Happy Monday!

My weekend was full of caring for a sick kid. Took her to Urgent Care Saturday morning...sinus infection and pink eye. Oh what fun! I spent a good part of Sunday making valentine cookies. They turned out so cute! I did sugar cookie heart cut-outs (the hearts are about 1.5 inches) sprinkled with red sugar then made a pink cream cheese frosting and sandwiched it between two cookies. They're so cute. Needless to say, I ate more than my proper share of cookies and frosting, which would explain the no loss this morning on the scale. But I was right on plan for the whole week, so I'm not upset. It's life, right? I don't bake often and a chef has to sample her work! It's going to be a busy week and a real challenge to get my exercise in. It's all about priorities.

NEMom: Great ideas for your son. A nice haircut and then a personal trainer...his confidence and mood should be lifting fast! Good for you for staying on plan through all of this! Water aerobics sounds like a good fit. You're rockin' that C25K program! Keep up the hard work!!!

Shiela22: What a great thing you're doing for your kids! Get them in the habit of exercise now and hopefully it will become a lifelong behavior! As for the wine...I'm sure you'll make the best choice for you. I say, if you enjoy it, find a way to keep it in your plan. For me, it's chocolate...literally can't live without it!

Zumbachica: Get your car out? It's been quite a few years since we've had a single snowfall of that magnitude...I know how much work it can be. Glad you have power!!

LuvCats: What is it about Labs and their love for balls? My yellow lab will play ball until his feet bleed (and that probably wouldn't stop him!). Ha! I thought you did mean moving to a new home.

MrsTryingAgain: Your walk sounds great! Glad to hear you got some rain. We're getting small amounts of snow, but not enough to relieve the drought. How's you're DH doing?

newleaf123: Hope you're having another good day...one at a time!

junem: Hope you're having a good day too!

I'm sure I missed one or two...

Oh Moondance, hope your baby girl gets to feeling better soon. The cookies sound delious - Hence, there reason I do not bake, I would be taste testing all the way through.

Food was ok yesterday. Scale is still not moving down, just stuck on the same number. I did exercise this morning but did not really get into it, it was a hard workout if that makes sense.

My son was so fun to talk to last night. I mean, first of all him actually talking to me is huge! But he was so happy with his new hair style and said that he received many compliments on it at school yesterday. I know we still have work to do but man, it is so good to see him smile.

Happy Tuesday all!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy Tuesday!

Well NEMom...it's just you and me.. So glad your DS is smiling! It's amazing how much a moms heart bleeds for her child when they're not happy. Maybe I should get a haircut...

OK all you 40-Something ladies...POST!!!

Just a quick check-in to state for all the world to see that you're still on plan to the best of your ability! It helps to keep you accountable to yourself.

Lol still here. Monday is a busy day for me.

Moondance: Tell me about it with labs! I always say I think ours would keep going until she dropped dead. I definitely need to take her out more than I do. She likes to play keep away with the ball too which I think is partially because we don't get out and play nearly as much as we should. Ha ha get it back though and she is 100% focused on the person with the ball and nothing else. Hope your sick one is better. Cookies sound yummy!

NEMom: I'm with you on the baking cookies! I couldn't possibly consider it right now. It is hard enough when DD makes muffins. They smell so delectable! Cookies would be 100% worse!

I understand about the hard workout. I have those days. I've set myself a minimum I have to reach on those days. Recently pushed that min. up a little higher now that I'm achieving longer results. It sure feels good AFTER I've got through that minimum. Just recently I started mixing things up by adding Wii Fit in to the mix. Granted the time I'm counting is the steady walking/running/stepping parts for longer periods of time not the short little games. Keep it up you can do it!!

@ Moondance - re: new haircut. Just don't decide to cut your own bangs cause you watch ONE youtube video and think "I can SO do this - it's easy". And IF you do...don't cut them wet. So many things went wrong...so glad it's cold outside since I wore a hat everywhere I went last week...to include keeping in on once inside the store.

I am still on plan with food and exercise. I haven't slipped once since I started on 10Dec - not even on my birthday back in January! I started @ 180.6, 37.6% bodyfat, 112.6 lean body. Now at 158.8, 25.9% and 117.6 LBM. On my way toward BF<20%! The bonus to the weight lifting is that my measurements at 158 are the same as they used to be at 150!

I'm exhausted from shovelling snow today and then 2 hour workout this evening with hubby. Bedtime for us!

Hope all are well and warm!

