Reboot!

Yep.  I'm seriously thinking about it.  I may even go and buy some Green Machine today and get a day or two in (although, really, I am seriously jonesing for some cream cheese mashed potatoes.  Must find excuse for having them before I reboot.

What gave me the idea to reboot?  Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dying.  I watched it (free streamed from Amazon with Amazon Prime.  Also free streamed from Netflix.)  I'm amazed at the idea of the 60 day juice fast, although I think I'll more commit to a shorter regimine.  Like a week or 10 days.  If that goes well enough, maybe we'll bump it up to longer.  Although, the first stage of "commitment" will be working more fruits and veggies into the meals, less other stuff, and adding more juice.

Which, if the mean green juice is anything like the Green Machine juice, I'm so totally in for this!  YUM. 

There are some issues that I may have to work out, like, apparently kale is a goitrogenic vegetable -- as is spinach???  *sigh*  I may just go for it anyway, and see where we go.  (But maybe I'm just getting sick of hearing "you can't".) 

Thoughts, comments? 

I Am NOT a Mind Reader ~ OR ~ Potential for Sugar Coma Over Here...

...With 3 or 4 dozen or so each of sugar cookies (some frosted!) and gingersnaps, plus a blueberry lemon cheesecakey-type confection and cinnamon-sugared pecans.  And there is that pound cake...

Mostly, they are gifts.  (Especially the pound cake and gingersnaps -- those are for my grandparents.  They will also get samplings of the other cookies and cake.) 

The pecans were an attempt to satisfy my dad.  He has been telling me pretty much since I made those spiced pumpkin seeds at Halloween that he wanted some spiced pecans.  Okie-dokie.  No problem.

What kind of spiced pecans?

"I don't know.  Just some spiced pecans.  I've had a recipe over here for a while."

Where?

"On this computer." 

First I've heard of it...

But we print the page...and it's seven pages!  There are at least a dozen, some spicy, some sweetly spiced, etc. 

Which ones are you wanting?

"Any will do."

So I do some that are savory.  "Not bad, but not what I was looking for."

Hrm.  Okay...  Next up.  Cinnamon & Sugar.

"They're good...but not the flavor I wanted."

...

Well, what flavor did you want????

"Hot."

Hot.  Okay.  I can give you hot.  I put in at least two tablespoons of cayenne.  Black pepper.  Tiger hot sauce and Jamaican Hell Fire (which, CRAP, I'm allergic to, and I ate some of the damn things!).  Red pepper flakes.  Some other stuff.

They seem to have little flavor to enhance the pecans, but they have heat.  Lingering heat.

But it's probably not enough....

Alas...Coursing Through My Veins...

Well...I was the one who said I would always make sure to post no matter what. Well, guess what? I have not abided by my own rule. Somehow, the lure of a book is calling me, and I don't have the heart to post today. Perhaps, Thursday will be a better day.

Falling Behind and Being Mary

So, the last post here was November 11th, and I believe it was me.  Where have my two partners in crime gone?

I always say I'm busy, but I often sit back and wonder how it really appears to outsiders.  Yesterday, I ran into someone I rarely see to speak to.  She commented on how busy I am (or at least say I am) on Facebook between work, baking, crocheting, and writing a book.  What am I most impressed with?  That she reads my Facebook, to be honest.

Today, someone else commented on how I'm always baking something and asked why.  So, I started on my laundry list -- Christmas gift for a lady at work, my child's teachers (3 dance teachers and 1 school teacher, although I never think about how she has a different teacher for math and a different teacher for PE), my grandparents, and a couple of other people.  Plus, my name is permanently etched on the dessert list for pot lucks at work and I think it's better for me to bake every week or two and have some sweets made with items I can pronounce and REAL SUGAR!  I'm not one to go back over and over and over again for sweets, and that cake will last at least a week in the house with 4 of us eating it. 

I'm still dancing, although after tonight's class we've got two weeks off.  I still feel like I'm struggling to keep up with what's going on, feeling like we move forward too fast.  It's great, I'm sure, for those who have been doing this for years, but for those of us who are essentially just starting, it's tough.  I made the decision this month to miss one class per month because of girl scout meetings.  I just have to try to make sure that it's not more than one per month.

And, now, on to being Mary.  There is a thing I want to participate in called a mary-a-thon.  You can do the full maryathon (make a commitment to exercise at least 30 minutes per day for 5 days per week for 26 weeks) or a half maryathon (30 minutes per day for 3 days for each of 26 weeks.)  If you mess up, you have to start over -- it must be 26 consecutive weeks.  It can be done anytime in the year.  (But we are talking half a year here, right?)  What do we think?  Shall we do it?

Let's Get Naked!

Juice, that is!

I recently wasn't feeling well, and I wound up picking up a bottle of Green Machine by Naked Juice.  It looks about like green sludge, so it didn't really look very drinkable.  And then you read the ingredients list.  Broccoli, Spinach....in a juice? 

I remember those infomercials they used to do for the Jack LaLane Power Juicer (that I ALWAYS wanted!)  They put some awful odd concoctions in there, and then they'd serve it to adults and children, who would just rave over it. 

So I broke down and bought this odd-looking green sludge.  And it was good.

And expensive.

For a 2 serving (I think) small bottle, it's over $2.  For a larger bottle?  Almost $5.  But oh so yummy! 

I bought the non-Naked off-brand (almost a full dollar cheaper) and it was good, but not AS good.  And buying the big bottle means I woke up every morning this week and pour a small glass to sip.  (Or gulp.  Whatever.)  And now I think I may be addicted.

Where can I get it cheaper, though?

It's Getting Cold....

And quiet. . . Too quiet. . .

My weight is still (so far) going down.  I was about to post that I am nearing 10 pounds of weight lost (because I seem to recall a high of 226.8 or so), but I scrolled back through the posts and found that on the very first post on this blog, I said I weighed 221.  And then I gained several pounds.  So, tonight, it said 219.8.  I usually weigh in the morning, which means I'm pretty hopeful that it will say less if I can get on it in the morning.

But...look from start to now...I've lost....a pound. 

I'm not nearly as excited as I was.

My, Have We All Fallen Behind...

No posts in almost two weeks?  My goodness, my gracious, my heavens, my word....what could it be.... it's an elephant-bird!  (Okay, yeah, that was probably completely inappropriate.  Sue me.)

I think I'm going to have to break down and see a doctor about my leg.  It hurts a little worse each week after dance.  Friday, after walking two hours, it hurt enough that I bought some potassium over the weekend.  I've been taking potassium and Advil like it's going out of style at appropriate intervals throughout the day. 

Now I've come home from dance to a dog also hobbling through the house, unable to put weight on one of his legs.  He looks pitiful.

On the weight-front, I'm down to about 220.  I came in yesterday afternoon and got on the scale, expecting it to say 225+, but it was at 222.  I figure if I had a morning weigh-in, before eating and whatnot, it should be around 220.  I guess I need to actually say that.  This said, of course, after I had an apple for breakfast, then a patty melt and onion rings with ranch for lunch.  Now, on the upside, I didn't eat half of the patty melt until dinner, and that's all I had.  I haven't even raided the ice cream.  (You should see the freezer....)

I need to exercise more.  Really, I do.  But, to exercise, this muscle that's likely sprained is going to have to get better. 

Oh...

The recital theme is "numbers".  We may be dancing to "Love Potion No. 9."  If you've got any ideas for number-themed music that adults can dance to....speak!  And soon!

The Lure of the Scale

I have promised (on several occasions) to hide my scales. Every time I enter the bathroom, they call my name. The absolute lure of standing on the scales is beyond me. Okay...see...this is what I did...I ate a hamburger. A homemade juicy hamburger. With cheese. And pickles. Plus tomatoes, onions, and condiments: ketchup, mustard, and mayo. Not to mention, I ate fries. It was glorious. I reveled in every bite. Then...I had to pee pee. So, while I'm in the bathroom, where do my eyes fall? On the scales! As an overweight person, it is customary for me to strip down before I step on the scales...so, I did. Why the hell did I weigh in various spots in the bathroom only to read 270.6 at each weigh-in? What had I done?!?

My mind took on a whirlwind of images, including seeing myself on camera, unchanged. Now, I have had to regroup and get myself back on the path to doing the right thing. Today, when I weighed, it was down to 264.4...can you say "sigh of relief"? Anyway, I have...no MUST...remember the ultimate goal...to lose weight and learn how to eat without going overboard. Sure, I could have had the hamburger, but it should have been half the size of what I made it.

There are about three weeks left in this adventure...and I hope to lose more weight. I admit, I have been a bitch to my trainers: Kirby and Marques. The whole experience has taken me to a limit that I didn't think possible. Had you told me two months ago, I would do four sets of fifteent to twenty squats, I would have laughed in your face. Look at me, now.

Ladies, I have not been representing you all that well; however, these last three weeks, I will make sure to give it 100% without complaining (realize I am wearing a smirk and rolling my eyes.)

Peace

Did You Ever Notice....

....How pizza never seems to fill you up?  Or is that just me?  Of course, in the time it takes me to eat two slices, my child (God love her) has eaten half the pizza.  So far, she doesn't show it.  If there's anything that I hope for my child, it's that she never loses the ability to eat whatever and never show signs of it.

This morning, the scale said 221.4.  I think that officially puts me down 5 pounds since this started in, what...the beginning of August?  5 pounds for 2 months?  Is that good?  Down is down, right?  Better to be 5 pounds down than 5 pounds up, right?  Really need to get on it for October, though!  Let's go, October!!

I Am Soooo Over this Experience

In the beginning, I was all over myself wanting the punishment, the diet, the outcome of a TRANSFORMATION! Now, I just want to feel better. I'm sick! My throat, nose, and body hurts--the last thing on my mind is running (still not there, yet!) on a treadmill! I'm down 2o lbs and it seems as if I am stuck in a rut. Okay...okay...okay...I haven't been necessarily following my diet. I mean how many days can one eat tuna and cottage cheese and not want to throw herself from the top of the nearest Surburban? At some point and time, the body begans to reject the blandness and demands taste.

