It is my turn, dammit. It is my turn to be a priority in my own life.

I am Rosie, I am a workaholic. I find every excuse not to take care of myself. I find humor in small things. I love ice cream. It makes me happy when the sun sparkles on the snow. There. Now you know.

I have been through one nasty sickness this winter and I don't want to be in a holding pattern any more. It feels SO good to be feeling like I can BREATHE again! And, when you do get so sick, it starts to dawn on you that whatever you do to your body really is about YOU and YOUR OWN choices. I cannot tell you how great it felt when I was finally starting to get better to go and take a walk and immediately start flushing all those toxins out of my system.

Progress -- well, I have been exercising faithfully for a full 3 1/2 weeks now. Granted, not Mt. Everest, but progress nonetheless. The most notable bit, perhaps, is that I have finally begun to enjoy it...or at least appreciate it. In addition to the "sickness weight" I have lost 5 additional pounds, which feels nice, since it was an accomplishment borne of pure hard work, and most importantly, making myself a priority.

Plan -- not going with a particular plan. Just eating whole foods, exercising, and thinking a bit about what stuff will do to my body before I shove it down my gullet. I have also been trying to notice how certain foods &/or combinations make me feel. I avoid the ones that make me feel like poop. I like the idea of a 90/10 plan. I am really very "good" 90% of the time. But life is short, so if I want to split a strawberry shortcake with my little sister when she visits, well, then I will have a little...and we will laugh about the whip cream on my nose...and then we will talk about her life and mine. It's a compromise I can live with.

That's all for today kids. Will visit again soon. -- :rose:

exercise -- 55 minutes on the stationary bike. Nice and sweaty. oh so sexy.

food: berry smoothie (skim milk/fruit); protein bar; boca burger w/ bun; 3 pc. (med) veggie pizza

Feeling a little extra hungry today...strange.

Hey there girl, Just wanted to stop in and say hi! 55 min on bike, way to go! I just love my bike, time flies on it! Do you read or watch TV while riding?

Thanks Sophie!!! I have been listening to music or watching tv when I bike. I like something upbeat though b/c it keeps me going faster. Yesterday I did alright, still feeling an increase in appetite for some reason. perhaps the exercise and extra cold weather are making me think I need more. Which of course, is not true.

Made it to the gym yesterday for 40 minutes total walking. Felt nice. Today I had a yummy berry smoothie for breakfast and had a turkey wrap for lunch. Don't know about dinner yet, but have been thinking about making lean pork with stuffing. I love stuffing, but home made is so full of fat (and takes a lot of energy). Usually I have to use the boxed stuff and not add the butter.

DH has been kind of negative the last couple of days. I get so sick of that. You know, just wait around until you have a real problem...THEN be negative about trouble. You know your life is too good when you have to borrow trouble and project about potential problems I might cause you in the future, buddy. Men ARE the missing evolutionary link as far as I'm concerned. Aren't there some secret Darwinian writings somewhere that indicate this? Oh wait...he was a man...

Not much else happening. Just going to keep concentrating on making a better me! Wish me luck! :rose:

Hi Rose, :wave:

Just about to leave the journal forum and I came across your journal ....

I do that from time to time .. I know you have been at DT for a while .... I have seen your signature participation at several forums ...

I was sad to hear that you weren't well for (as I gather) for a long time AND THAT YOU ARE NOW RECOVERING .... I share your feeling about MAKING ONESELF ... A PRIORITY .

It took me almost 57 years to realize I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF MYSELF, LOVE AND RESPECT MYSELF ... and BECOME MY OWN BEST FRIEND.

Continued success on your weight loss journey .... I hope to meet you in chat some time ... Make it a great day and have and make it a fantastic weekend. Always, Monica

WTG gal! I love your journal............so inspiring, makes me feel like I am reading a novel. Do you write books on the side? I am so happy for you. Your determination and enthusiasim are contagioius, I get a big:D whenever I read your posts. Keep it up gal.

Iv~hey girlie!!! I just love my bike, I am glad you enjoy yours too! It must be TOM for our hubby's, mine has been the same way, plus he is getting a cold...he's like::c( all the time and I am like this::eyes: lol. I hope they get over it soon!! Have a great weekend!

Sunday: Feeling REALLY BLOATED today! Like a huge land barge. I am not even sure I can actually move myself...I may just be going with the current and hoping to meet up with a tug boat at some point. 8-}

DH is still being a real pill. WHY IS HAVING A PEACEFUL DAY SO DAMM difficult? Look, ... life is short, I like you, you are supposed to like me, no one is sick or in harms way, lets just have a sandwich and be happy. Is that too much to ask?

Soph, sorry to hear you are experiencing man-pms too! Do you think we could build solitary confinement cells in our basements? ha ha ha Yeah, I like the bike. I got kinda lucky actually, a friend was going to throw it out b/c she had never really used it, so I got it for FREE! How cool is that? Hey, btw, how are the new house plans coming along? Is that happening down the road or sooner?

Bluesy, aw shucks, you are such a sweet heart. I get those same :D from your posts. You have done such a great job. I always thought my life was more like a really dull sitcom. ha ha ha Naaa, I do spend most of my time at work writing...but none of that is fun writing. All work writing, sorry. Hey, maybe we should all get together and tell "The Tales of the Awesome Accountables!" :laugh: We could come up with a diet (i.e. The AA's recommend that you take whatever you were going to eat...cut it in half and add a side of vegies); and exercise plan (i.e. do it! It works!); and most important, to the recipe you must add one part great support from great friends!

Mon, thanks for stopping by! Your support means a lot. Yeah, it is SOOOOO hard to make yourself a priority. Have you noticed that everything and everyone else always comes first? But in reality, it's probably as simple as mismanagement and screwy priorities. If I am really so busy that I cannot find an hour a day to exercise and make sure I have healthy food for my body...well, let's face it, that's mismanagement on my part. Still, simple concept, harder in practice. Has been feeling REALLY good though to take care of myself over these last weeks.

With that: here's today's report. Oh wait, first, I was on the treadmill for 45 minutes yesterday!!!!! How bout that? today: breakfast: coffee and toast; lunch: boca burger in ww wrap w/ lettuce, 2 ff cheese, tomato slice, and lf mayo. yum! Dinner will be spaghetti. I have gotten switched on to that 7 soy pasta...I recommend it! Aaaaand, because of the soy protein, it sticks with ya a lot longer. Going to go get on the bike and try to move this barge. If you hear the fog horn...just step aside, I'll float by!

Monday

Still in rare land barge form. Rings are tight, eyes are diappearing into my head because of puffy cheeks, gut is protruding. Wearing my fat pants today. I am an attractive picture ... oh, yeah ... sexy. Must be a pms thing...good heavens I am going to have to find a diuretic soon or my skin may well just burst open. hooooooonk.

Had a serious chocolate cake need over the weekend. I did have a couple of pieces, BUT, before you hiss....I did NOT have brick sized pieces...I had normal, thin slices of cake like a civilized person would. I put them each on a crystal plate and ate with a dessert fork. I did not rip off a hunk, throw it on a paper plate, and inhale. I could have eaten these pieces in public and no one would have commented on the unhealthy nature of my portion. Perhaps this should become my new measure... In addition, despite my feeling rather lethargic, I exercised BOTH days over the weekend. Hey folks, this is progress, not perfection.

Today: protein bar, latte, lunch will be a tuna wrap and veggies, yogurt for a snack. Dinner will be spaghetti again w/ soy pasta and a salad.

Iv~I think I will build the "man hole room" in the basement of the new house, I will lock Hicks in there when he gets his TOM!! As for the house, spring is when we will really start to get ready and see what will happen, right now we are throwing ideas back and forth, looking at LOTS of blue prints. Wow you did get a great deal on the bike!! Hope you had a nice ride!

Sophie, MAN HOLE ROOM!!!!!! ha ha ha ha I think we will put our men in the man hole room when they are being man-holes, if you know what I mean! ha ha ha ha

I am having a big cramp fest over here in case anyone wants to know. I did manage to make it to the gym before work though...so that was totally cool. And, I must admit, I DID feel better afterwards. I did 32 minutes on the treadmill and 23 minutes on the bike for a total of 55 minutes!

Today so far: oh, good heavens, I didn't even realize: so far I have only had a diet coke and a package of wheat peanut butter crackers. What was I thinking? I have got to go find a healthy bar or something. This day has been terrible food-wise and it's already almost 2:00!


Back later -- :rose:

Iv~I am with you, lets lock them right up! Hope the cramps ease up. I can't remember if I told you about my niece Hannah before, I am sure, she's the best and not to mention, my favorite:o Anyway, she's so cool, she is 6 and is into the whole Hippie thing, all on her own. Anyway she was at her Nana's last night, Hicks' mom's and when I got there she was holding the new Birkenstock Express catalog marking all the ones she wants!!! I was dying, she was saying over and over, "birks are the best, they are my favorite shoes"! Everyone was laughing because I really don't her these things, she just does it, and whats REALLY funny is she even looks like me and we are in no way blood related. I thought you would get a kick out of this because you understand the love of Birks. Have you gotten your all broken in yet?

Sophie, that is SOOOO cute!!!! You must love having her around. How lucky! I have about broken my new corks in. The only problem is that I haven't been wearing that pair as much because they are open backed and the snow has been too deep...so it is definitely taking longer this time. Last week I started just leaving them in the office so I could wear them during the day.

Did you ever have one of those fashion emergency days? Let me tell you...I am having a whale of a day today. The lighting in my house must be too dim, b/c I put on the wrong pants with the wrong jacket (pieces from two different suits) and the wrong shirt underneath. Sooooo, I am wearing three different shades of the same color (four if you count my shoes...) and none of them really match very well. AAAARRGG! Hopefully no one will notice too much. Or, they will just think I'm weird and stay away. That could be a good thing too! ha ha ha

No loss this a.m., but this is that lovely bloated state of affairs I deal with. Hopefully this water retention and bad mood will leave me soon! I also need to become more strict about little indulgences. We had company this weekend so we had leftovers and I have given in to some of my cravings and had "a little bit"...usually I wait to have "a little" until the weekends and then it doesn't seem to hurt me too much. (the 90/10 principal) :whip: I need to get on the treadmill today, even though it is a scheduled "off" day to make up for my sins!

Rose,

I hear your frustration but you could have the sense to :cheer: for the fact YOU DIDN'T HAVE A GAIN ..... A MAINTAIN IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN A GAIN Keep focusing on that goal of yours and know that each STEP FORWARD IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO YOUR GOAL . Make it a great day. As always, Monica

You know your life is too good when you have to borrow trouble and project about potential problems I might cause you in the future, buddy.

WHY IS HAVING A PEACEFUL DAY SO DAMM difficult? Look, ... life is short, I like you, you are supposed to like me, no one is sick or in harms way, lets just have a sandwich and be happy. Is that too much to ask?

I LOVE YOUR WAY OF THINKING!


I like that 90/10 Theory too. I dont do it everyday but the door is opened to me..
I dont remove food from my world..
That frees up that 'wrestling' inside..

Im glad I came to visit you...
You really made my morning!

