Oh Banana's

Do you like banana's?  I am not fond of the things but occasionally I can choke one down, like this morning.  Fruit in general, I really have a hard time getting into my diet.  It is a daily struggle on that front.  I like oranges and apples and LOVE pears, but even those will go bad in my house.  Fruit is just not something I reach for, but I'm trying.  It's funny that there is not a lot of food I don't like, but fruit is not my fav.  I don't like plain milk and I'm not a fan of chocolate either.  I know, kind of weird but it can sit in my house for months and I won't touch it.  My issue is snackie foods, like chips.  I kind of gravitate to saltier things so they aren't in my house.  I have changed my eating habits so much in the past few years and even more so since January.  The weight may not be flying off my body but it will eventually and I'm so much healthier than I ever have been in my life.  I avoid fast food places like the plague but enjoy eating out so I choose a bit more expensive places so I can get salmon or steak and veggies.  I have a HUGE issues with any party or get together that involves appetizers.  My bad, bad weakness for sure so a lot of weekend nights are hard on me.  I can't avoid them so I sometimes bring things I can eat.  Doesn't always work but I try. 

Oh, as I am typing I hear the saws and hammers starting up this morning.  The progress is continuing on the addition.  Sunday night caused a horrible mess with the rain and poor little Clayton has been a muddy mess.  Pictures later in the week.  Toodles all!

I'm Still Here

I'm here.  For a brief moment today I thought I would shut this thing down.  After thinking about it all day long I have decided that I would edit some of my previous blog posts (delete them) and continue on.  I love writing here and that is the most important thing here for me.  I started this blog to help me get through a very tough time with the loss of my best friend Gail and my momma.  What has happened is that I have gained lots of friends across the world and I'm not willing to give that up.  So my friends I'm still here.  It's funny though that I find I'm having to curtail what I write about, nothing about marriage, family, kids, well what else is there.  We shall find out won't we.  No on to what has happened in the past couple of days.

First, I took Daddy to the doc yesterday and he will have another surgery on his hip next Tuesday.  They will take a much larger hunk of flesh off and hopefully it will heal.  I think he needs to do a bit more walking around to get the blood flow better, but that is MY opinion.  He will be fine and he is ready to get it done. 

Next, is the weight loss battle.  I am so upset tonight with the damn scale.  I hate that I have to live by it with weighing in at Weight Watchers.  How many weeks have I been trying to do this thing and I'm only down a little over 2 pounds.  I keep bouncing up and down with tenths of points and it is very frustrating.  I have amped up the exercise!  Last Friday I did 3.2 miles on the treadmill.  Saturday I walked about 1.6 miles with Harri.  Yesterday I did 3.2 miles on the treadmill and today I did 2 miles.  Tonight I went to weigh in and was up again!  I wanted to just throw my purse and keys against the wall.  I am working as hard as I can.  I know that I'm not logging the food like I was but when you eat pretty much the same thing every day I get tired of doing it.  I have got to knuckle down with that again.  I'm in smaller jeans and feeling so good so that damn dial should be going down, down, down. 

Construction update:

The pouring of the stem walls.

Scales & Men

First thing...I LOST WEIGHT!  I lost another 2 pounds for a total of 4 pounds!  I really wish it could be like a Biggest Loser loss of 10-15 pounds but I know realistically that is not realistic!  It took several years to put it on, slowly and it will take awhile to take it off.  I have to just stay focused and into the process.  Since this darned snowpocalypse thing and head cold I have not been able to work out like I'm used to.  Next week it will be back to the treadmill and onward!  I really would like to buy a treadmill for the house but The Hubby is not on board with it but I told him I might buy one for my room.  It could be very crowded in here but I might have to overrule him.  I don't think I'll pursue that issue until fall because with spring coming up I will be able to use the trainers and outside.  Maybe when we finish the add on that could be the exercise purchase we can make...fingers crossed. 

