518 POSTS LATER

I did start off with a bang.. I did change my universe for a while.. I still have kept most of my weight off.. but largely have had no movement in the past year... I am well settled into married life... life goes on..it was a spinning year.. covering the emotional spectrum over and over again..
2008 was an eventful year... not particularly good but the fact that most of us are still alive and surviving I guess makes it a good year partially.. It was a year of financial scares.. an exciting presidental campaign, A new president with new views, it was a year of distrust in the financial world. It was a year of loss.. my mother, friends.. It was a thought provoking 2008 .. it was a quiet finish for me.. quiet in the sense that there is a huge gap of silence where my mother was.. I chuckle to myself when I think how right before Christmas she would be calling me and saying how she would be alone for Christmas and ask me what are we going to do for Christmas.. actually this call would come along in September.. and I would say to my mother.. Mom.. we don't celebrate Christmas.. we are jewish.. remember??/ she would laugh but still she would say she did not want to be alone .. and of course she was not.. we did the typical jewish thing.. Chinese food on Christmas day.. as was done this year.. only minus my mom.. It is so hard to explain the silence.. it is a deafening silence sometimes.. a huge gap .. and now with both parents gone.. there is just an emptiness..
I have wondered if I have tried to fill that gap with food.. perhaps.. but those gaps in our lives when we lose a parent.. can not be filled.. they . well those gaps.. just are.. they are just there.. Sometimes I try to ignore them.. and pretend they do not exist.. and sometimes I can not avoid looking into the abyss of memories.. endless.. which I guess in a way is a gift.. a bittersweet one at that...
When you and I over eat .. I often ask myself.. what are we trying to fill.. is it an abyss of some type? a gap... are we trying to fill real hunger.. ? are we able to listen to real hunger signals.. ? or do they get lost ? things I have been tossing around in my brain... I can tell you this, though, I have plans for 2009 ... things I am going to work on.. and I know you do too..
As 2008 comes to a close.. take a minute and focus on what is good in your life.. if you still have your parents.. and the relationship is not good.. fix it.. or try to fix it.. forget the couldawouldashouldas . and just try and fix it.. if the relationship is not fixable... then let it go.. let yourself go from whatever feelings you might be holding on too... its time...... if the relationship is good.. call them.. hug them... love them.. you are blessed to still have them.. For your children do the same.. don't waste time on the petty stuff.. its the real stuff that matters.. We are all inviduals caught up.. in this mysterious, adventurous thing called life..
There is a old toast that comes to mind... it is from an episode of MASH.. MAY THE BEST OF YOUR PAST BE THE WORST OF YOUR FUTURE.. I wish that for each of us...
I will be introducing some new ideas in the coming month.. that I want to share with you.. I am hopeful it will help me attain those life long goals of mine..
so no more platitudes for right now...
Wishing you each a very happy new year!
2009 the year I leave my fat ass behind.. :-)

Holiday Photos

SAYING IT WITH PHOTOS

HERE ARE PICTURES FROM OUR CHANUKAH PARTY YESTERDAY..
YES I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE LATKES, AND THE DESSERTS.. BUT THE TABLE SURE LOOKED PRETTY.. ALSO BECAUSE I LOVE YOU GUYS TWO BONUS PICTURES.. ONE OF COOKIE AND ONE OF BAZZIE
ENJOY...

FEELING GROOVY

I am so thankful to be among the living today.... Wednesday night I took an Ambian CR.. apparently I was given the stronger dose.. and apparently my body did not like that very much.. for yesterday was hell day for me.. I was sick all day and it was awful... Friday.. today .. I am a world better.. No drugs for now.. I am staying drug free.. going to let my body set its own time clock .. and hopefully reset to sleep.. I did okay last night woke up a lot but eventually went back to sleep..
This weekend we are having our Chanukah party on Sunday, and Saturday night we are going over to friends to celebrate Christmas.. its a Christmas Chili party.. should be fine minus heartburn of course.. lol.. I am looking forward to both events..
Wishing you all a great weekend!
Until next time ...

My friend who in September was diagnosed with esphageal cancer.. is Cancer free for now.. he had a percentage of his esphagus removed.. he has lost 86 pounds, and is now also free of insulin dependant diabetes... He feels as if he has been given a second chance and is going to take advantage of that. Six small meals a day he said.. he told me to get healthy.. now before I have a whoping health scare.. Get healthy Honi.. now..get healthy friends now..

RECIPES FOR WEDNESDAY

LOWFAT GINGERBREAD CAKE

MINI SHEPERDS PIE

ANGEL DELITES

20/20 SUPER FAST CHICKEN RECIPES

SWEET POTATO FRIES
ENJOY~

Holiday laughs

Just some stuff to smile at..

hope your holiday preperations are going well..

Am in the midst of reading a couple of books I will be sharing with your soon..

Until next time..

BAKING IN FULL SWING..

WITH HOLIDAYS RUNNING WILD RIGHT NOW.. I am sure your kitchen is abuzz with activity.. lord knows mine is .. and I do not even celebrate Christmas... we are having a Chanukah brunch at our home next Sunday.. and have a nice menu planned. Not a very healthy menu but with some healthy options thrown in...
Here are a few recipes taken from Nutrition data..
DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIES
MARBLE CHEESE CAKE
CRANBERRY SCONES
Just a few ideas ..
I know the next week and a half will be hectic for you .. be sure and take time for yourself.. breath in and breath out.. and if you over indulge... let it go.. do not berate yourself over and over.. you did it, its done , its also over... let it go..
Take care of yourselves..
Until next time..

