I have been MIA for awhile. It seems that I have life in gereral get me down. I have quit watching what I eat and just didn't care what happened.
I have been busy with going to football games and getting involved with band booster meetings. Last night as I was climbing the steps in the bleachers to sit above the band kids, my knees hurt and I was so out of breath that it took me awhile to get breathing good. I have been sick for awhile and had pneumonia but alot of this is just being overweight. I am a poor example for my son and I want him to be proud of me. I was thinking that if I stick to this, then by next year I would be in much better shape. I tried to take Paxill for my depression, but for some reason it made me really anxious and made my heart race. Oh well, I probably couldn't afford it anyway.
My son needs to lose weight also, so me and him are going to do this together. We challenged ourselves to go to the gym 3 days a week and I will have healthier meals and snacks at home.
Casey(my youngest son) is getting involved more and more in school and has a lot of problems without having the weight problem to deal with. He has a quiz bowl next week for state. He won first place in our area which is awesome. He got every answer right!:D Of course I am very proud of him. Academically, he does great but socially he doesn't do well. The tics sometimes put people off. I thing if he loses weght then we will be more comfortable and that will be one less thing for him to worry about.

So we are challenging ourselves for the next 2 months to lose weight before 1/1/2005. I would like to lose 15 pounds by then and he wants to lose 20. I think if he quit drinking pop he would lose 10 pounds right there. We will see. I need to get back into the habit of cooking healthier. I have been baking alot of bread and making alot of cakes, cookies, and stuff like that.

So this is my new journal to start a new chapter in my life.:)

Grace, Happy NEW JOURNAL! I'm sooo glad to see you!
It sounds like you and Casey will really do well together! You guys will have fun together. I know I LOVE walking with my kids and they love it too. They always eat the way I do, so it really makes it soooo easy for me to make the changes I need to make. I love my new approach. The book is soooo good for me and I just need to remember to stay with this advice. I'd been leaning this way and trying to do this before, but would always try to weed things OUT of my diet and try to fast, which made my bingeing worse. So, I am really liking what I am doing.
I hope that you guys do great. My doc put me on LEXAPRO for the depression and anxiety and I do feel sooooo much better. He is even great to give me samples so I don't have to pay for the prescription. Maybe talk to your doc about it. It has totally evened out the hyperactivity as well...so I really do feel even. I'm soooo glad! Cuz now I don't have to put up with the highs and lows.
Well, I better get going, I wanted to stop in and say "HEY GIRL" and welcome you to your new journal. I'm trying to get some reading done, cuz I think the fam wants me to watch some movies with them tonight.
Love,
Jessi :D
Tell Casey "HI" for all of us. The kids still talk about him. He is fun. I hope we can get together really soon. I miss you! I think about you guys often. :)

Dear Grace,

I just saw your wonderful new journal .... and I hope you know that I will be :cheer: cheering you both on ....

If I can be of any help .... you :coach: GIVE ME A YELL ....

Take care ... lol get plenty of rest (I know, I know it's so boring ... BUT REST WILL GET YOU ON THE MEND) ...

Let me know if you want recipes .... and what meal plans you do need .... AND I WILL look them up on my recipe disks ....

I am as always, Monica

Good morning journal, it is 10:48 and I just got up about 30 minutes ago. I was a chaparone at a halloween party last night. The kids had a wonderful time. They had a bonfire and cooked hotdogs and made smores. They played capture the flag and ate candy and cake and drank all kinds of sugar filled sodas. I even dressed up. I got home about 1:30 and some of the kids stayed all night. They were supposed to get up and go to church this morning. I don't know how everybody else does it but our town had trick or treat last night so it wouldn't interfere with church services today. Probably because we are such a small town.

I am back on the diet plan this morning. This is day 1 and I had a good healthy breakfast. I have started drinking water already and I am feeling good about this. I have my journal and I am writing down all my foods and feelings. I was doing that but slacked off for awhile.

That's all for now. Everyone have a super day and a great HALLOWEEN. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_1_209.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008)

Thanks for the visit to my journal! Sounds like you and Casey had a lot of fun this weekend! I'm soooo happy for you. It's good for you two to do things together. Have a Happy November! Lot's of fun this month! :D
By the way, sounds like you are feeling much better. I hope so!
Jessi :)

:welcome: back Grace !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is SO nice to see you again :D

I am thrilled your back :hug:

Beth :not:

It is Saturday and a beautiful day. The sun is shining and it is aready 60 degrees this morning. Went to the football game last night and our team won. That is great but now we have playoffs to go to and they are out of town. I am getting tired of going to out of town games. Driving back so late at night.:(

I got a job finally. I start Monday.I wasn't really looking for a job and it was a spur of the moment decision. I went to a personell service and she sent me out for an interview and I got the job all on the same day.
It is for a new company. I think that there are only 5 people working there including me. They are not real pushy and seem kind of laid back. But, it is still factory work. I will be sewing and I won't have to stand up. I am really nervous about it though. I worked in the same place for 25 years and I don't do changes very well....sort of stick in my little rut and go my merry way. lol Oh well these people seem nice and I think I will do ok. My only worry is I can physically handle the work. I have been off work 10 months and my knees and back aren't the best. I will just have a positive attitude and can do it frame of mind.

I have stayed the same this week as far as weight loss. I have been doing alot of nervous eating. I bought fruit and veggies for snacking. Maybe I can do better when I start working.My hubby is doing better than me. He has lost 25 pounds! If I just eat like him I can lose it too. Although, he doesn't hardly eat much during the day and eats a very lite supper. I just can't do without eating all day long. I get starved and then I binge all evening. And that just makes things worse.
I WILL MAKE BETTER CHOICES THIS WEEK!

Hi Monica, Beth and Jessi...I am so glad you guys stopped by for a visit. Monica, I would love some recipes. If you have any tex-mex or Italian syle I would love them.

Well I have housework to get caught up on. I want to have it all done before I go to work Monday so I won't worry about it when I get off in the evening and can rest. I imagine that the first week I will be very tired when I get home .

Everyone have a great day.:D

Good Morning Grace,

I will be checking out my recipes for Mexican (don't have any Tex-Mex recipes) and Italian style recipes ... (plenty of Italian) ....

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE JOB :up:. You know the fact you were hired so quickly means YOU HAVE THE SKILLS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ... take it from me because very seldom if ever did I hire someone the same day I interviewed them ... and I am sure the activity of working will enable you to lose weight .. of course it means you will have to plan what you are taking for your lunch and snacks during the course of the day ... BUT I KNOW THAT YOU CAN DO THIS ...

Well I have one more Journal I want to visit .... but I will be back here with some recipes for you. Make it a great weekend. I am as always, Monica :hug:

Hi, Grace. Nice to see you journaling again, and the best of luck to you on your weight-loss efforts. It is a struggle, isn't it? It is a struggle for all of us.

Drink lots of water, eat lots of veggies, and stay positive. And have fun.

Hello, boy do I identify with you in all the baking and cooking. I really harm myself by doing that as I find it hard to resist sometimes. Sounds like you have some fine ideas. Good luck with your success and good luck to your son, also. going to the gym sounds like a great idea. :)

Grace, I found this recipe that I thought you might want to try .... I am still looking for other recipes ...

