise <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2010/09/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-du.html"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2010/10/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-du.html">Eiffage TP</a></a></strong> - mercredi 13 octobre à 14h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 11 au 15 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 11 oc...

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Geneen Roth's workshop - Day 2

<div align="center">Grace and me at the Women Food and God workshop</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRp66fCspakb9hiptKDvmKouPj52nVyk_vKz6YaAQIeyj0U8iH1mEJ1N98nh6n_D4U48doQ6khKi0r6LkF4cUZL4f24dFW4iww4jRZY02EuWpCzAAxVL51iD4HQp_lc_3VNthi-GHTkwS/s1600/Geneen+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRp66fCspakb9hiptKDvmKouPj52nVyk_vKz6YaAQIeyj0U8iH1mEJ1N98nh6n_D4U48doQ6khKi0r6LkF4cUZL4f24dFW4iww4jRZY02EuWpCzAAxVL51iD4HQp_lc_3VNthi-GHTkwS/s400/Geneen+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I got a lot more out of this workshop than I expected. I don't even know where to start. I learned things I didn't expect to learn, and I didn't learn things I thought I would learn. The workshop isn't just about our relationship with food, it's about a lot more. It's about our relationship with ourselves. <br /><br />I have a lot I want to write, but I'm exhausted. It was extremely emotionally draining. Looking inside of myself isn't exactly a fun thing to do. There's a lot of pain involved. I promise I'll write more details about this later. I've been jotting down notes all night, but can't quite get my thoughts together on it yet.<br /><br />Also, Geneen isn"t "skinny", she's just a very small, petite woman. She's very healthy looking. <br /><br />I loved hanging out with Grace all day. She's just a total kick in the pants, and she made what could have been an intensely emotionally unpleasant day into a fun day. I love her sense of humor and her laugh. We did get in trouble from Geneen about talking too much. I felt bad about that and didn't realize we were disruptive. I felt like I was in grade school again. Oh well, I'd do it again. We had a lot of fun (in between the crying stuff).

Geneen Roth's workshop - Day 2

Grace and me at the Women Food and God workshop  I got a lot more out of this workshop than I expected. I don't even know where to star...

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For a Liddypol Lad...