RENOVATIONS AND REVELATIONS

Changing the face of things around here for 2009... I have retired Healthy Honi and changed the title of my blog to A TASTE OF HONI.. you will notice I changed the description too.. ( the addy is the same location.. )
Just trying to create a new environment for myself.. Of course I want to get healthy thats goal number 1.. but I am tired of things I have focused on in the past.. finding that.. if I do the same thing over and over I just end up with the same results.. which is nothing.. With A TASTE OF HONI.. I am going to post more healthy recipes.. more food photos as we cook and change our ways in the kitchen.. ideas and exercises that work and do not work.. new products.. and in general just sharing my thoughts as I continue this journey of a lifetime...
My Tag line for 2009 is ~ Leaving the Weight behind in 2009~
I have been doing a lot of self research over the last several weeks.. things I thought I really understood .. I truely do not... for example I have extreem portion distortion issues.. that is one factor I am working on.. I just ordered a book called Picture Perfect Weight loss by Dr. Howard Shapiro.. He does a lot of visual comparative analysis between foods... comparing photos of various items .. and showing for example.. a croissant is equivlant in calories to a full breakfast.. just various pictures so you get a visual idea of volumetrics and what food switches can do..
I also purchased another book about a well known movie critic who has lost over 75 pounds by really addressing her core issues.. I will let you know more about that once I recieve it.. as well as the the Picture perfect book.. I am still going to work with my nutritionist.. but I am also going to really work on myself.. I get so side tracked in life.. things turn my head and make me stop focusing on myself.. SO perhaps My tag line for 2009 should also read.. A LITTLE SELFISHNESS on my part is absolutely FINE..
Last night I was talking to my cousin Heidi and she said.. you know something Honi, I have the same problem you have... where your issues are food related... mine are men related... I have portion distortion as well... She tends to pick the guys who end up being unhealthy for her.. yet they sometimes are the most appealing.. like food.. for example... I am far more attracted too dark chocolate.. than a brussel sprout.. ( although as this week I now have a fondness for brussel sprouts) I could certainly appreciate what she was saying... we had a good laugh over that.. She asked me about having less invasive surgery like a lap band or other weight loss surgeries... I told her.. I need to go this journey.. I need to do this the right way for me.. and that is learning how to deal with food... stop trying to medicate myself with food.. and stop trying to use it to comfort me.. things I have done for now 45 years.. how does one change 45 year old habits.. ??? I am hoping with a sense of good humor, a sense of diligence, and accomplishment and effort that I can achieve this finally in 2009.. I am doing a lot of private leg work right now.. and trying to scope out my best options..
Did you read the latest from OPRAH... Happens to the best of dear Oprah.. this is forever.. and forever is a mighty long time when stress happens and mashed potatos beckon.. and all those down home comfort foods call...and we suffer from portion distortion.. but I do wonder.. how someone like her, who has the best of everything at her fingertips.. has a food issue.. I mean she can have a personal chef, a personal trainer.. a personal shopper, a personal person for her personal person, a personal person who chews her food for her.. she could have it all and yet.. she like me.. like you still struggles.. with food.. just goes to show you its not all about the money you have to help you make those lifestyle changes... its far deeper than money.. its about willingness to change and not go back to what was.. as the saying goes and I said it earlier in my post.. IF YOU DO WHAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE DONE THEN YOU GET WHAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE GOT. Its about being okay with not being perfect.. and finding a place where you can live in peace.. I am never going to be 95 pounds.. EVER.. BUt if I could just be 132 and stay with in 5 pounds of that.. I would be so proud of myself.. thats the magic number for me.. and I wish I could tell you why.. it just is~~~ I felt so good there.. I want to feel that good again.. I was far from thin, but I looked good.. and felt good.. and was proud of myself.. I get tired of feeling ashamed of myself.. I get sad when I see that look in my husband's eyes .. its not a mean look.. it is more like I am worried about you.. and I want you just to be healthy.. and feel better.. and I know you can do this.. and in that look I see dissapointment too.. lets face it.. he loves me for me.. but I know he would love me smaller.. because to him that would mean I was healthier. and frankly in all reality he is right.. and if I am healthier.. we can do more things.. take more trips.. and feel good together.. I also think that if he sees me getting healthy.. not some marathon crazy healthy but regular normal healthy.. then perhaps he too will eat less meat, lay off the donut samples.. say bye bye to the ham sandwiches.. etc.. thats what I think..
I have not.. and for those of us , actually.. lets just say .. we that have not reached our goal yet WE MUST FIND A WAY... whatever works.. for us in the healthiest most optimal way.. I know its out there..
A long term solution .. no quick fixes...
Here is one of my favorite websites with great recipes too...
EAT BETTER AMERICA
Have a super weekend!
Wish me well
Wish you well too..

LAUGHS FOR FRIDAY!

SIRENS AND STORMS

Yep.. so Steve is out of town until today... and darn if old man tornado did not decide to blow right on over to my area last night.. The sirens went off around midnight and did not stop until after 5 this morning.. on and off on and off.. Rather than run up and down the steps all night.. Cookie , Baz and me grabbed some pillows and a bathrobe, a radio a portable tv, water, and a flashlight. and went down stairs to the unfinished area where a sofa us.. Steve has an office downstairs too in the half finished basement/ garage.. Baz got in the chair, Cookie got on the sofa with me.. we turned on the tv for a while and then switched on the radio.. and damn if the Alarms where not going off on the radio.. it was loud.. but we kept the radio on and tried to rest as we listened to things being tossed in the wind... It rained furiously .. and the lightening was intense.. wind gusts were up as high as 75 mph at one point.. A tornado touched down about 10 miles away but we did not have any issues other than wind shears.. otherwise it was a noisy stay up all night not feel good today night.. YUCK!.. my eating has been terrible today .. but I am just trying to stay awake.. looking foward to the bed tonight.. HOWEVER, we are in for another night of storms.. ohh and this morning at 3 am it was 70 outside.. VERY SCARY.. normally its in the 30s.. this time of year.. or low 40s at the highest.. Now here is the icing or SNOW FALL on my cake... Tommorow , Thursday we are suppose to get snow showers YEP .. more storms tonight then tommorow it gets colder and the white stuff is suppose to fall.. no accumulations expected... Talk about a cornucopia (or however you spell that) of weather.. sheesh...
Otherwise.. just trying to survive the day and get back home..
Wish me well
Wish you well too..

