Weekly Weigh-In

This has been a fantabulous week in my pursuit of fitness and weight loss!  Now, mind you, I haven't so much as touched the scale since Thanksgivingish, and I'm sure I'm weighing in above the amount I started at when I began my blog, but progress has been made.  I joined a gym!  And not just any gym...SnapFitness in Sylacauga, which means that when I went for orientation yesterday a trainer worked with me to create a workout and teach me how to use all the stuff!  I've never worked out with a trainer before, but it was incredible!  This is also exciting because my friend Noemi, and my dear husband Wes have also joined.  In fact, Wes and I are going for his orientation (and me for another workout) at 11 (in 45 minutes).  I'm really pumped about having 2 friends that will be working out there, and I have a couple of others that are considering memberships, so this will be some super accountability!  Plus, its all very convenient because the place is a 24 hr. facility.  Plus there's a tanning bed (but I won't be using it until spring).  I'm not sure my New Year's week could be going much better!

As for my typical blog schedule, I promise no, in the spirit of resolutions I resolve to adhere to it during 2011.  I intend to get back to healthy cooking, and will be posting more wrecipes.  In fact, I'm going to go vegetarian again for at least a month.  I did this once for 2 weeks and lost 7 lbs. (this was without exercise!), but I gained it back immediately when I started eating meat again.  I just really want a strong kick start to 2011.

Speaking of 2011, we're having a party here at our house tomorrow night!  We thought about a New Year's party, but decided that we didn't want to compete with all the other parties.  So we're giving our friends the gift of a before party for New Year's.  So, instead of two nights of celebration, we'll all have the potential to have 2....which I think is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Sooooooooo................I might not get to post a blog again before 2011, so if I don't I want to go ahead and wish all of you a very happy New Year!  May you all have years filled with family & friends and all the love, happiness, and craziness that that entails :)

What Are the Odds?

Wes and I have just made an AMAZING decision....we're going to Vegas!  The only problem is that we can't agree on when to go.  So, to be fair, I'll present both of our arguments, and then anyone who wants to comment can take a side.

What I Want:

I would like to go this summer.  It would have to be during the week of the 4th, because that is the only week that Wes gets off during the summer.  It's also (typically, although I don't know for sure yet) a week that colleges summer sessions don't have anything going on (and I will be taking a couple of classes this summer).  I personally feel like it would be better to go now, because Vegas just won't be the same once we have kids (not that we're trying, but you never know what might happen...lots of kids aren't planned).  I also tend to think that once you know what you want you shouldn't put it off because no one is guaranteed tomorrow, and as horrible as it might be to think about that kind of stuff, its a fact that you never know which breath will be your last (or the person you wanna go to Vegas with's last).  Sorry for the morbidity, but its true.  I will be getting about $8500 back this semester from a student loan (fixed at 6.9%).  I would like to use 1/2 to pay off one credit card and 1/2 to take the trip.  Keep in mind I have 3 more semesters, and I will get refunds during those as well.

What Wes Wants:

He would like to wait until next summer to take the trip.  He wants to pay off our biggest credit card (the one I had during college...boo for immaturity).  Then, he wants to use the next refund to remodel the kitchen, and then put the last two in savings (just in case I don't get tenured at the end of next year and can't immediately find another job).  If I get tenured, he wants to take the trip next summer as a celebration of that, and as a celebration of me finishing my Master's degree in Collaborative Ed (which will be finished that May).


After typing both of those, my honest opinion is that I can see his side...he also says that he can see my side.  Which, gets us nowhere with our decision. 

So what do ya'll think?  Should we go with my viewpoint, in the spirit of Vegas spontaneity, and go this summer...no regrets.  Or, should we be more cautious (doesn't seem very Vegas to me) and go next summer.  How much of a gamble would it be to go this year?  Are the odds in our favor???

BREAKING NEWS!!!

First of all, I have a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!  I have a new man in my life.  He's less than a foot tall, but really long, and he's red with white dappling all over....he's Bella's new little brother!  Our new 3 mo. old dachshund, Ingram!

So, right now I'm sitting here at school...waiting on early dismissal at one...then we're out for Christmas break...woohoo!!!  I'm taking both my children to the vet this afternoon.  In the meantime, between now and 1 pm, I'm bored.  I have lots of goodies (all the teachers brought snacks today), but I've already posted grades and cleaned my room.  That leaves me with only the internet to turn to, since I only have 3 kiddos in my room right now (and they're on the other computers).  While sitting here, I "rediscovered" something fun while trying to decide whether or not to delete my Myspace account....personality quizzes!  This popular Myspace past time is something I haven't done in a WHILE.  So, I thought it might be a fun distraction for an hour or so!

