Carol - It's nice you can work out with your daughter. I'm sure that will make your workouts much more enjoyable! I hope the Sonoma diet works out well for you. Good idea to make some soaps for the show - everyone loves home made soap.
Auntie G - I hope you're feeling better. I'm sure you enjoyed a bit of comfort food with the mac 'n cheese. Broccoli garlic pasta sounds good - and healthy. I love anything with lots of garlic.
Marie - I can empathize with your eye doctor fiasco. I also get steamed when I arrive on time (or even early) for an appt. and then have to wait 45 min. to an hour .
Judy - I hope you're feeling lots better.
I hope everyone else is doing well.
I'm on track today and did a lot of housework plus I worked out at Curves, so I must have burned off a few calories. Our DS went to the doctor today and got antibiotics for his cough which turned out to be a bad case of bronchitis. His doctor said a lot of people who move to Boise get coughs because of the dry climate and they get quite a bit of bad air quality. He also gave him a prescription anti-inflammatory for his ankle, which is still very sore.
I did some research about chronic coughs and read that one of the best things you can do for lung health is to eat an apple a day. They have very high levels of quercetin, which is good for your lungs. As they say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". So, he's going to go to Costco and stock up on apples. We got some lovely Gala apples there the other day.
I hope this finds you all doing well. This is the first I've been able to post. Today was a good day. I hope you all don't mind, but I need to boast. My middle son, Donald won first place this past weekend at his wrestling tournament. I am so happy for him, but also it is good for his self esteem. He has struggled since being placed with us, but has accepted and has been doing well. We will have guardianship of he and his brothers on Feb. 23.
I have struggled with exercising, but my DH and I got up this morning and exercised for 30 minutes. I'm going to keep myself focused on this goal.
Oh dear! I've fallen and I can't get up. The wagon is running back and forth over me. I just can't get in the groove! I might get a snow day tomorrow, so I think that could help - just a change of scenery and routines... I'm not sure what's happened to my mojo, but it is gone. OK, deep breath... I'll get there...
Marie, "easy to clean" just may sell me on the Magic Bullet. I do hate cleaning the blender! Wtg on walking out on the doctor appointment! I've always wanted to try that when they leave me sitting for way too long. We should be able to charge them for our lost time!
Penny, glad things are looking up for your DS! And if you like LOTS of garlic, you would have loved yesterday's pasta! Oh man, I think I used a little too much. When I finally made it to Trader Joe's, I discovered these delightful little vacuum sealed packages of peeled garlic cloves. Well, since they didn't need much fussing, I used um, maybe 14-16 cloves. Holy macarena! I'll be smelling garlic for a long time. (But it did taste mighty good!)
Kathy, congrats to your DS, and to you, for getting that exercise in. I keep waiting for that to kick in for me...
Because of the ice and snow storm my kids didn't have school today so that means I got to stay home. I'm taking advantage of this time off to get my house cleaned and the laundry done so when the weekend come I can chill.
I feel like I have refocused and gotten back in the groove. I exercised for 40 minutes today and for 30 yesterday. My goal is to exercise at least 3-4 times a week and then when it gets nice out and I can walk outside I'll do more.
Autie G - Keep moving on. You fell down and have some bruises from the wagon running you over, but I know you can get back on the wagon and have control of it instead of it having control of you.
Mazza - Hello to you! Way to go on the melting down!
Kathy, what a perfect way to put it: "get back on the wagon and have control of it instead of it having control of you". There are so many times that I've felt food controlled me and when I'm in control I have to have a very tight rein because it will take control back if I let it. My dr. said I was OCD about my calories, but she never walked in my shoes. She's slender and no saggy skin so I'm thinking always thin. So I count everything because then I have the slip of control that's always being tugged away by the next goodie to cross my path.
So, with that said, auntie - are you logging everything? I have given myself permission to piggie as much as I want but every bite has to be written down. Of course, I don't want to write I inhaled the Hershey factory, so I don't go overboard. Give it a try, write every last bite and give yourself free rein. See if it snaps the wagon to a stop so you can hope on.
Kathy, tell your MS congrats from me. That's a fabulous accomplishment for a youngster coming out of turmoil.
Mazza, do you know what the news is today??? Starbucks is contemplating (I guess mroe than that) discontinuing decaf in the afternoons. HELLO??? That's when everyone should be decaf. I guess if they do that, I won't be going to starbucks once the clock strikes noon. How dumb is that? I loved both hot and iced decaf skinny mochas. The last couple mornings I've been making iced even though it's 20 degrees out. I guess I'm nuts but it's the coffee I wanted. Perhaps in your heatwave, you might want to take an iced mocha for a soak in an ice bath.