Did anyone watch Two and a Half Men on Monday night?  That show is one of our very favorite shows but... Charlie Sheen has been in the news for all of his partying and drugs and alcohol but Monday night he looked horrible.  He was gaunt and just weird.  You can tell it is effecting him on screen now.  It is so sad that he is living the character in his real life, really he is and we as American television watchers have a front row seat to see his slow demise and the end of a wonderful show.  He is not messing up his life, possibly to his death, but he is screwing his co-stars, John Cryer and Angus T. Jones.  The show is now on hiatus, too bad really.  Do you watch this show? 

Weight Loss?

Weigh in yesterday.  I was excited.  I've been tracking the food, even the 10 Frito's this weekend with the tablespoon of bean dip!  I have 30 points on Weight Watchers a day with 49 extra for the week and if I want my exercise counts as activity points.  I don't use the 49 or the activity points usually so I've been following the 30.  The first week I lost 2.2 pounds, YIPPEE!  Last week I gained .2 pounds, BOO.  Last night I was eager to step on the scale as I felt that I lost.  I felt it!  WHAT!!!!!!  I was up .4 pounds!  Well, crap!  I don't, don't, don't understand.  I've been living on veggies and very little rice, bread or potatoes.  I've been eating fish and chicken and the one beef meal this week was out for the anniversary and I scraped the sauce off of it.  I don't eat fat and if I use any it is olive oil but very, very little.  I will roast stuff in the oven with cooking spray.  I have been eating the veggies like mad and even added fresh fruit that I don't necessarily like.  I just wanted to cry during the meeting but my friend Beverly told me she had that happen for about 4 weeks and then all of a sudden started losing.  I certainly hope that happens because if I go next week and that damn scale goes up again I'm going to quit eating!!!!!  Just kidding.  It is frustrating but I won't give up! 

The Scale Said "WHAT"!

Last night I weighed in and was a bit worried after a weekend of lots and lots of wine.  My fear was well founded as the scale went up 2 tenths of a pound.  Drat!  Only my 2nd week of weighing in and I'm up!  I decided that I needed to knuckle down a bit more and bought a food scale.  This morning I found my measuring cups and started planning out the day.  While at workout there are always bananas to eat and I really don't like them, but I decided that a smoothie might be in order.  Remembering that I had frozen raspberries and a banana might work.  Vitamins, smoothie, poached egg on white toast and I was in business, must not forget the Smart Water.  One meal down, twenty more to go until the next weigh in.  Brrrrr, smoothie!

Oh Woe Is Me

Oh woe is me.  Went into the office this morning to pay a bunch of bills when the Internet hiccuped and lost the connection.  I rebooted, twice but still no connection.  Well, I can deal but HAVE to have it by tomorrow for payroll.  Then I get ready to start typing checks and the keyboard flat does not work, AT ALL!  EGAD!!!!!  Emergency call to the nephew and our computer go to guy.  He gives me tips on what to do but the last resort is to reboot with no keyboard, no passwords.  Finally, our #2 in the office came in, after my frantic call and we figured that the USB port the keyboard was plugged into was not working.  Okay, we now have keyboard but still no Internet.  He proceeds to diagnose and figure out the connection in the wall is wonky.  I left him kicking around with it all, home to have a bit of lunch and paint.  Tomorrow I will have to go in early and work.  A longer day for sure.

Daddy's doctor appointment with hip doctor went fine yesterday.  Actually the doc didn't look at anything but just came in and discussed what we want to do in 6-8 weeks, a bone scan.  He wants to make sure that the infection is not chronic,  If it is that would mean two surgeries.  Definitely don't want to go down that road.  Daddy is getting around so much better now, especially without the cane.  He looks great I think.  Back to the surgeon next week to check the wound progress and it seems to be healing very well.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

Continuing the diet thing and doing well.  Since cleaning up the room I found the little gadget I bought last year to help.  It is a thing called BodyMedia, as seen on Biggest Loser on the left arms of the contestants.  I finally decided that I would try it out. 

