Garden of Paradise

My mother's backyard had turned into an awesome place to hang out with the dogs. She decided to plant Elephant Ear plants and they have gotten HUGE!
Una is sitting a couple of feet in front of the biggest leaf...it makes her look like a small dog...she's not. She's a good 65 pounds!

I'm not going to do it

I'm not going to get on my own case. Like Marta commented here recently, losing weight is not a do or die situation. I refuse to drive myself crazy...especially this week where I've been hole up in a classroom from 8-5 (most of the time 4) learning about being a teacher-leader. There is a lot of moving around in this class and I come out of there totally beat! And then I drive home in a carb coma. I've decided that I'm still going to log all the stuff I ate for posterity. Then when I finally get myself together I can look back with the ghost of bad-eating-habits-past and laugh at my bagel gorge.

Other than struggling mentally with the whole process, I am tired from being in class all day...plus, I'm at work now. I want my vacation back!

The 600th New Beginning

I have been so ambivalent about doing the right thing when it comes to my body, it's not even funny. I am just not a happy person when it comes to eating, exercising, or feeling good about any of it. Yeesh! New plan of action? You betcha!

1. I am going to use a marbled notebook to write down my food. It has a ton more room and if I'm feeling crappy or I feel the need to record my mood, I've got the space. Also, I won't feel so conspicuous. Plus, because I'm going back on Core, if I'm having a hungry day, I might need the room for various fruits and veggies.


2. Even though I didn't want to, I went to a WW today. I went in between meetings so I got to hear the program spiel that I've heard before, but never from Joanie, the wonder leader.


3. I cooked a healthy dinner tonight. I cooked enough so that I can bring some to class tomorrow.


4. I need to get a good night of sleep tonight. That might make all the difference tomorrow. I'm currently taking a fabulous class about being a teacher leader. It's a great class, the professor is incredible, but the class itself is intellectually draining.

On the positive side, I have been drinking more than my fair share of water. I'm relieve to report that I've got that minor thing on my side.

Now for the down and dirty...has anyone else had Panera Bread's Cinnamon Crunch bagel with reduced fat Hazelnut cream cheese? Good lord...it's fabulous, so stay the frick away!

Got Tagged!

I got tagged by Chai! So here it is, 10 things I like about me, in no particular order:

1. I'm a good teacher. Reading is an important skill. I have helped all kinds of kids learn how to read: dyslexic, those with IQs under 80, the ornery. I am also good at finding things kids would like to read. I'm good at classroom management. I work well with my other teachers to work collaboratively and to team teach.



2. I'm a good wife. Hey, I being home the bacon and I fry it in the pan...except I look out for Chris' health...so it's soy bacon in a lightly oil sprayed pan that has no trans fats.



3. I'm the Alpha dog in my house. I'm in charge and the dog knows it...even my parents' dog knows it and I don't even live with her!



4. I can make my body do outrageous things: I can lift heavy weights, I did an Olympic distance triathlon, trail running. I'm not doing that stuff now, and I'd like to start it up again...hmmm, maybe I'll start that up again soon.



5. I have a good sense of humor. Or at least I think I'm funny. I'm not the funniest writer in the world, but if I ever met you in person...I'd more than likely have you laughing about something. Hey, I crack myself up....



6. I'm loyal. If you're my friend, you'll always be my friend. I'm there for you anytime. ANYTIME, dammit.


7. I'm smart. I don't want to sound pompous. I'm no super genius. But I have my bright moments, that's all.


8. I'm not afraid to speak my mind. I share my ideas and suggestions at work whenever it's appropriate or asked for.


9. I love my family, including my extended family. They are some of the greatest people I've even had the pleasure of meeting.


10. I like my nose. It's just the right size for my head. And it's very straight.

Okay, now that I sound like a total ego maniac who is constantly telling people how to change things at work, and cracking bad jokes....I guess my list is done. Although, if I were asked to do this list on a different day, the answers might be very different. I'm not sure who I should tag next...hmmm. I'll have to think about that.

Ready....Set....Lose!

Starting weight for FatBlokeThin's 2007 challenge is: 182.8!

Reuben the Gray

Reuben, who is anxious by nature and by lack of nurture when he was in the pet store, has been extra anxious and OCD as of late. He's been turning a lot before lying down...to the point that he pushed all the bed clothes off of my brother bed yesterday. I know exactly why it's happening...it's been so hot 'round these parts that he isn't getting enough exercise. He opts to lie down and veg. Me, too, to be honest.

So today, I took Reuben down to the river to swim, which is his favorite activity. I keep him on an extendable leash because if I didn't and he caught sight of a goose or a duck, I'd never see him again. He'd be across the Hudson in no time flat!

Anyway, I let him take the lead and we stayed in the water for 15 or 2o minutes...after that he swam towards shore. It was a combination of tired and filled with sea weed (which might be his favorite food...he loves to snatch it up while he swims) Once we got out, he got the bath of shame, pet by Lisa , rubbed dry and then into the car. Once we got back to the apartment, he couldn't keep his eyes open, no matter how hard he tried.

A Bunch of Stuff

I've got a few things to touch upon, and as you all know, I'm not afraid of jumping from one topic to another unannounced, but today I feel I should forewarn you!

First of all, I had to get up early this morning to go do some curriculum analyzing at school. when I walked Reuben in the empty lot at the end of the street...these giant foam mountains were in the creek....crazy, right? I'm fairly sure that they are soap bubbles...this afternoon they had decreased significantly.

I made a pit stop at the all powerful (and evil) Wal-you know who this afternoon and bought the new Whoppers Strawberry Milkshake candy. I loved them so much that at my next errand stop (the Vets to pick up Reuben's meds...that's another story) that I threw them away because I knew that they were in trouble.


