Available Jobs, Not Enough Skilled Workers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/87/ar5l6qn6r744vgvxls87.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/87/ar5l6qn6r744vgvxls87.gif" wt="true" /></a></div>Two years after the start of the recession, the unemployment rate is still near double digits, which translates to millions of Americans looking for work. For every open job, employers have dozens or even hundreds of applicants eager to get hired. Yet many employers insist that finding qualified candidates is difficult, even in this economy. How can that be?<br /><br />These employers don't have a shortage of applicants -- they have a shortage of qualified applicants. For most positions, the necessary skills, experience and education requirements are firm and can't be loosened because of a lack of suitable candidates. Bad economy or not, employers need to know their workers are the best possible people for the job.<br /><br />A good worker is hard to find<br />"These jobs were difficult to fill prior to the economic downturn," says Julian L. Alssid, executive director of the Workforce Strategy Center in New York. "Hopefully, they will be less difficult to fill as we move more toward a more demand-driven work-force development system in the U.S. This means local employers working directly with community colleges, trade schools and other post-secondary institutions that help people gain skills that are in demand by employers."<br /><br />Education is an invaluable asset for any applicant, but as many job seekers can attest, it isn't the only prerequisite for employment. When employers are choosing the right candidate for their organizations, they want to see years of experience and an education that isn't outdated. As you can imagine, any worker who falls at extreme ends of the spectrum -- such as a new graduate or an industry veteran -- can be at a disadvantage. New graduates know the latest research and technology, but they don't have the years of firsthand experience that employers value.<br /><br />"We do hear employers complain that younger workers fresh out of school often lack a practical understanding of how to apply what they have learned in their classrooms to the workplace," Alssid says. "That said, we have heard from several experienced workers that they feel they are losing out on jobs to younger -- less costly -- candidates."<br /><br />Education matters<br />Don't mistake a need for experience as a reason to dismiss education. The problem is that job seekers have to take responsibility for their education because many employers no longer have the time and budget to groom new hires.<br /><br />"Employers seem to be less willing to invest in training in this economy. Again, it is the combination of the right credential and practical experience they look for," Alssid says.<br /><br />Take the initiative to improve your credentials so employers see a candidate they're ready to hire now.<br /><br />"Many job seekers can make themselves more competitive by getting industry-recognized credentials that are valued in today's workplace," Alssid says. "In many cases, that might mean a short-term certificate, not another college or graduate degree."<br /><br />But many employers are ready to hire.<br />"We hear about the skills shortage from industries including health care, advanced manufacturing, IT and energy," Alssid says. Although no specific job title is in constant need, any positions relying on math and technical expertise are consistently difficult to fill. "I have heard from several advanced manufacturers that they would hire engineers and engineering technicians in a heartbeat."<br /><br />Supporting his assessment is the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects biomedical engineers and network systems and data communications analysts to be the fastest-growing occupations between 2008 and 2018. As a result, job seekers who are applying to these fields and who have the qualifications need to put their experience and skills front and center. In the cover letter, résumé and interview, don't let hiring managers forget that you already have the skills they need. After all, you are just one job seeker in a competitive market; show employers that you're different from the rest.<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Available Jobs, Not Enough Skilled Workers

Two years after the start of the recession, the unemployment rate is still near double digits, which translates to millions of Americans loo...

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Today's 20 Fastest-Growing Occupations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/6k/ar5l4mk71xlcz9htwb6k.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/6k/ar5l4mk71xlcz9htwb6k.gif" wt="true" /></a></div>For the past two years, as job growth has gone from nonexistent to lackluster, workers and job seekers have been waiting to hear good news. Job seekers on all fronts want good news. Unemployed job seekers need to pay the bills and get back in the work force. Employed job hunters want to get out of dead-end jobs and earn competitive salaries. College students on the verge of graduating are eager to embark on a career and use the education they accumulated over the past four years.<br /><br />The job seeker situation can be summarized in one word: frustrating.<br /><br />The economy is recovering, but the recovery is slow. If you're in need of a new job, it's too slow. You can't wait several years until things are back to their pre-recession levels. Fortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has identified 20 jobs that are expected to grow rapidly between now and 2018. These occupations are in high demand now and are expected to continue on this trajectory for the next decade.<br /><br />Here are the 20 fastest-growing occupations between 2008 and 2018*:<br /><br />1. Biomedical engineers<br />Percent change: 72 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 11,600<br />Annual median salary: $77,400<br />Why they're growing: As the population ages, demand for new health-care equipment designed by biomedical engineers will increase.<br /><br />2. Network systems and data communications analysts<br />Percent change: 53 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 155,800<br />Annual median salary: $71,100<br />Why they're growing: Companies will continue to upgrade technology (such as networks) and will need to expand their IT workforce.<br /><br />3. Home health aides<br />Percent change: 50 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 460,900<br />Annual median salary: $20,460<br />Why they're growing: As the population gets older and lives longer, home health aides will see a rise in demand.<br /><br />4. Personal and home care aides<br />Percent change: 46 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 375,800<br />Annual median salary: $19,180<br />Why they're growing: The aging population will require more medical attention, often at home rather than in medical facilities.<br /><br />5. Financial examiners<br />Percent change: 41 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 11,100<br />Annual median salary: $70,930<br />Why they're growing: Financial institutions are under increasing watch by the government and will continue to be for the next decade, which provides many new opportunities for financial examiners.<br /><br />6. Medical scientists, except epidemiologists<br />Percent change: 40 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 44,200<br />Annual median salary: $72,590<br />Why they're growing: Advances in biotechnology have created new opportunities for medical scientists over the past two decades and are on track to continue.<br /><br />7. Physician assistants<br />Percent change: 39 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 29,200<br />Annual median salary: $81,230<br />Why they're growing: Health-care facilities will use physician assistants to ease some responsibilities from physicians who are being given heavier workloads.<br /><br />8. Skin care specialists<br />Percent change: 38 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 14,700<br />Annual median salary: $28,730<br />Why they're growing: Spas and other cosmetic centers are expanding at a fast pace and skin care specialists are some of their most in-demand employees.<br /><br />9. Biochemists and biophysicists<br />Percent change: 37 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 8,700<br />Annual median salary: $82,840<br />Why they're growing: Continued advances in biotechnology create opportunities for new research and development careers.<br /><br />10. Athletic trainers<br />Percent change: 37 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 6,000<br />Annual median salary: $39,640<br />Why they're growing: As Americans focus on preventative health care and organizations support these efforts, athletic trainers will see an increase in responsibilities and job opportunities.<br /><br />11. Physical therapist aides<br />Percent change: 36<br />Number of new jobs: 16,700<br />Annual median salary: $23,760<br />Why they're growing: In general, all physical therapy services will be in higher demand, and the need for aides will rise along with them.<br /><br />12. Dental hygienists<br />Percent change: 36 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 62,900<br />Annual median salary: $66,570<br />Why they're growing: Due to the aging population and an increased emphasis on health care, dental health services will create more opportunities for dental hygienists.<br /><br />13. Veterinary technologists and technicians<br />Percent change: 36 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 28,500<br />Annual median salary: $28,900<br />Why they're growing: The need for technologists and technicians will outpace qualified candidates who are graduating from institutions, creating an increased demand.<br /><br />14. Dental assistants<br />Percent change: 36 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 105,600<br />Annual median salary: 32,380<br />Why they're growing: Due to an aging population and better preventative dental care habits for adults and children, dental assistants will see rapid growth in the coming decade.<br /><br />15. Computer software engineers, applications<br />Percent change: 34 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 175,100<br />Annual median salary: $85,430<br />Why they're growing: Advances in technology and a continued reliance on computer networks ensure organizations of all industries will need software engineers.<br /><br />16. Medical assistants<br />Percent change: 34 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 163,900<br />Annual median salary: $28,300<br />Why they're growing: Medical assistants will increasingly assume some health-care provider roles in order to alleviate the increasing demands of physicians.<br /><br />17. Physical therapist assistants<br />Percent change: 33 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 21,200<br />Annual median salary: $46,140<br />Why they're growing: As the population ages, many people will turn to physical therapy for an increased quality of life.<br /><br />18. Veterinarians<br />Percent change: 33 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 19,700<br />Annual median salary: $79,050<br />Why they're growing: Pet owners are willing to spend more money for the health and well being of their pets, thereby putting veterinarians in high demand.<br /><br />19. Self-enrichment education teachers<br />Percent change: 32 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 81,300<br />Annual median salary: 35,720<br />Why they're growing: The types of coursework offered in this field are expected to broaden and create new positions for teachers.<br /><br />20. Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation<br />Percent change: 31 percent<br />Number of new jobs: 80,800<br />Annual median salary: $48,890<br />Why they're growing: Compliance officers are one of the fastest growing occupations due to tighter restrictions and more scrutiny on financial institutions.<br /><br />*Growth rates and salary information for all occupations based on data from the BLS.<br /><br />Bing: Which states have the highest minimum wage?<br />Bing: Great jobs that don't require a degree<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Today's 20 Fastest-Growing Occupations

