Happy End of 2007!

Well I love the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, it's always so refreshing.

Well I will be starting my new year on a sour note. I gained another 2 pounds this week. I know this is a combination of a couple things, one good ol' TOM still hadn't started, and well it always affects my weight, fun stuff. Plus, I just had too much fun eating during the holidays. I did so well from December 1st all the way through December 23rd, then heck, I don't know what happened. But it could be alot worse than 2lbs right? And it's over, it's done, I'm moving on. Looking forward to a nice loss next week.

I didn't set any new years resolutions last year, in fact joining weight watchers was even on a whim after the 1st, so I can't say that was my new years resolution last year. I didn't make any, other than to be happier and healthier, and both of those are a check plus!

As far as my goals for December, I didn't lose weight, let alone 5lbs unfortunately. BUT! I did start going to the gym again, and managed to get there 13 times, which is a big achievement. I'm actually to the point now where I'm starting to like going, and actually feel guilty and/or miss it when I don't go.

I don't like setting weight-loss related resolutions for the new year, I feel like everyone does it. So here are a few non-weight loss related ones.

1. Consistently get to the gym all year, even if it dies down during the summer to a measly once or twice a month. But during the cold months, stay going, weekly, on a regular basis.

2. Be more social! I have a tendency to be a hermit. I like quiet time, alone time, but I'm going to make more of an effort to go out. I want to go out twice a month, whether that is on a date, or catching dinner with a girlfriend, or going to a party.

3. Try to be a more positive person. I have a tendency to look at things with a negative view at times, and I would like to change that.

4. Pick up a new hobby. Any new hobby.

Alright now for the weight/health related goals.

1. Finally reach my goal weight of 142. I'll get there, I know it!

2. Gain more knowledge of nutrition. Weight Watchers is a great program, but as long as your eating your points, you can eat whatever. I would like to focus on keeping my Carbs, Fat and Protein in order.

Ok, Ok, so I did it, there are my new years resolutions, I know I will get there! I'm enjoying reading all of yours and I'm looking forward to getting to know all my blogging buddies even better this coming year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I'll see you guys again on Wednesday!

I'm around

Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday, I was feeling very under the weather, and extremely busy at work to top that off, so the blog got a rest.

I peeked at the scale this morning, I was scared, but I figured it was the best way to continue to stay on track. Luckily it's only a little over a pound up from last week, which isn't terrible, but I was also up last week (for no apparent reason!), so I'm sure I will have a 3+ pound gain coming out of the holiday season, but it should come off easy once TOM finally gets out of here.

I'll post an actual weigh in tomorrow.

Nothing to exciting for the weekend, today I have a lunch date, and I have to go pick up my dress for my brothers wedding, and then a house warming party later for another brother. Probably just piddling around the house otherwise. Tomorrow more of the same. Half day of work on Monday, Tuesday off, and then full steam ahead into the new year. What is everyones plan for NYE and New Years Day?? Are these temptation days for you guys? They aren't for me, so I'm totally on plan until my next scheduled day off, which will be Easter :)

Hope everyone has a healthy and happy weekend...and I'll see you in the new year!

Power.

Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control. These three alone lead
to sovereign power.

-- Lord Alfred Tennyson

The quote above pretty much wraps up how we should all approach our eating plans come the new year. Because without the three elements listed above our eating plans won't succeed. We need to know ourselves, respect ourselves and be able to keep control (easier said than done!).

Well I have a confession, I didn't make it to the gym yesterday. I really did have every intention on going, but I was just flat out wore out. I'm not going today either. I'm wore out again. I think the constant running, bad eating (and surprisingly enough, the few gym visits in the midst of it all), just wore me out, and my body hasn't caught up. So I'm taking tonight off again. I feel a little bad about it, but I'm planning on getting my three more times to meet my goal for this month still.

My eating yesterday was fine, and on plan. I did fit in a lot of veggies and good stuff, but I did end up having a vitatop (deep chocolate dream) and some fat free ice cream....my version of a Brownie A la Mode, it's very good. So I could've done without that little treat and eaten an apple, but I wanted it...so I had it. Other than that, good stuff.

Today has really been about the same, Oatmeal for breakfast (as normal), apple, pear and carrots have been snacks, leftovers for lunch. I have a pork, potato and green bean stew in the crockpot for when I get home, and I'm looking much forward to that.

The one thing I do hate about this time of year (especially here in the midwest) is the lack of good fresh fruit. I love veggies and fruit, I always have. But right now the selection of fruit at my grocery store is pretty much limited to apples and pears (well, and oranges and grapefruit, which I don't eat). I miss peaches, plums, nectarines, strawberries...oh how good it would be to have some variety. I just get spoiled when everything is in season up here, and I can eat apples by the pound that are wonderful and cheap!

Hard to believe '08 is approaching and '07 is coming to a close....just amazing how fast time goes by. Well I will save the wrap up, and predictions for January 1st. But I'm looking forward to a new year of being on plan......and finally getting these last few pounds off!

Until I update later with a menu (for your reading pleasure of course, ha ha), Have a good and healthy day!

Morning
128 oz water	0
6 oz pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Southwestern Mac Salad	3
6 oz apple(s)	1
8 oz carrot(s)	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	8
Evening
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
8 oz broccoli	0.5
Pork Potato and Green Bean Stew	4
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Christmas Wrap Up

I ate my face off.....that's all we will say. I'm sure the scale and I aren't friends, but I'm not sure, since I put him in a closet, and he's going to stay there til after the first of the year.

On that note, I'm totally back on track today, armed with veggies and all. It's amazing how after two days of eating like shit, that you actually can crave water and veggies. So that's where I am at today, totally craving the carrots, apples and pears I have packed. I intend to stick mostly to core type snacks for the next couple weeks, My meals are always healthy, so I'm not too concerned about those (always well balanced with lots of veggies), but I'm cutting out the junk as a junk-detox, which I am pretty sure my body can totally use.