Which brings me to my last bit...I am totally doing the FatBlokeThin weight loss challenge and I am going to ROCK! I gotta rock because I feel absolutely fat...blah.

What I'm up to...

Here's a quick view of what project I've been up to....another 9 patch quilt. I'm hand piecing it, and it's especially slow going because I'm only motivated in bursts where I'll sew for a little while and then put it down for days. Plus, I've got 3 or 4 other projects that I'd like to try, and I've got a bunch of chores to do and I just can't seem to get any of them done! Yikes!

This is quickly turning into a "Woe is me" situation. I'm only working about 10 hours a week, and I can't seem to get a thing done. I can barely get the dished done. I haven't been running. I think my motivation switch is in the "off" position.

When I'm 34

Here is my annual birthday picture...

That's right, it's birthday time 'round these parts. I can not believe that I'm 34. It was just yesterday that people were asking me what my major was....literally, I was waiting for maintenance to open the door for my grad class and I was mistaken for 25, so I'm good with this birthday thing.

I was trying to think of something funny so I wouldn't have a total cheese smile, but I had trouble keeping my composure when I started singing this:

And Marta, my mom is going to be psyched that you mistook her for my sister!

Busy!

I'm not sure why I want to call this entry "busy" because I haven't been that busy...it just seems that way with all the house business (we're not getting it, but more on that later), trying to prepare for my next grad class, going to a 21st birthday party for I a girl I used to babysit for when she was 3, and reading a million sewing blogs because I'm becoming obsessed with sewing.

Okay, the house. It was perfect. It was in our price range. It had an accessory apartment in the lower level for my parents who want to sell their house and watch my kids if and when I should have some. My mom and I went to see it, then Chris went to see it, then Chris and his mom went to see it. Everyone and their mother loved it...literally, apparently, but Chris convinced us that it wasn't the house for us for a number of reasons including that we would be paying a butt load of taxes on 3 acres of property that had 2 acres of unusable marsh land. Plus the driveway was a steep, downward turn, which could potentially be terrible in the winter. There was an upside to this adventure: It forced us to get our duckies in a row (pre-qualification wise), we all are on the same page about the type of house we want, and it's making me want to purge, sell things on eBay, and just get organized in a general sort of way.

Ah, Lisa finally turns 21...what a party. She had a jumpy castle, beer pong, and tons of food because her father is one of the top caterers in Westchester. Woo-hoo!

That's my baby brother (almost 24) holding the ping pong ball in a round of beer pong....nice.

And just for fun, a picture of Lisa's year old boxer, Boomer!

Schatz and Giggles

My mom and I went looking for houses for shits and giggles today with an agent named Schatz, so we've been saying "for Schatz and giggles"...but we might have found a house. Chris went with the agent this even while I got us pre-approved for a hefty mortgage. We know someone has made an accepted offer, but we also know they are giving the owners a hard time, too. If Chris likes it, we want to have all of our duckies in a row to pounce if we can. It more than likely will not work out, but hey, who knows? At least we'll be ready if this one does, or if we find the perfect house in the future....right?

A Quick Update

I just got back from my WW meeting and I lost a pound, so I'm now officially 179.2. Nice!

The road to Hell is paved...

with good intentions.

The wedding was a ton of fun. I didn't do tons of damage, but I did eat 2 zeppoli (?) and I did drink a couple of gin and tonics (which make me crazy, but that's a different post). The down side is that I didn't go running yesterday because I wasn't feeling well in the afternoon. (It was not a hang over...I was stone cold sober by the time dinner came at the wedding and I was the designated driver!) And today, I didn't go running this morning, I can't go out now because it's 94 and humid and I don't need an asthma attack. I'd go later when it cool off, but I'm teaching. I think today is a bust.

Argh!

Gotta keep my head above water!

Okay, here's the situation, my parents went away on a weeks vacation and...they left the keys to the brand new Porsche......(head slap) The real situation is this...I am out of points until Tuesday and I'm going to a wedding tonight with my best pal, Darth Bruce...I think my plan is to keep myself out of too much trouble tonight, ie eat as core as possible, be the designated driver, and dance until I'm sore. Then tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday, I've got to eat clean and hit the gym with a quickness and run until I cry in the hopes that I can stay ahead of the calories. Sounds like an okay plan, right? Then why am I panicking a little?

Truth is, I'm already a run behind. Last night when I was supposed to go running there was a thunder storm. I'll run in the rain, no sweat, but running when there is thunder and lightening? I can't bring myself to do it. I hear my mother's voice telling me to stay out of the shower, off the phone, out of the pool and not to stand (or run) near trees. Ugh. On the upside of the storm, I got to see this:

Strangely, it was still thundering. It was also raining on the western end of my street. Weird.

In other fun stuff, Chris got 2 new pieces for his new drum kit. I think he's considering it complete. He set it up in our living room last night. Fun for all!

WI!

I lost 2.8 this week! Yee-haw. I think I've found the right combination to make it all work....exercise, low stress, and huge amounts of fresh cherries!

No exercise today, just various errands and then a cool hour floating around the club pool...heaven.

Have a safe 4th, everyone!

July 1

I couldn't come up with a good, or even so-so title for today's post, so I didn't bother.

Things are going okay...the scale showed a smaller number this morning, but I can't let myself get too excited, I still have to work at it until Tuesday at 4. I also took my mom for a 6 mile bike ride this morning on her new bike. That went pretty well. I earned 2 APS for that, and I've got 9 flexies left until next meeting. Not bad...not bad at all.

I think I'm going over to my old WW boards stomping ground and rejoin the Ironman training board where you tried to get iron distances in over the period of a month. I think it's do-able since I'm on vacation. Can't hurt to try, right?

