oops

Well I did say that I was going to blog regularly, what happened with that? I have been keeping my facebook up to date with short little snippets. Last week was the first time in a long time that i was really frustrated :0( , because the week before i did power hiking, pushed myself to make it cardio, moving my butt up those hills . i had over 18 miles in, I did two resistance training work outs and did not come near my required allowance of WW points....... and i gained .6 lbs. Normally i could look back and say well i didn't do this, or I ate that without counting it. but this time it was not the case.. I was just ready to say HECK with it.... i was pretty down. oh it took my a few days to pout, but then i really looked at what went on....... I worked out a huge amount, and ate even less. My body cannot do that, it is just hard for me to understand that. I know that i have a stubborn metabolism, inherited, however that does not mean that I cannot lose weight. 6 out of my 7 siblings have the same problem, and who knows if my one brother the only one without a weight issue does because he has been a personal trainer for almost 25 years and hasn't stepped out of the gym yet to see. So this week was more realistic, hiked about 12 miles, still giving it all i got on those dang hills, 2 resistance work outs and one tai chi workout. I came close to eating ALL of my recommended calories. and lost 1.6 lbs this week. I am really determined to break through this very comfortable weight that i am at. I still have about 70 to go. it is human to have little bumps in the road like i had the week before. but with God's Grace i do not have to make it a major mountain..... i just walked right around that 'bump' in the road and went on my merry way. So again just maybe, just maybe i will try to blog even a sentence or two daily just to keep this journey focused...... cause i feel in my heart..... the second part of this weightloss journey is getting close. I just thank God that i haven't ever given up, and have been plugging away for over 3 years. and i never gained that old weight back...... just sorta staying right here playing with about 6 lbs, up down up down up down up down.... OH and ps i am so loving my Weight Watchers meetings. and it is working well with my lapband Have a wonderful day, and i'll try to check in tomorrow

I need to ......

......blog a little more often :0). Things are going well for me as i am so content with my life. I am content at work i do not mind going, and when i am at work i am content coming home as i enjoy being here too! what more could i truly want in my life. The kids are growing up so quickly. Sammy has his permit to drive. Katie and Drew have adjusted to college life just fine, and actually Katie is missing it during this week of school break. Thank goodness she went to visit her Aunt Gail and cousins in Oregon. this is the first that she has been there since her Cousin Alex was killed three years ago. I truly think this will be a good thing for her, an act of closure so to speak. Katie always had a special bond with Alex although he moved there when they were five. He was her first best friend.

Well, winter is getting weaker, and Spring seems to be picking up strength, the sounds, the smell, the feel is definitely spring. I don't mind either so it is all good. but this does make beautiful hiking weather, and i am looking forward to getting out on my bike soon. I continue to enjoy my WW meetings, its a good thing to add that accountability as my time is dwindling down for the Pittsburgh study. I did make an appointment for my lapband as it has been over a year and a half since i've had an adjustment. it is also a year an a half since i've had a major weight loss jump. in the last three years i have never really increased my weight, and i feel so awesome. I dropped a bunch of weight and then it's like my body got happy at this weight and is being stubborn so to speak. most of the time this does not bum me out, as i cannot put a time frame on Life. and i am living... learning...... growing.......

Well i should get going, i have to get ready to go and babysit. i babysit a little girl on Monday's and Tuesdays. work the office weds, Thurs, Fri . and usually clean the office Sat or Sunday.... i do miss having a day off to go on a long hike, or a day off just to be at home.... but, before i know it June will be here. and my babysitting job will be gone.... i don't want to rush time, so i won't complain.

have a great day,

I am in love..........

......with this beautiful old tree. she lives in Gettysburg PA at Devil's Den. i have gone in the Spring, Fall and Winter to get pictures of her. I don't know why i am drawn to this tree, but I am. obviously this is the winter shot of her.

I have been so busy, but Bill and I managed to get a long weekend in for Valentines Day. we have such a good time together. just hanging out. or whatever. I am not into flowers, and jewelry and gifts especially for Valentine's day. I enjoyed walking the streets of Gettysburg, and driving through the battle field. splurging on some gourmet ice cream and a dark chocolate covered strawberry. a nice dinner at the Historic Dobbin House............. it was a great weekend.

i am very tired tonight, and had a very long day at work and not really in focus, so i will make this short and sweet. Good night and God Bless

Winter in Black and White

Yesterday Bill and I went on a short hike at my favorite spot. i took a few pictures but this is my favorite.