For the past two years, as job growth has gone from nonexistent to lackluster, workers and job seekers have been waiting to hear good news. ...

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Planning de la semaine du 19 au 23 avril 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 19 avril de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 20 avril de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 21 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 22 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 23 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> (sur rendez-vous)<br />- lundi 19 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 23 avril de 09h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong> - mercredi 21 avril de 10h à 12h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 20 avril de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 21 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 20 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 22 avril de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 23 avril 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 23 avril 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 20 avril à 10h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 19 au 23 avril 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 19 av...

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Stocking Up

<p>Can you tell I had fun <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/rockin-fridayliterally.html">last night playing Rock Band</a>? :)</p> <p>I had a wonderful wake up call from my Mom. Her and my Step Dad have a lawn business and were going to be spraying yards today and wanted to know if we wanted ours sprayed! Of course I said yes! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv31hkHXFXnvi3Yoh1A5NbGpdlEC-OplQTEuEZSGMXBqGDnhtWI0wWTnPZawCFHhCgU1uPBa-2S07agY-1KsZsT2xUTCELOIyApPdWZjG-TtimukksdRxlJY3zBRZZ8UyJ6ZMZnTDXmyFd/s1600-h/DSC06995%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06995" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFmo2qQiEsAuWyJsDXgZ6CKOLeHn8JfgtY18yb5d8UZwm6KMGD9isyY0-qaWKxSYd9lI9yLGpZLDpTRF6kmLgzq3P7S9sk4JE3JHx1jSh0ykSSn1PVq9Dg2C7syPkHegHrTesemayTtJP/?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="DSC06995" width="404" /></a></p> <p>For their kindness I made them breakfast! This was my servings,<strong> ff pancakes</strong> with<strong> ff Cool Whip</strong> & <strong>strawberries</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzIshwqT2K8otWoYkMhHKXIGJYYrN1bGaw6qNipoBRj-dQWQzBb2w8yo2NDM6nHPi3Mq-JGMVGw0088LOOkayQ-oxKb3cPGBXZ2-wxuCPt5O1yM3iPBWDyqnStGyOClv9cxcedljjSe_0/s1600-h/DSC06994%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06994" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRPSv4StY8lDE4AcNyQz_v7dw0MZwZtlubBEXGrS7t3P66b-tvYM4RSfXs0jUJT9R3wSUTdHECTtYiK9aeoxe-975YhdPORneGFCIhlQioqcTj4O6pv0fiUA0Ng-VBsFkSa_kbdKKpV5T/?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="DSC06994" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>After they headed out I started laundry and worked out our <strong>menu planner</strong> for the week. The last time I did one was in February! I think it is <strong><u>key</u></strong> to be able to stay on track!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM2ZILWZzKb6OpIb2qHu8yS9h09OLe5oud92gv2GlcegfZVgC2daVaNWW9IvybSBccHrma6pp8xcJr0y77xL5_ZK-P9aLrvPADkGA0uZTAX7r30kHzKzMfDD7OaBEf4iGKg7yxNwF12uw/s1600-h/DSC06997%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06997" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahdkVRbUT6BwdU3p-sGy7UBFjQuhLh9LYPzMPHqJFpJdqrTaRT3oXCZaX33phWKvy_rNYKB6lgHG4GjWOTzqnmGN-EH2we4sb9DLCO-5NU_ve1Qs4ifEDtWQdJBsiD6A56qJp3dVsvpRT/?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="DSC06997" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Did any of catch the center piece on my table in the background? I put this together with sand & shells from our <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/fun-filled-florida-day-3.html">Florida trip</a>. So now we are reminded of Florida each time we see it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBRx5GJOTAeUjVvnE2Fmq0MwxtlHGWvFfV-9kvlhENyzSS5LQlrYPzkCLQUfQAbZd4dpox750__uDZ-NY01fMR6eXEhMrCvHFECJUQnD4APlHl0o99ZHfc96O7YY5583j4sq93FuvkBLV/s1600-h/DSC06998%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06998" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrX5wc8EwHov3L2pDYc9AKMKi9osflapy9dGBN992mdJg8V4M2aSeIe27WzlqrJBzvoCY5BgIydUiTyubzGIyNXzUGNg2QIYik6Q1lxB1k9fs9YFf55yIcjwcWHDB37zysmtG23WNb5H-/?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="DSC06998" width="254" /></a></p> <p>Abby spent the majority of her day basking in the sun in our bay window!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D_m-RyWaJURDIDHegGJ7ePFbTGlyA9GCnzhaf1gKu0fCzjFt89RYfJLV3bdEXKQGLcGfnGQ5CdeJNpdlwSXCu5giuecuuhDRJaWuYLptXlr3TyVbTHq6Q0IJb6pxGG-QnFb4BDv86q4a/s1600-h/DSC06999%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06999" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR386lhxxRgL5cjXZuW0L4yNig6d9EQrvPBl9mY-utPwIGG4QRTIDFAyd3hyphenhyphenYlbqq9Fm-k2Jh7oDG4-NcIvTIz7w7Abv_Faq7jeaK7jPu0i8uBCw8-869AVKrj5OwNyAjBbz5o8k6JJRAJ/?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="DSC06999" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Kyle and I, on the other hand, hit the pavement for a <strong>run</strong>! We got in <strong>5.25 miles</strong> [a tad slow…but I think it’s partly because I talked for almost the whole time!]. It was a great run!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqEj4s-rF80kF54r3Ef_VAgrcR9kkdeP-hQBmWyJ6hfmIwWZIilsPTeKpl1BTxolijP05R6-IUK7t2HxtVddrbCz4_VlxCISRaEktIFkRBT6fHV2fzAGrQKun03ybXmHuCFd0UDoXHFiK/s1600-h/DSC07000%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07000" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzE9dmV3EFGDhuuuPP9DhqTNzE01JYJtnYcl1Jb1QXTUdpwfT2ZnUsMPHJkP2Wh8tsvwbOy1cB9rlVs7qwvxPZ2-hiyiUQtig99chRZtba4X-SRfNnq4_Vof2CaoXlSQCSDxkryLDq6NG/?