tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64541928811193957782024-02-21T09:20:56.877-08:00Color Me Thin- a weight loss sagaMy journey to weight loss ... Originally using Sensa but that just didn't work for me so... doing it the Old Fashioned way... healthy diet and exercise! BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-87011364447997496582019-02-17T06:02:00.000-08:002019-02-17T06:23:06.824-08:00I AM DOSEd... SAY WHAT?This blog is about <b>MY</b> journey through weight loss...<br />
plans, diets, products...<br />
Sensa, WW, NutriSystem, Slimfast, 24 hour fasting, all liquids, no liquids, all veggies, no veggies...<br />
<br />
You name it, I've tried it ...<br />
And written about it here...<br />
<br />
Well, I have been doing <b>DOSE</b> for about 6 weeks.<br />
<br />
I didn't want to post anything until I was sure there was something worth posting...<br />
( Be glad I didn't write about that all veggies all the time diet ... It was <i>NOT</i> pretty!)<br />
<br />
For those not in the know...<br />
<br />
<u><b><a href="http://www.colormethin.us/" target="_blank">DOSE</a></b></u> is a natural supplement taken daily in the form of either a cup of <a href="http://www.colormethin.us/" target="_blank">Happy Coffee</a> or Happy Chocolate and a supplement capsule...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATPu0L61v10KiV9aCRRTOpG2Imk1-UdF0qqpvV0l6BWP13cwB3G-Etem4f7QVWDz_22osnryx9O_rycS8JIFz5Ji5s2bNGeoZB5nFPV72IxaL4d-QJ3oBVslwBQ8VHIfo4SoiaWXba0oj/s1600/FB_IMG_1550155554451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATPu0L61v10KiV9aCRRTOpG2Imk1-UdF0qqpvV0l6BWP13cwB3G-Etem4f7QVWDz_22osnryx9O_rycS8JIFz5Ji5s2bNGeoZB5nFPV72IxaL4d-QJ3oBVslwBQ8VHIfo4SoiaWXba0oj/s1600/FB_IMG_1550155554451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATPu0L61v10KiV9aCRRTOpG2Imk1-UdF0qqpvV0l6BWP13cwB3G-Etem4f7QVWDz_22osnryx9O_rycS8JIFz5Ji5s2bNGeoZB5nFPV72IxaL4d-QJ3oBVslwBQ8VHIfo4SoiaWXba0oj/s320/FB_IMG_1550155554451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The proprietary blend of botanicals in the coffee and chocolate and capsule work together to let your brain naturally release the hormones <b><i>YOUR</i></b> body needs in the amounts that <b><i>YOUR</i></b> body needs them...<br />
<br />
<br />
D = Dopamine<br />
O = Oxytocin<br />
S = Serotonin<br />
E = Endorphins<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjV2IXjuSZeeFM0k4wuk83endgYlj2Sz5ISXpusepGNiDv93edYlEirLPZysGqIHC2NnaQbK9oe8QwmP72aFUhegPk47veANmrIRb4YfbBWOaH6-my4kQv-7PstRvlzKJFoo7DkRgwYqb/s1600/FB_IMG_1550181038033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="960" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjV2IXjuSZeeFM0k4wuk83endgYlj2Sz5ISXpusepGNiDv93edYlEirLPZysGqIHC2NnaQbK9oe8QwmP72aFUhegPk47veANmrIRb4YfbBWOaH6-my4kQv-7PstRvlzKJFoo7DkRgwYqb/s320/FB_IMG_1550181038033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So if you are stressed and run down...<br />
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<b><i>Your</i></b> body may need more Dopamine to help you stay calm, manage emotions, feel pleasure and improve memory ...</div>
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So that is what <b><i>your</i></b> brain releases...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and just discombobulated?</div>
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Then <b><i>your</i></b> brain may need to release Oxytocin which may help you to feel more focused and less anxious...</div>
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And it IS called the Love Hormone so...</div>
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It may help you to love yourself and others...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Are you sad or depressed? </div>
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Do you binge eat that entire pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey?</div>
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( Yep that was me... At least 3 times a week because you know it's almost always a buy 2 get 1 free sale!)</div>
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Are you lying in bed desperately trying to sleep, but your brain won't shut off? </div>
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( Again...me!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well then...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe <b><i>Your</i></b> brain needs a little more Serotonin to help regulate your moods, get that emotional eating drive to halt and get your brain to shut down and stay that way so you can get a full night's sleep!</div>
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<br /></div>
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And then we have pain...</div>
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And lack of energy...</div>
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And just feeling blah...</div>
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<br /></div>
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You <i>could</i> eat a pound of dark chocolate and then your brain will release a ton of Endorphins that make you feel energized, less pain and more... Happy and satisfied...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Or, you <i>could</i> get the same effect from working out in the gym... </div>
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<br /></div>
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You know the Runner's High or extreme feeling of satisfaction and general well being you have after a good workout, bike ride or kayaking?</div>
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( Ok, ok... The bike ride and kayaking are my activities of choice... Running? the gym?... yeah, NOT happening)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Me?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I get <b><i>MY</i></b> Endorphins boosted by drinking my Happy Coffee and taking my capsule and then ..</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have the energy and the drive to <b><i>DO STUFF</i></b>!</div>
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Like kayaking, biking, cleaning my room, going to work...</div>
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<br /></div>
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And then...</div>
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I <b>FEEL</b> better...</div>
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More relaxed ...</div>
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More <b>IN CONTROL</b> of <b>MY</b> life...</div>
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<br /></div>
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The best part...</div>
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<b>My</b> brain is making, and releasing, these essential hormones naturally...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not because of chemicals that are forcing production like those in antidepressants, antianxiety and anti-inflammatory drugs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And <b>MY</b> brain is only making and releasing what <b>MY BODY</b> needs to function properly to make me healthy AND happy!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh... And the side effects of DOSE?</div>
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Because every action has a reaction, or effect...</div>
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Right?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Side effects I have are...</div>
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Feeling good</div>
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Less pain from my fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh... And weight loss...</div>
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Yep...</div>
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<b>THE SIDE EFFECT</b> is I am losing weight... </div>
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Slowly, but surely a pound or so a week...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Down 9 pounds in 6 weeks...</div>
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But even more astonishing ???</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am down from size 16 ( ok some 18s were in my regular jeans rotation) to size 14s...</div>
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Like, I had to try on 3 pairs of jeans to find a pair I could walk across the room in without mooning anyone!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, <b>FOR ME</b>, this <b>DOSE</b> stuff is working ...</div>
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I am feeling comfortable in my own skin..</div>
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<br /></div>
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And even more importantly...</div>
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in my own Head!</div>
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Want to learn more about <b>Happy Coffee</b> and <b>DOSE</b>?</div>
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<a href="http://www.colormethin.us/" target="_blank">www.colormethin.us</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Please remember... I am only telling you what I am experiencing on DOSE... Everyone needs different things so everyone's experience is as unique they are!</div>
BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-39989200170026890662019-02-05T05:27:00.000-08:002019-02-05T05:27:22.776-08:00There is all kinds of WEIGHT to lose...I began blogging on <b><i>Dawneing</i></b> in an attempt to figure out where I am supposed to be in life.<br />
<br />
Then I began blogging here to find a way to lose weight.<br />
<br />
In my mind...<br />
They were different goals...<br />
<br />
But now I realize...<br />
<br />
They are actually different approaches...<br />
To <b>REACHING THE SAME GOAL!</b><br />
<br />
There is weight...<br />
and then there is <b>WEIGHT</b>...<br />
<br />
Weight in pounds...<br />
Weight in your past...<br />
Weight in your Guilt...<br />
Weight in responsibilities...<br />
<br />
<b>WEIGHT THAT AFFECTS EVERY PART OF WHO YOU ARE!</b><br />
<br />
Well, through this blog...<br />
which will be host to recipes and success stories of those who are<br />
<b>SHEDDING THEIR WEIGHT....</b><br />
<br />
And <b><i>DAWNEING</i></b>...<br />
Where I will continue my journey to FIND MYSELF...<br />
<br />
I hope others will SHED THEIR EXCESS WEIGHT...<br />
And find the PERSON THEY ARE MEANT TO BE...<br />
<br />
<b>There is all kinds of weight...</b><br />
<b>But it doesn't have to WEIGH YOU DOWN!</b>BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-50008515836531660842018-07-26T13:39:00.000-07:002018-07-26T13:39:06.990-07:00Failing to Plan means...You've all heard that one...<br />
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail!<br />
<br />
But wait...<br />
Maybe we did make plans and they were thwarted...<br />
you know, those powers that be stepped in and made a huge mess of everything?<br />
<br />
It happens.<br />
<br />
No, honestly...<br />
IT DOES!<br />
<br />
Like the time I went to the doctor for my GI check up...<br />
<br />
Needed a colonoscopy and endoscopy...<br />
<br />