The last thing I've got to say is: I am so happy that it's cherry season! I could eat cherries all day long! And they are core...

Reuben the night time snuggler

During the day, weims are nothing but a blur of gray as they run, run, run....but what non-weim people don't know is how cuddly they are at night. I took these pics of Reuben over the last couple of nights and I thought I'd share the snuggle king....

Can you believe it?

find your inner clothing style @ quizmeme.com

where was I?

Let me start by saying that yesterday was a superb day....my baby brother and I went for an 8 mile bike ride, followed by floating around at the yacht club's pool (did I mention my mom retired from being their clubhouse manager and is now a member, so I got to be my baby bro's guest) No one else was at the pool because it was 71 degrees out...the water, however, was 80. Plus it was sunny... we did nothing for about 2 hours. Brilliant! He ate a beautiful grilled cheese burger, and I brought whole wheat pasta salad...core, of course.

Last night I used a ton of my flexies because we had a birthday dinner for my 2nd brother (the police officer), but it was ok. My job was to bring the beer and appetizers. I brought light Coronas and all my apps were low in points. Awesome. I'll have to post some pic later when I upload them onto my computer....

I'm not seeing any budge on the scale yet, but I know all my good deeds will show up eventually. If not this week's WI, then next weeks. I just got to keep up the good food Samaritan thing and I'll do fine.

Today Chris and I are sitting on our balcony porch. He's practicing on his drum pad, I'm on the computer, and Reuben is taking a snooze on his dog bed that we dragged out for him. It's beautiful out here.....

I feel like a bad blogger because other than exercise and vacation, I've got nothing going on...no evil coworkers lurking...no big adventures. Nada. But hey, I'm living the good life these days....

Success!

It's been a good day today. I ran for 22 minutes, and then did chest, shoulders, and triceps at the gym, and then my baby brother (and gym employee) taught me some new ab exercises. Nice! Food is also going well. I'm trying to save my flexies for my brother's birthday dinner which might be tomorrow night...but that information is yet to come.

I'm really feeling good about this time around. I've got plenty of time to do what I want and get to the gym, which is nice for a change. I like not having to choose because we all know what gets put to the side 9 times out of 10.

Tomorrow might be another good day. Baby bro and I are going to go on a bike ride and then for a swim at the pool. He want to do laps...I just want to float around in my spring float. I might do a few laps...we'll have to see how I'm feeling once we get there.

Blasted outta the water

Well, my planned work outs were destroyed today. I was planning on a nice leisurely run, but when I turned on the television to see the weather report and there was an Air Quality warning for those with bronchial issues. I'd run in an advisory, but not in a warning. That's asking for asthmatic bronchitis or just an attack. Not fun. So then I got to work on some other stuff figuring I'd go for a swim or a bike ride...and then what happens? Thunder storms and flash floods. Oh, good times. So I had to take the day off. Jeez. I guess that tomorrow I will have to double up...weights and cardio. I might have to get up extra early to get a run in...I'm not looking forward to that.

Other than it being super hot (for NY) and super humid, and my being super uncomfortable in an asthmatic sense, I'm doing okay. I have been tracking all my food like a good little core girl. I'm hoping this takes this time.

A change in plans

I had a change of plans today. I woke up really late this morning (10!) and walked out into my front room to figure out that Chris has my bike rack in his trunk because he went riding with his buddy on Sunday, so I couldn't ride this morning. Not a big deal as the weather lady told us to limit activities today because of the temp (only 92 it's 98 out there!)and the oppressive humidity plus the possibility of thunder storms. I decided to make the best of it and went to the pool instead. I got to use my new floatie, which I love. Mine is not a fancy one, just a basic blow up with netting to cradle your body. It was so nice to float around. I wish I could have taken a little snooze, but the sailing academy kids were playing shark and minnow in the deep and and I was using a new sun screen so I was afraid that if I were a sleep I wouldn't notice if I started to feel "the sizzle"

Tonight I'm hoping for a relaxing evening. I have some stuff to plan for the grad class tomorrow night, but other than that, I'm not too concerned. I'm thinking I need to get myself into a WW meeting, but other than those 2 things, I'm good!

Update
I've been to a WW meeting and am currently weighing 183...which is totally gross, but I have to remember my focus: becoming (or refinding) the athlete within!

I also got an uncontrollable craving during the meeting...for cherries! That's a craving I can live with.

A new beginning

....again.

Today was officially the first day of summer vacation (aside from teaching graduate school) and I was a good girl. I let myself sleep in a little bit, but then I got up, ran for 20 minutes, walked another 10, and then went to the gym and lifted weights. I feel really good about getting this done. Tomorrow I don't work at all. I'm hoping to get a nice bike ride in tomorrow and then a relaxing dip at the pool (no laps). That depends on the weather.

A massage is in order sometime this week. I earned it by not tearing the head off of my crazy co-worker during the last week of school when she screwed up (another) state testing situation, and did nothing to help anyone do anything for our department's state exam (English/Reading). I maintained by composure through her idiocy, her shirking work, and lastly her email to me saying she was glad that "we patched thing up", which is funny because I'm the one who apologized for calling her a "poopyhead"...literally a poopyhead...she *never* apologized for calling me "that f*cking bitch" behind my back and just "Bitch" to my face. Thankfully, she was transferred to another program because another reading teacher retired....ugh. Sorry about the rant. I deserve a massage!

Tomorrow is another day of fun!

Idea!

