tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87303000576115763642024-03-04T23:31:53.451-08:00Beanie's BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-8474557315152298222009-07-25T06:04:00.000-07:002009-07-25T06:25:57.888-07:00It's been awhile...In the words of Stain'd...<br /><br />Its been a while<br />Since I could...<br />Hold my head up high<br />Its been a while<br />Since I first saw you<br />Its been a while<br />Since I could stand<br />On my own two feet again<br />And its been a while<br />Since I could call you<br /><br />It has been awhile since I could hold my head up high. I'm working on it, each day it's a little higher.<br /><br />It has been awhile since I first saw "me"...but looking in the mirror and deep in my soul I'm finding out just who that is.<br /><br />It has been awhile since I could stand on my own two feet...and I will test that out very soon...<br /><br />and...<br /><br />It has been awhile since I could call on myself, where I thought I have enough strength and fortitude to withstand everything thrown my way.<br /><br />These past few months have been a test. Painful and trying. I got therapy and have a therapist who is just awesome and I'm coming to terms with issues. At the end of May two things happened. My grandfather had a stroke and I took a weekend to rediscover who I am, work on my marriage and just center myself. I found out part of who I am, what makes me tick. In that I quit relying on food for comfort most days, I've weaned myself off of all but one cup of coffee a day and accepted that if I'm to be happy I must find that strength within. The get away didn't have the affect I thought I wanted on my marriage...we're parting ways. It's amicable and civil and I hope the dissolution continues to be as such. We're friends and parents...and we can be both apart from each other. As for centering myself...I feel I'm in a good place...<br /><br />I'm taking on the care giving of my grandfather once he's released from the home and I pray all goes well. I'm scared as heck for the future because I don't know what it holds...but who amongst us does? I worry more for my son than myself.<br /><br />Some good news is the scale finally did move after that weekend in May. I'm below 200 now! This morning it was 198! Not much below, but hey I'll take it!<br /><br />This is a photo I took on the vacation...I stacked these up and Alex even left them alone for awhile. To me it symbolizes the balance and peace that came about me that weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHRBgU-qNEnzQr4YyAsA0GO-O1ZOtskCt_21dNwKkNT1XVLERk4XvoX570W88RERSLjlrRsT7HSWETNcRj38BzhRHccjLnxVU6J7uTkdg4c17H4odj2b1IBcC_Ukdgzpvx8ksmUQWcKLe/s1600-h/stones.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHRBgU-qNEnzQr4YyAsA0GO-O1ZOtskCt_21dNwKkNT1XVLERk4XvoX570W88RERSLjlrRsT7HSWETNcRj38BzhRHccjLnxVU6J7uTkdg4c17H4odj2b1IBcC_Ukdgzpvx8ksmUQWcKLe/s320/stones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362388112849745618" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-87546937866919331372009-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:002009-05-19T19:53:21.190-07:00Ok I'll admit itI'm currently coming to terms with something...<br /><br />I'm severely depressed, more a situational, rather than a chemical depression I do believe, but never the less depressed.<br /><br />It dawned on me the other day that I haven't been depressed since I was in high school. <br /><br />Two people, friends, who don't see me often...within a week of each other...commented on my mood and asked me what was wrong. One flat out told me that I'm depressed.<br /><br />I'm not turning to food in this depression, the scale isn't moving...either way..which pisses me off, yet relieves me a bit. I know food isn't a healthy crutch and I refuse to entrap myself in that again...<br /><br />I haven't been keeping up with my blog or my reader for that matter and I hope when I snap out of the funk I'll get back on the horse...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-68484259355772688212009-05-02T05:51:00.000-07:002009-05-02T06:14:24.780-07:00Where to start...???I haven't disappeared or fallen of the face of the earth, or the wagon for that matter. Life has been chugging right along and I'm enjoying the ride...I think I'll bullet point some "highlights"<br /><br /><ul><li>I didn't do the walk, the day was beautiful and my son and I were having so much fun I didn't want to ruin it...There are so few nice days this time of year.</li><li>I didn't travel to D.C. for the cherry blossoms...where does the time go?</li><li>I have been quite the "Becky Home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ec</span>-y" lately...I have been making <a href="http://lynnsweigh.blogspot.com/2009/02/welcome-to-my-kitchen-plusthe-veggie.html">veggie burgers</a> once a week, I made my own homemade ketchup from tomato paste (super yummy and cheap), I made some yummy shortcakes for fresh strawberries with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bisquick</span> and almond milk and they were so moist, and last night I made gravy for the very first time!!! Oh wait, I've made <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=1181">lasagna</a> and <a href="http://greenlitebites.com/2009/04/23/whole-wheat-pasta-pie/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Roni's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rotini</span> pasta dish</a> as well. I've made other stuff in the meantime mind you but those were the highlights! I'm also a SUPER DUPER fan of <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=905"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HG's</span> Onion Rings</a>!!!</li><li>I've been getting 3 to 5, 3 to 4 mile walks in a week and I'm feeling great. I've also been jogging a little and can sprint like no one's business!</li><li>Been trying to decide whether or not to join the Y, with the weather being nice I don't want to waste the astronomical fee if I'm getting my exercise outside!!!