Last Blog Post of 2010

Hubby and I used to be party animals in the day. Then we grew up. We got married and worked really hard to stay up late enough to ring in the new year. This year is not any different and we are NOT staying up. He might be, but I am on my way to dreamland. I am going to take an ibuprofen and head on up.

I walked 3.1 miles today on the Walk It Out. I feel like I ended the year better than I started it. Tomorrow, we will be doing fun stuff at the in-laws. Have a safe evening everyone!

Still Loopy

It has been 38 hours since my last vicodin. I am pretty sure it should be out of my system, but I am noticing that I still feel loopy, and slow.

I still plan on exercising today. Once I start the Walk It Out, I always have to do at least 10,000 steps. I did 162 squats this morning. I cannot believe how much stronger I am than three weeks ago! That is amazing to me. I've been doing some movement of my arm and it hurts! But I will keep it up so that I can make it as strong as it was before! Ain't nuthin' gonna breaka my stride...ain't nuthin' gonna slow me down! OH NO! OH NO! I got to keep on movin'!

Final Hot 100 Update

1. I will remember to take my supplements every night: Success! I cannot believe how easy this seemed at first, how important it is, and how it is now a habit.
2. When I feel the need to take ibuprofen, I will take one instead of two (or more): Again, success! Another seemingly easy goal, but has really made a difference in my life.
3. I will purposefully exercise every day: I did this in spite of my injury!
4. Try something new: I tried dried mangoes. Pretty yummy!

After today's weigh in, I have only lost 3 pounds over the past 100 days. But, I have implemented habits that are vital for m health. I am thankful for these goals that may be considered easy for many, but were a real struggle and a conscious effort for me.

Thanks for the challenge, South Beach Steve!

Am I Dedicated or Insane?

I took 10104 steps (2.7 mi) on Walk It Out. I was sitting here thinking of how proud I am of myself and then I realized that I guess I am more insane than anything. I am really not feeling great, but I am going to try to avoid the narcotics tonight and just go for the good old ibuprofen. I will also take my normal Benedryl and melatonin and then head to dreamland. Maybe I will be more able to get out of bed before 10am. I think the vicodin is making me constipated, too. Ugh! I know, TMI!

I am really tired of starting a challenge and then getting hurt. This happened in September when I fell down the stairs in the middle of the night, and it happened again in October when Dimples sprayed Pledge all over the floors. At least this time, I can still walk. Push ups are out for a while, and maybe running, but I can still walk! And walk I will.

Power of One Challenge

I'm a day late and a ONLY a dollar short. I'm signing up here. I put in my weight as of today. I have my measurements done because my ultra cool mom did them for the other day.

I also have to state my healthy living goals:

1. Ohio - Oh not that state?
2. Continue what I'm doing - make good choices. Those good choices do not include eating things I am allergic to, or make me feel sick.
3. Remember to take my supplements. That is the best habit I have gotten into thanks to the Hot 100 Challenge.
4. First mini goal- lose 15 lbs so that I can get EA Sports Active Trainer 2.
5. Get to goal. That requires losing just over 30 lbs. That is so doable!

Here's my picture of me in my long johns. Ugh! I didn't suck it in so my nice roll is there for all of the internets to see! I still can't straighten my left arm. I know, it's been like 48 hours.


That's it! Number one is still my favorite.

Broken Arm + Flu = 125 Squats

I was reading all of the blogs yesterday when the room started spinning. I took a trip to the bathroom thinking I was going to hurl. When I squatted in front of the toilet I realized I hadn't done my squats for the day. After a violent burp into the toilet (those are my favorite) I did my first set of squats. I sat on the edge of the bathtub admiring my clean toilet. My stomach started feeling queasy again. Well in between violent burps and squat sets, I ended up doing 125 squats. I took my meds and went to bed. I woke up at 1:00 am with a throbbing arm. I got up, felt really good, took a pill and went back to bed.

I like making the most of my sickness! I slept with a bucket (that I ended up not needing), a heating pad and an ice pack. Nothing says sexy like all that equipment. Let me tell you, I looked HOT!

Now I'm waiting for hubby to get home so that I can bathe. I cannot believe that I need his help, but I do. It's amazing what I can't do with just one arm.

This Stinks!

So I slept pretty good last night...duh! :) I woke up at 5:30 in pain. So I got up and took a pill. I went back to sleep and slept until hubby called to see how I was doing at 8:30. Then I talked to his sister and she is coming over to get the kiddos for a few hours today so that I can take another pill while hubby works.

I made a list of things I can and cannot do because of this injury.

I can wipe my butt. I cannot pull up my pants.
I can type. I cannot do dishes.
I can take drugs. I cannot open the bottle.
I can take a shower. I cannot clasp my bra.
I can drive. I cannot close the driver's side door.
I can shop. I cannot go through the drive thru.
I can do squats. I cannot do push ups.

Okay, that's all I can remember being as I am all foggy feeling. Gotta love the drugs.

Broken-ish Elbow

It's actually the elbow end of my radius. They said the radial head is fractured from a FOOSH. DOH! Now I get to wear a sling for a few days then do some range of motion exercises. I am taking my meds and going to bed.

OUCH! and Wii Games I Like

Don't I look graceful? Okay, so I'm holding on to a rope, but I wasn't going to tell you that. I even cropped out the rope so that you couldn't see what I was doing! You can see all the snow on my legs, right? Well that was from when I fell, twice, before I even got on the ice. I had a ways to walk to get to the pond, and when I got close, I got nervous about the shore and bit it. The first time I fell, I went flat on my back and bonked my head on the ground. The next time I fell, I decided to put my arm out to break my fall. I have some tingling and pain in my elbow. I know that the injury was because of a FOOSH and I'm hoping it's not more serious than I think it is. Anyway, we'll see how the next few days go. I'm just glad I didn't start the push-up challenge

I have been doing workouts on the Wii for over a month now, consistently. My go to games are Walk It Out, and Just Dance 2. I have tried Broadway Dance, and it's not my favorite. I have tried Biggest Loser Challenge, again, not my favorite, but I haven't given it too much of a chance. I have Wii Fit Plus. I like the free run, but again, it doesn't (that I can find) keep track of steps or mileage. I also like the skateboarding game, but that hurts my neck because I just can't play to have fun, I have to stress out about it.

The reason why Just Dance 2 is one of my favorites is because it is so much fun! It doesn't require anything except a controller to play. The songs are fun. I guess there is one song that is really inappropriate, but I haven't found it yet. You can also download more dances from the internet for around three dollars a song. We were able to download two songs for free, one of them was a holiday song where Santa goes from old time Santa, to beach Santa, to Rocker Santa, back to old time Santa.

The reason I like Walk It Out is because I can keep track of the steps I take. I cannot stand the trainer's voice. He is annoying. And if you miss a day, he gets really sarcastic. The more you walk, the more items you can buy with the steps you take to build the island. You can unlock songs, constellations, buildings, trees, etc. I use the balance board and find that the best way to play the game. I do find it difficult if I use the nun chuck instead because I rarely wear pants with pockets. I almost always wear pants. After I'm all done with a session, it gives me my stats telling me how many steps I've taken, how many miles I walked, how many calories I burned, etc. It doesn't tell me how much time I walked, so I just have to remember what time I started.

I look forward to Darla's review of Active Trainer 2 by EA sports!

Nothing to Say!

Which is REALLY strange for me. I usually have all kinds of stuff to say. Actually it can be difficult to shut me up!

I am worried about my Lanie. She seems to be okay from her sleep study, but I'm a bad friend. I had too much going on and wasn't there for her like I shoulda been.

I just found out that I am supposed to ice skate today. There better NOT end up being a video of it on FB like my Just Dance 2 performance.

Okay, I'm off to get my warm woolies on. Have a good one! OH, extra exercise included 16 proper sit-ups and 116 squats. I also did an extra mile on Walk It Out for good measure.

Monday!

Today is SQUAT day! I did 116. I am also going to start doing sit-ups as well. Here is the link if you want to play along.

I forgot to take pics of my projects before I gave them away. Sorry, Lanie! I did have fun making them, even though I am not done. Poor mother-in-law is going to get the other six days of her daily towels as I finish them.

I am up a little on the scale today. Could it be all this muscle I'm building? Could it be water retention? I am under 1200 calories/day but I did have Chinese the other night. Oh well. It will come off. Have a good one!

Crazy Day!

I didn't have to be at work today until 10:50. I thought, "Oh I have soooo much time!" I had some Kohl's cash so I decided to hit the store before I went to work. I ended up getting some goodies for nieces and nephew. I then had to stop at the grocery to get food for the kiddos at work. I was on time, but late for what time I usually get there.

Then on the way home, hubby called me to tell me that he locked himself out of the house and I needed to call him when I was close to home so he could help get snow gear together. We were in and out of the house in 5 minutes flat. Then we went on to the in-laws. Grammy and Poppy got the game Just Dance 2. We have that game as well so we all played together. We had so much fun. Unfortunately, Grammy took a video of us all dancing. Want to be humbled? There you go!

I'm off to do my Walk It Out and then off to bed.

So Pumped!

I REALLY want to lose this 14 lbs so that I can get a new toy! I was down .2 this morning and I hope to continue that trend today. EVERYWHERE is closed today except for the Asian Buffet so that leaves me the whole day to finish working on projects that should have been done by the last day of Hanukkah.

I think I might put in some movies and work on my projects while I watch with the kiddos. Right now, I am just enjoying watching the Sally (the good cat) play hide and seek with Brutus. She ALWAYS outsmarts the puppy!

We're Going to Europe?

Hubby says to Dimples, "You're up! Your turn to do dishes!" Dimples says, "We're going to Europe?" So now he's doing dishes and says, "I like America better."