Apparently they want you to have one more than once every 10 or 12 years...<br />
especially when you have stomach issues...<br />
Go Figure.<br />
<br />
So I went.<br />
I got scoped.<br />
I got biopsied.<br />
<br />
I got diagnosed with Celiac disease.<br />
<br />
I got put on the Gluten-Free diet.<br />
I also got put on the Dairy-Free diet.<br />
<br />
What I REALLY got put on was the ....<br />
NO TASTE ...<br />
NO CHOICES...<br />
NO EATING ANYTHING GOOD...<br />
Diet<br />
<br />
And that is how the powers that be...<br />
Life and all the stuff that goes with it derails your weight loss plans.BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-77793737891535578232016-04-28T05:41:00.000-07:002016-04-28T05:41:22.653-07:00Plan To Succeed.... Go ME! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Failure to Plan is Planning to Fail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no idea where I saw that, but it has stuck with me for years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have applied that concept to many areas of my life...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But never to losing weight and getting healthy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How dense am I?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Fitness Pal (MFP) is working for me so far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have made a new friend...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have joined an online community of women of like age and life experiences and goals...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a place to post my food and exercise that holds me accountable for all of my choices...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OKay, not all, but the ones pertaining to weight loss and fitness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been weighing myself daily but only logging in the weight once a week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see a definite pattern in my weight and how I feel in the mornings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I am stiff and sore with swollen joints and feeling bloated and yucky...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my weight is up as much as 5-6 pounds in one day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conversely, when I wake up feeling good and ready to get right to the day...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am down that same 5-6 pounds and then some.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have noticed that ICE CREAM IS NOT MY FRIEND...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nor is bread...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or pasta...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, gonna have to stick to my guns and not eat those.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">( I know... like they should be in my diet to begin with)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am taking my vitamin and nutritional supplements daily...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A HUGE SUCCESS...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which means that I am remembering not to forget to take them! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MFP seems to be working pretty well for me...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, it has only been 2 weeks...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the problem that most of us have with this losing weight thing...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">is longevity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll keep you posted and we'll find out together if MFP is good for the long haul!</span>BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-80846114789711271762016-04-26T11:06:00.002-07:002016-04-26T11:06:42.545-07:00Weight Loss is so.... HARD!Yes, Weight Loss is hard.<br />
<br />
And as this blog shows, for me at least...<br />
<br />
Not all Diet regimes, fads or latest and greatest gimmicks work for everyone.<br />
<br />
So...<br />
Back to the drawing board.<br />
<br />
My Fitness Pal.<br />
Yep, that's what I am using to try to make this ...<br />
THE LAST TIME I TRY TO LOSE WEIGHT<br />
<br />
Because, of course this time I WILL LOSE WEIGHT!<br />
<br />
My Fitness Pal ( MFP) is more than an App for your phone, tablet or computer...<br />
It is a community with many sub-communities that are designed to let YOU find a place with people that you feel comfortable with.<br />
<br />
Me?<br />
I found a forum for women age 50 +...<br />
Yeah, I hate that I am 50...<br />
But I hate that I am 50 AND fat even more.<br />
<br />
So- I got the App on my tablet free from Google Play Store on April 13th.<br />
I added it to my phone ( android) about a week ago.<br />
And yesterday I went to the actual website and added the App to my computer.<br />
<br />
It is a very simple concept.<br />
You log in and record your food intake for each meal or snack ...<br />
the database is phenomenal and even has Aldi brand and Organic foods that I use already there!<br />
Then you add your water intake and your daily activities...<br />
General gardening<br />
Walking<br />
cleaning house...<br />
they are all in there!<br />
Once you finalize your days food and activity it tells you what you are on track to lose in the next 5 weeks.<br />
<br />
It keeps track of your calories, protein, fat, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, etc...<br />
<br />
So far I have been a little high on my fat and sugar intake but it is much less than it was so...<br />
That is a win for me.<br />
AND I have lost 6 pounds since April 13th so...<br />
ANOTHER WIN FOR ME!<br />
<br />
As with the other attempts to lose weight I will continue to keep track of my progress here on<br />
COLOR ME THIN...<br />
because in no time at all that is what I will be...<br />
THIN!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-44893579017297100042015-09-12T16:00:00.000-07:002015-09-12T16:00:01.948-07:00Health and Happiness... at the same time?Can a person be both Healthy AND Happy...<br />
At the same time?<br />
<br />
That is a question that anyone who has ever been on a diet, weight loss or physical fitness program has probably had at one time or another.<br />
<br />
I was reading something the other day...<br />
Actually, I was reading a book- I tend to read a lot of those since I can get the free eBooks for, well, free....<br />
Anyway, while reading one of the eBooks on my reader...<br />
Please do not ask which one as I read at least a book every few days and they do tend to run together...<br />
So, to paraphrase something the character said...<br />
<br />
If you want to be happy you must first like yourself...<br />
To be healthy you must first like yourself...<br />
because if you like yourself you will treat yourself better...<br />
and when you treat yourself better you will make choices that will make you happier and healthier without even realizing it.<br />
<br />
That was the basic gist of the statement and it really does make sense in a round about sort of way.<br />
<br />
I have been trying to eat better...<br />
I have been trying to be more active...<br />
and I still feel like I am getting nowhere.<br />
<br />
The scale moves down 3 pounds....<br />
then up 4.<br />
I feel wonderful one day...<br />
and achy and exhausted the next.<br />
<br />
Nothing seems to make a difference...<br />
Except perhaps, my attitude.<br />
<br />
I have been feeling like I did not fit in at work, even though I was trying to.<br />
Like I do not really fit in with the Moms of my children's friends, and I have been trying there too.<br />
Like I do not really fit in anywhere...<br />
<br />
So perhaps I need to just find a way to feel like I fit in with my self.<br />
<br />
This was not a great week career-wise.<br />
I am stressed about money.<br />
I am stressed about the volunteer stuff I do with the high school... mostly that's because I have to rely on others to do their part and ... waiting for someone else to do something is not one of my strong points...<br />
I am stressed about being stressed!<br />
<br />
In an attempt to take some control over things before it all goes careening into total chaos...<br />
<br />
1- I have begun to take some dietary supplements -- you know the ones that women of a certain age are told to take to prevent bone loss and a healthy heart and stomach and whatnot...<br />
<br />
2- I have been looking at jobs online... not that there are any that I want, nor for which I am qualified...<br />
<br />
3- I have been researching alternative career paths and options for someone with my background...<br />
You know...<br />
For mothers who have raised 6 children; are self taught to crochet, knit, paint and make jewelry; who have a flair for interior design and decorating; who can speed read and tend to critique, proof read and edit the books she reads; can put on a fundraiser dinner for over a hundred people; can create and print programs and newsletters; remembers random facts and trivia along with the birth dates of people she went to elementary school with- but cannot remember if she ate dinner last night or where she put her daughter's senior portrait photos; and can corral 100 football players into some semblance of order to say grace before the meal she prepared them... and has taught those same football players to edit their behavior and language knowing they will not get a bite of food if they say or do anything she would find offensive...<br />
By the way... as yet, no such career has been found requiring those talents.<br />
<br />
And, I have started to write again.<br />
<br />
As evidenced by this blog post... ( and the one on Dawneing and some lengthy Facebook posts)<br />
<br />
The result?<br />
This week I have lost 5 pounds without even trying.<br />
<br />
Weird, huh?<br />
<br />
Maybe, just maybe, there is something in what I read about liking yourself and treating your self well first...<br />
<br />
This week it seems to have made a difference...<br />
I am hopeful that next week will prove the same...<br />
And maybe, just maybe, someone will be looking for that mother of 6 who can do all the things that I can do...<br />
<br />
Health AND Happiness...<br />
It looks like it CAN happen at the same time...<br />
As long as one is willing to try.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-37569918626109523462015-03-07T11:52:00.001-08:002015-03-07T11:58:12.214-08:00So today I found a new diet... I know, I know....<br />
<br />
Not another DIET!?<br />
<br />
This is what happens when BusyMom is up earlier than everyone else in TheBusyFamily...<br />
<br />
She watches PBS and sees an interesting show on a diet that is new to her...<br />
but apparently, not new to everyone else in the world!<br />
<br />
It is The Fast Metabolism Diet ( FMD) ...<br />
And after careful research...<br />
Meaning I looked at the support community webpage, some blogs by people who did this program, and researched the book and the author and ...<br />
<br />
Well, you get the picture....<br />
<br />
I spent an hour at the grocery store picking up quinoa, brown rice, fruits and veggies...<br />
while waiting for SIX to be done with lacrosse practice...<br />
<br />