I've been thinking over the last few days...usually within the confines of a margarita or beer induced stupor because I just started vacation (10 weeks of severely reduced hours....yowzas!) and I had an epiphany. I remember that the last time that I lost a lot of weight and got down to 142 was when I kept a general food log, not really being super crazy about food, but I was at the gym 4 days a week and I was training for my first triathlon. I am going to continue with the Weight Watchers, because I really need the support, but I'm going to spend a lot of time at the gym and outside. I'm just going to let what ever happens happen.

So essentially, I'm going to train for a tri, even though I don't have one planned. I will probably do a couple of 5Ks this fall with my friend, Hill. I'm going to fill my belly with nutritious food and just let my body do what it's going to do. I refuse to get stressed about it, I refuse to get worked up about it. That's it. I'm on vacation. I want to have fun. I want to be outside. I don't want to be obsessed with my weight. If I eat in a nutritious way and have fun outside, the weight will come off. Right?

To begin again?

Despite having one more official week of work still looming ahead...which is mostly proctoring tests, scoring the second half of the English Regents, and making graduation programs...plus, possibly having to pack up my office (I might be moving to another location)...I've decided that I've had enough of my nonsense. I'm steadily gaining weight and it stinks. I hate it and I've got to get a grip on myself. I have to begin again, and that beginning is tomorrow with my eating habits. Next week comes the exercise component...I'll have no excuses...I'm not going to have anything to do because I have 10 weeks of vacation time with very little summer work!

I know that I've had two failed self challenges in the past...I think both had great potential...the next 10 and 30/100...I need to mix them some how...smaller goals like the next 10, but time demands like 30 in 100....I'm not sure where to go with this...

Does anyone have any ideas?

dying

Ugh, I am just dying to get into a routine. the working 12 hour days, 3 days a week thing is killing me. I used to be worried about what I was going to do with my days during summer vacations, but now I long for those mornings where I don't actually have to do anything and I can lie in, or get up and go to the gym, or for a bike ride, or go to Starbucks, or go to the library (as a patron!) Just one more week after tomorrow and I'll be home free. Then I'll be able to get into a regular Weight Watchers routine again. I haven't been to a meeting in 2 weeks. I just don't have the time or motivation. If I'm not at work (like I am right now) I'm in my pajamas at home.

I've basically given up on the 30 in 100 and I thin I need to restart it when school ends...maybe make it a tad shorter....I don't know. I need suggestions, people!

I would like to give a shout out to my blogger buddy, Marta, who weighed in at 165! I am completely jealous and insanely proud of her.

Hella-cool

I am such a lucky duck today. Aside form getting those beautiful orchids today, I also got my new laptop in the mail as well. Strangely, I didn't realize it was coming. I ordered it sometimes last week, after discussing it with Chris and we decided that it would be a good tool for me to have for teaching the graduate courses that I've been teaching. I'm paying for it with some of my grad class money, plus I got a discount for being an adjeunct professor. Very cool. But here's the odd part, after I ordered it, I didn't get an email from the company and when I logged on to the site, my order never showed, so I decided to put the order on the back burner until the school ended and that I could call the computer company and re-order and see if I could get more discounts due to pity. Apparently, the order did go through and here I am in front of my television and using the computer at the same stinkin' time. I am the epitome of mouse potato now. It's awesome. I am so happy that I for Chris a wireless router our my modem at Christmas when he wanted to hook up his x-box to the web.

I have decided that I will not be putting World of Warcraft on this computer because the temptation of playing all the time would be too tempting. This computer is about teaching and communications. That's it!

I am still stunned that I'm typing on this computer while watching about black holes and the Bermuda triangle on the History Channel. Man, am I stoked!

Last full day of school

Today is the last day of school before state exams. We already had an awards ceremony and snackie kind of lunch. One of my dyslexic boys is graduating and this is what his parents gave me as a year end gift!

I think it's Thursday

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's Thursday because I'm at the library...I have lost all track of time this week. The summer semester of grad school has started and I'm teaching a class that meets on Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:15-8:30 (I let them out early because we've all been teaching all day as it is!) Plus, tonight is library night. I am exhausted. I could put my head down on my fancy information desk and take a little nap. This horrid schedule is only going to overlap for just a few weeks. Then summer will be here and I'll be dying for things to take up my time...which leads me to revamped idea.

I'm going to only be working about 10 hours a week over the summer. All evening hours. I think I might try training for triathlons again. I mean, what else am I going to do with my time? (I'm trying to avoid the obvious answer: eat) Maybe I'll actually get to the gym on a fairly regular basis. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Day 60

It's day 60, at least according to my calendar where I wrote a number every 10 days when I was planning out this 30 in 100 thing. It's so frustrating to know exactly how to do the core program, and really enjoy the food, and still not be able to stick to it. Wednesday was weigh-in, I lost 2 pounds. It was also Chris' birthday, and since then I've been on a downward spiral. It has a lot to do with cheese. It usually does.

For Chris' birthday, I made a very nice cheese platter. It was also incredibly tasty...there's nothing like expensive, stinky cheese to make one happy. Especially with a nice glass of red wine. Thursday, I had a decent time with breakfast and lunch, but went to a BBQ after lunch and ate chips and dip. I had to leave to work at the library and the hostess packed me a small container of pasta salad that was very tasty, and filled with cheese. Friday night, my parents had a BBQ to celebrate Chris' birthday, and although the dinner was pretty healthy (although, not core) the dessert was killer. I brought the dessert. It was a cannoli chips and dip. You see, a bakery a few towns away had a marvelous idea. They use cannoli pastry to make triangle shaped "chips" and dribble chocolate and powdered sugar over them. Then they give you a giant container of cannoli filling in which to dip the "chips". My brother's girlfriend, Aimee, is one of those people I tend to admire when it comes to food...she's very slim and athletic, and really watches what she eats and how much of it...she was the first and second person to eat the dessert. I've never seen anyone move so fast toward a food item. She was in heaven, remarking how ingenious this was and how someone should have invented it years ago. It was that damn good.