Sorry I've been MIA...had to work all weekend & then my computer was on the blink. joy.
Things are going along okay. I think they could be better, but it's probably just that I feel a little PMS-y. I stubbed the holy heck out of my little toe again (perhaps broken?). It has been really painful so work hasn't been easy. I'd almost like to chop the little sucker off...only place my toes is happy is in my slippers or in nothing at all. Makes it a little hard to help customers, but I've been working on healthy.
H is still having problems. He's blacked out a few times. He's been feeling out of sorts. He slept nearly all day. I can't wait for him to see the cardiologist. His appt. is in 10 days!!! FINALLY!!!

Moondance: Sorry about your daughter's infections. Pink eye is horrible. Sinus infections are horrible. Hope she gets well soon. Hope there isn't an outbreak of pink eye at her school. We had it try to run rampant at a summer camp I worked at.

NEMom: Glad your son seems to be doing better. I've thought about the 2 of you often over the last few days. Keep up the excellent work. It isn't always easy, but it's sooooo worth it!!!

I'm hoping that tomorrow that I'll be able to go for a walk. I'm feeling a little cooped up for some reason. I think it's because work has been a real drag...had to do inventory, what a dirty, sweaty & (with my boss) THANKLESS job.

TO YOU ALL! HOPE YOU HAVE A HEALTHY WEDNESDAY!

MrsTryingAgain-OMG, I am so sorry about your hubby. The black outs would scare the daylights out of me. I am counting down the 10 days with you!! Ouch, I hope your toe gets better. That does not sound good at all!

Moondance - Hope your daughter is feeling a little better and the doctor gave her some good meds.

2FatCats - Congrats on your loss. I bet your feeling great! Two hour work outs - I would drop dead.

Life here is Eh. Food and exercise is on track. Scale not moving, trying not to get too down. I generally lose in cycles and I know this but after trying so hard it gets frustrating not to see it go down darn it.

Its Hump day. Hope you all have a great one!!!

Hello Everyone!

Working from home this morning - getting the garage door fixed and waiting for the guys to show up. I hate it when they give you a "range" of time, then call and say they are going to be 30 minutes later than the "range" previously provided... At any rate, it's nice sitting on my couch and not at my desk this morning. I've got the fireplace lit, and just doing some emails from my PC. Will head into the office around 10:30 (hopefully!)

Had another blind date last night - I really don't think the universe intends for me to be with anyone right now. Nice guy, older (reminded me of my DAD - which was a turn off)...but definitely a heavy drinker. I had wine last night to be social - only a couple of glasses and I have a headache today...it just isn't worth it. But I definitely know I don't want a man who over-drinks....he ordered TWO bottles of wine with dinner - and I only had two small glasses! Then he was talking about scotch, vodka, cigars....very wealthy man, which when I was younger would have been a positive thing. Now, I'm going for QUALITY.

(sigh) - so, back to square one - but I think with every date I learn something about myself and also refine what I do and don't want in a life partner...hopefully someday my prince charming will surface!

143.5 this morning, and TOM....UH! I feel bloated and crappy (no doubt the wine last night also contributes)....am going to pack my lunch - a piece of grilled salmon, then some fresh cherries and almond milk yogurt (which is FABULOUS) - for an afternoon snack so I can get on the treadmill before dinner when I get home tonight. That's the other thing I've noticed about drinking - when I don't, I feel SOOOO much better in the morning - motivated, and energetic. If I do have wine I wake up sluggish and feeling yucky....again - not worth it.

I have a meeting with my "boss" at 11. Am going to ask permission to take the kids somewhere for spring break - wish me luck...I think he'll say yes...it will definitely motivate me to reach my goal weight!!! And heaven knows I need a vacation!!

Well - I'm going to go back to emails. Hope everyone has a great day!
Sheila

@ Sheila
I applaud you for getting out there in the dating world! I said something similar about my exH ...at least I know what I DON'T want! It took me about 7 years of sifting through a lot of chaff to find 'the one'. Keep trying - there is someone out there that will love you for you!
Speaking of what we wanted as a younger version - I found an old notebook from when I was 16 in which I wrote down everything I wanted in a man. Sheesh. It's funny to read how important looks and money were to a 16 year old! Patience wasn't on there but I don't know where I'd be if DH didn't have ALOT!

@NEMom I would drop, too! 2 hours includes 15 warm-up, 15 cool down and rest time between weight sets. My hubby and I do it together too, so there is a lot of weight plate changes, etc. Also - glad your son is opening up!

More snow today. I am SO ready for the sunshine and warm weather. My growing season is so short that I buy seeds and start them indoors around mid-Feb to give my garden a jumpstart. Sadly, around here, the 'rule' is never to put plants in the ground until AFTER Mother's Day. A few Aprils ago we had 2 feet of snow on Easter. February is the month I always ask myself WHY oh WHY do we live so far North?