On a high note, I did get to the gym on Christmas Eve, and I do have my stuff at work to go today! Go Me! Also, I do have a nice quiet, and On Plan New Years Eve planned, so I'm on plan from now until Easter! I have to get to the gym another three times in the next 6 days, so that won't be a problem.

I'm planning on making some goals for January, but we'll do that after the new year, don't want to jump the gun. So we'll touch on those come next week.

I hope everyone is coming out of their sugar-induced comas, and had a very Merry Christmas!

Morning
128 oz water	0
6 oz apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
4oz Honeybaked Ham	4
8 oz carrot(s)	1
6 oz pear(s)	1
Subtotal	6
Evening
8 oz cauliflower	0.5
1 item Country White Bagel	1
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
Southwestern Mac Salad	3.5
1/2 cup Butterscotch, prepared	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	11
Snacks
1 item Double chocolate dream	1
1/2 cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream	1
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Well Done...

"Well done, is better than well said!"
~Ben Franklin

Remember this quote as we all keep our eating in mind for the holidays upon us. Remember how the plan that we set out to follow, and follow it, that way it can be well done!

I've done what I would call great the last two days. With all the packing of cookie plates last night, I only nibbled two times. One was some small crumbs out of the bottom of a sugar cookie bag, and another time was on some crumbs of the peppermint fudge. I could've easily eaten all the crumbs of the fudge, but I quickly wrapped it up and tossed it in the garbage...safer there. Then today, I've nibbled only twice, once I had a piece of sugar cookie about the size of the tip of my finger, and the other time I had ONE honey roasted peanut. YUM. But that was it. I brought a good and filling lunch (avoiding the three types of meatballs!), and I bought two sensible snacks (an apple and pear), and I bought lots of gum with me. And when I got the urge to nibble I put gum in my mouth (I don't even care about the points associated with the gum, which I'm sure was like less than 1, but it had to be lower than 18 cookies, lol). So I will count today as a major success, and my biggest temptation!

This weekend should be pretty low key, tonight I'm hitting the gym, giving the dog a bath and hanging out a home. Some point I have to make the coffee cakes, probably hit the gym another time. Some last minute gift stuff, you know, the fun stuff. Weigh In on Sunday.

I'll try to post, but if I don't I hope everyone has the best Christmas Ever! Happy Holidays, and remember, Christmas comes every year, so no need to eat like this is your last one :)

Morning
112 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Chicken Veg Chowder - Quick-added food	4
1 small apple(s)	1
Crumbs - Quick-added food	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	9
Evening
1 item Bluebran	1
7 oz cauliflower	0
1 cup Egg Beaters	2.5
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Subtotal	5
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Christmas

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past,
courage for the present, hope for the future."
- Agnes M Pharo

I thought a little Christmas time quote was in order!

My good friend Kathy had a wonderful post on her blog recently about making sure that we all take some time for ourselves, and to enjoy the holiday season...slow down! We all get so wrapped up in all the different places we have to be, the parties to attend, gifts to get and wrap that we forget about the simple joys of the holiday. For myself, I am a very "tradition" oriented person. I love the traditions that go along with the holidays, thanksgiving my mom always had dinner, and has everyone over (about 30 people), and for Christmas Eve we typically have another big dinner, and then Christmas Day is usually just my immediate family, we do breakfast (always involving polish sausage...a tradition) and hang out. Growing up (and even when my mom was a kid for that matter!), My Grandma always made Hungarian Coffee Cakes for Christmas Morning. She would make them Christmas Eve, and wrap them up, and we weren't allow to touch them until Christmas Day, and it's the only time of year we got them! Well Grandma passed away in '99, and for a couple years my aunts kept up on the tradition, but for lack of better excuses, they got lazy, and in '05, Christmas morning came without a coffee cake, I'm a stickler for tradition, and I was totally bummed out. So last year, I surprised my mom, and tried making my very first coffee cake, and it turned out great. So this year, I have another one to make, it's a long process, but well worth it. Needless to say, I will be indulging in a bit of that coffee cake Christmas morning. Anyone else have any traditions?

But I've decided I do need to take a couple days to relax, I've been fighting a cold for a couple weeks, baking cookies like a mad woman, going to the gym like a certified gym rat. I need a break to enjoy things. That being said, I am going to relax my gym goal for the month from 18 times to 15 times. The 18 was a little too much at the beginning of the month, I'm only suppose to be doing the workout I am doing every other day. So expecting to get in 8 workouts in 11 days, is a little much. So 5 times for the rest of the month is doable, and gives me some relax time.

I've been doing very well at avoiding the baked goods and nuts here at work, but they are truly everywhere! Tonight I have to put together my cookie plates, which will be a big test of my willpower, but I'm going to do it! Get through putting together over 20 cookie plates with not one lick, bite, taste, nothing.....NADA! My counter at home looks scary right now, I have over 40 dozen cookies thawing on the counter....oh boy. Add to that three types of fudge, cookie dough truffles and the infamous buckeyes and I have a recipe for eating disaster.

But I will be good! I will win this battle.

Anyways, I gotta get back to work, but I hope everyone is avoiding the baked goods calling their names...Plug your ears and sing loudly if necessary :)

Morning
80 oz water	0
1 medium apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Creole Style Skillet	4
1 small pear(s)	1
Gingerbread Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
Chicken Veg Chowder - Quick-added food	4
7 oz cauliflower	0
1 item Country White Bagel	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	1
2/3 cup Go Lean Cereal	1
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
Crumbs - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	4
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Challenges

"Accept the challenges so you may feel the exhilaration of victory"
-General George Patton

I think this quote is pretty darn self explanatory. We all accept our weight loss goals, and where we would like to be, so someday we can taste the victory of hitting that goal weight. With hard work, we will all make it! I know it!

