I am starting a new journal. This summer when I was dieting my youngest son started to make comments. He seemed to see me in every overweight woman on TV. The other night he shared a picture he drew. Everyone was a stick figure except the woman. She was round. He said, "like you, Mom." Of course it made me feel terrible. That is what my son sees.

So now I have to do something about his image of his mother. I have always struggled with weight, but the weight I am at now is well above anything I ever dealt with before.

I think one goal needs to be to STOP baking! I am killing myself. And my family does not need all this. l I seem to think I am not a good Mom if I don't make homemade this and that. But I know I cannot have it around.

So, hopefully, by summer, youngest son will have a different picture of me.

By Jan. 1 my goal is to lose 10 lb. Wow! what a challenge with holidays, etc.

Ouch. I can imagine how much that hurt.

Congratulations for turning it into something positive - a fresh start. Wipe the slate clean, forget past indescretions, and go for it!

You can still make homemade things for your family, just find some great low-fat, low-cal (or whatever kind you need for your plan) recipes.

You can do it!

Susan, that is common. I know what you mean, it was sweet and inncoent, but when my niece used to ask me if there was a baby in my tummy as much as I wanted to laugh it made me sad. As for the baking, your family definately doesnt need it. By doing that not only are you sabotaging yourself, but lets be serious they dont need the sweets any more then you do, I think it sets them on the wrong path. So welcome to a new beginning!

Kids are so innocent, they don't realize they're words or actions can be so hurtful. I know what your saying about the baking. I love to bake too! Only problem is I end up eating half of the stuff I make. No matter how many times you tell yourself no, next thing you know your wondering how those cookies got into your mouth. I agree though, easiest way to fix that is to stop baking all the high fat treats, that way you don't have to fight that temptation. Your still a great mom, and your taking the rest of your family's health into consideration too. :)

I was wondering, though, if one reason your son portrayed you as different from the stick figures he drew is that you ARE such a great mom and he feels you are special ... to him the "round" figure might be symbolic of that specialness and a reflection of his special love.

Anyhow, I bet you're a wonderful baker and as everyone said, I'd bet if you turned your hand to creating superhealthy treats, it'd be amazing. I used to love doing this (need to do it again) ... replacing sugar with Splenda, replacing most of the white flour in muffins and biscuits with whole wheat, adding in grated vege to cookies and replacing some of the oil in things with ff cottage cheese (this is good in double corn muffins ... I use whole wheat and cornmeal and add in corn kernals ... think it'd be interesting to add broc or something, too). You can pump up the protein in baked items with protein powder. It's just limitless how healthy you can make a cookie! :laugh:

Have a great week!! :wave:

Hello! I have definitely been in that situation with kids too. Even though they are too innocent to know what they are saying, it still hurts so much. And I am with you on the baking. I love it too, but something is bound to wind up in my mouth!

Well, I think you have a great goal! I am trying to think ahead to the holidays too. We all go to my Grandmother's house and I think I will just take some food that is good for me and desperately try to ignore the rest!

-Lindsey

GREAT Plan and GREAT attitude - You CAN do this ! :D

Just a thought - NO you don't NEED to bake to be a good mom - BUT if you like to bake there are tons of healthy recipes out there - here is one Jamie just sent me:

Chocolate All Bran Muffins


3 cups of all bran cereal
1 package lowfat brownie mix
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Pour 3 cups all bran cereal in large bowl and let it soak in the water for about 5-10 minutes, stir well.
Spray muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Add the brownie mix and baking powder to the all bran (I had to add about 1/2 cup of water here but you might not have to) and mix well. Pour into muffin pan, distribute evenly.

I'm not exactly sure the calories in this because I don't count the calories, but I know that if you make 12 muffins they are 2 points per muffin and that's what I went by. If you make 18 they are 1.3 points per muffin.