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="DSC07000" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After our run I made us matching to-go <strong>protein smoothies</strong>! In the blender was <strong>3c strawberries</strong>,<strong> 1 scoop protein powder</strong>, <strong>banana</strong>, <strong>1/4c milk</strong>, and <strong>ice</strong>. My half was <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLreXFdTNgrTYSljx3Lan8EUSWUBZRMqlUDvrzzmouSkzf7KzkdMl8Ew2RBiBqZIzfQAhhXzplL9OoH4X4_SIRCr2aPDwVIIlP5RViYH9TY0itNehtUzF60Sn-KZCQFm3WVJkHsKte8G-J/s1600-h/DSC07002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07002" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLwaxoQJrPP4iVxxpDqNVkOEXCZYH1JpgQ0oVsQYkxJ8MJ_7sDX5YaMQpTDKEPCfvFk5eJXD2SaCAAXeYFQSIqpstI9JcUZQQ8zprQuj9UKSEG7jm7NmJ0SwCquzmxPIyY7cenUYgiBGZ/?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="DSC07002" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We took our protein smoothies to go because we took a short road trip to<strong> Sam’s Club </strong>to stock up on a few essentials. We also bought a small chest freezer….but not thinking we brought our car and not the SUV and the freezer didn’t fit in the back seat!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxVJfFetrBluNXKyY_Skvd8QDakWzDvmhEtu_Fs0_bZhD9y25eMfsAAJyULzj4aRkK2kp8Eb_ThDmgke-mECHgPMjiTSTrc5aSLMPp3npATX1ju5Xc_4bIqxwxW6428PXtZR4dz31lFtT/s1600-h/DSC07003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07003" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImXijFCYrbM2L0NfBKRtCZ0DJ0yDd5xwO2IOgRcsSPBHzMhOAFq4JdL6eo5Y06Hag4NojtNTG3qjj9Nz4V7xC5FDgYtKNqyJvyoeeJjdEIGWVgDDZiaaEQjOUNnxBGQa-7rh5wUau0bEK/?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="DSC07003" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We ended up returning the freezer since it didn’t fit. Out of curiosity [for some reason] I called Lowes [across the street] to see what their price was and they were $20 cheaper <strong><u>and</u></strong> they have free delivery to our town! I told Kyle I think the Sam’s Club freezer wasn’t meant to be so we could save some $$!</p> <p>Speaking of saving $$ I loved all of your ideas of why we are <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/to-verify-or-not.html">tightening up our budget belts</a>. But no I am not pregnant and we’re not moving! You’ll just have to wait & see! ;)</p> <p>I tested out the new <strong>90 calorie Fiber One bars</strong>. They are only <strong>1 point</strong> and the flavor was peanut butter chocolate…good stuff! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbemybfUQHy4S81rRLRnsjJfeTrxWAsST223tTYEYMF9anSc54pnk__XIvU4iDw6fT78vZAS-CmlnumQVMVntVbivTx_tuW1R8d1Wx9ysp8XNzF2cnF3VNnOii7gqRsz4dwPf7A-B3WJoe/s1600-h/DSC07005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07005" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIojozT4zoPvOkOnQh-Dkhyphenhyphenm0rSbp-5bFhFkOQzD7cUFsxnpNFQnAbkJ26Bq7Hrq52Taubl2g-3Mjq461uO8nGWZ9jBTMpKSOHufJ6Tx5Bhu2sxHuc151inSfnAvRxCUwysYTKqbfrd6W-/?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="DSC07005" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We went simple, healthy, and cheap for supper…Subway! I had the <strong>6 inch chicken teriyaki</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwP3ZQVyR9ycS8EusJSevKnh9izE1a3vssYZhi1grfo2AB_CnipA6XfzbS8WfuopabaxmEgnQdOdqbYE8yA0SEndFSQrdKHDQPDu8Q_Klb7qt85mzVqq2XYyGFjHWLZYmHns6OCNN-7hk/s1600-h/DSC07007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07007" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Lqcinw-Hf5pobQs7XIkznHQJ5nhogWaAeZAOG2mLN7af-jBQ-PP1uA91bD6AP8f6TUy4fC6Z7MjSoEZpc7dDgorbWcFzyzfX7xrohhOynCMJDWuSTH8tthqkUuYyUZflrp9wb6vDdq2/?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="DSC07007" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Kyle wanted you guys to see his sandwich too…roast beef! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuKQCSwttp2DyXZMmUjb5Zdjdp__b1WZTR3ZzUXFZKio0Wslun1Q4uKzP_rE294LIVT-2ClM4xb5zMauEPDXHSffAy39xDJ8ajZFKivhv2MLVZfmJFvQ53jnMFvyqYciI-QI0iuYFJXzN/s1600-h/DSC07006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07006" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB6BgkbJcYRwW68_lM3sj36VhZ6GgL2jCdOKFjffEQxltKsl4UBUoEZCQVXL9Bs2ieEYHb_gd_EpucNaHVRaZykZ0hTTcj86Xy4dRZ-PbLJDCDm2yc0bRF_6gRxvbGujGqDBMY9rCsAyu/?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="DSC07006" width="404" /></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/01/saturday.html">tradition</a> is that we must go to <a href="http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/index.html">Cold Stone</a> when we make our Sam’s Club run! I was a good girl though and ordered the <strong>“Like It” Sinless Sans Fat Sweet Cream Ice Cream</strong> with <strong>strawberries</strong> & <strong>granola</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEHFjhX2I9_1MAl6HOQEze4VAzYU6ThyVZK9Ai8ZmRQmeecniTWt_8uiGLAAd2S_-HBmrJo-9elg9xre4NMxEtfkhlt0X-Mbly-RepHo8XBOzpwIjIELVs0sFjtzRvcwwojKrtG6uf4_p/s1600-h/DSC07013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07013" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrktkGOpxwY2gBEQgVodfiTTqcaFCZ0s5_aTbQoIeEFZ3VHS3g2uqKMKblst_oC9S9RhcRZ75q7CCXy0N4KAR0FgzU_krg-xUykOVmuNphtRRd16_rVpRl8miKNvIYtJhphcvMJpqT3tn/?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="DSC07013" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I’m ready for bed! We have <strong><u>church</u></strong> in the morning and a <strong><u>5K race</u></strong> in the afternoon! Hope everyone is having a <strong>fabulous</strong> weekend!</p> <p><strong>SATURDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 21/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 13 used/22 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   6 today/17 week <br />WATER = 70 oz <br />EXERCISE = 5.25 mile run</p>

Stocking Up

Can you tell I had fun last night playing Rock Band ? :) I had a wonderful wake up call from my Mom. Her and my Step Dad have a lawn busin...

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Rockin’ Friday…literally!