TACO PIE -- Serves 6

Pam Cooking Spray
1 can refrigerated corn biscuits
3/4 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon cilantro, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes in puree
1/4 cup shredded FF sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoon slice olives
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 small white onion, diced

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees; lightly coat a 9 inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.

Open the biscuits and place 3 UNCOOKED biscuits in the bottom of the pie plate. EVENLY SPACE the remaining 5 biscuits along the bottom and sides of the pie plate. USING YOUR FINGERS press the dough together to form a crust that COMPLETELY COVERS the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form a rim.

CRUMBLE the ground turkey into a nonstick skillet and place over medium flame. Cook STIRRING the turkey until its browned. DRAIN OFF ANY EXCESS FAT. Add onion, garlic and chili pepper; continue cooking until onion is limp.
STIR in herbs, spices, salt and pepper. ADD tomatoes with their juice and continue cooking. Stir in shredded cheese and sliced olives.

TRANSFER mixture to the prepared pie plate and baked for 20 to 25 minutes or until biscuit dough is cooked through and browned and the meat filling has set. REMOVE from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Place lettuce in a bowl and combine the tomato and onion in another; place lettuce, tomato and onion alongside the taco pie.

Total Calories per serving: 370
Total Fat 13 grams
Saturated Fat 3 grams
Carbohydrates 42 grams
Cholesterol 42 milligrams
Sodium 668 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 3 grams
Protein 22 grams

Monica, this recipe sounds delicious. I can't wait to try it. I bet my whole family will love it.Thanks so much for taking the time to post it for me. You are the best.

My new job has got me worn out but I think I am going to like it there. Probably after a couple of weeks I will get back into the swing of things.I am eating good. I can't drink all the water I need as we can't keep anything like that at our workstations so I have to drink my water on breaks. I really miss it too. Speaking of water, I am going to grab a glass and go rest for a few minutes. My dh made dinner for us so all I have to do is clean up the kitchen afterwards.

Everyone have a good evening. :wn

Good Morning Grace,

I found a couple more recipes that I will post later today in your Journal ... only problem is that I don't have any caloric or nutritional information on them ... they are recipes I took out of the newspaper (or from coupon ads) ... but I think if you make substitutions you can lessen both the caloric and nutritional values (according to the products you use) ... See you later on today. I am as always, Monica

Grace, as I explained in my previous post I do not have the caloric and nutritional information for these recipes ... so you will have to determine the calories and nutritional factors by the ingredients you use ... these are recipes I found in either food ads or coupon ads ... I will continue to look for other recipes ... but these should get you started .. I HOPE YOU and YOUR FAMILY WILL ENJOY THEM ....


ITALIAN STYLE CALZONE -- Serves 4

Pizza dough for one 14 inch pizza
1 (15 oz.) can CONTADINA Pizza Sauce, divided
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
3 ounces sliced pepperoni or 1/2 pound crumbled Italian Sausage, cooked and drained

DIVIDE dough into 4 EQUAL PORTIONS. Place on lightly floured, large rimless cookie sheet. Press or roll out dough to 4 7-inch circles.

SPREAD 2 tablespoons pizza sauce onto HALF of each circle to WITHIN 1/2 inch of the edge; top with 1/4 each pepperoni, bell pepper and Mozzarella Cheese.

SPOON 1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese onto REMAINING HALF of each circle; fold dough over. PRESS EDGES TOGETHER TIGHTLY to seal. CUT SLITS INTO TOP OF DOUGH to allow steam to escape.

BAKE in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes OR UNTIL crusts are a light golden brown. HEAT remaining pizza sauce and serve over calzone.



EGGPLANT PARMESAN -- Serves 6

Pam Cooking Spray
2 cups Italian Style dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan Cheese, DIVIDED
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices
4 eggs BEATEN with 3 tablespoons water
1 jar RAGU (26 oz.) Italian Style Spaghetti Sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese

PREHEAT OVEN to 350 degrees. In a bowl, COMBINE bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese.

DIP eggplant slices egg mixture, then put into bread crumb mixture. ON LIGHTLY SPRAYED baking sheets, arrange eggplant slices in single layer; bake for 25 minutes or until golden

In a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, EVENLY SPREAD 1 cup Ragu Pasta Sauce. LAYER 1/2 of the baked eggplant slices, then 1 cup Spaghetti Sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese; repeat. COVER baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

REMOVE foil and sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. BAKE UNCOVERED AN ADDITIONAL 10 minutes OR UNTIL cheese is melted.


BAKED ZITI -- Serves 8

1 (16 oz.) package BARILLA Ziti
3 tablespoons margarine
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups milk
4 LARGE RIPE tomatoes, DIVIDED
1/4 cup Italian Style Dry Bread Crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped FRESH basil

COOK Ziti according to directions on the package; DRAIN and set aside.

TO PREPARE SAUCE, melt margarine in saucepan over medium flame. ADD flour, salt, pepper and oregano; cook and STIR UNTIL MIXTURE starts to bubble. GRADUALLY stir in milk - COOK UNTIL THICKENED, STIRRING CONSTANTLY. REMOVE FROM STOVE.

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees; Peel, seed and CHOP 3 of the tomatoes. Slice the remaining tomato.

COMBINE bread crumbs and olive oil.

COMBINE cooked Ziti, sauce, chopped tomatoes, cheese and basil in a large bowl. TRANSFER TO 2 quart baking dish; place tomato slices on top and sprinkle with bread crumbs. BAKE for 30 minutes. Cool before serving.

I am happy your doing well at your new job and enjoying it :)

sorry to hear about the water rule - that stinks !

Hang tough - your doing :super:

Beth :not:

Pardon me for butting in but I wanted to say hello.. I am wondering if you coped with your new job, and if I was in your shoes I would've been nervous too. Hope all is well with you in your world.. Melosa :)

Hello Melosa, I am glad you butted in. :) I am doing pretty good at the new job. I am pretty tired but I will get used to it. I am glad you stopped by and I am happy to meet you. :D

Good Morning Grace,

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I am as always, Monica :hug:

Glad to read the new job is working out. It is hard for me to get my water in, also. I can drink it at work, but I teach and just cannot leave at any ol time to use the restroom. So that is a problem. I try to drink a bottle on the way in. I am not getting what I need but more than I was a year ago.

Hope your holiday was great!! :)

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_5_7.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008) To all who visit here today, have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. I am blessed to have so many friends and I thank God for each of you.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_5_5.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008)

Grace, may your Thanksgiving be a happy one. Enjoy yourself, and keep smiling -

Grace,

I am wishing you and yours the healthiest and merriest Christmas ever ...... I am as always, Monica :hug:

Merry Christmas :)

Beth :peace:

Hello Grace,

Long time, no see, eh? I haven't been too active, but I have been around. And since I'm following Beth around the Journals I can't let you slip by me, now can I?

:deer: Have a Very Merry Xmas dear lady.
I hope you have a wonderful Holiday weekend.

Hey Grace, stopping by to wish you a very very Happy New Year! :)

Wishing you a Very Happy, and Successful, New Year!!!