Beth :not:

Hi lovely Susan! Like the new journal! Hope you have more time now!!! How is school treating you? Well babe, I hope you have a great week!!! I just thought I'd say hello. Smiles and hugs

Melinda

Thank you all for stopping by with encouragement. Yes, I have tried the healthier things. They usually don't go over well. I can get away with it in stews and casseroles. But whole wheat does not go over well here. Plus most don't like fruit in cookies (raisins, etc.) or extra titdbits. They just like chocolate. I put the cookies in the freezer. Will save them for another day when we are going somewhere or get a few out at a time for the boys. I did let them pick out 5 Halloween treats to last them the week. I don't think they have eaten any of them since they are out of sight in the cupboard. The other candy is in the cupboard. So far I have left it alone. If it gets tempting, it is going to the freezer or fridge in the basement. It is usually safe there. As for desserts and sweets - I am sticking to boughten for a while. I can usually leave pie alone. I did make an apple crisp Saturday night. They can eat on that for a while. I had some when it was "warm" and just don't crave it after that.

Today I go to a workshop and am just excited to be out of the classroom. One student is going to be gone until after Christmas. That should help as thought he is a good student, he can stir things up as well as several others. I am sure I will have to deal with problems once I get back. But at least it is only one day.

Hoping they do not serve lunch today at the workshop. I plan to have a salad - eat out. Chicken for dinner or roast. Need to be better about planning calories ahead.

Breakfast: 263 calories
water: 20 oz.

Hope you have fun at your workshop today!

-Lindsey

Susan, I love your new journal, I read it yesterday but forgot to post, I was chatting at the same time.

I just wanted to say, hang in there with the whole wheat bread, maybe start with 60% and when they stop complaining go to 100%, eventually they will realize how much better it is.

When we visit relatives(many miles away) and they just have white, it only takes a couple of days and my kids are asking me to buy some whole wheat, the white just doesn't last long and they are hungry again. And think of all the awesome fibre. Sometimes we just have to do it because it is a good thing to do.

I think this new journal is going to be great for you. I love it!!!

Wednesday -

Woke up and worked on the computer since it was so early. Caught up on Email and such.

Breakfast - banana
Lunch - salad, apple, yogurt
dinner - hamburger helper (taco) for guys. Not sure about me.

Monday at school did not go well while I was gone. Principal had to be called out of a meeting to deal with one of mine and a couple others. I already had one in the office by 8:00 Tue. morning. I cannot wait for this all to be over. Just found out I might be getting another one next week!!

Issues to deal with at home too regarding my youngest. I decided it might be best to just SIT ON HIM until he is 21.

Trying to keep up with the water. Have lost a lb. :D Went for a walk in town Mon. night with the boys. Cool weather moving in. time to oil up the treadmill.

Hi Susan,

CONGRATULATIONS on the POUND!!! Good for you!!!

And that crazy class at school, sheesh, hope something happens and that you don't have to wait until school is done to find relief.

congrats on the pound.... as for sitting on your kid... well its not really comfortable to do it for the next 9 or how ever many years.

hi Susan!
Just wanted to stop by and say hello :)
Great job on losing that pound.i am sure there will be many more pounds following soon!
How old is your youngest?? my kids are 7 and almost 5..my 5 year old needs sitting on at times too lol..
hugs bell :)

Thursday - breakfast: bagel and cream cheese; 20 oz. water
lunch: bagel and cream cheese; apple; 20 oz water (nothing sounded good)

Had a terrible night. What with this class and another comment by my youngest about my week, well it was a night of tears. No one seems to understand. I just get lip service at school and am ready to just throw in the towel. I just cannot continue to do this every day. I know I am a good and strong teacher. For heaven sakes, I have done this for 22 years! I even had a dream last night about it. In the dream the class was out of control. Hmmm! sounds more like reality.

Hence - the menu for today. I just could not bring a salad today and nothing really sounded tasty. I knew I had to bring a lunch, so just grabbed something easy to spread.

I have a stiff neck. Had a headache last night and probably slept wrong or something. If today is awful, I am preparing for a sub and staying home Friday - sick.

sorry you had such a rotten night Susan..sounds like maybe you need a day to just take it easy and release the stress.
Hope you have a better day/night today.
hugs bell :)

so sorry to hear that your having a rough time :hug:

Beth :not:

Friday - up early so killing time here. Got home Thur. and started supper. Husband was not around and on Tue. he was upset that we had not started chores before dark. So last night since he was no where around, oldest and I began hauling buckets of grain to the sheep. Fed all the bunks and then hauled 4 bales of hay (HEAVY) to get them all hayed. Husband came home about that time and said he had already fed them earlier, but not hayed them. I hit the roof. I said from now on just do it yourself. You get mad when we don't, and we cannot guess as to what needs to go on around here. He did apologize. I was just upset over the amount of work we did for nothing. Those buckets are so heavy. If there is no note in the future, guess he will be doing the feeding in the dark.