I can say that the way I used to eat, in terms of amount, has changed dramatically. Hubby and I went to Captain D's (his plan, not mine), and I ordered baked salmon, green beans, and a plain baked potato (would have preferred a sweet potato, but alas...). After all was said and done, I watched hubby eat four fried pieces of fish, french fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. Not to mention, he rinsed it all down with a giant Dr. Pepper. I could only eat 1/3 of mine! Not even half. I was struggling to eat! I was struggling to eat? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. So, I retrieved a "to go" box, packed my remaining food, and continued to sip, okay, slurp greedily, from my cup of ice-packed water. Yummy!

So, why in the hell did I eat pizza last night? What the hell was I thinking? I was thinking, "I'm hungry. I haven't eaten since 11:40 am. It's a thin crust supreme...is it really that bad?" The scales tell me this morning that 265.4 (265.4!) is where I am! Yesterday, I was 266.0! Okay, for breakfast: cornflakes; snack: banana; lunch: tuna and cottage cheese; snack: boiled eggs; dinner: tuna and broccoli. Don't judge me, pray for my digestive system and those who sleep with me. Seriously...get on your knees. I wonder can I be 259 by Homecoming? Homecoming! I have so much to do!

Until next time, ladies...

Peace.

ARRGGHHH! My Leg!

Ow.  Owow.  Owowowowowowowowowow!!
.
This happened last week.  My leg, about 3 inches or so above the ankle, hurts.  It has hurt in that spot all week.  Today, it was starting to lessen up, then came dance class.  I've already had a substandard day.  Now I can barely stand on this leg! Ow!

The dance instructor says I probably need to stretch the calf more, so that's what I'm trying.   Stretch!

Do you have any idea what kind of things run through your mind when you have at least 100 pounds that need to go and you're suddenly spending a lot of time bouncing on your poor widdle feetsies?  Could that be a stress fracture?  Surely not.  How would I know?  Would I know without an x-ray?  What can I do to make it go away?  Could it be something else?  Gee...I think that foot is swollen...why would it be swollen?  Maybe it's a sprain.  Can you sprain a muscle THERE?  What's going on?  Ugh.

Adventures In Pie, Part II

Well, go me (! ... ?)  I "earned" just under $30.  The next highest earned was $21 and change.  So, yes, I got pied.

I must say...I was a little disappointed in the experience.  I mean...I expected it to get in my hair and really be smooshed in, but, alas, that didn't happen.  Oh well.  I think I may never have the experience of having a bulldog (kid in mascot costume) pie me again.

Next year, though, I'm waiting until the list of teachers comes out and assigning a bonus point value for each teacher, starting with 0 for me.  (I have thought about a point deficit for if I win, but would that really be fair?)

At least things no longer smell like whipped cream. 

The Biggest Loser

Okay...Biggest Loser started tonight.  The worst part about this show this year is that my tap class starts at 7, so that means I miss half of the show.  Oh well.  This tap class is pretty darn important, right?

I need to get moving more.  I need to do some yoga and get some balance back.  I need to do some cardio-type things.  I've ordered a Richard Simmons dvd.  I need to figure out where Disco Sweat is.  I need a place to set up my Fluidity and start on it again.  Do, do, do. Never enough time, it seems like.  I know you have to MAKE the time.  I'm working on it.

Holy cow!  One team of FIVE people lost 120+ pounds??  In a week?  One guy lost 37 pounds!  Wow.  I missed how much the third team lost.  Just...wow.

In other news (or, your  laugh for the evening), kids are reporting that I'm in the lead in this pie-ing competition.  Someone was trying to get $$ in one of the Coach's jars, and I heard a kid ask where my jar was.  Hmm.  I need to find out how much is in my jar and go drop some $$ in someone else's jar. 

Adventures In Pie, Part I

First off, it's not what you think. 

The cheerleaders are fund-raising.  They have chosen to do the "the teacher with the most money in his/her jar gets pied at the pep rally!"  I am one of only four volunteers.

When I volunteered (before knowing who else or how many others would volunteer), I wrote on the board that if the pie-ee is any other 7th grade teacher, everyone will get 5 bonus points on their quiz that Friday.  If it's me, everyone gets 10. 

Now, I'm going for participation here, right?  Besides, there are over 400 non-7th graders to put money in the other jars.  What's the chance I'll actually get it, especially with class t-shirt sales going on right now?  And, of course, Phillips as a potential target.  Those older kids who have JOBS have an advantage, you know.

Of course, Norris is wishing me luck.  Said last night that he hopes all my 7th graders get their 10 bonus points. 

At least pie in the face doesn't add calories.  Right?

One More Step in the Right Direction

As of this morning, the scale says 222.4.  Which is what it said yesterday morning.  Two days in a row at this weight at least makes you believe it may stick.  So that puts me at, approximately, 4 pounds down.

Now, it isn't phenomenal amounts of weight loss.  But it is a loss.  And for that, we can celebrate.  Right?

So, what am I doing?  Uh...  I feel like I'd get slapped for saying "nothing".  But that's what it feels like.  I have swapped to a few organic products.  I have a slice of toasted Ezekiel 4:9 bread with organic cream cheese and organic blackberry preserves.  (Sometimes with a small glass of Organic 1% milk.)  I've been taking salad for lunch, which isn't much.  I do some sort of mixed greens with tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, meat (usually grilled, boiled, or baked chicken) and sun-dried tomato salad dressing (60 calories per 2 tablespoons, but I'm sure I'm awful heavy-handed with it.)  I take an apple or some carrots for a snack (but usually never have time to eat a snack), and eat a fairly hearty dinner. 

Is that it?  Hmm....

I'm trying to get more active.  I'm taking a 45 minute per week Tap class that, right now, seems to be absolutely kicking my butt.  My knees hurt for two days after this last one.  I walk out with my hair soaking wet from sweat.  But I still haven't managed to get myself moving on other days of the week. 

Is that it?  Urrr.....

I'm on the cpap.  I have a few nights (like last night) where I just can't deal with it.  (I went to bed around 11, and woke up and took it off at roughly 2:30 this morning.)  However, most nights, I keep it on all night. 

Maybe that's it. 

I dunno.  I know I could be doing better.  I know I need to exercise more.  I want to get my Richard Simmons videos out (or, at least, Disco Sweat) and starting on those again.  Just seems like too much to do, and not nearly enough time to get it done.

MIA/AWHOL

So, yes, I am still here. Not lighter, but a bit heavier than my last update. Labor Day holiday with my family and the in-laws sort of blew it for me: Cheesecake, hot fudge sauce, ribs, chicken... yadda, yadda, yadda... You name it, I probably ate it.

The four pounds I lost the last blog update have been put back on... and probably a little more. I was a little afraid to weigh-in yesterday. I should probably force myself upon the scales in the morning.

Here's my problem: It's just too easy. It's too easy to say, "Oh, that fried ______ (fill in the blank) won't matter." But the problem is that while maybe ONE slip up/indulgence in a blue moon might not matter THAT but (when I know it really does) but if it's like "Whoops! Three slip ups in a week!" Oh my, yes then it does matter. It's too easy to grab lunch between schools now on my commute. It's too easy to wake up and say, "Oops, not enough time to pack my lunch and Thomas's lunch. I'll just pack his." It's too easy to not eat the boring-ass tuna and apple sauce that I do diligently packed for the first two weeks of school and kept losing weight. Yes, it's just too easy.

Also, it's too easy to consider weigh-loss surgery. It's been on my mind since 2009. But sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits in my mind. It scares the hell out of me, but having health problems in the near future scares the hell out of me too. I really fell like I need to make this effort on my own, but having been overweight for your entire life-- it's not too easy to think of not being overweight.

The Game Has Changed

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies....I'm tired! Actually that is a lie! I feel quite refreshed and invigorated. I actually believe I could walk five miles (which I will do this afternoon) and not feel as if I need to cut my feet off afterwards.

As you may recall, I missed three sessions the week of August 29-Sept 2. To top it off, on Monday (Labor Day) the gym closed at five o'clock and I had not received any notice from anyone to come in at an earlier time, so I didn't go. This meant that I had completely blown four sessions. I returned on Wednesday and was rewarded with Brandon. Here is the time that I will tell you that B is not a reward at all. Sure, he was handsome, but don't let that winning smile fool you. I began working with Brandon at 5:32 (I always notice the time), and had to ask for release (yes, I said I had to ask because he was not going to stop). When I stumbled on shaky legs towards the stretch area, Brandon on my heels, I noted the time was 6:49! One thing about him was that he did make sure I breathed correctly which really helped on all the exercises for my lower half. Mind you, everthing that I did fell in this range: 15 sets of 4! 60 squats! 60 dead lifts; 60 leg lifts; 4 sets of lunges (that REALLY hurt); 120 step ups (you know where you step up and down on a stool); 15 laps around the cage (thankfully, not all at once) and 60 hamstring whatevers; however, on the 60 calf thingies...I just gave out. I really don't know how Vicki and I made it home.

Last night (9/9), I had to endure a circuit with Kirby (squats--what's the deal with them?, sprints, kick-up, and the damn ropes) and a one hour step/ab aerobic class. Truly, I was glad Roy drove because it took every ounce of my being to walk out of the door. What makes it so bad is that Val has to run all the time and they are still taking it "easy" on me. WTH?!

However, this morning when I put on my jeans I noticed two things: the looseness of the jeans and the shape of my behind in them. Hoo-ya!

Seven more weeks!

Rainy Day Play...you keep a tapping and I'll keep a squatting. Cristin, we haven't heard from you, but I know you are maintaining and putting your best foot forward. I think we need to get together at the end of our respective Homecomings and have a celebration. Or, we could do it during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Yes! Layaway at Wal-Mart is back!