I've been in a funk the last couple days, not feeling so hot, kinda grouchy (I'm feeling like the grinch). The people at work have been kinda snippy, and I suppose that is probably why I get into a bad mood easier. Seems like everyone is edgy, just the holiday season I guess.

But I have been doing good on plan, my goal is to stay that way until Christmas Day. I was initially planning Christmas Eve off, but our plans have changed, and we won't be having a big family dinner until Christmas Day, so Christmas Eve will be uneventful, which means that is a perfect reason to stay on plan! So I'm planning just Christmas Day, and even then, I plan on being sensible. But would like to indulge in a few cookies and what not. But I will have a few cookies, not a half of plate.

I made some awesome White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge last night. I sneaked a lick of the spoon, was really good. I think more than anything I love to see people's reaction to my baked goods, and whether or not they like them. I like to find that one thing that everyone loves, that way when they do something nice, or I want to do something nice for them, I can bake them something, there is something that seldom goes over better than homemade baked goods!

I'm putting together all my cookie plates for the guys at work tomorrow, and that will be a total struggle for me not to nibble...but I will not! I WILL stay On Plan!

Total NSV the last couple days at work, they have had cookies and nuts laying on the kitchen cupboard, which I conveniently have to pass every time I go get my carrots or fruit out of the fridge to snack on. But I haven't touched anything. I know once I start it would be downhill from there, so I just don't start, maybe I will make this my word to live by on Christmas, just don't start on the good stuff til the end of the day, when I'm close to leaving!

I've accomplished 9 of 18 of my planned workouts this month. I should be going for #10 tonight, but I think I might take the evening off. I'm still not feeling hot, and I'm a bit cranky, and need a night of not alot going on. Tomorrow night will be busy, so I might just fit my gym into my schedule then. We'll see.

Tonight I am making a Creole Skillet for dinner, if it's good, I'll post the recipe. More Recipes on the way Steph! I promise!

Until tonight when I update with a menu, adios!

I ended up going to the gym tonight for workout #10 of 18. Over half done!

Morning
144 oz water	0
1 medium apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Turkey Tenderloin Stew	4
8 oz carrot(s)	1
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
1 item Country White Bagel	1
7 oz cauliflower	0
Creole Style Skillet - Quick-added food	4
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
Subtotal	7
Snacks
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	3
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Running out of Time..

"We didn't lose the game, we just ran out of time"
~Vince Lombardi

Isn't the great thing about our weight loss journeys is we never really run out of time? I mean everyone rushes through, trying to lose as much weight as possible, in the littlest time possible, but what does it get them in the long run? It gets them back to their starting point quicker. That's the one thing I have come to terms with. Perhaps my journey has been bumpy, or slow, but at least when I finally get to goal, I will have changed habits, and I will have a great start for keeping the weight off in the long term. I'm just learning to enjoy the ride.

I don't know why, but I've been stuck in this funk of not feeling so hot. It's like I'm getting sick, but not quite, and it's been going on for a little while, I just wish it could decide one way or another which was it would go. I would hate to be sick on Xmas!

Nothing too exciting planned for tonight. I have to snowblow my driveway back open again when I get home, since the road commission comes through and plows the street right back into it once I had it clean before...bummer. Then I have to run to the store, come home, shower eat and make the last of my holiday baking, which is white chocolate peppermint fudge. Then maybe a little relaxing before heading to bed.

Until tomorrow, I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I'll update with a menu later!

Morning
128 oz water	0
1 small pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
8 oz carrot(s)	1
southwest turkey stew - Quick-added food	4
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	8
Evening
8 1/4 oz broccoli	0.5
1 item Roasted Onion Bagel	1
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Ham - Quick-added food	2
4 oz Low-Fat 2% Milk-Fat Small Curd Cottage Cheese Snack Size	2
Lick of Fudge - Quick-added food	1.5
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Bent out of Shape

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

- Anon

Going to be a short post tonight, since I was so busy at work today I didn't have the chance to write a quality one. Keep in mind the quote above when everyone is dealing with the holiday season the next couple weeks with our eating plans. Remember, we can stay on track, while be flexible with our eating plans, and enjoying the holiday!

I made it to the gym tonight for #9 of 18 workouts for the month, so I'm half done. I almost didn't go because I've been fighting this ick feeling, but I pushed through and went, and I'm glad I did.

Eating has been great, I'm staying within my points, and I drank a good amount of water today. For some reason I got this hankering this weekend for a boston cooler (aka a vernors with ice cream float, or for you non-yankee's...a ginger ale). So tonight I made myself one with diet vernors and 3/4 cup of Breyers Fat Free Ice Cream, and boy did it taste great....and all for two points. So yummy.

Anyways, here is the menu for today. I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday...in moderation ;)

Morning
112 oz water	0
5 oz pineapple	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Southwest Turkey Tenderolin Stew -	4
1 small apple(s)	1
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
6 1/4 oz broccoli	0
Garlic Parsley Spaghetti - Quick-added food	5
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
1 medium apple(s)	1
1 item Country White Bagel	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
fat free ice cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Menu

Well today I would say I did pretty well. I kept my fingers out of what I was baking for the most part. I did have a few mini bites (pieces that fell off) off the buckeyes I was making, but I'm pretty sure the snowblowing and pushing cars out that kept getting stuck on the road in front of the house took care of the few extra points that may have caused. I couldn't figure out why I was so hungry all day though, and just sitting down now (for the first time all day!), I realized I hadn't drank any water....any! Coming from someone who drinks a gallon some days! Anyways, here's the menu!

Morning
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	5
Midday
1 small apple(s)	1
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Lunchmeat - Quick-added food	1
Fib One Go Lean w/Milk	3
Subtotal	6
Evening
7 oz cauliflower	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
1/2 cup Low-Fat 2% Milkfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese	2
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	3
turkey tenderloin stew	5
Subtotal	11
Snacks
No entries for this meal time.
Subtotal	0
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Weigh In 12.15.07

Well I lost another pound this week! Completely happy with that. It puts me with less to lose than I already have...yay, I like it when its that way!