Hey there gal, sorry you feeling poorly. Hope them cramps hit the road real fast. You have remained so steadfast to your workouts and eating though, you should feel very proud. Do you have the treadmill at home or do you go to a gym? Just think soon the weather will be nice enough to go outside. I almost took a walk outdoors last evening but with all the snow melt the roads are really muddy and I didnt care to get sprayed everytime a vehicle past. Keep at it gal, I am so proud of you!:)

Oh, I understand those days. You can work with me, in a Hippie store, ANYTHING goes. I am paid NOT to match. Yes, snow is deep here, I wear my birk clogs to and from work I also keep my sandals here at work. Can't wait till I can wear them all the time, my feet like to be bear! Enjoy the treadmill!!

I'm here and feeling fresh from a 45 minute walk on the treadmill!!! yipeeee! It feels great to accomplish a workout -- especially when you can see progress. I started huffing to do 25 minutes, now I am doing 45, and getting faster in the process.

Today: rice cereal w/ a side of boca sausage
lunch: roast beef sandwich, baked potato
dinner: chicken and veggie stir fry (no rice) w/ a baked eggroll.

I still need to get to the store. My cupboards are getting bear...and we know what happens when there isn't enough healthy food around, right? Ivy starts BAKING! Bad habits die hard.

Sophie, yeah, I think I could handle that!!!! I used to work at a really uptight place, ...but I still found a way to get my little quirks in. Hey, life is short, so I am happy that I moved to a more free spirited place. My piggies like to be naked too! That's my very most favorite thing about the summer...comfy sandals and boating! My mom always tells the story that when we would go some where that I was required to wear shoes and socks, the first thing I would always do when I got in the car on the way home is shed the footwear and wiggle my toes! ha ha ha

Blue, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the encouragement!!! This has been the first time I can really feel the desire from within to do HEALTHY things...not for weight, not for anything except health. And most importantly the first time I have really begun to enjoy exercise in a very long time. Thanks for noticing...I do feel different "this time". I know this sounds silly, but you are the only one who has noticed a change, and it feel good!

Birdsongs, THANKS!!! It makes me feel good that I made you feel good! ha ha That didn't even make much sense to me when I read it. I will stop by your journal later...I love it when new friends stop by!

Monica, yeah, you are right. Normal I would gain at this time of the month and just give in to cravings...so I guess I should feel very happy about a maintain. Thanks for your encouragement!

I better get going! Want to make a quick stop at a few journals and then need to go to the store. Bye Bye all! :rose:

Hi Rose,

The mock mashed potatoes recipe is simple and imho VERY VERY TASTY ....

Because it is just the two of us (dh and myself) I steam a package of fresh cauliflower .... allow it to cool for 20 minutes; season with garlic powder and black pepper (because I am a diabetic I monitor several of my nutritional intakes) and approx. 1 tablespoon margarine (I use Smart Balance Margarine because it has no trans fats .. lol another thing I have to be very mindful of) and I sprinkle in some Kraft Fat Free Parmesan Cheese .... it really is very very good (again imho) .... and 1 cup is equal to 35 calories ... (and also the fiber is great too).

Thanks for your visit in my journal .... and I do appreciate your suggestion regarding my daughters. You're doing great. Keep :up: the good work. As always, Monica

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! Thats so funny that you bought boxers for your man too!! Enjoy the love day, with your feet naked and free!!

Hi IV.......Hope your Valentines was good. You hit the nail right on when you said you are doing this for your health. I relate to that 110%..........that is my goal also, to be FIT, in the best possible shape by the time I am 50. I have been seeing different walkathons in the area and really contemplated joining one.....not sure what has kept me back so far. The weather? lack of self confidence? I will let you know when I figure that one out. But you keep it up it is very obvious you are on the right road, it is almost like I am talking with you one on one when I read your posts. Have a great day .........Hugzzzzzzzzz!
Sandi

Hey IV~how was your V-day, did DH like the boxers, Hicks liked his. Anytime you want a part job job here let me know!! You can help me catch shoplifters! Hope you had a nice weekend.

Here, and feeling pretty much like a Monday! grump! I am sort of sleepy today and feeling lethargic. I really do believe that it has something to do with the fact I didn't get as much exercise over the weekend b/c of my headache. Now all that goop is backed up in there b/c I didn't sweat enough out. Call me silly, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Today: 50 minutes on the bike planned for this afternoon. Breakfast:delicious berry smoothie with frozen fruit, cottage cheese for protein, milk, vanilla, and splenda for sweetening. Push buzz and mmm, it's a treat.

Lunch: burrito from home. Leftovers, but hey, healthier than scrounging from the machine.

Sophie, I must tell you...I have decided that the second most comfy thing to my birks is the most recent version of FLEECE!!! I got a new fleece sweatshirt over the weekend and omg, it is so soft and just the right thickness. I haven't had one this soft before. I wonder if I could find a way to dress in whatever this type of fleece is from head to toe? ha ha ha

Blue, we are talking one on one, lady! You have been on the right road for a long time and you are all the ones that got me thinking in the right direction. I'm just a little slow to catch on so it took me a while to put it into action. ha ha ha ha Hope you had a good weekend! Will stop by your journal this afternoon...

Monica, oh man, I am going to try those TONIGHT! I really like cauliflower anyway (even though DH doesn't) and this will make me feel like I am getting something for "free". All those flavors are just up my alley. I use that smart balance b/c it is made with olive oil. I figure every little bit helps. I am sure glad things are going better with your girls. It is hard on a mom when it isn't smooth sailing with her girls, I know. We girls can be poops sometimes, guess it comes with the deal. :D ha ha ha

Better get going. I have a 1:00 meeting, then will be back to stop by journals. I am trying to procrastinate getting any real work done today.... ha ha Later! :rose:

OH, most important -- I LOST ANOTHER POUND!!!!!

GOOD FOR YOU!! One more pound gone!! :wave: Good bye little pound, hope to never see you again!! As for the fleece, are you sitting down?...yes I have tried it, I have socks that are made out of the new mico-fleece...oh to wear them with your birks is HEAVEN!!

CONGRATULATIONS ROSE ON HAVING LOST ONE GLORIOUS POUND OF BLUBBER ... :cheer: Your success will and can be achieved ONE DAY AT A TIME .. ONE MEAL AT A TIME .

Not to be nosey ... how are you doing on your :water: intake; are you getting at least 64 fluid ounces each day? Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Good morning IV, I was riding last night, were you? I did 4 miles, it felt great! Well, I need to be going, just wanted to say hi!

Hi all! Well, I didn't get to try out my cauliflower "fake taters" b/c we went out to eat. I did pretty good, which is a triumph when I REALLY wanted a big steak and dessert! ha Will try the fakers tonight though. As for my triumphant restaurant experience, I am giving credit to the awesome MASSAGE I got yesterday! I had such a relaxed happy feeling...even cheese cake didn't compare to the happy state of mind I found. And all was good in the world. Even DH's snoring wasn't so irritating. One could hope that this argument would cause one's DH to run, no sprint, to the spa and purchase many many gift certificates!!!

Looking forward to working out this afternoon. I think I might like to do the bike tonight and the treadmill tomorrow morning. Oh geez, did I really say that? I wonder if they are handing out parkas in hell as we speak.

back later, this day is spinning out of control around me so it appears I better go put out fires...

everything seems to be happening on time today....early in fact. And DH VOLUNTEERED to make dinner on Saturday. Weird twilight zone feeling going on over here and it's FREAKIN ME OUT!!!!! do do do-do do do do-do

:tomato:

Went to the gym this morning and walked on the treadmill for 50 minutes. So far today: strawberries, 1/2 turkey sandwich, salad w/ veggies and dressing topped with chicken, need to figure out dinner. I'm in the mood for something different, but I don't know what.

Everybody hang on until spooky weird day is OVER and chaos reigns once again! Maybe I should go to bed early...

I was thinking about starting a journal again and while lurking out pops ivoryrose.

I read that "this time" you see a difference. What is the difference for you?

I have to admit, and I trust I can do this without judgements since we've been buddies from the beginning, I have to admit I'm envious of your difference this time.

I want the best for you "Rosie."

I want the best for me too one day.

thinkspring

Congrats on that pound gal!:cheers: I am just thrilled. Spend the 3 bucks the garden variety egg beaters are worth it. Your dedication to your eating and workouts are really starting to reap you rewards. Funny how after awhile it seems we just start doing the right things......without even trying. I am just so happy for you, keep up the good work, and have a great weekend!

Hi all! So far today: breakfast bar, soy pasta w/ marinara for lunch. Dinner will be chicken, taters, and veggie. I am soooo in the mood for sweets. I may have to subsist on just a hershey's kiss and call it a day. It will take some willpower though...we know how I get when I want CHOCOLATE!!! ha ha ha

Blue, hey thanks! Yes, I do hope that happens. It hasn't come that naturally to me yet, but hopefully I am improving. I have to be careful now though b/c it doesn't feel so "new" and it is easier to slip off.

TS, you know, I know exactly what you mean. I know someone who is losing like 5 lbs a week and making huge progress (she's the one trying the diet drugs) while I sit around trying to lose a pound or two if I'm lucky. It is so hard to watch and feel like no matter how hard you try you are just crawling. So, progress is relative, and I know what you mean about envy. Or maybe that's not the right word, exactly...b/c it connotes (denotes?) a hint of begrudging progress and I don't think that's it...it's more just wanting progress for myself. Anyway, I can't think of a different one, but I think you know what I mean.

More importantly though -- you are doing fantastic yourself! The news about your jeans is soooooo wonderful! I do believe you may be having a "this time" of your own. :D Particularly with the wonderful peace descending over you. And you DO deserve the best. You will have it...you are creating it. I must say, as for weight loss, I can't wait until I actually have a clothing down-size. It seems so far away. I am just trying to start with my mindset. Hoping the body will follow. UUUGGGHHHH! I think for me what has helped change my mind was getting so sick. I just don't want to be sick again. I hated it. And, it is going very slow, but I try to remind myself to feel good about the fact that I have stuck to at least some, albeit small, improvement for a whole month. It took me years to get here, so a month isn't much...but it feels like an improvement from what I was doing before. You take care, sweet friend. And if Ex is a poop, you just think of your rosie-cheeked pal and kick his butt! :D


:rose:

Just wanted to stop in and say hello, hope you had and nice weekend!!

I had an alright weekend Soph, thanks for stopping by. I sure hope yours was great too!

Just here for a minute, but I wanted to capture my thoughts.

There is a different feeling in the air -- maybe something to do with the warmer weather and sunshine. I am feeling good. Better than normal. Today, I have control over my actions. Today, I am not in any way defined by others. Today, I genuinely don't care what anyone thinks. Today, I would have worn a purple hat if I had one. And today, I would have said to hell with anyone that didn't like it. It's a good day.

Hi Rose, :wave:

LOL SOUNDS LIKE A PERFECT DAY TO ME . Make it a great one. As always, Monica :hug:

Hi again Rose, :wave:

I read in my Journal you were curious if I had a low fat recipe for Shepherd's Pie ..... a long time ago I made the recipe but I no longer make it because (a) I now have to monitor my total fat and saturated fat content; and (b) I am not allowed to eat red meat ... of course I guess it could be made with ground turkey; and (c) since it is just Les (my husband) and I it would be too many leftovers ... lol which Les is not too crazy about ...