More Trust Issues?

I got on the Wii this morning for Wii Fit Plus.  I should be ashamed, because it's been 13 days since I last got on it.  According to the Wii, I have lost 8.4 pounds in 3 weeks.  The regular scale (as of the last time I got on it) said I'm down about 3.5.  Granted, I haven't gotten on that scale today, but I just don't see it saying I've had that much of a loss.

OF course...If I have to pick one to go with...well...the Wii also is registering roughly 10 pounds less than the other scale.  So...y'know....

Hmm...maybe that cardboard box isn't good for it...

I'm Not Bad....

But I must say that the $4/pint (on sale!) gelato (aka ice cream) is worth every penny.  I bought it Saturday, and am almost finished with it.  A little bit here...a little bit there.....  As good as it is, you'd like to sit and eat the whole container (which is reusable, btw).  But as much as you spent for it, you want to savor the flavor.  Make it last over a few days.

Last night, I used up the last of my super-good-for-you sprouted grain ohmygoditswheat bread.  Mind you, there are no preservatives, so I keep the current loaf in the fridge and a spare in the freezer.  Well, dumb me forgot to take the spare out of the freezer.  This morning I had to make my toast (with organic cream cheese and blackberry preserves) with white bread!  It didn't taste right, and I was super hungry way earlier than I should have been.

So, last week (or whenever) I said I didn't trust the scale.  It has officially stayed at 223.  Going down by tenths now (and even this afternoon, which is usually a terrible time to weigh, it was .4 lower than this morning.)  I'm going to keep trying to do what I'm doing, work towards more activity, and hope for the best.  (For now.  I've got to get more active, and got to work up to it.)

Now....can I go to bed?

Dance! Woo!

I survived my first dance class!  Woo!  Every muscle in my legs are shaking and I'm dripping in sweat...but I survived!

There are four people in the class (so far).  Two have been tapping for a couple of years.  Then there's me.  I clogged for a year once upon a time.  And the fourth has never worn a pair of tap shoes (other than to try on the pair she's got) in her life.  She's in the same boat I am -- maybe this will help us jiggle some of this extra weight off.  (Okay..yeah...I danced oh-so-long ago and wanted to dance again.)

So the instructor would do some for all of us, then would set more "advanced" steps for our "advanced" dancers.  I'm having some balance issues, but I could do everything except a backwards flap with little trouble.  I was told that I was doing well transitioning from clogging to tap.  My response?

"You know, it's been over 20 years since I took clogging."

"Really?  Either you have some natural talent, or it's all coming back to you really fast." 

My thought?  It's like riding a bike, right?  (Although, if it's talent, then we know where little K gets it from, right?)

So, we ended with "tap cardio".  Five minutes or so of move-it move-it get your heart rate up and sweat.  Holy cow -- I was already sweating!  And then stretching out at the end....I can't stand on one foot and stretch anything.  Even the "newbie" was better balanced that I was.  My tree met a logger.  (Tree, if you don't know, is that yoga move that I've never been able to do steadily where you stand on one leg with the other leg on your thigh.  Yeah.  You can't do it either, can you?)

Tomorrow Is the Beginning. . .

. . . .of dance!  I think I'm excited about starting tap.  You must understand that I always wanted to take dance growing up.  I was only able to take clogging during my 3rd grade year.  After that, we moved here, and the price of lessons tripled or quadrupled.  We couldn't afford it. 

That's why my daughter will be starting her 5th year of dance lessons.  It's one of those things that, so long as I can afford it, she will do it as long as I can keep her in it.  This year, she will have the same schedule as last year, although I'm hoping that her teacher will realize that she's the same age as at least one child who was moved up to level 2 (which is 3rd/4th grades).  It makes no sense to me, but I'm trying really hard to make peace with it.  Maybe it's because that child is so much bigger (taller, mostly) than mine.  Maybe they didn't realize that the other child is in 2nd grade and not 3rd.  Maybe...ugh.  I dunno.

I'm hoping this dance class will help pick up my energy levels.  Tap, tap, tappity-tap. 

Hey, High Heels.....how was that training session today?

When Yo's Away...the Trainee Eats

Awww sh&*! I really messed up today. Is it redeemable? Why certainly! When will I start? Immediately. Will there be consequences and repercussions? ABSOLUTELY!

Dear friends: RDP and C...Pray for your friend's workout on Monday. I have a feeling it will not be pretty.

Still Working on Those Trust Issues

The scale this morning said 223.0.  I won't tell you what I've eaten this week...for dinner, mind you.  Breakfast and lunch, I'm decent.  It's dinner that's the downfall.

I must say that I'm finding it difficult to get enough to drink during the day.  I stand outside my door until I feel fairly positive that all of my kids are in, then move to the "door" in the hallway so I can catch latecomers.  No time for getting more water OR trotting off to the restroom in between.  As far as the water goes, I need to do what I'd been thinking of -- freezing half a bottle overnight, the filling the other half with water in the morning.  The ice will melt as the day goes on, providing cool-cold water all day.  It's a thought, anyway, right? 

Publix seems to have a lot of good deals this weekend.  Notebooks and other school supplies have been marked down @ Target already, and I'm ready to go hiking through the stores, looking for a great deal. 

What?  You want to know how this cpap thing is working out for me?  Well...I'm not sure.  I am mostly getting through the night with it on.  (although, last night, I took it off.  I think it was around 12:30, which would mean that I kept it on for close to 4 hours.)  I still feel sleepy.  I don't seem to be having that 1:00 feeling of "God, if I could only go to be RIGHT NOW....."  But I'm also busy at 1:00 and not just sitting around.  How long does it take to recover from sleep dep?

I Took a "You Dumb A#% Pill"

I might as well get straight to the point. First, I didn't workout once with my trainer this week. Second, I ate FRIED chicken fingers and FRIED potato wedges yesterday afternoon. Lastly, I sucked down a Jr. Whopper WITH cheese last night. I mean, really? What just happened. So, that means where the scale had been registering 272.4, now is holding fast to 276.1, which is all my fault. Now, I feel packed and in need of an enigma. Yes, it was stupid. Yes, I'm REALLY going to pay for this %^(# up! No, I will not continue on this path. I am not going to do the "what if" game becaue I know why I ate. STUPIDLY thought it wouldn't really matter.

To make matters worse, I have not been eating as my dietician would like. I have just stressed out and fallen apart. Well, the time to regroup is this morning as I head to the kitchen to eat a banana and three boiled eggs. If you are smart, do not stand near me. I am also drinking my alloted gallon of water (I have yet to make this quota). I wonder could I blame this minor slip on the lesson plan template we have to follow? I could couldn't I? I will.

Wii Active is calling my name and I shall surrender to the call. Perhaps this month, the count will drop between 15-20 additional pounds. Now, that is a goal I am looking forward to making. Which means I have to step my game back up and exercise EVERY day. There are only two more months left, and I doubt if it gets any easier. Let's be real...it's not getting easier.

I solemnly promise to be on my p's and q's today. No foolish setbacks. Too many articles of clothing are waiting to be worn. I don't want to disappoint them.

Peace.

I Don't Trust You.....

I stepped on the scale this morning.  It said 223.somethingorother.  At first...a 3 pound loss...I'm ecstatic. 

For a minute.  Or ten.

Once a week on the Wii isn't enough to see a 3 pound loss.

Two nights on the cpap isn't enough to see a 3 pound loss.

The minor switch to a few organic products?  Noo.....  A daily lunch of sandwich and a salad or just a huge salad, with carrots for a snack?

Eh.

What it comes down to is simply this:  I don't trust the scale.  It lies.  Or, if it doesn't lie, it can at least be pretty tricky. 

The real test will be if it holds for more than a day. 

In other news...yeah, I'm still tired.  But I was able to sleep yesterday (although....I took something....and....I slept through AGT....I want to see all of the results show, but I'm not so sure I'm going to make it to the end.)  I seem to be developing a head cold or something.  *AAAAHHHHHHCCHOOOOOOOoooooooo!*  And...uh...I'm looking forward to going wild with bright colors Friday.  Yeah. 

But the scale?  I still don't trust it.

WW Week I really did lose count...Honestly!

Okay, this week has been great! I am down -4 pounds. Besides the allergies/head cold I am battling at the moment, nothing to complain about.

Today I saw a bigger difference in the way my clothes fit me. I felt slimmer. I am now down 13 pounds total since I started WW.

I haven't been the best at carving out the time for exercise, but now that the weather is cool in the mornings I will try to reinstate the morning walk around the neighborhood (we will see, I LOVE my sleep).

Ladies, we are doing so well. I am proud of us! Here is to less of us! :D

I Am Now...

...The proud (?) owner of a brand spanking new cpap machine.  A Breas iSleep 20i.  Compared to the one Dad got a few years ago, it's kinda cute.

(See a picture here.)

iSleep.  Sounds like it should be sold be Apple to go with the iPod, iMac, iPhone, and iPad. 

Wiiiiiiiiiii!

This morning, I hit the Wii.  I played Wii Fit Plus.  If you didn't know, I love Wii Fit Plus.  <3<3<3  :)

I started today with the Advanced Step.  No problem there.  Almost all perfect steps...until the end...when I messed up on the sideways steps.  Then that messed the whole blasted thing up.  I should have played it again, but I didn't.

Next up: Super HULA Hoops!  Yeah, baby!  10 minutes of hip-swaying action!  I always try to beat my score for each rotation, but, for some reason, whatever I do the first rotational direction, I always seem to fall short during the second direction.  I think when I did this last week, I missed by one.  One!  One!!!  I missed today by twenty four.  I suppose I should be proud of my 1725 + 1701 score (that's 3426, if my math is working tonight).  How high can YOU score?? 