Anyways, hope everyone is having a great day. We had about 8 inches of snow overnight, with a solid 4-8 more expected!

The Saturday Wrap up

Well today ended up being kind of a stressful day. I got up in the morning, and headed out to go grocery shopping and was intending on calling the vet to see if I could get the cat in later in the day because he had a little blood in his stool, and it was still runny, so I wanted to get it taken care of (approaching the holiday week and all), well of course, I get out and about and get ahold of the vet, and the only appointment they have is in like 45 minutes, so needless to say I have to turn around, and go get Chase now. So I do. Then I get to the vet, and $125 later, I learn he has a parasite (no big deal, common in kittens), and he has fleas. So yes, now I have fleas. I'm not happy about that. I've had Duke almost 5 years, and never had a problem....and now I do....ugh. So needless to say, I was not happy. After that I went and worked out, and ate lunch and decided to go grocery shopping (again), and I got to the store, and I swear to god, everyone in the greater Ann Arbor area was there....it was disastrous.

But I got home, and I made chocolate chip cookie dough truffles....they look like they are to die for! But I haven't tried one. I did try a smidgen of the cookie dough, and had some licks of the chocolate, but I counted it for two points, since one truffle is 4 points, I figure it couldn't be more than half. But I did good, kept my fingers out of everything. Ya!

Tomorrow some more cookie baking with my mom, and some chores around here. Hopefully hit the gym too, but we are suppose to get some serious snow. They are saying 4 to 6 inches overnight and 6 to 10 inches tomorrow during the day, so I don't know if I will brave going to the gym or not.

Weigh In tomorrow! I will post with that. Until then, here's my menu, for your reading pleasure!

Morning
80 oz water	0
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	2
Midday
Black Bean Chicken Casserole - Quick-added food	4
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
1/2 Tbsp peanut butter	1
1 cup Egg Beaters	2.5
Go Lean w/Yogurt and Fiber One	2
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	3
Truffle licks - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Menu

Well here is the menu for today, I actually ended up going out to dinner tonight with a new guy, and since he was late (stuck in traffic, and got lost...poor guy) He insisted on buying me dinner, and the only place we could possibly get into was a Chinese place....oh boy. Well I picked what was their version of vegetable chow mien, and I hoped that was a good choice. Which when I got home, I looked up PF Changs, and used a whole dish there, which was like 9 points. I ate like 2/3 of the plate of it at the place we ate (which was not PF's), so I figured the 8.5 points I had left seemed like a good enough estimate. Lots of water to wash all the sodium out tomorrow!

Morning
128 oz water	0
1 medium apple(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Chicken Black Bean Casserole	4
1 medium apple(s)	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	8
Evening
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Lunchmeat - Quick-added food	1
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
Vegetable Chow Mein - Quick-added food	8.5
Subtotal	11
Snacks
No entries for this meal time.
Subtotal	0
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Success

"I have failed many times, that's why I'm a success"
~Michael Jordan

So very true! Don't we really only learn through failure? When we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and try try again, isn't that when we learn how to be a success? I know I am that way! None of us learned to ride a bike without training wheels without falling over, or hitting the tree at the end of the driveway! But we tried it again, and eventually, we learned to do it. Same thing goes with changing the way we live. I've learned alot of things. Such as the old "oh I can keep a trigger food in the house and eat controlled portions of it" NO, NO I can't. I've learned that, after I don't how many times of failing with trying to eat a controlled portion. Or the "oh I can keep the weight off without keeping track of what I eat!", I learned I can't. And in the end, these failures are what will set me up to keep the weight off in the long run. I've tried things, and sure enough I've failed at them, but it just makes success, winning the battle, so much more satisfying.

Moral of the story, we will all hit road blocks in our journey, but pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and enjoy the success you deserve!

I'm feeling a bit better today. I still don't feel wonderful, but I feel better at least. I think I am going to attempt to make it to the gym tonight. I don't want to get out of the habit of going, because that is always when I get out of the habit of going, when I miss once or twice. So I'm going to push through the workout tonight and get it done.

Nothing exciting planned for dinner tonight. The roommate is out of town from this afternoon through Sunday or Monday, so I'm gonna hit the gym, and then have some leftovers or a sandwich and enjoy a quiet house! Although the house really is never quiet these days with a black fur ball running around, and a 70lbs Golden Retriever chasing it. But it keeps my life exciting, and I'm enjoying it :)

Things with the new kitty are going pretty well. We were having some bathroom issues the first couple nights, but last night we did ok (I think, if he didn't I haven't found it yet!). I'm really hoping he will get the hang of the litter box soon.

I might have a date this weekend, that I am very excited about....The Prospect looks promising!

Other than that, nothing terribly exciting for today, but I will post with my menu later (I know, I know, the highlight of everyone's day!). But until then, everyone stay healthy!

Morning
120 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Black Bean Chicken Casserole - Quick-added food	4
1 small apple(s)	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	8
Evening
10 1/2 oz frozen cauliflower	0.5
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Lunchmeat - Quick-added food	1
5 oz potato(es), baked	2
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
Fib One Go Lean w/Milk	3
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Dum Dums - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Sorry

Unfortunately I can't figure out how to get blogger to not crop out duke! I'm so bummed. But you guys can at least see the kitty!

The Menu, and the animals

Well here is one picture I was able to come up with of Duke and Chase. Duke looks thrilled chase is cuddling, ha ha. Also, menu posted below.

