Wednesday, December 14, 2011

FAMILY PHOTOS AND MOVIES

My stellar and wonderful cousin Valerie is helping me get all my family movies together.. old movies going back to the 1940s... most super 8s .. everyone has gotten a kick out of seeeing them.. I started a new blog just for that and have been busy loading film clips and photos up.. have not gotten the photos up yet but working on that...
any ways time to go make the donuts ... ( not literally mind you)

HOLIDAY RAMBLE

So even though we do not celebrate Christmas you would think we do with the holiday craziness we go through.. part of our family does celebrate Christmas so we have to make sure all gifts are accounted  for there.. then we have the other part that celebrates Chanukah including us.. and make sure those gifts are ready.. this year was a major fail in being organized I usually have all shopping done  by December 1 and all gifts in guest room waiting to be given out.. oh well.. nothing like holiday shopping.. did emergency shopping online last night.. I LOVE AMAZON PRIME!   .. still have a few more gifts to get.. hope all will be pleased.. this years theme was the gift card... yeah I know... not much thought there.. but  a lot less stressful that hemming and hawing about what to get .. how much it costs.. will they like it... will they use it.. etc....
I guess the actual theme is EASY ... lol... well.. got to get on with the day.. hope all is well in your world..

Saturday, November 26, 2011

STILL ALIVE AND KICKING

Been a bit..... but all is well..    so glad that ALABAMA won..  and hoping LSU pulls a win next week  .. so we can see a rematch.... ROLLL TIDE!!!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Wishing I Was a Better Blogger...

Yeah  I should turn the Wisher off and just get busy... but time is crazy... one I am done with work.. I am tired ... and just want to chill.. the last thing I want to do is type... but... I also like writing so I am in a bit of a quandary with all that...
Been trying to get my Thanksgiving table together... we are having 16 people .. and I have already set the tables up and mostly set.. still waiting  to find 8 more jewel colored goblets hopefully in the next few days I will find some... will post some pictures of the table soon.. otherwise its the same old same old just a very different day.... Have a great one...

Friday, November 4, 2011

Crazy busy

Have not been here in a bit... all is well... been very very busy with work.. the easiest way to keep up with me is via facebook so if you want please feel free to friend me there as I post there all the time...  here it is harder because .. after work the last thing I want to do is type more... Otherwise all is well..got a new great gyno had a little surgery on my birthday ... on tuesday ... sucks to be me .. had to do it.. female related... healing up though...  will try and post as often as I can .. just crazy busy...

Friday, October 14, 2011

New Bone Doctor New SHOES!!!!

I like him... and I am so excited .. we are heading out in a little bit and I am getting my first new pair of real shoes in over a year... I have to get a hiking boot style shoe with good ankle support.. I have to use my inserts... and can do short walks in the new shoes and alternate between the leg brace and the new shoes now.. and NO wheelchair Next week.. YAY!!!  Speaking of inserts..
 I wanted to get a new pair of orthotics too however BCBS has other ideas and says my diagnosis is not valid for a second pair  for 2011 ( actually third pair in all)   apparently the new agreement states that I am only eligible every 24 months for 80/20 coverage on new orthotics.. which is the difference between 64.00 and 380.00 .. soooo.. I will wait...   yet again for that and make do with the one pair that are correct that I use now and just alternate them between shoes...

So thrilled about no Wheel chair next week... I can start trying to walk like everyone else. and Disney is certainly in my very near future  YAY...... how EXCITED AM I  YAY.. I can also officially ride the recumbent bike sans brace  now.. so one day is swimming and one day is bike.. YAY... things are finally looking up ... both new gyn and the bone doctor said for me to give it about 3 or 4 months to really start feeling like myself again.. but I just feel so much better knowing that the pathway I am on his finally not blocked and things are good.. new shoes have made me very happy....  I am so easy to please.... I see some great riding on the motorcycle this weekend... some veggie chili making.... a lot of outside time.. yay...  wishing you a great weekend too!


 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I ONCE HAD..

I once went to a obgyn who said to me,  I only am interested in your breasts and vagina the rest of your body is not my business... yeah she actually said that.. and I actually left her.  this same doctor did a test to see if I was menopausal yet ... they sent me a blue card telling me I was.. I called the office  to asked about medications that I was taking since I was told I was in menopause and the nurse said to me NO you are not.. and I said I got a card saying I was from your office.. she never apologized but said it was a mistake... sigh.. on to another OBGYN who.. things go okay for the first year or two.. then she decided I need to be off my birth control pill which I take for hormone treatment... since I have high blood pressure . Now I had been on Apri for 10 years even when my BP was at its worst I never had an issue... my bp is controlled and doing great .. but she decided to change things.. this is in August.. i start the new pill and my whole world falls apart .. with out going into detail it was horrible .. the head of the practice calls me and tells me I need to get my tubes tied..  WHAT THE FUCK WAS SHE TALKING ABOUT??   she never read my chart never knew what the issues were... the reason she did not want me back on the original med was that in the event I had a stroke... everyone would look at them wondering why they had me on that pill... SO IT WAS TO COVER THEIR ASS not to protect mine.. that was the way it  came across to me... SO my internist writes a letter to this practice having them put me back on the regular pill and I am back to normal.. well not normal.. my pain level is horrible.. I had another doc tell me there are 2 things I would not wish on my worst enemy.. MS or Fibromyalgia.  A flare up is difficult.. you can cop out and lay in bed .. and hide.. or you can tough it out and deal with .. I chose the latter always...
So.. the latest issue is getting the fibro back down... and finding a new obgyn...  Today that happened..
You see after trying to call my former obgyn and no return calls,  after trying 2 new offices and no nurse calling me back.. even after a promise of I will call you back before 4pm yesterday... I finally call my internist and he set me up with a new doctor.. I saw the new doctor today... he is taking care of my issue.. he treated me with great kindness understanding and totally got why I am on the birth control pills I am on.. and what the purpose is... he has agreed to keep me on them at least 2 or 3 more years.. he will then run tests to see where my hormone levels are.. and if  I am at that level where I have to give up the pill then I will he said there are a lot of treatments out there that will work just fine... and not to worry..
He explained why the other doctors wanted me off the Apri but he did agree with me that if after 10 years of no issues.. and a good quality of life.. why change things... MY Blood Pressure is under control .. and is  excellent as a matter of fact.. as long as that remains the same then I should be fine for the next 2 or 3 years.. we just have to watch..... I was so thrilled with him.. A listener, an Understander and a compassionate doctor.. who tells great jokes too.....looking forward to a long and HEALTHY  experience with him as my new GYN. and his office staff is great.. and being that  he is in the same building as my Internist.. they can consult each other should anything need to be changed..
Having to start over yet again on new plan.. in 3 days I gained 5 pounds just from being off the original pill.. i have lost 4 of those pounds.. and feel confident I am back on track.. this was a mess.. a huge fucking mess for me... at the same time it is shocking how 1 little red pill helps me... and with out that little red pill I am a mess.. how does someone gain 5 pounds in 3 days.. and not even enjoy it ( you know.. eating terrible etc.. ) One of the first questions both my former ortho doc ( my ortho  who I love is leaving to work for a football team as the team surgeon... I start with the new doc tomorrow)  asked me and the new obgyn asked was how much weight did I gain and how fast did I gain it.. ? neither were surprised but both were bothered that that one doctor was more interested in covering their asses than really looking at the options for the patient... I am one body and if you change one thing for me it affects how this body works..
Well time for me to go start getting dinner ready  .. vegetarian chili over a half of baked potato .. with a dollop of fat free Greek Yogurt.. yum...