Yesterday, I was attacked by leftover cheese and some Mike's Hard (not even the light versions) I did resolve to make today a better day. I made myself a quinoa salad with black beans, mango, onion, a lot of lime juice and a little olive oil. I'm feeling back on track. We're going to have to see where this train takes me, because I'm unsure at the moment.

I'm a baaaaaad blogger

I don't know what day it is in the 30 in 100 scheme. It's hot. My students are all freaked out because of the heat, plus the upcoming summer vacation can be intimidating to emotionally disturbed kids...they thrive on routine. And, who wants to be ED and then stay home and hang out with your ED parents? Apples don't grown on pear trees...at least most of the time.

I did lose 2 pounds at last weigh in, so I'm quite happy about that. Especially since I went to 3 BBQs last weekend. Crazy.

I'm sorry this is so random and strange. I'll be a better blogger later on, I promise!

Day 50....and where is the weight loss?

In theory, I should have lost about 15 pounds by now..but I weighed in at 181 yesterday. What the hell is my deal? I can tell you exactly what my deal is: lack of commitment...I've been "trying" to lose 30 pounds in 100 days instead of "working" to lose, or just plain "losing". I've been "trying" to stick to core, instead of "sticking" to core. It all comes down to this: When you try to do something, it isn't going to get done. When you do something, it's a lot more likely to get done. I'm half way through my 30/100 deal and I don't know (and doubt) I will make it all the way to 30 pounds, but hell, I'm going to lose weight and see what I can get done by July 13th. I've got 7 weeks left. I'm just going to ride the core wave and see what I can accomplish. If it's 10 pounds, it's 10 pounds. If it's 15, it's 15. I'm going to take it as it comes.

My other deal is that I'm sick as a dog. I've got some kind of horrible cold that I caught from my darling brother, Ian. I think I'm retaining water because of the cold meds and all the water I've been chugging because I'm crazy thirsty. I'm just glad that today is the last day of the work week for me. I've got a 4 day weekend that I'm going to chill during, and maybe finally get to play with my new GPS. ( A co-worker is going to give me a tutorial on it today!)

note: I had to re-post this post because for some reason I thought that allowing anonymous comments would be cool...wrong. I got a huuuuuuuuuuuuuge comment that was really a religious/political diatribe. If it had been short, I would have been okay with it...but it wasn't...it was craaaaaaazy long.

Weekend part 3: Saturday

Saturday morning, my brother Brendan received commendations as a part of Police Appreciation week. He's been on the job for 5 years now in Ossining.










After the ceremony, during which Brendan got 5 awards including most DWI arrests, we got a tour of the facilities. We also got to lock my mother into one of the facilities....after years of being sent to our rooms...we finally got revenge!






After the ceremony, the tour, and a free lunch (my favorite food group), my mother and I went to a surprise party for the mother of the groom from Friday night's wedding. She turned 60 a week or so ago, and since all her family was in from Alabama, her daughters decided to throw her a party. So it was more free food (love that food group!)

As of now, I am completely exhausted, as you can well imagine. I'm not looking forward to WI on Wednesday as I hit a ton of snafus this week....depressing!

weekend part 2: Friday

Friday morning we actually will get to see Ian my youngest brother. First we stop at "the wall". It's the only wall in Oneonta that is allowed to be painted on. It keeps the graffiti from spreading to other places. Ian paints here often, being an art major....here are some of his beauties.
I took this pic of the ground because it has decades worth of paint spills on it...I think it's awesome.












When we finally get to Ian, he thinks he's dying. Staying up and coughing for 48 hours can make you feel that way, I suppose. Three and a half hours in the car, listening to The DaVinci Code and Ian's coughing (I made him take Mucinex before we left)

We were home by 2:30 in the afternoon, but the day isn't over by a long shot. One of the kids I grew up with on my parent's street was getting married, so off to get a pedi and then straight to a 5pm wedding. Followed by an awesome reception...I'll have to add pictures of that later....my mother took a million pictures.

weekend part one: Thursday

My weekend has been bizarre. It began with my brother's ride home from college not panning out. We had to go up and get him Thursday night because he was also sick. I'm sure he's got bronchitis. The school infirmary wouldn't see him because he didn't have an appointment (despite the place being empty). So we went up and got him. Three and a half hours in the car with my mom listening to Eddie Izzard's stand up.

We stayed in a crazy hotel that was almost frightening in its decor. The dresser here makes me think of old lady sweaters that Stacy London and Clinton Kelly pull off of ill dressed middle aged women.


Every thing was sticks or antlers. Very frightening.














And this is just the beginning.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who happen to be mothers! My father, brothers (3!), Chris, and I got my mother a bicycle for Mother's Day...and man, was she excited. Unfortunately for her, she had to drive up to Oneonta yesterday and won't be back until late today, so she hasn't had a chance to ride her new, beautiful bike. I promised I would take her out Tuesday afternoon, after work. So, until then, she gets to stare at it in her dining room.

On the diet front, things are going okay. I haven't been running, but that has to do with some breathing issues I've been dealing with. I might be able to squeak out a run this afternoon if all goes well. On the up side, I'll be getting some cycling in now that my mom has a brand-spankin'-new bike that she's dying to get on.

Tomorrow, my new GPS should come in the mail. One of my school co-workers is going to teach me how to use it. He's big into hiking and was really interested in the geocaching thing. Pretty cool. I'm pretty excited!

A new hobby?