Penny, I'm glad you're son is listening to your wisdom. It was good to see the dr., especially for a follow up for his ankle. I usually tolerate the drs. being way behind because of emergencies, but an OPTOMETRIST? I just couldn't take that when my desk is toppling under the weight of the to do list. Also I started physical therapy today and on Monday I knew I'd be starting to be gone from the office with regularity. They pushed me over the top, especially the chatty staff that did anything but work.
So the PT went fine today. It was interesting. Apparently about 9 time more women than men get this problem and I'm an abnormally as my kneecap turns out and the norm is to turn inwards. The PT was surprised by that. So I did learn that my knee isn't supposed to face 45 degrees out on each leg. Interesting. I guess I should have looked at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition a little more close to see what normal knees look like. It's funny, my co-worker mentioned that she always thought it was weird how my knees "sat". So maybe there is hope since the therapist seemed very optomistic. She even said that I should be able to do the breaststroke again once the strength is built up. That's awfully cool since I haven't been able to do that in years.
Food has been right on and a bit of an overload of exercise but the evil scale still won't budge. At least at this point, I can blame the TOM visit. I guess I better get to my homework. It's a bad thing when my work can't be completed during the workday.
Marie
Kathy - Congratulations to Donald for his big achievement - I'm sure it's a big morale boost for him. Good for you increasing your exercise. I have a hard time convincing myself to work out (mainly because I have pretty bad arthritis in most of my joints). At least I'm getting to Curves 2-3 times a week again and I'm feeling better for it. I used to enjoy walking but it's just too painful now. Curves has been a godsend for me as it is low impact exercise.
Auntie G - I hope you've got your mojo back! Thanks for reminding me about those containers of frozen garlic cubes from TJ's. I'm going to put them on my list for next time. They certainly take a lot of work out of peeling and chopping garlic. I made some Dreamfields pasta yesterday with bay scallops, chopped parsley, lots of garlic and grated lemon zest. It turned out delicious and the lemon gave it a nice tang.
Mariane - I hope the weather has cooled down a bit where you are. It's foggy and cold here - send us some of your sunshine please!
Marie - That's interesting about your knee being in a different position, maybe that caused more stress on the joint. I hope the PT helps so you can get back to your normal activities. I hope your scale budges in the right direction soon. You're probably due for a whoosh.
Judy - I hope you're feeling better.
I hope everyone else is doing great.
I'm on track and have made good progress with my spring cleaning. All that's left to do is the windows - my most un-favorite job! I'll have to take it easy doing them because of my rotator cuff problem. I'm only doing the inside of the windows and will tackle the outside when the weather warms up. I sent our DS the rest of the oatmeal raisin choc chip cookies I had in the freezer so I won't be tempted every time I walk past the fridge. Instead I'm having a piece of melba toast topped with a little low sugar jam with my tea for less than 50 calories.
Thankfully it is almost Friday. That is such a good thing!!!
I've been busy at work and went to lunch with friends. I'm about 100 cals over where I like to be this time of day, but I'll make it up with less this evening. Walked 1.5 miles with the doggies but I plan to ride my bike and lift weights after work this evening.
Penny, it's not spring, you know. By spring it'll all need cleaning again. I guess I've been cleaning, tossing stuff as well. Maybe because when spring does arrive, we'll want to be enjoying the weather, not cleaning. BTW, I don't do windows. I had that put in my wifely job duty list. No windows. DH does them. It kills my wrists. Make your DH do them.
I suppose I could work for the last half hour. I hope everyone else is having a good day and the wagon collected everyone on it's rounds.
Marie
Penny - I wish I had your energy. I really want to get some spring cleaning done too. I need to just bite the bullet and do some work on the weekends. I usually try to have my cleaning done during the week so when the weekend comes I can relax.
I didn't do the best staying on plan today. I did well until I got home. From the time I got home at 3:55 I've been on the go with making a cake for my husband to take to work, making supper, running my son to the school and then going back to watch his basketball game, coming home and going back again to pick him after he watched the 8th grade game. Since I didn't have much time I ate the sausage I made for the kids and had a piece of chicken and some cookies. I wobbled a little bit, but tomorrow is a new day and will get back OP. Tomorrow is also WI in day so I'm anxious to see what that holds.