</li><li>I went to the doctor, still procrastinating on the blood work...my own <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">scatterbrainedness</span>. She said something that floored me, got me to thinking and really made me do an about face..."You are a <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">healthy</span></span> woman, your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">BP</span> is normal, you're eating right and getting exercise and that I'm glad to see, your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">plateau</span> can be broken through by doing one of the following either step up the intensity of your workouts or lower your calorie intake, otherwise I see no reason you can't break through it. I will however still test your thyroid and we'll go from there"....That to me made me feel, gosh I don't know...there aren't words to describe it!!! ALL OF MY LIFE I've heard nothing but "loose weight, loose weight, you're unhealthy, you have to do something about this weight" from doctors and for her to say that...I was just awestruck...dumbfounded and elated all at the same time. It's helped me look at myself different and look at my food different. <br /></li><li>I have an enormous amount of stress right now regarding extended family matters but this too shall pass. <br /></li><li>I've had a patch lately where I feel like I'm not contributing to "society" like I need to "get out there and get a job"...I know it's because I'm listening to jealous naysayers and I know that the job I have at home bringing my son up is the most important thing I can be doing...</li><li>I'm finding the simple, peaceful joys in life and not beating myself up so much when I slip up...</li></ul>In a not so short nutshell that's my life. I certainly will try to get back here more often even with all the nice weather!!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Toodles</span>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-34238510866526059842009-04-02T19:52:00.000-07:002009-04-02T20:02:58.183-07:00Warning...boring postGosh after my cranky fit I'm feeling so much better. I found out why too...after being way late my TOM came. Joy...I guess two months is my "regularity limit". So what's been going on with me??? I jumped on the scale this morning and then I danced right off!!! I haven't seen those numbers since New Years!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SWEEETTTTT</span> :) Now I won't give up my exercising!!! Today I was quite the busy beaver....I put up the compost bin so I can start making some good soil for next year and so that I may make my landfill contribution even less...then I moved two enormous, heavy, ball busting stones from the back yard, down my mountain goat hill and to the back door...lemme tell ya I'm not joking! I think they were barn foundation stones...I'll have to take a picture. I moved our swing down to the backyard as well. Not as heavy as the stones but it wasn't light...It's one of those one's that are rustic, all wood and look like a bunch of logs screwed together. I then proceeded to sit on it with a magazine and a drink and CHILL!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nidge</span> was asleep, hubs was running errands...Just me and the sunshine! Does the soul good!!!<br /><br />I'll be doing the walk on Sunday...I think...part of me is so ready and the other is so scared...Ugh!!! I think I may go treat myself to a non food reward tomorrow. I'm thinking of getting a small star <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sapphire</span> ring for myself...we'll see.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anywho</span>, see what I mean about BORING!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">LOL</span>...hopefully I'll have something new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thru</span> the weekend!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Toodles</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-22559244413139187932009-03-28T18:09:00.000-07:002009-03-28T18:18:10.958-07:00Cranky...Ugh, I'm so very, very cranky. I can't entirely put my finger on it but I think the following may have something to do with it...<br /><br /><ul><li>Went to an aquaintance's house yesterday. This person was like a sister to me in the past...but in hindsight I see that I was always the benevolent one in the relationship and it really was a toxic relationship. I felt like I was on trial on whole time. So many questions asked in so many "creative" ways. This person doesn't agree with decisions I've made in regards to my marriage...nuf said...</li><li>During this visit which spanned from late morning to late afternoon...carrots, water and tea were offered. That's right NO LUNCH. Grrrrrr...</li><li>Since I didn't have lunch I was ravenous by dinner. Hubs wanted a burger for dinner...so I got him talked out of Wendy's...really nothing substantial to eat. We settled on Long John's and I got the "diet" fish. What a freaking JOKE...The portions were freaking small. Let me tell you I LEFT HUNGRY :(</li><li>So today I thought I'd try a little retail therapy...it didn't work. I'm still Mrs. Cranky Pants...</li></ul>Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-71569922632746010522009-03-24T09:58:00.000-07:002009-03-24T10:00:51.703-07:00Giving in...I called the doctor today to schedule my yearly check up. I'm getting so frustrated...<br /><br />I've been eating well<br /><br />Exercising<br /><br />Resting....<br /><br />But the scale is not budging....<br /><br />So I'm going to have some blood work done. Maybe it's my thyroid, or something else...Maybe it is like my gyno says "You know you are getting older, and as we grow older (she just turned 30) our metabolism's change..." The appointment is on the 7th so I'll let you know what I find out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-11583914396580238102009-03-23T19:41:00.000-07:002009-03-23T19:48:07.152-07:00My nemesisSo after two days of skipped mall walking...BFF has the crud :(...I fought with myself tonight when I came to my bedroom...<br /><br />Put those clothes away and get the printer off the bed...<br /><br />FINE...<br /><br />You should go get on the balance ball and do some squats and crunches...<br /><br />I'M TOO TIRED<br /><br />Make the bed...<br /><br />YEAH WAY TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT...YOU CAN'T SLEEP IN IT A MESS ANYHOW<br /><br />Mmmmm nice warm cozy bed<br /><br />WAIT YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE WILL HELP YOU TO FEEL BETTER?<br /><br />Ok, but I'm only doing one song and I pick<br /><br />BUT DON'T YOU WANT TO CLIMB IN THAT FRESHLY MADE BED???<br /><br />Where did Nidgy put my ball???<br /><br />DANG SHE FOUND IT<br /><br />Only one song...<br /><br />FINE I GIVE<br /><br /><br />I ended up doing two songs...and I feel much better with a made bed AND a nice workout ;) No I'm not nuts...notice I didn't answer myself...LOL, that's how you tell the real crazy's who converse with themselves!!!<br /><br />Good news too...I have found another walking buddy. He's a dear friend of mine from HS and he walks the walkway M-F in the evenings. He said I could join him any time so I may take him up on it. <br /><br />Toodles...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-87556813126596685872009-03-21T07:30:00.000-07:002009-03-21T07:44:01.210-07:00I'm doing it...I'm going to do the local Run/Walk for someone special. It's sponsored/ran by JCARC... Jefferson County Area of Retarded Citizen.