But if you're interested in trying a new recipe .... here is the recipe for SHEPHERD'S PIE -- Serves 6
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 pound bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (12 oz.) jar beef gravy
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 package instant mashed potatoes (Water, milk and margarine called for on potato mix package)
2 teaspoons shredded Parmesan Cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees F
Cook beef and onion in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium flame, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain well. Stir in frozen vegetables, mushrooms, tomatoes, gravy, chili sauce, basil and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. COVER AND SIMMER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL VEGETABLES ARE TENDER .
While beef mixture is cooking, make potatoes as directed on package for 4 servings, using 1 pouch Potatoes, water, milk and margarine. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Spoon beef mixture into UNGREASED SQUARE BAKING DISH 8 x 8 x 2 inches. Spoon potatoes onto beef mixture AROUND EDGES OF DISH . Sprinkle with cheese.
Bake UNCOVERED for 25 to 30 minutes OR until potatoes are firm and beef mixture is bubbly.
[/list=1] [list]
Total Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat 15 grams
Saturated Fat 6 grams
Carbohydrates 26 grams
Cholesterol 50 milligrams
Sodium 590 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 3 grams
Protein 19 grams


I hope you will enjoy this recipe ... Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Wow IV you are so profound! Glad it was such a great Day!! The weather is starting to change and spring is definitely in the air here. But you know.............I really think that is the real you giving you that good feeling. You are bringing her more and more to the surface every day. It is so obvious in your thoughts and actions. I am just amazed at the transformation you have gone through already this year. "2004" is going to be your YEAR! Keep strong sweetie..............

ANOTHER TWO POUNDS LOST!!!! DANCING. LAUGHING. PARTY AT MY HOUSE!!!!

Had a good workout this morning. Went 30 on the treadmill and another 35 on the bike. felt great! I am so glad I have been taking a little time back for myself. Don't worry, I am not on the high I was a couple days ago. But, I think perhaps lately I have figured out that I can't view myself as only a member of my own small little world. I'm not just defined by job, my spouse, my family, my town. Naaa, that's stupid. The world is huge. There are lots of potential events and interactions out there. Lots of people and places to learn about. That makes the ones in your own "world" not as important. Don't get me wrong, they are important, but the stuff around you isn't all there is to it. It's almost like the blinders have been taken off and I now have peripheral vision. Maybe that makes no sense. But, if someone is a sh*t to you in your own "world" well -- it's not enjoyable, but they are the idiots. It reflects on them, not me. The things that reflect on me are how I treat others, how I take care of myself, whether I do a good job at work. That isn't all there is to it, but it's an important part of life. Anyway, enough of Philosophy 101.

Blue, thanks lady! You know, that makes sense what you said. I sorta feel like the "girl" inside wants out again for once! Did that happen to you? It's so WEIRD that I don't even know how to describe it.

Monica, awesome! Thanks for the recipe! I remember my mom used to make something like that, but I haven't had it for years. Might be fun to try a lowfat version.

Until later kids -- :rose:

CONGRATULATIONS ROSE ON HAVING LOST TWO GLORIOUS POUNDS OF BLUBBER ... you have much to :cheer: about; keep taking and making your weight loss journey ONE DAY AT A TIME ... ONE MEAL AT A TIME ....

Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Good job on the 2 pounds down! I understand that feeling of pride after doing a workout, it feels great...and the fact that the scale is following plan, it feels even better! Keep up the hard work!

thanks girls! a long way to go, but boy does it feel great to make progress!

Had an hour long workout this morning. felt so good! We are going to a new mexican restaurant this afternoon, so thought I better get my workout in. it helps me remember to eat healthy after I go to all that work. :D

Feeling pretty content today! The weather is warming again into the low 40's and the sun is shining. WONDERFUL!

Hi IV, just wanted to stop in and say hello. As for the weather, enjoy it, it feels wonderful!!!

LOST ANOTHER POUND OF BLUBBER!!!!!

na-na na na
na-na na na
yeah yeah yeah
goo-ood bye!!!!


:water: :lift: :whip: :mus: :dn

Got my exercise in Saturday for an hour and Sunday for 45 minutes! yipeeeeeee!

Good job IV! It's such a wonderful feeling to step on the scale and see the numbers go down. Knowing all the work you are doing is bearing results.
:rose: Lucky

What a wonderful achievement Rose .... CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT TERRIFIC ONE POUND LOSS OF BLUBBER :cheer: ....

I am so pleased for you .... keep on drinking that :water: and continuing with your :ex: regimen .... and I am looking forward to hearing about your continued successes. As always, Monica :hug:

Geesh, what a hike to find my poor little journal. Tsk Tsk on me...must not have been here in a few days.

Thanks all for your messages!!!! I am feeling pretty good about it myself! It is finally sunshiny here today!!! It takes my mood and boosts it up about 10 notches, just seeing the sun! I think in a former life I must have been a sun worshiper or something.

I got in 50 minutes of exercise yesterday. Did well with eating. Had a meal bar for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, and dinner was a mis-mash of leftovers with veggies. I have been in a chocolate mood the last two days. And my muscles are very tight in my shoulders. I must not be dealing with something. Well, who am I kidding, I know what I'm not dealing with...I have a co-worker who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. we have gotten to know one another over the last couple years, and sort of developed a mentoring type relationship. she is very young (early 20's) and has little kids at home. I just cannot put my head around the idea that such a young vital person is so sick. Life is so wrong sometimes...

Monica, you are soooo right about the water, and I am soooooo bad about getting it all in! I get in lots of drinks, but not enough plain water. I'll keep trying. :)

Lucky, welcome! Yeah, I must admit, it is really feeling good to see the scale cooperating!

Have a meeting to go to...talk to you all later!

Hey IV!

WTG............look at how far you have come this year! It is just fantastic, I am so happy for you. I agree with the sunshine lifting ones spirit. We getting plenty of it today. Sorry to hear about your co-worker, life just isn't fair at times. Somehow ......somewhere there is a reason, but figuring it out can seem impossible at times. You are a very good listener and that will be a comfort should he/she need a shoulder. Enjoy your fiesta!.........Adios for now! Sandi

1 more lb GONE!!!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHH :dn

Beth :not:

Good job on a pound gone forever!!! Thats so sad to read about your co-worker that is sick. It must be so hard for her, and with young kids at home...keep you head up and I will say a prayer for her.

hi everyone! Oh I am so happy to see your wonderful posts here today!!! That encouragement keeps me going strong!

It was such a busy day here yesterday, I didn't get back to post. I am having a bloated day...sorta of feeling mellow too...and wanting CHOCOLATE the last couple days. maybe a pre-pms day. poor dh. ha ha ha I am such a pitiful pathetic coward though...when I feel like I might be bloated, I refuse to get on the scale for fear of what it might read. Isn't that silly? Nonetheless, I shall continue in my strange ways. ha ha

Soph, yeah, I have actually been avoiding thinking about it...I just can't get it to work in my head yet. She really needs that prayer...thanks buddy for being so thoughtful. It's just so sad. So wrong. I don't know what else to say about it...that's the only thought that keeps running through my head.

Beth, Thanks!!!!! I love it when new friends stop by! I will have to stop by your construction zone. Love the title! :D See ya there...

Blue, thanks girl. You are so sweet. I sure hope you are feeling better real soon. You have gotten used to that high energy level and we want to keep it that way! Let me know about those vities...I have seen them in the store and almost bought them the other day. Will be interested to see how you like them.

Well crew, wish me luck. I am so nervous about tonight because we are going out to eat at an ITALIAN place. My very worst weakness...I become a wet noodle when I get there. All my mind thinks is "gimme cream sauce". For a person with a decent I.Q. ... I turn into a complete idiot in these situations. Salad, just keep saying the word, salad, salad, eating only 1/2 the pasta, I can visualize it. seeing it now. 1/2 the pasta. Oh crap, who am I kidding...I can't visualize such a thing at all. Such a vision would be sacrilegious in my family! What? Waste the pasta? For shame! darn. I'll keep working on it....

keep a smile girls -- we will beat it eventually! There is strength in numbers, right?! Right! :hug: to all, :rose:

oh man, i am soooo bloated and feeling like i am starving all the time. My rings are cutting off the circulation to my fingertips and the scale is showing a gain since yesterday....this makes Rosie VERY grumpy!!!! :shifty: logically, i know it must be a hormonal thing, but oh man am i having a challenge fighting against it. After all, it is highly unlikely that I gained a couple pounds in the last 12 hours...however, I DON'T LIKE IT! the good news is that yesterday and today i did manage to work out. 50 minutes yesterday and 40 minutes today. have got to get back control of the great dietary habits i had developed!!!! I MUST! I AM ON THE RIGHT ROAD AND I NEED, NO I MUST, STAY THERE!!! A full 10 pounds down now...just need to keep it up. I need to make more progress. I gotta get out of this fat suit!!!! NOW!!! I need to move towards being the healthy old me!!!!

So far today:

breakfast: coffee w/ vanilla creamer, 1 c. grapes, yoplait light yogurt,

--insert 40 minutes on the exercise bike --

Lunch: spanish rice (w/ beef, tomato, onion, pepper, ff cheese), 1 serving angel food cake w/ rasberries and cool whip (this was silly...not the worst choice in the world, but why eat it at all? what was I thinking? what did this do for my health? NOTHING! So, note to self: Self, don't do that again, ok? There is no point to doing so and it doesn't improve your life or health.)

Snack: sf flavored latte, 8 ritz chips (they are new and yummy -- although not really something I need to do again.) Also, on the coffee, why so much caffiene today? I think I am looking for energy to combat this hormonal low. Next time I need to look for a fruit/veggie/exercise high...or maybe just take a nap.

Hmmmmm, as I look at the list, it seems like a lot...better stick with salad tonight for dinner w/ only a bit of meat. Skip the pasta and bread.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Lets make it a good week!!!!

:rose:

Hi Rose,

I was reading Sandi's (BlueEyez) journal and read that you were having cravings so I decided I would put some recipes in your journal so that you can SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS and LOSE WEIGHT ....