I have wanted to be able to give myself awards as I lose weight, but we are financially challenged, so I haven't done so. I REALLY want that new Active Trainer 2. I decided that when I get to 145, I will get that for myself to help me get the last 16 lbs I have to lose. I figure if I continue at the pace I've been going for the last couple of weeks, I should be able to get that in 7 weeks, right around the time I get my school money. I am ALL over this!

AND today's tip, do NOT go to Wal-Mart electronics department on x-mas eve. Just sayin'.

99 Squats and Stinkin' Cat!

So I did my squats this morning and ended up with 99. Why I couldn't do that last one to make it an even 100 is beyond me, buy my legs gave up.

So at 2:00 this morning, we hear this crash. Hubby jumped out of bed. I waited to see if he got shot before I followed him down the stairs. I went downstairs and my favorite ugly green pitcher is shattered on the floor of the living room. I had it on the mantle of the fireplace, and the cat decided that she didn't like it there. So at 2:00am, I was cleaning glass shards off of the floor. There are still many there, and I have been working on it all morning, but everytime I think I'm done, I see some more sparkles of glass. If that cat would just sleep in her bowl like I tell her to, then we wouldn't have this trouble.

Hot 100 Update!

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - Success! I have even been keeping up with the squats and feeling pretty good!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I did it! WOOT!

4. Try a something new every week. I tried dates stuffed with walnuts. OMG! It's like eating pie or something! LOVE IT!

This is the final week of the Hot 100 Challenge. I did not do as well as I had hoped, but I didn't let the injuries take me off track either. I will go back on the Wii later today and find out how my weight has changed since the start of the challenge. I lost the 1.3 I gained yesterday which puts me back in the 150s.

Ughhhh my head

Okay, so my head is full of snot! It's really bothering me. I was a little discouraged this morning when I was back over 160, but I attribute it to the fact I did not poo yesterday. I'm looking for today to be a good day!

I am looking for today to be a quiet day. I will be heading out to Kohl's today to make an exchange on some shoes I bought. They are too small! Anyway, have a good day all!

That Lanie!

She forgot to remind me about squats! So I did my squats and I'm not giving a number until she does hers. I also ran for about 7 minutes (STRAIGHT) and did just one four minute song on Just Dance 2. I will have to kick the kiddos off the Wii so that I can do some Walk It Out.

I am still a little high about being under 160. I have not been under 160 since the Ides of March 2002. I am really close to healthy weight, but still far from my goal of 129.

Today, I told my mom, "I am only weigh .6 more than Ada from the Biggest Loser." Wanna know what my mom said, "Well, Ada is more muscle." "What are you saying Mom? That I shouldn't be proud?" Good thing I am not PMSing! Another thing that I have that Ada doesn't have? BOOBS!

There. Have a good evening. I'm still journaling my food this week. It's very interesting how few calories my body intuitively needs!

Oh No You Di'nt!

I did! I did! I am under 160lbs! I am really happy about that! I am now 159.6. I am so glad I exercised even when I felt lousy yesterday. Today, I feel a little better. My head still feels like it will explode if I bend over, but otherwise, tons better.

I slept a lot yesterday! I was asleep last night by 8:00 and slept until 7 this morning, even though Mr. Fidgety did wake me up at least 3 times last night. The drop in weight makes me not care so much!

I did the short run on the Wii Fit this morning. I will do more running AFTER I put on a bra! YOUCH!

I Don't Know How to Be Sick

After I finished my blog this morning, I decided a nap was in order. So I put Walk It Out in the Wii and walked 2.8 miles. Then I made myself a yummy breakfast. Then I went to bed, but not before reading for a couple of hours. I finally passed out a little after noon. I called my mom and asked her to pick up the kids from school, then fell asleep for another 2 hours.

Now, I feel like I could go back to bed. I still have this headache, and sore throat, and stuffy nose. At least I got my exercising in today!

Here We Go Again!

I have a stuffy head, sore throat and aching body. I am sure my job is to blame. The little baby I held all day at work on Sunday was all congested. His mom, my volunteer, was feeling pretty lousy as well. I will work through this. I am not going to allow this sickness to derail me! I will be pounding the water, doing the exercise and taking a few naps here and there.

I kept a food journal yesterday and was under 1200 calories without even trying. I will be keeping my food journal again today, but next up, a nap.

Git Ovah 'Eer and Give Bigmama a Kiss!

Why do I ever think that horizontal stripes are flattering?

Okay, this picture was taken in 2003 (corrected doh!). My baby was 8 months old. I remember thinking this was a pretty flattering picture of me considering 1/3 of my body is obscured by the plant. I am also noticing that I had a lot of fat around my neck! Okay, that picture is just scary. I have no idea how much I weighed in this picture, but a year and 4 months before this picture, I was at 149. It is amazing what a baby can do!

Project Letter to Myself

Dear Auntie Mandy,

I am not usually so formal with you, but sometimes I feel like you worked so hard to be an aunt, that you deserve the title. Here I sit in January of 2012. I don't such a big dent in the candy cane chair as I now weigh 129 lbs. I have started running! I know! My joints! It feels really good! I participated in a 1/2 marathon in October and finished! Hubby and I did it together. We found someone to sponsor us so it didn't cost us anything! HOLLAH! You are happier than you have ever been because you don't depend on things out of your control to make you happy. You have come a long way baby!

Love,

Auntie Mandy

65 squats and Challenge

Lanie and I did our squats this morning. I did 65, she did 59. We are rocking it! I am 1/3 of the way to 200!

Spunkysuzi's challenge for this week is to keep a food journal. I am participating, just to see where I end up after a day. I usually have no idea how many calories I take in as I just work on making good choices. We shall see where I end up!

I just checked my grades and I ended up with 3 As, a B and a C. The C was in a class that I took just because I wanted to. Anyyippee, I have three weeks off, and will be refreshed and ready to go next semester.

Today, I'm making fruit leather with some of the applesauce I made last year. The house smells awesome right now!

It's Been One Year

Of being vegan. On December 19, 2010, I decided it was time to stop eating things that made me sick, or my throat close up, or whatever. I have cheated a little here and there, but overall, I have purposefully been vegan and feel a lot better! When I started this new eating plan, I weighted 195 lbs. Today, 160.9. One year ago today, I did as little exercise as possible. Today, I yearn for a walk, a workout, or even a run. A year ago, I was taking 4-8 ibuprofen a day. Today, sometimes 2 in one day, most days, none. A year ago, I was taking 12 mg of melatonin and two Benedryl a night to fall asleep. Today, 3 mg melatonin, one Benedryl. One year ago, I was on 40 mg of Celexa, today 20mg. One year ago, I took no vitamins. Today, I take B12, vitamin D, Iron, and a mulitvitamin. One year ago, I was anemic. Today, blood levels are normal.

34.1 lbs in a year might not be fast enough for some people, but for me, it is the way I did it. I feel great, I'm beginning to look great, and I am a good example to my kiddos.

Happy Happy Happy!

I got up this morning to do my morning weigh in and am down .3! That is yet another all time low! I am one pound away from being in the 150s! HOLLAH!

Well after that encouragement, I decided to do my Walk It Out. I haven't been there for three days and I knew the jerk would be there whining at me. Well he was. I ended up today, walking 4.1 miles. I will prolly do Just Dance 2 a little later as well. We are supposed to go to Hubby's holiday party tonight at the P.O. and he can't remember what dish he is supposed to bring. I told him he would just have to settle for a dirty one! HA!

Okay, thanks Anne H. for the laugh! Uranus in retrograde!

Stinkin' Mercury

Why does everything always have to be so kaddywonk when Mercury is in retrograde? GRR! I do love seeing people I haven't seen for a long time, but at the same time, I don't like falling, wandering around Wal-Mart for 2 hours waiting for script, and my kid navigating away from my blog entry.

The day started innocently enough. I did my squats, and went to Wal-Mart with Hubby. Someone had given the kids some money to get something they would not otherwise be able to get so we picked up a new WiiMote for the kids. While we were there, Hubby saw a neighbor from his childhood and we all chatted for a while. Then we went to a thrift store and got a bunch of stuff for Hubby, Kiddos and FIL. While at the thrift store, I saw some jeans for the kids that looked just like some jeans they used to have that were 4T that lasted through all three boys and now my nephew, bought at a garage sale in 2000 for $1. Anywonkie, I saw the jeans and I somehow missed the big step down into the children's section of the store that was painted bright caution yellow. I twisted my left ankle and banged the inside of my right knee. I refused to move from that spot until Hubby came out of the fitting room because I was NOT gonna let someone else get those jeans! I got them! WOOT!

Then we stopped at my BIL's house to give him an adorable little Cubs bib that we picked up for the baby due in March. THEN we picked up Dimples at school to take him to the doctor. It took about 20 minutes longer than I originally thought it would to get there. I had a long discussion with the doc about Dimples' issues over the last few years, then brought Dimples into the room. We are medicating him :(. It is necessary, though. We have gone the natural route for over three years with a phone call from the school at least three times a week for the last two years.

So we go back to Wal-Mart to get the prescription filled. We didn't need to buy anything as we had already been to Wal-Mart once. In spite of that, we bought some vitamins and some food to eat while we waited for the script to get done. We ate, and Hubby and Dimples decided to go get Hubby's paycheck and get it deposited before the bank closed. I waited for an hour and forty minutes before I went back and asked if the script was ready YET! They said, "Oh, we don't have the correct birthday, you need to go back to that counter over there before we can fill the script." If I had just been impatient, I would have been out of there so much sooner, but no, I have to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit!

Now we have been home for a while, now. I beat hubby in Just Dance 2 "Proud Mary"! Mr. Athletic couldn't believe how much better I did than he did. After this day, I am ready for sleep and the weekend!

