I'm a BIG girl. There is NO denying it. It didn't happen over night so it won't go away over night. I can understand that.
My sister is getting married in October. There will be hundreds of pictures taken. I don't want to be one of those people who sees the backside of an unfamiliar person wearing the same dress that they did... and realizing that it's them. Because, yep, I've done that before.
So I joined a gym in January. I honestly enjoy going.
It's like my own little escape. I get to read what I want and listen to what I want.
For 6 months, I went there 3 or more times per week never seeing any visual results. I changed a few eating habits but nothing changed.
That's when I would hear the following....
"Oh but you are building muscle." - Uh no, I take my measurements.
"Well I can see a difference." - Uh no you can't but thanks for being nice.
"But muscle weighs more than fat." - Seriously? People still try to make themselves believe that??
As much as people try to help and be supportive, the numbers don't lie. They just can't.
So I had to take a different course, which usually means more money but ugh that's not what this post is about. I'm still going to the gym but I needed something more.
8 weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers. We've all seen the commercials (alot fewer since Tivo & the DVR). Pay us to put you on a scale, sit in a chair and listen to people bitch and whine about why they "just can't", and then do math everyday.
And you know what!! It's the best $40 I spend each month. I'll be damned if it doesn't work!
I've lost 12.8 POUNDS and 10.25 INCHES. in 8 weeks!! The last time I lost that amount of weight or inches was when they literally cut my children from my belly.
I've had to change meetings only once. I was so distracted by one of the members who ran than meeting. Between the "WalmartSSS" mentionings and the train of thought interruptions of "and what have you" throughout the meeting, I honestly couldn't listen to what the meeting was about. So instead of abandoning the meetings all together I found another time that worked for me.
It's much easier to stay on track when you only have 1 number to worry about instead of 3 or 4 or 5. Each food has a point value. You only have so many points for the day. When all you do is subtract 2, 4, 8, or 10 points per item.... well it's not rocket science people.
I didn't want to post about this earlier in case it was something else that I quit doing. But like the gym I enjoy it AND I'm seeing results!!
Have you ever tried Weight Watchers??
Monday, July 20, 2009
Using Momentum
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bad Juggling Act
Why do we (as a society) feel the need to do everything... all at the same time? Do we REALLY need to have something to do at every waking moment? Will we ever remember all these objectives and how hard we tried to make them a reality? Yeah probably not. So it's time to slow down.
I guess I've just had too much on my plate. Not that I can take anything off. I just add another plate.
My problem is that when I do this, something always fall off. Then it's too late to brush it off and start over. The 5 second rule doesn't apply here.
So what has fallen off you wonder? Let's see... (in no specific order) (to name a few)
my checkbook
my coupon binder
my relationships with family and friends
my candle business
my flowerbeds
Those are pretty hefty on a plate regardless but when they fall off everything gets way too off balance. I've slowly been able to fix a few things as much as I can at the moment. And of course I started with the easiest ones.
My candle business is a non-issue now. I didn't meet my minimums so I lost my downline. No big loss I wasn't planning on being that active in the Fall anyway. It's just really hard for me to ask someone, whose husbands may not have a job or one for much longer, to spend $20 on a candle just so I can make a few bucks. And as far as trying to get them to sign up and "only pay $?? to own their own business" is not fair either. Yes they may have better luck than I did but I'm not interested.
My flowerbeds suffered for a while with no rain but they are back in bloom and the weeds are minimal. It was quite embarrassing for a while. A little snip here and there did wonders!
My binder is organized and up to date as of yesterday. I cut over $40 off my receipt at Target yesterday! And the only non-food item was pull-ups for Lil B.
My checkbook, well that will have to be a work in progress. They won't like me pulling so tight on the reins but they'll have to get over it. I'll make it up to them for Christmas.
My family and friends... For those of you who read this, I'm sorry I've been so vacant recently. I honestly don't mean to be. Right now I just can't be everyone's everything. You know that J and the kids come first and those are the relationships I really have to worry about right now. I'm not purposefully avoiding anyone. I'm just not reaching out. I don't need a call or a pep talk. I just need to get reorganized and settled.