My third game is the island bicycle ride.  Stand on the balance board, hold the Wii-mote like it's a classic controller.  Step to mimic the pedaling of the bicycle and tilt the Wii-mote left and right to turn.  Pedal through the island to all thirteen checkpoints to complete the game.  You CAN pedal around at a leisurely pace, seeing all the sights that are around, but, really, what the balance board (because that's who's encouraging you through all this, right?) wants you to complete all 13 goals as quickly as possible.

So, here I am, "pedaling" away.  First few checkpoints, no problem.  Then that message about taking the scenic route pops up.  Hmmm....okay!  Because "you can take as long as you want to find all of the goals."  I take a side street.  I mean, really.  You are given this tiny area map.  You can't really tell where anything is from that map unless you are practically on top of it anyway.  It turns, uphill.  My goodness....WHY is it harder to pedal uphill?  I'm not really going uphill...I'm not doing anything differently.  I pass a few no entry barriers -- obviously, I am nowhere near a goal.  Nowhere.  Eventually, barriers completely block the path.  I turn around, sail down a hill (Wiiiiiiiii!!  Uh, I mean: Wheeeeeeeee!) 

Time to get serious.  Gotta find those goals.  I got a notice that said I'd pedaled 1.2 miles already.  That's got to count for something.  I'm coasting around the town, pedaling to my heart's content, sweat pouring...this is tough work!  Finally!  All thirteen goals found -- to the finish line!

Sweating, panting, I'm finished.  I feel like a champion.  I "pedaled" over 2 miles!  Woo hoo!  Then the place comes up.  I'm in 4th.  4th?  It seems that it told me I'd pedaled 1.2 miles because the two previous times I'd played this, that's where I'd gotten.  But, oh frustration!  My sister-in-law got all thirteen checkpoints and to the finish in under a mile!  To be pleased that I pedaled farther or ticked that I was bested three times over?  Conundrum. 

Then, it goes back to show the piggy bank.  32 calories burned.  What?  All that work, sweating, and heavy breathing, and all I got was 32 calories?

Well, I did at least get in 30 minutes of cardio.  Even if it was light cardio.  But, still...32 calories for 2+ miles of pedaling?  *sigh*

Falling behind?

Yeah...I think we are, since, what, the last post was 11 days or so ago?


I'm not making progress right now.  However, I don't seem to be gaining anything, which, in a way, is progress.  I will be at the doctors all day (or so it feels) tomorrow.  Eye doctor at 915 for surgical followup, then to see about yon CPAP machine.  Then I have some sort of appointment at 315 at Southern Sleep Clinic.  I'm a little confused about that one, since I thought she said "fitting you for your CPAP", which is what I thought the company who I will be getting the thing through will be doing.  I feel confused, but I know there may be some light at the end of that tunnel.

On the other hand, I think I left my lunchbox at school, forgot to lock up my netbook cart, and left my remotes out where they could be seen.  I don't want to drive out there, but I don't want things to go missing, either.  Hrmph.

Those four beautiful words

Today, my co-worker said those four magical words people on a quest to do better LOVE to hear, "I can really tell". She didn't have to clarify what she was talking about because her eyes and hands told me she was talking about my body. For some reason, that made my day. Well...the reason was evident.

As a matter of fact, filming begin this afternoon, and I believe Yo really gave them a show. Walking through the doors, it was obvious I was quite irritated because I had hoped to make it there prior to 4 pm to share my reasons as to why I had undertaken this journey. I arrived at 4:56! However, the third member of our trio (male) had waited and the interview began. Afterwards, he and his cameraman followed me as I completed a horrendous (no exaggeration) session with Yo. This is what she had me to do:

• Warm-up (easy)
• Alternating bicep curls (done until she murmered "Stop". )
• RUN around the boxing area 2x
• immediately after run, assume sit up position on the mat
• complete 30 situps
• run two laps
• do 3o step-ups
• run two laps
• back down on the mat for more situps
• push ups (that was the first time I had cursed: "Fuck" and "Shit"! No mercy was given
• barbell
• situps
• standing push up holding this weird rope
• 50 leg presses
• 45 minutes on the Elliptical Trainer.

Stumbling to the bathroom after I arrived home, I decided to weigh myself...drum roll 277.2! I was completely stoked (Do people say that word any longer?)

The real test as to how much I weigh will come tomorrow morning when i "officially" weight myself since that will be on a Thursday. For the record, I have grown fond of cottage cheese and tuna.

An explanation about the fs! I fell asleep and when I came to began deleting, but there were fare too many. So, this is what happens to a forty year old on a quest for a "New Day". Sorry about the fs. Perhaps it will make an interesting story for future use.

I encourage both of you to keep up the hard work, it will pay off in the long run. Question is...can I hold out?

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Weight Watchers Week ...?: From Hell

Yeah, it's been that kind of two weeks. Last week was AWFUL, awful for eating. I ate, did not track, ate some more without keeping up with a damn thing. And I REALLY paid for it on the scales come weigh-in time. +5 pounds in ONE WEEK. WTF, well, yeah I know "wtf" happened: eat, eat, eat...

Okay, so I have been much better this week. Packed lunch, only thing that is tempted were the 100 calorie pack Cheez-its hiding in my closet at school. About 2:30 those Cheez-its tasted like a good idea, but after the second bag, the whole idea of 100 calories was out the window. Gah, I am frustrated with myself, but I know this is MY fault. I am not eating what I should nor am I tracking my food intake. I need a lecture. :|

I am tired, not exercising. And there isn't much of an excuse for not exercising at this point except I'm tired, but I know I'm tired because I'm lazy and not eating right. The B12 and B6 for energy isn't working at the moment... It's back to square one, or at least 1/2 of square one since I lost almost 10# before school started...

My goals for this week (maybe I should start writing these down each week, post them, and read them everyday again...)

• Exercise 3x per week (at least)
• Track ALL food intake (seriously!)
• Throw away all snacks at school that are potential diet busters
• Have a positive attitude (non weight related, but important)

Yes, Virginia, You Have Sleep Apnea

Or, at least that (or something close to that) is what the nurse/attendant/whatever told me yesterday morning upon waking me up.  I will be going back Wednesday night to be fitted or whatever for a cpap (unless I am called and told otherwise.)  Then, time will have to be found to go and get the cpap, which may not be until the end of the month (you know, since I'll already have to be off for the follow up appointment for my eye surgery.)  Fortunately, this is coming sooner than we anticipate.

Woman vs. Doughnut

Seriously, this week has been a challenge for me to eat healthy. The lack of routine at school at the moment and the easy options of eating out with colleagues... Today was the culmination of all the challenges:

I didn't eat breakfast this morning (problem #1). I usually eat breakfast with curbs the possible temptations of making bad snack choices. This morning, one of the coaches was sweet enough to bring doughnuts for the faculty/staff. Well yeah, no breakfast = one hungry fat woman. Everyone partook of the doughnuts, I passed when offered one (score one for me). But as the doughnuts sat there (just a FEW uneaten), I kept thinking about them. Sweet, doughy, pillows of heaven-in-your-mouth badness. "Must resist," is all I could TRY to tell myself. By the end of CPR training, I couldn't resist it anymore. I snatched two--yes, two-- doughnuts one weird looking one that I was sure had some type of glaze + chocolate cookie crumbs on top which was a cake doughnut and a traditional glazed yeast doughnut. Let me mention, it's not like these doughnuts were Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' Doughnuts... I'll just say I really paid for giving into my temptations. The doughnuts tasted (and after-tasted) of old frying oil (yuck, change your oil please!). The punishment is not only on my hips now; the punishment is the heartburn that was persistent throughout the day.

If this didn't teach me that temptations will not always satisfy that craving. I think it's time to get back on the Wii Active (It has been collecting dust for the last couple weeks) and get this fat a-jiggling and the calories a burnin'.

By the way, just a random non-fat/weight loss conclusion: The word cool beans should be banned. There I said it. Whew, I feel better now. :D

Sleeeeeeep

I don't quite feel zombified, but I also don't feel like I'm far off from it.  Tonight: sleep study.  I think, if I would be still for a few minutes, I'd be asleep already.  Too bad they won't take me early, right?  (Ha ha.)

I hope this either is exactly what I need or can somehow lead to exactly what I need.  Maybe I should change my name to "Musings of a Cow" as that is what I often feel like.  ("Moo.")

No Joke...I'm Exhausted

This was my fourth day of working with a trainer. I almost didn't make it. I literally did not want to go. I even called Yo and told her I would not be coming. She told me to come tomorrow. That's out of the question. It was my BFF of over thirty years who convinced me to go. Her words meant a lot to me: "You have to go. You're representing all of us who didn't get that opportunity. You have to do it. Go on! Do it!" So I did.

Arriving at the gym, Yo told me I had to do 30 minutes of cardio. I chose to do it on the treadmill. In addition to working out for 30 on the treadmill, I learned Yo was passing me off to Eye Candy. All I can say is that made up for this awful day! Talk about 6'3" of golden sexy and dimples and tantalizing cologne...inspiritational. I found myself completing more reps than I thought possible as I listened to that sultry voice, "Come on now, you are doing better than I thought. Give me ten more reps." To which I willingly almost eagerly completed. Then I learned the 30 minute cardio done at the beginning was not part of the cardio training. I had to endure ANOTHER cardio experience for thirty minutes. Thankfully, Eye Candy allowed me to break them into two fifteen minute sessions on two different machines...they still hurt.

I have noticed significant changes in my body. Especially on my behind. I used to have a prominent hump and now the hump has vanished. In fact, If the bottom matched the top, I would have an onion butt. After working on two different types of elliptical machines (the first was like climbing stairs continually for 15 minutes, and the second was similar to an elliptical except you sat down and did it), I was finally granted freedom. The slack in back is steadily growing wider. I have to keep trucking along...tired or not.

Peace

Is it okay to round down?