<p>Happy Friday Friends!! We made it!! </p> <p>So it seems like the consensus from <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/to-verify-or-not.html">yesterday’s question</a> is that, for the most part, word verification doesn’t stop you from commenting!</p> <p>My Friday started out a bit sluggish. Kyle and I stayed up a tad bit too late last night and I wasn't too keen on getting out of bed when the alarm went off at 6am this morning! But nevertheless, I did! </p> <p>Breakfast was a <u>HUGE</u> smoothie! I think I must have used more ice than normal because the blender was FULL! Today my smoothie contained <strong>1 small banana</strong>, <strong>1 1/2 c strawberries</strong>, <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong>, <strong>1/2 scoop</strong> of <strong>protein powder</strong> and <strong>ice</strong> for a total of <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuefxbwn7_twP-eY2qEQs6gGkOpZGnaZh81sYUeLPKMSzZB9qrAXADaKibgM2A74dR1fA0TxB3r-mRtCXlp3Sh0c0RN8NwTV53vK0f-_eodIViwoLgPYOr01GSH56o2dTeSOYj7vCTx2T_/s1600-h/DSC06968%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06968" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSQ-IaxJOA0ep-kQooxmQ8YGGf6JQ3MLov_V-UI6d4-OXJh8NW6cSTSx83ZJn5lhWHXFmK2Rr0mTJ6q49-Ba3qigk5kr7EfExSBIzWAZlrFFXx_nDClx209bbuf2ji8JqQIYAstpEUdBI/?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="DSC06968" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I plan to pick up some <strong><u>spinach</u></strong> this weekend at the grocery store so I can try out my first "<a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">green monster</a>"! </p> <p>I struggled to keep my eyes open through the morning. But I think the fact that it is Friday got me through! Well, that, and my morning snack! The usual mix of <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong>, <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong>, and <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8b3No5uU83TOy8xL_Qd43SZkXPrMPp9CJEm4GnmqNnlWE7iSK9ybD42tUfBSn6fd7yqTJSIR6bCxn0Okf56IcP7L_qACs-tophwsu_8Z4KI-gASiHZ28GBMhJM6_lriPqjA_b_GFVW3k6/s1600-h/DSC06969%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06969" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa7WMNi16VMA1lfsl5sMJx9zimFaanauZ3CjVuRq5RoouOlP8ycNIrs_N85A622bAqtOam9_E1a1SvP1bBjvqPXk8wCr_WcMRZQeaW9DuPIuuNchfTamoUwgk69iuZh-zLgbemjlkP3Tg/?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="DSC06969" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I ran a bunch of errands on my lunch break so I had to get something quick. I ended up having a<strong> SmartOne’s meal</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx86g6Lvv-SIXHPlUOc2dXcFxOVBhrT-q9x758opd1NPL4XXcyWK9J8ddCP5q18ReZ0ZtLEKLDB1R-FrGaoWhjCFxVDsiB_lmp2Zr1wopy1oAfAxAWg0qQinxD3PsonDvohXa5n1pHfvu/s1600-h/DSC06971%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06971" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQiYJ-jBxww7N_nmzbl_hqpPEStDfXce_94DUeDz8_auxBybzepALEMx4hB2KhYZyeVYMg0p1LqvbdBPHHQMwcgZ3xkZvrFLgaqSYmUybr70mn_8poRV0uRmxxYEO1KXE22l_aH9Ltmfb/?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="DSC06971" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I was anxious for my afternoon to get over! I had big plans for the night with the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/05/days-197-199-wednesday-520-friday-522.html">girls</a>! :) My sister hosted all of us at her house. We all brought something “snacky” to share and we ended up having quite the spread!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MTD70hTEXvrtIGuFgLQc-DRwKx9qZz1NGlqHjoiSsHyy1H8X_N4DEvMUAwLHdvt-hhY9wwjXX3Odak6s6P8DK7pU2PUrv8dadH5vCE97FsjXmFXUzjFMZzdRwA4nirI5h0qrwjHLXabo/s1600-h/DSC06972%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06972" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h8ajRWScY7Kz2BW8VkjWeJnfEWqMNJlZ_N35avnWudobbAA9evqwsaa8_Zcu3hkOqOzd3RH-mrgi6NGlVhQI7Euh9V9C2iHn8XpOQRWA-BZIhoApy5Ghzsrqi8uUlqk8tgcPGuyQgAMt/?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="DSC06972" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And here is plate #1: black bean dip w/chips, fruit, and fruit pizza. [estimate of <strong>9 points</strong>, keep in mind this is an appetizer sized plate!]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspAwVmf-w5LJ78F5rkNbdC8Mfc0CInJoJ8ZYyoGQ-08eZl851hyGhO45tcTIC55NNGWkwhHpGHLzD7krBtxvOQ3kXOYPPw1z7ZphyphenhyphenpGt7uDQkCm__L13J2fShgD_U-tn1nS91nj_VxUwl/s1600-h/DSC06973%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06973" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcVjrv6fztzgWLDJ0Afu2J4ziQeao-GyqGLKPBuTPsM6f0DUzKCnCvtgRgKErS8r51UGkAI_iRngKKeAby01UhWjOd2RmDr05CewQitvggqZLoVKSh9fcAySrxtjHd_zjJsZq4Lkvwb4_/?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="DSC06973" width="404" /></a></p> <p>My sister’s <u>FAT</u> cat!! His name is Cleo and he weighs over 20lbs!! Abby & him are <strong><u>not friends</u></strong>! ;) I think he was about ready to pounce on my toes!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj34EY5H8ygCmRn0Yrh0cTfZMBulLcuHLOEikrYIbrTzDVu1ra3D99qpsvQh3sX3N__jCDv0XKYn0gZjC977UIHAfU7cxB0cH6MbF03SBCjIkGloJ3bIX8TMZGTnjCRpxC7m71s-HtLO2/s1600-h/DSC06975%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06975" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MtwIrCRgoHyRR6DLlvSS1Px_Vc4xYtwGdCwDC3FqW9dgFePwPv3U9P4PaQCJ6c36dFcHcVcEYxmqRDqttPvdjZvwcv6vhFM2l6y08QTe27687_cUeCDPqj-hg_MNJiRQBW8J8I-vFgNQ/?