A TASTE OF HONI

A FOND FAREWELL

2009-05-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

AS OF FRIDAY 5/ 15/2009 HEALTHY HONI IS HEADING TO THE BIG BLOGOSPHERE IN THE SKY... PLEASE FOLLOW ME AT MY NEW BLOG ( YEAH ONCE A BLOGGER ALWAYS A BLOGGER ) http://honihasmomentum.blogspot.com/

I decided a change of space was in order..

I talked to my husband last night and he wanted assurance that I was going to lose weight this time.. he worries.. and I know that.. but I cant really assure anyone until I can assure myself of my own success and the only way that is going to happen is when I see success at least beginning...

He said I should not blog about it because I am basically making a fool out of myself since I am not losing any weight and basically gained most of what I had originally lost back in 2007. I never felt as if I was making a fool out of myself because I have always been honest.. and its obvious when you do not hear me talk about it that you know I am not losing anything nor am I trying at that time.. I give everyone credit for understanding weight silence.. and trying to talk about other things.. but it seems to me I have battled the good war for now well over 45 years.. and I am sure it is the longest war in a human's history against oneself.. and frankly I will not give up.. because sooner or later someone has to win.. either the fat honi by killing me.. or the one that really wants to live.. the one over at the new place.. and yes I will continue blogging.. because you guys are were its at.. you are friends and my support.. and even when I feel as if I am the loneliest person in the world.. all I have to do is click here and find out I am not... So why let healthy honi go... Its time for change.. something different something with more Momentum..

SO follow me...

THE QUESTION OF THE HOUR

2009-05-11T15:13:00.003-05:00

WHICH PROGRAM DO YOU LIKE BETTER

NUTRISYSTEM ( THINKING ABOUT DOING THE NUTRISYSTEM FLEX PLAN)

WEIGHT WATCHERS (THINKING ABOUT DOING THE NEW MOMENTUM PROGRAM)

PLEASE TELL ME YOUR REASONS TOO

2009-05-07T12:45:00.005-05:00

Vicki Gave me this award . That really was so sweet of you Vicki , I have been a terrible blogger lately... You guys know the rules...Here's what you do when you have received the "Super Blogger" award:Tape it up on your blog somewhere.Pass it along to 5 fellow super bloggers, and comment on their blog so they know they have something for them.

To me it is hard to just pick 5 people who inspire me.. as we all are Super Bloggers but lets follow the rules this time..

For today I pick:

~Budda Girl's World ~Scale Junkie~Twix~ Doctor Manette~Southbork

Until next time...

Do you ever have that feeling of : I NEED ME BACK

2009-05-06T06:08:00.002-05:00

I need me back.. I need the woman back who nearly 2 years ago weighed in at 180 at her lowest in years... I need the person that worked so hard back.. I have no idea why she left and left me with this woman who is eating herself into oblivion.. this woman who would rather continuously eat than eat for hunger and energy.. She chooses very unhealthy things to eat and things that are high in calories. She loves sweets and breads and makes sure her day is filled with both and not in moderation.. She stepped on the scale today and weighed 203.8 pounds.. WTF has she done with Honi.. the strong and smart and fighter Honi.. I never thought I would be back over 200 pounds again.. I never thought I would go back... my top was 211.5.. and I really do not want to go there.. It has been suggested that I do a lap band or gastric bypass.. and while I think those options are great for some people I do not think its great for me... because my problem is not really just the food.. It is using the food as a pacifer for all emotions... With out going into detail and some of you know the detail... this past year has been a piss poor year, between my mother dieing , and now all the bullshit that is going along with the estate and other issues.. and the house not selling.. the pressure well it sometimes feels as if my head is going to explode.. and I am really just so sad.. but I am mostly ANGRY at myself.. I do not like the way my clothes fit.. I do not like how I feel.. and I am so dissapointed in myself that I am sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks and the irony in this whole thing .. is that I will probably not do anything today.. or tomorrow to change my predicament... I am going to to the doctor for a check up next Friday.. and I am determined to have a decision on what I am going to do with ME.. with that strange woman that is back in body who does not take care of me.. I need the other woman back.. the other one who encouraged me.. and stood by me.. and helped me go in the right direction.. only I need her stronger and better and able to handle any challenge that comes her way... I am thinking for a quick start to do Nutri system.. however I do find it MASSIVELY EXPENSIVE, however, when I did it in 1989 I lost 50 pounds in about 6 months I kept most of the weight off until my mom had open heart surgery in 1991 and I had to stay with her in the hospital.. I would spend late night down in the cafeteria eating icecream sandwiches.. needless to say over that summer I gained 25 pounds back and kept on going up.. I have not done anything signifcant until I did the Mayo CLinic weight loss for everybody 2 years ago when I lost about 30 pounds... but here I am back up the creek again... when will this ever end.. I am tired of the anger and pain I cause my body .. Me .. I cause this.. One of my sisters says do nutri system and then you will have the weight off by my neices wedding.. well I dont care about that.. this has to be about me.. she asks me what will my husband do.. he can eat what he wants. whatever.. but for me a commitment to Nutri system would mean no more going out to eat for the next few months and eating all meals at home..or where a microwave is available thats a commitment.. it would cost me 299.95 a month to do Nutri system .. my other choice is the new program at Weight Watchers, it would cost me 65.00 for the first 3 months and I have a discount coupons that makes the first 3 months 59.00 and then 16.95 each month their after. the positives are I could eat anywhere and pretty much what i want.. with in reason, the new program also goes mobile so I can put it on Steves blackberry and I am not sure if I can put it on my G1 though they also have a Mens program and Steve wants to lose weight .. although he loses weight in the blink of an eye when he wants.. but he might go on WW with me or follow along .. we are going to talk about these programs and make a decision prior to next week. WW would be the most easiest and when I follow it I have success.. My sister says I should go to the meetings to be held accountable.. I HATE THE MEETINGS, its full of fluffy people for the most part.. and yes they might be losing weight but I seldom see really big people there usually tennis moms and the like.. Fluff.. nothing has ever helped me at the meetings.. Online the program is accessible 24 /7 .. I think I can do e tools if I do go to meetings... I dont know what I want to do.. I hated the meetings years ago when i did them.. I did lose weight.. maybe 15 pounds or so .. just not sure what to do.. BUT I MUST DO SOMETHING...
Until next time