Side note- now I know how they do spring training for LAX and Baseball up north...<br />
They do it in the high school court yard!<br />
It was funny to see the baseball team trying to practice running pretend bases while trying not to run into snow mounds along the edges of the courtyard walkways...<br />
<br />
So, healthy groceries in hand, I made my way home and into the kitchen.<br />
<br />
Where, I started a pre-diet day by eating, as the 1st meal of the day, some lentil soup.<br />
<br />
Hey, it was already noon and all I had today thus far was coffee so...<br />
<br />
Soup for lunch and in just a little while I will be having a snack of grapefruit since this is a plan<br />
that has a meal or snack every 3 hours.<br />
<br />
I will start the day right with breakfast and everything tomorrow, but being a huge procrastinator, I decided that I would go ahead and jump right in....or else I am sure I would find a reason to consume horribly unhealthy stuff the rest of today...<br />
<br />
I'll be getting back to you with regular updates on how this works, recipes I try and any weight loss that happens along the way!<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-7215596144595429902015-01-17T11:33:00.000-08:002015-01-17T11:33:00.141-08:00The Gym is my... Oyster?<br />
Happy Place?<br />
<br />
Nemesis!<br />
<br />
Yeppers, that's the right one.<br />
<br />
But not in a bad way...<br />
More like a I can take whatever you send my way...<br />
And then some kind of way.<br />
<br />
Met with a personal trainer today.<br />
It was part of the gym membership for new members in January so...<br />
<br />
HeMan Hubby and I took advantage of what they were offering.<br />
<br />
Me?<br />
I have 70 pounds to lose.<br />
Yes...<br />
I said seven-zero.<br />
<br />
And 4 inches to grow!<br />
Well, it sure would be easier to manage my weight/height differential if I was 5' 9.5" tall.<br />
<br />
My workout includes...<br />
Nothing that uses the right arm or shoulder...<br />
Nothing that will cause harm or damage to come to the right arm or shoulder...<br />
<br />
Which, amazingly enough, leaves several very effective exercise options for strengthening my core and losing weight at the same time!<br />
<br />
I can do the core machine thingy...<br />
the one where you secure your feet and do stomach crunches with weight resistance.<br />
<br />
I can do the leg lifting machines...<br />
the one where you push weight up...<br />
and the other one...<br />
the one where you push the weight down.<br />
<br />
And squats...<br />
I can do squats.<br />
I hate squats.<br />
I mean, really, really, hate squats.<br />
<br />
And step ups.<br />
I can do those too...<br />
which I also hate.<br />
<br />
But, I can do them.<br />
And I will get stronger.<br />
And I will lose weight.<br />
And I will become healthier.<br />
<br />
And I will...<br />
<br />
I can...<br />
I Am...<br />
<br />
Get ready to call me Hot Momma...<br />
Okay...<br />
NEVER call me hot momma ...<br />
or anything else even remotely like it.<br />
<br />
Just get ready to see a new me...<br />
who eats healthier and exercises and lives better than ever before.<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and unlike other people...<br />
I don't do pictures...<br />
of myself so...<br />
No before photos...<br />
but there will be after ones...<br />
I think.<br />
<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-21083817741635595772015-01-11T08:14:00.000-08:002015-01-11T08:14:00.035-08:00Mexican Chicken... Yummy And Healthy...<br />
But don't tell the children!<br />
<br />
I was combing through the cupboards in an attempt to find something that the kids would eat that was easy, quick and somewhat nutritious...<br />
<br />
because I do want <b>TheBusyFamily</b> to live long, healthy and productive lives and hope that some of what they are learning here in TheBusyFamilyHome will follow them when they finally leave...<br />
<br />
They will all leave, eventually, right?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Chicken Mexican </u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
1 lb frozen grilled chicken strips or raw chicken cut into bite size pieces<br />
1 can diced tomatoes<br />
1 can tomatoes and green chiles or a can of tomatoes, okra and corn...<br />
1 can black beans - rinsed and drained<br />
2 tablespoons taco seasoning<br />
2 tablespoons chia seeds<br />
olive oil<br />
shredded cheddar cheese<br />
plain greek yogurt<br />
cherry tomatoes<br />
tortilla chips of your choice<br />
<br />
heat olive oil in a pot then add chicken and taco seasoning. Once chicken has browned add all the canned goods and the chia seeds...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TlktqbBLxQpOCisuAYdPVORlgmVMwSwvRhFWa6gJWtuNcGQWOHqGS9Qy7970b3iWguglAEc5fzwjvoXMUJeJbaYvsb9FqO0doT-DxH1gyM9gV1-ACP4v0cl_YKNZXN4x0WDUZa1ehgFd/s1600/chicken+mexican+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8TlktqbBLxQpOCisuAYdPVORlgmVMwSwvRhFWa6gJWtuNcGQWOHqGS9Qy7970b3iWguglAEc5fzwjvoXMUJeJbaYvsb9FqO0doT-DxH1gyM9gV1-ACP4v0cl_YKNZXN4x0WDUZa1ehgFd/s1600/chicken+mexican+1.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until sauce thickens- about 10 minutes or so<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While the chicken is simmering place a handful of chips in the bottom of 4 bowls...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVtg8JrGN_pZupYk61tN-Vtp5K2fprBtImaXKmlqY6mGIyrYJ_8lLASa7AXgjIAVHC-U87hRmaNEU1bJ9KZYB1aOTFBRU90XLoLCzmS9vf8jOOMbS5R8hsRZJph6e2eLiyzLqzHn7uHto/s1600/chicken+mexican+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVtg8JrGN_pZupYk61tN-Vtp5K2fprBtImaXKmlqY6mGIyrYJ_8lLASa7AXgjIAVHC-U87hRmaNEU1bJ9KZYB1aOTFBRU90XLoLCzmS9vf8jOOMbS5R8hsRZJph6e2eLiyzLqzHn7uHto/s1600/chicken+mexican+2.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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Once the sauce has thickened up spoon the chicken mixture over the chips...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIPSnOVDAvRGU7LN6tETv-fKv_T6ebm5CZLJ-nnuuIxtxbUnA4-11pJnwbqWwP_tGFswh7tM3c7ZDh4qqTgh8Gc1qXOS2Zh1VlaDHXkUUryXgIM6ETeDCL2ftqUHUjnTxrpnLKUyDAci0/s1600/chicken+mexican+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIPSnOVDAvRGU7LN6tETv-fKv_T6ebm5CZLJ-nnuuIxtxbUnA4-11pJnwbqWwP_tGFswh7tM3c7ZDh4qqTgh8Gc1qXOS2Zh1VlaDHXkUUryXgIM6ETeDCL2ftqUHUjnTxrpnLKUyDAci0/s1600/chicken+mexican+3.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>add shredded cheddar , yogurt and cherry tomatoes and ENJOY! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyk3CgcwgZ2GBaQMGsfKFrKUK6-iY7-gM_1bFFk9xxTb1VHAZmtKYRVqYEWAYFxeYKxbqW6hqsk43CDnifXhPqVkhRzu0kGi9Ji_pkAX51ZEthOu0PmLwOPfPVJaKXF1lU2aXu9LJ0GfE/s1600/chicken+mexican+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyk3CgcwgZ2GBaQMGsfKFrKUK6-iY7-gM_1bFFk9xxTb1VHAZmtKYRVqYEWAYFxeYKxbqW6hqsk43CDnifXhPqVkhRzu0kGi9Ji_pkAX51ZEthOu0PmLwOPfPVJaKXF1lU2aXu9LJ0GfE/s1600/chicken+mexican+4.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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I substitute fresh cherry tomatoes- whole into the pot they go- for the canned diced tomatoes when I have enough on hand...<br />
I also use frozen corn and low sodium salsa in place of canned tomatoes and corn when I can to make it a little healthier...<br />
<br />
The beauty of this recipe is that I can add or substitute all kinds of things depending on what is actually in the fridge or pantry when I start making dinner...<br />
<br />
Because we all know that what I thought was in there when I started out never really is!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
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<br />
My birthday is in 3 days...<br />
<br />
And this is shaping up to be THE WORST ONE EVER....<br />
<br />
Okay...<br />
<br />
I can let it be the horrible year or...<br />
<br />
I can turn my health woes around and...<br />
<br />
make this THE BEST YEAR EVER!<br />
<br />
I choose to make it THE BEST.<br />
<br />
As some of you may know...<br />
Eleven months ago I tore my rotator cuff at work.<br />
MISERABLE is what the last 11 months have been.<br />
And, unfortunately, the shoulder is not yet healed enough to return to normal activities.<br />
<br />
BUT WAIT.... There's More....<br />
<br />
I threw my back out just after Christmas and it turns out that I have...<br />
wait for it...<br />
multiple herniated and evulsed discs in my lumber spine...<br />
and am waiting for the insurance to allow me to get the MRI of the neck and upper spine ...<br />
probably so I can find out my spinal column is ridiculously out of whack...<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
I was diagnosed with MRSA.<br />
This is a Staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics in the Penicillin family...<br />
probably a post-op infection , but...<br />
The nurse liaison at worker's comp said I could have gotten it in line at the grocery store...<br />
"it's every where these days"...<br />
Sure. That's exactly where I got it.... (can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my words?)<br />
<br />
So, as you can imagine, these health issues hitting me at once just as we are about to embark on the adventure that is 2015...<br />
well, I admit to being a little depressed and my self-esteem took a serious hit.<br />
<br />
Luckily for me, the antibiotic seems to be working...<br />
MRSA on the way out!<br />
<br />
The spine doc had a cancellation so I got seen yesterday...<br />
a whole week early...<br />
and I have to lose weight (well, duh!)...<br />
and get moving to get my core strength back...<br />
and I am allowed to start exercising again...<br />
YAY!!!!<br />
<br />
I also started a new medicine for the back pain that is supposed to not be as caustic to my very sensitive stomach... so far it seems to be okay and the pain is bearable...<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81FjOvoz21L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81FjOvoz21L._SL1500_.jpg" width="142" /></a>Another YAY!<br />
<br />
Today I walked 3 miles.<br />
How did I do this with 3 inches of snow and ice on the ground?<br />
<br />
I used the <b>Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds</b> video.<br />
<br />
This is easily tailored to any fitness level and really easy to do.<br />
<b>You just walk!</b><br />
Okay, some arm movements and some side steps and leg lifts are thrown in there too...<br />
But, seriously, just about anyone can do this.<br />
And she makes you feel like you can, even when you're out of breath and sweating like crazy...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://scene7.samsclub.com/is/image/samsclub/0040621519979_A?$img_size_380x380$" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skechers EZ Flex Intensify (Assorted Colors)" border="0" height="200" src="http://scene7.samsclub.com/is/image/samsclub/0040621519979_A?$img_size_380x380$" width="200" /></a>And I wore my new walking shoes...<br />
<b>Sketchers EZ-Flex Intensify in PINK..</b>.<br />
Yes, I actually bought PINK shoes on purpose...<br />
I figure they will help perk me up even when I am feeling blue...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then I got out my Bullet...<br />
it's one of the original ones from about 20 years ago so it's called <b>The Bullet </b>instead of the<b> NutriBullet...</b><br />