Went to bed early. Sort of felt like sniffles were coming on. OK this morning, but still feeling an itchy nose. I sure hope I am not getting sick. Have had several kids out with a bad headache type symptoms.

Talked to my boss yesterday about the attendance problem. This is his job, and don't know why I have to remind him to do it. Does not sound like he will do anything. Another teacher told me last night she had a similar problem last year, and he was not help. It is so frustrating. I cannot teach children when they are not there.

Well, today I seriously considered staying home. I would if my sniffles had grown into anything. But we are having art, and I started a long project. I know if I am not there, the instructions will not go as planned. so far the project is turning out really neat. So - it is off to school I go.

1521 calories yesterday 30 oz. water

today:
breakfast: 232 calories - 20 oz. waer

Hi, Susan!!! :wave: Thanks for stopping by my journal earlier. I appreciate the time you took to do this, as you seem to have a really overwhelming schedule right now (from reading the past few entries in this journal). I think you are an amazing woman to get so much done in a day and still be working so well towards your weight goals. Hope you get some well-deserved rest and relaxation soon ... was wondering if you do yoga or any kind of mind/body soothing exercise (forgive me if you've mentioned that you do or don't and I missed it) ... just a thought ... even five minutes of yogic breathing and stretching can really refresh the body and spirit ... anyhoo, forgive me for giving advice ... bad habit I have. Have a better day! :)

Ditto's on the yoga! I love yoga and should look for another class. It has been a while.

Susan, you seem to be doing well on increasing your water intake. I really have a hard time remembering to drink water in between meals. I rarely drink anything else with my meals, but that isn't enough!

Cheers!
Linda

Sunday - cleaned Sat. morning, made lunch and then I did some shopping. Am trying to tuck away a few Christmas gifts. I have one son about done. Stores were pretty busy. boys helped Dad put a liner in his new (used) bin and start filling it with corn.

Feet and legs hurt when I got home. Had to get up during the night to take some Tylenol. Seems my leg just throbs anymore. Will have to start taking something each night so I sleep better. Made leftovers for dinner.

Sunday, bacon for breakfast. Chicken soup for lunch. Leftovers for dinner. making meatballs for tomorrow. Did not bake this weekend!!! :) I did make a frozen pie for the guys. That is their treat for the weekend. Am going to serve more fruit this week for dessert.

Plan today is to walk a mile at least on my treadmill (cold outside). I also am going to finish a mystery I have been on for 2 weeks. Need to get that returned to the library. Have some papers to grade. I plan to play some card games with the boys. Husband will be gone combining.

Hi Susan, I have been reading your posts! Congrats on the NO baking, even though I wish I wasn't away from mom so she could bake for me! Haha, I like the fact that you are balancing your exercise with your own down~time. Reminds me of my mom, because she would clean the house, or do something for a calorie burner, and then she'd be out on the patio that over looks the water reading her mystery novels. The whole family knew not to disturb her, aww I miss it now that I'm chatting about it. ALSO, the Christmas shopping...that is one thing that I have YET to begin, congrats on getting out there early, it'll definitely save some stressing later on. Good luck with everything, just thought I'd say hello. By the way, if I am going to formally introduce myself, I am Rebekah, I'm 19, and I attend Florida State University, which is about 4 hours North of my hometown. I love it up here, but I miss my family (and boyfriend) alot! I'm going to be a computer addict for the next couple of weeks because of studying for finals and such, hope to talk to you soon!! :hug:

Hey Susan,
Thanks for stopping by my new journal. The book is great! I think you will love it. When you read it, you can join me in the No Diet Approach (NDA) forum. I am doing a thread about the book and the "No Diet Approach".
I think you will love the book. I'm just a couple of weeks in, but this is along the lines of what I wanted to do anyway. The last couple of years I have been in programs that try to teach this...and I guess...this book just brought it all together...In the "oh that's it!!!!" way.
I'm definitely doing better today than yesterday. Yesterday I was doing meals for the week and started tom...so thought I needed to sample all the foods...I totally had a mouth hunger day yesterday, but that's okay!
I just told myself that I did just fine and I'm learning to be easy on myself. Today I have only eaten out of stomach hunger and am doing fine.
I guess I'm a little nervous, cuz I have to go to the doc on Friday and I know she's gonna put me on thyroid medication...and I'm on a new antidepressant, and I think I have gained with that...and I'm trying to not worry about it...but I'm hoping the new med won't add more weight. But I'm trying to tell myself if it does it does...and I will cross the bridges as I come to them.
Anyway, enough rambling..
Jess