Middle of the Week

2009-04-29T11:03:00.002-05:00

Boy it has been a rocky road this last week, Steves brother went in the hospital but is doing better and is home now.. Steve went from a meeting in Panama City last Thursday to Ft Lauderdale on Friday .. to be with his brother all via motorcycle and originally just packed for a one day trip .. ( to Panama City from our home).. He got home last night no worse for wear thank God.. I am so glad that his brother is doing better Yay...
Got some really good recipes to share..
Spinach chicken skillet
Carribbean chicken
Banana bread
Well keeping small today..
All is well..
Got a busy few weekends coming up.. Steve's youngest daughter Sara graduates from college next weekend, the following weekend, we have a party to go too. and the weekend after that our neice Hannah graduates from high School. May is pretty booked up.. So any vacation planning I am thinking of doing will have to be put off until June I guess.. (sigh)..
Until next time...

Don't stop Believing (as the song goes)

2009-04-22T09:01:00.003-05:00

Well Monday was a bust.. so I am so not going to mention a start date or anything remotely similiar... things are status quo for me.. a bit annoyed, a bit irritated , generally happy....
Got a recipe that wowed Steve this weekend...
Here is what I did..
Another me Creation:

Teriyaki Chicken (Honi style)
At first Steve did not like how I was doing things in the prep.. He likes his veggies chunky and bigger pieces I think they cook better and stretch out more when they are chopped not super small but Chopped.. ya know..( after eating dinner he agreed with me on the veggie chopping )
but when he ate dinner .. lets just say.. he would be eating it right now if we had some left..
Boneless Skinless breast.. we did 3 ( adjust to how much you want)
carrots
celery
Zuchini,
sweet onion
RED pepper ( don't cheap out and use green Use RED, ORANGE OR YELLOW ..to me RED is best)
baby bella mushrooms
(and any veggie you want to add ~FRESH WORKS BEST)
First chop chicken up.. next time we are going to use smaller pieces of chicken instead of chunks.. marinate in Lachoy Teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes at least..
We used basmati rice , Start rice by directions on bag or box..
Chop veggies up.. ( we did not have water chestnuts but now for next time we do)
First stir fry chicken with a little canola oil until cooked through, set chicken aside, if rice is cooked by now set that aside too..
Rinse out stir fry pan
recoat with a little canola oil..
heat pan back up.. add veggies , add more Lachoys Teriyaki sauce ( I say lachoys because that is what we used) cook veggies , stiring every so often.. *add water chestnuts now* add chicken stir.. taste if it tastes well blended do not add anymore sauce if it does not .. add a little more sauce and continue stir frying veggies and chicken.. I like my veggies tender but CRUNCHY..
Place rice on plate add Chix Teriyaki.. and enjoy... WE had left overs we enjoyed for a couple days after... Steve is still talking about that meal..
I would do the exact same recipe as above.. but I would also do a recipe using an assortment of veggies... everything from Zuchini to spinach , to asparagus.. have fun with it..
Also I am going to make a Veggie pie tonight
with Zuchini (sliced and halved)
baby bella mushrooms (sliced)
celery (chopped tiny)
carrots (chopped tiny)
onion (chopped tiny)
red pepper (chopped chunky)
I will be using the Heart Healthy Bisquick
and a couple eggs and canola oil.. I think I use parmesean cheese for this recipe too.
Its a variation on Zuchini pie .. I figured why not veg it out.. ya know.. this way I will have a nice veggie dinner and lunch for Thurs and Friday too.
Well that wraps it up for today
Until next time..

Seems I am posting roughly once a week..