MOCHA ANGEL CAKE -- Serves 12
1 package (1 pound) one-step white angel food cake mix
1 tablespoon baking cocoa
1 1/4 cups cold coffee
Chocolate Sprinkles (if desired)
MOCHA TOPPING
1/2 package (2.8 ounce size) whipped topping mix (1 Envelope)
1/2 cup cold nonfat milk
1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar
2 teaspoons baking cocoa

Bake and cook cake as directed on package for two 9 inch loaf pans EXCEPT: STIR COCOA INTO CAKE MIX (DRY) AND SUBSTITUTE COLD COFFEE FOR THE WATER.
Serve cake with Mocha Topping. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles (if desired).
Store covered in refrigerator.
[/list=1]

PREPARE MOCHA TOPPING: Make topping mix as directed on package, using nonfat milk and vanilla; add powdered sugar and cocoa FOR THE LAST MINUTE OF BEATING[list]
Total Calories per serving: 165
Total Fat 1 gram
Saturated Fat 0 grams
Carbohydrates 35 grams
Cholesterol 0 milligrams
Sodium 260 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 0 grams
Protein 4 grams


MINI PUMPKIN CHEESECAKES -- Serves 8
1 package fat free cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup fat free cholesterol free egg product
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup canned pumpkin (NOT PUMPKIN PIE MIX)
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 cup frozen (thawed) reduced fat whipped topping

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8 medium muffin cups, 2 1/2 x 1 1/4 inches with aluminum foil or paper baking cups.
Break cookies into fine crumbs. RESERVE 2 TEASPOONS COOKIE CRUMBS FOR TOPPING. Divide remaining crumbs among muffin cups.
Beat cream cheese and brown sugar in bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in egg product and vanilla just until blended. Stir in pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. SPOON EVENLY INTO MUFFIN CUPS.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes OR UNTIL EDGES ARE SET; cool 15 minutes. REMOVE CHEESECAKES FROM PAN.
Refrigerate about 1 hour or until completely chilled.
Serve each cheesecake topped with 2 tablespoons whipped topping. Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
Store covered in refrigerator.
[/list=1] [list]
Total Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat 2 grams
Saturated Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrates 18 grams
Cholesterol 0 milligrams
Sodium 190 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 1 gram
Protein 6 grams


CHOCOLATE PUDDING CAKE -- Serves 10 *
CAKE:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
10 packets sugar substitute (or equivalent of 20 teaspoons sugar)
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup WARM nonfat milk
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
SAUCE:
1/4 cup sugar
10 packets sugar substitute (or equivalent of 20 teaspoons sugar)
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 3/4 cups boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Pour into UNGREASED 9-inch square baking pan.
TO PREPARE SAUCE: Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar, 10 packets sugar substitute and 3 tablespoons cocoa over batter in pan. Pour boiling water over top .[B(DO NOT STIR.)
Bake 40 minutes OR UNTIL cake portion has risen to top of pan and sauce is bubbling underneath.
Serve immediately.
[/list=1] [list]
Total Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat 3 grams
Saturated Fat (less than) 1 gram
Carbohydrates 26 grams
Cholesterol (less than ) 1 milligram
Sodium 246 milligrams
Dietary Fiber (less than) 1 gram
Protein 4 grams


* This is a diabetic recipe .....

If you want more to satisfy your cravings let me know .... I can give you both diabetic and nondiabetic recipes ....

Enjoy. As always, Monica

THANKS MONICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh man am I totally drooling! You have no idea how much I love sweets. The problem? I have blood sugar issues myself. So I really have to watch it. I am not diabetic, but the doc says that if I don't get things in order...I will be...so these recipes are great for me!

Thanks a million!! :hug:

p.s. I did have a HUGE salad for dinner, 1 pc. of fresh ww bread, and managed to limit pasta to 1/2 cup w/ 1/2 link italian sausage. Could've been much worse. We know how I am about pasta. So kids, chalk one up for the team -- I call this a relative win!!! :up:

Rose,

you might try eating (especially when you're at home) whole wheat pasta .....

If you want I will definitely check out more diabetic dessert recipes .... you'd be surprised how good those desserts can be .....

As always, Monica

HI Sweets!!!!!

Lol pardon the pun. 10 pounds.......Congrats gal:cheer: that is a real accomplishment. Keep that attitude it will get you over the rough spots, and don't forget you have lots of support here when you need it. Do you drink lots of water? That is something that I just did not do...........until the first of the year........and it really seems to work. Funny that drinking water helps you to not retain it but it's true. I read that alot of times we retain water because our bodies think we are in a drought when we don't get enough. Makes sense. So now I carry a bottle with me everywhere. You are gonna come out on top you just wait and see......Hugzzzz to you my friend. Sandi

Hi, just wanted to stop in and say hello!!! Hope you had a nice weekend.

hi kids! just a quickie here today. it has been a relatively good day so far:

Breakie: slim fast bar and a yogurt. sorta felt like cake and ice cream. well, sorta. no, not really...who am i trying to fool? it was just a breakfast bar and yogurt. moving on.

Lunch: 2/3 c. pasta (cooked al dente...not mush...i hate mushy pasta) with red sauce and lf italian sausage. self contained portion in little lunchee sized tupperware forced me, noodle glutton, to stay within limits

Snack: new light Nouriche yogurt. A good yogurt smoothie, a bit high in calories though (170) The nice thing is that now I'm not all that hungry for dinner...perhaps I will be able to control myself? We knew the day would come eventually....

Dinner: big dinner salad, slice of fresh made ww bread out the super-sonic-mega-gadget bread maker. Will find a way to incorporate some sort of protein substance.

On the subject of left-over sweets....Note to self: Self, it's going to be a challenge at your house tonight. But, you don't need to eat any of the left over torte that is sitting in your refrigerator. While it was a perfectly good treat to feed to your lovely guests...there is no need to feed it to yourself. The event is over, the torte was just the catalyst for sharing with friends. The sharing with friends is done, self. let it go! This torte does nothing for your health. and don't be fooled by your favorite phrase: "well, it IS made of LF ingredients". LF ingredients are fine, self, but LF ingredients still have calories. You don't need those excess calories. you really don't. if you don't believe me, and temptation overwhelms you, just go to the mirror, spin yourself around, and look at your giant arse. this thing has it's own gravitational pull, for heaven's sake. you don't want to carry it around with you any longer. cast it off, self! Cast off the torte! I IMPLORE YOU!!!!!

Thus endeth the lesson. See you all tomorrow.

FIGHT THE URGE to get into those left overs!! Let us know how you do!

Throw them out before you eat them - I know waste of food - BUT better then going to your waist :)

Give them away or something. I try to always send my leftovers home with people lol

Beth :not:

DUM DEE-DEE DUM

I threw them out. leftover cake is GONE! :tomato:

It hurt. 8-|

A lot. :c(

But I did it! :tongue:

I am feeling a little more empowered today, I must admit. I got an hour workout in this morning. that was a good thing. had a protein drink for breakie, a turkey/roast beef/mozzarella sandwich for lunch w/ a small salad, and dinner -- well, we'll see. I have a business din din tonight though, so hopefully that will quash my glutenous ways for the evening. Plus, if you think about it, it's really relatively impolite to eat most fattening food at a formal dinner type thing. Who wants to see a person shoving greasy onion rings in their mouth? Or fattening pasta stringing down your chin? Or anything with cheese and those long strings that go along with it. Face it, the chicken breast is totally the way to go whilst in the presence of others. Sigh. What a shame I even have to consider these things. oh well. it won't be forever, one day i shall begin to see my hour glass shape (i.e. a WAIST) re-emerging, right? sure wish it would hurry up, already....

Thanks for being such a great cheering section Soph and Beth! I like that, "better than going to your waist"! :D

Rose,

YOU ARE SO TERRIFIC .... I AM SO PROUD OF YOUR CHOICE TO THROW OUT THE LEFTOVER CAKE ..... :up:

You need to APPLAUD YOURSELF FOR MAKING SUCH A MARVELOUS CHOICE .... you definitely took the higher ground.

You did good .... :cheer: As always, Monica

hi all! It's a crazy day so I only have a minute.

Did ok last night at the restaurant...just had chicken. But, then was hungry later at night and unfortunately made myself two pieces of lite toast and a pice of string cheese. oh, and two evil girl scout cookies. those little things... X-( I hate those things -- they can beckon from any corner of the room no matter where you hide them. Banish the girl scouts! anyway, filled the hole and I was able to sleep, but I really didn't need the calories.

Today: Breakfast, advantage bar; lunch, lean cuisine lasagne and a "few" hershey's kisses...i'll stop eating them now. they are good, but not worth a no loss week. Dinner, gonna make chicken w/ rice and veggies. should be yummy!

Today's triumph, good breakfast and lunch, plenty of water thus far. Haven't bitten anyone's head off despite foul mood. Stopped at 4 chocolate kisses despite desire to consume 4 dozen.

Today's goal -- no more sweets, even little chocolate kisses.

oh, and a second goal -- get in that exercise! gotta do it b/c tomorrow is going to be a crazy day.

third goal -- cement healthy frame of mind, prioritize health and long term happiness over momentary bliss delivered by evil girl scout cookie -- no matter how loudly they call.

determined to make this weekend a good one! Need to get to the store to get healthy fruit and veggies. I have to remember not to COOK SWEETS because it is just too hard to resist them. Instead, I need to make a HUGE fruit salad so it's ready to go.

good news, I managed to get on the exercise bike for 40 minutes after work today. pretty good for a friday afternoon!

has been very busy around the office this week. next week should be a little more normal.

to all of you whose journals i haven't had the chance to stop by the last couple days -- hope you have a great weekend!

:hug:

Good GRIEF this thing was hard to find. I swear, a girl doesn't stop by for a few days and her journal disappears in no time.

First of all, the good. I have done WELL so far today! The day is more than half over, and I just need to NOT mess it up. I have had only a breakfast bar and for lunch I had Lean Cuisine.

Second, the bad. And the ugly. I ate corned beef this weekend. or, as I now call it, beef marbled fat globules. I forgot how incredibly disgusting the fat chunks are (even if the meat was pretty darn tasty). And even more abhorrent, as I looked at the remaining blobs of fat on my plate, it occurred to me that similarly degusting blobs live in huge colonies on my THIGHS!!!!! How is that for a nasty image? Don't wrinkle your nose in such a snooty way...it lives on YOUR THIGHS too, kids. And it is procreating at an alarming rate. So what are you doing sitting here reading my journal rather than exercising, huh? ha ha ha :D

I have got to do better than this. PMS week is over, and I am out of excuses, cravings, and other "reasons" to fall off the wagon. I really want "that feeling" back. I don't mean the "yes I can manage to do this" feeling. I want the "get out of the way quick because i'm on my way and you can't stop me" feeling. It's all so much easier when the latter mind set prevails.

Nope, tonight, I shall exercise and eat a balanced, healthy person sized portion of din din. chicken, veggies, maybe a little rice. then call it a day.

Oops, i'm late for my 3:00 appointment, who is undoubtedly sitting there looking like I have stolen 2 minutes of their life oh-so-unfairly. ho hum. Better go.

Have fun all! Til next time, :rose:

HI gal!

Lol, I absolutely love your journal. Your writing is so profound. You should install the clapper as I did girl, it makes finding your journal easier.......then all you have to do is find the right page......LoL! I have faith that you will get that kick azz attitude back real soon. I know what ya mean though.......sure makes the workouts great! I am hoping you get some warm weather soon. Spring has showed us signs on and off for a few weeks now, however today winter is making what I hope is it's Last Appearance till next year. Well gotta run gal..........Later!

Hello IV, just wanted to stop by and thank you for stopping by my journal yesterday, I sure needed all the friends in the world yesterday. I am better today, thank you.