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Not Your Momma's Mac and Cheese

After a lot of perusing recipes and seeing which ones I could play with ... I created my own...
there are no additional oils  added ....

Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350

The Ingredients are simple..

The concept simple... Make the Mac  mostly veggies,  keep the serving size to a half a cup...

 Recipe serves 8  ( REMEMBER 1/2 cup servings)

Fresh Baby Spinach not frozen  ( use whole Container )
1/2  cup Barella Plus Macaroni
1 Cup Whole Wheat Macaroni
1/2 red pepper chopped
Panko sesasoned bread crumbs or Italian bread crumbs
1/2 vidalia onion chopped
a sprinkle or 3 of  fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp fresh minced garlic
1 cup mix of Ramano cheese and 2% or Fat free Cheddar cheese
3Tablespoons  egg substitute
1/3 cup plus 3 level Tablespoons of Fat free greek yogurt
a sprinkle or 2 of Kosher Salt

****you can throw in other veggies  if you want. or not.. ( I did not) . Asparagus, mushrooms work well..
Cook Macaroni per package directions.   DO NOT USE ANY OIL

Sautee in own juices  pepper,  garlic onion and spinach... DO NOT ADD ANYTHING but a grind or 3 of fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of Kosher Salt.. Sautee Spinach until it has cooked down and onions are nice and glossy.

In a bowl add sprinkle of cheeses, and greek yogurt .. mix,  then add  sauteed veggies  mix well sprinkle in a little more cheese.. mix well...   once mac is cooked  add to bowl fold everything in well...

Pour into   glass pan that has been sprayed with PAM or other Cooking Spray..

Sprinkle bread crumbs and  rest of cheese mixture on top..
I used my toaster oven.. which had been preheated to 350...
I baked it covered for 20 minutes and uncovered for 30 minutes...

 it is delightful.. everyone that has had a serving loved it...
glad that worked...

You can pair this with a Salad loaded with fresh Veggies ... and using a light balsamic vinegar   dressing..

*******I used my smallest cassarole glass pan... I think its like an 8x 8 ... not sure.. its small enough to fit in my toaster oven...

Okay I think thats it.. Enjoy....

HI WORLD

WOW we have been so slammed at work.. non stop crazy.. finally a minute to write for myself... I hate that it is sporadic but frankly after spending all day on the pc or mac .. I want to be off of it and get up and do things.. and that is exactly what I do.. if you want to keep up with me more regularly just friend me on Facebook.. Otherwise I check in here as often as I can... I admire those that can post every day  if not more... I just do the best i can..  Same old same old in our world.. working hard through the holiday season... had a great lunch.. tomato salad, pizza ( tomato and basil ) veggie burger by Morning star ... and a diet Seirra Mist Cranberry Splash I LOVE THOSE seasonal drinks.. 

TIme to go get busy again...

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

HEAL THYSELF

Having to deal with chronic pain makes one think of ways to either drug themselves out so they do not have to feel.. or Stand up.. Take charge and find something that works with out drug intervention..
I have gone the drug path.. and it was a disaster..that was a couple years ago.. Most often I just suck it up and move on.. but sometimes the pain just screams.. I try not to listen to it.. but the ear ringing can drive me bonkers.. the ringing in my ears is related to the Fibro I believe as well the IBS and the other side issues I deal with when I have a flair up  It can be very depressing...
Recently I have decided to take the depression and turn it around.. in other words.. why let the dark cloud take over.. why not just take charge.. even if it is not the norm. I have been exploring other forms of treatment for my PTTS. as well as my Fibro. since my orthopedic doctor is moving on and I have to start over anyway.. he wants to send me to a doctor he likes.. which is fine however I would basically be starting over treating my foot.  but I wonder if going the way of a physiatrist (a medical doctor who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) .. might be a good path.... so I am not sure but its  something I will explore. I find it  interesting because here is one doctor that can treat all of my chronic pain from the PTTS to the chest wall pain to the Fibromyalgia.
Our Dinner was great last night.. baked potatoes with vegetarian Chili spooned on top.. yum.. I added a little fat free Greek yogurt to give it a more creamy texture and sprinkled a little 2%  shredded cheddar cheese on it.. absolutely wonderful.. and very filling... its kinda strange in that we have found we eat more types of what would be considered Starches  and a lot more fruit and vegetables...than ever before yet we are losing weight.. I guess all this whole grain , whole food ... plant based goodness is true.. if you follow it.. and again  it is not easy.. Its hard to pass up all the other stuff.. but sometimes feeling better outweighs something that might taste good for a few seconds.. I am also exploring foods that reduce inflammation.. that may be a lot of hokem I do not know yet.. but supposedly you can eat certain things that help reduce inflammation.. ..
Well time to get into the world and start working..  Protein shake  for breakfast and apple for mid morning snack and water through out the day.. coming up.. not sure about lunch..
 Oh one thing i wanted to share...  I was at the store and noticed aside from regular vegetarian frozen fair .. Lean Cuisine and Healthy Choice are venturing into the market.. here is some info I found:
VEGGIE CUISINE  and some photos



I bought the Tuscan Style Lasagna to try for lunch one day... Sometimes these products are hit or miss will let you know what I think when I try it.
Have a great day !