2009-04-16T09:08:00.002-05:00

I will try and improve on that...
So last night I go and get my face waxed.. ( have been doing it for years removes unsightly hair growth and dead skin)... I love where I am going now.. never had a problem until last night.. I had a allergic reaction.... the young lady that takes care of me felt bad and gave me a soothing hydrating facial to try and help however it burned my skin worse.. when I got home my face was swollen in spots and blotchy with blisters... we tried a "sensitive skin wax" and I do much better on the hard wax alone... I have ultra super sensitive skin.. I looked the elephant man for a while.. I puttyed on the make up today but my face still looks rough.. I used a lot of carrot oil this morning for healing and it was the only thing that did not sting the shit out of my face... I only get my face done about every 3 months .. next time I will not let her try that other wax.. and stick with the old hard wax... she puts that on and peels the actual wax off with out using the material... for some reason the hard wax does better on my skin ... ohh well live and learn ....
Knowing full well I need to get a grip..and get myself pointed in the right direction.. ( I have not been to far off the path but still.. not doing what I should).. I am targeting Monday April 20th as my start date.. Yeah I know I know.. why do I do that... for me .. I have to have a plan sometimes it works.. sometimes I fail.. hopefully I am ready to make it work...
IT was nine months ago yesterday that I lost my mom... and her words still ring in my ears.. Please take care of your heart... I am doing a lousy job of it right now.. I know... but I have not given up.. I just need to make the commitment again... I watch.. my husband's son and he is so commited to his body... I mean he does the Power Man dualothon , he did an Iron man.. he has done marathons .. he works out and is the trimmist leanest thing.. almost too trim.. but he is so devoted with out being obsessive unless its race or competition time... He almost lives to train.. I admire that .. I admire that devotion .. I wish it were bottled in an elixir and I could drink it.. and poof I would have that .. minus and distraction in my life...
I do not use mom's death as an excuse for over eating.. there is no excuse .. it is just something I am doing now.. eating wrong.. I know these things with no excuse I know them.. they are there..
and it is totally up to me.. no excuses.. to change .. to make a commitment to self...
This I know to be true and self evident of me... its like the saying goes.. IF you do what you have always done you will get what you have always got... its time .. for something big to happen.. before something "BIG" (read: BAD) does happen..
Am thinking of doing the combo plan a little Eating Well.. and Weight watchers.. it would really be the new WW that they have out... have had success with WW online in the past and am considering going back to it...
opinions are appreciated...
Until next time...
THIS looks really good to me...

Honi's Veggie Mac and Cheese

2009-04-10T12:23:00.002-05:00

Last night I was bored.. very bored.. so I decided to make something...
I had had this idea brewing for sometime but decided to experiment a bit...
I bought the barella plus mac cooked as directed and set aside

I took the light Velveta cheese, 2 cups skim milk, 1 egg, salt and pepper and simmered stove top .
I used about 3/4ths of the 16 oz container of Velveta and then I added 2 % shredded cheese about a cup or so.. and let that simmer on a low heat,
Meanwhile I chopped up 1/2 a sweet onion, 1/2 a container of baby bella mushrooms, 2 medium zuchinis , 1 vine ripe tomato (removed seeds and pulp) sauted with a little olive oil stove top..
I sprayed a pyrex with olive oil spray and set aside
I preheated the oven to 350
I turned up the heat just a bit on the cheese sauce and stirred consistantly until completely smooth and a good smooth taste... after everything was cooked I poured the drained mac into a big bowl added the cheese sauce and veggies.. combined well.. and then poured all into the pyrex dish .. I sprinkled a handful of 2% shredded sharp cheddar on the top of the mac mixture and baked for about 1 hour a@ 350... Delicous...
I will be ammending the recipe over time, less cheese more veggies, I might even move t0 whole wheat mac although for this recipe I tend to find the flavor profile to be too heavy.. I prefer the Barilla plus pastas...
I am starting to get my will back finally.. I dont know where it will go but I do know that if I continue on the destructive path I am on right now.. for whatever excuse I am using at the second.. well. I know all I am doing is hurting myself.. I am not solving anything.. .
So I am beginning to seize the day..
Until next time..

Happy Passover and Happy Easter

2009-04-09T08:57:00.002-05:00

What is it with some parents, ?? As I was leaving Walmart.. I hear this mother who was right behind me so it was an obvious hear... yell to her daughter.. HEY if you don't stop that, the Easter Bunny won't come for you!... I just shook my head... thinking how sad it was that we are so absorbed by the comercialization of holidays now .. we threaten our kids with no visits from the Easter Bunny.. I guess she does the same thing with Santa too.. and I guess a lot of parents think it helps keep their children in control.. All the kid was doing was heading for the candy.. yeah.. the stores know how to place it .. the most tempting delicacies at eye level for a 4 year old.. leaving parents to barter with holiday figures. Though I am not a parent.. I probably would opt for the very simple word.. no.. as in No! it is 730 in the morning and you may not have any candy right now.... simple .. direct.. and the truth.. oh well.. Candy.. Candy Candy Candy.. I think Easter is the worst holiday for Candy.. You can find Candy anything, candy carrots, candy blueberries, chocolate in every rabbit shape known to man.. you can find blue bunnys, pink bunnys, orange bunnys, lavender bunnys.. all claiming to a be some variation of Chocolate.. not mention chocolate easter eggs, and now edible straw that you put in the basket.. well.. where the heck is the edible basket.. I am sure .. there is one out there somewhere... So after the kids eat their candy grass, chocolate eggs, jelly beans.. and so forth.. I wonder if we ever stop and think.. uhmm how about a change up on this holiday.. how about if we decandify ( yes its a word I invented it) the holiday.. talk about the religious aspects a bit.. celebrate spring.. with some healthier choices.. ( You don' t have totally decandify it ... just mostly) Some spring fruits and veggies... talk about nature.. talk about how the bees are pollinating the flowers so the flowers on some plants can bear fruit for us to eat... talk about spring time and the beginning of new life.. Plant a garden for heavens sake.. teach the kids about growing their own veggies and fruits.. nothing complicated mind you... keep it simple .. but not only does your child not eat candy.. he gets to watch , nuture and grow.. something.. and eventually he gets to harvest his labors and enjoy the fruit or veggies it bears... sounds like a good idea to me... I know I know.. whats Easter with out Candy.. whats spring time with out Peeps... just a thought ...
On the eating front.. I have been worse than terrible.. I pretty much figured you know that.. because I have kept quiet about the weight.. I still have not gotten myself together enough to make the leap.. I am almost there .. I know.. I just keep feeling trapped.. For a while I kept telling myself once the house sold.. I would start fresh.. Once the estate was settled I would start fresh.. but For heavens sake HONI God alone knows how long that will take... so why am i such a big time waster... ? the answer.. either I am really lazy .. or I really do not care... or maybe I am just tired of starting with a blast and giving up fast... everything... really is a ribboned excuse .. I know I feel better when I eat better.. I know I feel stronger when I exercise.. I know my heart is in the right place.. but my desire goes back and forth.. I have been a victim of my own choosing and I know that.. I am not being hard on myself.. I am just being... welll... myself... so.. the truth is.. I have to be the one to decide.. if not right now.. When? when I do I get a get grip.. I hope soon... I will keep you posted.. in the mean time I will continue to share great recipes.. and good wishes and good health for us all.. we can do this.. I know that.. but it sure takes a lot more discipline than I have right now.. I am pooped.. and not just because of the puppy.. who by the way succeeded in seriously using the shock factor this morning... she woofed down her food.. and went into the dining room.. I hear her making the same sound Baz makes before he tosses his cookies.. so I lead her out the front door... and she promptly runs to the side of the house.. tosses her complete meal back up.. undigested .. and promptly reinhales it. and goes running off.. happy as can be.. My husband informed me that is simply one of the many joys of a lab puppy... or a lab period.. lol... oh well.. how did you like that pooped puppy seque... back to what I was saying..
Discipline .. I lack it right now.. I working to find it.. I promise..
Best to you all.. in the mean time here are a few recipes...
HEALTHIFIED MONKEY BREAD
GARDEN BAKE
ITALIAN BAKE
CHOCOLATE BANNA BREAD
TURKEY AND SPINACH MANICOTTI
UNTIL NEXT TIME..