I totally broke down and bought myself a high tech gift. I got a new hand held GPS...a Garmin etrex, to be exact. I decided that I'm going to take up geocaching. I first heard about geocaching on Law and Order: Criminal Intent in the episode "The Unblinking Eye". Very cool show, extra cool episode. that was years ago. More recently, I've been reading Christie's blog and she's been geocaching. It's got me really excited. I've always enjoyed hiking, but now it's hiking with a mystery!

Day 36

I lost .8 this past week, which makes me quite behind for the 30/100 plan, but I'm not giving up hope! I think I would have lost more if I hasn't been attacked by those girl scout cookies the week before...it's residual calories hanging around is all. This upcoming week is going to rock! I've been running 3 days a week. I've been eating better. The girl scout cookies are nearly finished and I'm counting on Chris to finish those up for me. Things are going OK.

As for work, I just had a meeting with my supervisor, and it seems that I'm going to be the only one in my department on this campus...which means I will be alone. Finally. No sighing, no freaking out for no reason, no taking my ideas to the supervisors and claiming them. I'm going to be happier (I am happy now, just tense) I'm also going to be setting my own schedule, as opposed to having one set for me. Which is super cool because before I had the set schedule this year, my department, which is scattered all over campuses and programs, used to have a working lunch a few times a month and it really brought us together. We hashed out a lot of problems with testing and stuff.

That's all I've got for now....see ya'll later!

Day 33: Outta Points

I am totally out of points...I might even be a tad negative...but I'm not worried. I could have done far, far worse. I was out for Mexican last night and did not have any crack-a-ritas...so I'm philosophically ahead right there!

Plus, I found something at Trader Joe's that might turn out to be a great 0 point snack. I haven't tasted them yet,,,but they work out to be 0 points to to the fact that they are 60 calories have have 8 grams of fiber. Huzzah!

Day 31

I'm just here for a minute or two to say that so far, so good with the weekend. I'm pacing myself when it comes to flexies. I bought some new stuff at Trader Joe's this morning including Whole Wheat Gnocchi....which maybe we could argue about being core? It's a whole wheat pasta...has 8 grams of fiber per serving...anyone want to discuss it? I'd love to hear what ya'll have to say.

And for anyone who wonders, this is what Reuben does while I'm on the computer.

Day 30!

Yikes! I forgot to bring my breakfast and lunch today! It's sitting in a plastic bag on my counter. That sucks. What's worse is that today is Mexican Culture day for the students and my office is directly above the kitchen...so I can smell whatever it is that they are cooking and it smells awesome! I might have to have sushi again just so that I'm not too tempted by the awesomeness of the Spanish teacher's cooking. Good Lord. My mouth is watering already.

Other than forgetting to bring breakfast, I'm off to a good start. I got the sugar free vanilla latter again today. So far this week, I've used no flexies and I didn't even eat the AP I earned yesterday. I think I can live like this for at least a little while.

Now, back to to work!

Yoga mat bag

Here is the yoga mat bag I made all by myself....well, I did have the use of Lotta Jandotter's book that was recommended on Amber's site (which I love, love, love! She is so awesomely crafty!) Note the pocket towards the bottom....a lovely home for my keys and gym card.

I'm at the library right now. I packed myself a Core dinner (whole wheat couscous with veggies and olive oil) and I did go running this afternoon. I'm feeling very revved up about 30 in 100 at the moment and I hope this feeling stays!

Day 29...Taking it as it comes

My official WI? I'm up 2 pounds, but I'm sure it's temporary. After all my peevishness the other day, I feel more ready to do this than ever. I am going running this afternoon (if my principal doesn't keep us past our usual release time). I got a sugar free vanilla latte this morning (core) instead of a toffee nut latte (2 points)...hey, 2 points is 2 points...over 7 days? 14 points. I am just trying to be extra careful this week. If I'm going to lose 30 pounds by the middle of July, I've got some catching up to do...and being judicious with my flexies is the way to do it.

I'm feeling totally mellow today. I'm at my desk, listening to a CD I made over the winter. I'm just in good spirits...could be that I'm wearing really comfy jeans today....who knows. It could be that I finally sat with all my sewing crap and made myself a yoga mat bag...I'll have to take pictures of it later. It came out pretty darn good, if I do say so myself, considering I can barely sew a straight line with a sewing machine! (I'll post pictures in the near future)

Thanks again to all of you who had such nice things to say to and share with me. I really appreciate it!

Day 28 The Tide has Turned

I am feeling so much better. Thanks for all of your messages...I was really having a rough day. I turned it all around though. There were 3 components to my mood turning:

• I went running for the first time in about 8 months. I think procrastinating doing something that I really enjoy and I know makes me feel better really irritated me.
• I treated myself to a massage last night. It relaxed me and the masseuse worked out some major knots in my back. The last couple of times I had a massage, I didn't have any knots. Stress...it can make you cranky.
• I made myself a healthy dinner: fresh whole wheat pasta with artichoke hearts, yellow peppers, garlic, basil and I use my good olive oil instead of my cooking olive oil so it had an extra fabulous flavor.

I also talked to Chris about looking at our collective schedules and planning out times where I can go to the gym or exercise without having to tote the dog (and in the future children) all over the world with me. He agreed that in order to support my efforts, he's got to do more than talk. So that will work out. I also figured out that if I can prep myself quickly enough, I can do a short run, and be home and showered by 4:30...so I can do a quick run even on days that I have to work at the library at 5. So I plan to run again tomorrow. I have a staff meeting, but I think I might change into my running clothes and wear sweats to the meeting. That way I can go directly to run.

I also have to make an effort to do some sewing. You can't eat and sew at the same time. Your project will get gross!