I did my mile and then another. also did some arm exercies. Played cards and Pigmania tonight with the boys. Sent oldest out to collect a water sample for school tomorrow. He came running in - sheep out everywhere. Of course husband was 7 mi. away. We chased them around in the dark for about a half hour. Finally got them - after losing my temper and using some bad words. Thank good ness for our border collie. Wish he would have helped more earlier. Of course about 10 minutes after that husband comes home - UGGGG. We did hay the large yard, too to keep the others in the pen. Felt like I was taking one step forward and 2 back for a while. Would try to open the gate and more would get out. Wanted to be with their buddies. I have a headache!

Your doing :super: !!!!!!!!!

I have a funny farm type story to share - the other day we were headed for work and seen the neighbors cow was out - this happens from time to time and we are all friends and just try to take care of it for them, so Tim jumps out and says "go get them so they can fix the fence, and i"ll get the cow back in" as I pull away I hear Tim yell and clap his hands and at that very second realized it was not the COW that was loss it was the BULL lol - Tim realized it then to and started headed for the barn lol

Hope you have a great week !

Beth :not:

Whew! I'm exhausted and I wasn't even there! There seems to be much more work to raising sheep than I ever imagined! I have a part border collie that would love to live in a place like yours. We have to take her out to a field and just let her run and find things to chase or she gets spastic. She is so fast! She is born to run and I feel bad that she spends so much of her time in our small back yard. I hope it gets better for you!

Linda

Susan,

Well life is never boring on the farm is it, lol. Good for you and the boys, hey and that was great exercise too!!!

I was just wondering about your leg, have you seen your doctor about it? Pain is a sign about something, taking pain meds before bed isn't always the answer, doesn't hurt anything to get it check out before too long.

Keep up the great work!!!

I have been eating like a horse! I have been downing chips and sweets. Tomorrow I am going shopping. I have to get variety and "special" safer treats. I cannot believe how much I am putting into my mouth. Biggest problem is salads. I just get too hungry. Am going back to low cal frozen entres.

Told my principal today that I could not be gone again for two days as this class just crucifies a sub. Had one this afternoon in neighboring room. My students were there 35 min and the one boy was so awful. She told me, "My, you have very challenging group this year." that is it. Unless I am sick or my kids are sick, I cannot leave. They are just too darn naughty. I think he agreed with me. Supposed to be gone in Dec. for two days and may get out of it. Just cannot deal with all the aftermath.

Well, I know I am not getting my water like I was. That is adding to my hunger, too. Evrything is tasting the same, boring menu. I need to do something about that. HMMM I could post safe snacks, too. That way I could look at other options instead of a cookie jar.

Going to bed.

SUSAN – I had no idea that you started a new journal. I guess I really should read the new posts more often LOL. How are you doing with your eating? I was worried about you’re the other day when I read your joural entry. Gosh it sure sounds like you got your hands full with your class.

:peace: Katherine

Last night I stayed up to late reading a book. I just have to finish it tonight.

Played volleyball after school. Teachers vs the all star kids from 3-5. I am terrible, but the kids begged me. They promised they would not laugh. Come to find out they just did not want our PE teacher to play because he is really good. I kiddingly told them they crushed my feelings!! I did get a couple hits in. One boy told me, "I thought you were supposed to be really bad!" LOL

Well, it is so dreary today. Looks like snow. Hope not. Am heading out. don't have things all done, and don't really care. I am beat! Cals good today. did better not eating a salad for lunch. Of course I have not gotten home yet. That is when it start snarfing!!!

Oh Susan, just admit it, you were the star volleyball player! Hahaha! It sounds like you had a good day today besides the dreary weather!

Good luck with all the snacks at home, you can stay away from them! :whip:

Have a great night!

SUSAN – It sounds like you had a great game of volleyball yesterday. Volleyball was my worse sport during PE, that plus softball. So who won the game? LOL I thought it was cute what that one boy said about your playing. I’m so proud of how well your doing. Staying within your calories is just wonderful.