HOLIDAY RECIPES!

2009-04-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

RECIPES FOR PASSOVER
Healthy Passover Main Dish Recipes
Braised Brisket & Roots
Oven Barbecued Brisket
Roast Leg of Lamb
Salmon Cakes
Simple Roast Chicken
Winter Squash & Chicken Tzimmes
Healthy Passover Sides, Salad & Soup Recipes
Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette
Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
Endive & Watercress Salad
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Balsamic Drizzle
Healthy Passover Dessert Recipes
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Flourless Sponge Cake
Georgian Stuffed Prunes
Haroset Cake with Zabaglione Sauce
Israeli Chocolate-Coated Orange Peels
Outrageous Macaroons
Rhubarb-Raspberry Sauce
Healthy Passover Menus
Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls
Braised Brisket & Roots
Endive & Watercress Salad
Flourless Sponge Cake
Rhubarb-Raspberry Sauce
Simple Roast Chicken
Endive & Watercress Salad
Roasted Asparagus
Haroset Cake with Zabaglione Sauce

EASTER RECIPES
Grilled Salmon with Mustard & Herbs
Ham, Gruyere & Spinach Bread Pudding
Mint-Pesto Rubbed Leg of Lamb
Quiche Lorraine Light
Savory Bread Pudding with Spinach & Mushrooms
Smoked Turkey Breast with Apricot Mustard
Sunday Sausage Strata
Healthy Easter Appetizers, Sides & Salad Recipes
Asparagus Topped with Creamy Tarragon Sauce
Glazed Mini Carrots
Leek, Asparagus & Herb Soup
Herbed Yogurt Cheese
Melange of Roasted Baby Vegetables
Minted Peas & Rice with Feta
Mixed greens with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette
Mushroom & Leek Galette
Pea & New Potato Salad
Potato & Sweet Potato Torte
Roasted Asparagus
Sauteed Green Beans & Cherry Tomatoes
Smoked Salmon Tartare
Spinach Pesto Appetizer
Spring Green Salad with Rouille Dressing
Trio of Peas
Healthy Easter Dessert Recipes
Carrot Cake
Lemon Verbena Cheesecake
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble
Strawberry-Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart
Walnut Cake with a Hint of Rosemary
Easter Dinner Menu
Mint-Pesto Rubbed Leg of Lamb
Minted Peas & Rice with Feta
Sauteed Green Beans & Cherry Tomatoes
Carrot Cake
Easter Brunch Menu
Herbed Yogurt Cheese
Sunday Sausage Strata
Mixed greens with Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette
Strawberry-Rhubarb Tart

SELF WITH SIZE

2009-03-30T15:47:00.003-05:00

I hear it time and time again.. should I make a comment about my weight.. or if someone is saying.. boy she is big.. when discribing someone I will say big like me, or smaller or bigger.. what do you mean by big... and they always say.. NAWWWW you are Honi.. so that does not apply... I use myself as a marker often of size.. Sometimes I am so baffled when I will say something about my weight and I get that Nooooo you are Honi.. it just would not be right if you did not look like you ... not that anyone wishes me ill health mind you.. but this image .. this personification I have... where on earth did it come from.. that I am associated with my size... if I weighed 50 pounds less.. would I not be me? of course I would be me.. only .. 50 pounds thinner and most probably in better health. I am fully aware that none of these folks means anything about it with their comments.. they are used to me at this weight... so a thinner version is different... I know when a friend of mine lost close to 200 pounds it took me the longest time to get used to the new her.. she was still her.. she was who she always had been.. just healthier.. now... perhaps I had personified her in a certain place.. a certain way.. and when she on her own terms .. changed.. then I had to change my thoughts of who she was and not associate self with size...
It is shocking in a way to know that there are people that associate you at a certain weight.. that since they have known you .. you have always been a certian size.. and like one person said to me.. Queen Latifah would not be Queen Latifah if she were a size 1.. is that really true? does she lose something if she were to change her size dramatically? Will I lose something should I change my size dramatically??? Pounds.. thats what I will lose.. and hopefully i will gain a few extra years...
I know what I do to my body is .. I know my body does not need the junk I put into it.. and i know my body sends me signals all the time.. that it needs to be fueled with good food... that crap does nothing.. that crap does not make pain go away nor hurt disseapear.. .. Life is what it is with all its bumps and bruises.. the key is living... and accepting the now ... even if others are not sure what do with your now... So I am not afraid to change.. just curious in the way that people percieve me.. because now.. when I do make these changes.. their perceptions will yet again change.. and I hope for the better..
Until next time...