Surprisingly, it is pretty cool but you have to wear it 24/7.  I slept in it last night and am not sure that I will continue that practice as my arm has an imprint but it is really not uncomfortable.  It keeps track of my steps, calories (after entering the meals), sleep, etc.  Of course that means I'm entering my meals in two places, Weight Watchers online and here but that's okay.  It gives a different accounting of what I'm eating. 

Till later my friends. 

And Down We Go

Weighed in last night and YIPPEE!!!!!  I am down 2.2 pounds.  The scale was in my favor and I have successfully managed my first week on Weight Watchers.  I didn't stay for the meeting which the leader gave me grief for but I've been to umpteen meetings over the years.  I've been to so many meetings that I listened to the same "lessons" over and over again.  Besides a plate of salmon at Lucky's was calling my name.  I hate to do it but won't stay next week as we are having dinner with friends.  At least I'm working hard on the food and exercise. 

Come On Baby Light My Fire

This week I've been on fire in more ways than one.   I've started Weight Watchers and I've amped up my exercise regimen.  I've also been busy trying to overhaul "my" room.  I want to hang some pictures that have been amassing around the room so I can get more space and get rid of the dust bunnies. 



That would be a dust bunny!



Messy, messy room.  See above the table, on the shelf.  Those are my college degree thingy's and I have never hung them.  They are to go there and that is what the plan is this week.  I've cleaned under that table and now the stuff is piled on top of it ready to sort.  I'm in the mood to TOSS OUT! 

Today I'm finding a sunny corner in the breakfast room at the cabin to blog and try to maintain my everyday thing here.  It's quiet and very cold but I plan on reading, journaling, napping and enjoying the wonderful fire in the fireplace. 

Daddy, Family, Friends and Diet Update

This week has been for me yet today was for Daddy.  Tuesday I got the gray washed out of my hair.  Wednesday my toes and fingernails were made ship-shape.  Today I had a facial and massage.  Yup this week was for me.  I had to run to get him after the facial and massage to drive him back to Tulsa then back home and then me back home.  The doctor said the wound looks good...YUCK... yeah it does...blech...he has a whole in his hip at least 3 inches and as deep as 4 inches...blech!  He has a thing called a wound back attached with a pump that pumps...blech...I got to see them put a new patch on him, taping it to his poor irritated skin.  I felt so bad for him when they messed up and had to pull it off again.  My poor, poor Daddy.  At least it was good news in that it is healing very nicely and there is no sign of any kind of infection.  The surgeon want us to still go back to the hip doctor to let him evaluate.  There is/was a possibility that the hip will have to be taken out for a period of time and replaced but the surgeon did not think that would be necessary but wanted the hip doctor to determine that.  So next Monday it is to the hip doctor and the next week it is back to the surgeon.  Oh my.  Sis had her stress test and she is A-OK and ready to head back to work to the dismay of Sis.  She doesn't want to work anymore but if you're healthy and need the money...well, get back to it.  Still waiting for Bro to have his stress test to make sure he didn't have a heart attack.  Whey, I'm tired.

Also have tried for nearly two weeks to get hold of my dear friend C.  I have left many messages on her cell phone, voice and written and emailed her, nothing.  I was beginning to get a bit worried about her but I finally called her daughter and she said that she has hardly been using her phone, even leaving it at home.  I'm worried about her.  She is sleeping a lot, still in pain from the surgery in what July or so.  Should be on the mend by now I think.  Hey, I'm not a doctor or her but I'm just saying.  Still will worry. 

The diet is going quite well, really.  I've not had much of a problem with it and exercise is great.  I'm kicking it.  This weekend may be a challenge but I shall get through it!  I promise! 