Morning
128 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Tuna Salad - Quick-added food	2
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
1 small apple(s)	1
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	7
Evening
2 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
Black Bean Chicken Casserole - Quick-added food	6
1 Tbsp peanut butter	2
Subtotal	10
Snacks
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Vices

"Nothing is as certain as that the vices of leisure are gotten rid of by being busy"
~Seneca (5 BC -65 AD)

I often find that when I'm struggling with my eating it's truly because I am bored. It's amazing to be how much I can eat, or how much I think I'm hungry when I have nothing better to do. I've found I can go a whole day without eating if I'm busy! I never thought I had any vices, I didn't gamble, I didn't smoke, I didn't do drugs or drink, but now that I think about it, I have a vice. My vice is food. When I'm bored I eat. When I'm sad, I eat. When I'm stressed, I eat. I'm learning to overcome this vice, but I know it will take time, and a lot of new hobbies to put a kabosh on this vice.

Today I'm really not feeling so hot. I really thought for the last couple days Chase had been bothering my allergies, being I am allergic to him, but as today has went on, I have gotten to feeling worse and worse. I'm flushed in my cheeks, and cold. So I would definitely say that I'm getting a cold or something. Hopefully it will be short lived...I have alot of gym days to get in yet this month :)

I went to the gym again last night #6 of 18 times. Go me! I am really liking the gym...maybe because its something to do to keep me busy and out of the chip bag! Plus I think it makes me sleep better, and helps me have more energy. My clothes are feeling loose, so I have a feeling I will see a good loss come Sunday, but the scale could play tricks on me....we never know what kind of mood he'll be in!

Anyways, that's it for me today. I'm gonna go home and snuggle with the animals on the couch and try to "sleep off" this cold. Hope you all are healthy and happy!

Change

"Only I can change my life, no one can do it for me"
~Carol Burnett

Some quotes I think need an explanation, other quotes I think speak for themselves, and this one just happens to be one that speaks for itself. Enjoy it.

My day has been good. I've been freezing my butt off all day though. Here in Michigan it has been freezing rain/raining for the past couple days, and everything is a mess. Yesterday morning I pulled out of the garage and went to brake and wait for the garage door to go down, and my truck actually slid down the driveway, it was kinda funny. So needless to say, it's been a skating rink. I just wish we'd get some snow for Christmas. I love white Christmases.

I'm anxious to get home from work today to see how Chase handled himself for his first day all by himself. I'm lucky I have a laundry room that is rather large and I can shut off from the rest of the house, so I locked him in there with his litterbox and food for today, and I'm hoping all went well...fingers are crossed, ha ha.

Eating has been good. I'm kinda lucky because there hasn't been too much temptation at work lately, usually that's one of the places that is hardest for me. I was worried about the holiday season, and with the exception of a few vendors who have dropped off the devil (also known as mixed nuts), I haven't had too many options to be bad, and I haven't strayed from plan at all...go me.

I have some more holiday baking this weekend (I know, I said I was done!), but I forgot I have the annual cookie bake with mom (and now my brother fiance), and then next weekend my mom and I are making Hungarian Coffee Cakes, which are a Christmas morning tradition in my house for as long as I can remember. So still not done, the good thing is, after all this baking, I think I will be baked out for awhile.

I'm trying to get my mom to join weight watchers after the first of the year. She's always been overweight, except for one time, which I truly believe she became anorexic awhile back, and of course she became sickly skinny. She tells me she would love too, but she thinks she can do it "without counting the points". So I know thats an excuse, but I'm not going to let her blow me off, I would love to see her lose a bit of weight come the new year, but she has to want to do it.

Tonight I'm going to get the gym for #6 or 18 workouts for the month, and believe it or not, I am kinda looking forward to it. My workouts are short and to the point, and I think that is why I like them so much, I can be in and out of the gym in like 25 minutes. That's great for me, as time is always crunched anyways.

Nothing else new and exciting. menu will be updated below later.

Morning
144 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
8 oz carrot(s)	1
Taco Soup	4
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
Tuna Salad - Quick-added food	3
Bread - Quick-added food	1
LaTortilla Wrap - Quick-added food	0
2 3/4 oz potato(es), baked	1
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
1 medium apple(s)	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22

What you can do...

"Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. Plan more than you can do, and do it"

~Anonymous

It all starts here. That's what you want to do, plan what you want to do, and do it. Heck if it looks like more than you can handle, you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone to really grow as a person anyways, right? I know my "for instance" in this situation isn't even weight loss based, although I can give an example in a bit. But when I graduated High School in 1999 at the ripe young age of 17, I was determined that I would graduate college in three years, while working full time. Everyone...and I do mean everyone told me there was no way that I could do it...hell, there were days when I was pretty darn convinced I couldn't, but I wanted to prove them wrong, and sure enough I did. I worked 35-40 hours a week and graduated college in 2 years and 9 months....with a bachelors degree and honors. And then by the time most said I would just be graduating college, I had my masters.

But on the weight loss front, I didn't really think I would be able to stick with any plan for that long, I never had been able to before. But I proved I could. I set my sights high, a goal weight that is thinner than I was in High School, and you know what? I'm still working towards it, but I'll get there, I've planned to do, so I know I can with hard work, what are you guys planning to do?

My weekend was a success. I had another On Plan weekend...my second in a row. They were my downfalls for a couple weeks, but now I'm feeling in control. I baked Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I got a new kitty this weekend. I know, I know, I said I wasn't going to get one, but I caved. It came down to have one kitty left, and he was the runt, and I have this thing for the longshots. Duke (my 4.5 year old golden retriever) was the runt of the litter, and the last one left, and turned out to be such a great dog, so I got this guy the same way...and I'm sure he will be a great cat. He is all black, and I named him Chase (because Duke loves to Chase him, ha ha). I will post some pictures soon. Anyone have any advice for someone who has never had a cat in the house before?

Got the Christmas Tree set up yesterday (and so far the dog nor the cat have knocked it down Kathy! I'm doing good!) and all my holiday baking done....but none of the shopping done. I really should get on that.