Okay, so my goal was to be a -10 pounds before August 9th when I started back to work. I am 0.6 pounds shy of that goal (valiant effort, but not quite there. Damn you scales that weighs in tenths of a pound!). I guess I should hope for that 0.6 pounds to work itself off today while I am last minute cleaning my room readying it for the beginning of school. (One can hope, right?)

WW Week 6: Not so hot. Lots of temptations, traveling, and connivence food. I realized how I need to be more conscious of choosing healthier foods, but that also comes with actually doing research before you just stop to have a bite to eat, especially at a fast food restaurant...

On the bright side, grad school is over. So no more excuses about grad school getting in the way of exercising. I think I am ready for WW week 7 to begin with a fresh start, a renewed commitment to losing weight, and an overall good attitude.

Day One...Eighty-Nine to Go

Today...I entered the world of trainer and trainee, and though it sounds like a pleasant marriage, there are already signs that my trainer is no-nonsense. When I entered the facility again today, I marveled at the beauty of the building, held my key chain up for the computer to register me, and waited patiently for one of the young assistants to retrieve Yo from the back. One of them asked if I were the winner of the contest and stated my name to which I affirmed. She clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "I cried after reading your email. It was so touching." I found myself fighting my own tears for some stupid reason because I knew this was the beginning of my no longer be known or described based on my girth. Moments later, Yo arrived. We sat at the table and she proceeded to give me my weight loss plan. Um...there will be a lot of tuna consumption. All in all the food guide looked pretty sound, and I didn't see anything that would make me balk. Well, raw celery, but I do get to eat it with peanut butter. Blech...

This day was spent working with the weights and Yo gave me the chance to choose which part I wanted to "tighten". Naturally, I chose my arms. We began with bicep curls using 5lb weights. I then had to sit and stand until my knees wobbled. I recall thinking as she demonstrated the "sit and stand" exercise that it would be a cinch. But, when you have done them over 50 times, um... yeah. The 5lb weight was replaced with 10 lbs and my eyes popped. I didn't think I would sweat, but sweat I did. The worst part was not cycling for 30 minutes (which I did, and must remember my earphones the next time) or power walking around the boxing area. Nope. The worst was stepping up and done this gigantic step that was at least a foot off the ground. Forty times!

Did I mention my exercise routine is DAILY? Yes, ladies...PRAY!

And New Habits Can Be Hard to Start

We haven't been quite as good about checking in here and posting lately.  Shame on us.

I've got a power cord and my computer is working just fine now.  I also have discovered a wonderfully yummy food item that I'm going to go and buy in massive quantities.

At WalMart, they have butternut squash in bags.  Washed, peeled, and chopped into little cubes.  If you've ever had a winter squash, it's horrible to cut into one.  Well, all the work is done, and all you have to do is stab the bag with a fork a few times -- er, poke holes in the bag -- and toss it in the microwave for 4 minutes to steam it!

That's all I had for supper tonight, although I did put a little butter, salt, and pepper on it.  It was sooo yummy.  :)  I could eat that every day.  And I just might....Okay, maybe not EVERY day...but, a few times per week.  Yum!

That, some sweet potatoes, and broccoli.  Mmmmm.... 

I should note that I was on a sweet potato kick the year I discovered that I like savory sweet potatoes.  I would eat multiples per day (well, you know...more than one if they were small....)  I don't know if it was that or the twice per week yoga classes, but I lost 7 pounds.  The secret was in eating them before eating anything else, kind of like that apple diet that I read about once upon a time.  (Although, for that, you were supposed to eat an apple 30 minutes before each meal.  That would fill your tummy up so you didn't eat as much at the meal.  And, of course, it takes at least 20 minutes before your brain realizes your stomach is full.)

Yep, I know.  It's amazing how much I know about how to lose weight and be healthy, and yet...I'm still overweight.  I need to start following some of my own advice, don't I?

Old Habits Are Hard to Break

Seriously, old habits like DQ ice cream cones... I just had a major temptation moment and I almost caved. Yes, I know it is SOMETIMES okay to indulge, but I feel like I have had such a good week on WW that I don't want to ruin what could potentially be an even better week. Sounds crazy, but I promise I won't go binge on something crazy.

Ladies, I've been thinking about how school starting will bring a much busier schedule for all of us, but I hope that we can continue to mark our progress in this journey together and be successful. Also, I've been thinking of what our "reward" might be. What about a spa day/weekend at one of the RSA hotels? It would be a nice get away reward for much needed relaxation and rejuvenation but an AWESOME reward for achieving our goals. Just a thought. (One with selfish motivations because I am dying for a spa day -- seriously need a massage.)

Doctor Report

So I told my endo about my problems and my thoughts.  His response (roughly paraphrased):

The Internet is about the only place you will learn about using T3.  If your T3 is low, T3 will help you.  I'd bet it's not.  I've been wrong twice before, but if you want to test your T3, we'll test your T3. Quite often, we have people who come in and want to be put on a T3 supplement.  We do the test and I tell them their T3 is fine.  So they go somewhere else and find someone who will prescribe them the T3.  They feel better for a couple of weeks, then go back.  They get a higher dosage, feel better for a couple of weeks, then get a higher dosage and wonder what went wrong. What I'd be more willing to bet is that you have sleep apnea.  You have all the symptoms of it.  In fact, I had the exact same symptoms and didn't want to believe I had sleep apnea, either.  If you do have sleep apnea, your body thinks it's dying and is responding by burning less calories.  Many people think you have sleep apnea because you gained weight, but usually it's you have sleep apnea, so you gain weight, which causes your sleep apnea to be worse....it's a vicious cycle.  Keep trying to exercise, though, even if it's just a short walk every day.  You have to get to a certain cycle of sleep before you wake up feeling rested and before your body will burn the calories it's supposed to while you're sleeping.

He spent a fair amount of time talking with me.  And if we need to rule this out, then, so be it.  If it will make me get a good night's sleep, feel less tired, etc., then, okay.  And if this doesn't work, then, I'll be back at the drawing board. 

In the meantime, I'm waiting for a phone call.  I'm signing up for tap dancing classes in the morning (who's going to come see me in the recital in May??)  And I'm going to dig out that Richard Simmons tape and see if I can't bolster up some get up and go.  Right now, though....  I'd really like to take a nap....

WW Week 5

The weigh-in: I lost 3.2 pounds this week. While I am happy, I am also frustrated with myself because I stopped tracking my food in-take this week (not good. I must stick to tracking religiously!)

I cannot brag about how I was so good or this-and-that. In all honesty, I ate fried food at the beach (crawfish tails, french fries) even a stupid McDondal's hamburger (not much else to eat off the instate at Evergreen, AL), but the other times I did try to be smart: steamed seafood, salads, even went walking around the resort (actually, chasing Chip and T as they bicycled around the resort (I don't ride bicycles, long story...)).

I did start taking B-6 and B-12 vitamins to help with energy and metabolism. I used to do B-12 and B-6 injections when I was on a weight loss plan a few years ago. I seemed to lose weight and stay energized better while taking the injections, but they got rather costly. Luckily (the saver in me) found the vitamins B1G1 at CVS with (2) $2.00 off coupons, so I got both vitamins for $4.00 and change. Not bad to kick start the new year.

For some reason, as a teacher I don't look at January as the new year, even though it really it the new year. I see August as a "new" year due to school starting. My "new" year's resolution for this school year is to declutter my life (in addition to decluttering the fat off my body!). The "new" year beings in 8 days...

Mantra for this year...

(I always seem to adopt a mantra that lasts about two days, maybe this one will last longer!)

If I don't need it (includes food), give it or throw it away.

Pretty simple, eh? See if I stick to my mantra. :)

Behind!

First off, I want to say that I'm still having power cord issues.  Logging in on this netbook is not my preferred means of posting.  This power cord has been an ordeal.  I bought a new one from ebay, and it lasted about 24 hours.  There was a power surger where the lights dimmed, and, even though plugged into a surge protector, the cord died.  I handed the old cord to Dad (the licensed electrician).  He fixed it (and his fix included a shotgun shell casing, so I'm sure I have the most unique laptop power cord...)  Before he could call and tell me to go to Radio Shack in Eprise to get the part it really needed, I bumped it with my foot and it sizzled and popped and now no longer works.  My next venture was to Amazon, where I studiously read reviews until I found one that (so far) has no 1* reviews.  Here's hoping for something that will get me through until I can order a new computer.

Now I suppose I should talk about the weight.  I weighed a little while ago, and the scale says 226.4.  Yep.  I'm gaining.  Now, have I been perfect lately?  No.  I will admit to that.  And maybe, since in a little under 4 hours I see my endo, maybe it's not that bad of a thing that I am up.  However...I would like to do things today, like buy a few new tops for the new school year.  I am worried that I need to go up a size.  If I go up a size and find that magical combination to lose weight....then?  I don't know.  I think I will wait until after I go to the endo to buy the clothes.  (I think I need new shoes, too, since I mostly wear black pants and my black shoes are Yellowbox and my boss says he doesn't even want us wearing sandals.)

I have bought Selenium, which is supposed to help.  And I need to get my arsenal of articles and books together.  I got my labs Friday, and everything hits in the "normal" range.  Except cholesterol (which is a little high where it should be low and low where it should be high, but my OVERALL numbers are NORMAL.)  Sugar?  Normal.  TSH?  Normal.  B12?  Low Normal.  So...now what?  Something has to be making me tired all the time, and tired since 2007.