My knee hurts!

Squat Challenge

Here is the link for it. I did 61 today! WOOT! That means I am almost twice as strong as I was on Monday!

"Watch and Learn" and Hot 100 Update

Those were the words of my 7 year old who has had some major motor planning problems through his life. He has come so far! Just makes me smile!

AnyWOOT! I am at an all time low again today. Flo being here all week didn't take as much as a toll on me as she usually does! I lost all .6 of Flo weight and an extra .2! C'mon Ada! You cannot let me get below you! I am only 1.2 away! Get 'er DONE!

Okay, Hot 100 Goals:

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - FAIL! I started that 200 squat challenge on Monday. I was in some major pain this week with that and Flo so I took two ibuprofen every time I needed it. It is still better than the usual FOUR every time.

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I did it! WOOT!

4. Try a something new every week. I tried navy beans cooked with onions mixed with some colorful peppers and potatoes. I used to never like beans, and now I'm diggin' 'em every chance I get.

Thursday Evening

Today was okay with food. I had mush for breakfast then decided I needed breadsticks for lunch. They were hard *blech*! So I gave them to Hubby; he'll eat anything. For dinner, I just had fries because that is what I wanted. I didn't eat them all, but enough to know that was what I wanted.

For exercise, I only did JD2 and Dance Broadway for a total of 30 min. I had big plans of taking a long walk today, but then my youngest was not feeling well today. That never happens so I told him to stay home. When he woke up, he said, "Can I still go to school?" So he was about an hour and a half late for school, but he went. I had to take him, so I decided not to take the walk afterall. It threw off my day.

Anyway, I did have fruit today. I had a kiwi and a huge pear. I have nothing fantabulous to say, so I will chat at you later.

What a Day!

I sold my books back this week. I was going to save the money, spend the money on frivolous things, maybe get the pooch washed. I really debated, walked (more like limped) around with all this money in my pocket. So today, I took the boys' "violent" video games and decided to trade them in. They weren't really too violent, but violent enough that it wasn't helping Dimples' disorders. Anyway, I was able to trade one of the games in for two motion controllers. I then traded the "untradable" game for another game. So far, no money spent. I had to take the kiddos to the dentist and there is a Game Stop right near the dentist office. Game Stop is having a sale that if you buy one Dance game, you get the $20 off the second Dance game. I ended up spending less than the price of one book on Just Dance 2, Dance Broadway, and Wii Sports Resort. I bought Wii Sports Resort used, and the other two games new. Dance Broadway ended up being 9.99 after the discount. How FUN is that!

We started playing Just Dance 2 right when we got home and that was a blast! It hurt a little because my legs are still sore from Monday's squats and I redid squats again today. We had a blast, even though Dimples had a major meltdown outside of Game Stop because he couldn't get a game HE wanted. You wanna know which game it was? Any other game we didn't get today. I mean really, we got FOUR games! ZIP IT KID!

Now the rest is going towards bills. Aunt Flo is here, so I am up a little on the scale, but total since Friday's low, I am only up .6. I was also pretty happy to see that this year is the first year only ONE person weighs less than me on the final weigh in on Biggest Loser! I won't tell you which person as I don't want to ruin it for anyone but it does not rhyme with balizabith. That, to me, is HUGE progress! I am really happy that I have come as far as I have and I am not going to blow it this winter. This is the first time in 9 years that I have really kicked it over the winter.

I was only able to do 25 squats today, total, and I am okay with that. It hurt really bad, too. I didn't do any other exercise except the 20 minutes on Just Dance 2 and the 20 minutes on Broadway Dance 2. I guess that is a lot! I also walked around town today because it was easier than getting in and out of my car. How pathetic is that!?!

DONE

With Finals! I am really happy to be done. This was a rough semester. To celebrate, I will be going to my mudda's to watch the season finale of Biggest Loser.

I have been in major pain all day. Getting in and out of the car has proven difficult. But I did take the stairs all day today. OH! I had a NSV. For two of my classes today, we had pot lucks. I didn't participate in the first one because I wasn't hungry. I only had salsa, veggies and fruit for the second one BECAUSE after my final, I read 50 Ways to Sooth Yourself Without Food. It made me realize I didn't really want the tamales that the Puerto Rican guy's aunt made. I mean, I really did, but my body would have totally rejected them. I didn't really want the cookies made with eggs and milk either. WHEW! That was a close one!

Anyloser, I'm done for the night. I will be sitting in front of the TV watching other Losers while I embroider these towels.

owwww

I hurt, bad. Why do I have to be so stinkin' competitive? Why can't I just let the person win? I have to push myself to limits that make it difficult for me to put my feet on the ground, put one foot in front of the other, sit down and pee. I will hopefully be better by tomorrow so that I can tear myself up again! I am so kicking this squat challenge in the squatter!

I was up .4 today, which is prolly just lactic acid. I am off to school to take my last two finals, sell back some books to pay rent, and have a big salad. I will also go to my mom's tonight to watch the season finale of Biggest Loser! Can I get a "Hollah"? Hollah!

Good day all!

I AM SO Ready For Sleep!

After walking 4.2 miles this morning, doing 33 squats, driving in the freezing cold and taking three finals, I am ready for sleep. I have two more tomorrow, and I am not too worried about them at all. I have to get a 45% on one to get a B in the class, and in Spanish, I have to get 50% to get an A. I am just going to relax, do some review and be done.

I did really well with eating, in spite of goodies being brought in for one of my classes tonight. Tomorrow might be a little harder as we are having a party after our Spanish final. Anyway, have a good one everyone!

OUCH! Squat and Sugar Challenge!

Well I used to have this best friend who said to me this morning, "Do you want to do the 200 squat challenge with me?" Me, being the moron that I am, I said, "Sure! Lets do it together while we're on the phone!" She create this whole scene where she was supposedly doing the squats with me while her daughter is saying in the background, "That's what I call a long distance workout!" Anyway, "we" did the squat thing together on the phone. This was after I did 17,145 steps on the Walk It Out game which ended up being around 4.2 miles. My quads keep spasming. When I stand up, my legs shake. I only did a total of 33 squats, and I am hurting!

I was down another .2 today. I am doing spunkysuzi's challenge this week of making one day without processed sugar. She did give me the go ahead to have a cup of tea with 1/2 teaspoon of organic evaporated cane juice just so I can have my caffeine without having artificial sweeteners. I usually have one Pepsi a day, but I am forgoing that today. I might actually try to do this two times. We will see!

I have two finals tonight. I am looking forward to getting them out of the way! Northwest Ohio is in a frozen tundra. Schools are closed across all of the region, but not colleges I guess. Hubby is working, so I will prolly have to take the kiddos to their grandmother's. I am freezing! I should probably get ready for the day. It should take me quite a while to get to school.

Do Dogs Need CPAP machines?

My pooch is really sawing logs here! He was out with in the snow with us burning 186 calories. :D I am really proud of myself! Okay, enough about me!

Took Advantage of the Blizzard!

How many calories does 36 minutes of shoveling burn? It was actually a lot of fun! When I got up this morning, I was all raring to go to work. It had only rained so far and I figured we weren't going to get that blizzard they were talking about. I checked the weather alerts and it mentioned the wet roads turning to ice, freezing rain on top of that and 2-3 inches of snow falling rapidly over the next two hours. I ended up opting not to go into work. So I did my weigh-in and was down .2, again! Then I did an hour on Walk It Out walking 3.8 miles. I showered and we walked to the church we go to (next door).

Here is the best part! Since I work on Sunday mornings at a very casual church, I wear either jeans or khakis. Instead of wearing a dress this morning because of the snow and ice, I figured I would wear dress pants. I put on my pants and they felt a little big. I asked Hubby, "Do these pants look big on me?" He said, "Um, no, it looks more like you're swimming in them!" I decided I would look for my black skirt. Well, instead I found some black pants that I couldn't wear when I bought them in 2004. They fit me perfect! They are size 15/16 short from Maurice's, I think which is for juniors. I guess I thought I was in my 20s when I was 32. ANYyippee, they fit, and nicely! Another NSV! A really pretty shimmery green blouse I had bought to wear when I got my head shaved that wouldn't button when I got there and still had the tags on it fit be beautifully this morning as well! I had to rip the tags off of it! WHAT! I KNOW, right?

When we got home, we snuggled for a little bit, and Yankee and I decided between snow storms to go to Kohls to spend our Kohls cash while we had a the coupon. I ended up getting a new tie for the little boys, a sweater for me that goes with the camel colored pants I bought at the same time as the black ones in 2004, and bottle for olive oil and one for vinegar. Then I came home and decided to start working on my MIL's Hanukkah present since Hanukkah ended last week. I am embroidering some flower sack towels with roosters and hens that also have the days of the week.

Big day and lots of fun! Have a good week everyone! I think that school will be canceled tomorrow.

Better Today

I forgot to mention that just venting my frustration about yesterday's cry made me feel so much better! Thank you all for listening, or reading, or whatever. Anyway, I am glad that today was better. I spent the day with the kiddos at the in-laws. Before that, I did 3.2 miles on the Walk It Out. That was really hard, but lots of fun.

We are expecting a blizzard tonight, and I have to drive 49 miles to work in the morning. I am not sure how to handle that. I guess I could call my boss and find out, if I can find her number. I can't find her number, so I emailed someone else. She should be able to get back to me by the time I'm supposed to leave in the morning.

Eating was really good today. For dinner tonight, we had navy beans that had been cooked with onions, mixed with peppers, tomatoes and purple potatoes. For lunch I had the veggies off of my kids pizza, my father-in-law had the cheese, and the kids ate the pepperoni and the crust. For breakfast, I had an avocado in a basil tomato wrap. I am really tired, probably anticipating the long drive in the morning.