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="DSC06975" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I did a little more snacking through the night. I ate this delicious mini lemon poppy seed muffin. Then came a yummy brownie! [estimate of <strong>4 points</strong>]</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="400" border="0"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="200"><img alt="DSC06976" border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4sQAVCQFIqJ8TxEmSz5fRlVOr9c0o4PuuT0s_rIsU2n97u9c9s2HHrcUK6fWG_IxWlmkV4QplUo34ktuNMI2hmNcaXQtetdvsaB7zIvJBehss9u6DUdq9FWS73o96MwsADP-DUjuYiNY/?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="DSC06976" width="204" /></td> <td valign="top" width="200"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBmIQ5NYcsOoiIHW5vkxXm_4i1K3kgqXL2xCZc7bu9oMLlB3JlsGqcpy0WRy1EA72UwZwThIkTWTEq4jEyu5gj_nIu2mHs9WvZsm4LKyz4fJ-19QnWosmrs6lXewgt6KHv6TFHO2kXaJq/s1600-h/DSC06977%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06977" border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMw6O6V8YeGa_nlYYt_wlvr88PpkorOnsBUTyRA1zINVw_hdRfcXlAYKg8XBueWm-c99oC57hlKh6oSmPfDVZNlbSOYF8HHREbkGbuqv5ruhHKr6wpvEn_28bg6y7VJ7rgVNIDeAgVVT6/?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="DSC06977" width="204" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>One of the main reasons for our “get together” was for our friend, Ginger, to share her pictures & stories from her recent missions trip to Guatemala!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nCHeYJLDKlhEJUgldGBXXu-_ca5O958R5q9zqTcMb6iUUpHeMFbRp-Cb3B2w5AO0NUQtiU1q-7OufoORuL71hwE54kBEBG_nVIvp2Ba2c0hK0L0bbNP-tsDob8PfxIaa-eFQqnTJF3GG/s1600-h/DSC06978%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06978" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSKut6zYiPZuJO5Ei1BVJ_Aj7vxTWHpTcqBO-hwCPkL12BB_nC-LU9v10MH-8gYs1lWtCtfAuZNfNxLm5ng2XS5AVqOr1VVuusnSkibTcwW9ap0Btrqu8gBnhfby9fLfwXWmRdC_ib4Iy/?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="DSC06978" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I enjoyed some more snacks while she was sharing! Ritz crackers w/pickle dip & some more fruit. [estimate of <strong>2 points</strong>]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfuK3Fl6jFGM2eIJFKUy46FiCiHRR2D1OHjILhxDKebxJgaGxcAiLN6pGq7TkWhN6Z1hCBcC_YwhzN0L0hbRNke23dUI_bbsgciF_IwRsnIn1w8sJFGneIQGB6JWTXLRMsSHf6KUWBy65/s1600-h/DSC06980%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06980" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYRVa8q6jjNEmj8W2UoZyZLtybSF8GPPGs7WiOLhFqI2kZBmUFjKPlEkdgDHX-VMERp40zstmWOOunyAhhvqiUiIxPQxSndkKQ3uEjwzvfCuRcq3Dvlx7rRlJ3uTWMlnQ3klOW6gV6P23/?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="DSC06980" width="404" /></a></p> <p>She had some <strong><u>AMAZING</u></strong> stories and miracles to share of what God did while they were on their trip. It was also so sad to see the poor orphans and to hear their stories. Makes me want to go!</p> <p>Afterwards we were going to play Rock Band, but we couldn’t get to it work for some reason. :( So we decided to go for <strong><u>desert</u></strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32jB6Lu3jHsGki3GpS61Dpm1sIY7jfLyFUZcWj1iPg1gTvQYk20A9mxUhzJWBwkKZgG5g7Y8DiVL9VarTSGmnm4oStn_UxCU5PT4r6qAI3bfD3YdYwQNYQ7tUnExMW3evZslzOtCNuwx/s1600-h/DSC06981%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06981" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrKIDm8kFZmZoetWF8v-7QmvIfDH4k8zRL2Wst7RzZGzQWhwSyRuM7TDdCkWIGGdEfHDIiCmgwAfEuiwXTLOacommoVQ2erP9ULvMSRArUjsAV8K61ZCd_r9LmqKqrc6ev0SrFMlooYkL/?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="DSC06981" width="354" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u>Brownie Sundae's!</u></strong> [estimate of <strong>9 points</strong>]<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MYIeGQ6UTc17NJqmOE2K0k8khrhjf0vVZojdGzQCFtu_iwd5L-fJp_rEqTG8hG9-8TXmCd8H5uU4jFs7qtWGal2M4T1gnj-tVqcmYs-KIcQ3ObtHbSZSjPwqiIA_dPQuujwMdarpnf6D/s1600-h/DSC06983%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06983" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwuA33T-o2tIctoKHlaav-1A08Ych7rgL5454EgpCMo9G2NAYA2WPpvzq7-DA01aKzS80SF_Z9Cqiz8rWbb4PU-5dJ5tunYPDmElrLhcykBYaVnG3QPhS1I8O_d3z9Ip0zfJeAi2IytyL/?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="DSC06983" width="354" /></a></p> <p align="left">Everyone had pretty much cleared about by 11pm and then it was “<em>safe</em>” for my BIL to come home…the girl party was over! ;) And <strong><u>hooray</u></strong>, he got Rock Band to work! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahYr-L9qaOwPtM4H0Vu5iC2h10VwD6pWf3hHRmnMPCapg2IwahXZlgeN50c-bkbZqNteYnmoS2cHbvR3BviSjec7CGsSjRKsCTh4z0Bg3pEjzc3o7OrVbHwVb45KJabqrO5au02TVcdem/s1600-h/DSC06991%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06991" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsn-5l999UTp7dUcZHhLyT84koSMkjqmSzF9sCk_0eCfs6_bJ94fAIJ2RJSvGf5yen_-KO7O1nGPPXjHhGQAFHsYt6GNLVkJXowwdI3N98jsuQh3BMWJ7hyfb6JZYhmTKnOYK1zn5B9TW/?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="DSC06991" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center">We had an <strong><u>awesome</u></strong> jam session! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8hca6Mu2CmpVbt6Qdu8v1oNJkPkM8Y4fQpiVUr8rx07CRQY3hovtLWgDv47zuhyphenhyphenHkvliEGqQYThhD4mqdQ-Cd_s5AXg0ip0ZBlmSCTOkRJM_vY63HWlsQbdbos5-DcPNItDII60_Oc5-/s1600-h/DSC06992%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06992" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbpkiGASTkaxLqWh-WBAMUUDdsXFadzudwTg5wNa3sXM9kVmhNeDqD_6VxGa91SeID2lnVLh8UrmqaDThzCb8kDPCba5y9RsKiJ8pGqrvk3lJLziCijwrBtZ09XUK7WuSpeP5Q3i8DVNr/?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="DSC06992" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I finally called it a night around 1am! </p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 36/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 13 used/22 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/11 week <br />WATER = 64 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p>