<br />All proceeds benefit a local camp for retarded citizens...<br /><br />Here's what their website says "The ARC is a membership organization made up of people with intellectual, developmental, and<br />related disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens, and professionals in the field. They form state and local chapters of The<br />ARC, the largest organization in the disability field. JCARC is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the general well being<br />of persons with disabilities. Most of the activities are held at Camp Friendship, an eight acre area located 3 miles from Reynoldsville.<br />Camp Friendship offers a quiet retreat from everyday life. The two main buildings are surrounded by a pond, picnic areas, pavilion,<br />outdoor fireplace and a variety of recreational equipment. A membership in The Arc is one more voice when The ARC of Pa. and<br />local ARCs lobby before the legislators in Harrisburg and The ARC-US lobbies in Washington to protect the rights of persons with<br />disabilities."<br /><br />I got an email from the coordinator that stated the following in response to my questions...<br />"Beanie, thanks for your e mail. Question #1- the 5 mile is a run, and the 2 mile- is either a walk or run the reason the 5 is only a run is<br />because it takes too long for people to walk the 5 miles. and everyone will be waiting to get the results.<br /><br />Question # 2- the Route- start @ the Town Hall go on 119 towards Punxsy, turn, right onto Reed's Dam Road ( this road is just before<br />the car wash ) go to Reeds Dam and turn around for the 2 miles and if you are running the 5 miles keep going and go up heartbreak<br />hill to a t in the road, and then turn around. and come back to the town hall. we have the state police , Borough police, firemen,<br />ambulance and RE Act- watching the roads for us. looking forward to meeting you, come up and meet me I am the ugly big guy with a<br />mustache. I hope this helps you and answers your questions thanks Pat."<br /><br />So I'm trying to decide which to do. I really think I'm going to do the 2 mile and run/walk it. I'd love to do the 5 but I really haven't trained<br />much for it. I've been jogging quarter miles for a couple of days and when I run for the paper or the mail I can feel that it's helping... So<br />I'm hoping for a fast 2 miles!<br /><br />I've already got two sponsors and I'm super excited to do this!!! My 4 miles are huge compared to the 2 mile but I feel that if I can<br />run/jog most of it then I'll get the benefits from it.. and I'll be helping out a very worthy cause!!!<br /><br />Whew... it's just around the corner!!! Can't wait!<br /><br />Toodles!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-11660527924848175752009-03-17T19:58:00.000-07:002009-03-17T20:20:45.831-07:00MuwahahahaSitting here though I should be up and in bed...Thought I'd post a bit before going to bed.<br /><br />*The reason for my hearty laugh? I just watched my kitty cat ever so gracefully fall from the couch cushion. He did it and then looked at me with his huge eyes...they said "What just happened? AND you didn't just see that did you?"<br /><br />*The dinner went well, better than I expected but I think that was thanks to the fact that once my MIL started inviting everyone and their brother I had enough sense to invite some friends of my own. I don't know how I would have survived otherwise. Hubs was so late getting back from work so that made it ever more stressful!!! I did well eating. I had made <a href="http://greenlitebites.com/2008/03/23/yelatin/">Yelatin</a> from Roni, <a href="http://weight-watchers-points-recipes.blogspot.com/2008/03/split-peas-soup-with-ham-2-points.html">Split Pea Soup</a> from Gina so there was some stuff to eat that I didn't feel awful about. I had a rather hearty breakfast spread out in 2 hour intervals and I had an apple at lunch time. We didn't eat till almost 3pm so I was starving! I had one reuben (yummo) heavy on the kraut and light on bread and meat. My only splurge was MIL's "wind pudding"...which is in essence watergate salad. I drank a lot of coffee and water.<br /><br />*Speaking of water...I've discovered something simple and yet delightful. I have a plastic lime in my fridge. It's been there for awhile. I haven't been to the store to by True Lemon or True Lime so on a whim I gave the lime a shot. I've found a new drink...Yummy! I don't mind lemon juice in my water...but I love lime in it!!!<br /><br />*Another recipe I tried this week...HG's <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=905">Onion rings</a>. I will SO be making these again. Next time I'll add some spices to the Fiber one though. I discovered while making them though, a light coating is NOT a bad thing. Seriously Hubs even liked them. Now Nidgy on the other hand...LOL<br /><br />*BFF and I have been walking like crazy people lately and I've been a bit dicouraged. I haven't really had a loss, but I think I'm loosing inches. Clothes are fitting better, noticing some definition (from the balance ball exercises) and my thighs are rubbing together less. I know I just gotta keep it up. <br /><br />*Speaking of walking...there's a local 2M or 5M run/walk for raising money in April. I'm seriously thinking of joining in. If you raise $20 you get a free T-Shirt :) Haven't decided whether I'm running or walking, or if I'm doing the 2 or 5...<br /><br />That's all for tonight...hope to get out and enjoy a bit o' the beautiful sunshine tomorrow. Thursday will be "A" day...Gyno appointment...UGH...<br /><br />ToodlesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-74354037720842424862009-03-14T20:16:00.001-07:002009-03-14T20:26:10.143-07:00Utterly frustratedSo my "little" get together tomorrow has turned into a fiasco of ginormous proportions. I initially invited 3 people and one of them was my mother in law...well her invite evidentally turned into a free for all (as far as she's concerned) to invite whoever she pleased. This of course was without informing me until after the fact. So now a nice little get together has turned into a stressful situation for me (father in law is coming and that's the most stressful part...another day, another post and believe me it will take a whole post). In my stress I so wanted to go to the convenience store and binge...I mean good old fashioned I'm so mad and can't deal with the stress I'm going to eat whatever and I'll feel better...but I'm not that person anymore. I went all ready to get something with calories off the chart and came back with a HUGE 44 ounce diet green tea with peach fountain drink. I even let this "crazy thinking" spill over into my Nidgy's evening treat. I promised M&M's to him but decided against that as well (I'd eat them and I don't want him getting a chocolate/sweet tooth). I got him strawberry milk (didn't like) and a teensy bag of combo's which I snitched 3 of.