What's your name?  Loren Elizabeth Evans McClendon (I wanted to drop Elizabeth when I got married, but the people at the social security office wouldn't let me) 
Do you still attend school?  Unfortunately, yes.  I'm so ready to be done!  I've got a year and a half left online at JSU to finish my Master's, and then I am DONE!
Do you wish you were taller or shorter?  I'm alright with my height, but a few more inches would be OK...I could get away with eating more lol.
Do you wear glasses/contacts?  both, just depends on the day
What color is your hair?  Its been a lot of colors, but it's brown, and I get brunette added to pieces of it 
What color are your eyes?  dark brown
Your best physical feature:  I like my eyes....and I know it sounds weird, but I have good feet (size 7 is perfect for finding whatever shoes I want)
Your best personality trait:  I don't judge people based on their past or mistakes they may have made.  I'm also not judgemental when it comes to choices someone might make as long as they don't affect me.
Color?  to wear? browns & tans....to decorate with? red, black, white, and shades of gray
Non-alcoholic drink?  sweet tea
Food?  Do I have to pick just one?  Mashed potatoes, mexican, & ice cream (but not together)
Genre of music?  rap, country, pop, rock,etc...I like some of all
Band?  Bon Jovi & Train
Singer?  Alanis Morisette
Rapper? Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, & Lil Boosie 
Movie?  Star Wars (the Empire Strikes Back is my fave of those)
Actor?  Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, & Sandra Bullock
Television show?  Undercover Boss, The Amazing Race, Keeping up With the Kardashians, Kourtney & Khloe, HGTV, Ancient Aliens (on History), & Criminal Minds       
Current song?  "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry
Concert you've attended?  3 Doors Down
School project you've done?  My portfolio (It's like a scrapbook of all my teaching experiences)
Place to be?  with family &/or friends-- I'm not really a loner
Favorite Books:  The Twilight series, the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, Behold a Pale Horse (a collection of CIA, FBI, and other government documents that were at some point classified...outlines the true goal of America and "The New World Order"), Wicked, & Life of Pi
Person to be with?  My loverly husband-- Wes McClendon
Flower?  Gardenia
Website?  facebook & my blog
Ice cream flavor?  Blue Bell Pecan Pralines & Cream
Pizza topping?  Pepperoni
State?  Sweet Home Alabama
Country:  God Bless the USA
Culture?  Ancient Greece
Religion?  When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!
Politician:  Historically?  It's a tie between Lincoln & both Roosevelts...alive today? Bill Clinton
U.S. President?  See above question
Language?  I only know English
School subject?  Reading (which is what I teach!)
Accent?  Australian
Moment in History?  Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech
Eat or drink?  eat
Watch a movie or T.V.?  Netflix...it has shows and movies!
Books or magazines?  book
Color or black & white films?  color
Cell phone or camera? camera phone
Rock or Rap?  depends on my mood
Country or folk rock?  country
Alternative or Indie?  alternative
Rap or hip-hop?  depends on my mood 
Screamo or metal?  neither 
Guitar or bass?  guitar 
Drums or Piano?  piano  
Water or soda?  water 
Pizza or hamburgers?  pizza 
Love or money?  love 
God or the Buddha?  God 
War or creation?  Creation 
Meat or vegetables?  vegetables 
Life or death?  Give me liberty or give me death.
If you could play any instrument, which would you chose? Why?  Piano/Keyboard because I would be able to share with other people the tunes to all the songs I've written 
Would you say music is an important part of your life?  fairly so
Have you ever seen your favorite band/singer in concert?  nope 
Have you ever been to a concert? How many?  4 
Do you play any intruments?  not really...i can play basic stuff on the piano
Last song you listened to:  "It was Only a Dream" by Nelly
Does this song have any meaning to you?  Not really....I guess it reminds me of stuff in the past, but I like the song
Last movie you watched:  Disney's The Princess and the Frog
Did you think this movie was good?  yeah, I really liked it!  I wish they'd do more animation and less CGI stuff these days.
Did it make you laugh at all?  Yeah, in a few parts.
Favorite quote from a movie:  "So this is how liberty dies...with thunderous applause." ~Padme Amidala in Star Wars Episode III (There are TONS of great quotes in these movies, though.)  
Does this quote have any meaning to you?  I feel this way sometimes in America.  Too many young people are apathetic about our government, and I see that leading to the loss of liberty over time. 
If you had to be in a movie, what would the movie be about?  Romantic Comedy 
What's your favorite movie? Why?  Star Wars, because it covers so many genres in that one series.  Plus, I loved it as a child, so it has that nostalgic effect on me. 