NEMom I love your new avatar!! You look great! $24 / 30 min with the trainer is much better than the rate at my gym, where it's $47 / 30 min. I take my boys to my hairdresser, too. The cuts are so much better than when DH takes them to Super Cuts! Sounds like your running is coming along nicely. Glad to read that your son's mood seems to be improving

Sheila22 Sounds like joining the gym and hiring the personal trainer for the kids is a great plan. It's wonderful when the kids show an interest. My younger son wanted some of my portabella mushroom quinoa sautee over the weekend. Who would have thought?? How are you doing with the wine? ... ... Okay, read your latest post. Sounds like a dud of a date last night; 2 bottles of wine for 2 people?? Definitely a red flag...

Moondance I hope your child is doing better; glad it was nothing too serious. Your Valentines cookies sound so cute!

LuvCats hi!

2fatCats Sounds like you are doing great! I've had the experience -- my measurements at 161 are *so much lower* than my measurements at 158 the last time around. And this is it. There will be no more "last time arounds". This *is* the last time! Sounds like for you, too. I'm looking forward to Spring, too. I don't do much re: vegetables, but I do a ton re: annual flowers. Some plants, some seeds. A lot of fun!

MrsTryingAgain I hope you made it out for your walk today; glad your DH's appointment is finally on the horizon. And none too soon!


Here, all is good. I continue trying on my hiking pants every Tuesday and they continue to fit a tinch better than the last time. After I finish writing here, I'm going down to the basement to use the elliptical. I meant to go to the gym today, but I'm bored with my food, decided to make an Asian-sort of pork stew with cinnamon & anise, which resulted in a run to the not-so-nearby Asian market this morning. I was able to pick up my favorite green tea (genmai cha), which they were out of the last time I was there. I just finished a cup, and it was so nice to have it back in my repertoire again!

Okay, it's Lent. I'm not Catholic, but I thought what the heck I'll give something up. Can't hurt, right? I have a guilty pleasure...those trashy tv talk shows (Steve Wilkos, Jeremy Kyle, Maury). Well, for Lent I'm giving those up! Instead of watching those I'm going to read, clean out my closet, do other spring cleaning...basically ANYTHING but watch those. I know it's not much, but I realized that I was WASTING hours watching those dumb things!! The tv can stay OFF. Wish me luck...I wish luck to anyone else giving up something for Lent.

Walk in the park. Awesome! Now to do the laundry. I'm so excited. Hope everyone has a healthy Wednesday!

newleaf: I LOVE tea! I drink a Spicy Chai. Green tea is awesome, too. I just wish my hubby liked it. Oh, well. Hope you got your eliptical time in!!

2FatCats: Wish I could cyberly send you some of our CA sunshine. It's nice out today...bout 60 out. Course I DO NOT look forward to the 100+ weather that is coming this summer. UGH!! What are you going to grow? I wish we didn't live in an apt. so we could have a garden.

Sheila: You know I found my hubby when I was NOT looking. It is OKAY to be without someone. Far better than being with the WRONG someone. Remember, you are awesome & you deserves someone who is ALSO awesome. Yes, your "prince" is out there & he'll show up when you are BOTH ready. For now, focus on health, fun & being true to yourself. GOOD LUCK! Hope you & the kids get to take a vaca! Let us know how it goes!!!

NEMom: Toe is better. Just have to stay away from anything I can stub it on! Yeah, right! Yup H's blackouts are scary but I'm hoping they'll soon be a thing fo the past. I've let my boss know that if the cardiologist wants to put in his pacemaker like right after his appt. on the 22nd, IT WILL HAPPEN. I'm tired of worrying...knowing I can't do a thing about it. But the end is in sight, I hope! Hope all is well with your son. I keep sending possitive thoughts to you guys.

Well, I better get something done. Dirty socks are calling me.

HERE'S TO HEALTHY WEDNESDAY!!! GO GIRLS!!!! GO!!! GO!!! GO!!!

P.S. Had an NSV!! The new jeans I bought are already loose! Not so loose that I have to get a smaller size, but I definitely needed a belt with them!!

I got permission to go on vacation!!!

WOO HOO!!!

...uh, now just need to find the money to book it. LOL. Doesn't matter where we go though - I just want some time off and with my kids!!!

Definitely a "down" day - - TOM, bad date night last night, Valentine's day tomorrow (alone)....anyway - definitely need to get out of the funk I'm feeling.

Going to try to find a comedy on TV. Need something good for the spirit.

Newleaf - Good luck with your garden. I am so envious of anyone who can grow things and enjoy it. I do not garden or grow flowers. I have a brown thumb, water is really expensive where I live and I feel like I have enough work inside the house, I really do not want to have to do extra work outside too but boy I love fresh cucumbers.