and the mugs and jars are smaller than the new one...<br />
which makes no sense since serving sizes are important when watching your calories and eating healthy so why have 18oz cups when the 12 oz ones are perfect for a single serving breakfast smoothie?<br />
Hey, if they want to send me a<b> NutriBullet</b> for free so I can give a real review...<br />
I'm all in...<br />
until then, my <b>Original Bullet</b> will be just fine.<br />
<br />
Today's weight is... 218...<br />
almost what I weighed the day I gave birth to SIX...<br />
UGH!<br />
<br />
Join me on my <b>NEW YEAR NEW ME JOURNEY</b> into 2015...<br />
Getting healthy, inside and out...<br />
with the approval of my doc...<br />
which you should make sure you get before starting any exercise or diet program please...<br />
<br />
To start you out right here is my breakfast smoothie recipe:<br />
<br />
1/2 cup kale/spinach mix (or one or the other is fine too)<br />
3 whole strawberries with greens on<br />
a handful of blackberries<br />
2-3 tbs greek yogurt - plain or vanilla works<br />
2 tbs Chia seeds<br />
1/2 cup of almond or soy or low-fat milk<br />
OR<br />
a splash of fruit juice- I like V8 fruit punch or Pomegranate Blueberry<br />
<br />
Blend until thick and smoothe and YUM!<br />
<br />
I buy fresh strawberries and freeze them whole with the stems on to make the smoothie thicker and colder, but you can use whatever is handy for you.<br />
<br />
Blueberries or raspberries can be swapped out for the blackberries...<br />
<br />
Basically, get whatever looks good in you grocer's produce section.<br />
<br />
Add 1/2 a banana and a scoop of protein powder for an after work-out booster shake...<br />
<br />
There you go...<br />
a healthy and tasty way to start your day...<br />
<br />
You Are Welcome!<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-89854498582148876482014-05-29T05:52:00.000-07:002014-05-29T05:52:20.501-07:00Update... Post Torn Rotator Cuff...or Something Like ThatToday is June 29th.<br />
<br />
Today is the last day of high school for my 4th child, <b>TeenBoy</b>.<br />
<br />
It has been a long time coming...<br />
13 1/2 years, since the first day of kindergarten, to be exact.<br />
<br />
And I am very sad to report that today...<br />
<br />
I weigh more than I did the day he was born 18 1/2 years ago.<br />
<br />
I weigh more than I did when child number 5, <b><i>BratChild</i></b>, was born 17 years ago.<br />
<br />
I weigh almost what I did the day I gave birth to <b>SIX </b>15 1/2 years ago.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Just how much do I weigh today, right now, this very minute????<br />
<br />
Let's just say that I have to lose more than 10 pounds to be at 200.<br />
<br />
A year ago I was holding steady between 190 and 195.<br />
Working nights and not spending as much time running in the pool last summer had my weight creeping into the 200-zone by September.<br />
<br />
The abnormally cold and snowy/icy/yucky winter saw me sitting around 205 by February...<br />
<br />
And then disaster struck.<br />
<br />
I injured my arm and tore the rotator cuff.<br />
<br />
Did you know that you cannot walk on a treadmill without tipping over or being in excruciating pain with a torn rotator cuff?<br />
<br />
Neither did I.<br />
<br />
And sleeping is best done sitting up on the sofa with pillows to prop the affected limb and keep it from moving during the night.<br />
<br />
And doing any sort of aerobics is out of the question...<br />
<br />
just swinging the bad arm to maintain balance is painful...<br />
and then the neck and upper back/shoulder blade pain and limited mobility...<br />
<br />
Well, suffice it to say, it sucks.<br />
<br />
Steroid therapy added weight in days.<br />
A cortisone injection a few weeks later probably did not help.<br />
Two months of "let's see if therapy helps..."<br />
It. Did. Not.<br />
<br />
So, surgery was done in April.<br />
I spent 2 weeks with the arm in a sling and not doing anything to undo the repair.<br />
And then Physical Therapy began.<br />
<br />
And let me just say that I HAD NO PAIN AFTER SURGERY!!!!<br />
<br />
None. Nada. Nyet.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
4 weeks and a day into my, ahead of schedule, rehab...<br />
<br />
Pain, and the inability to move my arm in any direction, hit.<br />
<br />
PT was stopped and another cortisone injection was done.<br />
<br />
Apparently, bursitis had developed...<br />
which happens in 50% of post-surgical patients with my type of injury...<br />
according to the surgeon...<br />
<br />
Yeah Me!<br />
Not.<br />
<br />
So, back to PT after 2 weeks of rest and...<br />
I am still in excruciating pain.<br />
I am still unable to use my arm normally.<br />
I am resolved to get in shape regardless.<br />
<br />
The weather has broken and finally I can get in my pool.<br />
I can run in the pool because...<br />
Water supports my bad arm while I run and allows me to move it gently through the water without too much pain.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I ran for an hour and a half before going to PT.<br />
My arm hurts like heck since PT...<br />
but after 2 weeks without it I expected nothing less.<br />
<br />
So, I am starting from square one...<br />
I am still sleeping sitting up on the sofa...<br />
3 1/2 months into this and the words of a co-worker come to mind...<br />
"the healing...it is a process"<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
Yes. It. Is.BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-17471380195917314462014-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:002014-03-21T07:46:59.408-07:00Coffee...It's Not Just For Breakfast AnymoreWatching Kelly and Mike on TV this morning I heard them mention coffee consumption.<br />
<br />
So, of course, I perked right up because...<br />
<br />
I drink coffee....A Lot Of Coffee!<br />
<br />
According to some statistics they had, the coffee consumption in the U.S. per person has gone down by more than half what it was right after World War II.<br />
<br />
But! <br />
The amount of caffeine consumed per person annually has risen by nearly double that of World War II.<br />
<br />
What?<br />
<br />
So...in my caffeine induced sense of clarity I thought to myself...<br />
<br />
Wow! How did they get more caffeine in the coffee?<br />
<br />
And then I realized that it's not just from coffee because...<br />
<b>SODA</b>s have tons of caffeine...<br />
And <b>ENERGY DRINKS</b> have tons of caffeine...<br />
And <b>WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENTS</b> have tons of caffeine...<br />
And <b>HEADACHE MEDS</b> have tons of caffeine...<br />
<br />
Dr. OZ says that cutting out coffee and drinking Green Tea instead....thereby cutting out or greatly reducing caffeine consumption...will help to shrink fat cells.<br />
<br />
But maybe it's not really the coffee that is the problem?<br />
Cutting out all those other things makes sense too...<br />
Right?<br />
<br />
So if I cut out soda and energy drinks and weight loss supplements and headache meds...<br />
I can keep drinking my coffee, right?<br />
<br />
Great!<br />
<br />
Too bad I don't use any of those other things, isn't it.<br />
So...I am reducing my coffee intake to 1/2 a pot...<br />
and those who know me know that I drink a whole pot before<b> HeMan Hubby</b> even gets out of bed!<br />
<br />
To help meet this goal I have found a few tricks that seem to work...<br />
and I'll share because they may help you too.<br />
( and I'm nice like that)<br />
<br />
1) <b>Only make 1/2 a pot or use single-cup servings to reduce the temptation to keep topping off your cup</b><br />
<br />
2) <b>Use a smaller cup</b>...wean yourself down if needed...I had to and here's how I did it:<br />
my normal 52 oz jug was replaced with the 32 oz super-sized mug...<br />
which was then replaced by a giant 20 oz mug...<br />
which was then replaced by a big 14 oz mug...<br />
which has now been replaced with a regular sized 10 oz mug<br />
<br />
3) Stick to your guns! If you are only having 1/2 a pot figure out how many refills in your size mug that is and<br />
<b>ONLY HAVE THAT MANY CUPS OF COFFEE!</b><br />
- down-sizing your mug helps...<br />
because I can have 3 cups of coffee in the smaller mug instead of 1 or 1 1/2 cups in the bigger mugs...<br />
and it's still just 1/2 a pot--it just tricks me into thinking it's more!<br />
<br />
4) <b>REPLACE COFFEE WITH WATER!!!</b><br />
For every cup of coffee you drink- drink 2 cups of water.<br />
Coffee is a diuretic.<br />
It makes you get rid of water...<br />
but not just the excess making you weight 3 pounds more than you did yesterday...<br />
but all water, even the water your body needs to function properly...<br />
And this can lead to severe dehydration..<br />
.which makes you retain water and the vicious cycle continues!<br />
<br />
5) <b> Don't drink coffee past early afternoon. </b><br />
Caffeine does affect your ability to sleep <b>Restfully!</b><br />
Not enough sleep or poor quality sleep makes it harder to lose weight...<br />
and that adds to your stress and that leads to stress eating and that leads to...<br />
Well you know what that leads to.<br />
<br />
Now that I have cut back my caffeine intake...<br />
per<b> Dr. OZ's 2 Week Rapid Weight Loss Plan...</b><br />
<br />
I just have to work on cutting out wheat, white sugar, alcohol, dairy, and eating between 8pm and 8am...<br />
<br />
Yeah...I'll let you know how that works out...<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-77492723121027482232014-03-13T07:30:00.000-07:002014-03-13T07:30:02.468-07:00Diet Update or UnDiet Update...It's Your CallI was going to make Saturday my weigh in day...<br />
<br />
Big emphasis on WAS.<br />
<br />
Then I realized that even though I was eating healthier foods...<br />
I was still eating...A Lot!<br />
<br />
So...new plan.<br />
<br />
I am eating health foods.<br />
I am just eating less of them...<br />
I mean smaller quantities...<br />
and less often.<br />
<br />
I also noted I have been drinking more coffee...<br />
black, no sugar, but none the less caffiene laden coffee...<br />
than I have of water or as I call those pour-in-a-bottle powders...<br />
colored-flavored-water...<br />
<br />
I was drinking nearly 4 quarts of colored-flavored-water a day...<br />
and now, barely 2 quarts.<br />
<br />
So.<br />
New Plan in place.<br />
<br />
Drink more water-like beverages---check<br />
Drink less coffee---check<br />
Eat healthy foods, just less of them---check<br />
<br />
Alrighty then...Update Complete.<br />
<br />
I'll let you know how this one goes next week!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-24769305102923351872014-03-03T08:30:00.003-08:002014-03-03T08:30:41.887-08:00When IS Enough...enough? ( And a RECIPE)I refuse to get on the scale until Saturday.<br />
<br />
That is now my official weigh in day.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because why on earth would I want to weigh in the day after the weekend???<br />
Weekends are filled with Pizza and Ice Cream and Oreos ( we even had real ones!) and ...<br />
<br />
Well, you get the picture, right?<br />
<br />
So, instead I will weigh myself on Saturday mornings.<br />