<br /><br />It could have been so much worse, I looked at the grapes, pineapple, strawberries and melon, precut and all over priced and looking old...and remembered I have a cantaloupe at home on the counter!!! BUT instead of cutting it as it's for breakfast in the morning...I decided on those 3 combo's and a bag of Curves popcorn.<br /><br />The best part??? I don't feel guilty but I am thinking that I've got an addiction to that tea...LOL. I was going to make full fat cupcakes for the dinner tomorrow...but I figured I better have a back up plan for myself and made them with egg sub and applesauce so I have at least a little something to eat ;). WISH ME LUCK :)<br /><br />ToodlesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-31241600300589752532009-03-13T15:21:00.000-07:002009-03-13T15:22:58.608-07:00An Achy Week...Every day this week I've done some form of exercise...<br /><br />Elliptical<br />Mall Walking<br />A Super Duper 4 Mile Walk<br /><br />I'm feeling awesome :)<br /><br />Plans for the weekend are just grocery shopping and a St. Patty's day family get together!<br /><br />ToodlesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-26212559761755057722009-03-11T12:28:00.000-07:002009-03-11T12:31:44.049-07:00Check it ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttt :)Here's my walk today...the sun was shining and although it's not exactly warm (53°) I couldn't resist anymore!!! Though I think I burned a bit more than 113 calories because part of the walk was STRAIGHT uphill, up steps and on uneven sidewalks...but I'll take it!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ-8XF5gAO1bHQcbRNwgBbnQVErD9ewWiluth0L7U1gsiY-DjoWS_HEAFBwwc53n0G6XXwzd1uUa-t8h9iNjpPsqYJ0GEIi8eZ0DAIgejsYvpqcMDXhNVGhTGvcnyViWsogRfqNzPmbeK/s1600-h/walk.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ-8XF5gAO1bHQcbRNwgBbnQVErD9ewWiluth0L7U1gsiY-DjoWS_HEAFBwwc53n0G6XXwzd1uUa-t8h9iNjpPsqYJ0GEIi8eZ0DAIgejsYvpqcMDXhNVGhTGvcnyViWsogRfqNzPmbeK/s320/walk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312014549391624242" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-46868521118487284602009-03-11T07:32:00.000-07:002009-03-11T07:34:06.402-07:00NSVBFF and I did our walk last night...we were both in pain and both tired but we did it!!! So for the past 5 days I've done some form of exercise!!! I've been putting this in my food journal so I can see progress...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-39610398993073295452009-03-11T07:16:00.000-07:002009-03-11T07:30:34.860-07:00Mirror, Mirror on the wall....I have a love, hate relationship with my mirror...well mostly hate. It's a freaking liar!!! The past couple of days I've run into posts that really made me think...and think some more...<br /><br />Roni posted this <a href="http://ronisweigh.com/2009/03/just-another-skinny-girl.html#more-2963">Just another Skinny Girl</a><br /><br />and full circle<br /><br />KK posted this <a href="http://icanbearunner.blogspot.com/2009/03/just-another-skinny-girl.html">Not Another Skinny Girl</a><br /><br />on which I replied with this post:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I never realized how universal this problem is. I too have body image issues. When I was 308 I didn't quite see myself for what I was. I didn't think I was "that big". When I lost 140 and got down at one time to my lowest of 163 I still felt humongous! I still looked for those pathways through rooms of less resistance, still got the sweaty lip from wondering if I'd fit in amusement park rides, restaurant booths and clothes. When I looked in the mirror I couldn't see the size 8 I'd become, I only saw the sagging skin on my thighs and the loose skin on my abdomen. Now I'm back over 200 and trying to get back in onederland...The gain has made me realize what a moron I was being!!! HELLO....</span><br /><br />So I've decided not to listen to that voice in the mirror...I'll listen to myself and I'm trying to do that more often when I'm eating, when I'm looking at myself...<br /><br />Oh brain why dost thou deceive me? LOLUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-47803422417040283592009-03-10T08:04:00.001-07:002009-03-11T07:32:46.080-07:00H2OhhhhhhhhWhy oh why do I not drink more water??? I'm in the first week of trying to cut out soda. Right now it's just my water pitcher (with a little True Lemon added occasionally) and my coffee pot that are hydrating me. I know the benefits of being hydrated...I'm more regular, I feel better and most times it satiates my "hunger". I started keeping the pitcher in the fridge because I LOVE my drinks ice cold and since no one but myself can remember to refill the trays I find this easier! Now I do occasionally grab a diet soda while out and about but now, even after the first week, I've noticed my tastebuds changing...they taste more "diety". I truly believe the last 6 years of diet soda nearly killed my tastebuds. Now as far as my splenda addiction that is going to take considerably more time. I can't stand unsweetened tea (hot or iced) or coffee. I'm hoping to get to Pittsburgh in the near future and check out their Whole Foods. I see on Whey Low's <a href="http://www.wheylow.com/">website</a> that Whole Foods carry's their product in that location. There's also a Trader Joe's in the "Burgh" by the way!!! Has anyone tried this product? I'd love to have something more natural. I find that I'm a very acidic person and I read somewhere that whey is alkaline. (Looking around for that article and will post as soon as I find it)<br /><br />As for the weather??? It stinks. It's turned cold and rainy and I guess I should be thankful it's not snowing enough to accumulate...but I'd rather it be warmer :(. My bff and I got in an awesome walk at the mall and my shins are hurting...but it feels good to be active, I feel alive! Hubs and I are working on the downstairs bathroom and I'll post before and after pics when I get them...<br /><br />Toodles!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-82576059971558630242009-03-06T06:52:00.000-08:002009-03-06T07:25:46.627-08:00Another day...another postIt's nearly 10am and I'm waiting for the sun to come out. It was so nice and refreshing yesterday. I put the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nidge</span> down for his nap, took my phone (which has a built in MP3 player in it), a book and a cup of coffee out to the front porch. Took a few minutes to look towards the sun, scanned the horizon of our lovely town (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DuBois</span>), took a deep breath and got to reading an old book I just discovered on my shelves... <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=CQSstM0AOmQC&dq=what+Katy+did+next&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=VXYHYGrmSD&sig=AoxMbkRu4K7Y5FAbytXWImukyis&hl=en&ei=azmxSf_ICIrGtgfG8f3DBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result">What Katy Did Next</a>. It's a lovely, charming and engaging old book. I haven't got lost in a book for so long, I forgot where they can take me to. This one is about a young lady given the opportunity to travel Europe. It was a real "ME" moment and it was good!