Anyways, I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy day! Menu Below:

Morning
144 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Oatmeal w/Protien Powder	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
8 oz carrot(s)	1
Taco Soup	4
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
10 oz cauliflower	0.5
Tuna Salad - Quick-added food	3
Bread - Quick-added food	1
LaTortilla Wrap - Quick-added food	0
2 3/4 oz potato(es), baked	1
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
1 medium apple(s)	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22

Menu 12.9.07

Nothing to spectacular today, made it through the day within my points, could have made better choices, but sundays are hard for me, so its good just to make it through on point. Plus I made it to the gym again :)

Here's the menu:

Morning
64 oz water	0
3 oz carrot(s)	0
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	2
Midday
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Lunchmeat - Quick-added food	1
2/3 cup Go Lean Cereal	1
1 medium apple(s)	1
8 oz carrot(s)	1
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	8
Evening
7 oz cooked cauliflower	0
Split Pea Soup - Quick-added food	6
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Subtotal	7
Snacks
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Hershey Cane Cane - Quick-added food	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Happiness

In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.

Albert Schweitzer

I think in this weight loss journey, we all get so concerned with that end number...the goal weight, that we seem to forget about all the things we have accomplished up to this point, and where we are today. It's so easy to get caught up in the future, and how great our lives will be once we lose "those last pounds", that we forget to praise ourselves for all the weight we've lost, and how great we feel up compared to what we used too. I know myself, I am always thinking what it will be like when I am the 145 or 142 that I would like to be, how great my clothes will fit, how wonderful I will feel, but I forget to take a minute to reminisce on what I felt like a year ago, before this journey.

I know before I started weight watchers, I was sick alot (probably from not eating anything good!) and I have terrible indigestion. I was always dehydrated, and I constantly overate (probably what caused the indigestion), and now, a year a later, I don't have alot of these problems. Sure, I get sick occasionally, but not nearly as much, I don't get indigestion, I drink plenty of water and most of all I feel healthy, which I didn't before, thats a great feel. So much like Diet Coke and Zinger did (with her Do Do List), take today and appreciate where you've been, and how far you've come, because you deserve it.

Weigh In

I lost 1.2 pounds this week, not quite as much as I was hoping for, but it's a loss, and totally average for me so I will take it!

Menu 12.08.07

Well I think I did good today, afterall, I baked cookies, and I only end up tasting a small piece of dough (had to in order to see whether or not I used enough peppermint extract) and had 1/2 or 3/4 of a cookie. Go me! Otherwise ate good, not as much water as normal but still 64 oz. Here's the menu, weigh in in the morning.

Morning
64 oz water	0
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	2
Midday
1 item Country White Bagel	1
Lunchmeat - Quick-added food	1
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Fib One Go Lean w/Milk	3
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	8
Evening
Taco Soup - Quick-added food	4
7 oz cooked cauliflower	0
3 3/4 oz potato(es), baked	1.5
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Peppermint sugar cookie - Quick-added food	2.5
Subtotal	10
Snacks
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
3 oz carrot(s)	0
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Our Greatest Battles

Our greatest battles are that with our own minds.
Jameson Frank

How true is that quote honestly? Isn't 99% of what we all go through in this battle with the fat in our heads? I know my biggest battle with my mind is the weight I should ultimately end up with. Weight Watchers says my healthy weight range is 131 to 158 pounds. So the goal of 145 that I initially had set, was a good goal, I would be a healthy weight, but for some reason, I have it stuck in my head that I need to be lower than that, 142, 140, 138. Seems as my weight goes down, so does the number I *think* I would be happy at. I use *think* because I don't know that I will ever be truly happy with my weight, one way or another I think in my mind I will convince myself I could always be a little thinner, after all, the weight ranger does go down to 131, right? So I think the biggest battle I fight is with my mind, getting myself to become happy with who I am, and my body, I know I now look healthy, and that should be what matters!

Nothing really exciting going on here. I'm still OP, which is a great feeling, I'm heading into the first full week without an "opps", I hope I make it all day tomorrow on plan too...more baking cookies is always a challenge. But I'm motivated, so I should be ok. I'm excited to see the scale on Sunday, so I'm hoping there is a good loss. I know they claim when you start running it takes a few weeks for your body to adjust, but I'm hoping this isn't the case. Last week I felt bloated and fat before weigh in, and I'm definitely not feeling that way now.

Nothing terribly exciting for the weekend, baking cookies and wrapping some stuff up around the house. I want to get a few times to the gym in. Once tonight, and once either Saturday or Sunday, haven't decided which yet. With tonight and one other day, I will be at 5 of the 18 times that I have set as a goal this month...look at me go.

Anyways, I will update with my menu later on. Until then...Have a healthy day bloggers.

Morning
112 oz water	0
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	2
Midday
Taco Soup - Quick-added food	4
1 small pear(s)	1
Subtotal	5
Evening
1/8 cup Sugar free maple flavor syrup	0.5
7 oz cooked cauliflower	0
1 serving Sara Lee Bread - Food I created	1
Apple Pancake	5.5
3/4c Crunch w/ Yogurt	3
Subtotal	10
Snacks
Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Hershey Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
3/4 cup Crunch Cereal	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Long Term Goals

You must have long term goals to keep you from being frustrated by short term failures.

Charles C. Noble

I think this pretty much sums up why we all pick goal weights. Because that is something that above all else we want to achieve, and it makes us overcome those short term failures that we all experience. Who hasn't eaten a box of chocolates, indulged to much at a wedding or ate too many cookies while baking (me? never!)?. But when we have our hearts set on that final goal weight, we pick ourselves up off the ground, dust ourselves off, and hop back on the weight loss wagon. But if we didn't have a long term goal, what would be the point of getting back on? So just remember that, that next time you fall off the wagon (even if it runs you over!), get back on, and ride it close to your goal, because we will all eventually get there!

Today has been a good day so far. We have these adorable little kittens at work, and I have just absolutely fallen in love with one of them. Of course I'm allergic, and I don't need another animal, but I just love him. I could careless about the other ones, but this one, he's my buddy. I'm trying to get them to keep him as a work cat, so I don't have to take him home...but I might be forced to adopt him lol...forced, They have me at gunpoint I'll tell ya.