First off, can I just say...I am feeling pretty good about me-self. I have managed to melt another TWO POUNDS off the fat colonies living on my thighs. This, friends, is a friggin miracle. I am almost to a point I haven't seen in 2 years. 2 more weeks people, and If I'm "good"...I can be there. It isn't saying much, as I have been WAY too fatimus maximus for 6 years now, but at least there is some promise of backing up to the two-years-ago weight. But, I must admit, for some BIZARRE and screwed up reason, the prospect is a little scary. Is this a strange phenomenon only occurring in my head? I mean really -- the logical side of my brain (the far more developed aspect of my grey matter, I might add) tells me that is absurd. After all, what might happen...hell will freeze over and all the world will change because I'm back to super sized rather than super mega sized? Gimme a break. Nonetheless, I am feeling a block. a WEIRD block, like walking off a cliff into the unknown darkness. And, because the emotional side of my brain gets so little attention most days...I have no idea what to do with said weird feeling.

Soph, you are certainly welcome sweets! Any time!!!! :hug:

Blue, shucks, lady...glad you stopped by...and glad you get a kick out of my strange thought pattern. :D

I managed to stick to my guns last night -- had dinner, had fruit for dessert, exercised for 53 minutes, and went to bed! Today, I had a breakfast bar for, um, breakfast. Shared some wicked barbs with an idiot during a meeting, and then went on to consume a small salad and a turkey sandwich w/ mozerella for lunch. Now I have to accomplish something useful before I have to leave this afternoon for yet another round of work related time wasting with said idiot. Dinner, I haven't figured out yet, but I need to get on the ball and decide before I get hungry again. Wish me luck on all counts... 8-|

--Rosie

Rose,

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FANTASTIC SUPER TERRIFIC TWO POUND LOSS OF BLUBBER :cheer: :cheer:

Since you don't have any stats in place (lol that I can see anyway .. even with my clean spectacles) your loss is something to cheer about :cheers:

Maybe you should think about rewarding yourself with a new outfit ... or some lingerie (lol a long time ago I treated myself to a lacy bra ... of course only I can see it) .... SOMETHING EXTRA SPECIAL TO CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS .

I am thrilled and pleased for you ... way to go my friend. As always, Monica

Hi Monica! Thanks so much!!! I still have a really long way to go, but it felt nice to see that loss. Plus, I am holding at the same loss today, so I guess it's officially a loss. I am such a dork, I always wait to see if it "took" by waiting until the second day the scale reads a loss. 8-| I think when I FINALLY do reach my 2 year loss point (keeping in mind that this is still about 80 pounds away from goal...) I will take your advice and do something nice for myself! Maybe another massage? Mmmm, how nice would that be? Or perhaps a new spring blazer for work? I DO very much like the new bra idea though...something to remind me that under there somewhere I am, in fact, STILL A WOMAN!!!! I love it!!!!!

Last night, at about 9, I REALLY wanted to have a little snackie. I mean I REALLY wanted one...but I said to myself, hey, just a couple hours or so before bed...let's see if you can survive the next couple hours. Turns out, I didn't die. I'm here today. No worse for wear. Who knew? Hopefully I can try the same exercise again tonight, should the snack-urge-monster make a repeat appearance. I got 53 minutes in on the exercise bike. Felt pretty good. I was pretty sweaty too. This is how I have started measuring the success of a work out. i.e. on a scale of 1-10, how gross am I when it's over? Nice visual. Hey, your choice to stop by.

Today so far:
breakie: egg beaters and 1 c. new high protein cereal w/ 2/3 c. milk. nice and filling, although the cereal was a little flat.

Lunch: chicken breast and rice w/ broccoli and a peach. out of season peach sucked. dry. mealy. bright yellow and red skin was very deceiving. won't eat another any time soon. bleck.

dinner: haven't decided yet. I need to go look at the freezer and see what's waiting there. it feels like a mexican fiesta night. perhaps a good fajita might be in order? I've got chicken, tortillas, peppers, onions, and cilantro. mmmm. Oh! and DH picked up some organic salsa from the HFS last night. Yep, it's a fajita night. solved that problem. :dc don't you think I need a margarita to go with that? ha ha ha

I better get back to work. My desk is overflowing with things that need my attention. the pile of crap is beginning to encroach upon my sanity and well being. not good.

Later! Here's wishing you all a happy healthy day!!! :rose:

Congrats on 2 more pounds gone!! Keep it up!

Hey there..............Missed you today! Just stopping in for a Hidee Ho..............Hope you just got busy, I always worry when someone doesn't come in. We have lost so many. Hoping to see ya tommorow with words of wisdom for the weekend. Talk at ya later!! SAndi

Geesh, Sandi, words of wisdom? that's a lot of pressure! ha ha ha Had a super busy day out of the office yesterday. In a way I like those days b/c it seems like the fly by. On the other hand, I didn't get time for lunch, so I was a total hog for dinner. oink. You know, what was I thinking? Penance for my sins included a significant incline on the treadmill as I walked for an HOUR yesterday. That's a long time when you have as much to carry with you as I do. I ranked pretty high on the gross sweaty factor, too, so it must have, in fact, been a pretty good workout. Don't know if it made up for eating the rest of that bag of Ritz chips, though.

Today so far: Total protein cereal; lean cuisine; dinner I haven't decided about yet. DH won't be joining me, so I should have something I like for once. Unfortunately, that usually involves something in the form of pasta with a cream based sauce. accompanied by a glass or two of wine, naturally. bleck. waaaaay too many calories. Perhaps the gourmet store has some decent lf alfredo that will fool my sensitive buds? Pr'y not, but might as well look.

I am SO friggin ready for spring. Don't get me wrong, I love winter, but it has been winter here since October. Enough already. The lakes are still frozen over...I need to hear the sound of waves lapping. and is it too much to ask for a tulip to appear? gahdammit. Maybe I will go get one of those therapeutic noise makers...you know, the ones that make wave, running water, birds chirping type sounds. And an ultraviolet light.

sigh.

better go, I still have several hours worth of crap on my desk. And today's tasks are, in fact, pretty much crap. Paper work, in triplicate. All forms. Back to my dictation. Brilliant Assistant ("BA") will kill me when she sees this pile. Perhaps I better offer chocolate when I take it to her office....

bye all! :rose:

Welp, was a bachelorette this weekend. DH was on a business trip so I got the house all to myself. Why do I like this so much? I think that at some level I am refusing to give up my younger, freer days...OR, I just enjoy the alone time ALOT. So what did I do with my night of quiet bliss? I had people over, naturally. Made din-din (quesedillas), Sangria, sat around, laughed our asses off. Child-bearing friends' babysitters expired at 10, however. Childless friends stayed for a while longer...to finish off the Sangria. For some reason I didn't eat too much. An unlikely event, as I am the best of the social eaters. Social hogs, really. I am proud to note that I resisted the urge to clean. I even considered giving myself a pedicure...but resisted that urge too, as the remaining effects of the Sangria are unlikely to improve my artistic abilities. Plus, it just seemed too...I dunno...too something.

To top it off, the scale is showing ANOTHER POUND LOST! Sorry, I cheated and peaked, had to know... How about that? Think I will make an egg beaters omelet with some fruit for breakie. Better go. It's time to shower and start the day, now that it's 10 a.m. What a great way to spend a Saturday! Plus, gotta get to the HFS and the markets before all the good produce has been pawed and picked through by the entire neighborhood.

Have a good weekend all! :rose:

Good Morning Rose, :wave:

I AM SO THRILLED AND PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR SUCCESSFUL ONE POUND LOSS OF BLUBBER ... :cheer: ...

It's okay that you took a quick peek ... sometimes those quick peeks and UNEXPECTED SUCCESSES :dc :jn .. keep us going on to achieve NEW SUCCESSES.

Make it a great day ... and have and make it a fantastic weekend. As always, Monica :wn

Ivory, you cant do anything except succeed, you have such a way of looking at things, I love it! lol

Congrats on all those pounds lost!

Thanks Mon and Birdy!!!! So sweet of you to stop by.

Speaking of stopping by...I noticed that there are, like, 700 friggin people looking at my journal...yet only a tenth that many posts...so, I figure, wow, how cool that so many people stop by. But then I also think, hey, why don't these lurkers stop by and say "hi" or "nice thought" or "geez you're a dumbass" ... any combination will work. Face it, I could use the feedback,... I don't get particularly interesting answers talking to myself. So if you have a good joke or something -- geezus, bring it on.

Managed to exercise for 70, yes 70, minutes today on the recumbent bike. Cardio setting. how nice! I started to waver a bit at 35 minutes, but then I turned up the music and somehow got into the c.d., and all the sudden it had been an hour. I then looked down at my mishapen thighs and thought...shoot, you guys are huge...I should keep pedaling. Kept my heart rate at 142. Was sufficiently gross and sweaty to classify this as possibly my best workout to date.

DH made it back late last night. So, slept through breakie. Had a yogurt before I worked out. Made chicken soup for dinner, had a chicken burrito from the mexican place for lunch. Minus the cheese and lard laden beans. Excluding the beans, they make such good stuff, very authentic, and season it with tons of fresh salsa/pico and cilantro...which happens to be one of my faves. The chicken soup for din din was good, but somehow wasn't that interesting to me once it was finally done, so I only had a small bowl. Made a pig of myself and had two pieces of bread from the breadmaker though. Polished off a half bag of baby carrots and a peach for a snack later. Wasn't really hungry, just in the mood to chew.

Wonder kitten is telling me it's time for bed. zzzzzzzzzz Tomorrow we start again... Night all! :rose:

Fun day today. Got a ton of errands done and even managed to finish the rest of my shopping. Oh, and worked. Managed to sandwich those 9 hours in between the other stuff I had to do… House is still a pit, guess I will have to work on it tonight…and con DH into thinking that I am helping HIM. Wish me luck. Nothing sexier than a man running a vacuum. Except perhaps a man wielding a toilet brush.

Bought a new essential oil diffuser…really takes the stench out of the air. I recommend it to all who wish to fool their friends into thinking that the house is, in fact, freshly cleaned and quite sanitary.

We are making calzones tonight. Friends are coming over, just for the helluvit. They have a new bottle of red to try, so, it felt like a good enough reason to me. The dough cycle on the bread maker is a godsend. I picked up some 2% cheese (mozzarella and provolone…regular wedge of parmesan though…can’t compromise on that…the ff pre-grated stuff is just mealy and weird). I am hoping the fresh basil, oregano, and veggies mask the substandard filling. In my Italian fam, “light” cheese is the unpardonable sin…. However, in reviewing my mother’s figure – I decided it’s worth the risk. Time to break the cycle… Plus, beloved friends are wonderful people, but admittedly crappy cooks, so they are quite unlikely to notice. Always good to pull one over on your cohorts whenever possible. I am such a putz.

Got on the treadmill for 50 minutes today. It was an ok workout, but my hip was bothering me, so I took it a bit slower. It actually was pretty achey – deep down in the midst of the gargantuan hips I carry around. What can go wrong with a hip, anyway? I mean, isn’t the thing meant to work for like, 90 years? And I’m how old? ick. Pr’y just giving me grief for making it carry around all this extra flab. Wish it would melt a little faster, already. This is a lot of work for a pound or two (if VERY VERY lucky) a week.