Shopping Therapy

I normally wouldn't recommend shopping therapy since I am BROKE, but for Hanukkah, Hubby's parent's got the boys gift cards from Kohls and gave us money. Hubby was all high and mighty saying he was putting HIS money towards rent. I said, "Well, I am putting mine towards dog food, cat food, a hair cut and maybe some long johns." So he decided that if we split the cost of the dog food and cat food, we would both be able to take advantage of the sales at Kohl's as well as get a little groomed. My sister-in-law is a stylist and she threw in an eyebrow wax for free! WOOT! I no longer look like a shaggy Muppet!

Okay, so the before MY 20% off coupon at Kohls, the boys had spent their gift cards to their limits. Yankee got snow bibs, an OSU sweatshirt, t-shirt and stocking cap. Dimples got socks, underwear, pajamas, a flannel shirt, jeans, and an Iron Man Toy. Mellow Yellow (formerly Brown Eyes) got a shirt and tie (to wear to church), dress pants, socks, shoes, and a toy. I got leg warmers, wool socks and long johns. Hubby got a dress shirt (to wear with one of his ties) and socks. We ended up walking out of there with four GIANT bags of stuff, and didn't even need to dip into our own money budgeted for rent. Everybody was really pleased with their purchases. The boys all felt like they got stuff they needed plus one want in there. Yankee doesn't realize that all of his wants (OSU stuff) doubled as needs, but that's okay, he'll be alright.

I didn't do so well on eating yesterday, though. being out and about all day made it difficult to eat the way I'm supposed to. I was however, down .2. Now that could be all hair weight. I did get it cut, and my eyebrows ripped out!

NSV! I was able to complete the skate board exercise on the Wii Fit! That was the first time EVER!

Photos

This is me at 182 (above). This picture appeared on the front page of a local paper! EEK!

This is me in the same outfit at 172 in my kitchen. (above)


This is me today, at 162. Now, I do not notice a difference here from 172-162, but there must be a difference because the pants from the first two pictures don't stay up, and the shirt is way too big in the shoulders (plus it's too cold to wear short sleeves). OMG! Why does my right boob look so weird?

Crying Day, and Hot 100 Update

Since I went on antidepressants over four years ago, I don't have very many crying days. I used to cry all the time and be a wreck, but the meds make it difficult. Well, the doc is wanting me to go off the meds, so I have been scaling back for the last month so far. Anyway, I was talking to my BFF on the phone and the tears just started pouring down my face. Here's what happened.

I was talking to my mom about how when I went back to visit family that I had not seen in almost three years, that my favorite cousin, to whom I am supposed to be closest, chose to go to a farmer's market with her kids instead of spending the day with me and my kids at our grandma's. Now, I have gone my whole life with this cousin being the favorite grand-daughter, sometimes, my grandmother introducing her to people while I'm standing there as HER grand-daughter, and "Oh, this is Mandy." I usually just pass it off with humor and say, "Also your grand-daughter, your FIRST grand-daughter." Anywhining, I was just mentioning it to my mom and she started blaming me for my cousin not showing up, that I wasn't sure what day I was coming, if I was coming at all, blah blah blah. I reminded my mother that I was always going, it was just a question of which day, and if I was going to be able to get my niece or not. Then my mother said, "You are just like your father, complaining to me about MY family and I can't do anything about it." I said, "Please do NOT compare me to my father. I am not complaining to you, I am just telling you how I am hurt and was hoping for a little bit of validation." She says, "Email your cousin. She probably doesn't even realize she upset you. Just tell her you have to get it off of your chest." So I said, " Maybe I will, but it will be successful in making us both feel lousy." Then she says, "You just have to get over it. You know that they are all like this and it's not going to do any good to point it out to them because they will just say, 'I didn't even realize I did that.' and then just go on thinking you are too sensitive." So I say, "Well that's why I just wanted to talk to you about it, but I won't do that again, because it obviously isn't something we can talk about. I didn't want to be lectured, just feel that my feelings are valid." Then she said, "Okay Rick! Geez! I don't need this!" Oh, my father's name is Rick. I haven't talked to him for almost a year because I am not good enough.

I said, "Stop it, Mother! Anyway, I gave you the phone number you needed I've got to go." So I called my BFF and related the conversation to her. She validated my feelings which made me burst into tears. That's all I wanted was for my mom to say it stinks. I can figure out on my own that it will always be like this, but I didn't want to be lectured. THEN she calls me and asks me if we are doing lunch today! I should have said, "Are you crazy? I have been sitting her blubbering like a fool for 20 minutes and now you want to do lunch like nothing happened?" But I said, "No, I'm not going out until my laundry is done." I showed her!

UGH!

Well, now that I've made you read all of that, or maybe you just scrolled down to this point...anywazoodle, I am down .2! Which makes me at the exact halfway point in my weight loss. Which makes me at 162. Which means it's time for hubby to get another picture of my backside. Which means that this is going to be a big blog post!

Goals:

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - although this was a hard one, I did manage!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I did it! WOOT!

4. Try a something new every week. This week I tried purple potatoes. This is a new goal, but I have been doing it anyway and it's fun to try something new.

Still Freezing!

My mom and I went out this morning. I thought the key to my van was lost so I was convinced that I would be trapped in my house if I didn't go with her to get license plates and her hair cut. I prolly woulda survived, but who really knows for sure.

We went all over the place and I picked up another set of long johns. I have been freezing and cannot warm up for anything. I screwed up my assignments and am redoing them now. I am almost done, so that I can not think about this anymore! I WANT TO BE DONE THIS SEMESTER!

I am the same weight I was a few days ago, you know, the all time low. Anywhipple, I'm going to go put my long johns on under my clothes. FREEZING!

Big Day

I have to write a big paper today and then I am done with projects this semester! I did not exercise this morning. I am disappointed in myself, but at the same time, I slept in and Dimples had a good morning, so I'll take it.

I will walk some laps in the halls at school today to make up for it. Maybe I'll even wear a pedometer! Good idea! I needed to be down .2 today to take a new picture, but didn't get there, so hopefully we will be there tomorrow!

Lots to do and not much time! Have a good one!

Up Early Again

Well today was a little different than normal. Hubby's alarm went off at what I thought was 6:50. I was bummed because my alarm hadn't gone off. Dimples got right out of bed and headed for the shower. Hubby came back to bed about 10 minutes later and said, "Well, It's actually 6:00 now instead of 7:00." So, when my alarm went off at 6:30, I was able to just jump (okay maybe not exactly jump) out of bed to get down to the family room for my morning Wii Fit weigh in and work out. I was exactly the same as yesterday, and I am sure it is because of my lack of fruit and normal meals as I was on the road almost all day.

Today is a day of school work. Have a good one!

One Tired Girl!

That is what I am! I feel like I could fall asleep right this minute and it is only 6:05! I still have at least 2 1/2 hours before my day is done!

Well I took the girl home today. I wish so much that I could keep her, but that isn't the plan right now, so I will spend as much time with her as her mother allows. She stayed with me at work today and was as funny and sweet as can be. We then drove through lake effect snows to get her home, and then back again. I got home and Hubby and kiddos are at my in-laws' house. When they get home, we will head to evening church and then call it a weekend.

I have made it a point every morning to work out for at least 25 minutes on the Wii. This morning, I only did 15 because I was so confused by the 3.5 lb loss that I had to mess with it for a while. Anyway, I like that I am getting that exercise in first thing. Then if I get no more than that, I know that I had a good start to the day.

Hopefully, there will be less of me tomorrow!

G'night!

Down Again!

The first time I got on the scale, the Wii Fit said I had lost 3.5 lbs! I knew that couldn't be possible! I ate okay, but I did have cake. As I was working out, one of the feet scooted out from under the board. I knew it! So I reweighed and ended up with a -.5!

Now I'm at a new low! WOOT! Off to work and to take my precious Ice Blue Eyes home. Have a good one!

Back To My Lowest!

In a very long time! I got on the scale today and I am 162.7, which is my lowest number since 2002! Now I can tell I am on a downward trend. I started my day again today doing 25 minutes worth of exercise, and I will fit in exercise throughout the day, just like I did yesterday. I will have at least four servings of fruit, just like I did yesterday. AND I will drink plenty of water, just like I did yesterday.

Today for the party, I am going to make a vegetable soup sans tomatoes (so that my BFF and MIL can partake), a mushroom pasta, and cake. I am looking forward to the party today. I love my little niece and it breaks my heart when I take her back home every time, but it is the reality, so I just make the best of our visits. I cherish each visit knowing that it could be the last, but hoping that someday, I will get to keep her forever! I can dream, right?

I haven't posted about my beloved dog lately. Can I just say that I adore him? He is still a big goofy lab. We haven't gone on many walks lately because of the bitter cold and my mean cold that I had earlier in the week. Anyway, I better get going! Have a good one, and I will do the same!

4-5 Servings of Fruit, But NO MORE THAN 5

I have learned my lesson from the week I was trying to win the challenge, that really wasn't a contest, but I made it one (bad choice). I am back to eating 4-5 servings of fruit again, but I will not go over 5! If I ever decide to go over that amount, I will change the name of the fruit challenge to "Colon Blow!"

Anyway, I went to the store yesterday and bought a bunch of fresh fruit. I had to go back to the store and return 2 of the 3 coconuts and 3 avocados because they were bad. It really surprised me because I have never had bad produce from Meijer before. Anyway, they were very gracious in giving me my money back. Unfortunately, the only avocados they had left won't be ripe until spring.

I am having a birthday party tomorrow for Ice Blue Eyes before I have to take her home on Sunday. She is so excited about the party though! I will be making my famous vegan chocolate cake tomorrow morning. We cleaned the house tonight so there will be little to do in the morning before the big party! WOOT!