Monday, September 26, 2011

GOING FORWARD

So much going on... I keep thinking we are going to have some down time but it does not look like it..
We did some great cooking over the last week,, Vegetarian Chili... OUTSTANDING,  Vegetable Soup OUTSTANDING.. Baked Eggplant Parmesan a hit to the last bit...
I have been silently reading a lot of blogs lately..  Seems most everyone has the same story they had a year or so ago... and out of that dust there are Success stories... some are very inspiring...
I think reaching the point in  your life where you can truly lose weight and get yourself healthy takes  time.. preferably not your whole life...
IT IS REALLY NOT EASY~
  We are going into 2 months of eliminating certain foods and changing the way we eat.. both of us have had significant weight loss... I hate saying with out trying.. but it feels like we have not been trying..  I guess its more that we are doing new things and that occupies the hard factor...the hardest thing we have had to deal with is the hunger issue.. however we are finding there are more recipes than not that yield meals that are filling and stay with us.. 
It is a learning experience~ we just purchased the Idiots guide to plant based eating....and that is a great basic guide following Dr. Mcdougall and Drs. Campbell and Esselstyn... now they really want you to go VEGAN..  but we are taking it one step at a time...
SO we go forward with our transition..  Got a lot going on this week with the holidays approaching later in the week ( Erev Rosh Hashanah and Rosh Hashanah Day ) we only have two big meals to contend with  as opposed 3 or 4  like others I know... My aunts are great  about having lots of salads and veggies to choose from... so we should have not problem.. we probably will eat the chicken...
We were looking at definitions last night... as we go forward with  exploring being vegetarian.. and found one that fits us for now. Flexitarian.. that is one who eats primarily a plant based diet but will eat Chicken and Fish on occasion. They break down Lacto and ovo vegetarians as well.. being people who will eat dairy ( lacto)  to people who will just eat eggs ( ovo)  or both..
Well off to keep working on Monday..
Have a great day!.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A DIFFERENT MENU


When you change your way of eating a lot of things happen, you might go through withdrawals , you might feel not so chipper until the new way of eating sets in... You might feel anxious  etc...
Well I am happy to say the only issue we have had to deal with is excessive hunger... in other  words  yes we are eating  good veggie meals.. but we never quiet get full.. and learning to live with that new feeling... Comfortable but not stuffed.. is ..... different... Its not horrible but it does take time to get used to...SO we are learning.. yesterday I   got to try an  artisan bread  sandwich stuffed with cold grilled squash, grilled onion , tomato, arugula, cucumber and other seasonal veggies... we had baked beat chips with a few baked sweet potato chips as well.. for dinner I had a caprice salad and that was it.. the hunger was there but it was not terrible.. and I slept well too... still learning new things every day.... which is very very good..
Not sure how far into this we will go .... but we still are heading that way... here is a breakfast recipe  we have found interesting and plan on trying  soon for a sunday family brunch..:
THIS is from  E2



INGREDIENTS Serving Size  
  
spelt flour - 2 ounces
oat flour - 2 ounces
baking powder - 1 teaspoon
flaxseed meal (ground) - 1 ounces
milk substitute (soy) - 3 ounces
applesauce - 1 ounces
honey (or agave nectar) - 1 teaspoon
vanilla - 1 teaspoon
blueberries - 2 ounces
   
DIRECTIONS
  
Whisk the flours, baking powder, flax seed meal, and salt together in a large bowl.


Combine the wet ingredients in another bowl.


Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients.


Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened; it will seem very thin, but it will thicken.


Let the batter rest for 15 minutes (spelt flour takes a little longer to absorb liquids). If you can’t wait, your pancakes won’t be as crisp.


After the batter has rested, fold in the blueberries. Cook according to directions for E2 Basics Pancakes. here they are:

Combine the mix and the liquid in a large bowl, stirring to remove lumps.


Heat a dry skillet until a drop of water dances on its surface.


Spraying the skillet once should allow for three batches of pancakes.


Ladle a large scoop of batter into the pan. Several pancakes can be cooked at once if you’re using a large skillet.


Cook until the batter begins to bubble and the bottom of the pancake is golden.


Flip and cook on the other side until both sides are golden.


enjoy... here is the link to the E2  recipe site...ENGINE 2






 

Monday, September 12, 2011

OCD

I don't talk about it often ... My sister has OCD... in the early days over 28 years ago... she was obsessed with cleanliness.. I would pull her out of the shower, I saw the skin on her hands peel off....
Now its ritualistic... for example she can not turn on and off a light switch with out a routine.. with out a ritual set of steps she has to do... getting dressed , same thing... basically every aspect of her life is affected... she can not throw out a coke bottle or can with out a specific set of steps.. ( I learned this today and the light switch as well.. )  I watch her and it makes me sad... her battle with in..
If you saw her you would not see it... and if you watched her... you might see it... but if you know what to look for... well as I said it just makes me sad..  She is here visiting..
It makes me think about those of us that are working to change our bodies.. or are trying to get healthier for whatever reason.... We.. as a whole are fixable... for us the solutions are many and somewhat simple.. for my sister not so much....
Well still have some work today.. busy week ahead...
Have a great one.. not sure how much I will post this week due to the shows...

FOOD SHOW TIME

SERIOUSLY BUSY WEEK... not sure how much I will be around...
Had done a super post and the stupid thing never saved... will try and work on it again later.. damn...

Saturday, September 10, 2011

SERIOUS RESEARCH GOING ON HERE

FOR  a week now We have been researching  the Forks over Knives programs.. and reviewing each of the doctors plans.... the jest is eating Plant based foods.. Whole foods.. NO meat, NO Dairy , No Animal Fat and in  a couple of the plans no OIL whatsoever not even olive oil...  the two easist plans to follow are the Engine 2  plan and Dr. Mcdougalls plan.. they allow for the most variety and creativity in the kitchen and explain in easier terms what to eat and what not to eat... lots of recipes as well.. and shopping in places like Costco Walmart and Publix and going to Specialty stores like health food based stores as needed for certain but not neccessary product... so its a bit easier to follow.. It will be a a HUGE HUGE HUGE thing for Steve to stop eating meat... its how he grew up, he was a butcher growing up... and meat was all 3 meals in some form... since we have been together he eats a lot less meat... and since he had prostate cancer even less.. so I am hoping as we come up with meat substitutes he adapts.. all though he said  that every now and then he will have to have a steak... I know how he feels giving up Dairy is a MASSIVE thing for me... but for both of us a lot of the substitutes so far we like.. Steve loves Lentils... I love soy based products like light soy milk.. ... the week after next ( after the 3 food shows this week) .. we are  going to cut out the meat.. , Steve is not ready to give up fish or chicken yet... but he said he would.. eventually ... He does not want to jump 1000 percent into it and then quit.. we both know thats how we would do it and have had to stop ourselves from jumping right in and being obssessed with it.. .we are eliminating things   so far white bread is gone, so far meat is has been cut out by 3/4ths... chicken and fish are still there... most cheese is gone ( THAT IS HUGE) and we are looking for soy replacements for that as well..  instead of snacking on chips today we snacked on cauliflower with a special homemade light dressing.. . I love that Dr. Mcdougall gives you a list of foods to use.. to help you... and most are foods you can find anywhere... This is a huge serious step for us... to totally change our way of eating and be in the food business selling items that are .. less than healthy.. but this is something that is very livable and can be done... I dont know if we will ever go to the extreme end of the program..Nothing that has a mother, or eyses , no dairy, no fat whatsoever, no Nuts,  we might .. but for now. the other  2 programs are pretty intense.. and that is  going to be our starting part.. Steve has said he would like to be totally on board  no meat at all by  next spring... that means no chicken or fish either... its easier for me because I really like the idea of a vegan way of eating... simply because I feel better.. ... ..we shall see where this takes us....