Gotta go! TTYL, :rose:

LMBO!
OK,, more more lurking people, we have to chat..

That is a hoot about hips being meant to carry us 90 years..

Cars are meant to least at least 100,000...how much we drive them depends on how many years we will have them..
and if we dont drive them at all they will rust..like our joints LOL

You are funny!
At present 2 pounds in one week would make me do the happy dance..lol

Hey Gal.............

Where ya been? Been really missing you. Hope all is well and you just busy busy.......... So how did the calazones turn out? Your workouts are great, keep it up. I know how ya feel bout working so hard for 1-2 pounds but it will pay off in the end........you just wait and see. Any how........Im back outside, the weather is awesome in mid 60's now, been washing windows and hopin to have my cookout tommorow. If I dont get a chance later.........HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!. Hugzz to you my friend. Sandi

One or two pounds a week will get you to goal in no time..... and if you lose it more slowly, chances are you'll keep it off and that's a good thing!

Your workout sounds awesome! I wish I could do 50 minutes of anything all at once!! LOL

Keep up the good work..... and have a nice weekend.

DJ, Bluesy, and Bird -- thanks for stopping bye! Believe me, I NEED the encouragement, so I do appreciate that immensely. DJ, my head agrees with you...but unfortunately my impatience wants it NOW, darnit! 8-| Grmph. I am such a child sometimes. Bird, maybe we ought to get together to do that happy dance...perhaps burning off those hips in the process, eh? :D Bluesy, I'm baaa-ack. You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did you? ha ha Hope you had a great weekend! Lemme tell ya, calzones were SO good. The breadmaker makes awesome dough, better than if they were made by hand, actually (shhh, don't tell grammie!) with only a quarter of the work!

Back from long weekend mini-trip. Had a nice time, got together with family, heard the same stories, did my best to work around the crap other people fix, but didn’t do so well. Fell right on my butt eating wise on Saturday. Surrounded by cookies, cakes, sweets, treats, pasta…it was not a pretty sight. Can you imagine how it must have looked to see a land cow shoving pasta down her gullet. Washed down with a cookie and a couple of muffins? Which came, of course, just on the heels of that huge scoop of “lite” ice cream we all had with the cookies. Threw in an apple for good measure. Disgusting. Next time I should wear a sign that says DON’T FEED THE GRIZZLY!

Things I learned: eating very few calories all day (“saving up”) in preparation for the treats I would be offered…yeah, that plan works like crap. Saving up calories leads to one outcome – you are STARVING AND WEAK when the pasta, ice cream, cake, etc., are shoved under your nose. Well, DUH! Also learned that after a few days…I feel super-lethargic without exercise. Thus further weakening my already pathetic resolve. Finally, I came to a conclusion…I am TIRED of having to worry about being unhealthy. I am TIRED of having to think about how far I am from being “normal”. I am TIRED of being in XXL clothing. Gah. I need to just DO IT already, ALL THE TIME...this guilt it totally NOT worth it. And what makes me think it’s a good idea to “splurge this once”? Why wait? Why feel like this? I could have splurged a LITTLE. I didn’t need to splurge a lot. For a relatively in-control chick…I must have had a super bad brain fart.

In other news – most of the lakes are at breaking through up here in this arctic tundra. Just a couple of weeks and we should have fully open water. Was so nice at the end of last week, we did get the boat out of storage. She needs a good scrub, but it’s always so exciting, despite the cussing and howling that inevitably accompanies the rigging and hoisting of the mast. I think it’s some sort of male ritual signaling the induction of a new season. All the male species in the neighborhood seem to do it…even the ones without sail boats…they just pretend to clean the garage or work on the car. Nonetheless, I love it…It always amazes me how majestic the thing looks with that mast shooting into the air.

Also made a way-too-big order to Amazon. I get on there and get carried away. I don’t know what happens…normally I am relatively cheap…but somehow my guilt mechanism is set on OFF when it comes to books. Can you really have too many? Are they ever a bad purchase? Ffffft, no more online shopping for me.

OK, down to business, goal: see 2002 weight by my b-day. Only a couple weeks left. And, make this the year of my come-back. I'm too dayum young to be caught in my mother's body already. BELCK! Back to exercise. Back to watching my sugars and fats. Will get back in the non-vacation mind set.

Later! :rose:

cheer for self: going to work out now....yes, now. even though it is "too late" blah, that's thinking for wimps. I, on the other hand, am :super: woman, right? (could use a cheer here to lift my gargantuan bum off the couch...) RIGHT!

see shoes across the room...going now to put them on...going to pick out cd and place buttocks upon exercise bike... move legs in pedaling motion...

executed plan. 50 minutes. cycling. sufficiently sweaty and gross to feel like I got some of that ICKY stuff out of my system... yeah, baby!!!!

Feeling rather back-on-track after sweaty exercise episode last night. Had a protein breakfast bar this a.m. w/ my java. Ya gotta love protein that tastes like chocolate for breakfast and java. mmmm. Life is good...

Hello, just wanted to let you know I am back, as long as this computer stays acting right!! Missed ya!!

Welcome back Soph!!!!! I hope everything is working out with Hicks' job...I know it can be so stressful when work stuff is going haywire.

News here...CHOCOLATE. I WANT CHOCOLATE. I WAN'IT, I WAN'IT, I NEEEEEED IT. <all said in a most annoying whine> I have been sitting here trying to figure out WHY I want it, searching for some sort of stress, problem, deep psychological reason for wanting the chockee...but I think I just want it. That commercial I saw earlier...yeah, dammit dammit dammit. Or, it could be that article I read that says you release some of the same hormones/chemicals after eating chocolate as you do after sex. hmmm. makes one think. And I don't want some sort of fake-you-out hot chocolate/pudding/sugar free type stuff, either. I want the real stuff. Run, easter bunny, run!

So, you ate an apple to undo that feast you had..LOL

That reminds of me of my neice, she was chubby and didnt like it..said she was going on a diet. Went to the store, came back with a candy bar and diet pop...............true story...
she was only about 8 years old..

That was cute...........

but its not cute coming out of you LOL

Now git ur butt in gear...my dear lady.


And thanks for the visit!! I needed company!

Yeah Birdy, I definitely need to get back in gear...obviously trying to un-do the damage done by a home made pastry...NOT HAPPENING. ha ha

Had a pretty good day today, so far. (remember, the snacking ghost of the evening tends to haunt my poor pathetic soul...so I have to hang on for dear life...) Breakfast: protein bar; Lunch: lean cuisine "dinner selections" (chicken broccoli alfredo) pretty decent for a frozen dinner-sicle. dinner: HUGE salad (fresh romaine at the grocer today...so good) with chicken breast and a small red potato. Will have fresh strawberries later if I am feeling the need to snack. Right now I must life my gigantic bum onto the treadmill. The time has come. Must move self in exercising motion.

OH, BTW, EXCELLENT NEWS for Iv! With birthday month coming up and all...hey why stop at a day, right?... I found the new living room chairs I want!!!!! I have had the same chairs my mom gave me when I finished college (she was redecorating her formal LR, so I got the cast offs)...not my style really, or DH's for that matter, but they were nice, so I was happy to have them. Anyway, I found these new chairs as I was browsing at a furniture store, and I LOVE them! plus, they are on sale...which really makes me happy, of course. They have sort of linen color cushions, over-sized zen style chairs with a darker wood simple leg/frame. Clean lines, simple style, great color, REALLY like them!

Better get moving before it gets late!

Sounds wonderful ....

LOL would you believe that after 38 years of marriage I no longer have what I termed as Early Marriage Furniture ... our living room couch was the last remnant of that time .....

I can understand your excitement ... lol that is the way I felt when my new couch arrived ....

Your menu sounds great .... very nutritious and variety .. Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Just stopping in to say hello!! Have a great day!

Hi sophie! girl, did i mention how much we miss you? how are things going for you lately...REALLY. I am going to think good thoughts for Hick's job and your peace!

Monica, yeah, I can believe that! I'm afraid this is just our first step in the furniture replacement process...but you know, you hate to waste a perfectly good piece of furniture EVEN if it isn't your style. I can now really understand your elation with the new couch! I bet you are enjoying it tremendously!

today i will have a yogurt and two oversized strawberries before i work out, then will have a turkey melt w/ lf mozzarella and lots of veggies (green pepper, onion, olives, lettuce, tomato) along with 6, and only 6, baked lays. more strawberries. Dinner, well, i'll have to think on that and get back to you. but i bet it will likely involve a strawberry laden dessert....:o

so anyway, i am still really sick of being a tubbo. maybe i can work out a little harder or something today. it felt great yesterday to ACTUALLY have control over my diet and exercise...but i really really want this to go faster! <sense immense frustration in voice here...> what ever happened to the "the farther you are away from goal the faster you will lose" rule? fffffffffttttt. :tongue:

be back later to update you on the events of my rather dull day! :rose:

HIya Gal!

You are doing wonderfully, your determination and dedication shine through in your posts. You have made such wonderful progress this year. I am so happy for you and quite proud! I truly relate to faster but as you have told me in the past..........the bod will catch up in its own sweet time. Catch ya later gal. Sandi

Thanks Blue, I especially need the encouragement today bacause I am PISSED!!!!! I mean, REALLY MAD!!!! X-( Make that REALLY REALLY MAD!!!! X-( X-(

I guess my mini-vacation eating caught up with me because this morning I am TWO POUNDS UP from the day I left for said mini-vacation. *DESPITE*, MIND YOU, that I have been doing pretty good since Monday. AAARRRRGG!!!! :c( I guess I needed the wakeup call...my poor bod said "nope, you can't eat that way and lose" But still, it feels a little unfair that in 4 days, I can undo 2 weeks worth of work.

Ok, self, focus on today, focus on moving forward from here. There are more important things in life than regret...perhaps the emotion most likely to waste your time. breathe. breathe. breathe.

Now that I think about it...mood is not enhanced, btw, by all the unfortunate stuff swirling around me. First, best friend's dad just died. this morning. very sad. great old fart, he was. Second, girl at work with cancer, yeah, she's getting really sick now. totally not fair. bright beautiful girl with all the potential in the world. Third, brilliant assistant's mother is on her death bed as of this a.m. Gah. It comes in three's... I feel completely helpless and inadequate to help any one of them. And I'm worried about my two pounds? shame on me.

breakie: southwest egg beaters, w/ a little shredded mozzarella, 2 pc. lite toast. (crap, that's like a REAL breakfast! except w/o coffee...who am i?)

lunch: 2/3 c. soy pasta w/ red sauce, lean beef, 3 huge strawberries

snack: yogurt

dinner: HUGE tuna steak. grilled. sooo good. veggies

feeling mighty stuffed right now. good stuffed, not bad stuffed

good news! One of the pounds I put on over the weekend disappeared!!! I am feeling somewhat hopeful about things...I really needed that boost. Now just one more to go and I'll be back on track. I have been doing better this year, than I have before, and I would REALLY like to get AT LEAST to that 20 pound loss mark by the end of April. How cool would that be? <dreamily> I can almost feel it.

breakfast: boca breakfast sausage, ff cheese, bread
again, a real breakfast? very strange development

insert 55 minutes on the treadmill here. yeaeeee for me. feeling pretty good about that one.