<br /><br />I made two trips to the elliptical (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">medieval</span> torture device) today with the music and some determination. I did two 5 min. sessions. I would have kept going the second time but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nidge</span> found me and wanted to "help". If it ever warms up outside I may get in a real walk.<br /><br />A couple things I tried this week...<br /><ul><li>"Green" dishwasher detergent. I mixed 2 cups of Borax with 2 cups of baking soda and have been trying this out in my dishwasher for a cheaper more environmentally safe alternative to regular detergent. I've also been using distilled white vinegar in the jet dry compartment. It was working well with a few exceptions...peanut butter left on the spoons and cocoa in the bottom of my mugs. I didn't want to give up totally so I dumped what was left of my $1 dish detergent from Dollar Tree in it and that did the trick. So it's not entirely "green" but it's saving me green cause it's cheap as heck!</li><li>Making veggie dip with fat free plain yogurt. I'd tried this before with onion soup mix and I was not a fan! Well I tried it with Hidden Valley and it's a winner. I used it instead of the sour cream it called for...1 to 1 conversion. So there's my recipe for veggie dip ;)<br /></li></ul>Speaking of peanut butter...I've tried PB2 and love it. I hate that you have to order so much at a time but it is awesome. I found this <a href="http://fitnutzbutter.com/products.html">site</a> though recently and am thinking of giving it a try. So has anyone tried <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fitnutz</span>? I just bought Hubs and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Nidge</span> a huge tub or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">xtra</span> crunchy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jif</span> and it's a bit dry for my liking which truthfully is a good thing. I LOVE peanut butter (too much).<br /><br />I'm also trying out seltzer water. I'm trying VERY hard to eliminate as much artificial sweeteners from my diet as possible. Cutting down ever so slowly on it in my coffee and tea. I don't particularly like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Stevia</span>, to me it's rather bitter. Well I think I'm growing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">accustomed</span> to the unsweetened slightly salty taste of seltzer and the best part is the ingredients list: Carbonated Water and Natural Flavor. Wow things I can pronounce!!! Between that and water I'm doing better cutting out my soda intake. Every little bit helps. I've also considered ordering this...<a href="http://www.wheylow.com/">Whey Low</a> anyone try it? Would this be a better alternative??? Would my body still be confused??? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">LOL</span><br /><br />I have a confession to make...my nickname<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"></span> is Beanie, I get called it all the time. It stems from my babyhood. When I was a baby I would only eat green beans and so my name was born shortly after I was born...It stuck with me through school and even at my job. I answer to it more than my own name...well my real name is: Sabrina. I love my name, it's unique and I've been told it's pretty. NO I AM NOT A TEENAGER AND I AM NOT A WITCH AND NO MY MOM DIDN'T NAME ME AFTER THE TV SHOW!!! It was actually a name she saw in a baby book and in her book it meant "princess". No real reason for my confession, just thought I'd share.<br /><br />As for my plans for the weekend??? Probably visiting a bit of family and probably exercising. It's supposed to reach 60° but I'll believe that when I see it.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Toodles</span>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-67277153361624722642009-03-05T10:25:00.002-08:002009-03-05T10:38:30.834-08:00Nice knowing you...Ups and downsUp and down...<br /><br />My ups for the day...<br /><ul><li><a href="http://lynnsweigh.blogspot.com/2009/03/calling-all-kitchen-gadget-addicts.html">Lynn</a> mentioned my gadget addiction on her lovely site...</li><li>I have the house to myself for the day and I've ticked off the whole family so I know the phone wont be ringing ;)</li><li>The sun is shining VERY brightly so I think when I put the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nidge</span> down for a nap I'll go the porch with a book and maybe jump on the elliptical.</li></ul>My Downs....<br /><ul><li>Upon catching up in my reader today I found this... <a href="http://diana135.blogspot.com/2009/03/final-goodbye.html">Diana's Final Goodbye</a>. I understand where she's coming from completely. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">poisonous</span> people don't come from the web...they came from my job. I feel 100% better about my marriage and my own personal life now that I'm not surrounded by those that would say things to hurt me. I can take criticism mind you...but the things that some did were just downright mean and spiteful. Don't get me wrong I miss some people, but the one's that were my true friends still are. Diana, if you happen to be reading...Best of luck and blessings to you. I'll miss you and my hopes for you are that you'll find some peace in yourself, life and marriage...</li><li>My nose is running and my throat is sore</li></ul>But in all things...I give thanks!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Toodles</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-32971093074272785702009-03-05T05:14:00.000-08:002009-03-05T05:20:09.822-08:00Contemplating...Do I want to jump on the twitter bus? Do I really need another addiction??? How do I start? How do I keep up??? LOL<br /><br />Through all of this family mess, something has come to light...<br /><br />Evidently I'm completely out of my freaking mind considering quitting my job. My family (blood) questions my thinking and keeps asking me when I'm going back. Hubs family is on that wagon as well...only thing is they're also adding to this claiming me being home has "changed" him. HELLO??? The only thing that has changed is that he WANTS to be at home with his wife and child and he isn't at their disposal...bodily and monetarily. Ugh...