:peace: Katherine

Saturday - too much bread today. Had sweet rolls for breakfast and homemake pizza for lunch. Soup and homemade bread for dinner. Oldest has a friend over. Otherwise we would be having left overs tonight. Went to school and worked for a while today. got a little caught up on grades and correcting some work turned in late.

Stopped at WalMart on as SATURDAY! Actually it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Got a couple things for husband for Christmas. Am getting closer to the end.

Am reading the Overcoming Overeating. I am not sure the ideas will work for me. But it did give a good suggestion. Everytime I eat something I need to write if it is "stomach hunger" or "mouth hunger." I think I am going to try that. At least it will make me think about it.

Hi Susan! Stopping in to sayhi. I think you're doing great. I think the diary of overeating will help too, definitely, giving you perspective on what you need to control. You'll do great I know it. Try to stay away from temptations this holiday season. I know for me that will be most difficult, but I am going to keep up with my routine and blow everyone out of the water in May! heheheee...Talk to you soon lovely!!

Melinda :D

Sunday - pancakes and sausage. Limited myself to not overindulge. No syrup, either. Spaghetti for dinner. Sure eat differently when we have company. I will be glad to get back to US.

Well next weekend is our anniversary. I wanted to go out to eat and finish up some shopping (bike for oldest). But husband thought we should take the kids. Well, that made my day. Might as well just stay home. I don't know why he always does that. Maybe I will just do something for me.

Reading a really good book on Sacajawea called Stone Heart. It has bits of the explorer's diary entries and then her thinking to herself or "filling in" parts. Not the fairy tale we have all heard. Her husband had several wives and he beat her. She was not treated with respect by the men or regarded that way. They did remark at her stamina. She was only 16. Anyway, interesting reading.

Well, time for church. Treadmill today for sure.

SUSAN – oh great now I’m craving pancakes. Thanks a lot. I’m just kidding! Pancakes are my favorite breakfast, with eggs and bacon. That’s great that you saved calories by not using syrup. I don’t know if this is any better or worse then syrup, but have you ever tried power sugar on pancakes? Its so good. I’m really glad that when I have pancakes I can limit myself to just one of them.
:peace: Katherine

Thanksgiving - Turkey is in the oven and table is set. Not much else I can do until it gets closer to noon. I have had a headache for two days. Probably associated with TOM. I just took something and hope it helps it or at least dulls it.

Sluggish today - probably due to the headache. Have not been sleeping well for several nights. Something wakes me up and I cannot get back to sleep. At least I am not eating when I get up. Low on water the last couple days. Need to fill the bottles.

Shopping on Friday morning - insane I know. But that is how I am able to afford to buy presents for all my nieces and nephews. Wish my husband's side would draw names or something. Will do some decorating today. And of course EAT! But I will be good. I am really limiting what I put on the table.

Hi Susan

Just droppin in to say HI. I've been reading your journal, and I've got to hand it to you. I think your handling your stress really great. I grew up on a cattle ranch and I can really relate to your stress from that. There is never a shortage of stuff to do, that's for sure. :)
Keep up the great work, were all in this togethor.

Saturday - have enjoyed the time off. No one overindulged on Thanksgiving. I tried to stay away from too much bread and such. Made sure someone else ate up the pie. I did have some on the big day, but then left it alone.

Got my Christmas cookies baked today. Made three kinds and have some others frozen. So with these in the freezer I will be ready. Just finished typing my Christmas letter. Hope to get it out soon.

Went shopping Friday and got some good bargains. I think I am all finished. My husband will take care of the last item for one boy. I am just glad I don't have to fight more crowds.

Was so nice to have time off. I read and rested. Took a nap every day. It has felt wonderful. I just finished re reading another series I dearly love. I don't get much done, though, when I do that.

Husband put up the Christmas lights on the roof. None to go lower due to the puppy's chewing. Put greenery out and poinsettias. The house looks quite festive. Tonight we are going out for our anniversary. Tomorrow I had better work on school work. I have some books I have to make lessons for.

Sure wish I had a couple more days. :)

Hey Susan,

Well you sure are doing great at posting in your journal. I have been the pits and just have nothing to say so I actually got rid of mine. I may start one in the new year.