Oh....she says "red patent leather heels" but doesn't say how high or any other details.  Zappos will let you search by shoe type, color, material, heel size, shoe size, shoe width, etc.
http://www.zappos.com/women-shoes/CK_XAcABAeICAgEY.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/#!/women-red-heels/CK_XARC41wE6AqQQQgLJBHoC2QSCAQOI2AOqAQMFBwbAAQHiAgcBGAIVDwgH.zso?s=goliveRecentSalesStyle/desc/

Dreaming of Success

Honesty is always the best policy. Which means, although I have not been walking and working ut as I had been initially, I am counting the days where a transformation will take place. Somehow, I have lost a significant amount of inches on my behind. This means that I have a SAG in the back of my pants and I HATE IT! Both of you know how I feel being African American with no round protruding behind. The top part, which was rather humpish (sue me), has rounded off and looks quite nice to my eyes. Instead of sitting like a lump of fat, I can see where the booty has started to round out, but then the bottom just completely flattens out and leaves me wondering, "WHY?!" Nothing was lost from my stomach and I'm tired of hearing others tell me that the first place you lose is on your bottom and the last is your stomach. I know this.

Now, I'm researching. Since I have this hernia (the second in three years...good job doctor), I know I'll need to wear protective gear while I workout. Not a probem. Anyway, I researched having surgery. Wendy Williams once stated she was a "surgery whore". I, too, have that same addiction. Yes, it is the oddest thing, but I do. I'm that way because I like the end result. I researched having the following procedures (making insurance will cover all of them): breast reduction/lift (my cup size is an H!), tummy tuck, and liposuction of my buffalo hump. The latter one is the one I am salivating the most to occur. I hate this monstrosity of fat attached on the back of my neck giving me the appearance of an offspring of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

You may wonder...how can insurance take care of those procedures? Easy. The tummy tuck would come in conjunction with repairing the hernia, a medical necessity. I am constantly in pain with both my back and my shoulders (don't accidentally bump me...oooo Buddy!) and though I attempt to sit with perfect posture, I feel myself quickly falling forward due to my "top heaviness". Indeed, the bane of my despair.

On Wednesday, a new chapter begins. I wonder will I sing like Jennifer Hudson when this is all over? Will I run out to purchase a new pair of patent leather red pumps (Can I even find a pair? Oh, I know anything can be found on the internet) "Sun in the sky...you know how I feel?" actually, Cristin should sing that song, but I don't think she'll mind my providing the harmony.

Ladies...Peace.

5 Pounds Down

It may not seem a lot, but it is an accomplishment to be. I have hit-- well, actually exceeded -- the 5 pounds down mark (at -5.4 pounds as of today). I am very excited. I saw better results with WW the first time I did the program, but I had help, it wasn't summer time, and I did the program with some awesome and supportive ladies who encouraged each other everyday at work. (Not that these ladies are not encouraging on this blog, but we are all doing our own thing.)

This week I hope to exercise more. We are going to the beach which would be a great opportunity for walking with the family and other things. I also want to relax a little before school starts! My hopes are to go back to school with at least 10 pounds off my gut! That would be a good start. :)

Query

Is it normal to gain 13 pounds in 3 months?

I was just thinking about that GP visit last week, and how she said I was 13 pounds heavier since April.  Surely that's not normal.  Is it?

Research

Websites that I may find helpful in a couple of weeks when I go back to my endo.  I'm going to try for getting a T3 supplement added to my daily medication regimen, as much as I hate taking meds...

• http://www.metabolism.com/2008/08/23/hypothyroid-benefit-t3-cytomel
  Go here and read the comments to this article, especially posts by Frances Gross on Nov 9 2009 (WW and exercise didn't help), Laurie on Feb 7 2010 (1200 calorie diet, obsessive workouts, lost 4 pounds in a year.  Gave up, did whatever she wanted, gained nothing.)
• http://www.mbschachter.com/hypothyroidism.htm
  Renee, start reading at the last paragraph in the introduction. 
• http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Thyroid-replacement.html
  Looks like a message board for doctors or something.  Hard to read.

Color Me....Irked? Irritated? Ticked?

I know...  I should have signed in and reported that my surgery went well.  The day after, I had my first follow up, and the doc acted like he was super impressed with his work.  Loverly.  Fab.  I'd say let's see who notes a difference; however, I told Sylvia about the surgery last month, and she said she had never consciously noticed that my eyes weren't in sync.  Hmm.  Oh well.  *I* knew, and that's all that matters, right?

I'm not motivated to get up and bounce around, but my eye still hurts.  Mind you, it's not now, nor has it ever been, excruciating pain, but it's annoying enough that I'm taking Tylenol (non-name brand).  I'm not popping Tylenol like candy, so that's good, but I'm keeping a headache, my eye is constantly watering, and my eye feels like the muscle's been cut (oh, wait...it has....)  That side of my face also feels bruised and swollen (I keep feeling, and it feels the same as the other side, so it's just my imagination.)

Upside:  I have not gained any weight.

Downside:  I have not lost any weight.

Now, you would think that I would have, wouldn't you?  I had a piece of toast and some cottage cheese for breakfast Monday.  A can of Lentil soup and a piece of toast for lunch.  And half a can of chicken noodle and...something remotely bread-like with it?  A sandwich?  Another piece of bread?  I don't remember.  I do remember that it was only half a can because DD ate the other half.  I drank 64 ounces of water -- or 16 ounces unflavored Pedialyte mixed with 48 ounces water.  It was..odd.  It wasn't the flavor that was altered so much as the texture.  The Pedialyte made it a little thicker, kind of like drinking Gatorade.  (Think about it and whether or not you notice that difference between water and Gatorade.)

The next day, no breakfast (you know, since I was having surgery).  I had to drink something before I could leave, so I had 12 ounces of Gatorade.  And a bite of a really icky saltine-type cracker.  At home, I slept.  When I woke up halfway decently, I had to send Mom off for Tylenol.  Did you know that Walmart does not have name brand Tylenol on the shelf at all?  (I will have to investigate this myself...)  Mom went for Mexican for lunch while she was out and brought it home.  I, a few hours later, opted for toast.  For dinner, rice and a pork chop (but a rather small serving.)

Now, wouldn't you think, after two days of practically not eating, I'd have lost an ounce?  Heck no.  I think at some point during Tuesday, I snuck in to the scale and it said something close to 227.  What?  Are you kidding me?  I mean, this isn't the kind of surgery where they cut into you and add anything -- they just cut on my freakin' eye.  (Which brings up the question...WHY do they ask you to "take off everything and put on this hospital gown; it opens in the back" for surgery that is all above the neck -- above the nose, even?) 

I wasn't quite so good Wednesday.  Indian for lunch (although I ate fairly light) and frozen yogurt for an afternoon snack (small amount drowned in fresh fruit and chopped nuts), plus a very small dinner.  Thursday, I didn't eat much.  I was just sore (maybe I overdid it Wednesday?) and cranky.  (Okay, I had a bad headache from not eating enough by late afternoon.  You'd be cranky, too.) 

I think it said 223.4 today, which kinda gets us back where we were (I think?) on Monday. 

Lab results from last week's doctor appointment came back.  Everything is "normal".  My cholesterol is "getting better', so I need to get back to taking fish oil and niacin (and remember!  everyone can benefit from fish oil!)  I also have a B12 deficiency, but not enough of one to warrant shots.  So, I will be adding a B12 supplement.  The recommended supplement is just a sublingal one (put it under your tongue and let it dissolve).  What I have is a 5000mcg dissolving B12 tablet.  Somewhere I read that, depending on how bad your deficiency is, it may take weeks or months before you start feeling the effects of the B12, but, here goes! 

Now the only other thing I can think of is to convince my endo that I should try taking Cytomel (synthetic T3) with my Levothyroxine (synthetic T4).  Hrm.

Oh...and why color me incensed, inflamed, and infuriated?  I'm working off my netbook.  My laptop's cord has broken -- where the cord goes into the part that plugs into the computer, the wires have snapped.  Therefore, my laptop is currently unusable.  I found a new cord on ebay for $7, and it will arrive either tomorrow or Monday.  I can't do all the things I'd like to do on this netbook.  It's logging me out.  I tried to post comments to other blog posts here, and it kept telling me I needed to sign in to post.  What?  I AM signed in!  My laptop (which is sorely in need of replacement) wouldn't do this to me!  Although, I think I'm straining my eyes to be staring at this screen, which doesn't help the headache. 

Final thoughts:

• Congrats to Dreaming!  Give more details!  Network?  Which network?  WSFA?  Will you be on the news????  (I know...details are hard to come by right now.  I'm cheering for you!)
• Cristin, remember to try to regulate your weight checks to the same time each day.  Although, if you are interested in research...you might track your weight at certain times each day and see if your weight fluctuates the same way each day.  See where your highs and lows are and all that.  Regardless, make sure you weigh-in at the same time.  If you got the Wii Fit (Regular or Plus) and weigh in at a different time, it will remind you that you need to weigh in about the same time each day due to general changes in your body weight throughout the day.  Personally, I like to weigh in the mornings before I eat anything.  I'm thinking about tracking my daily weight on a sheet of graph paper, although the Wii Fit will do that for me (not that I can find Wii Fit Plus right now....)

Alright, I'm out.  Night!

I Stand Corrected

This morning, I was quite upset because I had not heard from anyone. Finally! I will officially start on Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Here's the deal...there is something special underway, which was why they had not contacted me as of yet. Supposedly...a reality show (Yes, that is exactly what you read and I typed) may be in the works. Although I took a nonchalant approach ("Oh, okay"), my head, heart, and total coolness exploded into a "GET THE %$#@ OUT OF HERE!" The representative went on to say 'congratulations' and the meeting with the network would take place this afternoon.

Once again, I'm so excited!

I try not to weigh myself everyday, but having a scale in your house tempts you to weigh everyday, multiple times a day, especially when it's near a room you use quite frequently.

In the last couple weeks, since I started WW (The reason I bought a scale, since I was doing the program online and had to weigh myself.) I have been weighing myself multiple times a day, and almost everyday. I have been good. I've only weighed myself once since Monday, which is weigh-in day. I get really discouraged when I weigh myself everyday because I see my weigh fluctuate greatly.

So, I weighed myself today and I was down -4.3 pounds. I hope that I can maintain that loss and maybe add a little more to it by Monday.