Rockin’ Friday…literally!

Happy Friday Friends!! We made it!! So it seems like the consensus from yesterday’s question is that, for the most part, word verificatio...

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to verify or not?

<p>It was interesting to hear what everyone does to <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/wax-or-tweeze.html">maintain your brows</a>!! I definitely miss waxing, but that is $12+ more in our budget each month! And you will all find out soon why we are tightening up our “budget belts”!</p> <p>I started out my morning with <strong>oatmeal</strong> again today. I went to my office early and this is easy to whip up in the break room! It was the usual combo of <strong>instant oatmeal</strong>, <strong>PB2</strong>, and a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBA2ipF7c7AVieuOBYCvM3LZ9aamjOoe5Di3bwFInJfcXbJjBrzBLzCg9oPDcK0-qPki5Nb6hbZDT1bdm7BBx3QMP_mb_kvFCYlF8_hz8ITrqpgkhbXLbg5ulkucoTcC9Qzbz5KtskT2V/s1600-h/DSC069623.jpg"><img alt="DSC06962" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevT2o_5pJfyYlFPMQNolekQS4eb61pGjhDU0fgt81oxHtP2Y6QIrjzIn2CYQcv1pBpo2hSHrX2abh8kOvACN6huNZzVgAd4XZKoHYhCRoi9zVkmSgvnL4HN8eI0VWJ7w-qkt8M2LuWrvU/?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="DSC06962" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I love how oatmeal always keeps me feeling full for a long time in the mornings! I didn’t dig into my morning snack until after 11am! Once again I had the <u>SAME</u> thing, <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong>, <strong>1/4c grape nuts,</strong> and <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9eY0e5NSXc3W7PKPRa_8HDp_1tQbMwYVeXYlh0r2FkPZAzGkH2L50B5KFte1vkkMeQGvMS9ui9laDHerHZEi2d0Ury7uIjmEh9dIrRdonWSKzUZi-ZWNYQVhgXSR9aXWKUzFLhiBy3SJ/s1600-h/DSC069633.jpg"><img alt="DSC06963" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuL3NL59C4flnzg0m2nGZvBthehkTztqcUQ7EwemsTdmtU1t7MGoz2KGcmmYMJ2uNAOPMJLK58oBPZjzB-g09CEpVYBHZ3mZ8nCv8FKbWap0NLrt1DuPOZ2Y0iHDpDG6flvzOuH11fEvm/?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="DSC06963" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I sure hope you guys aren't getting bored of my same ole morning eats everyday! I don't think I could ever get burnt out on oatmeal or strawberry/yogurt combos! </p> <p>For lunch today I decided to have a <u><strong>Boca burger</strong></u>! I almost forgot I had these in the freezer! Along side I also had <strong>1c honeydew</strong> for a total of <strong>3 points</strong>. I sure do love these Boca burgers! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBCM-dQ4T5_vpaEv5pKWHGI4hjLRAdhVAmnoc4HhgIMkf2sUQLgVslIA8fJHOCjbZ5_ScSYI4L03YATdjih5ovvYB04LEJh7-Cf3nq9VXePhxWbkFblgXwABUg7b9BvgljzxL0mOFvQwt/s1600-h/DSC069643.jpg"><img alt="DSC06964" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nBJVIKntjBA-RiCy-KVgH4xTXg3v0J3gecvT09fl0MvxZNYe6NKVamIGX5rWMh1RV-vykJM2hlpLH8p_CnB6LaPDUixND878_wKcs98Iihz1qoadXc31BW8ByTSAM3jpcDOxRHR2PgTT/?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="DSC06964" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Finished up my afternoon at work and then headed to my class I'm teaching. We started a new section tonight and I think my students are really liking it a lot more than the first part of the class! Whew...makes my job easier! During class I snacked on roughly 2 servings of <strong>reduced fat wheat thins</strong> and a <strong>diet Sunkist</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. </p> <p>On the way home I had a <strong>oats &</strong> <strong>chocolate fiber one bar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Talk about having your desert before supper! Don't worry, it didn't completely spoil my appetite!  <img alt="DSC06965" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHmuxmNjh1clGTdX3ZYOhzAMD0mfxH-JvA4dFRlFBCNLZpk-VqjVSfWJ4nAkZsrxl-S1goYvUXwoc7NoMovCGylyhXM4mWlGs31s0lYfiduwhprAjgJU1_IDBJFv_GZT4xaP7IYj7abPh/?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="DSC06965" width="404" /></p> <p>I had <u>no intention</u> of running today since I knew I wouldn’t be home until after 8:30pm, but for some reason I couldn’t resist!</p> <p>It was dark by the time I hit the pavement. I decided to do something quick so I did <strong>19:58 minutes</strong> worth of <strong>intervals</strong> and went <strong>2.05 miles</strong>! Check out my “best pace”…I wasn’t messing around!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgZQjgyYTUN0810JkIZZw8z7Na1MGTGtf961nW5uAIOmWYDIYy2L7QIhYfimwO9GgvW6qIHgWggxsQtNcu5Z0Bm-98DNWlMhMNj4vOjoblOrddhSms4jm89vQSwn9xs-brzrJswP_a524/s1600-h/DSC0696610.jpg"><img alt="DSC06966" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5h6p9xHA092MoEEAGrzjTepLXpn3ivbEP77eidrgyymLPikD9jkdV9vBwSAzyLGpQgqcSA9accGmQOsaDc2uuN3_Hqi0tRTFlx81euQQJuOYFW7JkABVJi5T92Ac0QmnrqKddtk-4v3mP/?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="DSC06966" width="404" /></a></p> <p>When I got in from my run I had a bowl of <strong>honeydew,</strong> <strong>grapes</strong>, & <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPrZqC6MwTncEVCyyYbVMa4niUKYTj9z1EaVw8r0cBxZNoZvyFJuVTNQKYCbfMwWzmP4ko2vzynf8jNEem4SRw8V5Iua9Gj5F95yJRyUkrBpQHpy6jz3m9hL7TnDvADrGXd-ie8jWcGrc/s1600-h/DSC069673.jpg"><img alt="DSC06967" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwNNlDEvet5QgSCjJOB1wpBiyiWDGk84HGrkq3rAJEzKVeAwwXtEgRDlQ9ToQOEQHslQYaqEuzNk0Qtozph-5IFyMrsUWaJgBYLY1W7lPgsN4mO0WlwqqRFY2KQmdg_OVahsB8o-VGi7x/?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="DSC06967" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Tomorrow's Friday my friends, we’ve almost made it through the week! I enjoy my job, but I LOVE my weekends even more! ;)</p> <p><strong>THURSDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 19/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   3 today/11 week <br />WATER = 112 oz <br />EXERCISE = 20 minute interval run</p> <p align="center"><strong><em>What’s your take on the subject?</em></strong></p> <p>So today on Twitter, <a href="http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/">Caitlin</a> was talking about how she didn't like the<strong> word verification</strong> on blogs and she wouldn't comment if someone had that. Well little did I know I <em>had</em> that as a requirement to comment on my blog! So I removed it now...feel free to swarm me with comments now, my lovely readers!! ;) </p> <p><strong><u>What's your take on it?</u></strong> Do you comment if someone has word verification? For me? I sure do, but I have to say, sometimes it is annoying because I don't always get it right on the first try! </p>

to verify or not?

It was interesting to hear what everyone does to maintain your brows !! I definitely miss waxing, but that is $12+ more in our budget each m...

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Wax or Tweeze?