Favorite movie character? Luke Skywalker 
What's your favorite book? Why?  I LOVE the Percy Jackson series because it bring Greek mythology (which has always been a favorite of mine) into the modern world. 
What's your favorite magazine? Why?  It's a tie between Real Simple & Southern Living       
Do you enjoy reading?  TONS!!!                                                                                                 Favorite quote from a book:  "Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life.  You don't have to live forever, you just have to live." ~Tuck Everlasting                                                   Does this quote have any meaning to you?  It's just a reminder that we're not guaranteed tomorrow, so we should live life to the fullest...I like the sentiment behind it.                          
Are you subscribed to any magazines? Which?  Southern Living & Real Simple             Favorite book character?  Jasper in the Twilight series                                                       Favorite book genre?  Young Adult Fiction                                                                                   Who is your best friend?  It goes through phases...I have several friends that have been around for a while now, though.                                                                                                         Do you trust this person a 100%?  All of them.                                                                            Do you have a lot of friends? Do you think that matters?  Yeah, I have a good many.  I think friends are important, but it doesn't take a lot to be happy. 
Do you still live with your parents?  Nope...I haven't lived with them since I was 18!      Do you have any siblings? What are their names?  David, Jordan, & Jonathan 
Were you adopted?  Yes  
Are you a twin? Nope
What is your current relationship status? Married  Are you happy about that? Why or why not? Very much so 
Do you need a significant other to be happy? I think Wes has greatly enriched my life....we're designed to have a partner in life! 
Have you ever been in love? I love Wes with all my heart. 
Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? I don't think it's love, but I think that you can tell alot about your feelings toward someone right away.
Have you ever been kissed? I would hope so since I'm married...lol 
Do you want to get married? I am, and very happy about it. 
Do you like to keep your personal life private or spread it all around? I'm not very private, but I don't intentionally spread it. 
Have you ever had a broken heart? Is it healed now? Yes, and mostly.  I think if you truly loved someone, you never 100% "get over it."  I think "get past it" would be a better description. 
What is your favorite food? Mashed potatoes, Mexican, & Ice Cream 
Favorite Italian dish: Chicken Marsala 
Favorite Mexican dish: Can I pick all of them...lol??? 
Do you like Chinese food? Some 
What's your favorite kind of soda? Dr. Pepper & Sunkist 
Hot or ice tea? Is it hot or cold outside? 
What is one thing you refuse to drink? Alka Seltzer...I'd rather feel terrible. 
You refuse to eat? Mayo as a condiment...its necessary in recipes, though. 
Best thing you've ever eaten: the food at Calhoun's in Gatlinburg 
What are some of your interests? Blogs (and other internet distractions), books, ancient alien theory, conspiracy theory, religion, politics, cooking, & interior decorating 
The person you have the most in common with: Probably my husband...he really is my best friend 
What do you like to do when your bored? play online or games on on my itouch 
Are you a fast typer? pretty fast 
What is the weather like today? Are you enjoying it? Its cool, but not cold.  Cloudy, but sunny.  It's in an oxymoronic mood.
Are you excited for summer or would you rather be in school? I'd rather it be summer since I'm a teacher and still get summer off 
Do you have a job? What is it? 7th & 8th grade Special Ed teacher at Childersburg Middle 
What are your plans for the future? I hope to finish my Master's in Collaborative Ed 6-12 in spring or summer of 2012, and I hope to continue working at CMS.  After the Master's Wes and I plan to start trying for some kiddos :) 
Do you believe Barack Obama will change things? I wish he could, but the President actually has very little power. 
What type of mood are you in today? A mixture of bored (because I'm done with everything at work), anxious (because I want to get home to my puppies), and excited (because I get out for Christmas break today, and Wes gets to meet Ingram this afternoon!).
Do you write on an online blog? Does it get a lot of hits? Yes...that's what this quiz is for, and I have 4 followers, but other people read it through the links I put on facebook. 
Would you consider yourself an interesting person? Sometimes 
What do you plan on doing after this survey? Going to the last period of the day, giving a math test to 2 kids, going home, take my pups to the vet, and clean house!