I am learning that i do not have to go on a day hike everyday, or even a two hour hike...... i can make it 40 minutes and make it intense for a great workout. I love hiking in the winter, the air is so fresh, the silence is so loud, it wakens every cell in my body and i feel so good.

I have been so busy lately, and i do not get many days off. babysitting two days isn't difficult but it does take my time. and working at S'eclairer has absolutely no stress, but i do spend many hours there. and even the one day i clean, isn't hard and once i go and do it, i think that it really is an easy job too. it's just know that it is something i have to do, and making up my mind to go and do it is the issue.

Health wise, i am doing really well, and hoping that the combination Lapband and Weight Watchers will help me break this very long and healthy plateau. for instance this is how my Lapband helped on Thursday. A drug rep from work on Thursday brought in Chinese food for Us, she called ahead and new about the healthy options, so i measured out the chicken and broccoli and a 1/4 th serving of Veg Lo mien and i accounted for the points. i ate it slowly and it was wonderful........ BUT then i got a little piggish and went out and "picked at " a few more bites. my lapband would not allow that, and i was reminded to stop eating........ sadly it did get stuck and i did have to make a trip to the restroom, to "lose" the food that i tried to over eat.

This journey is still so much fun for me, and it's going on 4 years, and i am still not bored yet, i am forever trying to find ways to stay motivated, supported and accountable.

Kids have been here all weekend, along with their friends, i am loving that. and i love that they want to be here..... so much peace!!! and the kids feel it too.

I was able to talk to my Dear Friend Patti from AZ. this weekend, that was a bonus. actually i was speaking with her just before i went and during the first part of the hike. it was funny because i noticed i was able to talk with her quite well during my first hill, and then i looked over at my husband who came with me, he was out of breath....... i had spring to my step, this has been the first time in our marriage that i am stronger and in better shape than him, i teased him. he laughed... he's a great guy, he said he'll start walking with me when Chris can't. it was icy, and coming down the very steep what is known as "bitch hill", i slipped and fell, or i should say i slipped, did a split and fell, i bounced right back up. Bill was worried, but i must say i was proud. here i am, almost 44 years old, still have 75 more pounds to lose .. and i was able to get up off that ice like i was a teenager. no bruising, no pain, nothing... :0). well it is time for me to get my butt moving and figure out what i am going to make for dinner tonight.

Have a wonderful week.

7.5 lbs in two weeks :0)

As i've mentioned before, I am almost done with the 3 year study in Pittsburgh. I will still have two more visits annually to check things. So i decided to join WW with Christina, because we all know the buddy system is a great support. And i miss the weekly and bi weekly support i was getting when i was in the Lapband study. Another good thing is Wednesday meetings are about 3 miles away from my work, so i leave work and go there. so it isn't like i am home and need to build up to leave for the meetings. Finally WW isn't just about calories, they realize that the body metabolizes different foods in different ways. 2 oz of Chicken breast causes a change reaction in the body far different than a 2 oz piece of chocolate cake. Some faithful weight watchers are upset because now the "junk" food uses more value points, and healthier foods have less points. I really like the concept. I also enjoy the WW etools, i was used to CK, and my WW is easier. however in CK defense, haven't been on it in 1/2 of a decade, so things can change.

Regardless, i've lost 7.5 lbs in 2 weeks, and knowing that i go back next Weds, it keeps me on program. Still in the honeymoon phase of WW, so we shall see. I am loving how the lapband works with me, and how it also is helping me control portion sizes.

I am busy, but not in a stressful way. monday and tuesdays i watch a little girl. weds, thurs, fri i work the office sometimes 10 hr days. and sat or sun i clean the office. Sam is back in school Katie and Drew are back in college. NOW To get Bill back to work after his surgery. he is doing great though, i just miss having some mornings to myself :0). next week it should be light enough that when i take Sammy to school (mon, wed, fri) i will go directly to the track or the trail and do a brisk 30 minute walk at the very least. I am reminded i don't need to do the two hour hikes everyday to seek physical benifit.

Well i am going to get going, i'll try to keep up with the blogging.