Grace,

I WANTED TO WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR :balloons: .. A YEAR FILLED WITH GOOD HEALTH AND MUCH HAPPINESS. I am as always, Monica :hug: :wave:

HELLO TO ALL MY FRIENDS.....I HAVEN'T BEEN HERE FOR AWHILE BUT I STILL LURK AROUND. I HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH SOME THINGS AND JUST RETREATED SOME. I WILL BE BACK AND I DO READ THE POSTS HERE AT DT. THANKS FOR BEING HERE FOR ME.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_6_7.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008) I WANT TO WISH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ALL A VERY HEALTHY , HAPPY , AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_2_109v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_6_11v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008)

Happy New Year, Grace. May 2005 be a great year for us all.

Grace: Happy New Year to you and yours ...and all the best for 2005...Health, Happiness, Joy..may they all be yours....

Hugs
Louise

In keeping with the new year and new starts I joined Curves. My first time was yesterday. I really like it. I feel like I get a really good workout.My eating was not too good but I am working on it. I have done worse and I have done better. Tomorrow they are having pizza for lunch at work and I am going to eat 2 pieces and drink water. I will plan my other meals so I can do this...........my meals for today :

2 toaster waffles w/syrup & margarine

almond joy
Healthy choice french bread pizza
water

2 pancakes w syrup & margarine
4 slices bacon
water
:( see, I said I ate bad today, lol, but I am not eating anymore today.
Tomorrow I am planning to have oatmeal for breakfast ....hmmm, maybe I should eat an egg or some other protein since I am having pizza for lunch.

If you all watch football then you need to cheer for the Oklahoma Sooners tonight. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_13_7v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSzeb008) They are playing in the Orange bowl.They are playing USC Trojans for national championship.

GO OU.....BEAT USC!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone have a great evening.:D

Hi Grace: Congrats on joining Curves.... :cheer: I am so happy for you and am sure you will find it a great help in your weight loss journey....

How is the job going...Do you find it hard working after being off for quite a bit?

Take care and enjoy your football game...I guess they are also named the sooners the better right :laugh: :laugh:

Take care Grace and have a good one...Going to watch hockey myself..Canada is playing Russia tonight...Always very interesting..


Louise

Hi, Grace. I joined Curves in October of 2003, and still enjoy it. It gives me a good workout and helps with my endurance and flexibility. Curves is now a very important part of my life.

Keep smiling -

It is a frigid morning here in Oklahoma. Right now it is a cold 19 degreees...brrrrrrr. I have been doing ok on my eating plan. I am still going to curves. When I joined I weighed in at 256 and I am at 250 now. I don't think I will ever like exercise but once I get there I like ok, it is just getting my butt down there. I think that knowing I have to pay for it and that I signed a contract for a year will keep me going.:D I like the idea that they weigh and measure me once a month so I have a better idea of the inches. I never could measure myself and get right. I also like the structure of Curves and I am not the least fit of the group. There are alot of elderly people there that are trying to keep themselves healthy.

I have changed my way of eating in that I am not counting calories but just keeping my portions small.Nothing is off limits but I do realize that I cannot eat sugar and carbs all the time. Also, I have done this for so many years that I pretty much know the calories and fats in most foods so that I know what to put on plate. I eat a lot of veggies and drink alot of water.

My job is keeping me busy so I don't get online as much as I used to but I still come here and read as many journals as possible. My job is ok and some days my knees really hurt and my hips too because I sit all day. The job is so much less stressful that my last one though and I really like the people. There are only 7 people working there besides the ones in the office. The name of the place I work is calle Tote Along. they make bags and jackets. If you are curious what they look like take a peek at www.totealong.com (http://www.totealong.com) .

I better get running now,I have housework to catch up on. I will try to get here more often as I need you guys. Have a great day.:)

Hello Grace,

CONGRATULATIONS ON THAT STUPENDOUS 6 POUND LOSS .. and LOSING INCHES TOO .... :up:

I am glad that the job is going good ... and I know how busy you are now with not only the job but with your family .... write when you can and most important of all

KEEP MOVING FORWARD :ex:

Make it a great weekend my friend. I am as always, Monica

OMG...did I ever bow it today. Although it was unintentional. My dh and I were on our way to my son's house and I hadn't had lunch so we stopped at Arby's. I ordered what I thought was a healthy sandwich...roast turkey and swiss market fresh sandwich. I just looked it up on Dotties weight loss zone and it has over 700 calories in just the sandwich. :c( So, it is veggies for me tonight.
Oh well, live and learn.
:laugh:

we all have those oops moments :eyes:

Just move forward :)

Beth :peace:

I had a pretty good day today. I didn't over eat and I got housework caught up . Tomorrow is my b'day and my daughter-in-law asked me what kind of b'day cake I wanted. I told her not to get me any but she will anyway. So I will send it home witht the grandkids and I will only take a very small piece.

I just have to tell you all about my oldest son's car accident. Him and his wife were taking their daughter to the dentist in Tulsa. An elderly lady was changing lanes and didn't see them in heavy traffic and it was really raining too. She rammed into the rear of them and never put her brakes on at all. After that a 2 ton truck hit her so they were hit twice. They were on an overpass and his wife was screaming that they were going over the side. All of a sudden the car stopped. When you have antilock brakes you don't stop all at once when you slam on the brakes, you keep sliding. Anyway they were going sideways also. My son said that it was if someone just put their hand out and stopped them. I know who that someone was.....It was his guardian angel. He said that was the strangest feeling. You know I pray everday for my kids and for God to watch over them. This is an answer. I am so thankful. I just had to share this story. They are banged up a little but they are alive. My granddaughter only had a small bruise on her hip from the seatbelt.

Well I need to get ready for bed now so I hope everyone has a good day tomorrow.
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Good Morning Grace, :wave:

I just had to stop by and wish you a VERY HAPPY OF HAPPIEST BIRTHDAYS :bd

AND AS YOU CELEBRATE THIS YOUR SPECIAL DAY OF DAYS ... :balloons:

MAY IT BE CELEBRATED WITH THOSE YOU LOVE AS WELL AS THOSE WHO LOVE YOU
:cheers:

G-d was definitely smiling on your son and his family .... Make it a glorious and special day Grace. I am as always, Monica

Grace, that is an amazing event. I do believe in the power of prayer.

Those fast food moments can hurt.

Carol

Hi Grace,

I am back. I forgot to wish you a Happy Birthday. I hope this is a great day for you.

Your job sounds nice. What do you do in the office? It is so good when you like the people you work with.

Carol

Hi Grace: I am just popping in to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU :bd :cake: :ghug: :balloons: :gift:MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY

Louise

Thanks to all of you for the awesome birthday wishes. I had a great b'day. My kids had pizza and cake for me. Later my daughterinlaw and I went to the new Indian casino because it was ladies night and we got $10 free play and because it was my b'day I got an additional $10. So after I lost the $20 bucks we went home. I had fun and I didn't even spend any money. LOL:laugh: It couldn't get any better than that. Talk with you all later.

Hi Grace,
I found ya!
I see you have joined curves, not sure if I would like getting out in public but some say its a motivation factor. How much is it btw?
I found a coupon on a drug mart bag that said one week free at curves, I should try it hey? hehe

I am really sorry to hear about that accident, but that angel? Its true! we all have an angel watching over us if we believe in God !

I am still learning alot about the almighty one, I love learning..

Well, write me and tell me all about yourself for the last year. I miss the gang ya know?