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwCEBpWI0u_b3VePxj6tszvLSmCkZ3ZrWL6ciw0dLxIgLg1rDhWPya7L0t1X2TGlgKCvs-ayhPZ2_ECSCIu7MW0onRRfWWo6tSU8VPkiolcaGmoYFy7-wHFBIAaO4okIm736FRYB0RitL/s1600/beatles-1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525917891786339122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwCEBpWI0u_b3VePxj6tszvLSmCkZ3ZrWL6ciw0dLxIgLg1rDhWPya7L0t1X2TGlgKCvs-ayhPZ2_ECSCIu7MW0onRRfWWo6tSU8VPkiolcaGmoYFy7-wHFBIAaO4okIm736FRYB0RitL/s400/beatles-1%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 235px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">John Lennon would be turning 70 right about now...possibly a discomfiting thought for some baby-boomers, especially those who took to heart certain lyrics of the Who's "My Generation"..."I hope I die before I get old." </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As fate would have it, John Lennon did die before he got old - he had just turned 40 when he was killed in 1980. But the years he lived were incredible, most of all the last 17, when he, as a Beatle and after, reigned as one the great icons of popular music and culture...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Most who are reading this are familiar with the story of the Beatles and I'm not going down that well-worn path, nor will I review/critique/analyze them or their astonishing music...this is about what I remember...</span><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">In my life, the period just before the Beatles exploded on the scene was one of deep sadness. This was late 1963 and President Kennedy had just been assassinated.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sometime after Christmas that year we, my friends and I, began to hear about the Beatles (not Beetles). We knew there were four of them, they were from England, had long hair and were goodlooking ("cute"). Then one day a friend got his hands on a copy of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and a group of us listened to it in one of the listening rooms of our school library. We played it again and again. I thought they sounded totally different, almost strange, but they had so much energy...and their harmonies reminded me of the Everly Brothers... </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-AU5KZlrk0P30s1OJUqOtmAtOKnNi2cNGWwBKJEYFtbI0JNYCPLw2wz5AGu0qO1hXYFlx1jJFE8TMOYPE6T7dTH6yhVcr1sG7k3qFROE7OJFa3uiUOdlMH5hkXUd3dMPiSUYjPAn1V9U/s1600/beatles+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525917389677796162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-AU5KZlrk0P30s1OJUqOtmAtOKnNi2cNGWwBKJEYFtbI0JNYCPLw2wz5AGu0qO1hXYFlx1jJFE8TMOYPE6T7dTH6yhVcr1sG7k3qFROE7OJFa3uiUOdlMH5hkXUd3dMPiSUYjPAn1V9U/s320/beatles+3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 268px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 270px;" /></a>On a Sunday night early in February 1964 the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. We were all watching. And when it was over...uncannily...the excitement, the elation didn't end. In some ways, looking back, it seems as though the planet had flipped on its axis that night. The Beatles were all anyone talked about at school or anywhere else for days...weeks ...months. Their records were all over the radio (and on our record players), one song after another..."I Want to Hold Your Hand," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," "Please Please Me," "All My Loving," "Do You Want to Know a Secret," an endless stream of hits. Then, that summer their first movie, <b>A Hard Day's Night</b>,<b> </b>came out and was a popular and critical smash. To be young then was blissful.</span> <br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I was so devoted to the band that when the editor of our local paper wrote a scathing editorial about them, ridiculing them, I was inspired to fire back a letter of my own. I worked hard to counter the editor's attack with some flair. It was printed and I was much admired at school (and even at home). It was a well-written response and I may have sounded older than my years...because one day I happened to overhear a couple of girls talking about it, not knowing I was nearby. One of the girls commented, "she didn't write that letter," referring to me...I broke in to set the record straight. And I received a letter from an older man in the area who, though not a Beatles fan, thought the editor had overreacted and congratulated me on what I'd written.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">At first I didn't have a "favorite Beatle" even though having a favorite Beatle was <i>de rigueur </i>among young Beatle fans in those early days. But I loved "the Beatles" not John, Paul, George or Ringo individually. This would soon change. That spring I happened upon John's book, <u>In His Own Write</u>, at a local bookstore. He'd written most of it years earlier while still in art school, but it was published in April 1964. A collection of short stories and short poems accompanied by John's own drawings, it was irreverent, surreal, nonsensical. Perfect for the times and perfect for me. I had found my favorite Beatle and he was not only a rock 'n' roller, but intelligent, artistic and darkly funny...