I do have a victory. I have been wearing a size 22 pants. Today I decided to try on a size 20 and I was able to get them on. They were a little snug, but not bad. That made me excited and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep working hard.
Hi, ladies! Sorry I've not been posting, I hadn't realized that so much time had passed! I got a good report on my blood work from the dr on Monday, and she gave me a few days worth of megadoses of Vitamin D that maybe helped with the flu. I was feeling much better by Tuesday afternoon. Of course I balanced that out by working very late then getting up at 4AM Wed morning and fighting the elements to travel to New York . But I am on the mend, thanks for the good wishes. I'm in meetings and a conference, heading back home Saturday.
Drive-by personals:
Kathy, yaay for smaller pants!
Marie, not to worry, the Starbucks managers were told to brew decaf based on demand after noon, since, according to the Chicago Tribune, "Consumers apparently prefer to be high-strung all day, not just in the morning."
Penny, I can smell your pasta dish, yum!
Mariana, I take it that you're still experiencing a bit of a heat wave?
Auntie G, buy the original Magic Bullet, accept no substitutes. I bought the Bella Cucina, which is much cheaper, but also burned out fairly quickly.
Carol, I'm glad the Sonoma Diet is working for you. Have fun making soaps!
Eating is so-so. There's a frig in my hotel room, which helps. I brought workout gear, but I still wake up with a sinus headache and a cough, so I haven't taken advantage of the very nice fitness room yet. Maybe Friday AM
Hi, I'm back. I was at home surfing and "accidentally" clicked on the 3FC button. Oh, oops.
Judy, thanks for the update about the 'bucks and decaf. I rarely go after 10 in the morning, so I was pretty safe, but I thought it was rude of them. BTW, my "magic" bullet is a knock off and I make it whine for way longer than the instructions say and it's working just fine. It's called an Elite. But I did see that my favorite store, Costco had the real bullet for about $45. That's a great price. Great appliance.
Stop the typing - I was just buzzed by a dumb mosquito. A mosquito in January??? What's with that? We hardly have any in the summer.
Judy, how do you do hotel eating without having the wagon blowing dust in your face??? You amaze me. You've done so great with all that traveling. I'd weigh in the mid 500 pounds if I traveled as I take it as an excuse to eat.
So dinner is done (a healthy one too) and I have 200 cals left. Yeah for 200 dessert cals. None of my ice cream tonight but I do get M&Ms. And probably an orange.
Kathy, yeah for smaller pants. I too got new pants today. I'd tried on a size smaller of my fave jeans when I was in Portland (right before lunch with Penny) and was very happy they fit. I didn't buy them (factory 2nd outlet) but ordered them online. I just got them today. Now if TOM hasn't screwed up my body, I'm going to wear a pair tomorrow.
OK, back to the quilting. Time to put my Mac away.
Marie
Happy Saturday! I still haven't made it back to my right mind yet. I know there are a several reasons for this side trip to "Gainsville", and that those are the things that ultimately must be overcome. Well, I haven't overcome 'em yet! So the plan for now is to make it through the weekend as best I can (there WILL be Superbowl meatballs...) and go for the infamous fresh start on Monday.
Now to catch up...
Mariana, the pasta had just broccoli and garlic blended to liquid with chicken broth, then reduced. It really was good, and surprisingly, the garlic smell only took 2 days to get out of the house. I hope your weather is calming down a bit.
Kathy, thanks for the encouragement- I do like the imagery of having control of the wagon! And congrats on the smaller pants!!
Marie, yep, the writing everything down sure makes a huge difference! Which is why, of course, I haven't written anything down for the past week. But I will again... Good luck with your PT- I'm glad there's hope for your knees! And congrats to you, too, on the smaller pants!!
Penny, spring cleaning already! What a concept! I wish I would get on THAT wagon, too. I'm feeling very claustrophobic with all the clutter that's built up over the winter. I want to open the windows and throw everything out, but alas, it's too cold for that. Good job ousting the cookies from the freezer!
Judy, glad all went well at the doc, and that you're feeling better! Wow, Wednesday had to be a rough travel day with that weather! At least it's clear today for the trip back home. Hope your sinuses are improved by now!
I trust you all are having a great Saturday. I got up early this morning and worked out for 45 minutes. It felt so good. I always feel better about myself when I know I'm doing something that will benefit my health. I've struggled a little bit with my food, but I've counted it in my points.