I am going to contribute reorganizing and lifting all those books in the library plus sweating during the process. :) Because it sure wasn't my *completely* healthy eating habits over the last 24 hours for sure.

Ugh!

I'm the kind of person that hates to be disappointed. In fact, I hate to disappoint people, although some occasions, you just cannot help it. However, I have not heard hide or hair from the anyone else regarding my win! I'm trying to remain patient, but shouldn't someone have called me by now? I spoke with the young lady who initiated the contest and was told "they would contact me". Well, guess what? No one has. Let's do the math...I won on Monday. Since then, four days have come (well we are in the fourth, but you know where I'm going with this, right?) and almost gone and not a single solitary word. At this moment, I feel like asking the question, "Am I being punked?"

Is this somehow to get me unmotivated and fail at the challenge before I even begin? Is this some sort of preliminary cat and mouse game? I already know that there will be numerous obstacles to face and overcome, but calling someone and verifying when she can come and meet should not be one of them.

So...now, I'm back to the drawing board. I had anticipated (foolishly) beginning this wonderful journey this week, and therefore did not maintain my other activities. I guess it's time to get on with my hog killing. I just hate the fact that I shared my win and now I am totally disappointed.

I really want to call; however, I'm trying the "waiting" game for one more (or, really three since I have to include the weekend if I don't get "the call" then) day(s).

Not at "Peace"

So Excited

a couple of days ago, i mentioned how i was going to enter a contest on 104.3 regarding a 90 day challenge wonder of wonders, i won! (since i'm submitting via my blacberry, for some reason i can't capitalize , which is driving me crazy.) anyway, the trainer will contact me on tomorrow to get montgomery's version of the biggest loser underway. since i will be in the public "eye", i'll have to stay committed and focused. wish me well ladies.

peace

WW Week 3: The Weigh-In

I was not completely happy with this week's results, but I have to remember I started working out towards the end of the week, I went out with friends to an Italian restaurant (yikes for WW!), and ate a Sisters (which wasn't a total bust) with my family. I might have worked out two days, but I ate GOOD for three. :(

Okay, here's the results: -1.6 pounds this week. Today is a workout day (will have to happen at after class ends at 10:15 PM).

I have been working in my library lately, so I'm sure that movement and lifting counts for some calorie burn, but unfortunately not enough to count.

My goals this week:

• Complete the EA Active 2 set goals for the week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday workouts
• Rearrange the entire library stacks (not exactly a weighty goal, but that's some seriously moving and lifting!)
• Lose at least another pound (each one is weight lost! I have to be positive and remember this)
• Get ready to go to the beach! :)

She Head-Butted a Goat; I Acted Like a Goat

I don't even want to look at the scales. I don't even want to talk about my deadline (according to Wii Fit) is Thursday. I don't, don't, don't! Dammit! I looked...283! What the heck have I done? I gained five pounds! So, instead of jumping up and down at seeing 273, I'm jumping up and down because I've got 21 days (three weeks) to make that difference of 10 lbs. By George, it shall be done.

Now, I know this seems completely ridiculous, but I made a promise to myself and I know what I have been doing--eating late at night, or rather too early in the morning! Whatever, I have been acting like a complete nimrod. By no means am I going to dwell on this, but I do know I am going to have borrow from both Sam Cook and Seal and no that a Change is Gon' Come!

Ladies, I hope to see you on August 9th with the words, "I did it!" falling from my lips.

Gotta work!

Early Weigh-In

Since I will be out of commission tomorrow morning, I went ahead and weighed in today.  (And I may weigh in Wednesday, too, but we'll see...)  Down from 224.0 to 222.8.  Not a huge difference, but at least it's in the right direction.

Will be eating super light and trying to hydrate today.  I have mixed up my Pedialyte/water solution (16 ounces P and 48 ounces W) and will make sure I drink it throughout the day, plus some additional water.  Had dry toast made out of the Ezekiel 4:9 bread and cottage cheese for breakfast.  (I must say, this bread really isn't as awful as people have said -- I heard it takes getting used to, but, surprisingly, I find that, warm and toasted, it reminds me a lot of the hot wheat bread you get at Longhorn's.  Maybe it's just my overactive imagination.)  Lunch and dinner will consist of either Chicken Noodle or Lentil soup (both Progresso brand).  There is fruit in case I am in need of in-between snackage.

My goal today, with impending surgery tomorrow (that has me stressed out and thinking all sorts of negative things, even though this is a simple, 20 minute, outpatient procedure) is to finish Katy's afghan.  I will need to make a trip to Walmart to buy the appropriate yarn, then will head to Video Warehouse for a movie rental or three, then the permanent farmer's stand (because we NEED tomatoes!)

Think happy thoughts tomorrow.

Walk the Goat

Today's exercise consisted of, yes, walking the goat.

The goat (Billy, Buddy, or Red, depending on who's doing the calling) wears a collar.  He has found a way out of the rather large pen.  Easiest solution?  Slap a leash on that collar and walk him down to the barn and the door to the pen. 

Easy enough, right?

Granddad was leaving at the same time.  The goat wanted to chase Granddad's truck.  That wasn't too bad.  I managed to keep control of the goat, keep him out from in front of the moving vehicle.  No prob.

Dad drove his truck down to the barn.  Again, Buddy wanted to chase the truck.  I think he knew it was Dad, or maybe turning into the long driveway leading down to the barn was incentive.  I'm not sure.  The truck bounced down the red clay driveway, and the goat took off, with me being pulled, running, behind him until I either had to drop the leash for face being drug through red clay.

The goat cleared the truck, turned around and realized I was no longer attached.  What does he do?  Why, come and retrieve me, of course.  He gallops back to where I am, waits patiently while I pick up the leash, and again takes off.  I ran until I couldn't keep up and had to drop the leash again.  (I'm not a fan of the idea of being drug through red clay.  Really, I'm not.)

By this time, Dad is out of the truck, and the goat is inviting him to take the leash, but he's no longer running away (and why should he, since his target has stopped?)  We lead him back into the pen, then on for step two: figure out where the goat is escaping from.

We walked up and down the fence line, Dad trimming away small plants that had grown up to the electric fence wire.  A friend of his drove up, so I wound up having to haul the dogs into the house.  A quick change into pants and enclosed shoes, and I was back outside.  Dad had gone back to the barn, so I walked back down there.  We went inside the fence, where I kept the goat occupied while Dad continued the search and clean up efforts. 

The goat wanted to play, so we head-butted each other.  Okay, he head-butted me, and I either bumped him back with my hips or pushed with my hands.  Either way, he thought it was great play. 

Tomorrow, I'm on a soup diet.  The pre-surgery instructions say "eat light and drink extra fluids."  I know I shouldn't be nervous, but I am.

Get Off Me!

My child has become a constant leech this summer. I love my child, but I feel like telling her (and I do) the same thing that I want to tell my weight, "Get off me!" Both will fall on deaf ears as she refuses to get off me and the weight will not slide from my body.

This morning--I WALKED for thirty minutes. Yesterday morning, I walked two miles and completed a set of exercises developed for yours truly on my EA Active. To get myself motivated again because I have been sitting for more than "30 minutes" per RDP's advice, I am going to pop in Just Dance and maybe work the mini me down to a nub.

Before any of the dancing takes place, I am going to log onto Grooveshark.com and select the following songs to complete some household chores:

• I Like the Way You Move by Outkast featuring Sleepy Brown
• Greenlight by Andre 3000 and John Legend
• Just Fine by Mary J. Blige
• Bad by Michael Jackson
• Rump Shaker by Wrecks N Effect
• Wat Da Hook Gon Be by Murphy Lee
• Hood Boy by Fantasia
• (cool down) Ignition by R. Kelly

Those should hold me as I wash dishes, fold laundry, make the bed, sweep, and complete a sundry of other household tasks.

I'm opting for the Make you Sweat selection on the Just Dance and of course I'll have to dance to Vicki's Tik Tok (I hate that song).

Time is slowly winding down on us, too.

Here is another plan that I was thinking of doing. On 104.3, one of the dj's is running a contest where she is seeking a partner with whom to workout with for the next 90 days. This challenge will have overseers from both dieticians, fitness trainers, and other support. Supposedly we will transform ourselves in 90 days. I am going to choose a "fatty" picture, write a reason (which is simply the truth) as to why I should be selected and see what happens. Wish me luck.

***By the way, thanks guys for the support during my "moment"!***

Another 125 calories burned

Wow, I am burning up not only calories but this blog! This is two posts before noon. Sorry about that guys, but I did at short 15 minute workout on EA Active 2. I feel better. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to do it since my thigh muscles were like jello, but I managed. 125 calories burned in 15 minutes, not bad, eh? That probably burned off my FiberPlus bar I had this morning for breakfast.

WW weigh in is in a couple days, I won't post until then. I'll let the blog cool off for me, lol. :)

Post-Success Story

The EA Sports Active 2 kicked my butt yesterday, but I will say after my circuit workout, I hooked it back up and did some kickboxing and step aerobics last night around 10:30 PM. I will say about 12 hours later, I feel exactly like a.... 80 year old. My thigh-muscles are so sore from squats. I will say this at least, I wouldn't be hurting if my muscles were used, right?

I am waiting on Thomas to be bored with watching "Blue's Clues" and I will do a step aerobic routine before lunch to get the blood flowing. This afternoon is circuit, butt-kicking time! Bring it on! (See if I am still saying this in a week, ok?)

Woo!

I managed 30 minutes of Just Dance!  Celebrate by drinking a cold glass of water (or Gatorade...I think I'm dehydrated...) with me!  (Especially since I've been the one to move the least of the three of us, I think...)

I'm Not So Sure How I Feel About It... (Plus a Reflection [#3])

Yesterday at Publix, I discovered that they sell Ezekiel 4:9 bread (in the freezer section!)  Since it's on Jillian's list of things you can eat on her boost your metabolism food plan, I bought some. 