Fast HI

2009-03-25T16:08:00.001-05:00

Sorry I have not been around much.. between being sick, work and the new puppy my hands have been so full.. hope everyone is doing well..
It is Status quo for me..will be back regularily soon.. you can always find me on Facebook..
until next time..

A WHOLE WEEK and I HAVE BEEN PRETTY QUIET...

2009-03-19T09:08:00.003-05:00

Sorry for that, but between work and then new puppy I am lucky to have time to go to the bathroom...
I had a striking event occur during this week.. I can not go into details but I can tell you about it in a quiet way... Have you ever had the experience of percieving something one way but finding out it was not really that way at all.. Modeling yourself after something that did not really exist.. wanting something that really was not there? but all along you thought it was something real and dynamic.. for example... a friend who you thought was fantastic, who could do no wrong in your eyes.. suddenly you find out is an alcoholic.. and fragile just like the rest of us.. or the ideal married couple who have been together so long.. well really can not stand the sight of each other? So one day you are minding your own business and crash.. this realization tumbles into your world.. and you find you are really the lucky one.. the one who has it all.. its an odd feeling.. happy .. but sad.. striking and imposing because for so many years your believed there was something ideal.. when the dirtyness of life.. was a mainstay.. not blip... hmm funny in a way .. I think.. it makes me thankful for what I have.. and knowing that what I have I can be completely naked with .. naked in the sense of purely myself .. no barriers... thats good .. but from what have discovered this week.. I feel sad for what I thought was something that was actually nothing at all.. hmmm...
On too food.. food for me... NOt so good but not so bad..
Food for you...
Mixed Lettuce Salad with Cucumber Herb Vinaigrette
Grilled Pork Tenderloin & Apricot Salad
Lemon-Mint Snap Peas & Lima Beans
Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Strawberry-Rhubarb Strudel

PIZZA RECIPES
Black Bean Nacho Pizza
Eggplant Parmesan Pizza
Fennel, Goat Cheese & Ripe Olive Double-Crust Pizza
5 Beer & Pizza Pairings
More Pizza Recipes

UNTIL NEXT TIME

YOU GOTTA REACH AND TRY NEW THINGS

2009-03-12T04:45:00.002-05:00

With Spring breezing in..
Here are some good grain rich recipes...
Spring Chicken with Barley..
Farrotto with Artichokes
Fresh Herb & Lemon Bulgur Pilaf
Toasted Quinoa Salad with Scallops & Snow Peas
Wheat Berry Pudding
This looks pretty interesting too its a Tofu parmigiana From as always EATINGWELL.com
Parmigiana at Its Best—This Tofu Parmigiana will change your mind about tofu! One of our tasters, who’s a big meat eater and not so into tofu, kept coming back for seconds every time we made it in the Test Kitchen. Instead of having a greasy, battered coating, the tofu “steaks” in our revamped Parmigiana are breaded and lightly pan-fried in just a small amount of oil then topped with part-skim mozzarella, fresh basil and your favorite marinara sauce.
Until next time.. Happy and Healthy cooking..

A GREAT WAY TO KEEP MOVING HAVE A PUPPY IN YOUR LIFE..

2009-03-11T09:38:00.004-05:00

SO Far SO much Fun.. and she keeps me running too...

Great to be moving and playing with this little girl..

Her name is Shayna.. She and Cookie have hit it off.. She and Baz not so much..

Hope everyone is having a good week..

Until next time..

SHOULDA KNOWN BETTER

2009-03-06T08:55:00.002-06:00

When my husband called me yesterday and said I have a surprise for you.... after a little proding he finally told me... he went to the bike shop to get a new tire for the bike, lo and behold, one of the guys who works there found two little pups... yellow labs..a male and a female about 7 weeks old.. precious.. My husband got a new tire for the bike and a puppy too... she is so sweet and kept us up last night 1 am 3 am and 6 am.. like a new baby.... only instead of a crib she has a crate in our bedroom, lined with newspaper 2 little chewies 2 new stuffed toys and a fluffy towel to snuggle into... I covered part of the crate with a towel to give her a sense of a den.. same thing we did with Cookie and it worked.. only Cookie was much sicker than this pup.. Steve seems to think she and her brother got away from someone... the guy who Steve got the pup from said he found her and her brother on the side of the road and waited for a while to see if someone was going to claim them but was afraid to leave them by the road by themselves..he was concerned that they had just been dumped there also.. thats why he had them at the shop.. She is the sweetest little girl.. and is trying to hard to make Cookie like her.. Baz does not seem too interested unless her food is involved.. I know we were talking about a number 3.. and I am guessing now we have one.. although Steve is still a bit hesitant and said we might be giving her to a friend of his ... and I have another friend who has a friend that would want her too.. I just do not want to get attatched if I am going to have to give her up.. We are taking her to the vet later this afternoon to make sure she is okay..
Life is good right now... enclosed are some recipes I thought might be fun to try..