After a week of healthy eating and drinking the right amount of water and doing the exercises that I can do with only one arm...<br />
<br />
Maybe then I will see a difference in not just my weight, but my attitude about my weight.<br />
<br />
A change for the better...<br />
<br />
Oh, and for those of you who do give up something for LENT...<br />
<br />
I am giving up PIZZA and ICE CREAM...<br />
<br />
Yep, last year I gave up everything white...<br />
Potatoes, bread, rice, dairy...<br />
So not ever doing that again!<br />
<br />
I am also thinking about keeping a food diary...<br />
I'll let you all know how that one goes!<br />
<br />
RECIPE FOR HEALTHY CHICKEN FAJITAS<br />
<br />
We had these for dinner last night and they were yummy<br />
<br />
I use corn tortillas for me but the kids use the flour ones... the small ones, not the huge ones!<br />
1 bag pre-cooked grilled chicken strips...unbreaded people<br />
taco seasoning-- about 2 tbs<br />
salsa- about 1/2 cup---or you can throw in a handful of cherry tomatoes and chopped onions and cook until the tomatoes pop open and the onions are see through<br />
Just throw all those things in a skillet and simmer until the meat is saturated with the seasoning...add a couple tbs of water to keep meat from drying out.<br />
<br />
Now just build your fajita...<br />
we used sour cream...but the low fat option is PLAIN GREEK YOGURT!<br />
and lowfat shredded cheddar<br />
and fresh shredded lettuce<br />
<br />
and fold<br />
and eat.<br />
<br />
Yum!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-7690094079937177182014-02-23T07:13:00.001-08:002014-02-23T07:13:06.405-08:00Half The Battle... just not sure which battle I'm winningWell, the last dose of prednisone has been taken...<br />
and my arm is feeling...better?<br />
<br />
Okay-to clarify- it feels better than it did but still is not feeling so great.<br />
<br />
So, where does that leave me?<br />
<br />
No longer on steroids ...YAY!<br />
And...<br />
I actually lost 3 pounds during the week of steroid therapy!<br />
<br />
YAY ME!<br />
<br />
But I have been eating junk for the last 5 days...<br />
BBQ chips<br />
A Wendy's double cheeseburger and fries ( and large frosty)<br />
Pizza ( home made but still...)<br />
ice cream-- in multiple forms...<br />
root beer floats<br />
brownie fudge sundaes<br />
coffee milkshakes<br />
<br />
Yeah... Ice cream is my achilles heel...<br />
<br />
But, today I am able to move with only a little pain...<br />
as long as I move carefully and limit the amount of movement...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mq1q2BSDe_qnzD8jYt14woR4GSAwt1XmGzCXniR1uI2wxaXVceMgcOtSmCqufF6u3KeBb7hxqmc5rKngGhxwW-3ZmboWE_x-AXQ5DJ1eizoB3hLS1DdTP_SdCW_my3BUSQEDgwzp_sBT/s1600/stop+the+insanity+susan+powter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mq1q2BSDe_qnzD8jYt14woR4GSAwt1XmGzCXniR1uI2wxaXVceMgcOtSmCqufF6u3KeBb7hxqmc5rKngGhxwW-3ZmboWE_x-AXQ5DJ1eizoB3hLS1DdTP_SdCW_my3BUSQEDgwzp_sBT/s1600/stop+the+insanity+susan+powter.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Weight Loss Hero- no, really!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And my legs feel just fine.<br />
<br />
So, walking in place is the plan.<br />
<br />
What? I know it's on your lips to ask, but...<br />
<br />
In the words of the GREAT <b>SUSAN POWTER</b>...<br />
<br />
"Keep moving, keep breathing..."<br />
<br />
That is how you win the battle...<br />
One breath, one step at a time...<br />
<br />
And, hopefully, without any more steroid therapy!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-52091285444063093662014-02-20T14:30:00.000-08:002014-02-20T14:30:21.959-08:00Not Getting Any Thinner... Maybe I Should Do Something About It?<br />
Like I don't know I'm a bit over weight.<br />
Thanks Doctor's office paper work that spells it out...<br />
<br />
BMI-33<br />
Morbidly Obese<br />
<br />
Again, Thanks!<br />
<br />
Okay, this time I really mean it.<br />
<br />
That 15 pounds I have gained since September has been bothering me.<br />
And I have intended to do something about it.<br />
<br />
Once I wasn't so tired all the time.<br />
Once I had better weather to go walking in.<br />
Once...oh, who am I kidding.<br />
Just like planning the perfect time to have a kid--- you can NEVER afford them on paper no matter how much money you make!<br />
There is never the perfect time to start a diet and fitness routine.<br />
There's always something that will deter you...<br />
<br />
IF YOU LET IT!<br />
<br />
So I am not going to let the snow or the ice or the ankle deep water from the glacial melt deter me...<br />
Or the steroids I was put on this week for my shoulder injury...<br />
<br />
Okay...that might be a deterrent...<br />
Cuz steroids are hell on everyone's weight...<br />
<br />
But No!<br />
I will lose weight in spite of a week of steroid therapy...<br />
<br />
I WILL!<br />
<br />
I will let you know how this works out...<br />
<br />
And the winner is... ????<br />
<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-72456726274865061142013-10-31T02:41:00.002-07:002014-02-27T11:49:43.224-08:00The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men...ummm, yeah I sure hope they do a better job of it than I've been doing! <br />
<br />
Yup...<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp6-bnfM0BxZj7Obu9JzQt18_gKGApjSbigfRCMJB5mOunyDUG8Mvn_Kp6SEdyHr97-QiMuJcjs_BWCjFKRTw6tGdtLcKGujGfKF6fOROsg3S1bHtRLWmYjbaXqh3v7dQim-p8HlZJ42w/s1600/Lenny+and+George.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp6-bnfM0BxZj7Obu9JzQt18_gKGApjSbigfRCMJB5mOunyDUG8Mvn_Kp6SEdyHr97-QiMuJcjs_BWCjFKRTw6tGdtLcKGujGfKF6fOROsg3S1bHtRLWmYjbaXqh3v7dQim-p8HlZJ42w/s200/Lenny+and+George.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lennie and George LooneyTunes characters <br />
modeled after Of Mice and Men novel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As one would think, as indicated by the title of this post, my weight loss plans are not going as I had hoped.<br />
<br />
In fact, there is no weight loss going on at all.<br />
<br />
However, on the good side, there has been no weight gaining going on either, so...<br />
<br />
I really have to get off my rear and get it in gear!<br />
<br />
I had a goal to lose 9 pounds in the month of October.<br />
<br />
Ummm, well, that did not go so well.<br />
<br />
So, New Plan!<br />
<br />
I will lose 10 pounds in November.<br />
<br />
That's it.<br />
The End...<br />
<br />
Okay, not really.<br />
I will start walking on the treadmill...<br />
And doing some aerobics videos...<br />
<br />
And I will turn the second spare room in the basement ( now empty since ManBoy moved out in August- YAY) into an exercise room...<br />
<br />
So I will need to...<br />
1) vacuum and dust<br />
2) move a tv stand and tv in- note to self- do not forget the dvd/vcr combo unit!!!<br />
3) move the treadmill and weight bench in<br />
4) move the loveseat and end table in to make a nice reading area/ relaxation after workout space<br />
5) move the mini fridge in to keep water and yogurt and other healthy snacks in to prevent junk food attacks<br />
<br />
Okay... Now that I have a plan I need to decide when to start said plan ...<br />
<br />
Decided! Today is that day!<br />
If I get the room in shape today/ tomorrow it will be set up just in time to get the month off to an awesome start and get me back on track ...<br />
<br />
Hey, if Mice and Men can make plans<br />
then I sure as heck can plans...<br />
And stick to them!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-62524942131001227352013-10-07T01:39:00.000-07:002013-10-07T01:39:07.266-07:00Let's Get Started... or at least start to get startedWhen <b><i>ONE</i></b> wishes to lose weight ...<br />
<b><i>ONE</i></b> must actually DO something to make the weight go away...<br />
<br />
Okay...<br />
sounds simple, right?<br />
<br />
Well, you would be <b>WRONG</b>!<br />
<br />
In order to lose weight <b><i>ONE </i></b>must first have the proper accoutrements in which to aid <b><i>ONE's </i></b>path to a thinner <i style="font-weight: bold;">ONE</i>...<br />
In this case feel free to substitute <b>ME</b> or <b>YOU</b> or <b>GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT </b>for the word <b>ONE</b> at any time...<br />
<br />
To get started on the road to losing weight<b><i> ONE</i></b> must first decide upon the road on which they plan to travel...<br />
<br />
<b>IE:</b> <b>find a gym and procure a membership... or...</b><br />
purchase home gym equipment like a treadmill or stair climber...<br />
(although you can walk up and down your own stairs for free anytime you want... unless you live in a rancher or ground floor apartment... okay I see why someone may need a stair stepper thingy)...<br />
<br />
<b>find a workout buddy...</b><br />
shouldn't be too hard, I mean everyone is trying to get fit these days...<br />
it just has to be someone who lives in the same area as you, has the same work schedule as you, can get the same free-time away from the family as you <i><b>AND</b></i> wants to work out when and how you do...<br />
like I said- Piece of cake... or pie, if you prefer...<br />
<br />
<b>find some workout clothes that fit</b> in a way that allows for free movement and air flow to important parts...<br />
like your lungs...<br />
while not making you look like you have either:<br />
1) borrowed clothes from the homeless Sasquatch in yonder woods;<br />
or 2) have painted on your clothes so that every dimple of cellulite is visible in all it's jiggly glory and your muffin tops have actually become full-on muffins-- the giant ones you get at the bakery...<br />
<br />
<b>find a diet that you can stick to...</b><br />
because it tastes good and is easy to fit into your hectic life would be ideal...<br />
but probably because you actually do lose some weight... <br />
which is probably because it tastes like sawdust or dried grass and is easy to grab and go...<br />
<br />
<b>And last but by no means least...</b><br />
<b><i>ONE</i></b> must decide why it is that <i><b>ONE</b></i> wishes to lose weight in the first place.<br />
<br />
This sounds like a no-brainer, I know, but really, it's not.<br />
<b><i>ONE</i></b> must figure out why they want to lose weight ....<br />
and be truthful to oneself in the process or<b> NOTHING WILL WORK!</b><br />
<br />
Losing weight because someone else wants you to...<br />
because you want to fit into a special outfit for a special event...<br />
because everyone else in the family is skinnier than you...<br />
These are all real nice...<br />
but they do not have staying power as motivation when the carrot cake is calling your name!<br />
<br />
And believe me...<br />
that carrot cake and his friends red velvet and chocolate brownie will be ready and willing to pick up the slack when your will power ebs...<br />
<br />
<b>So, let's start to get started losing weight by...</b><br />
Identifying the reasons why you want to, need to, hope to, wish to...<br />
Lose 10 or 20 or 30 pounds or more...<br />
and be honest...<br />
because you'll only be fooling yourself...<br />
<br />
And really, do you want to make yourself look like a fool...<br />
and a Fat Fool at that?<br />
<br />