NEVER TOO OLD

Like the title sizes.. you are never told to try new things...
and you may never know if you like something unless you try it.. assuming you will not like something is closed minded.. but if you try it and its not life risking.. well.. you might find something you enjoy that you did not know you would enjoy until you tried it...
Example.. Motorcycling.. I had no idea I would love it until I tried it.. I was scared.. but it was fun.. I do have my limits though.. Heights are huge with me.. so I doubt you would find me parasailing..
I have my limits with food too.. but I do try different things... My husband made brussel sprouts the other night for dinner.. I had never had them and always assumed I would not like them.. but guess what I LOVE THEM>.. he used a little olive oil and garlic powder to saute them in.. and they were wonderful.. I like to try new fruits like pompagranite and star fruit.. .. new ways to cook things.. and I am always on the search for new recipes..
I have become more adventurous in my older age.. I love to explore new areas .. and walk around.. I love to go on trips via bike with Steve and see the world from a different perspective..
I am not saying break your limits. but do try different things.. including veggies and fruits.. and activities.. you just might be pleasantly surprised...
Wish you well
Wish me well too..

IS IT REALLY VIABLE TO EAT HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

WHAT a silly title.. is it really viable to eat healthy for the holidays.. We know the answer to this age old question.. OF COURSE NOT!! kidding... of COURSE IT is VERY VIABLE.. and easy too..

Think about it... I am not telling you to say NO! to everything.. I am just saying.. be aware.. think before you eat.... by perusing the internet you can find some great ideas.. they are all common sense things.. but here is a reminder..
There are things you can do.. as a hostess of holiday parties that your guests will not even realize that will ultimately benefit them as well. As a guest of holiday parties you can apply some of these ideas as well..
For example:
1~By planning ahead, you can put in a few extra minutes per walk and eat healthy meals on before and after a party. Don't go to a party starving! You'll grab the first goody you see without thinking about it. If you're the party host, you can choose serve lighter fare and use smaller plates to help control portion sizes.
2~Mind eggnog and spiked cider !! Drinkable calories still count as calories! If you're going to imbibe, be aware of what's in it. Low-cal options include diet soda (with or without a mixer), white wine, or seltzer water with a splash of lemon or lime. Watch out for high-cal counterparts: egg nog, beer, and sugary drinks like punch.
3~ Pick healthier options from the menu and spend your extra calories carefully. If Auntie Martha's homemade truffle cake makes you weep with joy, don't fill your plate with Uncle Bert's so-so Bean Dip. You'll enjoy what you really like instead of what you don't care much for.
4~Incognito calories - Watch out for healthy foods swimming high-fat sauces, dips and cheeses. Good-for-you celery turns into a caloric nightmare when covered in creamy dip.
5~Your overall health is determined by your long-term choices throughout the year. The menorah's packed away and the Christmas tree has become fertilizer, but you don't want to be left with five or ten pounds of holiday memory around your middle.
REMEMBER Less can go a long way if you want it too..
The holidays do not have to be a lose lose situation.. Mindfulness goes a long way too.. and combined with culinary goodness it can be a healthy holiday season as well as a tasty one too..
Wishing you a great weekend~
ROLL TIDE!!!!!

DEFEND YOURSELF

Here it comes creeping around the corner at full speed.. it is called the HOLIDAYHUNGRYS ... and now they are not all that sinister.. they wave before your face in chocolatey goodness, or that once a year pie or cake or delicacy of your choice.. I have always believed with holidays and once a year treats that a little is fine.. but scarfing down the bowl just will not do... You can be a renagade and redesign your holiday happening by eliminating all the once a year treats and creating newer healthier treats for you and your family.. there are lots of choices out there via just a click of google and a request from you... Or you can say PFFT .. it does not really matter and eat yourself into oblivion for the holiday season .. then make that same old choice... JANUARY 1 err 2 the diet starts.. yeah.. its the same old voice.. the same old diet.. the same old.. thing..
I have had to work on developing a whole new realm of thinking for me .... I have had to learn over the last few months how to adapt to IBS and Fibromyalgia.. truthfully.. the last thing I want to do is meal plan or think.. or deal with eating right.. I am just now to the point I can eat veggies again.. for a while there I could only eat Carbs.. but now I can eat protein , veggies and even some fruit.. but I have to be careful with a lot of fiber.. so I am taking a step at a time.. developing a new program that works for me and then adjusting it so I can actually lose weight.. I now eat about 6 times a day .. small meals.. with the larger meal being during the mid day usually.. that seems to be the best situation for me.. I am suppose to drink drink drink a lot of water.. I am worst at that but getting better.. so I am as usual a work in progress... working on defending myself from the Holiday goodness of both Christmas and Chanukah treats... For me I have a warning signal.. if its fatty.. its not going to work for me.. I will suffer from indulging.. so its not worth it .. for those of us that do not have those warning signals... really think about it.. I know its the holidays.... but what if this time since you know what "that" tastes like you pass by it and opt for something a little more nutritious.. or just take a bite of "that" remember 4 bites is all you really need and all you really remember anyhow.. the first 2 bites ( small ) and the last 2 bites ( small) .. Defend yourself .. and continue on your healthy journey... mine is being revamped right now so I can do just that..
Be sure and get out and move .. walk, swim (indoors of course) ride a bike.. it all really helps..
Wishing you a healthy holiday season
Wish me well too..

SHE IS ALIVE

YUP I am alive just way too busy .. Thanksgiving was nice.. a little hard with out mom but really nice... Loved spending time with my Sister, brother in law and niece this past weekend.. they came in On Saturday , left early Sunday.. wish they had been here longer..
Hope all is well in your world..

A DAY IN PICTURES

I am trying out my new anniversary gift.. my camera... I took some pictures of Bazzie and Cookie.. and then took it with us today ... We went to Collensville to go on a great puppy hunt... I did not take any photos of puppies.. however I did take a couple of things I saw along the way... the oddest being that the Preacher man is still standing on the street corner in Collensville by the Sonic Hamburger place and preaching still.. only now he has other people with him.. I wish I could have gotten a better picture .. next time I will take a video .. I admire people with great faith but the Preacher man only talks about sinners and damnation.. never how wonderful God is or that we should be tolerant of others etc etc... Today he was preaching about the Devil and Sin and as he Yelled in his Microphone.. or Megaphone.. He called us all sinners and we just loved sin and had no faith.. yada yada yada... okay he did not say .. Yada Yada Yada.. I did.. lol.. but you get the drift...
The next series of pictures is my Half assed homemade spagetti sauce and Spagetti... I can not have whole wheat Pasta anymore .. so I use regular now... I also use Barilla pasta and sauces.. then I added lean beef which I also drained any excess fat from.. I also.. sauted sweet onion and baby bellas together.. with a little bit of butter and olive oil.. Put it all together and you have my Half assed homemade spagetti.. and the last photo is the remains of the top of our weddng cake.. which we did taste.. I have to say the cake was good the frosting.. yikes.. lol... SO with no further ado I bring you a day in pictures....