Now I can plaster on a smile with the best of them but I'd just rather not. I'm tired of crying at the drop of a hat just because someone asks me if I'm ok or if something is wrong. I have alot to do and not a whole lot of that I want to do.
Ever feel like that??
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
MPM - April 13-19
I'm back!! Yay for me huh??!! Did you miss me?
Aww thanks!
So I really hate when I don't plan out the week. It seriously messes up everything else we do.
Last week was so scattered and unorganized, I'm JUST getting everything back to normal.
Thins week I have some great recipes that I've pulled from all over. Well all over my book shelf anyway.
I hope you enjoy them.
Don't forget to visit Organizer Junkie and the other Menu Planning Monday participants.
Taco Ring
Yellow Rice
Tuesday
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta
-from Ragu Menu Mailout Booklet
Garlic Bread
Wednesday
Grilled Sausage w/Chunky Tomato Sauce Poboys
-from Southern Living Homestyle Cooking
Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Thursday
Tuna Pasta
-from Weight Watchers Magazine (May/June 09)
Broiled Veggies
Friday
Oven Fried Pork Chops
-from Southern Living above
Cornbread Dressing
Green beans
Saturday
Richard Family Reunion
Sunday
Amalie's 11th Birthday Party!!
6 servings/Prep Time 10 minutes/Cook Time 4 hours
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (and/or breasts)
1 jar Ragu Old World Style Pasta Sauce
1 sm green bell pepper, sliced
1 sm onion, sliced
3 tbsp dry sherry or chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1- In slow cooker, arrange chicken: add remaining ingredients.
2- Cook covered on LOW 8-10 hours of HIGH 4-6 hours, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve, if desired, over hot cooked brown rice or wheat pasta.
Grilled Sausage w/Chunky Tomato Sauce
6 servings
1 lg onion
3 lg cloves garlic, chopped
3 tbl olive oil
1 1/2 tbl fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 tsp dried crushed red pepper
2 (28oz) cans Italian-style tomatoes, drained & chopped
1 (8oz) Fresh sliced mushrooms
2 tbl tomato paste
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper (we use much more)
3 lbs assorted fresh sausages
Bun or Poboy bread
Cook onion & garlic in hot oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat, stirring constantly, 7 minutes or until tender. Add rosemary and red pepper; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Grill sausages, covered with grill lid, over medium high heat (350 to 400) 6 minutes on each side or until done. Serve with tomato mixture.
Tuna pasta - Weight Watchers
Serves 4
1 28oz can diced tomato
1 tbsp garlic
4 tsp oil
3 c whole wheat pasta
2 5oz cans solid white tuna
Cook tomatoes & garlic in oil for 10 minutes.
Stir in cooked pasta & drained tuna.
Points Value - 5 (1.5 c)
Oven Fried Pork Chops
4 servings
4 (6oz) lean center cut pork loin chops
1 egg white
2 tbs unsweetened pineapple juice
1 tbs lite soy sauce
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 paprika
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Cooking spray
Trim fat from pork chops. Combine egg white and next 5 ingredients in a shallow bowl and whisk gently. Dip chops in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumbs.
Place chp[s on a rack in a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, turn and back 25 minutes or until pork chops are done.
Yum huh!!
These are some of my favorite meals... in a lower fat and calorie way. I can actually eat with my family this week!! Yay me! Well except the taco roll which is their favorite not mine but its super easy so that works!
Monday, March 30, 2009
MPM - March 30 - April 5
Hey there!! Thanks for stopping by!
Another week of meals from our South Louisiana home. No true Cajun dishes this week but all very easy and mostly figure friendly.... Mostly...
A few of the recipes are available below.
Cresent Casserole
Chuck Wagon Corn
Tuesday
Family Dinner at my Mom's
(yay no cooking for me!!)