Yeah, me neither...<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-19933231919150910692012-09-18T01:00:00.000-07:002013-10-31T02:47:08.890-07:00You Are What You Eat... I guess that makes me a Spring Mix salad with low-fat small curd cottage cheese and Poppy Seed dressing...<br />
<br />
Or a soft pretzel...<br />
Or a handful of dried fruit...<br />
Or a bowl of low-fat chicken soup...<br />
Or fresh strawberries and fat free yogurt...<br />
<br />
Yeah, I am not getting much of a variety in my diet these days.<br />
<br />
But, it is true that you are what you eat.<br />
<br />
I mean, what else would you be?<br />
All your vitamins and minerals and nutrients come from your food...<br />
right?<br />
<br />
Wrong!<br />
You get a lot of that stuff from your water too...<br />
<br />
So the saying should really be...<br />
You Are What You Eat AND Drink!<br />
<br />
But then there are the little things that you breathe in like...<br />
residue from acid rain and toxic fumes from car exhausts and factories...<br />
<br />
So the saying should be...<br />
You Are What You Eat and Drink AND Breathe !<br />
<br />
And then there are the things that you absorb through your skin...<br />
chemicals and toxins that leach into your system from contact without even knowing...<br />
ingredients in soap and lotions and cheap crayons like formaldehyde and lye and lead...<br />
<br />
So the saying should be...<br />
You Are What You Eat and Drink and Breathe and PUT ON YOUR SKIN!<br />
<br />
I am a Spring Mix Salad with low fat small curd cottage cheese and poppy seed dressing.<br />
I am Mango-Peach Green Tea.<br />
I am fresh strawberries and fat free yogurt.<br />
<br />
I am going to have to REALLY read the labels on everything that I put IN or anywhere NEAR my body from now on...<br />
<br />
I'm thinking that perhaps having a limited diet isn't such a bad thing after all?<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-6509236220032552102012-08-29T04:58:00.000-07:002012-08-29T04:58:19.116-07:00Weight Loss... past present and futureI originally started this blog to document my weight loss while using the Sensa program.<br />
<br />
I started off really well....<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
Well, after a few short months the weight loss was at a stand still and...<br />
<br />
Then my gall bladder became an issue.<br />
<br />
Since November of last year...<br />
Thanksgiving Day to be exact...<br />
I have lost nearly 30 pounds.<br />
<br />
I was at an all time high of 222 pounds that day and while shopping the all-night sales at the outlet mall on the Eastern Shore I began to have severe abdominal pain.<br />
<br />
Please note...<br />
When I say the pain was excruciating it really was.<br />
This from a woman who gave birth to a 10 pound child without drugs without any problem...<br />
<br />
I would have rather given birth to a 15 pound breech baby than go through the pain I had that night...<br />
and for the next 3 weeks until my gall bladder surgery on December 16th.<br />
<br />
Since the surgery, just over 8 months ago, I have lost about 20 pounds.<br />
This sounds great except that it has been lost because I can't eat much of anything.<br />
<br />
And when I say anything, I mean that quite literally.<br />
<br />
Apparently I am one of those people whose body has trouble adjusting to being able to digest food without a gall bladder.<br />
<br />
Lucky me!...<br />
NOT!<br />
<br />
I spent the entire summer walking about 5 miles a day at the mall...<br />
I did not lose an ounce...<br />
but I did lose inches so there was something good going on...<br />
an interesting side note is that in doing so I also was able to see how a casino is built.<br />
<br />
I have gotten into the habit of eating whatever I want...<br />
as long as I will be within steps of a bathroom...<br />
which means I only really eat at home.<br />
<br />
Over the summer that is fine since I am home all day long.<br />
But with the coming of this new school year...<br />
and a new job as the school nurse in a local elementary school...<br />
I will once again be forced to abstain from eating all day.<br />
<br />
My go-to food of choice is Progresso Lite soup.<br />
I buy it by the case at Sam's Club or Costco and can eat the chicken varieties in relative safety.<br />
<br />
Although the lentil is my favorite, it evidently does NOT feel the same way about me.<br />
<br />
I am going to continue to track my weight loss journey...<br />
My struggles...<br />
My milestones...<br />
and hopefully will be able to reach my goal weight by sometime next spring...<br />
<br />
Okay, my first goal is to lose 20 pounds by Christmas...<br />
<br />
Weight Loss Rule #1:<br />
Set small, realistic, attainable goals<br />
this will help to keep you motivated and on track instead of getting discouraged and depressed...<br />
<br />
Weight Loss Rule #2:<br />
Eat what you crave... every now and then...<br />
depriving yourself of special treats is a surefire way to sabotage any progress you have made...<br />
and may lead to the ruination of your entire weight loss program.<br />
<br />
Remember... Moderation is The Key!<br />
<br />
Weight Loss Rule #3:<br />
Get up and MOVE!<br />
In the words of <i>Stop the Insanity</i> Susan Powter... breathe deeply and just move... even if you can only walk in place that's more than you were doing sitting on the couch!<br />
<br />
That's all I have for today...<br />
But hopefully for you and me...<br />
<br />
It is enough to get back on track and re-focused on this weight loss journey to a healthier and happier ME!<br />
<br />BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-3770452295115549062012-07-19T01:19:00.003-07:002012-07-19T01:19:34.192-07:00Today Brought to You ... by the Letter P !<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking back at my day it certainly seems as if the letter P was the influencing factor...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Potato Salad <b><i>and</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peach Pie al a mode.... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we'll call that lunch although it was actually eaten at 3pm.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pasta with meat balls... minus the meat balls</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and that would be dinner... eaten at the normal dinner-ish time of 6:30pm.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And throughout the day... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Peach Mango Green Tea... of course! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yes, it most definitely does seem as if my day was indeed sponsored by the Letter P.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wonder who or what will be tomorrow's sponsor...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Saturday???</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I already know it is being sponsored by the Letter M and the Letter V...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Margaritas</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Martinis</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vodka</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing but the best in <b>HeMan Hubby</b>'s Dragon-winged, eye-poking brass goblet for his and his mother's back yard BBQ Birthday Party!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh and for those inquiring minds who want to know...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am down to about 192-195 and holding...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, I am walking at the mall at least 4 days a week...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I walk at a brisk pace for about 90 minutes</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to traverse 1 lap of the mall...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">which equals about 1 mile.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I am walking roughly 5-7 miles a day and add running and laps in my pool several days a week on top of that...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know right!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You would think that I would have lost a lot more weight by now but...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently not.</span></div>BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-57669383032327100982012-02-29T10:58:00.000-08:002012-02-29T10:58:05.691-08:00The Search for the Perfect Diet Food... or NotWas watching a weird show while doing little things around the house this morning and stumbled across an interesting TV show on OWN...<br />
<br />
My Strange Addiction is about some seriously unusual people.<br />
The guy having a relationship with his car? Oh he is positively normal when compared to the guy with a life-size doll for a wife or the guy who eats glass.<br />
<br />
Hold Up... I wonder what the Saturated fat and calorie count for glass is?<br />
<br />
Does green glass taste different from blue or pink or yellow glass?<br />
Does smokey glass actually have a smokey flavor?<br />
<br />
Maybe this guy has stumbled upon a way to fill up without filling out?<br />
I mean if you have a stomach full of glass I am pretty sure your digestive system is going to be too busy for you to feel hungry for food.<br />
<br />
I wonder what kind of damage that does to your teeth... your dentist would love you for sure.<br />
<br />
And so would the GI doc.<br />
Can you imagine what glass shards in your esophagus and stomach would do to your insides?<br />
Oh, but wait! There's more.<br />
Mr. Glass-eater dude eats bullets too?<br />
Never mind- I don't care how low the calories and fat content of glass are...<br />
perforated intestines, infection and almost certain death are not worth it.<br />
<br />
I mean, if I'm going to do something life threatening on purpose it's definitely going to have to be something that is a whole lot more fun... or tasty...<br />
Like eating the world's largest Boston Cream donut.<br />
<br />
I guess my quest for the perfect diet food does not stop at glass...<br />
but will continue... with me reading the labels on everything before I eat it...<br />
and searching The Food Network and The Cooking Channel for yummy low-fat recipes as I struggle to get to my weight loss goal...<br />
<br />
or at least the next mini-goal... to weigh less than 200 pounds...<br />
Which at 203 is within my grasp any day now!BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-55844253037342753582012-02-13T22:34:00.000-08:002012-02-13T22:34:53.891-08:00That Has How Many Grams of Saturated Fat???Would you believe that a cinnamon muffin has 9 grams of saturated fat?<br />
And that isn't even all the fat ...<br />
Yes, it has unsaturated fat too!<br />
<br />
And that bowl of mac and cheese?<br />
Would you believe it has 6 grams of saturated fat...<br />
and I don't even think the cheese is real...<br />
I mean what kind of cow do you get powdered cheese from anyway?<br />
<br />
As you may have guessed by now I have been reading the food labels.<br />
I will admit to not knowing what a lot of that crap is...<br />
but I am reading them and have chosen a few things to really start paying attention to...<br />
<br />
Things like the saturated fat content.<br />