TO CLIP OR NOT TO CLIP and other ASSORTED ODDS AND ENDS FOR FRIDAY

Are you a coupon clipper? sometimes we are and sometimes we are not..
I met an interesting lady the other day who is an avid .. coupon clipper.. she and her friends are serious clippers and she says her friends are even more serious than she.. She knows a lady that regularly gets 100.00 worth of groceries for 25.00 . She said her friends and she have switched to using store brand canned veggies and frozen veggies unless there are good coupons for name brands.. and she is an avid shopper at Publix. She said that being a good coupon clipper is very time consuming but worth it too.. She even showed me her coupon carrier and her filing method... She has a average size family.. and she said she does well at the grocery considering the price hikes as of late...
Steve and I went to the new BASS PRO and OUTDOOR SHOP that opened Wednesday night here.. we went last night and boy its like a Disney world for hunters and sportsmen.. The drive up to the store once you turned into the driveway was beautifully lit at night.. I guess for the holidays... it was a narrow winding road.. through the woods.. there is a hiking trail and a little lake you can try boats out in.. IT even had an old fashioned General Store in it.. that served sandwhichs and icecream.. They had a huge shoe department upstairs, along with a electronic shooting gallery up there too.. TONS of hunting clothes and all types of Guns, fishing gear .. tents.. kyaks etc.. The place is HUGE!!! one of the biggest Bass Pro Shops .. Not being a hunter sort of person myself.. I still found it to be really neat.. and even bought Cookie and Baz some Doggies Rawhide Cow ears..they love those..
Speaking of Cookie she and I have a sleep issue now.. Seems when the weather gets cold.. Cookie has decided that she should sleep with us.. me specifically that I might freeze to death with out her to keep me warm.. She firmly believes it is her duty to snuggle between my legs and thus pinning me down in the bed where I can not move.. and will be perfectly warm with her being cozy too.. She only does this when the weather is cold.. Last year I started covering her with a blanket on her bed at the foot of our bed.. So tonight.. my little miss will get in her fluffy new doggie bed ( I bought her a new bed last month and she loves it) and tuck her in with a blanket.. and perhaps I will get the chance to sleep.. I know I know.. you are thinking why dont you kick the dog off the bed.. ? what a silly thought.. why on earth would I bannish Cookie from the bed.. and inhibit her protective nature of me? Yeah I know.. she is cold and she just wants to snuggle up and be warm.. and when Steve is out of town she knows she sleeps on the bed.. and when she was little she slept with us.. right between us but near the foot of the bed.. as she got older she would wiggle her way up the bed.. so her head would be between us and on a pillow.. lol she quickly learned that was not a good idea.. though it seemed so at the time.. I think once she has a blanket on she will be fine.. it worked last year so hopefully she will remember and it will work this year as well...
Well that about wraps it up for a Friday..
I do feel a lot better ... thanks for all your good wishes..
I see my nutritionist on Monday and am going to make a strong effort to start swimming religously at club.. Its good for and I feel better when I do it..
Wish me well
Wish you well too.
Have a great weekend!

A TALE OF THREE HONIS

The Common sense Honi saw her nutritionist Monday night.. Honi listened as her nutrionist told her you know.. 5 small meals a day.. smaller servings.. not eating late... and in Honi own thoughts she knew she could not eat like she had before... She could still have a fun Anniversary on Tuesday night..but she needed to let common sense be the leader. However Crisis ensued because Honi in her own warped wisdom decided FUCK EVERYTHING.. I am going to eat anything I want... to which she inhaled two thick lamb chops ( not that thick but normally thicker than she would have and usually she would only have ONE) a large amount of Lesur Green peas ( she has loved those since she was a little girl she reasoned) and real homemade mashed potatos prepared lovingly by her her wonderful husband. She got home the kitchen was candle lit.. and the Common Sense Honi apparently took a vacation while the Glutton Honi replaced her... oh and did I forget to mention the hot chocolate ( yes it was fat free and everything but that should have been dessert not a before dinner drink) and then we DID IT... ( NO NOT THAT PEOPLE .) WE opened our wedding cake top .. and proceeded to share a RICH delicate and believe it or not Still devine slice of cake a year later.... the icing I left off it was not that good.. but the cake was perfect .. it tasted like the day we got married.. no joke.. I could not believe it... Steve had bought a back up dessert from Fresh market had the cake not been good.. SO you ask me did you eat that too? 1 bite.. it is going back to the store today Steve bit into it and bit into a round piece of plastic... so that quieted the gluttonous one down... Little did she know what her body had planned for 2 hours later...
We watched tv.. talked .. relaxed... went to bed ( I took my adivan as usual for the past 3 weeks) and thats when the rath of hell showed up.. I knew something was wrong with me.. I had felt overly full and uncomfortable .. the first visit to the throne of YouATE TOO MUCH commenced, then the second visit , third visit.. and so forth .. each visit being worse than the one before.. ( TRYING HARD NOT TO BE TOO DISCRIPTIVE sorry if I offend) The final visit last 45 minutes... and midway ended with me SCREAMING FOR STEVE... Apparently I decided in my adivan haze that I needed to toss my cookies.. only when I stood up.. I FELL THANK GOD AGAINST THE WALL DOWN TO the cold ceramic tile floor and FAINTED.. In our master bedroom the toilet is behind the bathroom entrance door.. its a Small water closet .. and is often mistaken for a CLOSET... a lot of people think our bathroom has no toilet in it lol... so the toilet area is very small.. you could not fall over unless the door was open .. It could have been much worse.. instead of landing sitting up and slumping I could have fallen out and smacked my head on the the tub or something.. I scared my poor husand to death..this all took place in a matter of seconds.. ( but to my mind it felt like forever) my mouth was totally dry .. no saliva at all which made it hard for me talk.. Steve brought me a small cup of Ginger ale and just sat with me on the floor for a long time... I asked him to go get back in bed because I was about to get sick again.. the very last time was bad.. but I was able to walk back to bed... Oh by then Common sense Honi came back and berated the hell out of Gluttonous Honi.. who bargained as usual with God the whole time... Common Sense Honi wondered if this is what it finally took for Gluttonous Honi to realize that she has too go away and can never come back.. that her risk to Healthy Honi is far too dangerous... yep.. far too dangerous... Common Sense Honi and Healthy Honi sent Gluttonous Honi packing this morning at 5 am... banished from her body.. gone forever... today consists of saltine crackers , jello, ginger ale.. and maybe toast and a scrambled egg tonight... maybe..
A tale of Three Honis...
Wish me well
Wish you well too..
Please be sure and check out the recipe below by the way... many people have asked for it...
Enjoy...