It feels really good feeling like I have control again. For awhile there, I just didn't feel like I did, and of course a few gains showed that. But I finally feel "back to normal". But I suppose this is a good time of year to get back to normal, because I could potentially gain alot of weight not having any control this time of year.

Also, I'm going back to the gym, and that feels good. Last night I went for the 3rd time of 18. So I'm doing well. I was kinda bummed when I got there the treadmills were all full (and it's not even the new year yet), so I had to start on the elliptical and then move to the treadmill when one came free. It makes me wonder how it will be after the new year though, and that bums me out, because I like the gym, its just small.

Tonight I am having Taco Soup for dinner...one of my Weight Watcher Favs. Also going out to get the rest of what I need to finish baking cookies this weekend. I have alot of them to do yet, but I am looking forward to getting them done.

Other than that, nothing too exciting in my life. I hope everyone is having a healthy, happy and "in control" day. Menu Updated below:

Morning
122 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
White Chili - Quick-added food	4
1 medium apple(s)	1
3/4 cup Crunch Cereal	2
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
Subtotal	8
Evening
6 1/4 oz broccoli	0
Taco Soup - Quick-added food	4
1 item Country White Bagel	1
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Subtotal	8
Snacks
Peppermint Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
WW Ice Cream - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

A New Take

So this morning I was cruising other people's blog, looking for a few more to add to my daily reads. And I realized that whenever I am looking for a new blog to add, I cruise through a ton before I find one that "hits home" or blogs in a way I can relate too. In order to read on a daily basis, I have to find someone who I think I share something in common with so that I feel a bit of a connection. I've found a few new ones to replace a few older blogs whom people no longer keep up on, and I'm looking forward to "getting to know" each of them. It's amazing to me how much the people who regularly read my blog and whose blogs I regularly read have truly become "my blog buddies", who I can look to for motivation and inspiration when I'm not feeling any myself.

So today I decided from now on, everyday I am going to start my blog with a motivational/inspirational quote. We can all use a little motivation and inspiration on a daily basis right? I know I can!

So the quote for today:

Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is.
Vince Lombardi

Isn't this quote the truth? How many times have we all set out on this weight loss journey, not really wanting to do it? How much results do we get when we really don't want it? On the other side of that coin, when we really want to be winners, when we want to win this battle with weight that we all face, don't we do so much better? I know I do. This week, I've wanted it! I've wanted to be a winner, I've wanted to step on that scale on Sunday and see a loss for the first time in a couple weeks, and you know what? I feel like a winner! And I know that I will feel like I accomplished something on Sunday when I step on the scale and see a loss! Don't you want to be a winner too?

On that note, I sneaked a peek at the scale last night, and I was down over a pound (and this was at night, when I typically weight more). So I'm hoping for a nice loss on Sunday, it will be nice to be on the other side of the coin, since I've been a gainer for a couple weigh ins now.

I made White Chicken Chili last night, it's the first recipe I've made in awhile that I haven't really been impressed with. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't mind blowing either. So I am going to have to look for another white chili recipe, because I love the idea of it.

Tonight is going to be gym time #3 of 18 for the month...go me!

Anyways, that's about it for today, but I hope everyone is staying healthy and happy, be winners! Menu update later.

Morning
128 oz water	0
1 medium pear(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
White Chili - Quick-added food	4
1 medium apple(s)	1
Subtotal	5
Evening
7 1/8 oz broccoli	0.5
4 oz Low-Fat 2% Milk-Fat Small Curd Cottage Cheese Snack Size	2
1 item Country White Bagel	1
Turkey Lunchmeant - Quick-added food	1
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
Fib One Go Lean w/Milk	3
Subtotal	8.5
Snacks
3/4 cup Fiber One	1
3/4 cup Go Lean Cereal	1.5
Hersheys Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	5.5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Tired Tuesday

The last couple days for me Weight Watchers wise have been great. I did run into some incidents with my baking on Saturday, but I felt a renewed sense of motivation on Sunday and I've been OP since. So today is going to me third day OP. Sunday's are usually pretty hard for me too, because my mom has dinner at her house, I'm always tempted by seconds (which I of course indulged in a week ago sunday, but managed this week to just have ONE bowl of chili), plus she always has junk food around...I mean always. And she has open bowls of mixed nuts laying around...anyone who has followed my blog for sometime knows that I have some issues with nuts. No problem avoiding them, but once I start, it's like a non-stop cliff dive. So on Sunday, she had dinner at home, and I went over, had one bowl of chili, and one whole wheat roll, and that was it! Didn't touch the nuts or any other of the junk food...go me!

Seems as though lately, on sunday when I mess up, I'm less likely to stick so close to plan the rest of the week. So with sunday starting off good, I think that helps.

Tonight I have a haircut over at my mom's right after work, which I admit will be tough because once again, I will be tempted by all that good stuff. But I'm tell you guys so I prevail. I'm always better when I let someone in on my intentions.

I have a ton of holiday baking to do yet, I have chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and peppermint flavored sugar cookies left to make. Plus Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, Peanut Butter Fudge and Cookie Dough Truffles. All sounds good doesn't it? Imagine trying to keep your fingers out of it while your baking it! But I've been doing good since saturday's "incident".

So for the cookie trays for work I decided to go with Snickerdoodles (a family fav), Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, No Bake Cookies and Sugar Cookies. Plus I'm putting some of the candies on everyones plates; Cookies and Cream Fudge, Peanut Butter Fudge, Choco PB balls and Cookie Dough Truffles. How does that sound?

Other than that, I'm just feeling really energized about WW's in general, I have a renewed sense of motivation, and I'm excited. It's been awhile since I've been excited and felt in control. Plus I've gotten to the gym the last couple days. go me!