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTuayModr4kh9BE8YzU5pEtaSkYqG_T62Q8vFr9IhB_sMDg-GS67hTApm2v2m56QpVXmyScGPCJW9eAL_B4UvQVGSnS03XuhoIJP_wcQA63jLDnEO__XQUrsVNWTp_mTQ8Hys_vy7P8Kt/s1600/john-lennon-in-cap%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525911433675442754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTuayModr4kh9BE8YzU5pEtaSkYqG_T62Q8vFr9IhB_sMDg-GS67hTApm2v2m56QpVXmyScGPCJW9eAL_B4UvQVGSnS03XuhoIJP_wcQA63jLDnEO__XQUrsVNWTp_mTQ8Hys_vy7P8Kt/s200/john-lennon-in-cap%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 168px;" /></a>John described himself in an introductory page of the book ("About the Awful"):</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><i>"I was bored on the 9th of Octover in 1940 when, I believe, the Nasties were still booming us led by Madolf Heatlump (he only had one). Anyway, they didn't get me. I attended varicous schools in Liddypol. And still didn't pass..."</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The Beatles had kicked off their first U.S. tour with their appearances on Ed Sullivan in early 1964. A year and a half later, they made their second tour of the states. This time the tour included a city near me...San Diego, California.</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpV54pCPvRjqbHsqNLeb33Rj-GtYUuKf0YTI-uxo61EXp95a6FpIv8AsgXU4x0cKvnluNGHpI4hpFCc6CmtwkGEwRQdEgSq6u0qsJfzp7M52zLE6tQkJjoeo8Lk5M80HRNyDVshhyCO8k/s1600/beatlesticket_pic%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525912289717177250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpV54pCPvRjqbHsqNLeb33Rj-GtYUuKf0YTI-uxo61EXp95a6FpIv8AsgXU4x0cKvnluNGHpI4hpFCc6CmtwkGEwRQdEgSq6u0qsJfzp7M52zLE6tQkJjoeo8Lk5M80HRNyDVshhyCO8k/s200/beatlesticket_pic%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.gif" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 98px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 218px;" /></a>...and so it was that I found myself at Balboa Stadium on Saturday night, August 28, 1965, for a Beatles concert. We'd gotten the expensive seats ($5.50 each), but were still were nowhere near the stage, which was ringed with policemen, as was the area in front of the stands. That was OK, though, I'd anticipated distance and obstacles and brought a pair of binoculars.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How do I describe the experience of being within 50 yards of my idols, the idols of my generation? Joy? Euphoria? Intoxication? I think I had an out-of-body experience...</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesOMGaHSbs1oai-QJw087DS_ctQiA9AdQ1L66mSaCEyAHfcY_9FiEo9XYZGg_9iTlGUZq_dqCmIdLA9Wq9K50F1QVtQ5L1srhg6PGKoTvcumyVLh9ag1SSjK4ibUTaNKo9GypTlTj9cXU/s1600/beatles-shea-stadium%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525915695558791714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesOMGaHSbs1oai-QJw087DS_ctQiA9AdQ1L66mSaCEyAHfcY_9FiEo9XYZGg_9iTlGUZq_dqCmIdLA9Wq9K50F1QVtQ5L1srhg6PGKoTvcumyVLh9ag1SSjK4ibUTaNKo9GypTlTj9cXU/s320/beatles-shea-stadium%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 229px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 303px;" /></a>The Beatles played for only about a half-hour, but it was a half-hour of songs I loved played by the band I worshipped. I remember "Ticket to Ride" best of all...but it was so hard to hear anything; their sound equipment was prehistoric and, of course, there was the screaming...those eerie deafening waves of high-pitched screams that never let up. The Beatles later admitted they couldn't hear themselves play, but you wouldn't have known it, they were having a great time on stage, performing and clowning around with each other.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Many years later I watched a film of the Beatles at Shea Stadium and it dawned on me that the New York concert, staged less than two weeks before San Diego, was essentially the same show I'd seen, the same songs, the same jackets...the same supernatural screaming. Seeing it was like going back to Balboa Stadium and reliving that night so long ago.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It might be a cliche to say that the Beatles changed my life, but they did, and their impact has been lifelong. </span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This weekend, in honor of John's 70th birthday, I'm going to be watching <b>The Beatles Anthology</b>...I'll borrow the boxed set I gave to one of their newer fans, an 18-year-old with impeccable taste (that's you, Nick), last Christmas.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519522406670876450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UBkgoA_0-BUgpX0lyPgMxzBFk_YogIliz4FP-JljGl5aoMVEhzgYpdWKWVl6KTkObPhJAwlH0pu9deZcFBasLRJYE1tNEs2R_aTLEZZxeSy4-mPbkCBaHuNX8TU_HaAZfkbDImk-zKJD/s400/john_lennon_rainbow%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 282px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>