Day 27 and Pissy

I am in a foul, foul mood. I truly believe it's because I fell hard off the wagon and so I'm nutritionally deficient. I ate cookies, crackers and dip for dinner last night, and I was mad at myself about that. Then Chris came home and gave me a nutrition lecture, including minor harassment about not going to the gym. So that made me even angrier at myself, but of course, as a defense, I got pissed at him. Then this morning, I dropped Reuben off at my parent's house, and I was already in a snark. My mother then asked me if I was going to the gym today. I told her "no" and that I have to go to Home Depot to buy my father's birthday present because if I don't do it, none of my siblings would. I proceeded to get into the car and mutter under my breathe. I am in a moooooooood.

I am trying to eat better today. I have a work fridge filled with fruit. I'm drinking more than my fair share of water in hopes to flush out the toxins ( and the crabbiness). I'm not expecting anything but a gain at tomorrow's WW meeting. I can only take it one minute at a time.

I think I need to do something for myself this afternoon. I wanted to get another massage, and I've put it off for about a week. I got a pay check from the college I'm an adjunct professor for, so I've got a little cash that I could spend on myself. Maybe I will get a massage if this 'tude isn't kicked by this afternoon.

You know what? I just don't know what to do and it's killing me.

Fear...day 25

The last 18 hours have been dieting hell. I left my food journal at work (duh) and so I've been trying to keep track of flexies on a little piece of paper...not as effective. Plus, while Chris was out bike riding with his buddy, Mike, last night, I was attacked by girl scout cookies and almonds. I don't know what happened, but it was almost a frenzy. Well, not so much a frenzy, more like I kept finding myself in the kitchen with cookies in my hand and mouth. There was really no thought process behind it at all. That's the part that sucks.

I guess at this point, the only thing to do is to get back on that wagon and ride into the sunset and just take what the scale says on Wednesday in stride. I can't undo what was done, but I can think of that old WW philosophy about the dozen eggs. It goes something like: If you drop one egg on the floor, you're not going to look at the 11 left and throw them after it. I have to stop and get back on track right away (I'll have to control myself tonight when the really, really good cheese comes out...that might be a story in itself later.)

Added to this is that I still haven't gotten myself to the gym! Not even for a massage or yoga! Can you believe it? I certainly can.....I am a bad, bad girl.

Other than dieting woes, I am trying to get my hobbies organized, which is a joke because nothing about my life at home is organized....but I've got some projects that I want to do and getting organized will help.

Planning out the week

I love planning out the week, but it seems like I can't really stick to it. Very lame. the only thing that may get sticky this week end is dinner at my in-law, which is always a big to-do. There is always tempting, tempting food. Brie (CHEESE...my other demon, easily partnered with PIGS IN A BLANKET), almonds, rich rich savory dinner food, super dessert. It seems that every time I go, there is no plan that will stick. I'm thinking that I'll have to horde 20 flexies just for that night because it's not exactly Core-ific!

I love my mother-in-law, she is very understanding of my dieting, and she's not putting those wonderful foods out to tempt me...she's putting them out for Chris. Her only child. The man who can eat anything without repercussion. The man who eats a solid 7-9 meals a day.

The other thing I really need to do is start exercising again. I miss it, but I'm also not terribly enthusiastic about starting it up again. It's a weird thing. Maybe I need to break into it slowly...go to yoga tomorrow night like I wanted to. That might be the way to do it. Will I actually get in there? I don't know.

Other than this, things are going okay. I'm in the last quarter of school. I only have one reading report left to write. I do need to start post-testing all the students on May 1st, but that's okay. I like my job and all it's geeky little bits.

Day 21

Where are all these days getting to? I have not a clue.

Lost 1.2 at WI today. I'm averaging 1 pound a week, and that's a fine start by all accounts. I'm not unhappy. I still have 79 days left and who knows what my body has in store for me once it stops boo-hooin' over the allergies.

This past week was a decent one, and I'm expecting the next week to be just as good. I've got menu ideas for the upcoming week. I want focus on getting de-stressed so I think I might go to Rest and Relaxation yoga at my gym on Friday and then maybe a massage Saturday afternoon. Once I get the stress management thing underway, I'll consider other things. Meanwhile, I'm allergic to the world and as a result, I can't go running or bike riding. Maybe I'll get back into the weights. Only time will tell....but I'll keep you posted.

While I was at my meeting tonight, another member said exactly what I truly believe...that many of us actually have an eating disorder (usually food addiction) and we need to go to meeting just like the people who go to AA or NA. I'm so glad that I'm not the only one at my meeting who feels that way! The last time I spoke to someone about it they thought I was nuts.

The other cool thing that happened is that there is a sudden and huge interest in Core. I got to participate so much more than I usually do (at this new meeting, at the old meeting I talked a lot). Very cool!

Day 18 of 100

Well, things this weekend have not been as uneventful as I had hoped and bragged about earlier this week. I actually went last night to my husband's boss' house to watch Ultimate Fighting Championship which I love. I'm not even ashamed about it. Some women like football, some like baseball, I like mixed martial arts, but I digress. I love Chris' boss and his wife. They are awesome. It doesn't help that they think I should start a bakery. So, in honor of their good taste, I made rocky road cupcakes to bring with us. I made rocky road because I knew I wouldn't be tempted to eat them because it's too much chocolate. (I am not a fan of chocolate cakes and such...blech!) and just so you know, the picture is not of one of my cupcakes...mine are prettier (lol).

Here are the dieting ups and downs:

Ups:

1. I made the rocky road cupcakes instead of the cookie dough cupcakes that I've become famous for.


2. I didn't eat dinner at home because Mrs. Boss has pigs in a blanket every single time I go there and even if I ate dinner first, I would eat pigs in a blanket until I needed stitches in my stomach.