Thursday, September 8, 2011

FAIR FOOD ITS THAT TIME AGAIN

Follow this link .. .its an older post but well worth checking out... what in the hell is fried PEPSI ... lol... 
great article from the blog novice chef... THE NOVICE CHEF
Well  I was taking a quick break... back to work..


Have a great day!..

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

FORKS OVER KNIVES

We watched a phenomenal documentary the other evening called Forks over Knives... FORKSOVERKNIVES website . the website is a good place to peruse and read about the doc, as well as read about the doctors who did this documentary.. It makes you think about what you eat and what it does to your body and how you can turn food into medicine .. let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food said Hippocrates ... They discuss living on a plant based diet and how it can reverse and stop heart disease and many other aliments that are masked and not cured with medications.. How we eat and what we eat is carefully examined I highly recommend this documentary .. you find even find it on Netflix now..
Steve and I are researching this heavily and are contemplating me going for one of the sessions at Dr. Mcdougalls clinic to learn more and really get started on a totally different way of life... for now though I am reading all I can and reading the recommended books  so i can learn about this.. it would be a tremendous change.. There are plenty of videos to watch on all the doctors websites.. and I am going through those now.. Dr. Caldwell has a very strict program, and so does Dr Esseltyn... Dr. Mcdougall has a very user friendly site as well as providing a list of good foods  to eat .. he is also the one with the clinic and his program is a bit easier to follow and to me seems the most reasonable way to start... Former President Bill Clinton lost all his weight and improved his heart health with  Dr. Dean Ornish as well as Dr. Esselstyn and Dr. Campbell.. its a whole new way of eating and one that deserves some  attention.. I have never looked at being a Vegan until I  started exploring all of this.
I have had  Migraine symptoms since Thursday due to a new pill  the gyn wanted me to try .. BIG DISASTER I am now on the original pill hopefully I will get back to normal soon..i do not like changing things when everything is going smoothly even my internist thought it was a bit wrong to take me off of what was working fine..
Life goes on...
Here is a link to Recipes from Dr.MCDougall the cooking program instructor is Alex Bury
RECIPES

FOOD LISTS

Friday, September 2, 2011

EASY RECIPES WITH GREAT FLAVOR

The  hot wrap up of summer brings to mind two favorite recipes.. 
We enjoyed both for dinner last night and have plenty of the tunafish to enjoy for the next day or two..


The first recipe is for my tunafish salad...
I have finally come up with a great recipe I am really enjoying and so does everyone I share it with..
 Tuna fish Salad
4 cans white albacore tuna packed in water  
half   Red or Orange pepper
half sweet (preferably Vidalia) onion coarsely chopped
1  heaping tablespoon minced roasted garlic ( I use a jar brand) 
Light helmans or Kraft Mayo.. in this house we do not like the flavor of fat free.
1 large stalk celery coarsly chopped
heaping dollop of sweet relish
a dash of pepper
1 tablespoon smart balance olive oil spread


Directions


 Saute on medium heat  chopped onion and garlic with tablespoon of smart balance olive oil spread.


while onions and garlic saute


DRAIN the Tuna WELL!
Put tuna in a bowl  toss and break up big pieces  
add relish, pepper, dash of pepper, celery


after onions and garlic are a nice semi translucent  or even crispy a little bit ( if you like it that way) 
add to mixture .. toss well... add Mayo and Mix well be sure the tuna is nice and flaked...  be sure and use just enough mayo to hold it all together.. no need to over use the mayo... you just want the mayo as the glue factor...  Less is more... 
Let get chilled and enjoy
the next day  it even gets better  YUM!   


Caprise Salad light


1 pint grape or cherry tomatos  rinsed
5 sticks light  string   cheese sliced up
splash olive oil
splash balsamic vinegar
fresh Basil about 4 or 5 large leaves  coarsely cut


In bowl  add tomatos,  and other ingredients ..use just enough olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste.. i love balsamic vinegar so I use a good splash..
This sald needs to be chilled and served... 
* because the cheese is not full fat mozzeralla  it will not be as moist... and really only holds up for the one serving.. buts a a very tasty salad..
Enjoy and have a great Labor day weekend..

Thursday, September 1, 2011

BAH HEAT

So its the first of September and all I want is for the weather to finally CHILL OUT... we need some cool weather.. a cool breeze...   we need RAIN big time... fall can not come fast enough...
We are preping for a big food show coming up in 2 weeks... we have 3 shows that week.. 1 in Miss. 2 in Alabama... its gonna be crazy!... 
Today is laundry day can I get a whOOOO HOOO ... wow.. ... 
Shake is taken... water is being consumed now..  and waiting for the first load to come out of the wash.. and getting some work done in the process.. today is a stay at home day.. which is fine by me.. not many places I want to go in this heat..
Tomorrow AM  we take Baz for his senior or geriatric check up at the vet... he can hardly get up in the mornings now.. it takes him a while to get moving .. once he does he is in good shape...  
He has gotten very demanding in his old age... he does not like to be outside alone in the back yard... in fact he does not like to be outside anymore ...he will bark like a seal until he is let in... he is dumpster diving big time.. goes into all the waste baskets.. like they were his personal buffet... and does not care now if he gets in trouble... 
He can not hardly see anymore... and while I often joke about him sitting and staring at the wall it is sad... seeing him go into his older years this way..  He is so lumpy and bumpy now... lypomias everwhere... so far the doctors do not think any are cancerous but the fact is .. Baz is about 12 .. and who really knows with out invasive testing whats going on with him.. the lumps are huge .. but the vets say .. it would be harder on him to remove them than leave them.. so we leave them... He still has a HUGE appetite though.. and  is totally a food hound.. he still knows what  ARE YOU HUNGRY means ... and knows if you spell the word F O O D..   he tolerates Cookie.. and ignores Shayna...   he still trys to assert his ALPHA dog attitude with SHAYNA but fact is she no longer gives a shit... and will put him in his place when he gets on her nerves... 
Baz is also losing his bark due to part of his larnyx being paralyzed, its common with pure Labs... as they age.. eventually it will become completely paralyzed should he survive that long...
The vets keep telling us to be prepared.. we might have a year or 2 left with Baz maybe less... 
Its heartbreaking to see him in the mornings try to get up.. his legs are just not getting the message from his brain to work... and the aspirin does not seem to help the arthritis much anymore.. so maybe the vet can give us something to help him along... a suplliment or something.. we have done all the other supplements and they worked for a while.. but now .. not so much...  I guess though this is how it goes as they age though..poor doggie..
Cookie is sitting right by my side right now.. she is 7 ... and she has a little arthritis in her back legs otherwise she is is in great shape..
Shayna... is Shayna .. crazy and sweet as ever.. she is 3.  
Well laundry is calling.. and I best go answer..