Honi's Yummy Banana Bread Light

Have been making this Banana bread and altering it until I finally got it to a perfect point..
SUB the sugar for SPLENDA BROWN SUGAR MIX ( look at back of package for equivelent measurement guide )
I also use 70% cocoa chips from Whole foods in place of semi sweet chips.. and I use chopped pecans instead of Walnuts..
I cut a little back on the oil and use 2 bananas per recipe..
All measurements aside from Splenda Brown sugar swap with the regular white sugar are the same. You double and triple this recipe easily...
Enjoy !
Wish me well
Wish you well too

A YEAR~ NOVEMBER 18, 2008

A year ago today Steve and I were married... our family and friends.. were there.. and my Internet family heard all about it in the following weeks.. It was by far one of the most proudest and joyous moments in my life ever.

So much has transpired in a year..along with our marriage... having the wonderful experience of visiting Israel, celebrating the engagement of my niece Jennifer and her graduation from pharmacy school... surviving economic challenges as everyone else is too ... witnessing history on November 4th...
At the same time though there was sadness too.. Losing friends to illness .. Losing mom 4 months ago this past Saturday... On the one hand we know that we were blessed that she was there to celebrate with us and that she had a good life.. on the other.. Steve and I still feel a bit lost with out her... She was our weekend cohort.. sometimes we looked forward to it.. and sometimes not so much... but now that those sometimes are gone.. the emptiness she left behind is far bigger than anything I have ever known only connected in size to the loss of dad...
However, even with this year's uncertainties.. even with the losses we have experienced... there is joy..
When I look into my husband's eyes.. I am sure of things... I am hopeful.. and mostly I am happy,.
I am joyful over the smaller things in life that Steve does..
a perfect example of that .. is last week.. I was so stressed from work.. frazzled... upset.. Steve met me at the top of the steps, with homemade hot chocolate, made with skim milk, and topped off with a dollop of Redi Whip Fat free whipped cream.. it was a big hot steaming mug.. my frazzledness got left behind as I indulged before dinner in on of my favorite treats on a cool night...
Steve does not try to solve my world..... and I like that.. if I ask him to help me solve something, he does.. but he cheers me on.. encourages me.. or joins me in growling at whatever monster has annoyed me ... he listens.. most of the time...That is important to me... his laughter is like music to my ears.. and I get so tickled when I know something I have said has made him laugh... He never fails to make me happy.. . my home is in his arms.. and my heart .. well.. he is my heart... he sees me through... he believes in me well after I have given up.. and long after he should have given up on me.. sure we get frustrated with each other here and there.... but those moments are like tiny tiny tiny dots that help make up this brilliantly colored canvas of our lives together... he makes this life a great adventure.. he brings me joy.. and he walks with me no matter what.. he is my blessing...
As next week is Thanksgiving.. I will get an early start... I am Thankful for Steve... for all he does, for all he is.. for who I am because of his love .
I love you sweetness!
Happy 1st anniversary ..looking forward to Anniversary 2 and beyond...
~~~For me.. this year.. one of the coolest things I got to do .. I got to buy an anniversary card .. okay.. I bought 3 one that made me laugh, one that made me cry and one that made me smile..... I have never bought one before for a husband.. my husband (smile)... ~~~~

Wishing you all well
Wish me well too...

JOE'S ITALIAN Pizza, Pasta and Cafe

Okay I promise ( but not really) that this will be the last installment (probably not) of that wonderful new Italian cafe I was telling you about..rather than go on and on .. I decided to post the menu... I really want to see these wonderful folks succeed.. so if you live in my area .. GO THERE NOW! if not.. come visit and GO THERE NOW!.. am I too demanding.. hmmm maybe... do you think?

Ohhh and we went shopping at this place called Rogers Trading Company.. they have all kinds of clothing, hiking apparel.. outdoor wear etc... we go there from time to time to look at shoes... so they had a pair of Salomon's...
on sale.. these shoes.. are normally priced 80.00 on up.. mine where marked down to 59.00 when I got to the cash register they were actually a lot less... 29.00 got 'em on now and they are heavenly to my feet.. I am not a high heel fluffy shoe wearer I like nice.. lifestyle shoes... you .. good looking and practical and sporty sort of... these fit the bill love them... Steve got a great pair .. dont remember the name but I do know it was a great mark down too.. I bought them for him for our Anniversary... yep.. can you believe those pictures above are nearly a year old.. in fact they will be a year old come Tuesday.. 1 whole year.. I will be doing a post regarding that year... either Monday or Tuesday...
Anyhow with out further ado..
Here is the menu for Joe's

NOT AN EPIPHANY

Not an Epiphany at all.. I really enjoy food.. especially good food.. yeah . I am a foody and I am not going to be ashamed of that anymore.. especially when I do not waste calories on CRAP.. and really have a sit down good meal.... Last night I went to a wonderful new Italian cafe .. it was pretty far from where I live.. but I love spending time with my friends who I seldom see.. and with Steve being out of town until tommorow.. this was a great diverson.. of course I had starving pups at home when I got home.. who were mystified why Mommy did not run home to them and attend to their needs first.. (TOO FAR AWAY from where I was headed to go back home first) but they quickly forgave me when I feed them and scratched some bellies...
The company was great... but I have to say the food.. blew me away.. I was expecting typical southern style fried Italian crap that was going to make me sicker than sick.. much to my surprise... EVERYTHING IS HOUSE MADE.. EVERYTHING from the salad dressing to the desserts.. I had Eggplant Parm. Yeah I hear you yelling at me saying.. Honi how could you.. thats fried.. its horrible for you.. I beg to differ.. their eggplant parm.. is grilled .. and if you scrape off some of the cheese.. that helps too.. the sauce is homemade and rich in tomato chunks.. not runny but still loose enough to dip the warm bread in.. I tasted my friends manicotti .. I do not care for cream sauces.. . it had 3 sauces on it.. I am not sure of any but the pomadora .. which was good.. but here is the thing.. the pasta is in house made.. and you can tell.. the filling was there.. nothing was covered in sauces or cheeses .. each ingredient had its own distinct flavor.. really nice.. My other friend was suppose to have the lasagna but they ran out so she had spagetti and meatballs after she saw another tables order.. The meatballs were.. well.. MEAAATBALLS.. HUGE.. in house made.. fresh.. I did not try it.. but it was a beautiful traditional presentation..