Downs:

1. I ate pigs in a blanket for dinner for cryin' out loud!

I'm still doing well otherwise. I'm at the library right now and I brought all Core foods with me...mainly because I am out of flex points. It happens. I'll get over it.

Note: Anyone who also wants to make super awesome cupcakes; I get my recipes from Cupcakes from The Cake Mix Doctor. It is seriously the best cook book I own.

Day 14, weigh in #2

Official WI: 179.6 A loss of .8 and I am not unhappy. Sometimes the best things take off in a slow manner. I'm determined to have a good week this upcoming week. I've got no pot luck dinners, no cupcakes that I have to make. It's going to be an average, hanging out kind of week...and I'm happy for it.

I think that this is the week that I'm going to starting running again. My allergies are already killing me, so why not be outside more? Plus, the temperature is perfect for me to run in...kind of cool out. And I've got my new iPod shuffle that I've yet to play with....all signs point to "run"!

More Library pics

For those of you who have forgotten what my old library looked like, here's that post


This is the Teen Room. As you can imagine, it's very popular with the 12-16 crowd.

This is the view from one of the adult reading areas.

This is the mezzanine seating area. I love it!

New Library

It occured to me that I never posted picture of the new library! Same on me.

This is the information desk where I am posted.

This is the John Cheever Reading Room.
Children's room book display.
Children's room.
Adult Room.

Day 12/100

It's time to catch up folks....I didn't quite stay on plan all weekend, but I didn't do too poorly except for the the beer...I did let myself have beer not only Saturday night at my friend's party, but also yesterday when I came home from working at the library. It was a torrential downpour and Corona with lime seemed to be the way to dry off and warm up. And ya know what? It worked.



I'm back to my regular plan. I ate yummy fat free Greek yogurt this morning with Core cereal added to it for crunch....my current breakfast favorite. I ate multi-grain pasta for lunch with edamame, mushrooms, zucchini, scallions, garlic sauteed in a little olive oil. I'm definitely back on track.



I'm working on a new quilt....well, it's a quilt top that I sewed together 10 years ago and I'm just getting around to quilting it now. I'm finding it to be an interesting project because if I had sew this quilt top more recently, I would not have chosen half of the fabrics that I did. I do like the pattern, though, which is a classic Amish Sunshine and Shadow.



I also am becoming addicted to Work Out on Bravo. Watching that show makes me want to go to the gym and exercise the way I used to when I was actually training for triathlons. The mind is currently willing, but the flesh is weak....and lazy. I have some ideas on how to get some gym time in, but it involves getting up at the crack of dawn and I'm not sure if I'm that dedicated as of yet. I can't even seem to get to the gym consistently when I'm already awake, no less getting up over an hour earlier to get there. Sheesh!

What?

I just saw this while walking my dog.....very unusual to see this sort of bird close up....

Day 7, weigh in #1

I lost 1 full pound. I'm very happy with that considering that this weekend was that tests and Easter. Things didn't get completely out of control, but this weight watchers week will be much better. Not much going on at all. I have a pot luck to go to on Saturday that I'm really excited about...but the benefit of going to a pot luck is being able to bring your own food.

I'm hoping to lose 2-3 pounds by next Wednesday, which should put me back on track for losing 30 pounds in 100 days.

Day 6

Things have been weird all over. My home computer crashed at the end of last week, which is why I haven't been posting. I also haven't been able to keep track of my calories. My brother did fix it yesterday and he upgraded our hard drive to boot.

Anyway, I'm staying about the same weight wise...but only my official weigh in will tell us for sure. I'm not giving up my 30 in 100, however...it just might take some time. I think I"m off to a good start. I'm getting my eating under better control. I'm watching portion sizes, which is a big thing for me. Once I switched to Core, I let that portion sizes get slightly out of control.

Day 2

Morning weigh in: 180.4

Today I had my National Boards test, which was a killer. To celebrate the fact that I don't have to think about this stupid process until the scores come out next November, Chris and I had wine and cheese for lunch....I planned to have a high points day...I think between the wine and cheese I used about 19 points. It's okay, it works into my devious plan (Easter dinner is Core because it's at my mother's house...also a Core-bie) I've got 10 flexies left, give or take a couple. I'm good!

Aside from the wine and cheese super lunch, I treated myself to a massage, which I greatly deserved. I think I'm going to treat myself more often. I'm going to horde up my extra $$ whenever I can so I can get a massage. Why do I work so many frickin' hours to pay bills if I can't get a massage once every month or two! I work like a dog, people!

Day 1

Morning WI: 180.4

I'm off to a roaring start. My mom and I went to the veggie market and bought a bunch of fresh veggies and then headed out to Target. When we were done shopping we were hungry, so my mom bought a pretzel, I ate an apple from my veggie market purchases...I'm such a winner today. I'm feeling really good about this...granted it's day one and I've got 99 days to go, but hey, a good start is a good start, right?

------------food totals for the day-----------

30 in 100

I have finally reached the limit...the end of my proverbial rope. I'm back from vacation and 181.4 according to the official weight watchers scale. I'm ready for a change. A big change. I plan to lose 30 pounds in 100 days. It all starts tomorrow (and I'm not having a last night binge/pity party tonight) and it ends on Friday, July 13...just a few days before my 34th birthday. I am fed up with all this crap I've been doing to myself. I don't know how I let myself get this far...I must have been preoccupied beyond belief with the national boards crap...damn!
I'm at a new WW meeting that meets on Wednesday nights. So no more full day of eating crap like I used to do on Sundays. I'm back to core, but I'm also going to keep track of calories so it helps me watch portion sizes....a big problem for me when I get like this!

Anyone out there having a similar slap in the face recently?