Yesterday was my WI. I lost 1.8lbs since my WI last Friday. I was so excited to see that I finally made it to 239. Just getting below the 40 mark finally like a vistory to me.
Auntie G - I'm sorry you're still feeling bad. You will get control of the wagaon. Don't beat yourself up you can do this!!
The Super Bowl eating will be a challenge. My husband is doing WW with me, but he said tomorrow night we are going to enjoy some foods that we shouldn't such as meatballs and nacho dip, but he also said we're not going to eat 2 meals at one sitting. I'm still going to do my best to keep track of my points. I'm going to eat as little as I can before the game so I have plenty of points for the "goodies".
Marie - Congrats on the smaller pants. Doesn't that just give you that boost you need to keep working at losing weight. It sure is a great reward.
I need to run. The laundry needs attention. Have a great weekend everyone.
Marie - Congrats on the smaller pants . I know it's not officially spring for quite a while yet, but I like to think it is early spring now that our first snowbells and crocuses are in bloom. We've had freezing fog for several days, so it's definitely not feeling very spring-like. Spring cleaning is a good de-stresser for me plus I have the good side effect of a tidy house! My DH heard that Starbucks were still making the decaf espresso (as in lattes, etc.) in the afternoon, they just won't be making the brewed decaf as they have been throwing away so much of it as there isn't much demand and they make a new pot every 1/2 hour.
Kathy - Congrats to you too on the smaller pants . I wish I did have lots of energy! I just do the spring cleaning a little bit at a time. My main problem is getting motivated to get started.
Judy - I'm glad to hear you're on the mend and hope your conferences went well. I hope you get a chance to have a relaxing weekend and build your strength up.
Auntie G - I hope we can both turn around from "Gainsville" and head towards "Slimtown"! My weight has been up and down like a yo-yo and now seems to be heading up again .
We went to a new oriental market yesterday and bought some chicken potstickers (50 calories each). I made some soup with chicken stock, potstickers, sliced shiitake mushrooms, green onion, baby bok-choy, sliced garlic, a dash of sesame oil, a couple of dashes of soy sauce and a chunk of ginger. It was really delicious and very low cal. My DH said it tasted "like the real thing". I'm not sure what that meant, but I took it as a compliment!
Happy Saturday everyone. I swear there is nothing quite so wonderful as weekends. I wish I could have the 7 days a week.
Food has been right on and so has exercise. I decided tomorrow will be 1900 cal day since I'll probably have the super bowl on in the background. But DH and I plan to go to Crater Lake Natl Park and snowshoe so maybe will miss it.
I did loads of cleaning this morning after walking the dog. After I type this, I'm going to clean up my mac and install Boot camp on it so I can boot up into XP as well as Mac. Then I can have my Windows only programs on my computer. Penny's DH mentioned it when we met and I thought that would be a good solution instead of buying another laptop.
Kathy, on getting under another "decade". I LOVE that feeling. It's one of the few times I don't give the evil scale a middle finger salute. It's so funny, the scale is the only thing/person I salute with my middle finger. I rarely ever swear so it my little tantrums...
Penny, good news on the lattes. I could not figure out why making a decaf mocha would be a problem. Since they're making the espresso fresh. I hate freezing fog. We had it for nearly 2 weeks and it left about a week ago. Driving on black ice and not being able to see where you're going is miserable. You do have my sympathy.
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It's funny, my co-worker mentioned that she always thought it was weird how my knees "sat". So maybe there is hope since the therapist seemed very optomistic. She even said that I should be able to do the breaststroke again once the strength is built up. That's awfully cool since I haven't been able to do that in years.
It's a bad thing when my work can't be completed during the workday.
Thanks for reminding me about those containers of frozen garlic cubes from TJ's. I'm going to put them on my list for next time. They certainly take a lot of work out of peeling and chopping garlic. I made some Dreamfields pasta yesterday with bay scallops, chopped parsley, lots of garlic and grated lemon zest. It turned out delicious and the lemon gave it a nice tang.
I hope everyone else is having a good day and the wagon collected everyone on it's rounds.
. But I am on the mend, thanks for the good wishes. I'm in meetings and a conference, heading back home Saturday.
I hope your weather is calming down a bit.
But I will again... Good luck with your PT- I'm glad there's hope for your knees! And congrats to you, too, on the smaller pants!!
Good job ousting the cookies from the freezer! 
. I wish I did have lots of energy! I just do the spring cleaning a little bit at a time. My main problem is getting motivated to get started.