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-53529890919877240962009-03-04T08:56:00.000-08:002009-03-04T08:59:43.856-08:00Proud? Clinging to this...Up and down, 3 lbs. up, 3 lbs. down...but not breaking thru that barrier of 200...it's kind of like the frustration I had in the 170's...I couldn't break into the 160's for so long...now I long for those days!!!<br /><br />BUT I keep telling myself...<br /><br />"Girl - You've maintained at least 100 lbs of your original loss...you WILL get that 40 evil pounds off and yes that 10 that eluded you not 1 year ago...YOU WILL DO THIS!!!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-37293794005085124822009-03-03T20:52:00.000-08:002009-03-03T21:14:47.327-08:00I got eight minutes....<span style="font-size:130%;">To get in my Techy Tuesday post ;). LOL<br /><br />Well I think this one's giving me a migrane...lol. You'll have one once you see what I have for you! The following is a list of sites that all have one thing in common...photo's...and how to manipulate them!!! Enjoy...<br /><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a> - Most popular and one of the easiest to use</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://www.photoshop.com/express/landing.html">Adobe Photoshop Express</a> - very Good - also storage</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.splashup.com/">Splashup</a> - similar to Photoshop</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://pixlr.com/">Pixlr</a> - Photoshop in a browser</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://snipshot.com/">Snipshot</a> - flash based editor</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://pixenate.com/">Pixenate</a> - formerly called PXN8 Good<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.picture2life.com/">Picture2Life</a> - Great for Beginners</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.lunapic.com/editor/">Luna Pic</a> - convert to .gif</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://fotoflexer.com/">FotoFlexer</a> - Picasa in your browser</span></li><li> <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://aviary.com/">Aviary</a> - very powerful</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.befunky.com/">Be Funky</a> - Neato stuff you can do with your photo's<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.vincentcheung.ca/shapecollage/">Shape Collage</a> - This is so cool...gotta see it to believe it<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.clevr.com/">Clever</a> - Check it out<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.magmypic.com/">Mag My Pic</a> - Make a magazine cover out of your pictures!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.sumopaint.com/">Sumo Paint</a> - great place to fool around</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.pizap.com/">PiZap</a> - Very Fun Site</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flauntr.com/flauntr/">Flauntr</a> - 1000s of free photo designs</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://funphotobox.com/">Fun Photo Box</a> - make funny pictures</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://canvaspaint.org/">Canvas Paint</a> - FireFox Browser Only</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://labs.wanokoto.jp/olds">Age your photo's</a> - You have to choose English in the upper right corner ;)<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;">There ya go...hope you find something you can use. I haven't tried them all but they all look like fun!<br /><br />Aside from laundry, dishes, arranging my cookbooks and cleaning out the cellar way I had a rather uneventful day. Of course there's the family drama, but that is a constant...unfortunately.<br /><br />Toodles ;)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-40657108342910130912009-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:002009-03-03T12:00:18.080-08:00I don't need itUGH...talk about a week from H-E-double hockey sticks....<br /><br />Girl, you don't need to go downstairs and raid the cupboard, you don't need to soothe the anger and frustration with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">noshing</span>...<br /><br />Keep you butt upstairs while the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nidge</span> is napping...enjoy the sunlight coming in the windows, the cat purring at your feet, the comfort of clean blankets and the quiet stillness of the house...<br /><br />Self talk done...now on to the blogging ;)<br /><br />Things are crazy mad with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">in laws</span> right now and it's frustrating...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">FIL</span> wants Hubs to do all his running while he's in the hospital for rehab. While he was going to the Burg' for chemo treatments he had a heart attack, which landed him in the cardiac unit. Upon his release he was at dinner with Hubs and fell and broke his knee, which then put him in rehab in the Burg...he was there for two weeks. Well they shipped him up here for rehab and now Hubs is at his beck and call at all hours. He's helping friends with their rentals (plumbing), his mom often needs him for this, that and the other...and on Saturday at 6 am we got a phone call from his cousin who was in NYC where he'd been "stranded". I put that in quotes, cause no one really knows what happened up there. I'd had it Saturday with repeated phone calls from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">FIL</span> to have Hubs call him (I told Hubs to go have some fun hunting with his buddy but not to take his phone). Then I receive this call later in the afternoon from some woman who is furious with his cousin and takes it out on me. So not only did we pay for a bus ticket to get him back in the state (we did get paid back my his mom) but I got a butt chewing from some woman who somehow mysteriously got our unlisted phone number. UGH. I let my anger get the best of me unfortunately and said somethings that needed to be said anyhow to his cousin...and now I'm the bad gal...Let me tell you by the time Hubs was back home I was SO READY for girls night. Which was awesome by the way. I did very well considering the stress I was under. I volunteered to be DD so I limited myself to 2 beers (they didn't have my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MGD</span> 64's) and drank water the rest of the evening. When we all got back to my bff's house my veggie tray worked wonders for my snacking!!! Everyone loved my dip too (recipe in a few days). There was chicken dip but I didn't use the tortilla's that were supplied, I used cucumber slices from my veggie tray ;). I had 2 of my fave-o mixed drinks...