It's supposed to be Weigh-in Wednesday, BUT.....

I would like to take a moment to admit to the world that I've fallen and I can't get up.  Just like the little old lady in those often-quoted commercials from the 90's (come on, you know which ones I'm talkin about), I'm down on the floor in a pickle.  Well, not literally down on the floor (that might actually be a good thing if I was down there to exercise).  Anyway, I obviously haven't posted on Wednesday since Thanksgiving, and I bet everyone can guess why.....

If you guessed it's because I've gained weight instead of lost you're exactly right.

It's also because I haven't been walking as much (due to this last blasted grad project of the semester).  And, of course, I haven't been following my Weight Watchers plan...boo me.  And then there was Thanksgiving, and it seems we've been more social lately. 

Anyway, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.  Hopefully I'll get back on the wagon after this weekend (assignment due Friday, faculty Christmas party Friday night, dinner with Jessica and Brad Saturday night). 

Wish me luck.

Things I Like (and my Christmas Wishlist)

I want to do a Christmas wishlist this week, but before I even go there I have to mention 2 things that I like love.



Wes and I got an account a few weeks ago.  It is thebomb.com (yeah, I know I'm a dork.)



We have 7 episodes left in the series.  It is one of the best shows ever!  Wes is coming down every night this week until we finish watching it...sooooo addictive!

And now (drumroll please) for my Christmas wishlist.....

1. Anything on zales.com...Here are a few of my favorite sparkly items (all reasonably priced under $200):




Diamond Infinity Ring

 




                           

 



Pearls & Diamonds





Round Diamond Earrings



Pink Sapphire set in Rose Gold w/diamonds



Black & White Diamonds



          2.  A Christmas charm from Pandora would make a nice stocking stuffer...these are a 

              few that caught my eye:




 Pretty Poinsettia




 Oh Christmas Tree...how I love your two-toned metals!

This sleigh + presents is delightful (especially since its decked out with a garnet gem accent).

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...probably won't happen, but this snowflake charm would make a good replacement.



Star of Bethlehem (and a star as far as I'm concerned because of its dangliness & the fact that it's silver and gold).






   
         
         3.  A shopping trip to Barnes & Noble...the trip itself is a stress reliever, but anyone
               looking for gifts to give me should make a note that they can never go wrong with a
               gift card to a bookstore.

         4.   A gift certificate to.....



I went to a spa on our honeymoon and it was blissfull.
The facial was partiularly awesome.  This Birmingham spa
is supposedly really great, and they have gift certificates on their
website...and LOVELY sounding spa packages....ahhhh.....

           5.  Gift Cards from any of the following stores:

• Buckle
• Old Navy
• World Market
• Anthropologie
• Magnolia's (a store in Sylacauga)
• Buttons 'n' Bows (another local store)
• Itunes
• Target
• Belk
• Banana Republic
• Gap

And one final note...I've been a very, very good girl this year :) 









Thanksgiving Re-cap

          Obviously, I didn't post at all last week...boo me :(  It was just one of those weeks that's the perfect combo of productive and lazy, and I just couldn't make myself sit down at the computer long enough to post.  I started the break off Tuesday afternoon by going to walk with Noemi.  I knew we wouldn't get another chance over the holiday, so I wanted to make sure this happened.  Then, Wes, the Cosper's, another teacher couple, and I went to eat at Marble City Grill.  This was most delicious (as usual), and then we went and burned off all the calories playing Dance Party on the Wii (FUN!).  The only downside to all this excitement was that Wes and I had to get up the next morning at 4:30 and drive to Albertville because he had to work Wednesday (but was off Thursday Friday and the weekend thank goodness).
          Wednesday night was when Wes's family had their Thanksgiving.  It was at my in-law's house, people weren't supposed to be there until 6, and when I got out of the shower at 2 half his family was already there (and I almost walked out in just a towel).  All that earliness aside, however, it was a nice visit.  Between it and my family's dinner the next day (which we drove back to Sylacauga for), I am scared of weigh-in Wednesday this week!
          Friday was the best day.  We spent that morning watching Roswell (this old WB show from when we were in Junior High that we've been watching the seasons of on Netflix), then watched the Iron Bowl.  Unfortunately Bama lost, but I've got to give props to Auburn for their great "Camback."  They were down by 24 at one point and somehow won the game by 1 pojnt...all that can be said is that it's just their year, so I hope they keep on shinin'.  After the Iron Bowl, Wes's sister (Kacie) and her boyfriend (Dillon) came down and stayed with us Friday night.
          Saturday might have tied for Friday as the best day come to think of it....we slept til about 9, and then Wes got up and made a breakfast casserole for everyone.  We sat around and watched movies, and a little after lunchtime his parents came down for a visit.  My parents came by too, so we had both of our families in one place, which just doesn't happen very often.  We had cake and coffee, and Wes, his dad, and myself planned out how we're going to remodel the sunroom doors and windows (This project is actually happening before the kitchen remodel, because it is his parents' Christmas gift to us!).
          Sunday was just lazy.  We laid around watching Roswell (which we are addicted to), and eventually I did a load of laundry.  Basically, the break was just long enough to make me wish it was Christmas break and that we were out for 2 weeks....::sigh::