The carbohydrate content.<br />
and the sugar content.<br />
<br />
Saturated fat is the biggie since that is the one that I can say directly affects whether or not I will be able to leave the house at anytime, ever...<br />
<br />
The carbs and the sugar...<br />
well I have been watching them because they too are fat.<br />
They just go by another name, like an alias.<br />
<br />
"Would not carbs and sugar by any other name still leave you with love handles and cellulite"<br />
That is the real question...<br />
And the answer is, " Why, yes, yes they would!"<br />
<br />
Because they are what is called <i><b>... </b></i><br />
<i><b>...dun dun dun.. </b></i><br />
<i><b>HIDDEN FAT</b></i><br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
All those foods like licorice and chocolate syrup and fat-free cookies....<br />
They are <b>NOT</b> fat free because they have exorbitant amounts of carbs or sugar or, in all the tasty treats at least, both.<br />
And what happens to those carbs and sugar if you eat them and then proceed to<b> NOT </b>run on the treadmill for an hour or roller blade around the block 20 times...hmmmm?<br />
<br />
All those carbs and sugars have to go somewhere and since they are supposed to be converted into simple forms for use as energy but the energy doesn't get used or there is too much to possibly have a need for...<br />
<br />
It, like any excess energy, gets stored, like the extra energy being produced by the acreage of solar panels on the house around the corner...<br />
there is more square footage of solar panels on that roof than there is in the whole dang house... and only like 3 people live there and I mean really, how much energy could they possibly use to warrant all that solar panel space... you know they have got to be supplementing their income with the extra energy they are selling back to the power grid...<br />
But I digress... but only because I have solar panel envy....and I really wish I could get rid of that GINORMOUS electric bill every month... and having the power company pay me sounds like a dream come true...<br />
As I was saying, the excess energy-making-carbs and sugar are converted into a simple form for storage and that form is...<br />
No, not solar energy, but wouldn't that be nice?<br />
It is <b>FAT</b>...<br />
That's right.<br />
Carbs and Sugar are indeed just another name for<b> FAT.</b><br />
<br />
The fat is disguised as carbs and sugar and unfortunately when they lose their disguise they come out as cellulite and love handles and a jiggly butt... and not the good kind of Baby Got Back ...<br />
If ya know what I mean...<br />
<br />
So, the lesson learned this week is to:<br />
1) read the labels on the food;<br />
and 2) watch out for those undercover sabotage agents...<br />
Formerly known as Carbohydrates and Sugar...<br />
<br />
Because, yes, they <b>ARE </b>out to get you...<br />
or at least the rear-end part of you.BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-54742677559929416622012-02-07T00:20:00.000-08:002012-02-07T00:26:45.974-08:00Taaaa Daaaa !<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Super Monday...</span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know, like it's a real day or something, right?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I should say that according to the sales people in the commercials on TV...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday was Super Monday...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As in the Monday after The Super Bowl...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not because it was just a really, really great Monday.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you may, or may not have known, or cared to know, or even care not to know if you care or not...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been struggling to lose weight for <strike>some time</strike>, <strike>a few years</strike>, a little while now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have had a <strike>few</strike>, <strike>some</strike>, a couple of health issues that have made it a bit more challenging to lose the extra tonnage I seem to have accumulated.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My most recent problem was the Gall Bladder thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been 6 weeks and I can now eat normal food...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and by normal I mean low-fat, low-sugar, low-flavor, low-chocolate, low-dairy, low-meat types of food...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some of it can even be in non-soup form...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">without making me sick to my stomach or have to run to the bathroom in a giant hurry without warning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not even ask about the Country Buffet fiasco!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this weekend being the Super Bowl weekend and having plans to attend a Super Bowl Party...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was prepared to have to sit back and watch everyone else eating all the yummy food while I nibbled on a piece of Melba toast (or some other equally tasty tidbit).</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine my surprise, and delight, when <b>HeMan Hubby </b>asked me to go to dinner with him and a co-worker at another co-worker's home to celebrate the start of new jobs for him and the co-worker whose home is was not... because they both got let go from the Government contract they worked on with the person whose home it was and now they won't see each other all the time anymore... but it's a good thing, not the they won't see each other any more all the time part, but that they got new, and much better, jobs which is why they were celebrating...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then <b>HeMan Hubby</b> informed me <b>HE</b> was doing the cooking.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His (<i style="font-weight: bold;">in)</i>Famous Chicken Cacciatore ... one of the 4 dishes that he can cook.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I gathered the ingredients needed and put them in a bag, told him to grab a bottle of wine and off we went.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He made the meal. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We drank the wine ( I mean the person whose house it was and I... the guys had some... I think)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were hors d'oeuvres - bacon wrapped scallops... and spicy nuts ( of the cashew and almond varieties)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and more wine... a lovely Seghesio Zinfadel... and something from 1996 and one from 2008 ...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was starving so I ate a scallop... and the bacon it was wrapped in... and another, and another and... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had about 8 ...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then dinner was ready.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicken Cacciatore, heavy on the garlic and onions... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on a bed of arborio rice...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">served with fresh steamed asparagus...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and more wine...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a little bit of chicken and rice and asparagus...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a <strike>lo</strike>t, little bit of wine...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there was dessert! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A delicious apple cobbler made by the hostess...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a little apple cobbler and ice cream...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a<strike> lot</strike>, little bit of wine...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then it was time to go home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I made it...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all the way home without getting sick... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all the way to my bedroom and into my PJ's and onto the couch to watch a little TV before bed... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before my tummy felt icky.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a record breaking evening!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ate real food... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I did not get sick... well, at least not immediately... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was wonderful! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was terrific!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It made me want to go out and eat other things to see if I really could eat <b>REAL</b> food again...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then it was Super Bowl Sunday.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I went to a party.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filled with good food, yummy food, deliciously wonderful food.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ate a small bowl of chocolate chili... yes it really does have chocolate in it... and it is yummy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yummy in fact that I ate another small bowl of it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And ham and swiss on a yeast roll with spicy brown mustard.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And 2 German Chocolate cookies.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a piece of applesauce cake... or 2.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I drank about 2 liters of diet soda and water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I made it all the way home and into my PJ's where I was relaxing in my very own room before my tummy rebelled... but then, I knew that it would... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then this morning... just as I was feeling icky and sluggish and bloated and just really not too good at all...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stepped on the scale and...</span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">TAAAA DAAAA!!!</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I weighed in at 203.5 lbs...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite eating all the stuff that I really should not have eaten and feeling like I was retaining enough water to fill an ocean and really not feeling very good in general...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did not gain any weight... not even an ounce! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also did not lose anything... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then again... maybe I did and all the bloating and feeling really yucky was hiding the loss...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But still... I did not gain anything <i><b>and</b></i> I ate real food!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong... I was back to soup and crystal light today... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and my seriously stomach thanks me...