<p>Hope everyone had a happy “hump” day! Mine was pretty good!</p> <p>I decided to go for oatmeal this morning since it has been a while since I’ve had it! It was the usual combo of <strong>instant oatmeal</strong>, <strong>PB2</strong>, and a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B16Pe1Js_m-LcylKO0B7NNVB2xAK-5TgoY8bV3J67V7FutHHj2oprY0osJYbr0AxmlN30DhtHnkQpJKpaneZaF_etZAQ97WYkHSJdgw8eDTIAUp8jhJSnsW173MOzbCZ1e-m6RAceFt1/s1600-h/DSC069543.jpg"><img alt="DSC06954" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6_052gvZAsXJTHqp_bFJrwDQmuujQ8cWbqrt6q-T_UwLTaG4ZSVgJ1LI5N94p6IA5yPhphsR3uN4DIXz1OeRbnUGfIfEIaHlt5kcKy73KbHWwPovGgvv8VCwsVDji69P4E4KrHYzhD3w/?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="DSC06954" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I kept busy all morning working on a <strong>HUGE</strong> mailing! It will probably take me <em><strong>multiple</strong></em> days! To help me through I mixed up my favorite morning snack, <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong>, <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong>, and <strong>1 1/2 c strawberries</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0ssl-K6Kybo1tXhwtT8rW7Y9KT5HQUJop0GfqxnCcGxaJ44ORB9cSf986teQDL-LWt5Zhxu20Z5QemS7t09A_lY8PXq2vq8EZy5GNdudUktjYNetnH9jE_v9VRlGuAMaOuk2aVJZx9Dl/s1600-h/DSC069553.jpg"><img alt="DSC06955" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmB5nvX43_LceDuNTVhuWrb6r3hP8OIdP3R0OoIuFq-CCzVzdqnPU9Fkx5y_vj69oI95uhQjIab3hiOBm2vdHKGV2qfaj17eLapg-2O34rCr7Lyml6ypDLKcnDahf4q9AEoqkrvgenyj0/?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="DSC06955" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I had “breakfast” for lunch today! I made a <strong>egg burrito</strong> that consisted of <strong>3 scrambled egg whites</strong>, slice of <strong>ff cheese</strong>, and <strong>salsa</strong>! I also had <strong>1c honeydew melon</strong> for a total of <strong>4 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju83cqDHHF6f9ommTZS5QCLEa_QdG7eyQR5yzHH3WQicqw2hx39P2SvTq8JtWEzce8wv2j6SiVTjktcshVtLt-j_1lg19orvb1fSzecJY2gZ3cqWLil0zIuTgQE0g6mp2owPGm-50HpHh-/s1600-h/DSC06956%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06956" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZzHHt62bzK7DfhvGDci0_1Cvk7hUuCtldFYb5aXWqPJL6xyYe6Eu5DoOgJ9pIPY7r-p1eGSUZa0ikWmQyvkDxszBXHUDYB3bJgYhiulEwaDd5SwctctjeRPzQOWNwqI3Vg68KbeOYk2W/?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="DSC06956" width="404" /></a></p> <p>My afternoon at work <em>flew</em> by! So much to do, so little time! But there’s always tomorrow. I was ready to head home and get a run in with my man! We had a slow run 3 mile today. My legs were tight and my right calf kept cramping up, but I finished! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DxpDC70YMIRBalqCEvPwIqk2sW2GyKxPqQxhqk39Us1iyAEo4SIE0HDzmKyn2prza2JGkQ63qKkQAFu4r_DX9zmzH47lq4XroDezBJHGE7ztfX9Q1LgLJo3HDpxkLQjcMX9hWAspdjUA/s1600-h/DSC06957%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06957" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiydMYOK_xRxJzKnFMm15eeMPTPzrJEs5IppCN4luJaJjheNvxkRt9EOfskxAeupGuHdNXab8Ofx3kjvS11l6RLIuVYMjsFnm6Qpw_EiucK7FEPLbQ9SeUc0d3kKYSS8SK5P1SWVfUcrKa/?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="DSC06957" width="404" /></a></p> <p>When we got back to our house we did a <strong>1/2 set</strong> of “<strong><a href="http://www.bobbimccormick.com/?p=5122">Around the World</a></strong>” circuit! My legs were burning!! </p> <p>After our workout I whipped up a <strong>protein smoothie</strong> for the both of us! In the mix was<strong> 3 c strawberries</strong>, <strong>1/2c skim milk</strong>, <strong>2 scoops</strong> of <strong>protein powder</strong>, and <strong>ice</strong>. My serving was roughly <strong>3 points</strong>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXIwN2jW_vDRzwAEDBYkYQr6hN7Cq6cUyAuCKxiR_I-NiF3JmgB9YxAIDexflTfklqbCyqV2WIWuUdIVY6Xwpnq7xpntnAH079nUBlWQgIott-fmahbgBvTV2g7QC_FGIr-Ep4fUxEbKW/s1600-h/DSC06958%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06958" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh788nSLtmzdjbKk2WY-XazvInW9OLuIhEFgxYgGhCAwCkGSnWx57npEqrSNGlNXq5yYmXIiNWFpWEsWgHdh0kp1WKc08I9-uLJdBbdmVkE_k7KcioQo2wtGtOJqDcdNstvNMQKrDCyKzLs/?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="DSC06958" width="404" /></a></p> <p>For supper I steamed a heaping serving of <strong>baby carrots</strong> and <strong>cauliflower</strong>. I topped it off with some <strong>spray butter & seasoning</strong>! I forgot how much I love cooked baby carrots! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJ_MTG2YwWaBPIN4Ae_mM4lFDe84b-nrEwh5OCHss5GAe-HuJpo2ohV1aZGzDoYS-kTZmqMTJFfm63tYbqoTKlijhX1jGfpuUclb3m0l12lxwJQ63Ho4D3QB0U35YHBzZhvo3PTwT2Co3/s1600-h/DSC06961%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06961" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzSHrJKqxraUPI3c7Y9s_eclSPadsZ_H9boOL8XcjO-NRJrAIVeFM9JMbFP6EOu23Dk5OYt5cEA0xoK9uHR8Jgdv70gFJ8CfYQFU3sOviCml10Zxe9bBob6Rc2FX5bZDBFaq8wye_lWHF/?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="DSC06961" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I rounded out my supper with <strong>1/2 c cottage cheese</strong> & 1<strong>/2 c peaches</strong> for a total of <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzo3SMcNorLK78RSJsfsFv0G7ASO2M6FYhtb4x5wEgTaf4S_ds4XjKDTIDL6vX5sMZ519_bUM2t0O7XyyRV-xn7oc_hEdQN8yslsDpPwPngZ9Cx0ZXe7pPgWtuMm71gf20XadCii9MQi5/s1600-h/DSC06960%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06960" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNK3nCjhe-0k8kBWB8cQhCQkuZaO6_ss9q_8C3NmTmXQyM2AdDKx_pNQ4mrgiJJSd9CJRck_UXtrREPkhPWgf8QPvhN8B6uNPQaTU-tlNPp5EkvF3XqNXdiBurQBrOSr5YMFRIriMNj_L/?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="DSC06960" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="center"><em>Can you guess the difference in these 2 pictures???</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihr7zwe3rrhow4_EVhqputsDQU-B5m5tgoi0ekfeTA1KeIV1hN40V0nNCYW97MsP4ZNaDX996l-jslLsd1BSmEi9Hv87mMQpup5dSHtfH-X7BpnCpWlt9yeZmi1TK7O92hFoPRXkZfs-X-/s1600-h/DSC06942%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06942" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66XmwYggIzQ3zxhhjKX-BUDHLrn43FEPtU6PWiW4Z_RXdsUMTBmK3g5E0aG9d-doof6gBFG4C3PZOr40sIRwro9W9bW2nSSD71kAOcqIuMu7jVn9hET9wVSd29CoU-x9ymqFkQE0lpkV2/?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="DSC06942" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9kuHn0PUVnr9ifl509f7N1mOv_QgUXMonOSgJ8JSK8fEqU7PH5J_Sp8YcVWH5VnZFpw9S5WPxqd-crdHMGbgHbn-h8TmhYIEmCnfSN4fjFmQCb609MWZkI7S2rG7PMJIsSFdd3JmS5XM/s1600-h/DSC06946%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06946" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6ur7WhJx5MKAg4mOC7E8UNMmlClX35K9BUUYaKbyzGkzAR3y4Y3HeQnaF1zeu7E_9OuwrFYRgXyAF5DMNLLVZejuxI43fuBwVMj3V18M-j0ZXKXbp1m8OQipdB_yrA8P1tdoH9AoghqD/?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="DSC06946" width="404" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>If you guessed eyebrows, you’re right! This was one things I really wanted to do when I was in Florida…but by my little sis! She LOVES to tweeze brows & is great at it! But for some reason we didn’t get it done and I was well over due for a tweez-ing! </p> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 17/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   5 today/8 week <br />WATER = 112 oz <br />EXERCISE = 3 mile run</p> <p><strong>Question</strong>: <em><strong><u>Do you tweeze or wax?</u></strong></em> I used to get my eye brows waxed about once a month, but decided it was an expense we could cut from the budget, so now I’m a tweezer! </p>

Wax or Tweeze?