Now for some shopping....Happy Cyber Monday!

Shopping Saturday (Kitchen Remodel)

     Wes told me yesterday that he had decided that he wanted to remodel the kitchen over the course of this next year, and that I get to pick everything out!!!  This is incredibly exciting.  For those of you that don't know, I am obsessed with interior design.  I sometimes wish that I had went to college to be a designer, but then I think that if it was my "job" it wouldn't be as much fun.  It is also exciting, because decorating is something that we both enjoy doing together.  Wes works at a company that builds mobile homes, so he does the construction type stuff every day.  Together we make quite the team.  In fact, I've had a couple of people tell us that we should open a remodeling/design business.  I mean, who needs a degree if you have talent and (in his case) experience?

     Anyway, I'm getting off on a tangent.  Today's blog is a showcase of all the kitchen products that we will be shopping for over the next year.  We don't really have the funds to do it all at once, so the plan is to buy stuff one piece at a time, store it (I knew buying a house with a storage room was a good idea), and then put it all together (hopefully about this time next year).

Here are our ideas:




Wall Color



Cabinet Color





Backsplash



Wood Countertops



Gray Slate Floor (ignore the tub)

Kohler Sink



Built-In Oven





Gas Range





French Door Refrigerator



Dishwasher!  (We don't have one right now so this is a big YAY!)

Weigh-In Wednesday

Weekly Weigh-In:  229.6 lbs...ehhh...Ok.  .2 lbs less than last week.  I'm not sure that really even counts, but at least it went down and not up.  Not to make excuses, but it has been a REALLY stressful week.  I have 2 grad assignments due Friday, and some MAJOR behavior problems that include lots and lots of paperwork at school.  I SO want to blog about the school stuff, because I think it would be quite therapeutic, but I'm not sure that would be the most professional thing to do, so that's all I'm gonna say.  I need to be less of a stress eater and more of one of those people who don't eat when they're stressed....that would be extremely nice.

Wrecipe:



"Sheperd's Pie"

 

1 1/2 lbs. ground sirloin

1 med. onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

2 c. frozen mixed veggies

3 Tbs tomato paste

1 14 oz. can sodium free beef broth

3 Tbs. flour

salt & pepper to taste

1 container refrigerated mashed potatoes (I use Bob Evans brand)

In a large skillet, saute the onion and garlic on medium for 5 minutes.  Stir in the beef, brown, crumble, and drain.  Add the frozen veggies, cover and cook on medium for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Meanwhile, In a separate bowl combine the flour and beef broth with a whisk.  Add the tomato paste and broth mixture to the skillet, stir, and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes or until the broth thickens.  Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray, pour in all of the beef mixture.  Top with the mashed potatoes, using a spatula to spread them (like icing).  If you want to make it pretty, sprinkle paprika on the top :)  Cook for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees or until the potatoes start to become golden colored in spots.  Serves 6 (big servings) and is 6 points per serving.

I made this wrecipe Saturday night because we had a couple of friends over for the game.  Everyone LOVED it!  It was so warm and comforting, but it was great to know that it wasn't "bad" for us.  Unfortunately, my dear husband insisted on garlic butter french bread, and THAT was bad I'm sure.