We only had 2 issues for this new place that opened last night for its first run..
Our waitress bless her heart.. is Mexican. and could not describe any of the dishes well.. her description of the soup was... emm it has beans in it.. and noodles.. and.. emmm.. I am not sure.. lol.. it was kinda funny... and there was a BIG lapse of time from placing our order to recieving our 2 salads and 1 soup.. but the meal was well worth the wait... YES I was a pig.. I left a good bit of my pasta.. but I ate all the grilled eggplant parm.. it was HEAVENLY.. the servings were spot on.. NOT HUGE.. but not too small. I could have made two meals out of it especially with the side of spagetti but I did not.. as I said I left most of the spagetti.. I can tell why that eggplant parm is one of their specialties.. they ran out of the chicken parm too.. I guess they were not prepared that they would have a huge crowd like they did... they are well off the beaten path.. and not easy to find unless u know the area like my friends do.. but boy they were worth the adventure of getting there and waiting... How to eat healthy there you ask... ABSOLUTELY NO DESSERT.. okay okay have a bite or 2 of your friends... its all in house made.. sorry I am a sucker for in house or homemade food.. lol... Eat lots of salad.. its EXCELLENT.. full of colorful greens.. and very light dressing.l in fact they put it on .. a little too lightly.. share an entree.. or do the eggplant parm and scrape off a good bit of the cheese.. you wont be missing anything .. because its so yummy... drink your water .. and try and not have too much of the bread or skip it.. your meal is worth it if you wait... okay thats my review LOL..
Sigh... well its a typical work day.. hard .. and seemingly endless.. so I better get busy.
Wish me well
Wish you well too..
Critter.. YOU HAVE TO GO THE IS PLACE .. just be careful.. but Honey its AMAZING... email me and I will send you the directions and scan the menu so u can plan ahead...

BE VERY ALERT

So here is how it went.. I paid off my credit card bill in Sept.. In early Oct. I noticed a late charge.. called and argued with them about it... apparently they never gave me the correct closing amount to settle the card.. hence the other charge.. so I we come to an agreement on an amount I send that in in mid Oct. Sunday I randomly check the account and see another late charge while I am on the phone waiting to talk with someone about that STUPID CHARGE.. I notice pending charges for 182 dollars and some change.. now thats hard considering the asshat card is in my vault at the bank!!! SO I WONT USE THE FUCKING THING!!!!! .. So apparently someone got the card number.. sold it to someone in Texas and someone in YONKERS.. they used at the same time , same day ( SUNDAY) I happened to catch it... I AM IN ALABAMA.. so hence it was not me obviously.. I am not responsible for any charge.. and the wiped the wrong late charge off too.. and gave me a new account...
BE ALERT and pay attention to your reciepts and the creeps that might get their greasy hands on your number..
I caught it early... there is a lot of evil out there.. be careful what you do..
I am going to see the nutrionist tommorow night and we are going to work more on a IBS plan.. I am starting to eat more fiber and actually able to keep it more.. I still have to eat more carbs than I would like just because it stays with me...and I seem to be doing okay with certain protiens cooked certain ways.. i can eat soft boiled eggs fine.. scrambled eggs not so well.. I can eat white wheat toast but not wholewheat toast.. I can eat a small amount of my Kashi U cereal mixed with my Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal with skim milk..l but only a small amount.. Mashed potatos , cream of wheat.. are my good friends.. whole wheat pasta or even a whole wheat blend of pasta.. YIKES.. Broth soups fine.. Cream soups.. Nope.. a couple ounces of meat or chicken fine . more than that not so fine... Fish Fine.. veggies are a guessing game.. sometimes fine .. sometimes not so fine.. STRESS.. thats horrible for me.. not only do i get bad pain but my stomach goes bonkers... so thats where I am now.. You can well imagine my pain Sunday night when all this mess was discovered with the credit card..
but am better now..
Wish me well
Wish you well too!

In Memory of my dad.. who died 7 years ago today..

This poem is titled Tranistions.. I tried to think what my dad would say to me after his death... hope you like it..

Transitions...

I miss you dad.. hope you and mom can see what a great season Alabama is having so far.. I know you both would love this. Mom .. you especially would have loved that game last night.. Alabama did it again.. boy how Steve and I wish you both could have seen that game.. You would be proud.. I even watched it.. ( okay I did fall asleep for a little bit) and cheered when Alabama scored.. sigh....

I think you both would also be amazed at how the elections turned out too.. and unlike some of your close friends and even family.. I think you would be hopeful that things would be moving towards the better...

Love,

Honi

VERSED AND DEMEROL.. NO PAIN NO MEMORY NICE.. :-)

I had the endoscope yesterday...
NOTHING MAJOR yay..
a hernia and IBS.. but man .. that versed.. I can deal with that.. lol..
Here are things NOT to do when You are still under the influence of above mentioned drug... but first here is what happened when I was there..
I changed into a huge comfy gown * yes you read that right and had a terry cloth bathrobe as well.. I told you guys we belong to a club that has doctor facilities in it.. turns out the gastroenderologist works out of St. Vincents 119 once a week.. so when the time comes for my colonoscopy thats where I am going.. so is my husband since he uses the same gastro doctor.. it was a not pleasant situation made pleasant by kind nurses, staff and the drugs... I am also going to find a GYN I like out here and I can also get my mammagram done there too.. this place is 15 minutes from house.. and 5 minutes from my office.. I wish my regular doctor worked out of there too.. but alas he does not..So anyhow.. here is the rest of the story...