THESE RECIPES ARE GOOD FOR YOUR VISION TOO!

EATING FOR YOUR EYES

10 Recipes for Better Vision:

Artichoke-Scrambled Eggs Benedict
Pork Chops with Orange & Fennel Salad
Broccoli with Caramelized Onions & Pine Nuts
Roasted Baby Bok Choy
Crispy Seitan Stir-Fry for Two
Shredded Turkey & Pinto Bean Burritos
Grilled Salmon with Mustard & Herbs
Spiced Turkey with Avocado-Grapefruit Relish
Mushroom, Sausage & Spinach Lasagna
Spinach & Tomato Omelet
More Antioxidant-Rich Recipes
Find more EatingWell recipes

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

PISS OFF LIST

2009-03-03T12:04:00.002-06:00

SO today is my PISS OFF LIST DAY

I STRONGLY DISLIKE THE CONSERVATIVE RADIO TALK SHOW HOSTESS.. I DISLIKE HER SO MUCH THAT i WOULD LIKE TO REPIERCE HER EARS VIA HER EYEBALLS..

WHY CAN'T I FIND GOOD TALK RADIO.. GOOD TALK RADIO BEING DISCUSSING BOTH SIDES IN AN OPEN FORUM... WTF AM TALKING ABOUT... I LIVE IN ALAFINGBAMA ... TIME TO INVEST IN SAT RADIO... SICK OF CONERVATIVE TALK RADIO BAHHHHHHHHH!!!!
IF YOU WANT TO GET IN MY LANE USING YOUR FUCKING INDICATOR , DON'T SWOOP IN AS MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS.
IF SOMEONE IS DRIVING IN FRONT OF YOU VERY SLOWLY AND YOU ARE ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND HAVE THE SAFE OPTION TO PASS THEM.. PLEEEEEEASEEEEE PASS THEM.. I AM NOT BIG ON DOING A TWO CAR PASS, IF YOU WOULD JUST GET A CLUE I COULD DO A SINGLE CAR PASS.. ASSHAT!!
ONCE AGAIN, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT INSURANCE YOU HAVE, I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE ESP, YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR OWN INFORMATION AND SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH ME. I WILL BE HAPPY TO HELP YOU TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY BUT COPING AN ATTITUDE WITH ME WHEN I RUN OUT OF IDEAS REGARDING YOUR INSURANCE SCORES YOU NO POINTS IN MY BOOK.. I DO THE BEST I CAN .. BUT I DO NOT KNOW IT ALL.. CONTRARY TO APPARENT POPULAR BELIEF...
thats my piss off list for today..
thank you for sharing this moment with me..
Until next time...

Oh and by the way ..
Turkey meatballs
Make them
Use them
Love them..
We used them in spagetti the other night,
Lean ground turkey
bread crumbs
1 egg
and some shredded romano cheese..
yummmy

THEY WILL EAT IT IF YOU SWAP IT bybe bye bad fats

2009-02-27T04:42:00.002-06:00

ENJOY!
Our 10 Best Recipes Under 300 Calories:
Artichoke-Scrambled Eggs Benedict
Asian Turkey Burgers
EatingWell’s Pepperoni Pizza
Linguine with Escarole & Shrimp
Neapolitan Meatballs
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Grape Sauce
The EatingWell Taco
Tofu Parmigiana
Tortilla Soup
Wok-Seared Chicken & Vegetables
More Low-Calorie Recipes
Find more EatingWell recipes
Hoping I have helped fill your world with some good recipes to help you along the way..
I am holding my own.. not losing as much as I would like.. but not GAINING any more YAY..
I will get there.. I know it.. had a pretty rough day today pain wise.. left elbow ring finger and middle finger I thought I was going to just cut my arm off it was pretty bad nerve pain..but its lightened up .. and I have not even taken anything for it.. I really think a lot of this is weather related .. the warmer I keep myself the better I feel.. but when its damp and warm.. well.. or damp and cold.. I have a difficult time.. this morning it was damp and cold and a little rainy.. Pain frustrates me.. I know there are things I need to do.. exercise for one.. I know it would help me.. but when I get off work.. I am tired.. simply TIRED.. and its not a regular tired.. its like a tired that says .. go home have dinner and go to bed.. shower if I can.. I have a hard time getting the laundry done in one evening now... so I just spread things out.. to make it easier.. We try and keep our weekends open so we can go play though lately we have been going over to moms and checking out things and packing stuff up... This weekend we are loading up and bringing a bunch of stuff home... We also are going to see Moms footstone that should be in by Sunday..
Pray that the house sells soon.. it will make it a bit easier I Think...
Otherwise all is well.. and Life is indeed good..
Until next time..

SO YOU ARE FRIED....

2009-02-25T06:39:00.004-06:00

Seems a lot of us like FRIED.. so in honor of that UNHEALTHY yet crunchy treat... I found these for you..

Healthy Fried Recipes~

It is all a matter of adjusting, changing, discovering, trying.. and moving forward...
Weight wise for me .. not so good.. but at least I am trying..
Every day I rise with good intentions.. some days I am successful.. other days not so much... but thats me for right now...
Until next time...

I really Like to laugh at people

2009-02-23T12:38:00.003-06:00

Not in a mean sort of way but in a way that I have to ask myself.. how do they think of that.. and more importantly why... hence this blog I .. its really gross.. I AM TITLING IT.. YOU COULD NOT PAY ME TO EAT THAT..... I just do not get the notion that someone could do this to this food.. by itself its bad enough but... well.. just take a peek.. heh..
Monday is zooming by.
Hope all is well in your world.
Until next time

551 ..