Weekly Fitness:  The walking idea has been a winner!  I LOVE how it makes me feel-- both emotionally and physically.  I'm getting into a routine, and in a strange way, I'm beginning to crave it.  As I mentioned in Saturday's post, Wes and I went and walked and played on the swingset that morning.  Monday, Noemi and I couldn't go because it was raining, so we went yesterday instead.  We plan on going  this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, and I am hoping Wes will go with me again on Saturday....maybe to one of the tracks we haven't been to yet. 

1) Goal: I'm bumping my 3 day a week goal up to walking at least 4 days a week.  And I have to walk at least 2 miles each time.  My long-term goal is to turn this into hiking in some of the state parks (what a NICE, free Saturday that will be), and turn the walking on the tracks into jogging bit by bit....but I'm not there yet.

2) Tip:  I've learned to not let my whole diet go just because I don't lose much weight one week.  This is a lifestyle change, not a race.

The Perfect Day

     Today has been a wonderful day!  Wes and I got up and went to the hopital ( I know, you're thinking that doesn't sound wonderful...).  Each year our hospital hosts a $5 jewelry and accessory sale for a fundraiser, and today was the day.  I got a Christmas present for someone that loves zebra print (Kacie, if you're reading this you still won't guess what it is), 2 necklace and earring sets that look like "Lucky Brand" designs, and a white jelly watch (ala Sandra Bullock in "The Blindside). 
     After that. we went back home to eat breakfast.  I had one of the Amy's frozen entrees (Cheese Enchiladas...yummy!), which Wes thought was a strange breakfast, but I think it accomplished dairy, whole grain, and veggies....and it was healthy (because Amy's foods always are-- see my list of websites on the right sidebar for more on Amy's!).  We then proceeded to be lazy for a few hours.
     Once our food had settled, we went to Noble Park and walked a mile.  This park in Sylacauga is fun to walk at because the track goes around an area with playground equipment and a skate park area.  Its interesting to watch the kids doing stunts on their bikes and skateboards.  Some of them are REALLY good!  We were inspired mostly by the swings, however, and decided that it had been too long since we had played on a swingset.  We spent a good 20-30 minutes swinging, and Wes even pushed me a little which was SO much fun!  I think we probably got a little bit of a workout in the arms and abs from the whole swinging process, so that's just an added bonus.
     After leaving the park, we came back to our house and settled in for a quiet afternoon of movies on TV, football, and online shopping for a bedspread.  I've narrowed it down to these (any opinions would be welcome):

 

     Now we're straightening up around the house.  My dearest friend (shout-out to Kristen McDaniel) and my almost favorite cousin (love ya' Nathan Harmon) are coming to watch the game (and by that I mean Alabama).  I'm making Shepherd's Pie (the weight watcher version, which will be my featured wrecipe on Wednesday), and I'm hoping that it turns out OK, because I've never tried this version before.  We're going to have some Apple Wine from the Applebarn Winery in Pigeon Forge (I'm sure the boys will stick with beer), and Wes is making garlic cheese bread.  Maybe the Tide will win, which is the only way (except for winning the lottery) that this day could get any better.

Weigh-In Wednesday

Weekly Weigh-In:  229.8 lbs...YAY!  1.1 lbs less than lat week.  Slow, but...still progress.  I know I could do better if I edited my diet more (I'm cooking healthier, and trying to make better choices, but I know diet-wise I've still got a LONG way to go.  However, the fitness section will better explain my 1 lb. succes...

Wrecipe:



"Egg Salad"

• 2 boiled eggs, chilled
• 1/4 c. chopped onion (or celery if you prefer it, but I don't)
• 2 T fat free Mayo (I thought ewwww at first, but mixed with other stuff it's OK)
• 2 sugar free bread & butter pickle slices (diced)

In a small bowl, mash eggs with a fork.  Add onion and pickles, then stir in mayo.  Serve with your choice of whole grain bread or crackers.  Makes 1 serving (a BIG serving) and is only 4 points!  This is great for lunch or snack.  Personally, I like it better than some egg salad I've had because the bread & butter pickles are sweet but not super-sweet. 

Weekly Fitness:  My goal last week was to play the Wii for at least 5 hours (I thought bumping it up would be a motivator), but I've yet to play it.  I like the Wii....but by the time I make it home, I don't wanna think about working out.  I'm learning that in my home isn't the best place to try a work-out plan.  Soooo...one of my teacher friends-- Noemi (I love her name, btw)-- decided we should start walking together.  We walked 2 miles Monday, 2 today, and are meeting at 10 am tomorrow (no school thanks to Veteran's Day).  I'm pumped about this because of my weight loss and because I think with a determined partner I'll actually see this thing through this time!!!