Wednesday
Johnny Massetti - Family Favorite
(pasted down from Jon's G-ma YUM!)
Garlic Bread
Thursday
Baked Tilapia
Carrot Souffle
Friday
Sausage & Pepper Baked Ziti
Green Beans
Saturday
Date Night!
Sushi @ Osaka w/friends
Sunday
Enchilada Casserole
Yellow Rice
This will be my 1st attempt at the carrot souffle... I'll keep you updated!
To see other fabulous menus and MPM participants click here.
Cresent Casserole - from Jon's Maw Maw
1 lb ground meat
1/2c Sour Cream
1/4c Chopped Onion
1 (8oz) can Dinner Rolls
1c Spaghetti Sauce
1/3c Grated Parmesan Cheese
6oz (1 1/2c) Shredded Mozzarella
2tb Margarine
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Brown meat & onion, drain.
Add spaghetti sauce until heated.
In another bowl, stir mozzarella & sour cream.
Pour meat into ungreased baking dish.
Spoon cheese mixture over meat.
Unroll dough over cheese.
Mix parmesan and butter.
Spread over dough.
Bake for 18-25 minutes.
Johnny Massetti - from Jon's Grandma Maclynn
1 lb ground meat
1 stick of butter (I use 1/2)
1lb Cheddar Cheese
1 medium onion - chopped
1 medium bell pepper - chopped
1 can (5oz) Tomato Sauce
1 jar Button Mushrooms (I use 1 package of fresh)
1 (14oz) can Whole Tomatoes
1 can med Black Olives
1 pkg medium seashell pasta
Brown onion & peppers in butter.
Add meat.
Season to taste.
Brown & drain.
Add tomato sauce, whole tomatoes & mushrooms.
Boil pasta, to firm texture.
Melt in cheese to meat mixture, about 15 minutes.
Add pasta & pour into casserole dish.
Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Saturday 9 with James Lipton - kinda
This week we are answering the 9 questions asked of every guest of Inside the Actor's Studio.
I always love that part of the show... It's so telling!!
1. What is your favorite word? Mommy
2. What is your least favorite word? {{{MoooooooooooooooooooooooM}}}
3. What turns you on, creatively, spiritually, or emotionally? possibility
4. What turns you off? ignorance
5. What is your favorite curse word? Fuck
6. What sound or noise do you love? my children's breath in my ear as I bring them to bed
7. What sound or noise do you hate? screeching brakes
8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt? forensic profiler
9. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? i don't believe it does, so there would be nothing said
Want to visit more Saturday 9 participants check these out here
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Things I Love Thursday
This is my first Things I Love Thursday. I really like this idea - mainly because I have too many "things I don't like" partial posts. I don't like always being negative but I always end up there in the end. So maybe this will help... and someone kick me if I get negative OK??
Things I Love!... that happened today....
When Walker says "I just want to sweet you Momma"... right after he gets caught doing something he knows he shouldn't. He then walks up and rubs my arm with this oh so guilty grin.
How do you argue with that?? I always lose this battle. He walks up giggling and smiling JUST so I'll start laughing too.
Yes I have some idea of what I'm in for when he's 15.
If he's anything like his Dad... I'm in trouble!!!
What did he get caught doing this time you ask. Weeeeeeell....
He found a pair of scissors in his room. Not sure how they got there yet. My kids are from the school of Admit Nothing.
So did he make a masterpiece of art with his new found Nip/Tuck skills??
You tell me...
Don't recognize it??
It usually looks much better on say...
A Toddler Mattress!!!
His sister's mattress!!
An Interior Designer in the making?? His father would surely faint.
A little boy destroying his sister's... well anything?? I think that would fit much better.
So what should I do?? What can I do??
Yes besides take them away. And tell him that it wasn't very nice.
How do you punish a 4 year old when he starts to show destructive behavior?? And all you can do is laugh because 1-he's very proud of himself and 2-he just wants to "sweet you."
So here is my Things I love Thursday post... wanna see more??
Check them out here.