Let me tell you, it's definitely wheat bread.  Now, I like wheat bread, don't get me wrong.  My favorite is 12 or 15 grain bread.  But this is, like, hard core wheat. 

Breakfast today: 1 slice Ezekiel 4:9 bread and 1 cup lowfat cottage cheese (an A column item and a B column item).  I have taken my B12 (but not my regular meds...need to fix that), and all I can think about is "I like to move it, move it!" (Which means I will be movin' movin' to Just Dance in just a little while.  (Must find 2nd Wii controller for the DD.)

The book I'm skimming now is called Flip the Switch.  It talks about how to get your metabolism motivated.

Get some bright light first thing in the morning.  If you can't open up the curtains or go stand outside in the sun, turn on a bunch of lights.  It will give your body the signal that you need to be awake!  (Sitting next to the screen door with the curtain open, plus 3 lights on, including one super bright light on right above me.  Check!)

Don't do intense exercise first thing in the morning, but do some kind of weight bearing/stretching.  Getting your muscles going will get them to start burning some calories.

Don't sit still for more than 30 minutes, even if it's a minor thing you do for a couple of minutes every 30 minutes.  Do some stretches.  Take a 5 minute walk.  The author keeps resistance bands by his chair (not that he ever sits down, of course!)

Get more oxygen.  Your muscles need oxygen to burn fat!  (Working on periodic deep breathing! Does anyone else get lightheaded from several deep breaths?)  Also, work on improving your posture so your body is better able to get oxygen when you aren't thinking about taking deep breaths and pulling in more O2.

There's more, I'm sure, but we'll start with that.  Sometimes, it takes baby steps, right?

Okay....laundry time, then I've got to Move It, Move It !

Melancholy

So many things have been on my mind of late that the motivation I had in the beginning is dwindling down to shreds. However, as I read Cristin's post tonight, I thought how right she was regarding how exercise makes you feel better. I am in desperate need of released endorphins. Today, I awakened early enough to walk and workout and I didn't do either. Damn.

I traveled to Troy and scarfed down a Frosty! Yes, what was I thinking? I wasn't. Wait, yes, I was. I was thinking how hard it was raining, how the inches I have lost have come from my behind, the area that didn't need work, and how I'm tired of juggling bills. In other words, my stress level is rising. I hate that. It all begin with the impending thought of school starting soon and my child in need of school clothes and my not having a penny (literally) to spare. I freaking hate I went back to school and I hate that I have student loan debt and I hate that I feeling this way when I should lay all of this on the altar. (Sorry, I just needed to vent.)

So now, I'm motivated again. Thanks, Cristin. I had the nerve to write my dates on the calendar and now I'll have to go back and redo it. Yes, I'm the kind of anal person that I have to no just how many days I have to make a life change and stick with it.

I know the two of you are going to split into two pieces when I admit that I'm ready to go back to work. I can't believe it myself. Here's the reason. I need structure. When I'm working, I have a tendency to eat breakfast before 7:30; look forward to a snack at break; eat a sensible lunch; and drive home to eat a meal before 6:30 or later catches me. Even though I have been burning calories, I have to stay awake until 1 or 2 am because my crazy tail didn't start eating until 9:00 because after my walk (when I do it), I could care less for cooking. Whatever argument you are going to give me ...feggedaboutit because I've already had the same argument countless times.

My mind is my biggest setback. Let's see if I can stick with it. Help me Cristin by asking me the million dollar question...Have you been Active on your Wii? Plus, you can drive the nail home a little deeper by replying I have and I feel great!

If I don't get back to moving, I'm going to move from dreaming about my high heels to watching them on my child's feet as she prances out the door on a date.

Peace.

I'm Tired!

As I may have said earlier...I was up a little before 4am and couldn't go back to sleep.  I used the time to go bargain-hunting on the computer. 

A little after 9, we set out.  I mostly parked about as far away from the front door as I could for each place we went.  Back of the lot at TRU, in front of Lane Bryant to go into Target and Michael's (location chosen because we were also going to go to Barnes & Noble.  The spot was between Target and B&N, and we were going to go to Michael's, Target, stop to drop stuff off at the car, the to B&N and back to the car.  Rain and time cut off that last bit of wandering...)  Parked to the left of Shoe Carnival and halfway down the parking lot, then walked to Office Max.  Parked halfway down the lot at Publix, too.  (I realize, there may be some issues here...I mean....you have to know the set ups of these places to see that it's a bit of a walk.)  Of course, I didn't have the pedometer on.

Home and so, so tired now.

Success!

So after much thought and consideration, I ordered EA Sports Active 2 for Wii on Tuesday. It arrived via my favorite UPS guy today! I was like a child at Christmas-time (Ask me if I'm still excited after a week, that will be the test.) Thankfully, Thomas as asleep upfront, so I set up the Wii, the Active 2 game, and got to sweating. Seriously sweating.

I got everything set up, go to working. The circuit consisted of 22, yes 22, 1-2 minute exercises. I set it on the cardio version of the game and set out exercising. It all started off nicely, soon, I realized my fat, out of shape self could barely keep up. Okay, so yes we are talking about a cardio workout, but at my age I should be in a lot better shape than it. The game set up a 4 day exercise schedule. I exercise M, T, TH, F for about 20-25 minutes (It depends on the time it takes me to complete the exercise.) Honestly, after completing the circuit 26 minutes later I feel... sweaty, tired, but yet better. I forgot how great exercising makes you feel. I also realized that I am not a morning exerciser. Morning exercising makes me feel more tired and less energized. This makes sense to me since I am NOT an afternoon person: I'm usually nodding off, incoherent, and out of it. I realized a while back (In my college days when I was far less heavy) that I could combat my afternoon zombie-like behavior by exercising.

Okay, my goal: I stick to my workout program set by EA for the next week (we are going day-by-day at this point.)

I Was Up Early Today, Too

I woke up at 3:49 or so this morning...bathroom trip.  Usually, while it may take a few minutes, I can (and do!) drift back to sleep.  This morning, I started thinking of all the things that could go wrong in surgery, and *poof*!  No more sleep for me!

DD has a doctor's appointment in Dothan this morning, so I spent time getting together coupons and a shopping list.  :)

Yeah...should have woke up and exercised.  Shame on me.  Soon, though, soon!

Last night, I made tacos.  I did two fillings that were virtually identical, except one had ground turkey breast instead of ground round.  Brown meat, add in seasonings (garlic, chili powder, pepper, cumin, salt), 1 can rotel, and black beans.  Heat until completely heated through and most of the liquid has cooked off.  Serve in tortillas with condiments of choice.  (Or, in my child's case, over unseasoned ramen noodles.  She won't eat the tortillas.)

Cool, fresh tomatoes just make a spicy dish like that.  How healthy is it?  I dunno.

Hey, got a craving?  Don't forget to indulge -- just control the amount of indulgence.  You are less likely to binge on a controlled answer to the craving now, then waiting until the craving just DEMANDS to be answered a week or two later.

Sigh

I awakened early enough to do the following:

• Walk for one hour (2-3 miles)
• Complete Wii Active exercise session
• Attempt the advanced Obstacle Course on Wii Fit

I did the following:

• Nothing...

So, that's all I'm going to say about that. To date, I have walked 5.5 miles since last week. Plus, I ate a hamburger and a peanut butter chocolate wafer snack. Did I mention I washed the no-no down with a cup of milk. Oh yes, it was delicious.

Wait, I forgot! I did do something! I mowed the lawn. Sure, I was riding, but the motion of the mower coupled with the time of day (around 3:30) made for a good sweat. I should think that counts.

Although I DON'T see a great deal of loss on the scale, I am noticing a difference in clothing. No lying on the bed to button and zip pants. Hmmm...

Let's see what I do tomorrow since I take lovely child to camp and then the library.

Sweet and Sour Glazed Chicken - 7 PointsPlus

So, I am not trying to make everyone hungry while reading this, but I have gotten out my Weight Watcher cookbooks and scoured the WW website for delicious recipes.

I have really wanted Asian food since I started WW, and that's pretty much a no-no unless you get steamed veggies. Well, I can go buy frozen stir-fry veggies and steam those. That's not ASIAN! I found this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. It looked interested. 7 PointsPlus per serving (1 cup and generous!) + brown rice makes the total for 1/2 cup rice & 1 cup chicken = 12. Not bad for a dinner. The chicken was good enough to eat without the rice. I just like rice--duh, it's Asian!

Here's the WONDERFUL recipe I made:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 t cornstarch
4 t low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 C ketchup
3 T honey
2 T rice vinegar
2 t Asian (dark) sesame oil
2 t grated peeled fresh ginger
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 onion, chopped
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained and juice reserved

1. Combine chicken, 2 t cornstarch, and 2 t soy sauce in bowl; toss to coat chicken.
2. Stir ketchup, honey, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, 2 t cornstarch, and 2 t soy sauce in a small bowl until blended.
3. Heat 1 t sesame oil in large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook stirring often, until the chick is lihgly browned (4-5 minutes). Transfer to plate.
4. Heat 1 t sesame oil in the same skillet; add the ginger. Cook ginger for about 30 seconds or until fragrant -- stir constantly!
5. Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook until softened (2-3 minutes) stirring often.
6. Stir in the chicken and pineapple and cook 2 minutes longer.
7. Stir in the ketchup mixture, and cook on high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens (about 1-2 minutes -- I cooked it longer.)

Nutritional Information:
Servings = 4
Calories = 294
Fat = 6 g
Saturated Fat = 1 g
Trans Fat = 0 g
Cholesterol = 70 mg
Sodium = 412 mg
Carbohydrates = 33 g
Fiber = 2 g
Protein = 27 g
Calcium = 35 mg

Weight Watchers PointsPlus value of 7 per one cup serving!