Anyways, thats it for now, I'll update with a menu later. *UPDATED*

Morning
114 oz water	0
1 medium apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Tangy Pork Chops - Quick-added food	4
1 medium pear(s)	1
Subtotal	5
Evening
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
10 oz cooked cauliflower	0.5
3/4 cup Crunch Cereal	2
6 oz White Chocolate Raspberry Yogurt	1
1/2 cup Fiber One	0
3 items Chocolate mini cakes	1
White Chili	4
1 item Light Multi-Grain English Muffin	1
3 Tbsp Sugar Free Strawberry Preserves	0.5
Subtotal	12
Snacks
WW Ice Cream Cup - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	2
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0

Noelle, I'll email you the turkey enchilada recipe!

Have a healthy and happy day everyone!

Menu 12.3.07

Here's the menu for today. Another OP day. I got #2 of my 18 times to the gym in today, another interval training on the treadmill kicked my butt. Below is the menu for today.

Morning
122 oz water	0
1 small apple(s)	1
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	3
Midday
Turkey Enchilada Casserole - Quick-added food	4
1 small pear(s)	1
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	7
Evening
7 oz cooked cauliflower	0
4 oz potato(es), baked	2
1 Tbsp Fat-Free Sour Cream	0.5
4 1/2 oz cooked orange roughy	2.5
Marinade - Quick-added food	1
1/2 cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese, Low-Fat 2% Milkfat	2
1 item Country White Bagel	1
Subtotal	9
Snacks
Hersheys Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Subtotal	3
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

A Chilly Monday.

Well now that I look back, it's been awhile since I've made an actual post at work....whats up with that. Making me work at work, psssh.

So this morning I've been mulling over some new goals. I know it's not the new year yet, and really that's the time to set your new years resolutions, but I think I will just set some goals now, I'm not one for resolutions regardless.

As of January 5th, I will have been on weight watchers (with the 1.5 months off), for a year. I can't believe it's been a year. When I started weight watchers, I didn't feel like I was fat, or that I was out of control, it was more like, well hell, it's something I will try. And it ended up being something i could stick with, and something I pretty much have stuck with. At this current time, I'll 11lbs lighter than I was when I started under a year ago. I'm very happy with that. I'm hoping to lose a little more by the time I get to the year mark.

So here are some goals for the next couple months.

1. For the rest of December '07, I would like to lose 5lbs. That gives me 4 weeks which to do it in, and I think that is a reasonable goal, even with a couple "planned days off" in there.
2. Get to the gym 18 times this month. I have one down already...so 17 more times!
3. Stay On Plan, except for the days I am planning off, which is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even on the days off, eat sensible, it's not my last meal ever, just remember that.
4. Keep Munching, nibbles, tastes, ect to a bare minimum, these things add up.
5. Have fun and enjoy the holidays.

So theres the goals through December. I have also decided I would like to be at my WW goal weight by March 2nd Weigh In. My older brother is getting married March 7th, and I'm in the wedding, so it would be nice to be at my goal my then. It's totally doable, as it 11.6 lbs from my last weigh in weight, and I have 13 weeks to do it in, which is under a pound a week. So there, I said, that's my goal.

Also, I updated my ticker to my original start weight, and to reflect my personal goal of 142. And a little update to the page for the holiday season. new ticker, new colors....just a world of new.

Other than that, not much new here. Tonight I'm going to hit the gym, come home make some dinner, and I MIGHT start putting the tree up, but I'm not promising that ;)

Menu will be posted tonight. I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy day. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy Sunday!

Well I have to say, even though the morning started out with a gain on the scale (about 3lbs, I expected it!), it turned out to be an awesome day.

It started off good. I went to the gym and did a 20 minute High intensity interval training, which kicked my out of shape butt. I literally felt like I was going to puke when I got off the treadmill, which from what I hear, that's how your suppose to feel if your doing it right. So yay for me!

Then I came home and I did about 6.5 dozen no bake cookies and make cookies and cream fudge. And get this....I made it through the whole day without sampling a cookie or piece of fudge, not even a nibble, nor did I lick any fingers, go me!

Plus, ate sensible and on plan all day. So overall it was a great day. Below is my unexciting menu for day.

I hope you all had great days, and Noelle, I hope you had the same success as I did while baking!

Morning
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal	2
Subtotal	2
Midday
Fib One Go Lean w/Milk	3
Kashi Crunch w/Yogurt	2
Subtotal	5
Evening
Mom's Chili - Quick-added food	8
Whole Wheat Roll - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	10
Snacks
Hershey's Candy Cane - Quick-added food	1
1 bag 100 calorie pop kettle corn, popped	2
Vitatop Sundae - Quick-added food	2
Subtotal	5
Food POINTS values total used	22
Food POINTS values remaining	0
Activity
20 min jogging	3
Activity POINTS values earned	3

Holiday Baking

God it's hard to bake for the holidays without tasting. I did pretty well today, if I must say so myself. I made about 20 dozen cookies, and I for all of the snickerdoodles I made, I managed to not even lick my fingers once. It was a different story once they were baked and laying around, I indulged in a few, probably a few more than I should have perhaps, but I did count them. I also did pretty good with some of the peanut butter cookies I made. I only tried half of a small one, and did pretty well staying out of the dough. So I would say overall I did good.

That being said, I'm not expecting a good weigh in. I did well this week, and I did well today, but I've slacked on my water for two days (today only had about 32 ounces), it's the normal TOM gain week, and I know I gained something from turkey day last week, soooo, that being said, I'm expecting a couple pound gain, at least I am prepared for it.

That being said, I'm laying out three goals for the week:

1. Get to the gym 4 times in 7 days.
2. I've got more cookies to bake...stay out of the cookies and the dough!
3. Stay OP all week, and try not to use any flexies.

Alrighty, I'm up late, and I'm whooped. But I will report my weigh in in thr morning, even though it will be with my head hanging low I'm sure.

Be healthy my blogging friends.