                                                           BAZZIE
                           
                                                           COOKIE

SHAYNA

PICTURE OF ME AT STEPHS WEDDING MARCH 2010 


                                   

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

WEDNESDAY

what an original title.. ha..

well.. life is good... and  i am not going to use capital letters in the post because... welll I can....
i have some great news... which actually calls for capital letters.... I AM DOWN A FULL PANTS SIZE whOOOO HOOOO!!... i thought it was fluke.. you know how sometimes you can buy your regular size and  for some resason the pants are made wrong and they are too big or something.. well i bought another new pair in my regular size and guess what???????   TOOOO BIG... i mean bagbutt... so I got a new pair today one size day yay.. i look forward to dropping several more sizes as the adventure continues...

will be posting some info on new products soon as I try them.. I read about some new breakfast rolls from Hungry Girl  from Thomas.. will let you know if they are any good.. sounds great for a a brunch or something..
Anyways time to go bathe the doggies..

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

MY NEW FAVORITE PLACE ON THE INTERNET

I LOVE PINTEREST ....  AND HAVE PROVIDED A LINK TO PINTREST ON MY BLOG SO YOU CAN LOVE IT TOO...CHECK IT OUT WHEN YOU HAVE TIME ITS A FUN PLACE TO VISIT NOT SURE IF IT OPENS ON MY PAGE OR THE HOME PAGE... IF YOU LIKE IT.. SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I CAN SEND YOU AN INVITE .. OR I THINK YOU CAN JUST JOIN IT .. NOT SURE THOUGH..

Friday, August 26, 2011

SO SOMETIMES IT REALLY SAD WHAT I FIND...

CHECK THIS LINK OUT..   I feel so sorry for this woman... on the one hand.. on the other.. I guess everyone has to have goal in life... but why on earth this:   TO BE THE FATTEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD   ...  AND STILL ANOTHER ARTICLE ON HER...    
 I can not call her brave...  
I can not call her healthy  I do call her sick.... 







Saturday, August 20, 2011

CX9

YAY Steve finally got a new vehicle .. the CX9  Mazda... its beautiful... black leather seats.. I know he will get much good use from it.. and enjoy it...
We have a busy not so busy weekend planned... doing stuff around the house maybe  a run to Auburn....  a stop at Earthfare perhaps.. who knows...
Apparently wer are starting another new trend.. going to bed before 9 pm and waking up at 230 .. am .. that the later part of that was courtesy of Shayna who needed to go out... the night before it was a business emergency that had us up....     I got about 3 additional hours of sleep  and now e are getting ready to face the HOT HUMID DAY...
wishing everyone a great weekend!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

TODAY I CAUGHT MYSELF

TODAY  I CAUGHT MYSELF... 
THINKING how great it would be take my leg brace off early and have cool feet.... and then I said.. the full 10 hours baby....  1 hour and 45 minutes left... sigh....
its those kind of thought... little whispers like that ... that lead to  a breaking up... a scattering of  a plan... the idea to get out of the brace 2 hours early seems wonderful.. sortta like eating real spagetti at a great Italian joint.. sure... its only one meal.... its only  so many bites not on a plan.. whats the big deal.. its the same thing.. same concept.. I have to wear this brace every day for 10 hours a day minimum... thats the deal thats the plan... 
I have to get healthy by controling what goes in my mouth.. I have that power....
I have that self control... 
and similairly I have the ability to keep the brace on 1 more hour and 40 minutes.... patience is a huge virtue....

ITS THE SAME OLD SONG WITH A DIFFERENT BEAT... ETC...

  STEPPING ON SOAPBOX...


  SO  today is my day between and betwixed work to peruse blogs...   I read all sorts of blogs... blogs on health... blogs regarding weight loss,   weight watcher blogs,   I read blogs from large people who have lost a massive amount of weight,    I read blogs   from beginners on the journey  to those who want to give up but keep plugging away...    


 I read the comments on these blogs as well.. all well meaning and kind... but often times missleading... 
the fact is... FAT does not Just happen,   
FAT happens from over eating...   simple... ( unless there is a medical reason) 
I saw a lot of excuses floating around... 
I think sometimes we like excuses because they provide that out we sometimes so desperately want


But the reality...


There are no excuses


You, Me, Anyone  is in control of what we put in our mouths...
SIMPLE


Think about it.... 
SIMPLE
You are in control of what you eat... no one has a fork to your mouth putting food in there...
You control that..


So while your job may suck...
Your kids scream their heads off and are never satisfied....
Your husband drives you nuts..
You feel as if you can not breath...
Nothing seems to be going right.... etc etc..
THE REALITY


THE REALITY....
 YOU....
              ME......
WE........
ANYONE...... Controls what they eat...


I am in control of what goes in my mouth... 


10 words... memorize them.... 
live them....
       do them....
  stepping off soapbox....

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

NOT TOO SHABBY

APPARENTLY when I make my mind up even I do not realize sometimes how serious I am ... what i mean is.. in 16 days I have lost 6.4 pounds.. which may not seem great to you.. but to me... that is amazing.. considering my exercise is so limited right now.. Imagine if I could work out now with what I am eating I would have doubled that I bet... oh well.. I can dream.. never the less I am anticpating another 6-10 pounds by the end of the month.. at this rate..which if I lost 12-16 pounds in one month.. I think my doctor would flip .. LOL lord knows I am ... On one hand I am so mad I never tried anything like this.. and on the other... hand I guess things have a way of working out... for the best... I still have been vascilating on two shakes a day.. just feel I need the food twice a day instead of once... I know I could do twice as much if I had the two shakes maybe.. but I just do not want to allow myself any excuses with our busy season ambling upon us right now... I dont want leways.. or outs... I want a plan that works for me.. and this does... Shake in the a.m.  light lunch ... light dinner two snacks...  ( fruit or bar based and a protein if I am just having fruit)... and  little dessert ( skinny cow bar or Vitamuffin top or brownie for dessert) that usually plans my day... 
Well things are hectic here and  time for me to get back to work.... check out this link to Morningstar Farms..
Going Veggie might not be so bad...MORNING STAR FARMS

Friday, August 12, 2011

Shake up Friday

Sipping my breakfast down ( actually snack now) .. and getting ready to wrap up things at the office... get the handicap placard for my car so I can shop a little easier with out parking too far away... less steps outside easier shopping inside..I have mixed feelings about it... but the doctor gave on my insistence or rather he realized he was not going to win when it came to me riding in the carts at the store.. NO WAY IN HELL WILL  I ever do that.. nor will I do the wheel chair either.. However I did concide to using a wheel chair at Disney after many people convinced me that  if I used the chair we would get up to the front of the line and go for our ride or whatever quicker. ( I think that plays to their advantage too  :-)  ) . and I concided to it in the airport as well when we go in Oct..but NO CARTS ever...  I may walk slow and the brace may be a hinderence but I will take my time and get  things done my way...