Just wanted to say -----

Happy Birthday, Susan!!!

Hope you have a lovely day and spoil yourself a bit!!!

WISHING YOU ONLY THE BEST AND THE HAPPIEST OF HAPPY BIRTHDAY'S :bd .....

CELEBRATE THIS YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH THOSE WHO LOVE YOU .... :cheers:

A VERY VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN .....:balloons:

I am as always, Monica

Hi, Susan! :wave: Glad you got a chance to rest! Also Happy Birthday ... I was reading a bit back and noticed a post where you said your leg has been throbbing ... not my biz, but please mention that to doc if you haven't ... if you discussed the reason for this in an earlier post, I may have missed it and thusly apologize ... but it'd be good to have it checked if you haven't ... hmmm, hope I'm not being too confusing. Anyhow, you're doing great! :cheers:

SUSAN – happy birthday plus 1 day! I’m sorry I didn’t even realize that it was your birthday. You did really great on Thanksgiving, I’m so happy for you.

Your sure are organized for the holidays. I still have to bake my Christmas cookies. I don’t dare bake them now because then they’d all be gone way be Christmas.

I still have to work on finishing up my Christmas letter. I have the first part done which is all the research. Now all I have to do is just put it together.

How was your anniversary dinner? That’s kind of neat that your anniversary and your birthday are so close. That’s like a friend of mine. All this talk about decorating makes me wish that we had started already. My mom isn’t going to do anything until the weekend of the 10th.

:peace: Katherine

Tuesday - 448 calories after lunch. Off to a good start. have been having headaches. Filled the humidifier as it seems the air is getting dry due to furnace running. Am sure that is affecting my sinuses - headaches.

Husband baked a belated birthday cake last night. Too much other food around on the weekend. I am not doing as well in my commitment to NOT bake or make goodies. Of course it was Thanksgiving and Christmas is approaching. Still, I need to quit making the stuff. Also need to lay off the homemade bread. Usually I leave it alone. But this last weekend I found myself eating it.

Received 6-9 inches of snow in our area Sunday night. many schools closed or starting late. Was only 7 degrees this morning. Supposed to be in 40s this weekend. It is very pretty - but don't like driving in it.

Susan, you can stay away from the baked foods. That is the reason they say the avg person gains 7-10 pounds between thanksgiving and new years, and imagine what that adds up to if you eat them all year long! I know I have been craving cookies lately, and I like to bake them, its been hard. But you can do it!

Susan!!

Geez, I've been lax in posting.....I apologize! :o Can't wait until I get home and have a computer and internet.....it's hard here as I can only post at work and tend to feel guilty being on the net too long......

Sounds like you've been doing great!! And I agree, I also hate driving in the snow, as pretty as it looks. Seems like up here, even though we tend to have 6 months of winter every year, people forget how to drive.......it's kind of scary for the first while!!

And......HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!

SUSAN – Ouch! I’m really sorry to hear about your headaches. Do you know what’s causing them? Hope you feel better soon.

I think that’s really sweet that your husband baked you a birthday cake. What kind was it? I find it impossible to keep away from the homemade goodies. That’s why I hold off on the baking as long as possible lol.

6-9 inches of snow I’m so jealous. Oh my gosh 7 degrees and here I am complaining about the weather we’ve been having. I guess it’s going to be a cold winter for all of us this year.

:peace: Katherine

Hi Susan! With a busy hectic schedule I too have forgotten to post and wish you a wonderful and happy birthday. You only deserve the best!!!! Hope all is going well for you. Just thinking about u!

Melinda :deer:

Stopping by to say "hi". Looks like you haven't been here in a while...hope this is still the place to be posting.
Thanks for the support. Love ya! :)

Oh whew, I saw your journal and thought, oh no, I haven't been there in ages, Susan will be wondering about me. But I see you have been busy too!!!

I hope that everything is going good with you. Hang in there. Get better.

SUSAN - Oh my gosh! I feel like it’s been years since I last wrote to in your journal. Okay well maybe not quite that long but tonight I can finally sit down and have a chance to get caught up with all of my subscribed threads. I can’t log on to the internet right now from my computer, so I have to use the other computer. Anyways now to respond to what you had written.

I just read your journal and I see that you’ve been really busy too.