Love,
karen

p.s. my son said that you would pm him while he was playing games under my name, but it was always after the fact.. LOL
Sorry I didnt respond, seldom was I online.

Well, hello everyone. I haven't been around for such a long time and a lot has happened since then. I got accepted for my disability, we have moved,and my husband almost died. I got laid off my job and then a few days later I got news that I was accepted for my disability. We moved to a new house that is bigger and easier for my husband to get around in. He has a power wheel chair now, it helps him get around some. Though he doesn't want to depend on it. Two weeks ago he got a severe urinary tract infection and being diabetic it really hurt his kidneys. His kidneys almost shut down. It was touch and go for 48 hours. I almost lost him. He is still in the hospital but may get to come home early next week. We are keeping our fingers crossed. He has also been a heavy drinker most of his life and his liver is paying the price for that now. The doc says if he has 1 more drink then he will die. Can't get any plainer than that!
Since I stopped working I have been taking care of my dh. I am hoping that now he will improve and be able to do more on his own.
I have not been eating good at all. I have turned to food for emotional support...crazy isn't it. I have gained everything that I had lost before. Though, I am not get all upset about it. Things have been in such a turmoil that I am lucky that I have any sanity at all. It is time to stop this crazy lifestyle. Since he is diabetic, maybe that will help me cook like I used to and we will all have to eat right.

A good thing is that I like my house. I have a nice sized front porch. It is shaded by two large trees. I have a double sized rocker that I love to sit and drink my morning tea on the front porch.

I have missed coming here, but it seems like I had hardly any "me" time. Also, our computer crashed. I didn't have a good surge protector on it and my hard drive and memory got fried.X-(

But, throughout it all my faith has gotten me through this. With prayers from my church family and my physical family they really helped.

I am going to try to get here more often for support and company.I have been coming here every so often and reading some journals and posts.

I need to get to bed now, I hope to chat with you all later.:)

Welcome back HOME Grace,

Love you lots, I am as always, Monica :hug:

[b] :) Thanks

Grace: So nice to see you back here...Glad you got your disability and that you have moved into a newer and nicer home....

Hope hubby recovers soon..

:ghug:
Louise

Welcome back Grace. It is good to see you posting again.

Carol

Welcome Back Grace :D

I am so sorry for all you have been through and are still going through - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your hubby :cross:

I am thrilled to hear how much your enjoying your new home :)

Beth :dance:

:) Good morning all, Things are starting to look up here. My husband is home from the hospital and starting to improve. He is going to have home health care come in and do physical therapy and we are hoping he will be able to get rid of the walker soon.He has a better attitude about eating and life in general. My attitude has improved also. I am beginning to think that the future holds some good things. With the way things were going the last several months I didn't have much hope for our future.

I am starting to cook better for his diabetes and we all will benifit from that. Changing my eating habits is not going to be overnight but I am definitely making good changes. Slow and steady because I also have emotional issues that I have self-medicated with food and need to learn not to do that.

Well, I need to go and get dh breakfast and get my day started. Thanks Monica, Beth Carol,and Louise for the good wishes. I just love all of you guys.:D
Have a great day!

Saw your post and wanted to welcome you back. Diabetes runs in our family, so I grew up experimenting with cooking without sugar or with substitutes. Wishing you the best.

WW has just come out with some new sugar free candies. They still add up in calories, but I use a couple occasionally to get a chocolate fix without the sugar.

Wow, it has been a long time since I have been here. I have been so busy. I have been reading some of the posts around here but just haven't had time to respond much.
Besides, if I don't get it done in the mornings, my teenager gets onto the computer and I don't have a chance to get back on unless he leaves. Right now he is in Colorado at a church retreat.

I can tell you one thing for sure, being a caretaker is a FULL time job. It can be pretty thankless too. I admit, I have been feeling sorry for myself.(boo hoo..lol)
My dh is able to get around a little more and we are going to exercise at the Indian wellness center. I haven't been doing ANY kind of exercise lately except for bending my elbow feeding my face. It sure doesn't take long to get back out of shape. I thought I was out of shape before but I realize that I was making some progress. So now I am back at square one. I am not complaing or feeling sorry for myself...these things happen and I am getting back on the right road to health. I know getting away from sugar is going to be hard at first but my dh is doing so awsome with his diet that we can support each other. When he went into the hospital he weighed 364 lbs. and today he weighed 265!!!! :O I know alot of it was water, at least 50 pounds but he is working so hard at getting well. He hasn't had a drink for 60 days and says he doesn't even have a desire to drink.:cheer:

So, I am back, I may not be able to post every day but as he gets better I will have more time to post. I have missed being around here.

To all who read this have an awesome day :wave:

Nice to see you posting again, Grace. You have been missed!

Hi Grace,

I am so glad you DH is getting better. I hope that getting back to some exercise for both of you will make you feel better also.

There are so many new ideas in food preparation that I am sure you can find things that both of you like. My DH gets a little impatient with all the veggies I serve but I tell him it is for his own good. He likes veggies but doesn't really miss having them.

Are you still working or are you caregiving all day? That is hard work.

Come back again soon, I missed you.

Carol

Hi Grace: Nice to see you back here...and so happy to hear hubby is doing better and not drinking..and no desire...Hope that desire does not return...

I am having a case worker come in to evaluate Ross...so he may go to day center two or 3 days a week which would be great for me as he would get picked up by a bus..and have lunch there..do activities etc.and come home at the end of the afternoon...I think this is a super idea..and will definitely give me a break...I know what you mean about being a care giver..although he is not as bad yet as your hubby.....

Once again you have ben missed...Good to have you back.. :)

Take care :rose:
Louise

Welcome home Grace,

I look forward to reading your posts ....

I hope you are giving as GOOD a CARE TO YOURSELF as you are giving to others. Have and make it a great day. I am as always, Monica :hug:

Today was sooooooo hot, that made drinking lots of water so easy.:water: We had to make a run to the grocery store and I really hated to get out. It has rained all around us but we haven't had anyX-( . My tomato plants can sure tell it, even though I water them daily. I don't have much of a garden this year because we moved in June so I only put out 4 tomato plants, and they look kind of puny. LOL

My eating is doing pretty good so far. I had high fiber cereal for breakfast and half a turkey sandwich for lunch with some really good vlasic pickles, and for supper we had grilled chicken breast with green beans,salad,w/fresh tomatoes, cucumbers,and lowfat dressing.......No carbs for supper and I didn't miss them.LOL....Oh yea, and lots and lots of water!!!

I am trying to cut out alot of refined carbs. It is hard to get out of the notion that I have to have some kind of carbs with a meal. Like potatoes or rice or pasta. That is just the way I was brought up. It just wasn't a meal if we didn't have it. Now that my dh is watching what he is eating so well I am hoping it will be easier. When Casey gets home from Colorado that is when it will be hard. I feel like I am not taking care of him good enough if I don't fix all the choices for him to eat. It is funny how we get a mindset about things and think that is how it is supposed to be, even if it is not right.

Thanks Lulu, for stopping by. I also hope that dh's desire for drinking does not return. He really seems like a different person now. We actually are having real conversations again.:) I am glad you are going to be able to get Ross out for a few days a week. That should be good for both of you.