And what Has been going on in my life???

and first and for most i've had a wonderful holiday season. One of my favorite times of a year. i can truly say this had to be one of my favorite Christmas' ever. and unless you don't know from my facebook already, this is my bestest present, Katie was able to get her brothers to cooperate in giving me this gift. funny Bill was feeling a little bummed that we didn't have alot of cash flow like we "used" to. but it didn't matter. the kids were more excited to see us open the gifts they bought for each other. of course Albert came out early. i made brunch........ and there was just so much peace. lets see what else.... Sammy is doing great from his shoulder surgery. Bill got surgery and too is doing so well. New Year was quiet, which i am more than happy with. Other than that yucky 24 hour stomach virus i was "blessed" with. i have been feeling really good.

I didn't make any New Years resolutions, but i would like to continue on the same journey. In 2010, i had three goals hike 10 miles, bike to work, and kayak. well I biked to work, i was able to kayak again. and i was able to do several 6-8 mile walks. my foot issue kept me from doing the 1o mile hike in October. so hopefully this year i can give Melody that 10 mile hike :0). She is in no hurry. there were times that I biked more than 20 miles, .... I am sure I can get the weight moving again....... seemed to lose a little and then plateau for a long time, lose a little, then plateau for a long time. In the past year i have learned to not focus on the number. and that has been a huge "weight" lifted off my shoulder *pun intended. I am happy with who i am, but MOST importantly i am feeling so damn good. this coming year Bill is supposed to get a bike so i hope to do more biking in 2011, i'd like to hike different trails in 2011, I'd like to be more understanding of people in 2011, and less judgmental.

Oh and one last thing, I am buddying up with my Bestest friend Christina and joined Weight Watchers with her again. as my support down in Pittsburgh is decreasing and will be completed this year. i am missing the one on one counseling. I have been so used to Calorie King website i was so surprised at the WW online tool sight.... it is amazing, fast and easy. Since WW has changed this year to follow more the plan that my dietitian from Pittsburgh put me on. I find this a good choice. somebody asked me that why would i do that since i have the "lapband"? and I am not sure how to answer this. as i've always thought of the lapband being a tool and not a fix (cure) I've had the free support from the Pittsburgh Study for 3 going on 4 years. I still have to watch what i eat, how much i eat, when i eat...... the Lapband isn't magic. The Lapband is the greatest thing i've done and i can't imagine not having the support it gives me. I will never be able to binge on a meal like i used to..... it just won't allow me.

I am still incredibly content with my job. speaking of which i must get my butt in gear because i do have to work today. well here is a brief update......... have a blessed day

so busy

wow have I been busy, not in a crazy exhausting way..... just a "it is what it is way" Sammy had surgery on the 10th, and he is doing really well. Bill has surgery on the 30th. and a 46 year old body does not heal like a 16 year old body.. i am just sayin'

I am feeling really good again, by the end of the day my throat remains "scratchy". but other than that I am okay.

This is the first time in years that i will have to finish up shopping tomorrow. and i am not even stressing it. I am looking forward to Christmas Day. I will make a nice brunch with french toast, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, a quiche.... I plan on staying in my jammies most of the day. I also plan on going on a little hike at my favorite place hopefully enjoy the snow. The kids will go to Albert's parents for Dinner, and Bill and i will just chill. I am finding that the older I get, the more i am enjoying the simplicity of the Season. and i am choosing to make it a simple reflective day.

Well i have tons to do today..... I must find my house, get ready to take Sammy to therapy and then get to work for the long day. tomorrow I am off, and won't go back until weds.

May God bless you and give you peace.

much much better

there was a moment that I thought i just was going to stay sick F>O>R>E>V>E>R!!! Not the case. I spent the entire weekend just resting as much as i could and drinking tons of hot tea and water. for four days i ate nothing but soup, Holiday soup, Chicken soup, French onion Soup, Tomato soup. I also included my morning shake and kept up on my vitamins :0).

I feel so much better, i felt pretty good yesterday too, however as the hours dragged on at work, i noticed i got more tired, and my voice "scratchiness" increased as i used it.

Today i am going to spend extra hours at work as Sammy has surgery this friday. I am wanting it to be over with, i am sure he will be fine... but this is his first issue with a hospital...so keep your prayers going.

I am so ready to start back up with my exercise, whether it is hiking, or doing my Wii fit. I didn't do anything last week, as i was focusing on just letting my body heal.