Take care! Katherine

Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/nannerbanner/bow1.jpg
Just wanted to say thank you for your friendship here at diettalk and wish you a wonderful holiday!!!

Hope you are doing well Susan!!!

Merry Christmas :)

Beth :peace:

Merry Christmas Susan!! :deer:

Thank you all for the Merry Christmas greetings.

I have not been here in a long time. I am doing so terrible right now with my eating and exercise. I had hoped to get things started again with time off. I am just enjoying relaxation without students. WOW! I have been stressed. Have had a wonderful couple of days off so far. I have not done well with my calorie counting. In fact I have gained at least 4 lbs. back. I have been drinking lots of water. That is about the only good thing I have done in the last month.

Well, one more party to go to. We head to a motel tomorrow to spend the night. It should be fun.

I have gotten some wallpaper border put up in husband's bathroom (have to get another roll, though) and son's bedroom. My! Amazing what that adds to the rooms.

SUSAN – HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I hope that you and your loved ones had a wonderful day. I wish I had some words of encourgment for you. But all I can say is just hang in their, and relax during this time. When you feel ready to get back on track again you will. Drinking water that’s great.

:rose: Katherine

Thanks for visiting my journal...sorry to hear you have been sick. :( Hope you feel better really soon.
Take care, and I will try to get in here more often.
Jess :)

Susan, I appreciate your visit to my new journal! Congratulations on your success with the water drinking ... that's important! Have a great day! :)

Well, with the holidays about over I can now go into sugar withdrawal. I am going to throw out the sweets soon if they don't disappear. I have so much candy stashed away that I don't think my kids will ever eat it all. I am planning to take some to school to hand out to my students. Just need to get rid of all of it.

Have filled up the fridge with veggies and fruit. Bought more fish and chicken to try to get us on less red meat. In hamburger dishes I have been trying to cut the meat in half or use 2/3 the package and sometimes add beans. Does not help my digestive system, but I know it is better for us all.

Bought some green tea and am going to try that instead of coffee. Don't know if I can commit to that, but am going to try. It is supposed to have more benefits.

Have not exercised all week. I have been sick since Sunday. I came down with a cold. It got worse on Tue. and Wed. Canceled my dentist appt. Thurs. morning and just laid around as much as I could. Had to get out of the house for a bit yesterday. A little light headed with the sinuses. Still really stuffed up today. I am just taking it easy. Did not get all my projects done, but read a LOT and relaxed. Read Dr. Phil's Family Matters. Did get a couple ideas to use with the boys to encourage them to get some chores done without telling them.

Monday it is back to work. I just hope I am feeling better. Rotten to be sick the entire week I had off. But at the same time I at least could rest and did not have to take sick days and prepare for a sub. Found the new fruit berry 7 UP is very tastie and it really has helped with sipping at something with some flavor, keeping my throat wet, and low in calories.

Susan,

So sorry that you are sick, a bad time to be sick and yet a good time, I guess. At least you didn't have to work and you were able to get your rest. I'll bet you were sick because you were so run-down with all the school stuff. Poor Susan!!!

Just a thought but.... do you have to teach? Is it a financial necessity? You don't have to answer these questioins, I am just thinking that maybe it is not really worth being there. Do you have to sign a contract to teach for a whole year?

Well, I might be crazy on that.... don't know.

Just glad you are here.

Today I did better on laying off the sweets. Did not get my water in. We drove to Lincoln (2.5 hrs) to see the Huskers play basketball. Thought the boys would enjoy the big stadium. I had planned to stay home. did not sleep well last night again. Up at 4:00 a.m. all stuffed up. I did doze a bit between 6-7. But littlest one did not want to go unless I went. So I packed my vapo rub, cough drops, and tissues. It was fun. So I did not get my water in due to traveling. Too much pop today. Monday it is back to work. Some routine will help, I think.

Hey Susan,

Well, sometimes the memories for the kids are just a bit more important than a day of water etc. So, good for you mom, but now get back to your water and fruit and veggies.

I also think your idea of getting home at good time and leave as much of the stress of school behind as you can, will be really good for you. Be stern and stick to it as much as you can.

So nice to see you here, hope you are better soon!!!

Hi, Susan! :wave: Hope you have a good week. I love the picture I have in my mind of you heading off for the game even though you were sick ... I love that kind of spirit ... sometimes just going out and doing something different can really be a tonic!