Lunch: soy pasta w/ boca crumbles, red sauce, and topped with lite provolone. 1 c. strawberries

snack: diet coke, the best drink on earth. well, besides wine... and margaritas... i digress...

dinner: haven't decided yet. will see what looks good at the market. perhaps chicken and veggies? that would be yummy. better yet, ON THE GRILL??? Oh, yeah, that's what I want...grilled food. yum

Need to finish up a bunch of crap here at work. make a plane reservation for a conference next month. need to think about a hotel and rental car.

it's pathetic that i have such a hard time functioning without brilliant assistant. poor thing is going home to arrange for her mum's funeral. again, i sit here feeling guilty about the fact that I am woefully inadequate to help her. somehow the plant i sent and the condolence call strikes me as a lame effort. if you think about it, what a strange ritual. someone very important to you has shuffled off...hey, here's a plant. huh? what moron came up with that?

also need to get to the store. i have basically nothing in my kitchen. an orange and a package of soy burgers. that' about it. and whatever the mystery food is at the back of the fridge.

blah blah blah, that's my day. back later. ciao!

Rose,

I AM SO PLEASED AND PROUD OF YOUR WONDERFUL SUCCESS IN HAVING LOST ONE GLORIOUS POUND OF BLUBBER :cheer:

I know that you will definitely succeed .... be patient with yourself and take it one day at a time .... There is nothing we cannot accomplish because WE ARE FOCUSED AND COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING OUR GOALS . Make it a great day. As always, Monica

Thanks for the boost Monica!

Super super busy. Got off track the last week. But back on track thus far today...and it's already 6:00. I can hold out another 5 hours, right?

Time for a little self talk.

Self: You can do this! There are so many cool events coming up and you want to feel better at each and every one of them. You want to go in with the confidence that comes along with knowing you have accomplished something and you are on the road to success. So get to work, finish up your report, and get home to the treadmill!!! And shut that bottomless hole you call your mouth when the pie is being handed out! :D

OK, enough self-talk for one day.

back to work!

p.s. does anyone know where the heck the spell checker is at??????

Good grief, I have been bad about getting back to my journal. And my sweets consumption has gone up noticeably as a result. No wonder I didn't lose anything last week. Have done pretty good so far today. Held my breath and made it through the evening without a major snack episode yesterday. Cheers for that small miracle. :D

Had total protein cereal w/ 2% for breakfast, stuck with me for a long time, actually. Had 1 small piece of veggie pizza and a small salad for lunch. Now I am S-T-A-R-V-I-N-G. Didn't stick with me well at all, actually. I am going to have to get some water to fill me up or something...right now I'm considering eating my plants....this is not a good thing. 8-|

Dinner, will try to make something healthy. I could use some good chicken recipes if anyone has something new to try. Have gotten bored with the chicken breast recently. But this time of year, the fish here is, um, questionable, at best.

MUST MUST MUST get my house clean today. It is getting disgusting. I have been so busy that I have crap strewn from one end to the other. It's even beginning to encroach on the guest room.

better go...

I was reading your journal entry and you wanted some Chicken Recipes ... so lol I went to my chicken disk .. and I thought I would give you three different chicken recipes ....

CHINESE GINGER CHICKEN -- Serves 4
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 medium skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce *
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar **
1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger ***
Chopped green onions for garnish

* I use Kikkoman Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
** I use Nakano Rice Vinegar
** I use 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

In nonstick skillet, heat 1 TEASPOON OIL over medium high flame until very HOT. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden. Transfer chicken to plate.
ADD REMAINING 1 TEASPOON OIL and red pepper, and cook over MEDIUM flame until CRISP TENDER. --- STIR IN 1/2 CUP WATER, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger; BOIL. Pour sauce over chicken. Sprinkle with green onions.

Total Calories per serving: 195
Total Fat 4 grams
Saturated Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrate 4 grams
Cholesterol 82 milligrams
Sodium 755 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 0.5 grams
Protein 33 grams

YOGURT BROILED CHICKEN -- Serves 4
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 green onion chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar *
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* I use Heinz White Vinegar
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, green onion, oregano, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. ADD CHICKEN BREASTS and toss to mix well. LET CHICKEN STAND 15 MINUTES TURNING CHICKEN BREASTS OCCASIONALLY.
Preheat broiler. PLACE CHICKEN BREASTS ON RACK IN BROILING PAN. With pan at closest position to source of heat, BROIL CHICKEN FOR 4 MINUTES. Turn chicken, brushing with any yogurt mixture remaining in bowl, AND BROIL 5 TO 6 MINUTES LONGER UNTIL CHICKEN IS FORK TENDER AND LIGHTLY BROWNED.
Total Calories per serving: 240
Total Fat 6 grams
Saturated Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrates 3 grams
Cholesterol 100 milligrams
Sodium 565 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 0 grams
Protein 41 grams

PARMESAN OVEN FRIED CHICKEN -- Serves 4
Olive Oil Nonstick Cooking Spray
1/2 cup plain dried bread crumbs *
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese **
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 whole chicken, CUT UP AND SKIN REMOVED
Green onions for garnish

* I use Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs
** I use Kraft Reduced Fat Parmesan Cheese
PREHEAT OVEN TO 425 degrees. Spray jelly-roll pan with cooking spray.
ON WAXED PAPER, mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, cornmeal and ground cayenne. IN PIE PLATE, BEAT EGG WHITE AND SALT.
Dip each piece of chicken in EGG WHITE MIXTURE, then COAT WITH BREAD CRUMB MIXTURE. Place chicken in pan; SPRAY LIGHTLY WITH COOKING SPRAY.
BAKE CHICKEN FOR 35 MINUTES or UNTIL COATING IS CRISP AND JUICES RUN CLEAR WHEN CHICKEN IS PIERCED WITH TIP OF KNIFE. Garnish with green onions.
Total Calories per serving: 325
Total Fat 8 grams
Saturated Fat 3 grams
Carbohydrates 14 grams
Cholesterol 137 milligrams
Sodium 660 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 1 gram
Protein 46 grams

These recipes should give you a different taste ... I hope you will enjoy them. As always, Monica

LOL, Ivory...... hope you didn't eat your plants after all. I know if I eat more protein or eat an afternoon snack with some protein, it holds me over nicely until dinnertime. Do you ever eat sugar free jello? FF coolwhip has very little calories and only 1 gram of sugar and that on top of SF jello is a really nice snack or dessert after dinner. I'm going to try the FF/SF pudding, too.

I have to clean today, too....... gotta get moving for sure! Just think of the calories we'll burn while we are busy getting things cleaned up! YEA for burning calories.

I think it's great that you didn't gain..... try to look at it as a big positive! Take care and have a great Thursday!

Monica..... wow.... all those recipes look great. Thanks for posting those!

IV~DON'T EAT THE PLANTS!!...LOL Those chicken recipes Monica posted look yummy, way better than the plants would taste I am sure! Hope all is well with you. Lots of love~Sophie

HEE HEE HEE HEE. You guys crack me up. The plants made it through the day. Poor things were quivering with fright.

Monica, OMG, those recipes look WONDERFUL!!!!!!! I am trying the parmesan one tonight. DH will think it's a special occasion. ha ha Um, maybe I can tell him this is a very special event called "finishing up the cleaning" night. ha ha ha

DJ, you are SOOOOO right about the protein snack!!!! I cannot believe the difference if I get enough protein vs. if I don't. EVEN if it's the same calories!!!! I know they say a calorie is a calorie, but I simply do not buy it. If I eat a chicken breast with salad, I don't get hungry for several hours. After I ate a piece of veggie pizza and a salad (about the same calories, according to fitday) I was so hungry I was getting SHAKY by the end of the day. Terrible feeling. I am definitly not doing that again.

Soph, I agree, they do look so good! I am SO proud of you on your loss!!!!! Super great news sweets! You are back!!!!!

Well kids, it's 6:30 and time for me to go home and make my chicken for dinner. I have so much to do tonight to get ready for our house full of company this weekend. I am sort of feeling like I would rather just procrastinate. Tsk Tsk :D Ahh, phoey, maybe I'll have a glass of wine with din din and it won't seem like such hard work. hee hee

Take care all!!! :hug: Iv

Oh,ivoryrose..... don't procrastinate! I did that today and tomorrow I'm going to pay for it! LOL

You are so right about the pizza vs. chicken breast. I can tell with my snacks if I have an ounce of pretzels or if I have a couple of celery sticks with peanut butter or a string cheese.... my snacks hold me longer if I have the protein instead of the pretzels.

Have fun with your dinner. Those recipes do sound great, don't they? Let me know how yours turns out tonight. Hope you are getting everything done you wanted to. Have a good night!

Hi Ivy :wave:

I am sooooooooo happy I stopped by your journal tonight - for rather selfish reasons - sorry. I have been thinking for a few weeks now that when i eat protein I do SO much better then when I don't - then I come here and read you saying the same thing. I need to give this some more thought - thanks for helping me out with this :)



Happy Blessed Easter ! Remember He Has Risen :flower:

Beth

Happy Easter Lady! I hope you are enjoying your company and having a wonderful day. Love ya gal. Sandi

LOL be careful some plants are poisonous ....

I also agree that a calorie isnt created equally..

Are you a part-time vegetarian? I see alot of soy and boca products..

When I started out, I was not only a vegetarian, but I tried to get 0grams of fat a day..LOL
Determined to lower my cholesterol..

Congrats on losing that pound..
I havent stepped on the scale in a long time.. I guess I need to do that hey? lol
Been out of sorts with my eating too..

Have a happy day today!!

Hi ya friends!!!!!! Thanks so much for stopping by my journal, your feedback helps out tremendously. I have been testing the protein vs. empty carbs thing, and I am so firmly convinced that it DOES matter, I can't even tell you the difference! I have paid attention to this before, but never purposely TESTED it. Well, first, yesterday I had a large piece of bread w/ jam, a large banana, and a small glass of OJ that DH had (smelled so good). All this was almost 300 calories according to Fitday. Well, then today I had a large serving of egg beaters (southwest style) with one piece of whole grain toast (dry, I put the egg beaters on the toast) and a slice of ff cheese melted on top. Total calories: LESS (almost 40 calories less!) and I was NOT having any blood sugar problems at lunch time!!!! We finally got around to eating at almost 12:30, and I was FINE!!!! Again, I knew the blood sugar issue was important, and the doc has told me to watch it, but OMG, now that I have tested it...I felt it for myself and I feel even more dedicated to paying attention to this!!

Bird, ha ha ha, will have to try extra hard to avoid those plants then. ha Yeah, I try to get a good share of my protien from vegetables...I like it, so why not? It seems to agree with my digestive system a bit better. It has to be better for you...and I must admit, I do have a sense of guilt when it comes to eating things with faces. Birds and fish don't bother me so much...but some of the others do. I know, I'm strange. Obviously it doesn't bother me enough to change altogether though...SHAME ON ME! 8-|

Hiya Sandi! Thanks so much for the good wishes. Have taken a little break from my company for a minute. Love em, but need a little "me" time. Hope you are having a wonderful time with the family!!!! :hug:

Beth, Happy Easter! As you can see from my ramblings above, I really do believe now that a proper mix of protien/grain/fat is important. What I knew intellectually I needed to pay attention to...now I have a real gut feel for. (oh gosh, terrible grammar there...sorry) Anyway, hey, glad I could help! That's part of the reason these journals are here! Come on by any time! Smile, wink.