1) Goal: I will continue to walk at least 3 days a week.  (If I manage to dust off the Wii this week I'll reward myself with 1 medium caramel frappe from Mickey D's)

2) Tip:  It doesn't really matter what you eat, as long as you alter the rest of your food for the day or your workout to accomodate it.  Don't beat yourself up over a candy bar or let it ruin your entire day/week (which is what the old me would've done). 

Surf's Up & Scripture Sunday

     I haven't been able to do a whole lot of web surfing today.  We've been SUPER busy!  We went to Helena yesterday to Wes's friend Eric's house for the game (boo LSU).  Then, we woke up early today thanks to the time change (which, I LOVE).  We've been working all day...cleaning the house, doing laundry, cooking, and finally sitting for a few minutes before bed.  I always feel like if we just had a 3 day weekend I'd get everything done AND be rested when it was time to return to work.  Oh well.
     I do have 1 website I'd like to share though...http://www.livingsocial.com/.  All you have to do is go to the site, give your email address and create a log-in, select your city, and they will send you an AWESOME coupon for that area each day in an email.  I'm signed up for both Birmingham and Montgomery, and I've seen some AMAZING deals.  Try it...you won't be dissapointed.

As for scripture, I've decided to use the blog to help me reach another one of my goals.  I want to read the entire Bible.  I've probably read almost all of it over the years, but I want to read it front to back in order so I definitely won't leave anything out.  I'm starting that this week.  For now, however, I'll stick to my usual method of Bible reading.  I've always enjoyed opening the Bible to a random page after praying that God will guide me to what He wants me to hear.  I did this just now, and the verse that I opened to is, "Whosoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13"  This reminds me of a news story I saw about an inner city preacher this morning.  He was trying to explain the need that we have in America today, and he pointed out that we have a Haitii (or 3rd world country) in our own backyard in America.  Its bothered me lately that we are such an internationally generous country, but we often overlook the need that we have here while sending millions to other countries.  I'm not against aiding those countries, but think we should focus our efforts a little closer to home for the time being.  What do you think???

Weigh-In Wednesday (on a Thursday)

     Let me start by saying that I am SO off schedule this week!  First of all, last week ended on Thursday instead of Friday (not complainging, but it got me out of whack).  Then, we went on a mini-vacay, which wasn't part of the norm for sure.  Then (as if I hadn't had enough crazy), we were out of school Monday (once again, not complaining).  Let me just tell ya', a 4 day week at a middle school leads to craziness, the one last week would have been crazy regardless (think tornadoes), and then the fact that this is also a 4 day week makes everything even more messed up.  So, I guess my crazy schedule (I like routines) is my DON'T LIKE for the week (since Thursday's blog is really supposed to be "Things I Dislike").  The good news is that next week we''re out of school for Veteran's Day on Thursday, and then we have 1 full week before the week of Thanksgiving (which is 1 school day & a Field Day).  Although, since all these breaks lead to short weeks and craziness, I'm not sure that's such great news... :/

     In response to my tops-turvy schedule, I've not been very productive (at anything, including my blog).  Therefore, I'm posting Wednesday's post now because its too important to skip.

Weekly Weigh-In:  230.9 lbs....not alot less than last week, but I'm OK with any progress considering the fact that I didn't count points, and we ate horribly in Gatlinburg.  We did walk ALOT, though, so maybe it balanced out.

Wrecipe:



"Baked Pears"

• 2 pears (cored & sliced)
• 1/4 c. golden raisins
• 1 T sugar
• 1 T brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a small baking pan combine all ingredients.  Bake 30 min.  Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.  2 points per large serving.

Weekly Fitness:  My goal last week was to play the Wii for at least 3 hours.  Well, I have yet to dust off that balance board.  However, I walked at least 10 miles this past weekend both in the National Park, and in Gatlinburg & later in Rock City.  This week the Wii will DEFINITELY be used-- no matter what.

1) Goal: I will play the Wii for at least 5 hours.

2) Tip:  Drink at least 10 glasses of water a day.  No, that's not a typo...I meant 10, not 8.  Usually you see 8 glasses, but my doctor says that for weight loss 8 doesn't cut it.  He says that 10 is more like it, but anything over 8 is necessary for flushing since 8 is just what should be normal.  Weight loss requires you to go above and beyond normal.