2009-02-18T06:44:00.002-06:00

See how original I can be... todays post title is 551 .. I could leave a mistery.. is it the time.. nah... is it a special date... since when did May have 51 days.... :0)
Actually its just the my post number .. my 551st post today..
Things are going well.. Exercise sucks.. have not gotten there yet.. mainly because of the exhaustion factor.. I had any brains I would have adopted exercise prior to developing Fibro.. but we never know what life is going to toss our way... My biggest difficulty is being tired a lot... and pain when the weather is either cold and wet or warm and wet.. like today.. YIKES.. it hurts.. my hands hurt.. chest hurts.. legs hurt..but.. I am alive.. and moving forward.. my eating .. has been decent.. my logging has been non exisistent.. shame on me.. and I will get back to doing that..
Today I am going to give you some neat links through Healthy Lifestyle Network..
Hope they help you along the way too.
Until next time...

NUTRITION SOURCE

NUTRITION DATA

INCHING YOU CLOSER TO BETTEr HEALTH

Fitness tips

HEALTHIER US GOVT

FDA WEIGHT LOSS

ABC OF FITNESS

TUFTS

HAVARD FORUM WHERE I AM FINDING LINKS

THE BASICS

It's pretty simple

2009-02-15T18:15:00.005-06:00

Honi's Zuchini and Spinach Lasagna

3 medium zuchini
1 jar Barilla tomato basil sauce
1 box frozen chopped spinach
1 small container low fat cottage cheese
1/2 bag of 6 cheese Italian style shredded cheese
1/4 bag shredded parm cheese
1 small container LEAN ground turkey meat
1 box no boil Lasagna noodles
olive oil
2 tsp. jarred minced garlic
basil to taste
rosemary to taste
Brown turkey 1 tsp minced garlic use olive oil sparingly add a little rosemary and basil
saute zuch and 1 tsp minced garlic, add spinach ( be sure and DRAIN WATER OUT OF SPINACH COMPLETLY PRIOR TO ADDING TO ZUCH) and season to taste with rosemary ,basil
take one container of light cottage cheese place in medium bowl use a hand mixer ( we have a cuisart wand which we love) to puree cottage cheese until smooth as possible. add a little italian seasoning, basil.. rosemary ... after veggies are sauteed until tender, turkey is browned... layer Lasagna on bottom, sauce, turkey, cottage cheese, zuch mixture..cheese and repeat layers caping off with lasagna noodle layer, cheese and sauce..
Cover with foil bake 350 ( PREHEAT OVEN 350) for 60 minutes cook uncovered 30 minutes until golden and cheese is melted... AS my husband said. he loved it... this will be a mainstay recipe.. yay.. OHH thanks for all the eggplant advice.. I appreciate it.. we had strawberries dipped in darked chocolate with a little whipped cream, and blueberries for dessert... very yummy indeed.. since we did not cook at home last night , we went out to a Ginza for a wonderful dinner of sushi and a shared entree of number 507 I think .. lol.. it was shrimp, ramen noodles , scallions and carrots in a very light sweeter based sauce.. .. I think we prefer the chicken better...
Until next time.....

TURN AWAY IF CHOCOLATE IS A DIRTY WORD TO YOU...

2009-02-13T05:04:00.000-06:00

TODAY BABY ITS ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE.. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY .. ENJOY THE RECIPES..

FIRST THERE IS THE CHOCOLA TE QUIZZ

DARK AND FUDGEY BROWNIES FROM EATING WELL .COM

We like to use chocolate with 60-72% cacao content in these rich, fudgelike brownies, as it imparts a deeper, fuller flavor than less-chocolaty choices.

Makes 20 brownies

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 hours 20 minutes (including cooling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, American-style or Dutch-process
3 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (50-72% cacao), coarsely chopped, plus 2 1/2 ounces chopped into mini chip-size pieces, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup blended with 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts (see Tip), optional

1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil, letting it overhang on two opposing sides. Coat with cooking spray.
2. Sift flour, confectioners’ sugar and cocoa together into a small bowl. Combine the 3 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate and oil in a heavy medium saucepan; place over the lowest heat, stirring, until just melted and smooth, being very careful the chocolate does not overheat. Remove from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, corn syrup mixture, vanilla and salt until the sugar dissolves. Vigorously stir in egg until smoothly incorporated. Gently stir in the dry ingredients. Fold in the walnuts (if using) and the remaining 2 1/2 ounces chopped chocolate just until well blended. Turn out the batter into the pan, spreading evenly.
3. Bake the brownies until almost firm in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out with some moist batter clinging to it, 20 to 24 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack, about 2 1/2 hours.
4. Using the overhanging foil as handles, carefully lift the brownie slab from the pan. Peel the foil from the bottom; set the slab right-side up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, trim off any dry edges. Mark and then cut the slab crosswise into fifths and lengthwise into fourths. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between cuts.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per brownie: 86 calories; 3 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 11 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 2 g protein; 0 g fiber; 19 mg sodium; 25 mg potassium.
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 other carbohydrate

TIP: Tip: To toast chopped nuts: Cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

GRILLED CHOCOLATE SANDWICHES.. OOOOHH

CHOCOLATE DIPPED GINGER SNAPS

THE EASY STANDBYE IS DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES.. SIMPLE MELT A FEW DISKS OF THE BAKERS CHOC DARK CHOCOLATE THAT COMES IN ITS OWN MICROWAVABLE CONTAINER... TAKE A FEW DISKS OUT PUT THEM IN A SMALL GLASS DISH.. NUKE UNTIL MELTY .. STIR.. DIP STRAWBERRIES OR NUKE WHOLE CONTAINER AND DIP LOTS OF STRAWBERRIES...
AND FOR A CHOCOLATE QUICK RUSH THERE IS ALWAYS THIS..
200 CALORIES FOR 52 BISCUITS AND EVEN i DO NOT EAT THAT MUCH... THEY ARE GREAT TO SNACK ON.. AND FULL OF FIBER TOO..