Hot 100 Update 12/3/2010

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - SUCCESS!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. It's getting better! I started today by doing 24 minutes on the Wii. I will try to do more later. I am letting this cold and crummy weather get me down.

I weighed in this morning at exactly the same as last week. I have really got to get myself on the stick!

After two nights of Hanukkah, the kids have gotten vegan chocolate bars (which they LOVED) and coconuts. How fun is that?

Have a good day!

The Kitchen is Closed

Says Ice Blue Eyes tonight while she is eating her green beans. She had like four bowls of green beans yesterday! Anyway, it was 8:30, and Ice Blue Eyes says, "The kitchen is closed" while my boys are looking for food as a way to avoid bedtime and she is eating her green beans.

Today we are going grocery shopping. We have been out of fresh fruit for a couple of days and I am jones'n for some kiwi! The boys each want a coconut for Hanukkah. So I will be picking up kiwi fruit, oranges and coconut.

Hubby is not feeling well today, so the world must stop to care for him. Poor poor baby! Of course, he has it worse than I did. He is a man, after all.

Ugh!

Feeling lousy! Yes indeedydoodie! My head hurts from trying to speak loud enough for people to hear. My neck hurts, my back hurts, ugh.

I have been chowing on vegetable soup to try and ease my sore throat. It would help tremendously if these kids would stop fighting so that I could stop yelling! KIDS! GRRRR!

Exercise has been slow. I'm going to go to bed. WOW! This post was EXCITING!

Freezing!

I am freezing. I cannot warm up. I also, coincidentally, am not feeling well. My head and chest are all congested, again. I warmed up my overly spicy bean soup to try to clear the sinuses. It didn't work too well. In spite of feeling a little lousy, I am busting through my homework! That is an improvement. I made some awesome veggie soup today as well. It just sounds so good.

All of my kids are making me crazy. I think the way it works is that I am not as tolerant to their belly aching and moaning as I would normally be. I think I am just extremely patient, but if I'm not feeling well, that patience goes away.

I am really tempted to skip school and just go to bed early.

Husbands

I was just reading a post over at Adventures with Monkey Girl about her husband and his incredible self control.

I was remembering when I was on WW years ago between kids. Hubby decided he was going to count points. The man is 6'3" and has always weighed between 180 and 190, except for the short period of time after y2k where he ate all of the power bars my dad got him in case the world ended. Anyshaziizzle, after consuming 31 points for breakfast, he decided that he was done with WW and wasn't going to bother with that crazy diet anymore.

My father-in-law seems to be like Monkey Girl's husband. FIL decides he's not going to eat meat anymore, and he quits. It's not that he's allergic or anything, he just decides that's what he's going to do and does it! How do they do that? I have to be confronted with anaphylactic shock before I'll stop eating something, and that doesn't even work completely!

Well, I'm off to make pepper encrusted portobello fillets for lunch! I'll let you know how it turns out!

Bifocals

This is the first time in my life that I have ever had to wear bifocals. I have a really sore neck from holding my head down so that I don't look through the reading part when I'm cooking, looking through boxes, walking down stairs, flushing the toilet, etc. If I look through the bottom part when I am not reading, I get sick to my stomach or dizzy. UGH!

So I'm going to lay in my bed and read with a heating pad on my neck. At least my neck muscles are getting a good workout these days.

I started searching through my fabric today. We are pretty broke this year. We have no way to buy Hanukkah presents for the kids (which starts next week on Wednesday) so I am making things. I found a ton of flannel. Those boys and a little girl who will be with us for the first half of Hanukkah will have flannel pajama pants, flannel boxers, flannel pillowcases, and maybe some doll clothes made from flannel. I also found a bunch of fleece, so I will be making some fleece scarves, hats and mittens, too. My niece (on the other side) will be getting a dress with a pinafore with a matching dress and pinafore for her doll. My niece who is staying here with me is getting a kitchen for her birthday, so I will be making her some linens for her kitchen. This is going to be fun, and busy! I still have a few papers to write as well. I guess I won't have time to eat!

Only Up .2!

I have still lost over 30 lbs. Now, I'm done farting around. I am back on plan. I haven't gone "off plan" as far as eating is concerned, but I have been off plan as far as exercising is concerned. After eating my weight in potatoes, butternut squash soup, and apple crisp, I am only up .2 lbs. Okay, I didn't eat my weight in it, but I ate until I was uncomfortable. Only about a pound of the turkey got eaten yesterday, so I am trying to find unsuspecting passersby to drop some turkey into their shopping bags, except there is only one place to shop in my little town, and I'm not schlepping turkey leftovers over there. Although, that would be a good way to work some exercise into my day. Hmm, I'll have to think on that!

Now, I am just blathering because my Yankee wants to get on my computer, and it is fun to make him wait. :D Well, have a fun day!

Gobble obble obble

Tomorrow is the only day of the year that we give thanks in our house! Okay, we do it all the time, but this is the only year we put that turkey in a bucket and pour a brine over him! We do put the lid on the bucket so that the turkey doesn't escape. We have a 18 pound turkey for 4 children, a vegan, and two meat eating adults. Leftovers anyone?

Sally came home! She isn't wet either, which is surprising since it's raining outside! Anyway, I think she may have been hiding in someone's garage or maybe someone had her in their house.

Anyway, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Going to School

I am going to school before I forget that I have class today! I keep forgetting, but then remembering...I might even have a test today!

I got nothin! My cat is still gone. That's it!

Crummy Day

It is just yucky outside. My favorite cat ran away (she always comes back). I am finishing up on my marathon homework assignments. I just had some yummy toast.

Lovely Saturday

Okay, maybe not so lovely here. It's actually really foggy. The dog is spazzed out. The kids have decided that if Dad can go on strike, they are too. Nobody is doing the dishes. I told them that I would not cook or grocery shop until the dishes were done. They don't seem to care.

I am almost pre-flo weight...just .6 to go. She is not a very nice girl, that is all I have to say. It seems like the kids know when she's here, too...they all take her side and gang up on me.

I had a headache all day yesterday that turned into a migraine last night. I was in bed by 6:30 and didn't get up until after 8 this morning. I am surprised that my monthly migraine waited until Aunt Flo was on her way out the door, but that was the way it worked this month.

I have done only 10 minutes of exercise today, but it's a start. Still have homework to do, and if I am on the computer, it will working on the homework. See you tomorrow!

Oops! I Missed A Day and Hot 100 Update

I have really been trying to get my act together, but I'm not really very good at it. I am much better and keeping the act all over the place, to be honest. I makes it much easier to not focus. I can just jump all over the place from show to show and not concentrate on the act as a whole.

I am getting caught up. I will have three of my five assignments done today. That is HUGE! I went to the doctor this week, too. I mentioned that before. I had some bloodwork done. I am really low in vitamin D. So, I am on yet another supplement...OH yeah! Hot 100

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - SUCCESS!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I think this is the reason my weight has started to go in the negative! Not so good this week. Aunt Flo was here, and we all know how mean she can be! I did very little exercise, and none of it was on purpose.

Now to get completely caught up so that I can get back to exercising!

Wordy Wednesday

I am still behind, but I am working very hard at getting caught up. Today, I have an appointment with my doctor to have my thyroid rechecked. I am a little excited because I should be down about 15 lbs since the last time I saw him.

Yankee has been really working out on the Wii Fit. He has gone down on his weight. He is really making good choices and I am so proud of him!

UPDATE!: I forgot to finish my blog post. I am down 20 lbs since my last visit in February WOOT! Now I'm off to watch the Biggest Loser.

Tuesday Bluesday

Exhausted and more to do! I have to do more tutoring today, then I need to read a book, write a paper, write a couple more papers, and then one more paper, and get together a portfolio of health issues facing our youth. I have appointments this with with my doctor and JFS, so I should be able to find plenty of information.

Sitting in front of a computer doing schoolwork all day does not burn many calories...note to self.

Here is a little poem I wrote about Meijer when I should have been doing schoolwork.

Meijer

Big Box Store
I love you so!
Every time I visit
I have to go!

Your produce selection
Is oh so great
Oh my stomach!
I cannot wait!

When I was little
It happened at Dominick's
Never at Jewel
Eagle or BoRick's

What is the reason?
What should I do?
I can't stop shopping there
Just because of some poo!

Still So Much To Do!

I would love to not be so busy, but it's just not gonna happen! I had to leave the house to take a test. I have three papers due on Monday, and two due on Tuesday. I have to work in the morning, and then take my niece home in the afternoon. Class starts at 3:00 on Monday, so I'll have all morning on Monday...AAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

I made a really yummy creamy asparagus mushroom soup tonight! It was totally yummy. I ground it all up in the blender before I served it which ensured that the mushroom and onion haters were none the wiser.

I had to go to the local WiFi hotspot to take my online test. I starting watching iCarly and I can't stop watching it!

Good Morning!

Yesterday, I went back through my Wii Fit up to the first day I got it on May 14th of 2009. It was kind of fun. I was able to figure out my patterns. I found the first day that I went completely vegan and how my weight went down steadily for a while. I didn't go back up, but I stayed the same for quite a while. Then was the day I saw myself on the front page of the paper.



Sheesh! I was actually down 14 lbs from my highest at this point. That was the biggest eye opener for me. Not just that I was obese, but a little bit of vanity as well! The butt shelf, the back fat, the way I have to arch my back to keep my center of gravity over my strangely skinny ankles, ACK!

Anywhistle, I have been playing with the same four pounds for about a month and a half now. It was encouraging for me to see that the overall downward trend in the weight, but again, frustrating for me to see how I have gone up and down for the last month. Now, I know part of it was because of all of my injuries, but that's over now. It's time for me to get on the stick and get my arse in gear! I will leave you with 10 lbs lost, and when I get to twenty pounds lost from that picture above, I will have hubby take another picture again!