Well i am going to get going now, as i am doing the house work and heading to the office.... tomorrow is going to be a long day.

Have a great day with many blessings

I am sick and still smiling :0)

Okay, I think working at S'eclairer has really started to change my view on things. First and foremost i am more tolerable of peoples weaknesses, as well as my own. I don't think i judge so quickly and easily. oh i am human and I will always have the flaws that make me me!!

However, I am dealing with my cold/flu that after several months being surrounded by it, has finally got me.

The difference this time is, i am just accepting it. I am losing my voice, so what, i talk too much anyhow. I was running a low grade fever (100.0) instead of popping tylenol, i decided to let my body try and do its job. so i sorta imagined the heat of my body naturally killing the virus that has attacked it. Instead of getting frustrated with my coughing and sneezing, i am aware that this is my body's natural way to get rid of the junk in my lungs and sinus passages. my body is achy and I am tired, just my body's way of telling it to rest, rest so the body can do what it is designed to do.

IT IS WHAT IT IS.......... I am sick. and it must take its course...... when i lay down at night, the coughing gets worse, so why get so frustrated, that won't help... instead i come out to my living room, finally take Nyquil that i fight taking all the time, make a cup of tea infused with slippery elm and black licorice, focus on deep breathing, put in an old movie (Christmas movies now).... and i must admit, i fell asleep pretty quick, and slept well all night.

I don't take medications too often, but i do know that rest and fluids are the way to help the body fight the infection.... so nights of not sleeping just make things worse.

I've been using my Peppermint essential oils, my neti pot, chicken soup for most meals ( i am not hungry at all) and drinking tons of tea. i am really concentrating on exercising my lungs with deep breathing. So I feel sick, I look sick......... but i can still smile :0)

Blessings to all

The worst muscle fatigue i can remember in a long time

well okay so i did Wii fit Active on Weds, and again on Thurs. the workouts like focusing on squats and lunges. as well as cardio and using exercise bands. Thursday at work i couldn't even do the steps my leg and butt muscles hurt so bad. not an injury type of hurt, but a muscle burn recovery type of hurt!!!. well i didn't take into account that on friday i would be walking in DC all day. the bus literally took us to one area, and we walked all over, I clocked over 6 miles. I used the steps in all the museums, and i am not going to lie, I was in agony from the waist down..... but in a good way. I was really proud how i ate also, i packed cut up fruit. low fat cheese, high fiber whole grain crackers, carrots and i measured out a serving of nuts. i also drank tons of water. at dinner i ended up getting a grilled chicken wrap but could only eat 1/3 of it cause my lapband was tight. AND i did not eat sweets. i have been surrounded by sweets. Bill tried to talk me into taking a bite of donut that Katie got yesterday.... nope!, we have DOUBLE STUFFED OREO"S. and i have not and will not have one...... and i have never in my life turned down a double stuffed oreo. I have been surrounded by illness as i've said in a previous post, and by the Grace of God I have not gotten it yet....... not sure how i am not getting sick... it's prob saving up and gonna hit me over Christmas....... what will be, will be !!!!

Well i already did my workout this am, and I do babysit, so i should get going. tomorrow i'll check and see if Christina wants to hit the great out doors

Have a great day and many blessings

UPDATE

doing well, managing to get back in the groove of hiking again... I think Christina likes it too. I am finding that my foot/toe is definitely being cooperative with me hiking again.... I did find out from the MRI, the joint in that toe does have large amt of arthritic tissue involvement, so when the bunion and bone spurs do get fixed, we may need a new joint. it also showed the sesamoid bones in my joint are totally displaced. I have started taking Bromelain, a natural enzyme that reduces inflammation in the body. it is found mainly in Pineapples. Also i feel that sugar and simple carbs can cause an inflammation process in the body. I continue taking my Krill oil too. well what ever i am doing, i seem to be able to tolerate up to 5 miles hiking without major pain at this point... so we shall see :0). The Doctor did remind me, if i wanted to give up hiking, it may help. well that is NOT an option. hiking is in my blood. Also, i think i've found the ideal shoe for me. I have tried alot of shoes..... all brand names, various prices. and for the first time i found a shoe that i can put on in the morning, walk on pavement all day long.... come home and not even notice that i've had foot problems. it truly blows my mind. they are Reebok's and are as ugly as hell... however i do not wear shoes for looks ( sorry Patti, Love you :0) ) her is a photo of them.

told you they were ugly :0). Don't know how they work, my foot doctor tried to explain that the way the soles are, it equally disperses the weight, so that not one area is getting pounded.

