Well ... even the dogs were disgusted when I opened the door to the deck this morning. At least we are at the right end of winter, I think. Despite the white stuff and the start of a cold, I am off to the gym shortly.

The doggage had a lovely day yesterday with their young dog-cousin, Angus. When they weren't going insane playing, all three were jockeying for position either under my desk or under the sewing table, trying to get comfy for a restorative snooze.

Back to full-time "work" after gym with a 10:00 a.m. meeting to go over the "reject" resumes, see which ones can be passed on to a museum down in Gananoque, and write "encouraging rejection" letters to the rest. (There's a contradiction of terms!) We have three staff hired but still don't know our funding.

On this day last spring, I was planting peas in my raised bed. Hmmm - at least I don't have that on my To Do List for this Monday.

Another coffee and a cold capsule before I hit the road for the gym and crank-start the week.

Ruth- Sounds like the dogs had fun yesterday. I took mine to the dog park yesterday. She doesn't play anymore but sniffs other dogs and walks around.

I am sitting here in peace before anyone else wakes up and enjoying my coffee. Today is 1 week since I started on the beach and I am down 5.5 lbs. I am super excited. I had several cravings this weekend. I even made sugar free jello and was set to eat it even though I know it is not ok until Phase 2. I made it and did not touch it. My Roommate was crabbing that I wasted money on something that will go to waste. I still did not eat it. That was a pretty proud moment. Today's menu is:

Breakfast: eggs with bell peppers and low-fat cheddar, coffee with fat-free milk and Splenda

Lunch: Salad with roast beef, almonds, olives, low-fat feta and oil and vinegar.

Dinner: Small steak, broccoli rabe and some leftover salad from lunch.

Snacks: laughing cow cheese spread on celery
hummus and cucumber sticks

I am averaging 60 ounces of water a day now and 2 ups of coffee

I can't wait until I am here long enough to be able to set a ticker up I want to see those pounds slipping away. Right now I am visualizing it as returning a 5 lb bag of sugar !

Have a great day everyone

Good morning,

It was a very rainy overnight, woke me up it was coming down so hard, so much for baseball opening day. Hopefully it will stop before the game today. Going into work since we are having an opening day potluck at work. I already took in what I was bringing, needless to say I will not be partaking of the food as nothing is onplan, bringing in my own food.

Ruth I don't have to deal with the rejection part, HR does so makes my job easier, I just need to interview and select.

Nicole I am assuming you made Jello pudding? I eat jello not the pudding when on Phase 1, way to go with your first week down. You should be feeling pretty energetic now enjoy that feeling.

Have a great day everyone!

Pearlrose- I hope the weather clears up for you. It is raining here as well. I am so tired of this rain. Yes, I meant sugar free pudding.

Nicole - make sure you ask how best to slide into phase II. The chicks here are so much more helpful than the book. And I'd look back to see what set off your cravings this weekend (do you drink sugar free soda or similar?).

Off to breakfast with a friend, XOXO

Good morning

Ruth I love when Angus comes to visit!!! I look forward to the doggie stories. Hopefully the weather will improve for everyone by mid week. Have fun at the gym.

Nicole great job!!! You should remind yourself of your victories when you have a rough day, we all do Awesome not giving in to temptation. Here's to another great week!

Pearlrose smart choice bringing in from home. I do almost everyday. When John and I do out for our weekly complain about work dinner, we go places where I can easily stay OP. He eats pretty healthy, he is a part time vegetarian lol.

Today I finally get a day to stay home!!! Caught up on my errands, finally got the oil changed in my car too. I plan on making a Greek quinoa salad, my stuffed pepper filling (it has a Mexican flare), chicken breast burgers and my usual veggie snack prep for the week. I'm sure the day will fly by as I have a lot on my to do list.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Hi Tammy have fun!

Twynn- Family stress and TOM set off the cravings. I am afraid of Phase II hoping I do not gain

Jekel- Enjoy your day in. I am hoping tomorrow I get to stay home. I really want to catch up on some sewing.


Have a great day / week everyone

Hey chicks. We have dreary rain here....am I starting to sound like a cranky old lady??? lol. At least it is above freezing so the snow melted and currently the forecast is for SUN later this week and through the weekend. My daffodils will be so happy.

Just another Monday at work but I am soooooo glad I stayed late Friday and finished all my grades. Some of my colleagues were complaining today about not being done. I knew I would not regret it.

Nicole, great job so far! I think many of us were afraid to leave the safety of Phase 1 when it was working. Check out the sticky about transitioning as well as "what's your P2 combo?" Most of us use trial and error to modify the plan so we can live it for the long haul.

Jennifer, it was cold but sunny yesterday so DH grilled; first of the year. We had steak last night (and there's a bit leftover) and he made chicken for tonight. I just need to come up with the veggies. Does your food last longer with DS living on his own?

I need to pay some bills and do a bit of paperwork tonight. Guess if I do it now I can relax after dinner.

Beth funny you should ask.....I really haven't needed to cook!!! Although today I made an awesome Quinoa Greek salad, stuffed pepper Tex Mex style filling with quinoa (I made way too much and didn't want to waste it lol) I made a PB chia pudding which sets after 8 hours then you roll them into balls. I also made a date, cherry, PB balls. The balls are to take when I go riding. All natural, easy to digest, but with lasting energy. I've been sampling my creations and have no desire to make dinner lol. I love when I am really prepared before going back to work. That reminds me, I do need to iron my uniform shirts yet ugh! Enjoy your yummy leftovers.

Good evening Chicks It's so nice to be healthy again! Things were calm at school and we all survived one more day closer to vacation week. Everyone s counting down!

Made Buddha Bowls for dinner. I've been wanting to play wth them and finally got to it. It had a sauteed, shredded cabbage base with roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli, caramelized onions, seasoned chickpeas, and an avocado aioli sauce. DH was smitten and is planning his own experiments later this week

Now for a wee glass of wine and some down time.