Hot 100 Update ... 11/12/10

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Success!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - SUCCESS!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I think this is the reason my weight has started to go in the negative! WOOT!

Biggest Loser Week 8 SPOILER!

To start, yesterday, I walked with my aunt. We only did about two miles, but she hasn't walked for weeks, so it was a good start for her. Today, I had too many tasks to do at school, so I didn't get to walk, but I did make my own laundry detergent. It was pretty easy, and I'll know tomorrow how it works, as it is supposed to sit for 24 hours before it is used. I also picked up my bifocals today. I took off my regular glasses and put on the bifocals and said to Hubby, "Whad'ya think?" He says, "Put the new ones on again!" I said, "These ARE the new ones, dork!" So I guess they're not that much different except for the nausea associated with them. If I don't move my head and blink my eyes really hard from looking straight ahead to down at the paper and back again, I'm fine, but that's about it!

Now for the Biggest Loser. FRADO MUST GO! I am so sick of his tough guy attitude. He is a total arse and I do not like him. I am very disappointed that they didn't send those girls home. I am so sick of their whining too. Anyway, Arron and Jesse look GREAT!

I WANT to Watch The Biggest LOSER!

For some reason, it is not on the NBC website, though! Now, I will go and pout, stomp and growl. ZIP IT FRANK!

Back To It!

I started walking with my neighbor again yesterday. We had not walked together since September, before I incurred all of the injuries. We started yesterday with a 2.414 mile walk. Today, we increased it to a 2.941. I don't know if we will walk tomorrow, but my aunt is in town, so I will definitely will be walking with her.

Fruit is way down today. I am at two servings and will probably end the day with an even 5 or 6. My tummy is very pleased with this today. Nine is WAY too much!

Today's Tip!

Nine servings of fruit, even if it means you win, is NOT a good idea!

Time Change!

I am up an hour early because, like Lanie, my bladder did not get the memo. I have, however, made use of my extra hour! Okay, not really the way I had intended at first. I did my Wii Fit (-.7), checked up on blogs, played a little on Facebook, and now updating my own blog.

Pumpkin and Brown Eyes spent the night at my mom's last night, while Dimples spent the night at the in-laws. That left us only with Yankee last night. It was strangely quiet in our house. We had some fun commotion yesterday. We took Pumpkin shopping for a new winter coat. We also stopped so that she and Brown Eyes could see his cousin and play for a while. When we got home, Lanie Painie was at our house with her kiddo. She only stayed for a little over an hour and ate a serving of fruit while she was here. Then I took her to my mom's to see her new place.

I ended up with SEVEN servings of fruit yesterday and Frank following me around everywhere just shouting his name! Anyhippie, we have a big day today with family portraits. I am working this morning and then home for pictures. The day is supposed to be 55 and sunny! Have a good one!

Farty McButterpants

That's what Hubby called me tonight! The NERVE! Anyway, we are having family pictures taken tomorrow (outside!). I am really excited. I was going to get school pictures, but it costs over $100 and I am not spending that on crap pictures.

I made a soup today out of celery root. It turned out to delicious! I made it with cashew cream, celery root, onion, all kinds of yummy goodness! I got the recipe from the cookbook The Conscience Cook. It is a totally vegan cookbook that has some of the best recipes. Anywhopper, I am whipped and off to bed!

FRUIT!

Okay, I am at three servings right now. My house is in total chaos, but I was down 1.1 today! I still have not fully recovered from my 4+ weight gain, but I'm getting there.

Today has consisted of a comice pear, a kiwi, and a banana. Off to shop today! Have a good one!

Holy Crap!

And I mean it! Okay, one of my all time favorite shows is Everybody Loves Raymond. I LOVE Marie. And Frank, well, more about him in a minute.

About 10 years ago, a friend of mine had her gallbladder removed. It was pretty new still to pump the abdomen with air to remove the gallbladder with small incisions, but she did it! She was home recovering and decided to pick up a laundry basket. She assures me that the basket weighed less than 10 lbs as that is the limit for six weeks after a gallbladder removal surgery. Anyway, she was home alone. She picked up the basket and she heard a man say, very clearly, "Frank!" She whipped around to see who said it! She was alone after all! Then she followed her nose and learned that she had untapped talents!

Anyhoobies, in our family, we have all different names for the gas we pass (that would be an awesome title for a book), and Frank is just one of them!

Now that I have been on this fruit challenge for the last four days, Frank has been stinkin' up the place! I have also become EXTREMELY regular. Coincidence? Or psychic phenomenon? You decide!

Now back to Marie and Frank. My all time favorite quote:

Marie: You don't appreciate me! I am just a trophy wife to you!
Frank: (blinking) What contest in Hell did I win?

Maybe Patrick Is On To Something!

Okay, so I had my six servings of fruit yesterday and today I am down 1.4. I didn't have as much water as I would have liked yesterday, but the scale shows the fruit is the winner! Now, all the pooping is getting to me. I will NOT be going for seven fruits today, thankyouverymuch!

Hubby and I took the kiddos along with my niece who will be staying with us for a while again. I am a sucker for a child wanting a book! I did, however, spend less than a quarter of what I usually spend at a bookfair, so I feel ahead of the game.

Today will be spent doing homework and catching up. Have a good day everyone!

Everything Is Wonderful!

Okay, not EVERYthing. But my eating has been right on today. I had a total of six servings of fruit! Put that in your pipe and smoke it Patrick!

I am really excited that I have started the process in organizing our local St. Baldrick's event for 2011! I am looking forward to the whole family shaving again for the cause! My goal is $1,000 again as I only made it a little over half-way there last year. So, get those pocketbooks ready everyone!

Tagged by Lanie

This is difficult since SOMEone has eliminated the ability to copy from her blog, but here goes:

1. What is the most profound advice you've gleaned from my blog?

A penis is useless without testicles

2. What is the funniest thing you've read from my blog?

After this, no meat mondays

3. What do you like best about me?

The acceptable answer would be sense of humor, but I will go with boobs.

4. If it wasn't all about me, about whom would it be?

DUH! ME!

Now, to tag people...ugh

Update On The Fruit

Okay, next time I get starfruit, I will make sure there is NO green in it at all. That said, it is delicious, but not ripe enough. Kiwano is interesting and fun! I'm not sure I'll ever get it again, but it was yummy! It was like eating jello without the horse feet and artificial colors!

Now I am enjoying my avocado with my vegan chili made from scratch with love! The avocado is a fruit, so two servings of avocado, one serving of Kiwano, and that's it for fruits so far.

New Day

Okay, since today is a new day, and I won't be driving all over kingdom come, I will do better with my eating. We have all this fruit, and today we are going to try some of it! In a little bit, we will be having kiwano, star fruit and maybe a prickly pear.

I was up this morning just because I ate too much while driving. Three servings of fruit, here I come!

Blew It For Lunch...

But I'm not gonna let that stop me! I went to the grocery store this morning and bought about $150 worth of produce. Holy Fruits and Vegetables Batman! I got some exotic stuff as well. I made a mini goal a couple of months ago to try something new every week, and I have! But now that I have mentioned this goal out loud, I am sure I will now fail! Thanks so much for badgering me until I told you! YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

Anyway, I had my niece and nephew this morning and HAD to go to the grocery. We were out of EVERYTHING and I wouldn't have a chance to get to the store until Thursday if I didn't go this morning. I let them pick out all kinds of crazy fruits and vegetables. We got some prickly pears, celery root, star fruit, kiwano, peppers, Comice (for Melanie), pomegranates, turnips, kiwi fruit, black grapes, eggplant, graffiti eggplant, mushrooms and a mango.

So how did I blow it? Well, we stopped and had our bread stick special at our local eatery. You get 8 bread sticks and a drink for 1.99. I ate ALL of my breadsticks and half of my garlic "sauce." Back on track now!

What???

Okay, so I never hit "publish post" yesterday after I posted my brilliantly inspired blog yesterday? Here I was thinking you all had lost your minds and couldn't see the brilliance, but now I know better.

I was down a little bit on the scale from yesterday. I still have a ways to go to get back to where I was a few weeks ago. I did neglect to get a soda yesterday, mostly because I am so completely scatter brained that I forgot.

Yesterday's food:

Breakfast: Corn Meal Mush with 1/2 teaspoon of pure maple syrup
Sweet and Spicy Tea with a teaspoon of organic evaporated cane juice

Lunch: Bean soup of my own making (I really don't know what I put in it but it was all healthy!) and a little on the spicy side
Mush with syrup to cool down my mouth
Water
Water
Water

Dinner: Fresh veggies with 1/2 serving of french dressing
bean soup
more tea with a little sugar
water
water
water

Late night snack- one Marshmallow

I forgot to put on the pedometer, so I have no idea how much I walked, but I know I walked a lot! On my way to the grocery now! Have a good one!

I Need A Kick In The Arse!

I know, my language is DEPLORABLE! I made a point of exercising with Brutus last night after I blogged.

The food I ate yesterday:

Breakfast: Sunflower Kernels
Dr. Pepper
Grapes

Lunch: Vegan Chili
Water

Dinner: 1 can French sliced green beans
popcorn
water

Up on the scale!

I know it's probably temporary, but I am not happy at all. I will have to REALLY listen to what my body wants and skip the Dr. Pepper. I will have to exchange it for some caffeinated tea. i am back to feeling good again about saying, "No thank you" when offered something that I don't need.

Eight Days and I Still Feel Lousy!