Otherwise its almost the weekend here.. and I am ready...  
after the courthouse we are  going to Costco to pick up some Tuna fish (cans) one of their wonderful Rotesserie Chickens,  Salmon, and a few other odds and ends.. 
Have a great weekend~

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

WHOLE FOODS

so did you hear the latest...    WHOLE FOODS BACKS OFF OF ITS RAMADAN MARKETING   PERSONALLY I do not have an issue with this to me its  comparable to any market or grocery doing a campagian for  a jewish holiday or Christian holiday.. no big deal.. so now folks want to label WHOLE FOODS jihadists... strange but true.. whole foods should have just let this go  and slide its own way..  American Muslims have every right to product in a store.. and to let them know that said store carries said product to me is fine.. Lets face it.. its all  about the money... Market to the consumer that needs the product...  big fucking deal! .. THIS IS WHAT MARKETING IS ABOUT >> ATTRACTING A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO NEED SOMETHING .. so  the store can profit........
ON this one.. the FAR RIGHT IS  at the very least FAR WRONG...and frankly...... well.. there is no word to suite what I think they are...  
The condition of this country is so voilatle it makes me really sad.. and to get bothered by NOTHING makes me sadder..  
stepping off soap box... 

HELLO BEAUTIFUL!


Thats the name of the new shake or protein energy drink I have been using.. and I am settling on Primarily this shake and the BL shake  for a back up when I am waiting on a shipment to arrive. Its much more economical to purchase this online than in the store and I purchased a twelve pack through Amazon the other day.  I also found it at Whole Foods as well and bought several of them to see me through until I get them delivered. I drink half in the early AM and then around 1030 I have the other half.. then around 1230 I have lunch.. it might be a WW or Lean Cuisine meal or I might do another a biggest Loser Shake.. or something else just depending on what my resources are... and then a bar 2 hours later  ( I wish SVELTE had a bar too )  and some fresh fruit or raw veggies..  Dinner is lean and green... chicken and veggies or  fish and veggies.. red meat occassionally ..My own plan seems to be working for me.. 

I can only imagine how things would be if I could exercise more... however for now this is what it is and thats okay... I had my first Physical Terrorist experience in a while yesterday .. oops I mean Physical Therapy... PT worked on the left food A LOT and then I had to do 10 minutes of hellish icegell therapy .. the first 3 minutes were murderous.. but the next 7 my foot was numb.. Foot did well yesterday too... so thats good.. well I have my magic shoe on.. and Hopefully next month the Xrays will reveal some improvement and I will get an idea how long MY Forrest Gump brace will accompany me... 

Now back to the shake or drink.. I love the fact that it is sweetened naturally no sucrolose and no maltitol or sorbitol that totally does not agree with me.. 
 I was totally against the shake way of thinking for years... I mean years ... not just because of the maltitol and artificial sweeteners.. but because I thought there was no way a shake was going to hold me or fill me up.. BOY was  I wrong.. 
the nutritinals  on Hello Beautiful Drinks are higher than many

 260 calories for 15.9 ounces of drink
5-8 grams of fiber depending on the flavor
16 grams of protein per each container. 
1 container is a serving.

 As I said before I split it so its my breakfast and morning snack I can not finish it in one sitting at all..
 out of all  the shakes I have tried so far this is the creamiest, least after tasting one of them.
I still rank the BL shake as good.. but you still get 11 ounces and only 10 grams of protein with that particular shake..   Svelte brand seems to do the trick. 

Other wise it is work as usual.. and things are fairly quiet in my world...

Although I did have an interesting experience rather uhmm.. lets see how can I say this... VICARIOUSLY I guess...  there was a reunion  of the class of 1981 30 years to be exact... now I did not graduate with this group at all.. In fact I was still in board school and graduated in 1982 in class of 14..
I grew up in a priveleged safe haven community... nicknamed the TINY KINGDOM.... 
I was kid who really never fit in and felt more at home with adults than kids ... when I eventually made my way to the high school it was divided into groups .. the smokers, the freaks, the geeks, (or nerds back then) ... the Brookies ( the prep set)  and the kids like me who fit no where.. the kids who got to the school really early to avoid the boys who would stand at the door and bark  as you walked in  to face another hell day... on a positive note I was friendly with the older kids and  (with in two months I knew I was going to boarding school and would  be held back a year) would skip school in the afternoon.. they would let me hitch a ride with them to where ever and home.. I was lucky... the school never paid attention to what I did.. and I really was relieved to be out of there.. by high school I really was not teased too much.. there were a few incidents... like the guy who asked me for a date in from of the whole class as a joke... and then roughly 5 years later I run into in a class at the local college and he is acting like he is my best friend.. I only remember the not so nice guy.. so I ask him what he wanted from me... I told him how I remember him.. and he said  hey we all grow up .. and I am sorry if I hurt you.. and then he aske me to be his lab partner...  I forgave him...but it has always stayed with me.. just like the kids in jr high that pushed me off the school bus... about a mile away from my house...etc etc... etc... those memories still sit there.. and I have come to terms with them and if I see the perps of the events.. I just usually ignore them or pretend I do not recognize them...several of them said the exact same thing.. well it does not matter that you did not graduate with us.. you are still  part of us... oddly I never felt that way during that time...
So it was weird when this reunion came up and I ran into some of those people and they asked me if I was going to be at the parties and I had to remind them I did not graduate with them.. they were shocked... as if they did not know I was not there and I suppose when you have a class of over 300 kids that can happen... Anyhow it was interesting.. to see how people changed or not...I perused photos from all the events online..
Mostly I am thankful I was not there.. I am glad the way my life turned out.. and enjoy my daily blessings... I am thankful that my folks were able to send me to boarding school.. and I am thankful I graduated in a class of 14 and got a taste of the real world at 16 years old.. I am glad I was able to be reshaped and learn how people can really treat you... I am thankful for every life experience I  have had be they bad or good... 
Well am off to face the day..
Hope yours is great!