Only issue in right arm the vein blew so that had to go to the left arm.. so both arms are bruised.. and one arm is scorched.. ( explained below)
NOT TO DO LIST
Don't call friends and then call them 5 minutes later asking if you called them.. and then calling them again 4 hours later asking the same thing..
Don't think you can bake banana bread late in the day because you feel better...
A) you forget you have bannana bread in the oven..
B) Hot pans are dangerous... Scorch on left arm taught me that..
All th0ugh the banana bread did turn out good...
So .. now here is the deal.... I gotta continue working on getting healthy.. the less weight I carry around my chest and belly.. the less affect the hernia will have...
It was a sad day for our community too yesterday.... over 1,000 people attended a funeral for a young 14 year old boy. who fought cancer with more tenacity, braveness and strength than I have ever heard.. I did not know him well.. I had seen him grow over the years.. I grew up with his Dad.. No parent should have to bury a child.. I have thought about this all through the fog that was my brain yesterday... and the only conclusion I can make.. the only thing I can find that satisfies me is that this young man no longer suffers... he is with a beloved uncle, his great grandmother and his grandmother now.. and he is running and jumping and free of pain... His funeral was indeed his funeral .. he planned it..
Prior to his death.. he asked his mother to leave the room.. so he could ask his father ( who is a doctor) what it was like to die.. what it will feel like as he goes.. what will happen to him.. I can not begin to imagine how this father. explained to his oldest son..what would happen.. I can not imagine what words he found to help his son transistion.. there are no words.. I could not go to the funeral because of the endoscopy... but a friend told me about it.. I thought about my rabbi who just days earlier had married my cousins ( I SAY COUSINS BECAUSE they both are my cousins from opposite sides of my family.. the groom is my cousin on my grandfathers side. (DADS father ) and the bride is my cousin on Grandmothers side ( DADS mother) at the beach.. and now here he was helping bury a child.. a child that had suffered for 6 years.. BUT never once wanted to be thought of as that kid with cancer.. never went to camp smile a mile.. ( a camp for kids with cancer) never once took a wish from the make a wish foundation.. he believed there were kids sicker than him who needed those things more than he did.. all he wanted was to be normal.. I thought about a lot of things over the past 24 hours.. I thought about my blessings... my sorrows.. my weaknesses and my strengths.. I thought about all the blessings of friendships I have both near.. and over the internet.. and far away... it was a day of rest and contemplation...
and thankfulness that my issues can be controlled..
it was a day of thankfulness and sorrow...
Wishing you all a great weekend
Wish me well
Wish you well too..

PIGS FLEW AND HELL FROZE OVER

Yesterday proved to be the most historical day of my life.. as well as I would think yours..
I look at Obama and see a bridge.. two hands holding.... his mother was white his father black.. in him I hope America will join together and work for a more glorious country..will strive for the best in each other and not look at the worst.. The republicans in my neck of the woods.. spew venom right now... they are angry .. almost like spoiled children.. and that is really sad.. looking for the worst instead of saying.. hey.. this is how it is.. lets go with what we got.. and do the Best we can.. its really a shame... a huge shame...
Tommorow I have the endoscopy...
Monday I go to the nutritionist hopefully to start losing again.. I have maintained and maintained for months which I guess is good too..
NOW I WANT TO LOSE...
So.. as we as a country face change.. and hopefully good change..
I hope I as an individual will change for the better , stronger, and healthier..
Wish me well
Wish you well too..

ROCK THE VOTE ( and get some free stuff too

SOAP BOX TIME:

IF YOU ARE A NEW VOTER.. GET OUT THERE AND VOTE~!
IF YOU ARE AN OLD VOTER... GET OUT THERE AND VOTE~!
WE voted at 7 am this morning..
Who ever wins makes history ... whoever does not win still makes history..
this is the time to get out there and do something.
Up until the very last minute I waivered back and forth... and I had to really think about our future the future of my husband's children and so forth down the line.. How can we make a better America, A Stronger America... A smarter America.. by voting.. by finding the candidate who best matches our needs as a people .. by finding someone who speaks plain.. and does not deliver hot air promises .. by finding a candidate who makes you feel that there is a chance the the future can be better than the past.. and after much thinking.. I made my choice....
Do the same... ROCK THE VOTE PEOPLE...
Off soap box.. dusting it off and putting it back wherever soap boxes go....
Did you feel the electricity in the air when you went to vote this morning???... we are in exciting times .. I saw ads that actually made me vote for the opposing candidate based on how tasteless they were.. We have seen a lot of hardball being played over the last few months... All I am hoping that whoever wins.. and hopefully the best choices will win.. can help this ailing country.. a once glorious and prideful unity of states.. now a bit discombobulated by economy and race...
Today .. this history making day.. I pray that each of our votes counts towards a better and more viable future..

In case you have not heard here are some free things going on today..

watch out they are not calorie kind...

A FREE CHICK FIL A SAMICH (at participating chickfilas)

A STAR SHAPED DOUGHNUT FROM KRISPY CREME

A FREE STARBUCKS COFFE

BEN AND JERRYS ICECREAM IS GIVING AWAY A FREE SCOOP..

ALRIGHTY ALREADY HOW ABOUT SOMETHING FAIRLY HEALTHY LIKE SOME FREE FAT FREE YOGURT FROM SOMEWHERE.. SHEESH.. SOMEONE GIVE US A BREAK SOMETHING HEALTHY WOULD BE NICE... OR WHAT ABOUT SOMETHING NOT EDIBLE.. A FREE T SHIRT... A FREE HAT.. A FREE FRIZBEE .. A FREE MASSAGE.. FREE BUBBLE BATH... FREE MANICURE/PEDICURE, FREE TANNING.. FREE LIPSTICK... FREE MAKEOVER.. YAH KNOW FOLKS.. sometimes free does not have to equal bad for you food...

OHHHHHH and there is still time.. for your write in vote.. COOKIE G. for president..

she promises:

NO TERRORISTS.. SHE WILL BITE 'EM ALL.. welll thats kinda a fib cuz she is not a biter.. but she will growl really fierce to scare them off .. yah..