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jager</span> Bombs and was pleased to find out the next day that with sugar free <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">red bull</span> the drinks were only 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pts</span> a piece!!!<br /><br />Man, when I get on a roll...well you see ;)<br /><br />Yesterday I tried out a new recipe for Veggie burgers. I got it from <a href="http://lynnsweigh.blogspot.com/2009/02/welcome-to-my-kitchen-plusthe-veggie.html">Lynn</a>'s site. I did the first three ingredients in the processor, then moved to a bowl. Following that I did each ingredient <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">separately</span> in the food processor, one at a time. I didn't want to chop all those veggies by hand! I got nine out of the recipe but I think next time I will get less because I'll make them a little thicker. They are very yummy. I had two of them for lunch today. I did make two other additions to the recipe...I added about 1 tsp. of oregano and rosemary to it...and I used dried green peppers instead of the red one's that are called for in the recipe...I will certainly be making these again.<br /><br />All for now...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Toodles</span>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-88514817063886621942009-02-27T06:53:00.000-08:002009-02-27T07:21:48.345-08:00My List o' tunes...and a few other things...Tony - <a href="http://theantijared.blogspot.com/2009/02/fuji-apple-bottom-jeans-blogs-with-fur.html">THE Anti-Jared</a> - posted his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">play list</span> today so I thought I'd join in and do the same.<br /><br />First of all I must state...I do not have an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ipod</span>, or a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">zune</span> or any kind of MP3 player...<br /><br />WHAT??? Yep, haven't had the pleasure of getting one of those fantastic gadgets yet...but truthfully I don't need one. I have my Chocolate 3 with a 2GB card in it and it works just fine. I can plug in my fave ear buds or have it transmit my songs through my car radio (I love that function) and it's small so I can fit it anywhere...Well onto my list...this is my exercise list...<br /><br /><ul><li>Apologize - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Timbaland</span></li><li>Circus - Britney Spears</li><li>Dangerous - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Akon</span></li><li>I Like That - Houston</li><li>I'm In Miami B**** - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">LMFAO</span></li><li>In The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ayer</span> - Flo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rida</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jizz</span> in My Pants - The Lonely Island (weird song but the beat can't be "beat" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">lol</span>)</li><li>Let's Do Something Crazy - Ashanti</li><li>What Them Girls Like - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ludacris</span></li><li>Bombs Over Baghdad - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Outkast</span></li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Paralyzer</span> - Finger Eleven</li><li>What Is It? - Baby Bash</li><li>Whine Up - Kat De Luna</li><li>Womanizer - Britney Spears</li><li>Down With The Sickness - Disturbed</li><li>Just Dance - Lady Gaga</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Killa</span> - Cherish</li><li>Miss Independent - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Neyo</span></li><li>Sexy Can I? - Ray J</li><li>Something In Your Mouth - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Nickelback</span></li><li>What's A Girl To Do? - Bat For Lashes</li></ul>Whew, forgot I had so many!!!<br /><br />LOVE Music...All kinds...yes even rap, metal, classical, country, oldies...etc...I heard that my FAVORITE group from the 80's is putting out a new album and going on tour...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">DEPECHE</span> MODE!!! I think the closest they're coming to me is Atlantic City. Live music is nice, local bands and such...Going out tomorrow to get my dance and drink on with the girls. We're all pumped about it. I can't drink much and I'll be drinking early cause I've volunteered to be DD. I love doing this because then I don't spend a night drinking calories, I remember everything in the morning and I don't get a hangover! We're having a get together at my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">bff's</span> house afterward so I'm bringing a veggie tray and making some pumpkin/cake mix muffins.<br /><br />Found this interesting <a href="http://theresurgence.com/Spiritual_Disciplines_Fasting">article</a> today...I think I may take a fast from the net one day a week. I know I spend entirely too much time on here. I should be exercising while the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Nidge</span> is napping!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">LOL</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Now</span> since I mentioned exercise...I've been sleeping like a baby lately. I switched up my exercise. Before bed at night I do a little routine. I don't know if it would be called resistance or strength training. I use the ball and do leg exercises, then do some ab exercises and then use the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">dumbbell</span> to do sit ups on the ball. My muscles are aching but I'm sleeping like I haven't slept in a LONG time! Along with walking a couple times a week I'm feeling much better.<br /><br />Well I must depart, take care of my sick wee little boy. He's running a fever and coughing and sniffling and pooping...poor guy :(. I hope it doesn't last long. Both hubs and I are known for our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">respiratory</span> issues (neither of us smoke either). I don't have quite as many bouts of bronchitis as I did when I was heavier, but they come around once in awhile. <br /><br />Enjoy your day, however you may!!!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Toodles</span>...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-86450030713262892942009-02-26T14:05:00.000-08:002009-02-26T14:18:27.929-08:00Pile of stuffLike the laundry piled in the laundry room on "off" days...Here's a messy posts of whites, darks, colors and lights ;)<br /><br />No rhyme nor reason, just wanting to share...<br /><br />Nidge is sick, coughing, pooping, sniffling sick. I couldn't figure out why until I remembered he was at the pediatricians office this week for his yearly. He picked it up there :(. Poor sniffling sad wee boy.