Monica, I am starting to make sure that I do things for myself and take time for me. I don't want to get down, physically or emotionally.

Hi Carol, no, I am not working anymore. I am on disabiliy now. I tried working for about 3 months around Christmas and I just am not able to do it anymore.

Thanks so much for stopping by Jo, I have missed being here and visiting all of you guys.

Well, better stop for now.:wave:

I have had a great week eating wise. I have stayed with my eating plan. I have not had sweets all week!!!!!:D That is great for me. It has been hard though. I have had a hrd time sleeping this week. I think it is withdrawals..LOL I am also trying to cut back on the carbs. I had been over eating the carbs in the past. I think I would only eat carbs if I didn't feel so bad afterwards. I would binge on popcorn/butter, hugh bowls of cereal w/sugar, french fries..etc. anything like that. Some people would call it comfort food....I can relate to that.

I have been drinking more water and less diet pop but I have been drinking 1 glass of ice tea a day.
I need to get more exercise though. It has been so hot and humid here that I can't hardly make myself do it. I did walk for 15 minutes today though.

Since there is a farmers market a few blocks from my house on Tuesday and Thursday, I have been able to get a lot of fresh veggies. Tomatoes,cucumbers, squash, zucchini,a little bit of corn on the cobb.I will be glad when the green beans come in.We also have had fresh blackberries, watermelon,strawberries. They taste so much better when they are picked fresh.

Tonight I did splurge a bit, I fixed BLT sandwiches. I had 3 pieces of bacon which I cooked in the oven on a rack so the grease drains off.With it we had salad w/fresh tomatoes

Well that is enough rambling for now.

Joy,joy,joy....I have lost 6 pounds:dn :dn <----doing the happy dance.LOL

Oh my goodness, it is sooooooo hot here, right now it is 103 degrees with a heat index of 112 degrees.:sweat: I am glad we got out early this morning to exercise. I walked a mile.
Things have been going so good here with my family. My hubby and I are getting along better than ever. Since he was so sick it seems now that he is better he is a new man:sweety: . We went to the movies Wednesday night to see War of the Worlds. We haven't been to a movie since '98. It has been great. I guess it took a near death experience to open his eyes. He hasn't had a drink of alcohol since may 22.:up:

It has been a few days since I have been here. I have been doing pretty good on my eating plan.I did have a bad night last Sunday. It was Casey's birthday and I made all his (and mine) favorites. Enchildas,cheese dip, spanish rice and birthday cake. Oh yeah, we had salad and veggies.I didn't overeat, but I ate all the wrong things. I did eat cake and that is my weakness. I sent alot of it home with my grandkids.
I haven't eaten a candy bar or any kind of sweet since.Sweets are the hardest for me to resist so if I just don't keep themin the house then I do so much better. Before, I was drinking a lot of Pepsi and eating a lot of candy bars and sweets.
I have been exercising daily also.I am not going to overdo it this time and get burned out. I have a tendency to be really gung ho about things and got at exercise like there was nothing else.Then I would get tired and burned out with it and quit all of it.This time I realize my limitations and (quite sadly) know that I'm not a kid anymore and cannot do all the things like I used to.

I have got a new snack,,,lol. I love chips and Pace chunky picante sauce, so now I use celery to dip my salsa with, YUMMMMMM. It is crunchy too, so I don't miss the chips.I have discovered diet dr.pepper. I didn't use to like it, but now I do. It's funny how our tastes change.

I'm going to sign off and change my stats now. So hello to all of you that read this and have an awesome day.:not:

I think the changes you made to your lifestyle are awesome.. keep up the good work and don't have junk food in the house. If you don't buy it then you can't eat it..

I want to see 'War Of The Worlds' at the movies, you lucky thing. It is cool in my part of the world. I live in the tropics and we are having a cool winter, instead of the usual warm winter. Our summers are hotter than hell sometimes.. I swear you could cook a meal on the bitumen roads in the middle of our summer.. so I can sympathize with you about the heat.

Keep on keeping on..

A hug and best wishes, Melosa.

We got out early today and went to the farmers market and wal-mart(we call it Wally World...you know, like in the movie Vacation) It is already 100 degrees here and it is not even noon yet. Whew! I am staying in for the rest of the day. We have a wedding to go to tonight. Hopefully the church air conditioning is working very well.

I had a good day yesterday with my eating and today is starting off good. We didn't eat breakfast until we got home and had oatmeal w/ fresh fruit, skim milk. We will have a late lunch...probably salad w/ some of our just bought veggies.
For supper we might have some tuna salad...it's just too hot to cook. Oh yeah, I bought some fresh blackberries this morning too....they taste yummy. This time I am not going to bake them in a pie.LOL:D

Hi Melosa, thanks for stopping by.We really enjoyed War of the Worlds. I saw the first one and knew how it ended but I was still chewing my fingernails. LOL Thanks for the kind words, I need all the encouragement I can get. Where do you live? It sounds wonderful to live in the tropics.


I need to get some housework done, so I will say TA-TA
for now and you all cool.:wave:

Hello again,

fancy calling yourself oldmom.. it would of been kinder to call yourself something like nicemom.. I live in the north of Queensland, Australia. My goal is to look snazzy for my daughter's university graduation next year in March. Yes, I want get more healthy as well. My hubby records my weight each Saturday morning from the bathroom scales, so I can't cheat. I am drinking some cool rainwater each day, as I feel that helps with weight-loss.. otherwise I am being mindful with portion control and food choices, and no mindless snacking. Yet it's hard at times, isn't it!

I am going to walk along the beach a couple of times this week. It is safe to paddle in the water during winter, in summer we have marine stingers that are very dangerous. I also have a treadmill in the lounge-room that I should use more often. My other news.. I put a few items on ebay to clear out some clutter from around the house. Actually my daughter put the items on ebay for me, and I hope all goes well dealing with any potential buyers (knock on wood).

My big news, I lost three pounds this week (1.5 kg). You sound like a good soul, so why don't we team up and become diet buddies. This means I will drop into your journal and say hello from time to time.

Cheers, Melosa.

Hi Grace
Long time no see. I am sorry for the bad luck you have had in the past but it seems to have a meaning to it all. I am glad you and your husband are enjoying your time together.

When you are down it is hard to be positive and when we need the support of our friends here we just shut them out. I know because I have done it.
I am eating sensible and more aware without beating myself up over having a food treat.

Good luck on the 6lb loss.

I got out early this morning and we went to exercise. I walked a mile on the treadmill and did some other exercises. I finally went back to fitday.com and started back to logging in all my food. Now I won't be guessing about how many calories I have been eating. Also on my nutrition levels too.Yesterdays totals were 1672 calories. Not too bad, but I want to keep the calories between 1200 and 1500.

Thank you Melosa. You are so sweet.:) When I joined Diettalk, my youngest was quite a handful. I was when he was born and there is 18 years between my 2 kids and I felt sooooooooo old.LOL I always have wanted to visit Australia. Maybe some day I will get too. Lucky you, getting to walk on the beach. Pleas stop by anytime, I would love to be diet buddies.:D

Hello Ellie, so glad to hear from you. It does seem that if we wait, then our troubles have a way of turning around. If we are smart enough then we will learn from them and grow.Thanks for the congrats on the weight loss. It sounds like you are doing really good too.:up:

Grace,

It is good to hear you so positive. It is so much easier when both you and DH are trying to eat healty. Keep up the good work.