Today i did my Wii fit Active.... I did a really difficult workout, i was literally pouring with sweat. i was wearing my heart rate monitor and it was showing that i was definitely in the cardio level.

I am again going to repeat, i am feeling so good. and so far i've managed to keep the yucky viruses away from me, and i am surrounded by it. Not sure why my body is not grabbing these illnesses..... but i will accept it, and not get too cocky either, cause i know it can hit me at any time. so i continue to eat right, exercise, rest, drink my tea, drink lots of water, take my vitamins, take my oils, pray and meditate..... and not do any added sugar, including not doing any artificial sweeteners like nutrisweet, splenda, truvia, stevia, or honey.

well i should go get ready for work... have a great day everyone.

Well i didn't get sick

Nope no sickness here yet........ I do not want to jinks myself by saying that. but then again i do know that doesn't work that way. I am just aware that i am around so much sickness..... and i am focusing more on my defensive plan right now. lets face it I can't know or control were these little viruses are..... there is only so much hand sanitizer that one can use. So i will continue to eat healthy, drink lots of fluids, get lots of rest, and keep stress at bay....

Had a beautiful day yesterday. I did have the little girl I babysit for, however after that i hung out at Christina's with her daughter, daughter in law and grandchildren.

back to babysitting briefly..... lately, we spend a good bit of time doing physical outdoors activities. Monday we "hiked' a mile, ended up at a play ground were we played before hiking back home. she lives right next to one of the trail heads i usually bike on. so she thought it was quite an adventure. she was even worried I'd get lost.. Yesterday we visited a Cemetery that my mom and dad are buried at. I am not attached to it, but it is a really cool place to visit... we walked all around the tombstones and the 4 year old was asking all kinds of questions, like how old were they when they died? were they married? we walked and visited the stones for almost an hour........ she did tell me at one point........... " you know Sandi, they really aren't in the rocks (tombstones) don't you know they live with Jesus, and he lives in heaven" oh out of the mouth of babes. she did not understand the burial in ground.... and i didn't explain. After her sister came home from school...... i high tailed it out to Christina's to visit those very beautiful babies. Katie came down for a minute before she was called to work. all i can say as when we are together....... there is SO MUCH LAUGHTER !!!

also i should say that Chris went for a hike with me yesterday, first time we both went in quite a while. it feels so good to be out walking again :0). there is no reason that I cannot hike in the winter..... no reason at all.

well I have a busy day today, taking Sam for a follow up doctor appointment, and then somewhere to get shoes and maybe a pair of pants. take him back to school and then i head to work........ thank goodness i love my job....... still have no stress going (two years later).

have a great day folks

Silence...... was so loud this morning

So i text Christina yesterday, about going for a walk early this am. i asked Katie about a walk this early AM. Well Christina didn't get her text, and Katie didn't wake up. i have been going hiking with someone else for so long..... i almost forgot what it is like going alone. But i decided that maybe i can't go for the 5 and 10 mile hikes right now, because of my foot. BUT there is no reason why i can't do 2, 3 or 4 mile hikes more often. Years ago i used to go every day to hike my Conemaugh damn, just me and usually Juneau, or Sadie. but this morning i didn't even take a dog. as a rule it is better and safer to hike with someone....... i had my knife, i had my spray. i had my phone. even called Bill to tell him i would be hiking alone and would be back to the car within an hour. I am really feeling good, and i was able to hike 3 miles early this morning. it was so crisp and fresh. and i actually paid attention to the silence..... no birds chirping, no wind rustling the leaves. I could hear a train in the distance, and an occasional piece of machinery at work. it was actually very nice, it isn't good to be so silent going through the woods, as you can startle a bear or other animal....... so i started to hum, thank goodness i was the only one on the little mountain this morning :0) i am not a good hummer!!! i have been so busy, but feeling so good. so i wasn't happy when i got such a major headache and neck ache this afternoon. i will know tomorrow morning if i am "catching" something or if it was a just allergy related. i am increasing my fluid by an extra 32 oz., and going to drink an extra 4 cups of tea......

wow time is flying by ...... I love this time of the year, I am still not doing sugar..... it has been....... holy cow i just went back on my blog to see when i started this..... it has been 50 days no added sugar ......... 50 days :0). and my body is showing it, both outwardly and inwardly.

well i am going to get a hot bath, put on some peppermint oil..... crawl into bed, rest and drink......

blessings and love to all

Gettyburg getaway.....

well i just got back from a nice little getaway with Bill. I don't post this before hand on my blog, nor on facebook, as i don't want any idiots knowing that we are away, esp with the kids here :0).