I know it will get better, and I do feel much better today than other days. So I decided I was going to wear my pedometer and start keeping track of steps again. Thursday, I walked over 4,000 steps. Friday, I was still feeling lousy, so I lied around all day. I mean, I only walked 991 steps! Hmmm, no wonder my weight is up a little. So, I forgot to put the thing on yesterday, but I went running with the kids at the in-laws. We had glow-sticks and I decided that I needed more than two. I am a little sore for tackling the kids to get them!

Today, I had walked over 4,000 steps before I LOST my pedometer. GrrR. I am sure it is somewhere in the woods where I took my dog walking, or maybe it's by the pond. I hate when I do stuff like that!

ANYWAY! I am back on track, again. Even though I feel like crap, I am going to exercise again. I am focusing on getting my calories from veggies. I still have tons of snot in my head, and I still feel like garbage. But, I am not going to use that as an excuse to get obese again.

OUCH!

My kids are all adorable. I am not biased at all. I really expected to have at least one goofy looking kid, I mean, look at my hubby ;). Anyway, I don't have any goofy looking kids. They are all gorgeous. They all look completely different. One is built like a tank, one is average, and one is small. One has green eyes, one has gray eyes, and one has brown eyes. If I HAD to choose on which one is my most adorable, I would have to guess the blonde one. He has the dimples. He has the blonde hair. He has the "perfect" build. BUT, he is THE biggest pain in the arse I have ever come across in the history of the WORLD!

He asked me the other day, "Mom, can I spray Pledge on the floor?" I said, "No! It will make the floor very slippery and be very dangerous! I will probably fall and get hurt." So, he sprays the floor with Pledge. I made him scrub the floor to make the floors less slick. Then, I think the problem is solved. Yesterday, he does it again! Mind you, these are not wood floors that will absorb some of the Pledge, these are vinyl floors. Anyhoodle, I snuggled in on the couch to watch a movie, and thought, "I don't want to use this Yankee's blanket, I want my pink Cubbies blanket!" So I got up, stepped on to the vinyl, slipped, fell flat on my back. In the process, I hit the bottom of my foot on the steps going into the kitchen, cut my hand, and wrenched my back.

That kid might be the cutest, but that is only so I don't hurt him!

I Still Feel LIke GARBAGE

If I didn't feel so nasty, I would find a picture of Oscar the Grouch, but I don't wanna. I feel yucky. I really should get to the doctor, but again, LOUSY!

Dimples' glasses came in today. I should get out and get them. Maybe I will give him a break during school. hmmm.

Scale is wonky. I'll post about that tomorrow, if I feel better.

ARG!

I'm still sick. My eyeballs hurt. My face hurts. I'm sure it's killing you! HAHAHA *cough* *wheeze* *cough* *sneeze* *ugh*

Still Sick

I feel worse than I have since this started. I'm up on the scale, I want to lay down, but it hurts my head to do so. I guess I will sit on the couch and just wait for this to pass.

I ended up winning the 50/50! So the Democrats really are spreading the wealth, I mean, I did end up BUYING the 50/50 tickets, but still! I WON!

We are out of water, so we need to go get the bottles filled up. Hubby's doing that now. Arg, I feel lousy!

I Missed My Party :(

I went to the in-laws last night for the fall party that we have every year. Yankee wasn't feeling well, so he stayed with my mom. I went with Hubby and the other two boys to the party. I started feeling dizzy and weak. I went to sit on the couch and got worse and worse as time went on. I asked my mom to come get me and she took me home. I was asleep by 7:30. I slept through my alarm this morning but still made it to work on time. I felt pretty good this morning, but I'm feeling lousy again now. I have so much homework to do, and not so much time.

I will go and nurse my headache and then be better soon, I hope.

Fun Fun FUNNY!

Tuesday, I got a call from the school that Dimples is saying some things that make him sound like he is using his disorders as an excuse to behave poorly. When I asked what he is saying, the teacher responded, "He said yesterday when we were at the orchard, 'When I eat this donut, it will cause me to have psychotic tendencies which I cannot control.' Then he proceeded to eat the donut (which had nothing he is allergic to in it) and push this girl down." Psychotic tendencies? I have NEVER said that anything he is allergic to causes psychotic tendencies. I have said it will cause outbursts, but the things he says....

Thursday night, we went to a customer appreciation event at my favorite car dealer, ever. They are awesome. They sponsored the St. Baldrick's event for me in March and will be doing the same again coming up this March. Good people. Anyway, they were having a pig roast. The pig wasn't actually on the premises, but it was a roast, nonetheless. Brown eyes kept asking everyone, "Where's the pig? I need to eat him!" So we went through the line and got to the pig (pulled pork), and he says to the lady, "I want a pig sandwich!" She says, "Well, this is pork." He says, "What's the difference?" Her response, "I think the difference is pork is cooked." He rolled his eyes and took the sandwich and didn't eat a bite of it! Oh and there were over 500 people at the event. INSANE!

Last night, one of hubby's bosses asked him if he would like to take us to a fish fry. Hubby called me and asked, and I said fine. Now, I never like to talk about politics on this blog, but I feel I must now. I consider myself a crunchy conservative. I don't like to waste our resources, I like to do things naturally, but fiscally, I am conservative. I am also open to hear what others have to say, BUT I do not want to go to a fundraiser for EITHER party! I should have known that it was a Democratic Party fundraiser as it was at the UAW. But it didn't hit me until we were waiting for Hubby's boss, and I looked at the ticket that I realized it was a fundraiser. Then my uber conservative Yankee was constantly rolling his eyes when the speakers were talking. How embarrassing!

I bought 12 50/50 tickets and I didn't win. I told them that if I won, I would become a Democrat, but I guess they don't feel like buying my vote! :D

Hot 100 Update ... A Day Late

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. Yay! I did it! It really helped that I changed my B vitamin!

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - I had a migraine the other day, I took one, it didn't touch it. So, before bed, I took two.

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. I do believe I succeeded in this one! Thinking back on this week, I took a walk every day. One day, I even got to do a good deed!

So even though the goals were achieved, I had a rough week and I am still up 1.5 for the week. Now, by Monday, that should be gone (as has happened in the past), but I REALLY want to be out of the 160s! And, I want my saddlebags gone. Things are moving and changing every day. I have started some new exercises that Lanie sent me, so I let you know how thins look after a week.

I have a busy weekend as well! Fall festival party at the in-laws tonight. Tomorrow, I am taking my mom with me to work (I am actually dropping her at Panera) and then we are going to return some stuff she bought that she doesn't need.

I am working on another post right now about the crazy week I had! It is very funny if it didn't happen to you!

Thursday

Well, I have a test tonight, en la clase de espanol. It is open book, so I'm not at all worried about it. My mom and I are going grocery shopping today along with paint shopping for my tables that I have been getting painted for about 3 years. I have finally decided what color I want them.

Again, I ehat that beeeotch Flo. I'm up .2 today, which makes me up 1.5 since she came to town. I'm cramping bad and really annoyed. Mostly by the dog's gas. Probably the cat food he ate yesterday.

Quote of the day: "Have a lousy day!" Oscar the Grouch

NSV and Biggest Loser Spoiler

First, I was sitting in the waiting room of the eye doctor's office and I saw my reflection in a mirror. At first when I saw this reflection, I didn't realize it was me. I thought, "I have a jacket just like her's. She looks better in her's than I do mine!" Then, "Hollah! That's me!" That is the first time in a long time I have looked at my reflection and not thought, "Man! There is something wrong with that mirror because it makes me look HUGE!"

Second, Biggest Loser. I was shocked at Rick going home, but at the same time, a little relieved. He is SUCH a nice guy that I almost didn't believe him. I really thought they were gonna vote Anna off, but I'm glad they didn't. I was really worried about her drama, too. But she seems to have regulated it, or I am good at ignoring it.

Yesterday, I was down .9 from my 2.2 increase. Today I am the same as yesterday, so I have 1.3 to go to get back down to my lowest. When that mean woman leaves, I'm sure the weight will too. Have a good one!

I Hate HER

You know her, at least you women know her. You men have been scarred by her. She's mean and she goes for the jugular. Her name is Flo and she's everyone's worst aunt. She is on my back, all 2.2 lbs of her. I HATE her!

I asked Dimples to take a picture of me and Brown Eyes for my blog, I didn't realize he would take it so that it didn't need to be edited. I want a couple of things noticed. First, I am not trying to eliminate my double chin, it's just not there. Second, I think you can see collar bone, if not muscle in my neck! Also, I am sitting on the floor. I am not uncomfortable, even though I have a 75 lb dog on my lap along with a 45 lb kid. I am happy, kid is happy, dog is happy. (This is all before that beee-atch jumped on my back to have me gain 2.2 lbs).

2 Miles Today

I walked only .8 of that and the rest was on my pink bike Betsy. I feel like today lasted FOREVER! Driving to Toledo and back, riding my bike to my mom's and back, walking to my mom's, reading my book, going to the Wal-Marts, and now to reading my book. I'm over half way done. I got my food for tomorrow's project, and a small amount of groceries for the fam.

While I was out and about, and in doing homework, Hubby cleaned my van! It is so clean! Maybe he felt a little bad about the picture he left me this morning.


That guy can be such a pain! So I showed him! I took the van. HA!

Sunday Afternoon

I got to see my mommy today. She has moved to town! WOOT! I still have over half of my book to read and write a paper on it by Tuesday, so I didn't stay too long. My weight was the same as it was the other day, which is my all time low. I am pleased with that as we did eat out on Friday night.

I really struggled this morning when I went to the store to get my morning caffeine. The apple fritters were there, just delivered, all glazed and gooey. They looked fabulous. I wanted one or eleventy. I grabbed a bag of trail mix, a granola bar, and my caffeine. I paid, then left. Did I do myself in by not eating that? Probably not. I know I am weak right now as I mentioned yesterday having a difficult time dealing with the kiddos. So, I have won over the fritter!