Carol

My calories today are 1313 and yesterday were 1672. I walked a mile on the treadmill, 2.5 miles on the stationary bike,25 ab crunches plus all the husework.

I really want something sweet to eat. We have some sugar free ice cream in the freezer so I might have some later.

Today is so boring and nothing much on tv, so I might get a book out that I haven't read and see if I can stay interested in it.:)

Thanks for the kind words Carol.:o

Hello Grace,

I know how hard it can be, but keep up the good work. You will feel so proud of yourself when the weight is gone.. and it looks as though you are doing it nice and healthy GOOD FOR YOU!

I have been doing some decluttering in the house. The kitchen benches always seem to be filling up with this and that, and likewise the dining table too. It does make me feel better when there isn't so much clutter lying about.

When I finish this message, I will go to the shops to stock up on food for the crew. I have been having a good think this morning about my hobbies.. I have decided to just do some creative writing and a little artwork. As I get older, I'm all out of energy to do large cross-stitch or tapestry projects.

Best wishes, Melosa.

I don't know what got into me yesterday, I ate a whole package of cookies. There were 12 cookies in the package but they were 90 calories eachX-( I got into the eating mindset and and also ate 2 bologna sandwiches with a large glass of milk. I ate ove 2900 calories yesterday. Today is a new day and I feel like I have a handle on the eating. I hope I got it out of my system yesterday.

I got up early and started doing housework. I swept and mopped the kitchen and both bathrooms, vacuumed the carpet, and washed last nights supper dishes.I usually take my time doing the cleaning but my sister called and her and her hubby are coming up in a couple hours so I had to "speed clean". LOL :laugh: Then my daughterinlaw called and wanted me to babysit the grandkids. Her daycare had a girl on vacation and didn't know she was bringing the kids over. My DIL is going to college and needed to do something for that.

They are such a handful when they are together. My grandaughter is 6 years old and grandson is 2 1/2 years old.
Hi Melosa, doesn't it feel good to get the clutter cleaned up. My kitchen table seems to be the collecting place for my clutter..LOL.

I need to run as they will be here shortly.

Hi Grace
You sound really busy today,It's no good trying to undo something that can't be undone. It is hard to resist some cravings but it's just a step backwards in the long run. I hope you have more willpower today if not I hope you have the energy to burn it off on the treadmill.Hope you had a good day.

Hello Grace and Ellie,

well I gained a pound this week, but I see it as a minor setback in the great scheme of things. I think you should think likewise about your slip-up Grace, as we are all human and we slip-up from time to time. My hubby records my weight each saturday morning, and he has a black sense of humour.. meaning he makes some rum comments when I gain.. Yet the accountability is making me look at my daily eating patterns and hold onto what does work, and discard what doesn't work for me.

I have dug out my old Weight Watchers literature, and an old tracker dairy. Yes, I have made a new rule for me, I have decided to only eat a point free snack between meals when I feel hungry. I have stocked up on small cucumbers and roma tomatoes, and eat them without salt with a sprinkle of black pepper. I use half the amount of salt when cooking vegetables and use no table salt. And I use iodised salt as it is good for the thyroid gland.

Two of my ebay items are going off tonight, and it is nice to make a few dollars from some of the clutter in my house. As I mentioned before, it is a constant battle to keep on top of clutter in my house. I am a great reader and always have piles and stacks of books, magazines and newspapers.

Bye for now, Melosa.

I have been awol the few days.My son is back and he is on our computer more and I have a hard time getting on when he is here.
I have been having terrible back and hip pain, so I have been taking pain pills.It seems that when I don't feel well then I seem to want to take camfort in food. Old habits die hard. But all is not lost...or gained..LOL I have learned from the mistakes of my youth.:laugh: I know there will be ups and downs and I am not going to give up because I have eaten the wrong things. I have forgiven myself.
I think that I was exercising too much for me, or maybe doing the wrong exercises. So today I will take it easier with the physical activity. My son wants to go with me to the gym so maybe that will get me more motivated.

Hi Melosa, I like your attitude. Your right 1 pound doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. Besides, I think our weight fluctuates daily, what with the water and body changes every day. Good luck with your Ebay items. I am more of a buyer than a seller on ebay.lol:) I am a great reader too and I also have to fight with the growing stacks of magazines and books. I recently gave a box of books to our local crisis center for women and children. They have a resale shop to make money for the center.

Hellooooooo Ellie,thanks for stopping by. Today is a new day, with a new attitude!!!:D

Everyone have a blessed day!:)

Just a few words before I go to do exercises. I did good yesterday. I had my eating under control and my back and hip pain was manageable. I was able to walk a mile on the treadmill and do 3 miles on the stationary bike. I will come back later and post more.:)

Wow, after my hip and back started feeling better, my knee started giving me trouble. So I haven't walked in the last few days. My diet has been blown to smithereens.X-( It's the emotional eating!!! My husband and I have been fighting and man I let him have it last night. It is stuff that I have held in for years and once I got started I couldn't s top. I am still angry and he is not speaking to me, but I just don't care anymore. If he wants to act like a horses rear then I don't care anymore. What really gets me is that I have been doing the "emotional eating" thing. I have been eating everything I could get my hands on. But you know what?, I still feel bad....food didn't help at all!!! So instead of eating everything I am going to be honest and come and write it all down here. LOL....I don't have to look you guys in the face so if I embarrass myself with my stupid ramblings then it won't matter so much. Besides, I know you guys won't judge me and if you do then you won't have to come back. Am I right or what?:laugh:

I am going to go walking today and I am going to drink more water and eat lighter. I am not going to eat my way out of problems because that sure doesn't help. I am not going to let any person keep me from my goal. I am not a quitter. I just got detoured. I can honestly say that I have learned from all my crazy mistakes so they are not in vain.

Well I will be back later.:D

Good Morning Grace, :wave:

Being that I too hold in MY FEELINGS ..... I think your coming here and putting it out in black and white is imo VERY HELPFUL AND HEALTHY .... I have done that several times especially when it pertains to the situation with my daughters .....

I want you to know that those of us WHO KNOW YOU know that you are not a QUITTER ... and speaking for MYSELF if and when I can :help: BE OF ASSISTANCE I will do so ..

Just a suggestion .... start making your menu for the day ... put it in your journal and check off your food and water intake .... that way YOU WILL STAY ON THE MARK .... have and make it a great day. Love you lots my friend. I am as always, Monica :hug:

Vent away :)

It is good for you - and yelling at hubby can be too lol :laugh:

I feel a good one coming on in our house and like you I have been holding back for a long time and am ready to blow - I rarely do and when I do - he gets this shocked look on his face - lol 8-|

Hang Tough ! :D

Beth :dn

The good news and bad news....I haven't gained any weight back, the bad news is I am still eating kinda bad. I did get a new cookbook at the library. It has some good recipes in it. It is a volumetrics cookbook. The principle is eating more food with less calories and more volume so that will fill a person up with fewer calories. It is a low cal,low fat sensible eating plan. I bought a volumetrics book several years ago and never did read it....I just couldn't concentrate on all the details, but basicall it is what I said,fewer calories, less fat, more fiber and food with high water content. I just need some good recipes that are kid friendly and don't require alot of ingredients that I don't normally use.