Friday, August 5, 2011

THINGS THAT IRRITATE ME ABOUT ME

I am in love with protein shakes now the BL shake is the best its premade and tasty like a yoohoo ... why must I assume there must be something better out there.. so I go on a persistant hunt, for example today I will be going to GNC and WHOLE FOODS to see if there are better shakes.. I tried one from publix Designer Whey.... eck... not good...
I irritate myself trying to find the next new and best thing... I hate that.. I like the BL shakes so why on earth is that not enough for  me ... shesh I wear me out.. glad I am not like with when it comes to electronics or cars... .what I got works and I am happy ... I can wait on that stuff..
sigh...
When I set my sights on something.. it has to be that ..and no variations.. no compromise at all.. ( just ask the car dealership..I knew what I wanted.. how I wanted it.. and the color .. and you can bet your sweet bippy ( whatever a bippy is) that I got it my way....
When we go out to eat.. I want it my way too.. no compromise ( just ask the husband) ... I don't mean to embarrass anyone but when I say grilled onions I do not mean raw... its just the way it is..
I  try and be flexible and about a lot of things I am .. but  somethings.. there is a no bend policy that I adhere too..
Do you have things you are not flexible about .. or do you find something then always want to find the next step up?
Have a  great weekend!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

BREAK IN THE HORRENDOUS HEAT yikes!

The heat here has been ridiculous... just take your breath away convection oven type stuff... we had some huge thunder storms burst in this morning so at least today it will stay in the mid 90s and not go over 100 hopefully the heat index will stay down a bit too.. 
The heat can play a huge toll on a person with Fibro.. it will wear you it totally.. I work hard to get everything done before 3 pm because that seems to be my crashing time lately... 
Taking no meds to speak of now.. its an effort to deal with the pain solo .. no advil no nothing now... a few stray tylenol extra strength every so often is all I do now.. 
Tried a new shake today .. Designer Whey  Chocolate... pre made.. sucked sucked sucked.. 18 grams protein though... I prefer the  BL shakes much better tasting.. and stays with me longer for some odd reason..its only 10 grams of protein... 
For lunch I am having a morning star Pizza and basil flavored burger (120 calories) on a bun ... and will make tuna fish salad for dinner  on a bed of fresh romain and tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.. yum... ohh and of course some yummy watermelon too.. 
Not swimming today but cleaning house.. will be interesting to see how I do next week with 5 days a week at the gym 2 of intensive PT and 3 of swimming... would give anything to be in less pain and hopefully soon that will happen..  
Well I am still researching new pre made shakes.. to see if I like anything out there... I am not opposed to making my own shakes either...just want to find something that tastes decent the one from the morning was nasty.. lol... oh well..
Am off to work  some more then to clean the house Ohhhh Joy of my life lol...
Have a remarkable day!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Back to life

Wow had a great great time with my family.. lots and lots of fun over 100 people.. just a total great time..
My eating could have been better but since Monday I have been back on track... so no complaints there..


I do have a few irritable issues ... I have to go down to our semi non functioning court house ( not sure which one to go to) and get a handicap placard .. yep the doctor wants me to take advantage of that... and walk to live but not walk to exercise.. he said the less I do the better chance my foot has at healing and now with the other one blown ( YEA SUCKS TO BE ME) ... I have to get extremely serious with taking care of myself... so the left foot is braced the right foot just has the new orthotic..to help it... the pool is my savior 3 times a week now.. and going to start PT next week ... so its all good...
Nothing much to report I vacillate from doing the shakes to food keeping the calorie count the same.. that way my body does not get used to one or the other.....
Well back to work for me.. hope all is right in your world..
here is 1/4th of my family...
                                                     ANN , STEVE and             ME...

Friday, July 29, 2011

WEEKEND ROARING IN

So excited about the upcoming weekend .. lots of family and lots of fun.... the kickoff cookout went famously.. everyone was well fed and happy... waiting for the second wave to come in today my niece and nephew... photos from last night.... and my cousins rockin' cruiser....





















The pups where so well behaved last night...

Monday, July 25, 2011

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE FAT WORLD

Okay so I suppose that might be a bit blunt.. but since I am living it I figure I can say it too..
When I say living in the fat world , have you witnessed the plethora of  choices out there for Fat folk... reasons to stay the way you are and just accept yourself and not try to change it.. Do I find that wrong.. hmmm I dunno honestly... for me I have to change it..for others they have the attitude they are beautiful as they are .. leave them alone.. take a gander at  all of this stuff.. and make your decision... what I like about some of it.. .is that it actually is geared toward good health... what I don't like about some of it.. it , at least to me comes across that all fat folk need to be coddled and told thats okay you are fine as you are blah blah blah.. In a way I admire some of the outreach.. and in a way.. an activity called CHUNKY DUNKS ( a group in Oregon that rents space at public pools so fat folk can go swim with out feeling uncomfortable.. THANK GOD where I go there are folks of all sizes... tiny ladies.. my size ladies and larger ladies.. I look at some of the women my age who are in good shape and it motivates me.. and does not make me feel bad about myself... I had one come up the other day at the farmers market and say hey water aerobics lady.. while they are doing there class or just starting it I am usually finishing up my stuff.. .. but my point is.. I would be more intimidated going to an event called CHUNKY DUNKS..than just going to my club...  here is the link to things  Plus size yellow pages .... I guess to it depends on what you can afford this may be a great option for some one on a tight budget.. but sometimes i wonder if this does not border on exploitation of  fat people.. or is just that someone found a way to make money .. and the target are fat folks.. or is it simple here are things for fat folk.. I dunno..  just tossing it out there..

Irritable BECAUSE I SAY SO

Back on two shakes and  lean green meal for dinner... plenty of fresh fruit and veggies and water too.. so that all looks good..
Saw Dr. McBryde he is pleased with the weight loss because that helps the foot, he is pleased with the Forrest Gump GOLD STANDARD old fashioned brace.. in 4 weeks we do an XRAY to determine if there is an improvement  or not.. hoping so.. the pain is pretty tough.. but so am I ... he wants me to take Robuxin or something like that to help with inflamation and just let some of the muscle area relax.. so I might try that since I am off Advil now.

I pray for.....
All I pray for is strength to be honest.. strength in dealing with what stresses me out and encourages me to over eat.. Strength in managing the pain both from the Fibyro and foot..
I pray for strength in things that make me feel less powerful over my life...
I pray for confidence when I feel threatened.
I pray for Patience with not only those around me but in myself as well..
I pray to understand that it iwill take time for my body to heal..

We are on the road to recovery.. next up is PT with Brad to build strength...