<br /><br />I spent WAY too much money on groceries today. Aldi's had a bunch of fruit and veggies for $1.99...wahoo!!! I also found the fat free promise I so love. They changed the packaging, instead of two little tubs it's one big tub. This stuff only has 5 calories!!! I'm a happy gal. It's not an all purpose spread, but it is good on toast and on baked potatoes and such.<br /><br />I got Kim Bensen's email newsletter today and she has a load of "comfort food" recipes right now. You have to go and get them soon as she doesn't keep archives of them...Here's the link <a href="https://kimbensen.com/recipes/chicken-pot-pie">Kim Bensen</a> Enjoy!<br /><br />Some free downloads that you all may be able to use. Video slicing, screen capturer, task manager and disk analyzer. <a href="http://www.extensoft.com/?p=downloads">Free Downloads</a><br /><br />On an odd note, I was carrying my son to the living room and got a weird "sense". It's hard to explain but I got the scent and mental note of those nasty Easter eggs...you know those nasty "fruit flavored" ones that are covered in chocolate. I'll have to go to the store and let you know what the true name of them are. <br /><br />I think that's it...Got to fill ya in on my houseguest and my fab O weekend out!!!<br /><br />Toodles :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-24621496224238360312009-02-24T07:43:00.001-08:002009-02-24T07:46:24.762-08:00A treat for me...I was looking through the paper last night and saw that one of the local bus companies has a bus tour in April to go see the Cherry Blossoms in DC. It's only $66! I told hubs I'd like to treat myself to a mommy's day out. He said go for it!!! So I'm really thinking of doing it. I figure it's an awesome opportunity to take some fabulous photo's, see some sites I've never seen before and just enjoy. Anyone every been on a bus trip? I don't know what to expect at all!<br /><br />Not much else is going on. I've had a sinus headache for two days :(. I've noticed that when I get these I tend to snack more. I've recognized this and am now going to do something about it. That's why I'm blogging right now...to keep my fingers out of the "cookie jar". <br /><br />Toodles :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730300057611576364.post-17173186606338160472009-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:002009-02-23T07:35:13.689-08:00The AftermathThe visit's weren't that bad. First stop, cousins...computer work while hubs did plumbing. I took a Fiber 1 bar just in case. I started getting a headache around 12:30 so I ate it up. To my relief cousin and my dad went to the store and came back with chipped ham...whew!!! No chips...sweet!!! I ate a sandwich and a half with just mustard and it was good :). A few hours later, movie and pizza's...I had went to Aldi's and picked up one of their Fit and Active Pizza pouches. I love crust and these sure are crusty. They satisfied my craving for 5 points, verses the 9 that a relatively similar sized piece of pizza would have (1/4 of the pizza). I had a salad and a few nibbles of Nidge's crust *did I mention I LOVE crust?* Later when everyone was having chocolate cake with PB icing I had an apple and one nibble of the cake (I think the bite was like an inch square). All in all it wasn't a bad day, I went over points and the scale is up a tad...but I didn't completely blow it...<br /><br />Just thought I'd make good on my promise to show my equipment...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ut4KEj-_oecugcy9SLgzi8glh3gdAbMasTweN6o0d9-8mwsV0sKYYwi3FraovPnbbu6IhhY6outk7LfYHDrPh4AZTh49ioMv1U_w0ERu_CQtOzvbttHMcLbmbDfJuuEjtL8n4V1YVq-n/s1600-h/DSCF2257_640x480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ut4KEj-_oecugcy9SLgzi8glh3gdAbMasTweN6o0d9-8mwsV0sKYYwi3FraovPnbbu6IhhY6outk7LfYHDrPh4AZTh49ioMv1U_w0ERu_CQtOzvbttHMcLbmbDfJuuEjtL8n4V1YVq-n/s320/DSCF2257_640x480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306014995458498210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another shot of the cookbook cupboard. It's one of my favorite gifts from my dad...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DtwHSYG6Nm6vgn8qTm4CwtV__I1B0bVD-_SnjulwSqZPvUVU4_ymGo39NlPxUUooeLGYXglTP6FruKwHetqtJhMfIiC0noldzQ7UcSL0jqzQe__VxoCrxsPI8AkXEM3o77W1oM2rv7Kt/s1600-h/DSCF2256_640x480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DtwHSYG6Nm6vgn8qTm4CwtV__I1B0bVD-_SnjulwSqZPvUVU4_ymGo39NlPxUUooeLGYXglTP6FruKwHetqtJhMfIiC0noldzQ7UcSL0jqzQe__VxoCrxsPI8AkXEM3o77W1oM2rv7Kt/s320/DSCF2256_640x480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306014994820117554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the fridge. I love having the freezer on the bottom. I drove hubs nuts till I got it! Nidge likes to play with magnets too...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKIMlge181zxUjclnEOdwyoJIXtcN7TTgrRjq6lnNOZvFWdktzZ90Psg5FEWO6FXpbpbYvVW3pqlOpoP1-W3amH-awNuwITZeZoK2T494M7qqo_sl0C-2r3FVXScri1Kq0ZNIKsaVebs2/s1600-h/DSCF2255_640x480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKIMlge181zxUjclnEOdwyoJIXtcN7TTgrRjq6lnNOZvFWdktzZ90Psg5FEWO6FXpbpbYvVW3pqlOpoP1-W3amH-awNuwITZeZoK2T494M7qqo_sl0C-2r3FVXScri1Kq0ZNIKsaVebs2/s320/DSCF2255_640x480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306014989187418354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the stove. I was making cookies for a friend the day the photo was taken. We got it from some very dear friends of ours. Having the two ovens is great. The top one heats up in a snap and unless I'm cooking for a holiday the bottom rarely gets used.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-xNkWxkY4Qa_WvLgvaQQ3tsfsGhkLmFI53KYW5HbAJxcoTKt5lVbJbppA6NrI_wnrCRupLLysnMVzdz_rp8BWQWqBl_vrqYm9z-7GaiLsTPXWmjUsLy4A7TCiTLyF2BvnrjbIuZnVPj0/s1600-h/DSCF2253_640x480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-xNkWxkY4Qa_WvLgvaQQ3tsfsGhkLmFI53KYW5HbAJxcoTKt5lVbJbppA6NrI_wnrCRupLLysnMVzdz_rp8BWQWqBl_vrqYm9z-7GaiLsTPXWmjUsLy4A7TCiTLyF2BvnrjbIuZnVPj0/s320/DSCF2253_640x480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306014991319904898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLBSZnr8uJrU4Ke3Z7goZwBgD4DrdVt0YM4MXzN48eR645ymSzFGXRtiDlQDaxbnaNqZ6MEMu0FVtIA16wpN7tGZ3StZFf04ZqdBrXr5p3z1deKaVjaOll-GG7itxOQIlBcsh0t8YRj_k/s1600-h/DSCF2266_640x480.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLBSZnr8uJrU4Ke3Z7goZwBgD4DrdVt0YM4MXzN48eR645ymSzFGXRtiDlQDaxbnaNqZ6MEMu0FVtIA16wpN7tGZ3StZFf04ZqdBrXr5p3z1deKaVjaOll-GG7itxOQIlBcsh0t8YRj_k/s320/DSCF2266_640x480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306014987717380546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hi, my name is Beanie and this is my first time at "Gadgets Annonymous" :). I have a serious gadget collecting problem.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3