I woke up in a funk this morning.:c( I feel like could just cry at any moment. I think I need to get out by myself and do something that I enjoy.
I just may go lie down for awhile but I have let the housework go for a couple of days and I need to vacuume, do laundry,X-( I don't think I can rest with what needs to be done.

Monica, I think you are right, I need to make a menu and then I can check with that and not leave anything to chance. The good thing about this cookbook is that they have a months worth of menus to choose from to get started.

Hi Beth, LOL...sometimes we just need to get it ALL off of our chest and vent, vent, vent,...I just need to do it more often so I don't shock 'em all.
Like George W. said.....shock and awe...lol:laugh:

Well, I am going to clean up breakfast dishes...here it is noon already. Oh my, what is a girl to do.:shrug:
Every one have a great day....love you guys lots.:ghug:

I am so frustrated , I just wrote a long post and hit the wrong key and lost it all!!!X-(
I have tried some good recipes in my new cookbook and even my son likes them. I am so proud of Casey(my son). he is really rying to lose weight. He is walking every day and and cutting way back on his portions and he has also quit drinking pop and started drinking more water. I think he has lost around 15 pounds so far.

Me... I haven't been doing so good. I have been eating late night. I am sabotaging myself. My dh and I have been fighting alot and I comfort myself with food before bedtime. Right now my morale is very low. I have been depressed and just don't care about losing weight. The only thing that keeps me from totaly quitting is my son is so determined to lose weight and I don't want him to quit.He is 15 and kids need a lot of encouragement.

The only good thing is that I haven't quit exercising. Which is probably why I haven't been gaining weight.
I need to get busy now so I:) will post more later.

Good Morning Grace,

I understand the frustration of having posted and losing EVERYTHING :(

Now I say this to you WITH MUCH LOVE .... and this is something that I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY SAY TO MYSELF .... what's PASSED IS PAST . .... MOVE FORWARD

I still feel you need to post your daily menu here in your Journal .... and then at the end of the day YOU NOTE whether or not you have STAYED ON YOUR PLAN ... it's terrific that you have CONTINUED ON YOUR :ex: regimen .... NOW HOW ABOUT THAT :water: WATER INTAKE ....

The fact that your son is doing so well :dn with losing weight is to his credit ... NOW HOW ABOUT MOM SHOWING HIM HOW WELL SHE CAN DO ....

Don't get X-( JUST KNOW THAT THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO ... IT TAKES TIME AND PATIENCE TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS (any goal in life) AND YOU ARE WELL WORTH THE TIME AND THE PATIENCE ... so start moving forward my friend. Have and make it a great weekend and a fantastic day. I am as always, Monica

You are very right about posting the menu in my journal. I think why I haven't done it before is that I didn't ant to have to see how I failed.....but on the other hand, I can see how I succeed when I stick with the plan.:) OK..Since today is half over I will put down what I have eaten (which is very good) and put down my what I plan for supper.

breakfast...0
lunch.........2 slices of frozen pizza
supper........grilled chicken, oven roasted asparagus, salad w/ dressing
rice(maybe)
water..... 64 oz.(at least)
I have been drinking ice tea(no sweetner) and diet sprite and not near enough water. I have to make more of an effort to consme more water.

Thanks Monica for the vote of confidence, I haven't had much of that lately.I wish I could give you a great big hug.:hug:

Grace,

GIVE YOURSELF A HUGE PAT ON THE BACK ..... it's a wonderful step you have just made ....

LOL now just one more suggestion ..... MAKE IT A POINT TO EAT SOMETHING FOR BREAKFAST .... a piece of fruit and a glass of milk will help sustain you .... or even if you have a whole wheat waffle (I use the Van's Multigrain Waffle --- which I thoroughly enjoy -- and I notice they also have blueberry and strawberry waffles -- which I cannot enjoy because of the sugar content) with margarine and jam along with a glass of milk ...

LOL and another suggestion .... start to lessen your intake of soft drinks .... try using the Crystal Light Drinks .... I find the different ice tea drinks very satisfying .... PLUS IT IS ONLY 5 CALORIES PER 8 OUNCE GLASS ... that's nothing ....

LOL okay enough suggestions .... I am thrilled that you have made such a wonderful start today .... REMEMBER THIS JOURNEY OF OURS TAKES TIME ... WE HAVE TO GIVE OURSELVES THE TIME TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS .... YOU CAN AND WILL SUCCEED ... REMEMBER BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY TO SUCCEED ....

Whether you realize it or not YOU HAVE JUST GIVEN ME THAT HUG ... I am proud and pleased for you. I am as always, Monica :hug:

Breakfast....rice crispies w/ff milk
lunch..........subway veggie delite salad w/ lite honey musturd dressing, water
supper........salad w/lf dressing, more asparagus( just love the fresh kind) .baked chicken breast, cucumber salad(new recipe I wanted to try)

:) at least 64 oz of water...am drinking glass of water right now to get off with a good start. :water:

snacks......banana,celery dipped in salsa..really good and tasty, I feel like I am getting a treat, probably some yogurt after dinner with a couple of tablespoons of lite cool whip mixed in. :up:
I
I will go to fitday in a bit and figure the calories and come back in a little bit to put them in.

Gotta get ready for church now.

I have 1029 in calories and I want to keep it between 1200 and 1500 so I don't start night grazing.

I have not been in a very good emotional state lately. My husband and I have been arguing about the way his behavior has been. After he got out of the hospital he was doing better than he had in a long time. Now he is sabatoging himself. I wish I could just distance myself from his behavior but when it affects the whole family I can't. The bad thing about this is that I fall back on my old eating habits to calm myself..as if eating will help anything.8-|

Right now I am really emotional and after I took Casey to school I stopped to get some donuts. I haven't eaten donuts for a long time. But I am still exercising and maintaining my weight. At least I am not gaining.I need to get my shower now and get started for the day.

Good Morning Grace,

My friend I totally understand BUT PLEASE PUT YOURSELF AS A PRIORITY ; it's so strange that as wives we seem to take on the responsibility of caretaker to spouses who act and REACT as though they were invincible ...

I understand because many times I find myself putting EVERYONE ELSES NEEDS BEFORE MY NEEDS .. and what is even stranger getting angry X-( at THEM for making me feel that way ... lol I don't know why because THEY NEVER ASK ME TO DO IT .... I JUST DO IT ...

Okay so you have gotten off track it isn't the END OF THE WORLD ... it's just one part of your day ..... there is still time to MAKE IT A SUCCESSFUL STEP FORWARD ...NOW COME ON GRACE START MOVING FORWARD ... :ex: YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS -- DRINK YOUR FILL :water: INSTEAD OF FEEDING YOUR FILL .... YOU CAN AND WILL SUCCEED ....... I am as always, Monica :hug:

Hello Grace,

I haven't popped in to say hello for awhile. I am sorry to hear that you have hit some bad weather regards your diet. It seems we have something in common, a hubby with health problems. My hubby has big health problems, yet he doesn't follow a low fat/sugar eating plan to promote better health. I try not to think about a possible health crisis that might occur.. he has spent long spells in hospital in the past.