John Lennon The Beatles The Lady Eve (author) For a Liddypol Lad...

John Lennon would be turning 70 right about now...possibly a discomfiting thought for some baby-boomers, especially those who took to heart ...

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The best part of the Geneen Roth workshop

It's midnight and once again, I can't sleep. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever sleep again. Insomnia sucks.<br /><br />Tonight I attended the first three hours of the Geneen Roth "Women Food and God" workshop. Tomorrow is eight more hours. Remember I read the book last July and got on the G.R. bandwagon. Quoting the book. Saying it was the best thing since sliced bread. <br /><br />You may have (or may not have) noticed I stopped talking about her and the book. I sort of fell out of love with the whole idea of intuitive eating and Geneen.<br /><br />I almost didn't even go to the workshop. Luckily I was able to make contact with a fellow blogger that lives in the area. I knew she was also attending the workshop. We'd never met but had exchanged a few emails over the last couple of years.<br /><br />Meeting Grace was absolutely best part of the evening! Grace from <a href="http://notes-by-grace.blogspot.com/">Grace's Notes</a> (and formerly from <a href="http://55aliveandlosingit.blogspot.com/">55 Alive and Losing It</a>). OH. MY. GOSH. I love her! It's like I've know her my entire life. She's funny as heck, super easy to talk to, and it was just like I had run into an old friend. It was super cool. Plus she's gorgeous! Beautiful blue eyes that sparkle, gorgeous strawberry blond hair. Sweet smile. And she's thin, but in a good, healthy way. Other than Geneen (who I think is too skinny),  I think Grace was the healthiest looking person in the room of 800 women. <br /><br />It's so funny to see pictures of someone on their blog, read about their thoughts and struggles with weight, read about their life and then to actually get to meet them in real life. Truly one of the best experiences of my life. <br /><br />About the workshop, well, so far, I'm not sure what I think. Some of the things Geneen talked about make a lot of sense. Some of the visualization stuff she had us do made me cry. I think I sort of had a revelation about my compulsive overeating. All these years I said it was just because I love food. Something she had us visualize made me go holy cow! Okay, I really said "holy crap!" but I'm try to clean up my vocabulary. I think I know why I'm like this and have serious food issues. I'm still trying to absorb the whole thing and will write more about it later, once I figure out what it means and if having this new knowledge about myself is valuable. It's something I never thought about before, until tonight. Like I said, more on this later.<br /><br />I guess I'll try to sleep now. I'm exhausted but not sleepy. I have to be back at the Seatac Hilton at 8am for the workshop. Hopefully I'll find a way to fix what is broken in me when it comes to my relationship with food.

The best part of the Geneen Roth workshop

It's midnight and once again, I can't sleep. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever sleep again. Insomnia sucks. Tonight I attended the...

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Why I Love Nye County

I rarely drive through Nye County without buying one or more of the local newspapers. There are at least 2: The Pahrump Valley Times and the Pahrump Mirror ("Nye County's only independent newspaper" -- not sure what that means but I sense that relations between these two journalistic centers may not be the best.)<br /><br />Today's Pahrump Valley Times' lead story was about a huge bust of a burglary ring -- over 3 dozen people arrested in one week!!! (The jail didn't have room for them and had to cut most of them loose on thier own recognizance, to the chagrin of the sheriff.) Who knew there was that much to steal in Pahrump? One of the ring leaders seems to have brought down the wrath of the law on his fellow alleged burglars by allegedly holding up the Kingdom Gentlemen's Club which is the town's strip club in a castle -- I thought it might be something more colorful but that was not stated in this artilce. Another article in the same edition referred to the owner of the Kingdom GC as "the owner of a brothel." Could be a separate enterprise. But if the burglars have started holding up brothels, things have just gotten out of hand. The owner of the Kingdom GC, according to the Pahrump Valley News, is also the publisher of the rival Parhump Mirror and has been convicted of bribing a former county commissioner -- but this is the rival newspaper talking. I know nothing about it myself.<br /><br />The law was on a roll. In some complicated and indirect way, the massive burglary busts came from leads garnered in the discovery of a "massive marijuana grow opertation" allegedly owned and operated by a single family in two houses. The dad and sons are on the run while mom is either in jail or out on bail.<br /><br />If that were not enough, U S Ecology (Now doesn't that sound like an innocent green name? They operate a hazardous waste site.) has been accused of 18 EPA violations and fined $497,492. That would cause me a financial inconvenience. U S Eclology denies any misconduct.<br /><br />There is a controversial move afoot for the city to buy the Kindom Gentlemen's Club. Maybe they could buy U S Ecology while they are at it. Or U S Ecology could take over the canabis farm to raise money for the fine. But would anyone buy pot from a hazardous waste collector?<br /><br />The political news featured stump speeches given by candidates at the Artemsia Community Center. The content of the speeches was largely ignored becasue of the more colorful Q&A session which sounded a bit like last year's health care town hall meetings. The paper had a big picture of a local lawyer asking a candidate challenging questions while she (the lawyer) wore a sidearm. The story related that at least one other cross examiner from the audience was also packing heat. I do not know why they attend political meetings armed, but I surmise there is a reason.<br /><br />At a recent meeting, the county commissioners refused to watch a 3 minute dvd a citizen wanted to show them so they could see the flooding in her neighborhood. Bad move pastorally.<br /><br />Of course there was happier news. The "annual grape stomp" has been expanded to a 2 day event. A crew of firefighters visited Charleston Elementary School. But the big good news is popping at the other end of the county in Tonopah. Great Basin College is planning to open a campus there. The Town Board is considering buying the Belvada (a disused bank) for its new convention center. Solar engery is about the double the population.<br /><br />I never drive through Nye County without discovering lots of action. I always listen to Richard Eloyan's Ballad of the Nye Country Drifter and imagine bandits hiding around the occasional curves of Hwy 95 as I race through intermittently observing the speed limit. It's a happening place. If Clark County were this colorful Fr. Sherm's Las Vegas Review Journal would not be reduced to covering national and international news we don't really care about.<br /><br />Disclaimer: I know nothing about the facts of any of this. Nothing. I am just saying what I read in the papers. Nor do I have the least malice toward any of these people. I do not know them. I did read the list of the recently arrested and was pleased not to find the names of anyone from St. Martin's in the Desert. They are too busy providing wholesome fun for the town's teens and knitting prayer shawls. They have no time to grow pot, burgle shady enterprises, or even intimidate political candidates with hostile questions and guns.