Hope everyone had a happy “hump” day! Mine was pretty good! I decided to go for oatmeal this morning since it has been a while since I’ve ...

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Bad Zipper

<p>Thanks everyone for your kind words yesterday! I'm feeling much better today! You guys are the best!! :) </p> <p>After I posted last night something came over me and I just wanted to work out even though my head was saying I should take it easy! So I decided to do an "Around the World" circuit! If you haven't read <a href="http://www.bobbimccormick.com/">Bobbi's blog</a> before you need to *she’s awesome*, but <a href="http://www.bobbimccormick.com/?p=5122">here is the link to her video</a> explaining them! They may sound pretty easy, but believe me they get your heart rate up and keep it there! Felt great! </p> <p>For breakfast this morning I couldn't wait to get mix up a smoothie! In the blender today was <strong>1 c strawberries</strong>, <strong>1 small banana</strong>, <strong>ice</strong>, and <strong>1 strawberry yogurt</strong> for a total of <strong>3 points</strong>. I forgot the protein powder! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy10gjg5agvNnjlb66cWoFyhoajlbrXooB6VQo-czY2NA1w3yASqiI4E58pIonElayG3pPuyYE0x9FEBAGPVW2jELTnuWo_3P_aUsAulYethJB7ssluaYW5J1TOvCGsz0XO_dv-6e7gnOg/s1600-h/DSC06948%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06948" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4kyRgcRtB37dUFiMoJpnS9iaebor7yQ9S8HS3CbKcariJD9Oq1aKIohLdpGnymlGpedckYAPZl2npvk-bwpPrVMNLySOHSb3ulkp639bb-oH6hl7pr_y-K6EUi48bjmHbDwPWZ0POmfm/?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="DSC06948" width="404" /></a></p> <p>The smoothie did an awesome job of holding me over until my morning snack time! I had the usual mix today of <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong>, <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong>, and <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHhbGykoAcZOUmmW95OKMLaHmsrpWiscANe1Z79oB-QIKwwhTqT5FrRErAz0PRWAsFpz0YUSU1c3oRSS1-UnfT4O8rSqr_r4eEeD4CrREDuB8qRF-96JQmfq2lm2Sffz7HiOCEQnrk8QK/s1600-h/DSC06949%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06949" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQThf0CNamCYNvtG_Yq0eZflxdWapZOnhM5RMhjXq4iHXBZbSZAY9Dp5UJfuXxW683HRhWMu3GegkUExWRIEXkggzy1ipwMLswrI-i24UH7FGNpX9mtxBpGwt54_ubJua41AyyjP0JeCT/?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="DSC06949" width="404" /></a></p> <p>So right before I went to lunch today I went to the bathroom quick and when I went to zip up my skirt the zipper split half way down, I tried to go back down and couldn't. Then I tried to go up with the zipper and half of it completely came off the zipper thing that goes up & down. So I had to hold it closed with my hand back to my office, use some binder clips to hold it together and then headed outside in the 25+mph winds! Luckily there were a pair of jeans in my car! Whew!! </p> <p>Lunch was on the run because Kyle and I had an appointment to do our<strong> passport applications</strong>! We are going on a cruise in November and been wanting to get this done for a while. On the way I scarfed down<strong> 1 cup</strong> of <strong>honeydew</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JiN4DCGkQZQWhn69fKs7vPglyoaTaqwIZuRFt5HJkcW-v3_whMdwnORrCtEw6rRRi-kQOVEEVMbubrFj44YzXTtuAdatwe0SdPIdDIIuwjRr51uDgaEdNUFT8i9EpObMRNcPJg1gwZb2/s1600-h/DSC06950%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06950" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYW9oTYJAKzezvZdwnRSny2c1rLugp90FzjMuSHsmP1LD5CadNV17Fto9lyqcOLOeNVIqkjTWIq24f6tz5J2vWriw4kj9UXsnbgB6WHLLwHlXESkMmA0grAQ3bDAbCBN4JuRucBRDsF-H/?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="DSC06950" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Kyle was sweet enough to bring me a <strong>ham & turkey sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. And he also brought me a <strong>banana</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. Thanks for lunch babe! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOUPJpXn1KCyErhOK6rmW7M3O32GBG8KgFrhErfuApPsAjxssUU6obKiBvQAQIwyNTr7XYNZFv3Xd40kOLx7SW7T_d6gZOVfi0_swXl23paQT4Udbfwte78c_555pHTvY64tCh_vQu591/s1600-h/DSC06951%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06951" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbOALyPdoQH20O_Qy7fP6pNtHakC43ty0ziLjdlMpVWJXI6mT5HigBAV0UaYw1_J5GqLAMpYGlhHWPGMcGMloQF_JXJYrtff1BUHhJ6t7_QJoVBug4DIR0s5_Q8QM4tfG9y5hhTijQURd/?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="DSC06951" width="404" /></a></p> <p>My afternoon went relatively fast...a lot of it was spent explaining why I had jeans on! I work in an office where everyone dresses business casual and jeans are a bit too casual, but not when your skirt won't stay up! </p> <p>After work Kyle and I did a  few things outside and before we knew it, it was already after 7pm and I hadn’t even thought about supper yet! So we went for something quick. I had a<strong> baked potato</strong> with <strong>2 tbs</strong> of<strong> lite sour cream</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIdG9vJcl6qnTnn750CE28UerqeqdKUBfbMmYfqNXNB4OK40nQOZmGU8zppQ88cO-ddRdnO8CKG9337_7brDCEHbCXdb9iKc2jrJ4pXwUtjvcx2_6h9iR1AJBs0XqwFDdaS4KUJehlaS3/s1600-h/DSC06952%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06952" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsu0JybOC9W8Ymn5_ZW-IdBhyphenhyphenG_ELIc5AMEbjBKeoIb3zj_6p4aEEmsM1xXpxG3Esrke-k-70UukDAluHvW1IDADpZqdaB9oeDZQjkCnI8Xvmna5TVTG1jI6PnvgOZBhvli9aDEChgTlR/?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="DSC06952" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> I also had <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong> with <strong>1/2c sliced peaches</strong> for<strong> 2 points</strong>. Quick, filling supper!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zg5fvd3QaPcHQ-bpcldiIVmAz210QM9KWSQLnkrtK7VHc91y58FtoxdLihbCcvwA0tujTm1mNvEHCDMk1v71PRgTjQeZhyphenhyphenp_FiUElKQVz9M4sHx7BDkrvrIWcQUlNKqYHNigsTcCGEhh/s1600-h/DSC06953%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06953" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmRhS2n1TQBru1P8DBmXYQfe7AeCEDxeVHw4F6eZJTnIinzgtuyopYpzjF1MAL7ibNO1p6a8A9bbm9Ma3VqAdEABD_GGE_wLcnkgLEjM8EpsKjGX9iv-m7ivMFcMhosdpXYV1Rlibmflx/?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="DSC06953" width="404" /></a> <p>After supper Kyle was messing with my broken skirt and was able to fix the zipper!! Woo hoo, now I’m not out a skirt!! </p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 16/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/3 week <br />WATER = 88 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p>

Bad Zipper

Thanks everyone for your kind words yesterday! I'm feeling much better today! You guys are the best!! :) After I posted last night som...

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