It might seems callous for me to say, that you can't live their life for them. Remember a line in the serenity prayer that says, 'courage to change the things I can'. Most people muddle through life the best they can, so just do the best you can.. that's what I do..

Some good news, my daughter passed her PhD. It has been a momumental struggle for her, and I'm glad the jolly thing is finished. My goal is to look nice for the graduation in March of next year.

Keep soldiering on and don't give up on yourself, Melosa.

PS I'm proud of your son too. Give him lots of encouragement, and though it's hard, TRY to lead by example with diet.

Hi Grace
Your husband and mine sound like they have a few things in common. My husband has a poor diet. I have warned him that his body shape determines his health and he has the potential to becoming diabetic (his mum is diabetic) but does he stop piling butter and cheese on his white bread. Does he stop buying pastys, cakes and pies. I can only cook healthy and serve healthy meals but it doesn't stop him buying canteen food at work or buying sweets and cakes, he goes on about the fried breakfast he gets when he stays overnight visiting his son. At the end of the day he is an adult, I can't imagine what I am doing to my own health getting irate over what he does or doesn't do. Although I tell him when I stop moaning it means I don't care. It is extremely selfish behaviour but you can't let his weaknesses sabotage your health.Casey needs you to be there for him if your husband won't take any of your advice let casey inspire you with his desire to lose weight and in turn you show casey how to lead from experience, maybe then your husband will take a leaf out of your books and realise he needs to look after his health not just for you and casey but most importantly himself.
wishing you luck next week with your eating and exercise .

I have been so tired lately and couldn't figure out why. I have been sleeping alot and just haven't been able to keep up things around the house. Anyway, I decided to give blood yesterday and they wouldn't let me because I am anemic.8-| So they took some blood to send off and I can get a free bloodwork up. So I have started taking some vitamins to get me back up to what I should and I am going to start eating some iron rich foods. They gave me some materials on what kind of food to choose. I hope that it helps. I will get the results of the bloodwork in a couple of weeks.If I continue to feel bad then I will see my doc.

I haven't any felt like going to exercise this week. I really hate that too, because I need it so badly.

I need to run, my grandkids are staying the night tonight and I have to pick them up from daycare.

Hello Melosa and Ellie:wave: and thanks Monica, I haven't given up and I have been drinking alot of water here lately.:water:

My husband went to an AA meeting tonight.:) I hope he is serious about going to them. Alcohol has been a constant in our marriage and it has almost destroyed our marriage and his life. I don't like to post this sort of thing in my journal here, but it affects the way I feel about myself and the way I eat. I turn to food when he turns to alcohol.

Anyway I might as well be open about this if I am going to get control of my eating. I need to be accountable, just like him.
I will post more later. I hope everyone has a good evening.:)

I feel pretty good today. I actually slept all through the night. My family is planning a cruise the week before Christmas.It is 5 nights and we are going to the Cayman's. I am really looking forward to it. I want to get back to my exercises. I haven't been all week because I haven't felt good. I am better and I want to get stronger so I can enjoy the cruise and be able to walk around more and see the sights at Cozomel and Grand Cayman.

So far today my eating has been good, I have had

breakfast: Kashi cereal
Lunch : Tuna w/miracle whip lite on light bread
supper(planned): baked chicken,green beans, salad

I have been drinking lots of water. I will post more later:D

My thoughts & prayers are with you :hug:

Oh a cruise sounds wonderful :)

Beth :dn

I think your travel plans sound wonderful! Do you have room in your suitcase for me? LOL

I wanted to stop in and invite you to chat in the mornings if you are available. Our crowd has dwindled down and I am thinking you used to come in and chat.

Grab your cup of coffee and join us.

:)

When I took Casey to school i stopped to get biscuits and gravy at Braums.:) It was really good. I know..it is high fat and calories. I went to fitday and I figured my calories and I already have 507 this morning and 24 grams of fat. It is not worth it but it hasn't ruined my day. I am going to exercise here in a few minutes, so maybe I can walk some of it off.

So today my menu plan is:
breakfast: buiscuits & gravy,1/2 order hash browns

lunch: salad

supper: teriyaki salmon, green peas, rice(frozen dinner -lowfat)

snack: yogurt
orange

water: at least 64 oz.

I can't wait for the cruise. I am really excited about it. We haven't been anywhere for years. With thegas prices so high, I hope the tickets don't go up.
I am praying for the people that were hit in the path of the hurricane. That is awful for them.

Hi Beth and Tess...thanks Beth for the prayers, I chersih them.
Tess, it was great chatting with you this morning.:D
I hope the young man is able to talk to his MOM.:(

Oh Boy! I remember Braums in Oklahoma. It was my favorite hang out. I love everything they make.

Allow yourself some treats from time to time. It reads like you planned for the treat and it will not hurt your diet.

Hugs

Grace,

Have you checked the calories on the bisquit gravey mix? I buy some that is only 50 calories a serving. It isn't very high in fat either. I use that instead of making my own with sausage. It is a nice change and I don't feel I have really gone off program that far.

I am glad you are posting here again. I did miss you.

Carol

Just got back from exercise. I walked 1 mile on the treadmill,3.3 miles on the stationary bike and all of .15 on the eliptical..lol:sweat: ...whew! The eliptical is hard for me because of my knees and sciatica(sp?), so I didn't do too much of it. My hubby walked .25 on the treadmill. That was his first time ever on a treadmill. It took him 12 minutes to walk a 1/4 mile but I am so proud of him. He is still walking with a cane and is doing better all the time. He is getting stronger. :mus:
We went to a restaraunt afterwards and we both got salads. We were good and didn't eat any of the good fattening foods. The salad was just what I wanted. It just seems to taste better when someone else fixes it.:D
Yeah Tess, unfortunately, we live about 6 blocks from Braums. I just love their ice cream. But their sugar free ice cream is really good too.But it is hard to stop at just 1/2 cup8-|
Thanks Carol, it is great to be back.:)

I need to put in my food at fitday now. I hope you all have a great day.

Good morning, I am so blessed. I have been watching the news this morning and my heart goes out to the people in the path of hurricane Katrina. I am going to exercise this a.m. and my food will be

breakfast: 1 egg, 1 whole wheat toast w/take control lite margarine, 1 cup skim milk

lunch: salad w/lite dressing

supper: baked chicken, green beans, sauteed squash.
Was going to have that yesterday but decided to have salmon instead.

Hi Grace,

Thought I would surprise you and stop in!! How are you sweetie?? I see you are goiong on a cruise!!!!!!!!! Wow Grace I think that is just what the doctor ordered!!!!!!!!!!!! Good for you.

I am going to go to Florida just as soon as I recover from 2 more surgeries! Looking forward to seeing a couple people!!!!!

Well wanted to say hello since I have been gone so long I am now back!! Take care and have a great evening!!

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

Hi Grace.

I hope all is going well for you and that you are having a blessed holiday.

Hugs

Dear Grace,

WISHING YOU AND YOURS ONLY THE BEST OF HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR :cheers:

I sincerely hope you WILL COME BACK so that those of us who know you CAN CHEER YOU ON TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS. I am as always, Monica :hug:

HAPPY NEW YEAR Grace..AND ALL THE VERY BEST FOR THE COMING YEAR :party: Hope all is well with you and your family...You are missed here..

LULU