We had a wonderful wonderful time. Sunday night we did a "ghost hunt" using the same tools that you see on those tv shows., we visited the museums, and walked the Cemetery and the battle field. Bill's brother and his wife who lives in Philadelphia, met us there. we stayed in the same hotel, and went to alot of the things together, but we also did things on our own too. it was so relaxing.

I am really really noticing that i am dropping sizes very fast..... and i am noticing an increase in my energy....... it is almost like i've been working so hard for so long, and those months when i didn't lose any weight, i keep plugging along....... and it seems like since i've eliminated sugar, regular and artificial,....... CLICK!!! my metabolism has woke up. I almost gave myself permission to share a dessert while away...but honestly, i didn't need it. and did not partake in what the others were enjoying :-). I am not so crazy... for instance Bill asked me to "taste" a piece of fudge because he couldn't determine the flavor... i didn't even take a bite, but rubbed my pinky finger across it and tasted it that way... also finally after having the Lapband for a year and a half, i notice NOW it is working even better than when i got it. So if we went somewhere, I'd get a bowl of soup, and eat about 1/4th of whatever Bill ordered.....

we ended up eating a meal at the Gettysburg famous Dobbin House Tavern, the one splurge for US, however it ended up not being a splurge as we decided to try the Tavern and not the Restaurant. and i knew realistically after i ate my French onion soup, i would not be able to eat anything else.......... it was so yummy.... and i was so happy with that spurge, i didn't miss the dessert or the meal. a bite of Bill's steak, was perfect. Bill ended up having ice cream, and fudge, and gourmet chocolates, and alot of other yummies....... :0). After this vacation, i think i will not have much problem over the holidays......... however we shall see.

Well i have a bedroom to organize, and clothes to wash.... oh and one more thing.

Bills sister in law, who is a sweetheart, happened to be really sick........ coughing and hacking the entire time..... i truly hope that i do not get it.......... but i will increase my fluids, and take time to rest, and start my teas............. and hope that i can resist the germs that surrounded me over the weekend....

I'll keep in touch.

Never noticed it before....

Now before you think i am judging, i am NOT, because i was a mom that packed my kids lunch exactly how i witnessed the other day..... I went with the local school as a nurse on a field trip with the 5th graders, everyone had packed lunches. for the first time i really observed what was in the lunches. 90% of the lunches were lunchables, cake, candy, cookies, potato chips, fruit punch, fruit roll ups,.............. you get the picture. I am not sure why i am so aware of this now....... maybe it is my journey...... maybe it is being ingrained in me from where i work.

I didn't go "big" grocery shopping this week because we really needed tires on the Jeep. so I ended up getting, apples, banana's, clementine oranges, grapes, skinless and boneless chicken breast, extra lean ground beef. 1% and skim milk (Katie and Sam and Bill drink one percent, Drew and I do skim) Organic lowfat vanilla Greek yogurt, whole grain bread and wraps. tomato's and lettuce. I did buy ingredients to make the family chocolate "dirt" BUT not for me as i am still not doing sweets. again i found myself looking in some of the carts.......... and i thought wow... that WAS my cart not so long ago.... it is really nice having everyone in the house on the same page.

I have so much energy.... and actually my "cycle" snuck up on me as i didn't feel overly tired, or crave chocolate like i normally do. oh and the same pants I wore a couple weeks ago...... mind you a couple weeks ago the fit fine, but they never got that "loose" feeling after wearing them all day. I wore them on Friday and with in an hour. they got that "loose" feeling, to the point i kept pulling them up.

I am half tempted to prove my Bestest friend in the World wrong....... and just not do sweets, candy, cake or any type of that food until after the holidays. Honestly i don't think i can. esp when the holidays get here. but i am still tempted to try. i mean right now Grandma sent Sam out an Apple pie........ I love Apple pie, but i haven't even had a taste.... I need to just wait and see how I do when Bill and I go away for a few days....