DJ, I took your suggestion and put some cleaned celery and string cheese in the fridge at work. Had to get some things done Friday, and it definitly got me through til dinner. I felt so indulgent eating cheese and peanut butter!!! But I kept the portion small and voila! I felt great!

Well, in the end, I guess I have a minor epiphany. The last few months I have met with, well, small, yet significant successes. I think that this process is all about adjusting things to work for each of us, individually. There isn't a magic diet, it's about what works for ME. And I need to listen to my poor abused body if I am going to figure out what that is. The idea of treating my body like a machine, that reacts differently according to what kind of fuel I put into it makes sense, but I am thinking about it differently now, in some sort of strange way... sorry, i'm making no sense.

So, the year is off to a decent start. I am 14 pounds lighter than I was Jan 1. But tomorrow I begin a new year...another year older, but determined to be better. Still young, feeling pretty chipper, but not a kid anymore either. I have to be accountable to myself...how many times do I need to remind myself that I, alone, am responsible for the way in which I find myself one year from now. <singing> "With a little help from my friends" ... perhaps I can find that healthy body that has tried so hard to elude me. It feels like a looooong road. But you know, the thing I have figured out about my thirties (even if I am only in my EARLY 30's) is that I am actually much more comfortable in my skin than I ever was when I was 20. I've tested most of the boundaries, and figured out generally who I am, which, by the way, I hope continues with each new year. Now I need to just take the time to take care of myself. ONCE AND FOR ALL. I have so much stuff to do. So many cool events coming up. How nice if I just didn't have to think about whether I am making progress because I AM making progress. Holy crap, can you imagine, taking time for me??!!!!! Whadaya know, maybe IT IS MY TURN NOW!!!!!!

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY... birds have faces too..
I kind of feel that way too.. I went to the Amish and bought a pig from them, but I was petting them all while I was there, and they were SO CUTE... I find it hard to eat something I have petted lol
I have to get it on a styrofoam tray and make sure its unidentifiable lol

I feel as if its my turn now too, maybe thats why it seems alot easier too.. heck, my son is nearly 17, he runs the road all the time.. its basically me and my animals --------with faces..LOL

ivory..... you are doing SO well! Isn't it great when we find something that works for us and it's actually healthy? LOL I'm really happy for you that you are learning things about yourself. At your age, it's wonderful that you are doing that now and not waiting until you are MY age..... lol

My daughter feels like you do about "eating anything with a face"... she is a confirmed vegetarian and won't even eat something that's touched meat or meat juice. She hit a dog with her car once a few years back and felt so horribly about it, even though it wasn't her fault, that she's never eaten meat since. She's really dedicated to it..... and she feels healthier than she ever has! Sometimes when I've had meat and it makes me feel kind of bogged down (like yesterday's Easter dinner...lol), I contemplate being a vegetarian myself. But I doubt I will ever take it that far..

You are doing great! Keep up the good work and keep taking care of yourself by doing things that are good for you..... Take care and have a great week!

Hello IV, I left you a response about Atkins in my journal. I hope it helps. As for your test of low carbing, it does work, I feel better. The issue of curbing the cravings, well, all I can say is that this way of eating is amazing with that. I am never craving food at all. I never thought that was possible. You are doing very well, you know the old saying, "the weight didn't come on in a day and it won't come off in a day" For me, it has been 2 years since I sarted losing weight.

HI Iv,

How are you keepin????? Thought I might drop in and say hi....so your celebrating a birthday????? your right you should make a resolution to take time for yourself....what better birthday present could you give yourself??

Anyway thanks for your kind words in my journal over the weekend....I was having a hard time and it was nice to hear from you...it really helps to chat to people on Dt when your having a hard time or just need to vent which I often do...

I hope your having a great time on your birthday ,..and isn't the world a lucky place to have held onto you for one more year.

Happy Birthday

Laoise

Hi all!!!!!! Thanks for stopping by!

So, I am going to vent first, so you are warned. Then I shall progress to well wishes and replies next post.

So, my DH is an idiot. Not a complete idiot, but a special events idiot, most certainly.

Picture it. It's my birthday, and I take the day off. We've had a long weekend wherein I slave over his family in a traditional wife/holiday-like fashion. Pulleeease. People, I'm talking good china and the works. <this means HAND WASHING my friends, as the china cannot go into my beloved dishwasher> So, I deserve major pampering just for this. PLUS, as I said, it's my birthday.

Scene 1. Monday morning. Birthday. I have cancelled client meetings to take this day off. DH decided to take me to a nearby large major metropolitan area for a deluxe shopping spree and dinner. A nice gesture. Starting to get my hopes up. So anyway, DH and I pile in the car, and head over to the mall with the Macy's, Nordstrom’s, etc. THEN, DH DROPS ME OFF!!!!! And I'm like, aren't you COMING? he says "Well, I have to got take care of a couple things, so you get a head start, I'll meet you, yada yada yada" hands me some money and takes off. I'm thinking, is this some sort of bizarre surprise plan, or does he have something cooking, or whatever. Strange. And what's with the handing me the money thing? I mean, he took it out of OUR account, right? Again. Strange.

So, TWO HOURS LATER he shows back up. Now, I am not really a girly, piddle around shopper anyway...if I have to shop, I shop with a mission. I need X, I find X, I buy X. End of shopping trip. So for me, the fun of it is the time together, right? And so, two hours later, he returns and is dumbfounded to discover that (AFTER he leads off with "didya find whatcha want?", mind you) I don't really want to hang out there anymore and have not really enjoyed shopping by myself, etc. When I got back to the car, I discovered that he has, IN FACT, been to the boat/fishing/sports store and picked up a bunch of crap he has been wanting. Well, gee, this was fun. I guess I got cash for my birthday. Thanks.

Phase II. Off to dinner. Arrive, decent Indian restaurant, like the place, we have gone there before, it's just fine. Good, I'm thinking, excellent venue, this is getting better. Well, we go in, and lo-and-behold he has some of OUR friends there. (two other couples) Except, well, they are really more HIS friends and their wives. And keep in mind, I have plenty of MY friends he could have invited, except I guess he didn't take his head out of his butt long enough to notice that I HAVE separate friends that I do FUN things with. So, to describe these couples, have you ever had married friends wherein it's really more YOUR friend or HIS friend, and you are just sort of stuck with the friend's spouse in order to allow your spouse and your spouse's friend to "hang out"??? Sorry, if you can decipher that. Well anyway, they are all nice people, but they were those types of friends, where I just sort of casually hang out with the wifey-poos so that DH can hang out with the guys, and really, if you want to know the truth of it, both DH and I like the guys better than their wives. (guys are fun, their wives have the personality of cafeteria white toast with no butter) So anyway, it was an ok dinner, but didn't feel like a dinner for ME, at all. And of course, the cash gift went over like poop on a stick at a barbeque. He called it a shopping spree. I called it cash. It *MIGHT* have passed for a shopping spree if there had been a gift certificate, or a card, or companionship, or my girlfriends, or even a damn flower. SOMETHING else involved. And buy my a bottle of decent wine if you are going to do this, dammit.

So, this is the story of my birthday cash gift and entertaining the boring wives of "our" friends.

DH is currently in the process of repenting. I'll keep you up on his progress.

Individual replies next time...the clock is screaming "HALF HOUR TO GET THAT LETTER OUT!"

HI IV_

Sorry to hear your "DH" was such a "DH", men can be so insensitve. On a brighter note glad the weather is finally getting nicer for you. We have had rain for past 4 days along with some flurries, but this morning it is Sunny, and it really makes a person feel Sunny all over. As for not losing..........I know you hear it often, but it was not a gain and that is a really good thing. Stay strong and focused this IS Your year!! Sandi

WOW IV... what can I say. Again, I think we should develop a new line of drugs for our "men" that can aid in their problems. I think we would be rich, and then we could really go on a shopping spree. I hope your DH makes it up to you!!! Do keep us posted!

Yeah, what a turd. Is that how you spell turd? How would you know...we have no spell check on here anymore, right?

My last two days have been pretty good. I exercised for an hour this morning. I could tell that I have been away from hard exercise for a week or so. Felt like I was wearing concrete shoes. hee hee

Breakie: slim fast bar

Lunch: chicken breast sandwich, diet coke

will catch you up on dinner later.

DH has been rather repentant...I am quite enjoying this. hee hee

better go, will drop back by later. running late again! aaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

din din: ground white meat turkey meatballs w/ fresh ginger. really pretty good! tater. celery. 2/3 c. ff pudding w/ 2 graham crackers. (had a sweet tooth)

wonder kitten is sitting on my lap trying to chase the cursor. what a cute little man.

Hey, they kicked off that funny dancing guy on American Idol.

I've always wondered what exactly DH stood for,......."dear" husband,..."dumb" husband, . . ."disastrous" husband,....."


Did you point it out to him that his gift of cash to you was already yours??? having come from your own account??????

Men!!!

Anyway not that it will make up for it but a big Happy Birthday from me......

Lots of love

Laoise

PS,...hope the repenting is going well,...tell him he'll need to do lots of that

Laoise

HI IV

Thank you for the kind words in my journal. I am hoping that your hubby finds a way to make this up to you. Men can be such d......heads at times. Hey that is what DH stands for right! LoL. Mine is having major PMS this morning. Sheesh, and don't you know, its my fault. I am hoping that you continue to enjoy the beautiful weather you have been having, it really does a body good. Well, gall gotta run, have a great day and even better weekend. Sandi

well phooey, lost a post again! now I'm going to have to do it again. pfffllllttttt. :tongue:

Hi Lao and Blue, I love it! So THAT'S what DH *really* means. :D Whoever came up with that had an ulterior motive, I'm afraid. Ha ha Aw shucks, he has been relatively humble, of late. Of course, he SHOULD be downright pathetic. ha ha I must admit I do not mind requiring reparations for his evil deeds...goes a long way toward assuring the absence of an encore performance. :whip:

First, breakfast, made a lf breakfast sandwich in my new stupid sandwich maker that a friend gave me for b-day. It's a funny little appliance, but I must admit, it makes a helluva toasted breakfast sandwich. Anyway, lite bread, egg beaters, ff cheese, boca sausage chopped up. Apply sandwich maker heat, and it pops out toasty.

In addition to that little experiment, I managed to pack my lunch this morning! I know...I didn't think today was the day for hell to freeze over, either, but...well...anyway, I did. Made ff ham salad w/ lots of veggies, whole grain crackers, AAAAAAND also packed an apple and a piece of lite string cheese for a snack. I recommend the low fat/light string cheese. I think it's Sargeanto, comes individually wrapped in little sticks, and actually, it doesn't suck, so that's a good step in the right direc