Why I Love Nye County

I rarely drive through Nye County without buying one or more of the local newspapers. There are at least 2: The Pahrump Valley Times and the...

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The “Reveal”

<p>It has arrived, my favorite time of the week! Friday evening, I love the thought of having the next 2 days off! Hooray for weekends!</p> <p>You better get <strong>excited</strong> I have something fun to show you, but more on that later!</p> <p>I started my Friday with a delicious bowl of <strong>oatmeal</strong>, just the way I like it with a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> and <strong>1T</strong> of <strong>almond butter</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhdpyO97y9snqdPpTzrDhs-2HKZtUPZ8fR6_zYJVR0MqlDtvRYVlJycoHUv8Y8pBiN8HuXnmUalSB4LQGt7EInW9wk5epBI8SqEA9BOywxw_Z6fCO0733XJOvDnJkw_6cQBiHmL7UfPwO/s1600-h/DSC08934%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08934" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQoylKbf_f6PYn5TTvL6Y71FfUoQgncLYkk4LYcysu-7GZGF2ZYBpFEMi_4O9VDDkY6z3Hp39APRNkAuy-zHrwS1dGUpDvWjxoZ1sWsreuR12DzRS8mnAfJzKavvJEXtz4uE95f7JkL2o/?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="DSC08934" width="404"></a></p> <p>One of my staff at the office has a nasty cold, so I brought out my defense, <strong>orange juice</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>! I feel fine, but I <strong><u>DO NOT</u></strong> want to get sick (<em>aka mandatory time away from Hayden!).</em> And I’ve been drinking water like it’s my job! Today I had almost 170 oz, that equal to 20+ 8oz cups!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZwNhzvXbVtyTB06K7OYSzofKotQnzvmK6E7pq7hGMUKmgKMmRuU9e193CHPSi2lAfYxPUkbkzlLk8696_y_VweeFTMtGfeHpPPGDfHOQArr1MoMHWXIVmgIwRz2QSE-6szzDj3ZUuaMj/s1600-h/DSC08935%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08935" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKVPyuytiCz-s6Qq78IWBo1cbc5y_8tNakiuXUIPnZO3uQeSwA2qR4rAZvhOmbdNKC7EqFxis3GYMmAbByspWwDPya_OgH3_YEFIOejpadBRkV8JnNMOrr1mv_CJRUu3ZEs-XUfHODXo6/?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="DSC08935" width="304"></a></p> <p>I had a nice surprise at work this morning, my SIL from Omaha stopped in! She is home for fall break. So we decided to have lunch together! Applebee's was the place of choice!</p> <p>Laura had a hankering for some <strong>mozzarella sticks</strong>. I had <strong>one</strong>…can you believe that there is 100 calories in just one of those little sticks, sheesh! Definitely not worth the <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqSi7T5JEb09SkDnmpcvFZoXjnSIbu_b-L7E_j7NfvTmwZZhcpEzR9Mh0pP3oolSOVb5rSd3RBtUO91ik5IfTQRAV_MxOMdgXtApSH5qTXYBvE1IUGbhjc7MON9xWD44hPzSoYno2ULIN/s1600-h/DSC08936%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08936" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT6lctO-ojgqJjzWAijAnOQom4RVPwiVx-zXZclUNYd7F-kY5FWuXO218anFfwqXowRzSQ8DkEvtzjSEhl6TasghKN542TMXyLnzF1d4wN4ds1yQmDuK_kkoCENFmQkghbebKcr1rHGqt/?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="DSC08936" width="404"></a></p> <p>Laura ordered the provolone stuffed meatballs with fettuccini, which was really good! Can’t go wrong with cheese stuffed meatballs!