MrsTrying = WOO HOO on your NSV - Love it when new pants start to get loose. It is a tangible sign that all your hard work in paying off. Thank you for your kind words about my son. We have the first meeting with a PT tonight, hope he gets excited about it. Sending good thoughts your way, really hope he gets the medical help he needs soon!

Shelia - Sorry your date did not go so well. Good for you for putting yourself out there and continuing to try, you will find someone great just when you are ready to give up. I am also happy to hear that you are taking the kids on a vacation. How fun!!

Happy Valentines Day! My hubby works nights but when I got up this morning he had left me a card, a single rose, a few Hersey kisses and some chocolate covered strawberries. It was such a surprise and so sweet.
Food was not great last night and I had a couple of liquid donuts, of course the scale is not moving and I am getting down. I need to put the scale away and only weigh once a week, I know this, but every morning I still hop on hoping for a loss. The fat does not want to leave me and I want it to go away!
I took tomorrow off work. My hubby, my FIL and I are going to South Dakota to look for a summer home. Hubby and FIL love to fish and I finally got a jet ski, actually we have 3 now and so we want somewhere we can get away and have some fun in the summer. We use to camp a lot but sold our camper last summer. I am ready for summer and to go play on the water.
I am not really looking forward to the 3 hour car ride with my FIL. Love the guy but he is a chain smoker and I know it is going to make me crave a reg. cig bad.

Have a wonderful weekend all!!!

I'm still here - Finally the scale moved down today! Bam - a 3 pound loss, after weighing the same for over a month. I am beaming! But man, it was hard work, getting those pounds to go. I've been really strict with the calories, and doing an hour on the treadmill, plus trying to get in an hour of walking outside or at the stores. And no wine all week. Tonight, my hubby is taking me out for dinner, and I know there will be wine, and dessert. Plus the kids and grandkids are coming for the weekend, so I know there will be meals out and snacks I wouldn't normall eat. Hopefully not enough to undo my progress!

NE Mom - how exciting that you're buying a summer home! I'd love to do that someday, but mine would be on a beach somewhere, probably Florida. Good luck with the car trip. Keep that electronic cig handy!

Sheila22 - glad to hear your vacation was approved! Where are you thinking of going?

Mrs.TryingAgain - Good for you, giving up the trash tv. I made a similar deal with myself. I love to read, but I can only read if I'm on the treadmill. Gets me walking more miles, if I have a good book to read while I'm on there. Glad your hubby has a date for his pacemaker procedure. Hang in there!

2FatCats - we have the same growing season as you. It kills me, seeing all the gorgeous flowers in the store - and knowing I can't buy any. Not sure why the stores start carrying flowers and plants so early, when no one here can plant them in March. I guess that way they get to sell them twice, when people have to come back and get more after theirs freeze!

Have a good Valentine's day everyone - like I tell my kids, "Make good choices today!"

NewLeaf - your Asian pork stew sounds delicious! Yay about the hiking pants fitting better every week. That's progress!

Happy Valentines Day to All!

Hubby and I have no special plans. I am incredibly lucky since he is the all-year-round romantic type.

Since I have started cooking healthy (and without sodium) I have discovered tons of ways to fancy up a chicken breast. I would never eat anything but chicken if I could get away with it. Hubby, however, swears I am trying to make him cluck ...so I made him a deal. On workout days - no chicken. He may wish for chicken after he tastes tonight's creation! I am trying a new recipe with pork loin chops with a pomegranate pan sauce. He wasn't overly fond of the fresh cranberry/lime/cilantro salsa I made to go with the last batch of pork. And he is pretty sure I am out to get him if I so much as bring a sweet potato into the house. I sneak them in and eat them for lunch when he's at work!

LindaWW on the loss!

NEMom Yea on the Summer Home! As cold as it is here - think I would rather have a Winter home...in Italy.

Sheila Vacation! Yay! I got an email today from groupon for vacations- never used them but they sound like good deals. The regular groupon things are great!

Mrs I don't watch trashy tv but I do soak in the bathrub every night and read trashy paperback novels. Hubby wants a tv in the bathroom so he can soak AND watch tv. Sigh. Re: gardening My yard isn't huge but I have a small garden patch and I do a lot of container and vertical gardening.
There is also a stretch between my neighbors driveway and the side of my house that is going to be a pumpkin patch this year. They are gone from Sep-May so they told me they don't care. I'm growing a lot of peppers, cukes, zukes, tomatoes, onions, herbs, squash and pumpkins. There are lots of things you can grow in a pot, too.

NewleafCongrats! Re: they continue to fit a tinch better than the last time. Is that a tiny pinch? A tiny inch? No matter, I'm gonna borrow that word!