Friday, July 22, 2011

Getting ready for the weekend.. yay

Busy working on getting ready for the family reunion coming up starting next Thursday night with a kickoff cook out at our house YAY.. Hamburgers, Hotdogs,  Tortellini Salad , slaw, watermelon, condiments,  beer , soda, water, cookies,  cakes, chips, a few surprises I do not even know about  yet... and over 40 people hanging out and having fun.. We will progress to the hotel on Friday day.. hang out in the hospitality room, then a champagne cocktail hour with all types of flavored champagne ( beats me.. never heard of that before.. should be interesting if you like champagne)  then onto a southern style buffet, then a family history update and how we all came to be via our ancestors to West Blocton, Alabama and migrate to Bham and parts all over the world... Saturday  we are helping host the continental style breakfast at the hotel, with a hearty supply of big muffins, little muffins, croissants,  danish, juice , coffee,  bagels, salmon spread, cream cheese, and butter. and some other assorted surprises.. then folks go on whatever trip they have signed up on.. then we meet back up for   photos , drinks, and a seated dinner , dancing with some assorted surprises... followed by more hospitality room and finally wrapping the reunion up on Sunday morning with a big brunch and family meeting.. and deciding who will host the next reunion in 2 years.. they are hosted every 2 years in various parts of the country .. ending up back in Alabama about every 5th or 6th one.. we expect around 120 people.. so it should be fun.. I kinda chuckle to myself for this is only 1/4th of my family that does this... Looking forward to it..
Getting ready to work on dinner.. Gagutz ( zuchini, tomatos, onions, peppers, simmered together for a couple hours and sprinkled with  fresh Romano Cheese yum...)  and grilled boneless skinless chicken .. Yum
Have a  great weekend~

Thursday, July 21, 2011

SO YA THINK YOU COULD TURN OFF THE LIGHTENING SO I COULD STAY ASLEEP MAYBE?

SHeesh... very little sleep for me after 3 am ... stupid lightening .. felt like I was at a strobe light convention ... and nothing like rolling thunder to make you happy.. woo hoo.. geez..  then a  60 pound wonder mutt pounds onto the bed.. she does not like the storm.. and has to go out... So all 3 go out .. one does a a quick U turn and runs back to her bed..  one has to be told to go pee.. and the other.. ( the wonder mutt bounds down the steps peruses the yard .. and does her business..  Everyone comes back to bed and she wonders why  a wet blond dog can not resume her place in the master bed.. so we can protect her from the storm... she got a clue that the floor was her bed for the remander of  what should have been sleeping time... hopefully a quieter sleep tonight.. I installed the new operating system for my macbook pro.. love it and just had to tweak the scrolling controls and then it was fine.. still have a lot to learn about what it can do and cant do... 
Today I am back on a shake for breakfast, protien ( string cheese + maybe a piece of fruit) .. Shake for lunch...  bar + fruit and raw veggies for snack and  dinner have not decided yet but some fish ( talipia probably) .. and veggies are on the menu.. my menu is a bit different than steve's ... but I am trying to be as flexible as I can for his sake..  
Otherwise life just goes on... hoping for a break in the rain... 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NOT SO MUCH

Well was a wee bit disappointed  that Target was a let down in the Biggest Loser arena.. no product what so ever.. Found a couple of frozen meals I like.. and their produce was a amazing and on sale.. so no fresh market needed today..
 The hair cut is super .. the curls are healthy and I am happy.. yay...and that is saying a lot for this humid wacky weather of ours...

ITS A GOOD DAY SO FAR

Happy Wednesday everyone!... in a little bit I am off to get my hair cut... do some grocery shopping pick up two more globes for the potted plants outside.. and get two warming trays at BBB ..  
Meanwhile I am sitting here sipping my shake  ( my biggest loser chocolate yummy deliciousness shake) ( hey its what I tell myself okay? )   thats lunch.. no muss no fuss ... eat it and get busy.. err drink it and get busy doing whatever you gotta... 
 I  am going to Target to see what Biggest loser products they sell .. there are frozen meals out now I want to check out.. and some variations on shakes and bars i want to see and I saw that Target supposedly sells that..
 I need to do a Walgreen run to actually get the shakes if I can not find them at Target... luckily Fresh Market is right next door and I can get my veggies there.. so that is all good too.,
Attended a meeting today regarding Diabetic eating.. Since Steves sugar was a bit high .. I took this class in hopes to be able to help him better.. I have some great tools and he is going to meet with the nutritionist soon and he is going to start going to the gym with me too.. I just got the okay to start doing upper body training ( YAY) since I am in a leg brace the only thing I can do full and lower body is swim) ... so while he is working with my trainer I can be working on my upper body and then go for a swim.. or have days where I just do upper body and days where I go swimming.. YAY... very pleased...
Well its another sweltering day in Alabama.. going to let my whining pups in.. and give them some love..
Have a great day~

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

TUESDAY & ALL MOVED IN

Sigh, nothing like new digs to make writing fresh and new.. I love it!
I decided to go with the soapbox title because...well sometimes I tend to pull  that little crate out and stand on it and bellow my bullshit to the world.. and sometimes I actually have a point and sometimes not so much... 
Hence My Little Soap Box.. where I can bellow away..

 Today I started .. or at least am trying to add a shake for breakfast.. I did well with the shake for lunch for the last week so now I am upping the game.. right now.. I am kinda hungry.. I had the shake about an hour and a half ago..  I am going to wait until 10 30 for the bar.. then have a shake at 12 30.. and at 2 30 have some string cheese and fruit and raw veggies if I am still  hungry... at 4 30 I will probably allow myself some more fruit or raw veggies.. and 630 I will have dinner, One 3 oz boneless skinless chicken breast,  salad with vinaigrette dressing and corn on the cob with spray butter.. I will probably do a skinny cow bar for dessert and fruit later in the evening if I get hungry..


 I am also worried about my sweetheart.. he got his blood work back and his sugar is high so we are really going to work on getting his numbers back with in reason.. it is hard for him since he has had no issues.. now he has to watch it.. but it will be good to partner with him on this journey .. I think it makes him see how hard this all is... and with our big birthdays.. coming up  in 2012.. its time to fix it.. before it all fixes us....


In other news... lets see what pisses me off today... Big Mylar balloons for 10 bucks that have various character faces on them.. cruel for parents.. and annoying to a customer trying to get through the check out line but having to listen to a screaming child.. who wants the damn  10 dollar balloon..

Monday, July 18, 2011

TOO MUCH

BREAST FEEDING BABY DOLL?
I just saw that on the news and I had to wonder... simply why?   WHY on earth is this needed?  I think there is a point that children do not need to vicariously or otherwise experience things.. there is a point where we do not go to  certain places .  Breastfeeding a wonderful natural way to feed and bond with a baby.. this moment is  between the mother and said child.. Not a 5 year old and plastic... its ridiculous and 60.00 not well spent...

GETTING THERE

SLOWLY SETTING UP THE NEW NEST...