She promises chew toys in every dog home

Vet check ups.. ( HEY U GOTTA BE HEALTHY DOGGIES and other assorted animals) FREE for all 4 leggers and even creepier critters too..

Dog treats easily accessible 24 hours a day..

NO WARS.. Cookie does not like confrontation so everyone will get along.. Cats will have their own continent.. ( Cookie.. sadly does not like cats.. Bazzie taught her at a young age they can scratch your eyeballs out) but she is honest always about her feelings..

Cookie also takes issues with fru fru dogs.. she is not sure if they are real or toys.. so all dogs will be dogs.. no bow ribbons, painted nails.. or weird fluffy haircuts.. and absolutley NO CLOTHES.. for doggies that is..

So when you cast your vote today and you simply have no idea who to choose.. VOTE COOKIE G. for President.. and BAZZIE for VP.. (he might argue this point as he is sure he is king of the house right now) ..

In all seriousness though..

God bless America
God bless the world
God bless us all.

I said I was 50.... one day

Yep .. when people ask me my age I say 50...... one day...
Saturday I celebrated birthday 46 .. we went to Sandestin for my cousin's wedding which was last night at sunset.. I have a feeling it was one of the first jewish weddings at that spot on the beach right at sunset.. it was beautiful and you could not have asked for better weather..
Steve brought me a Almond birthday cake which we took to the beach with us to share with everyone.. it was YUMMMMY,,,he brought it from New Orleans last Wednesday.. from one of his cake companies.. I must confess normally I am a straight chocolate nothing else kinda birthday girl.. but this almond cake was good.. it had a better cream icing.. which is like a light whipped butter cream.. but not as sweet or thick.. .. so I indulged saturday .. and a little on Sunday .. my tummy is still sick.. so I spent a fair amount of time on the throne not feeling to well.. I go for the endoscope on Thursday at 645 am.. I am I nervous.. yes.. but at the same time I have no other issues other than having to run to the bathroom usually after eating every now and then.. I still do not know what sets me off.. and stomach pain.. and tenderness.. I am praying that it is nothing serious and that it can be fixed .. the doctor thinks it might be an ulcer.. or simply IBS.. as I have said before all the symptoms started the day after mom died..So i have felt bad since July 16th.. it is TIME TO FEEL BETTER I SAY!....
Well.. wish me well
Wish you well too..

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

The symbols of fall have trickled in ... leaves.. crispy and crunchy on the ground... the colors of autumn starting to outline the trees... my favorite time of year.. Children happily picking out who they will pretend to be for this particular night.. I love the parade.. I love the fun.. I dont particularly like the scary stuff.... I love the imagination of it all though...

and its also a great time to be creative in the kitchen ..

From these yummy treats

go here for the recipe

go here for the recipe..scroll down for the recipe..

HMMM what else does fall mean..

HONEY CRISP APPLES

Of course we can not for get the infamous

Have a pumkinalishes Halloween and Wonderful Weekend

Wish me well

Wish you well too

HEY MAN GO TO THAT HOUSE OVER THERE... THEY GIVE HONEYBUNS

Hey if you go over to that house over they give Honeybuns and muffins and doughnuts.. yeah but you gotta wait until nearly 9 pm thats when they run outta candy .. and give the good stuff...
See we have the rep as giving the good stuff in our neighborhood.. it starts the second it gets dark.. with Tinkerbells, queens, princess, caspers, witches, dorothys, doras, dinasuors, spidermans, batmans, supermans, spiders, Scary things, not so scary things, questionable things.. Kids dressed as themselves, kids dressed as the next American idol winner ( yep that was last year) ( kid came as self said he was next american idol winner lol) .. Helping kids down our steps when older siblings grab their candy and run forgetting baby brother or sister at the top of the steps... Sometimes I sit outside and great the kids as they come up the walk .. saving them the climb up the steps.. and saving me the worry of someone tripping on their costume and falling down the steps.. the action goes until around 930 and this year because its a friday I have a feeling it will be later... and not to mention when the smell of cookies baking hits the front door .. some smartass is gonna say .. U givin those out too?? lol ( those are for my cousins wedding) ... however if we do run out of candy .. u can bet Steve will have us stocked in doughnuts, muffins and honey buns.. as the clock winds down and the older kids and the 2nd timearounders run their course.. DO I love it.. You bet.. I love watching the kids.. and laugh at the older kids.. see the smart ones are the ones who put their candy in a pillow case.. plenty of room.. wont tear under normal use.. and easy to hold.. the newbies or the not so smart ones use brown garbage sacks .. or little plastic pumpkins.. then they get mad when the handle breaks .. for the most part everyone is happy with his or her stash.. until Next year...
Hey they give honeybuns....
wish me well
wish you well too

SOME STUFF

Found this website via my G1 FAT SECRET

MORE GHOULISH GOOP AND BOORIFIC INFO AS HALLOWEEN EVE APPROACHES...

TIPS TO STOP SUGAR OVERLOAD
Here are some ways that parents can get a handle on Halloween so children feel neither deprived, nor sick to their stomachs:
1 Decide with children, before Halloween, what is a reasonable amount of candy to eat that night and beyond.

2 Will the candy be rationed to a piece or two a day, donated or thrown away?
3 Feed children dinner before trick or treating.

4 Ask kids to wait until they get home to eat candy, so parents can inspect wrappers.

5 Go out early, when candy-givers are less likely to encourage children to grab a handful of candy.
6 Do not ban candy or ditch it when the kids aren't looking; it may make them want it more.
7 Let children enjoy some sweets on holidays, and focus on good nutrition the rest of the year.8 Offer candy alternatives to give trick or treaters a choice.
9 Take the emphasis off candy by focusing on the fun of the holiday, such as costumes and games.
SOURCES: Dr. Sarah Armstrong, Duke Children s Hospital pediatrician; American Dietetic Association.

Weighed in last night gained 3/4th a pound... its okay because I knew I gained from last weekend so I probably lost .. just not everything I gained.. if that makes any sense.. so I am okay with it..

Well that does it for a Tuesday

Wish me well

Wish you well too