After work, I stopped at Panera for more black bean soup. Instead of getting a bowl this time, I got a cup. It was just as satisfying, if not more, because I wasn't stuffed after. I consider that a bit of a victory as well.

Ahhhh!

It is amazing what a little bit of exercise will do for my perspective. Dimples and I played Walk It Out on the Wii today and according to the annoying guy, we walked over two and a half miles. When Hubby got home from his third job today, Brutus and I went for a 2.41 mile walk. It is a brisk 64 degrees with gorgeous blue skies. The desire I have most right now is lose the saddlebags. They are really annoying me. I can see the rest of me shrinking, then I get a glimpse of myself in the glass when I'm walking into school, and my eyes bulge out of my head like in the cartoons! The saddle bags are TOTAL vanity, and I don't care. I want them gone! How do I do that? I guess I should move more and eat less. I still have some slight pain in my left foot from my fall down the stairs a few weeks ago, but I am pushing through it now. It isn't a constant, just seems to be associated with weather change. Isn't it awesome? I have a built in weather forecaster in my right knee, my left ankle, my left big toe, my left wrist, and my right hip. Maybe I should become a meteorologist, or better yet, a meaty urologist!

I've been waiting to use that line!

Too Much About My Dog?

I don't care, I LOVE him! He's awesome! He listens, he's potty trained, and he doesn't talk to me. Aunt Flo must be on her way because the sound of my children's voices are really annoying me. The pitter patter of their giant feet, the fighting, the arguing, why can't it be me and my dog? I took a test online this morning, and I bombed it, thanks to the help of my children. Every 20 seconds, I had to tell one of the kids to leave the dog alone, stop yelling, stop fighting, turn down the TV, stop asking me questions, stop getting the dog wound up, no hitting, ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!

Okay, children are a treasure from the Lord. I must keep reminding myself of that. I am 5% of the way through the book I have to read and write a paper on by Tuesday. Holy cow, I have a lot to do.

Brutus found his leash and harness and brought them to me, sat down and waited patiently for me to get him ready for a walk. So I did, and sent Yankee out with him. I was in the middle of my test. He was so patient and quiet, that I couldn't help but love him best. Anyway, I think I am off to get him a new toy and some biscuits.

FRIDAY...FRIday... friday

I love Fridays! Mostly because I don't have to get up early on Saturdays. My eating was right on today, and Brutus and I walked 1.5 miles.

Since we have been keeping Brutus in the house, he is a different dog! I almost wonder if we didn't get someone else's dog after the free dog wash. They either gave us the wrong dog, or they washed all the naughty off of him! He is like a perfect dog! He lays at my feet while I am studying. Barks at the mean dogs on Frogger. Helps me do my Wii Fit. He's AWESOME!

I am really tired after this long week!

Grrrr

I am really ticked at Hubby right now. He brought home VEGAN donuts! WHAT????? Wasn't that sweet? I ended up indulging in one. But only one. I remember the days when I would buy donuts and eat a half a dozen at a time. I had an extra 200 calories with that donut, but I also only had one 12 oz soda (which lately has been more like two 20 oz bottles), and with my eating today, prolly brought be in still well below 1200 calories (I just hate math!). So I splurged,but I did NOT overeat. Brutus and I spent a LOT of quality time today. I watched me do 30 minutes on the Wii Fit. We walked to school to bring Yankee his lunch. We went for another walk after I got home from school. In spite of my thoughtful husband, the was pretty good.

I am ready for bed. I have taken my vitamins, I have my book and my water.

Hot 100 Update

1. I will remember to take my supplements every single night. I only forgot my vitamins one night, and that was because I had just gotten home from the visitation, and all I could think of was my allergy meds.

2. When I feel I need ibuprofen, I will take 1 instead of 2. - SUCCESS!

3. I will purposefully exercise every day. Not every day, but definitely more. I walked and jogged with Yankee (DS#1) and Brutus last night. I really want out of the 160s! I have always had difficulty with the 160s and this time is no different.

So yesterday, I had an appointment for a free dog wash for Brutus. He has mostly been an outside dog since we got him. We have a nice big fenced in back yard, a shed that he like to spend the days in, and we have just recently started bringing him in at night since it is dropping below the fifties. After his bath yesterday, I felt like I could handle having him in the house, since he smells so good! We had him in last night from 6:30 until bedtime of 9:00, then he had to sleep in his bed. He is still a puppy of 9 months and 74.5 pounds, and I am not sure I trust him so much yet, especially since he likes to chew the stuffed animals, shoes, hubby's driver's license etc. This morning, we put him outside to eat and pee. When I went out to get him to bring him in, he was on the other side of the fence. He has yet again unlatched the gate to travel to the neighbors. I called him and he came back in the gate and right in the back door. Now that the newness has worn off, he is laying on the floor surround by his toys, sleeping. Now he is in his bed, with the door open, sleeping. He must like the security of being in the crate. I don't know how to train a dog, especially a big dog. I am welcoming suggestions!

Spoiler Alert! Biggest Loser!

Maybe I should say that when I was watching the Biggest Loser online today, they blew it for me! Right there on the side of the screen it says, "Viewers of Episode 4 also viewed 'Catch up with Burgandy at home!" JERKS! That's all I have to say. I felt bad for her as she was working her arse off at the ranch, but obviously, something clicked at home. She looks great. Also, Sophia was sent home, because she went below the red line. It seems like this season, up to episode 4 the only whiners that weren't pulling their "weight" are above the yellow line. I just don't get it. I also can't believe they are bringing back heart attack guy! EEK!

Today Is A New Day

I woke up this morning with a bad headache, and not my hubby! He had already left for work. I had an actual headache. It is killing me. I am waiting until after the thyroid meds are absorbed before I take an ibuprofen so that I can take it with some food. It could be a caffeine headache as I have really cut back on the pop again. Anyway, I can't let a little headache slow me down. I have stuff to do.

The headache might also be slight dehydration from all of the crying I was doing. I tell you what! I must be allergic to sad things! Every time I go to a funeral, or watch a sad movie, or see a kleenex commercial, my eyes start watering, my nose starts running, it MUST be allergies.

I have to read a book and write a review on it by Tuesday. I also have to take a test by Friday. I think I just need to get my butt in gear.

On the scale, I was down .2! I'll take it!

Wow! That Was REALLY Difficult

Today sucked. That's all there is to it. Hubby forgot he was supposed to work at one of his three jobs today, so he was at a different one when he got the call. ARG!!! I went ahead and made vegetable soup with all of the ingredients that I had from yesterday's group project that is not until next week. Then I went to school and messed up yet another assignment. I have to rush home between classes on Tuesday to get the kiddos. Today, as I was driving in silence (oh, I fogot to tell you all how hubby fixed the lighter so that I can charge my phone, but somehow disconnected the clock and radio) I heard this noise that sounded like the seat belt flapping against the side of the car. I decided to close the window, but then the car wasn't driving correctly. You guessed it! I had a flat tire! I had to call my neighbor to get my kids from school while a very nice farmer changed my tire for me. I had to hurry and get ready for class and then go to the visitation right after that.

The visitation was hard, but not as bad as I thought. Come to find out, friend's hubby was not punishing me. He thought that I was getting updates from her as she had a new computer with a new email address. AND he wasn't mad at me, either. There was some kind of family drama that seems to be pretty intense that I am going to stay out of! BUT, it didn't make it any easier to see all of the pictures and seeing her little pumpkin running around. Well, I made it through, I had some yummy homemade vegetable soup, and came home to a clean kitchen.

Pulling Up My Big Girl Panties!

Today is going to be very difficult. I have a lot to deal with. My friend who passed told me before she told her husband that she was going elsewhere in the country to seek homeopathic treatment. He was furious with me when this happened, even though I had no idea the circumstances. Her hubby's way to punish me for this was to cut me off from any communication with her. He has been in total denial of her illness, thinking that once she got a new liver, she would be fine. He wasn't there when she passed because he didn't believe that she was really going to go, even though she had been in a coma for two weeks. I fear for what he has to deal with in the years to come, and for their sweet little girl. Anyway, visitation is tonight. Dreading it.

I also have two papers and a presentation to do for today. They seem so minor in comparison, but I still have to do my best. I am grateful to have my life and must live it to the best of my ability. When I saw the yummy treats yesterday, and I was "starving, " I remembered that I am not going to take my health for granted. Instead, I ordered fresh veggies and put them on my spinach leaves. I also ordered fresh fruit. I burped and tooted a LOT yesterday. I feel really good in spite of all the music.

I am lower than I have been in over 9 years. After I had Dimples (the middle child), I lost all of my baby weight and was down to 148 lbs, still 19 lbs overweight, but rocking it! Well, I rocked it a little too much and got pregnant with Brown Eyes. He was born sick. We have had many issues with his health since he was born, and I believe that is what caused me to go into my depression of 2005 where I peaked at 205. I have been up and down and up and down since '05, but never above 195, and never below 165, until now! I still have a ways to go, but I am back on the downward track. I am actually ready to post my weight. 162.9 (overweight NOT obese).

Not Taking My Health For Granted

Lanie mentioned a while back about a friend of hers who had some major health problems. That was one of the major reasons she decided on this journey. I am an advocate for childhood cancer research. Her words of not taking her health for granted really touched me. With all of my frustration of the last few weeks, I was reminded again about not taking my health for granted. I lost a friend to liver failure. She was 34 years old. She just passed last week, I found out about it last night. I am very sad, to say the least. It is a reminder to not take my health for granted. She leaves behind a little girl. She did not take her health for granted. She did everything she could to be healthy while I ate when I wasn't hungry.

This is hard. And it sucks.