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but I feel like maybe, just maybe, there is a light at the end of the soup and other 'light' foods diet plan... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that perhaps there is a chance that someday I will be able to eat a hot dog or a plate of lasgna or an ice cream cone or slice of cheesecake... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for now... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that sliver of hope...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that tiny glimpse of a dream come true...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that <b>TAAA DAAAA! </b>moment I had this morning...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is enough to get me through... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a few more weeks at the very least.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can do this...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div>BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6454192881119395778.post-35614459885126298482012-01-31T02:23:00.000-08:002012-01-31T02:23:46.815-08:002011... If I Remember Correctly...<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Before you jump to any illusions that I thought of these questions myself... </b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No.</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I did not.</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I got them from An Ordinary Housewife ( .blogspot.com) </b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Who got them from The Bargain Babe at ZucchiniSummeretsy.blogspot.com...</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I figured I would post them and my answers here on Color Me Thin so anyone who stumbles across this blog would get a better picture of who I am... besides a fluffy Mom in her mid-40's...</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Went on a cruise for HeMan Hubby's birthday with his Mom and TeenBoy, </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><i> </i></span></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </i><i style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bratchild</i><b style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">and SIX</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> next year?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">I can't recall actually making any resolutions, per se, but there were some things I</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> was going to try to work on... and I did... try that is. </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> Actually I am still working on </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">them so I guess that means they are the things I will </span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> be working on this year too.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Did anyone close to you give birth?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">As a matter of fact... my oldest daughter, you know, GoodMom? She had a little</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> boy the summer of 2011... BabyG is too cute! </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Did anyone close to you die?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Yes...just before Christmas</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. What countries did you visit?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Went to the Bahamas... via the afore mentioned cruise ship!</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">You mean in addition to Fame and Fortune? The body I had in 1986 would be</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> nice... but really, just a happier, more satisfied family... and World Peace</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ummm, the date HeMan Hubby and I had on the cruise ship for his birthday... a</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> night club filled with 20-somethings too drunk to walk and a casinio... a winning </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> combination! Oh- and the cruise date is the same date BabyG made his debut</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> appearance so... that one is good for 2 reasons! </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #331900; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Can't say that I actually have any achievements, big or small, for 2011... </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> I guess I should work on that for 2012, huh?</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. What was your biggest failure?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Hmmm, not finishing my novel ... actually not putting my novel or short stories or </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> outlines or any of my writing on thumbdrives or an external hard drive... lost it all </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> when the computer crashed... which, might I add, really sucks.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Did you suffer illness or injury?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Why yes, yes I did. Thanks for asking....</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11. What was the best thing you bought?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I guess new tires don't count, do they?</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. Where did most of your money go?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">To Wawa... don't ask... oh, and the mortgages... and health insurance</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13. What did you get really excited about?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">The cruise... the family reunion trip for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary...</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> BratChild playing soccer in highschool</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. What song will always remind you of 2011?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Rolling in the Deep by Adele</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15. Compared to this time last year, are you:</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;">– happier or sadder?</b><span style="color: #331900;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">yes</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;">– thinner or fatter? </b><span style="color: orange;"> oooo, I know this one.... thinner!!!</span><br />
<b style="color: #331900;">– richer or poorer? </b><span style="color: orange;">you could say that... depending on the day of the month </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16. What do you wish you’d done more of?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Seriously? Laughing. And Singing. And hanging out with all my children</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17. What do you wish you’d done less of?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Losing my temper... </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18. How did you spend Christmas?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">At home... for once! with HeMan Hubby and the kids.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19. What was your favorite TV program?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Doctor Who... followed closely by the NCISes (isn't LL Kool J too gorgeous for</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> words?)</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20. What were your favorite books of the year?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Read so many I can't remember them all but... The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> series... started it in 2010 and finished it up in early spring 2011... loved those.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> And the Diane Mott something-or-other... love her murder mysteries revolving</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> around a bakery/caterer... oh yeah, Davidson!</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> told you I read a lot... well over 100 books in 2011... closer to 200 actually.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">21. What was your favorite music from this year?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Transiberian Orchestra... just love their Christmas music</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">22. What were your favorite films of the year?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Harry Potter - The Final Edition... and I can't remember any others so... </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">2011--- that birthday was way back at the very beginning of 2011 so I can't</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> recall</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> much except that I :</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> 1) turned 45 </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> 2) it was a Tuesday</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> 3) I bought the cake instead of making it</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"> 4) yeah, that's all I got</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more </span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> satisfying?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #331900; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">Honestly? </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> reaching my weight loss goal would have made a huge</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> difference in my attitude... not just toward myself, but in my relationships</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with my family as well... I am working on that Big Time for 2012</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #331900; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: orange;"> Thrift Store Chic?</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yoga Studio Savvy?</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Stay at Home Mom meets Diane Keaton?</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Somewhere in that is my fashion style... I know, clear as mud, right?</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">26. What kept you sane?</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">I'm sorry. Did I give you the impression that I am?</span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.</span></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #331900;"> </b><span style="color: orange;">Spend less time worrying about Tomorrow and enjoy Today because </span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Today is really all you ever have. ( yes, I thought that one up on my very own... </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> maybe I have a career writing greeting cards?)</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #331900; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div>BusyMomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01075239923099332242noreply@blogger.com0