Well I am going to get going, I love my weekends, and it is coming to a relaxing end... good night folks

Peaceful and Content

it has been a wonderful several days :0). I guess i don't get that seasonal affective disorder, because as the days shorten, its like i start nesting and getting ready to get all cozy for the winter. I've also noticed real conversations with my almost adult, and adult children and i am savoring it like a great piece of chocolate candy. Monday night. i watched the Beauty and the Beast Movie that KATIE bought for me. she knew it is my all time favorite Disney movie, and she wanted to make sure i got a copy. So last night, Everyone went to bed after the Penguin game (yes i think the movie itself scared everyone away.) my house was cleaned, a warm fire in the fire place a pot of tea beside me, all lights off......... AND BEAUTY AND THE BEAST IN HD. oh and i can't forget having it rain and make that mesmerizing sound on the skylights above me........ my family home, the animals in.... it was just wonderful !!!!

I babysit monday and tuesdays, work at the office on weds, thurs, fri. and then i take one day over the weekend to clean...... so i am busy to say the least. but i haven't been getting tired, and i feel pretty Damn good right now. lots of energy........

Well Chris and I went up to check out Johnny's new/remodeled gym. it IS very nice. not sure when i will be ready to head back up there... i know i did get my Wii Fit back out from it's Summer Vacation. and there is no reason why i can't get physical outdoors just because the weather is starting to get cooler........ it didn't stop me before.......

now with my eating, i remain focused. still not doing the sugar thing. and keeping the 90/10 rule with the white flour.........for instance Monday i made meatball hoagies for everyone...... Crusty rolls, Lean meatballs, and Provolone cheese..... baked in the oven on my Pizza stone. they looked so good........... HOWEVER, i took my organic whole wheat Pasta from Trader Joe's, put two meatballs on top of it with sauce, put some reduced fat provolone cheese.... and broiled it. (Meatball Parmigiana) It was super delicious.......... no white flour meal. Katie made Rice Crispy treats........... didn't have one or even a taste. I asked Christina if she thinks i could do this through out the holidays........ she said No. and she is prob right... i don't want to set myself up for failure........ or i don't want it to back fire........ where i eat so much other foods cause i want the sweets. Bill and I are going away for a few days at the end of this month.... so maybe i'll share a dessert with him....... and then on Thanksgiving i'll eat a slice of pie... Maybe if i plan and schedule......... it will work. . . . . i am not sure yet though honestly. . i might realize that i don't need the dessert. ps i am not using artificial sweeteners either... so a sugar free dessert is still off limits for me

Well think it's time to hit the bed............. good night

Best of Friends!!!

Katie's dog Izzy, and the family Cat Jesse enjoy sharing Katie's bedroom window. believe it or not, the cat is the boss of ALL the animals including the 130 lb Malamute.

Things are going quite well for me, I think the weight is really dropping, because although i don't use the scale, i am pulling out more and more clothes from the bottom of my closet.

I think i am on day 28 of no added sugar........ i just don't want to start, and it isn't a need. I was so proud of myself at work on Thursday....... somebody had made these wonderful brownies..... i was the only one that did not have one. and i am not being really crazy either..... it would be nice if i can keep this up throughout the holidays.

NOW about the no white flour......... i slipped on Friday, wasn't paying attention. had my grilled fish and veggies for lunch, went to Sammy's football game..... didn't eat.... watching game.... not thinking Bill brought back a yummy Stromboli.......... i had two bites, I think i am going to keep focusing on no sugar. and 90% whole grains, whole wheat, etc. And when i am ready i will do the no white flour thing :0).

I am loving this time of year, loving the weather, loving my family..... there is just such a peace and calmness about my house.... and i am loving it.

I was scheduled to go for a lap band fill in November....... but i notice that it seems to be working fine......... and the no sugar thing has really helped me too. I guess if i keep losing at this rate....... keep feeling full after a cup of food...... all is well......... i'll wait a couple more weeks before i call and change that.