Weight Watchers

I've waited till this evening to post because I wanted to inform about my first Weight Watchers meeting in a very, very long time.  The first time I did the WW gig it was canned tuna and liver, that would be the late 70's.  I've done it after that, after the first girly was born in 1979 and was again successful.  I've really not done a specific diet since then, only my own thing but I've been able to loose about 50 pounds on my own.  It is now time to get serious because I'm older and have really no obstacles, no reasons why not.  I had signed up online so thought I would just go to the meetings too, not so.  I arrived and the lady said absolutely not, that I could not even come into the meeting, WHAT!  Okay, I only signed up for a 3 month plan online so I would cancel that and sign up there.  I was NOT going to walk away from there, that would be an excuse.  No problem, sign me up!  While waiting in line a lady walked in that we used to go to church with.  Her husband soon followed and I got to visit with them a bit about our kiddos.  I sat through the meeting of clapping and oohs and ahhhs and stars given out and readied myself for the challenge.  After the meeting I looked up from my chair to see our friend B standing there.  She and her new hubby K were married a year ago, remember K was The Hubby's best friend and lost his wife, my dear friend Gail nearly 5 years ago.  I was glad to see a friend there and know I won't be alone.  Well all, here is the beginning of a new journey and I'm draggin' you all with me.  Enjoy the ride, it will surely be a roller coaster!  The weigh in was ICKY!  Christmas was not kind, or two weeks of not working out.  I'm back though. 

A New Year, A New Day, A New Perspective

It is a new year, new week, new day and I have a new perspective, I hope, on my life!  Impressive huh!  Last night I bit the bullet and told The Hubby I joined Weight Watchers and that I would be going to meetings on Tuesday nights.  He was tickled, as I knew he would be.  Honestly, other than my own way, Weight Watchers is the only diet that I have had success on, several years ago and so that is where I am going back too, for now.  This morning I got up with a new zeal and energy, ready for the treadmill.  I was surprised to find it seemed easier today (after being laid up for 2 weeks) and actually did a bit of light running without feeling an ache or pain in my knees or heal.  Sometimes when I get off the darned thing I can hardly walk but today it was easy, for a change.  Even though I still have snot nose I was able to feel like hitting that treadmill again.  I am looking forward to everyday for now, while the sun shines at least, because I know spring is coming.  The sun is kind of a tease because it is bitter cold outside but I'll take what I can get.  I have a lot of projects on the board to accomplish in the next few months, which is key to me not getting the depression thing going.  Now that Christmas is all put away I have room (Christmas wrapping station) in My room to rearrange my art corner and I told The Hubby it was time after 4 years to finally hang some pictures up in there.  They are just in a pile around the room and now that I have some of my own stuff I want to hang some of them too.  I may just fill the walls with art stuff!  What do you think? 

See the center of this picture, of the old couple with what looks like a ruffle under his chin.  Well, they are my great-something grandparents.  The picture hung in my greatgranny's house for as long as I can remember... 

I have coveted that picture all my life and the other day one of my cousins, who has the picture, asked if I wanted it!  Hell yeah!  I'm pretty excited but won't get my hopes up too much until it is in my hot little hands!  Now I've got to remember who they are exactly. 

Dismantling Christmas

 It is time to put it all away.  Poor little guys.  I've begun the process of going through the house and picking up all evidence of Christmas that has splattered everywhere.  Today will be the act of packing it all up and stowing away until next Christmas.

Poor little Clayton has just about had his fill with all the hoopla that has been going on.  I'm kind of with him.

This cold has pooped me out so much I haven't felt like doing much of anything yet I've had to do it anyway.  I have taken a break from workout until I feel better but tomorrow morning it is back on the treadmill, literally.  I've started the online Weight Watchers thing and have already hit a hurdle.  Monday we are to go out to dinner with old friends, to a Mexican joint no less.  Oh the humanity of it all.  My favorite food besides cheeseburgers.  Oh well, I will just have to make it work for me.  I'm on a mission.  I haven't informed The Hubby yet that I've jumped off and done the Weight Watchers thing yet and I have a feeling that he's scared that I've given up all together because I've not worked out for two weeks.  But he need not worry.  After nearly 15 years of 5 days a week of exercise that won't happen.  The food thing, well, that is a tougher challenge.  I love food, not just love but LOVE food!  It is a comfort thing, sure but I love it, I love to cook it, I love to watch it being prepared on television, I LOVE food.  I will never, ever be the svelte young thing I used to be, like size 1 or 3 but I can get to a comfortable size, or least that is the goal!  Wish me luck all.!