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0irBcrOrtgWf_sP1tf6tD-o-j7-7sqGIA3d_-Qazh9ThHbGY5fp1-EPb4PtjHFVoZElnJOzhDC1iZwZ6aYXHHNtvyqYJ9GIhrBT_wiDPEOfEllQwkdKbNvjtcmSoL7N7F9W-9Fg0eGzws/s1600-h/DSC08937%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08937" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxhWEhjAswz9-lhsgUREEVOmZH7yGxHQCOE5gCglNhTpudhgnUhDxldrWJrwcM50D_u3we_5pzGFV6FDanLdjj1mdIyaLLrOzITyp0OwNxgqrVysIK6qPepFuHiZSNuIPk8YWgjtpGM3G/?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="DSC08937" width="304"></a></p> <p>I went with my Applebee’s “staple”, the <strong>garlic herb chicken</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. The broccoli was especially delicious today!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcziB3m2iBW_ofgsHqaJF4X6nhE1GiXmDcy8kWRSSh8oSNszThbU7fPzmsSaU0fR6nzY4omjqkI6JixaBjOSaumOLRVhujaN6BvS3zbAcOv2lSYab0M1vB3wmLLk2GK_t9J1MEzV3HndyC/s1600-h/DSC08938%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08938" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb92JQZUg3wzjWPNnM16tVMaE4L-i7giC5UGBGdq-PjuAlGQ51SVEWiA4Up-F6m2NHp1Gmqahyphenhyphen-3BGrTVPigMY0Vsut5DDlhNpAasCletPSYRRT0EhMqu7ibgPET4AlS0SGUy-RtMOOb2/?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="DSC08938" width="304"></a></p> <p>We enjoyed our lunch, with great conversation catching up! It was hard to focus this afternoon, for some reason I was quite anxious for the weekend! ;) (Aren’t we all?!?!)</p> <p>Quitting time finally came and I ended up meeting up my sister, Wendi & Hayden! Wendi’s in the market for a new phone & wanted some shopping help! <img alt="DSC08942" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbePooULJSMk19wr4Pm_pvskcQLy6CVOWXzJT645XnCWWmL_PW3VlYXQny4PLNGH2Arew8gVWipBsw0Flwd7gDroXHebo5Yggy55P260L_7coLyRhSwobw5bduLT7_Dvzqhg47UO7jk3kl/?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="DSC08942" width="404"></p> <p>I’ll take an unexpected visit from that sweet face any day! :)</p> <p>After shopping we whipped up a quick supper, 3 courses to be exact! </p> <p>Appetizer: <strong>1/4c cottage cheese</strong> & <strong>peaches</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY9RcPJFg7kGMzs9i8gXn7KCDoxsKuht8kboP77eDHJjqy1LWZt0k3dS7ZFpdqNIOq3J578l5QobZ5bLjJ_1uWmgNHW1A2sJdeW5u4zGBHGyiPLMNLflozoCSyHiz6Vn98hvFMdd9f8xL/s1600-h/DSC08940%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08940" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LnqAIeeVFNlrD0IdfaEpVsEOHeKlO-FA_4tPkeYXG9digPP5CgFRn9lpFSBiyO4HdHRwhkjJlMgF6sLNmSZC2z96kQ4oVg7hte6notiLRhGXGUgtHI6lfpiTdJf9DfmJbdG6Yun7QSvO/?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="DSC08940" width="404"></a></p> <p>2nd Course: <strong>green beans</strong> with a <em>sprinkle</em> of <strong>bacon bits</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcesZDlYSx6bJiMrV8htn8lcpQh5XiZrgoU1JZn5KfeIY4e-OInCQ8qiYs6tsG9X88TigayjnYux2YdEbrsePDfAxOCjlYR-WALPjHgMOAbm9W6G5XDSAiObu04dkZMO-zj9qzGAMK1QG/s1600-h/DSC08939%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08939" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKz27dSHppWDYvbblxN4O93bk8e07BQDHHlj0yKZry45GIWsvwCZOrjMHZyB_cJPn3q1DjFKTE8V4LUUgo3JNxetQS0J_loKp2G1YcX5DJKlatSxIDQ2BRxSJ6I6TvEEU7NEd9806PcbW0/?