Had a wonderful afternoon with Christina, Megan, Paige and Katie..... we went to the coolest little Pumpkin patch.... Paige rode a pony, and played games with hay and corn. we all enjoyed a beautiful hayride to the pumpkin patch up on the hill, Megan got beautiful scenery pictures. And two year old Paige knew exactly what do ........... she kept going from pumpkin to pumpkin... no like, too heavy, too dirty, too slimey, a bug on this one, ugly. She had so much fun. they were making homemade Apple butter on the site, outside on an open pit, 100% of the proceeds went to the four footed friends..... FUN DAY!

Well i am going to get going now.......... maybe read a little, Have a great weekend.....

The 21 days of No white flour... more difficult

well lets see, this is DAY 4 of no white flour.... it seems more difficult for me in different way. I am not craving like i did with the sugar. but i am surprised what has the "white flour" in it. even "innocent" food have me stumped like a flour tortilla. I am ONLY eating 100% whole wheat or whole grains. I found at Trader Joe's yesterday wild brown rice wraps, curious to try those. Speaking of Trader Joe's Christina and I went to Visit her Daughter and new grandson... i had a wonderful day. Jeanine is so full of information regarding foods, herbs, grains..... and i actually tried a recipe at her house for lunch it was Toasted Quinoa Pilaf, my first time to try this grain. the recipe called for garlic and shallots and thyme, bay leaf, chicken broth, and roasted red pepper. It was delicious and SOOOOOOOOO filling and it kept me full for several hours. I am still not eating sweets either.... just not ready to start again. I must say this is the fastest that i am losing "inches" as i am not using the scale. but my clothes are starting to get loose, and i am able to wear some pants that i haven't worn in seven years....

I've managed to get a small hike in here and there with Bill in the evenings. But after my foot doctor appointment on Tuesday.... he wants me to only use my bike. there may be a stress fracture that is not healing near the joint. i have to go for a MRI so they can look at the foot better. So I think i'll get a good bike ride in this weekend for sure :0) i have this huge Camie boot that i should wear at ALL times to immobilize the foot. I do not like it. So IF and When i have Surgery i plan on being closer to my goal weight. therefore that is why i am being so strict with my diet and keeping away from Sugar, and now learning to live without white flour.

Well i should get my butt in gear, work this evening........ lots of laundry to do........ house to clean.

Have a great day today

I tortured myself.....BUT i did IT :0)

After the completion of yesterday, i survived 21 days without added Sugar!!! the torture part is I made an apple pie yesterday.......... normally i would have picked at the pie all day..... it looked so good, and Bill said it was the best pie I ever made.... i really wanted a slice. So then i think i can have a small slice tomorrow...... WRONG.. i am now starting a 21 day of no white flour, plus i am going to try and keep the no added sugar thing going.

Just when i thought i can tolerate my foot issues........ Saturday night it would shoot out sharp pains so strong that it would wake me up from a dead sleep.......... all night long! and the same shooting pain continued all day Sunday... i didn't have to be walking on it...... just sitting there it would throb and shoot pain. I go to the doctor tomorrow, so i shall see what my next step is.

It was a beautiful weekend and i loved just being home.......... quite honestly i am finding i am enjoying being home so much i'd rather be here than anywhere else. All the kids were home also.... they came and went, but spend the majority at home......

I work today, and am off on Wednesday. I don't mind. my co worker has a young son, and when the school doesn't have Monday class she likes to switch me. I am going to go in early and come home at 2'ish

Well i am going to get going here........ make my protein shake, and pack my lunch do i want turkey, fish, or chicken........ hmmm what to make :0). another "warm" day today and then back to the cooler crisp weather....... whatever God gives me I will take

18th day and Energized

I've attempted to blog several times, and just can't find the time... so maybe i'll make this brief. I am still on the NO Sugar/junk foods kick. Today is the 18th day. and believe me, i have been around the stuff. BUT I have not faltered. i feel so good, and the inches have been melting off, haven't felt bloated or yucky... i am very busy, not usually tired.... BUT when it is time for me to go to bed, i've been sleeping like a baby!!! I don't see a problem now with going 21 days with no sugar and on Monday i am going to start 21 days no white flour.... and i might as well keep NOT doing the sugar along with it. Didn't realized that i could be so stubborn when i put my mind to it. that first week was so hard...... it was the worst both mentally and physically....but getting past that, and it really isn't an issue. Well i gotta get my butt back to work, leave early for my son's game plan on a hike and a bike ride this weekend.....
have a great weekend