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="DSC08939" width="404"></a></p> <p>Entree: <strong>Grilled chicken breast</strong> with a slice of <strong>ff swiss cheese</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. Filling & delicious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRNTbq9UvVSUy8jQOtOr2VmetSpvDsw7lQ7cW8xq2Mn3O9a0Ot_LkYDepFICXTUwol1ZfC_gKF-HsljdJhEWifGVKfnA8r26K7lhqNJ68oR7FBq0SRM2tR6lHBfMeUPHXNyfDueJrfHqT/s1600-h/DSC08941%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC08941" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbVTcszdKpxFL-CgPbPFKm0huyUhHjzWa579QOKv_HS4b5jhO_04XA7x5g0ePegJjjI3cOK-KCTmdrUtsvx9_8oQsCbxOz9Y1pTugBtkNAbWEsEt8tdvR9cKkLyuY9GRu33pbEgE5pzzE/?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="DSC08941" width="404"></a></p> <p>Ok, now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for….(I like to build up the suspense!) </p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>Check out my outdoor fall display!<img alt="DSC08933" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisR_9iu2qy26VxrcDBtL260bWz9e8ntqTCOsOGlf_tOovZKSfxp5ws1V_wobG2N5lcLi-Q_blQTxqn3w0JZ59ZiOa5oPuc_d_UWzMZu3ZTgD3nmBSr1gYdSWCh8ExtZndirlXpyZaRaZdL/?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="DSC08933" width="404"></p> <p>Let’s go in for a close up!<img alt="DSC08931" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikW4aamUbXGWsN8l980Qq2gcCxu93BIxPsqdnLQIoVPMWR87Ft8AwCEPElpHav7tk_KfULoSqsc0QPQ4o8JOfGn6Xb6hEEaoFZDnXPnH6Z2kVYiizjj8VrgVWPRqnuh4NfRsviSU11Kog/?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="DSC08931" width="404"></p> <p>I wanted to include some corn stalks & a bale of hay, but decided 10:30pm wasn’t the best time to visit a corn field! ;) <em>Eeekk</em>!<img alt="DSC08932" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTeJVLI7WQGRbMZj7owdJAJWdk7-2AOoI9k3-5dzEGsH02sOJPxBqWIUA0GMIPHumgA5fmWD4DXn4tHPkOsBeXMj4gGPw7wTplFDecd5-bPOS2b-b6GhoweQ13Uon7VVmjgMkrZIX8HTy/?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="DSC08932" width="404"></p> <p>Painting the pumpkins was super fun! I am especially loving fall this year! Today it was a nice 80 degree, fall day! Just doesn’t seem right for Iowa, but hey I’ll take it!</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 22/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/1 week <br>H2O = 166 oz <br>EXERCISE = none <p>Well friends, that’s a wrap for today! I hope everyone enjoys their weekend to the very fullest! I leave you with this quote that I love! <p align="center"><font size="4">RISK MORE than others think is</font> <font face="Edwardian Script ITC" size="7">safe</font>.  <font size="4">CARE MORE than others think is</font> <font face="Edwardian Script ITC" size="7">wise</font>.  <font size="4">DREAM MORE than others think is</font> <font face="Edwardian Script ITC" size="7">practical</font>.  <font size="4">EXPECT MORE than others think is</font> <font face="Edwardian Script ITC" size="7">possible</font>. </p>

The “Reveal”

It has arrived, my favorite time of the week! Friday evening, I love the thought of having the next 2 days off! Hooray for weekends! You be...

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