No skull breaking here..

2009-02-12T06:37:00.002-06:00

Well needless to say yesterday was an adventure... average at work... I went to a meeting for my boss... they were giving away door prizes.. I never win things... so the guy gives away an ipod shuffle.. it was the number before mine.. then he gives away a gps.. the number after mine.. then he picks up another GPS.. looks at it.. puts it down.. and picks up this "PURSE" they call my number... Lets just say this purse is not my style.. its called an Apple BAG and is as big as my ASS... not to mention its a little on the gaudy side... glad I won.... would have loved the GPS..

So my husband comes back in town we decide to meet for dinner as I decided not to eat the sandwhiches they had at that meeting... We go to the Korean place and share a dinner and some sushi.. it was great... we head home..
I go to let the doggies out... and remember we have not gotten the mail... sooo I let the dogs out the front door and I follow down the steps in the dark... Apparently I misjudged and missed the last 2 steps... thank heavens I was holding on .. otherwise I would have fell on my head... I landed on my knees and hands.. the sidwalk slopes down so it took me a second to not slide.. I got wounded pride and a sore skinned knee.. otherwise everything else is in working order...

ANOTHER GREAT WEBSITE with great advice and recipes..EAT BETTER AMERICA..
Until next time...

HELP HELP HELP

2009-02-10T16:08:00.002-06:00

HI..
glad i got your attention..
So you remember that really pretty eggplant parm I made.. looked great... but good lord its bitter.. WHAT DID I DO WRONG.. the Eggplant was bitter, I soaked it for about 30 minutes in salted water just like always.. I rinsed it.. and then patted it dry and baked everything like I should have. What makes an eggplant not bitter????

ASKING YOURSELF THE BIG QUESTIONS

2009-02-09T09:42:00.002-06:00

So you have decided for the 50millionth time to get healthy.. just like so many other people.. yet its February and you are starting to slack.. whatever reason... Valentines, birthday .. whatever..
Suppose there were no rules.. no rules that said you had to be glue to paper when it came to losing weight.. no rules that said , follow this plan verbatim.. and you will lose weight...
NO rules that said exercise 60 minutes a day.. drink 38 gallons of water.. etc...
Suppose just this time you allowed yourself to be free and creative.. and develop your own plan.. your own goals .. your own outlook.. Suppose you could develop a tailor made program to your needs .. your strengths and weaknessess... Well in my first week I have started learning those things... Before I even got started with the program.. and granted I cheated a bit because I was so ready to start I just dove right in... Today I Started filling out the work book areas of Vtrim.
oen of the first things you do is called the CHECK IN.. on one side you have all the +'s of losing weight and on the other side you have the - of what you will have to give up..
Here is my + and - list
On the plus side: On the minus side:
BETTER HEALTH UNHEALTHY EATING
FEEL BETTER BINGEING
STRONGER TRIGGER FOODS
FREEDOM SORE BONES
ENERGY SORE MUSCLES
POSITIVE THINKING SOME PAIN
LOOKING BETTER DEPRESSION OVER SIZE
FEELING OF ACHIEVEMENT FEELING OF FAILURE
PORTION CONTROL PORTION DISTORTION
SELF CONTROL NO CONTROL
COPING SKILLS FOOD AS MY FRIEND
REFLUX
CLOTHES THAT ARE TOO TIGHT
NEGATIVE THINKING
BEING TIRED
ANXIETY OVER SIZE
RESENTMENT
It is interesting to do... making a list and seeing the positives and negatives... where the negatives really are positives .. it is good to give those things up...

You also develop a game plan work sheet...
You set specific goals and develop at least 2 strategies to help attain said goal.. for example.. Calorie control
strategies might be, a food log and monitoring how I eat regarding speed and portion control..

Then you do a tracking of yourself, where do you most often find yourself eating, when are you most likely to overeat, When and where is it easiest for you not to eat
What other people have postive or negative effects on your eating,
What kinds of foods contribute most to your total calorie intake, these questions help you to think.. help you to change where you are..
Portions visualized is a great way to assist yourself in making better choices..
Since we are so used to being served the big portion, the super sized portion.. PORTION DISTORTION.. now its time to focus on small...
Tips to help you make better choices are: use smaller serving pieces,
It can be hard to do in a restaurant, but it can be done, hold onto your bread plate or ask for an extra salad plate... serve yourself the one portion you know you really need then have the waiter go package up the rest of your food to take home, to be enjoyed for a lunch or dinner later on..
At home measure the exact amount of foods you usually eat, pasta, cereal or pretzels for example.. measure one serving.. say .. .1 cup is a serving.. now find a bowl or a regular cup that holds just that amount... USE THAT CUP OR BOWL for all servings of that particular item.. *( for more assistance you can take a permenant marker and write down in the bottom of the bowl exactly how much food it holds) ..
With a little planning.. you can create what works for you .. I know I have said this before but it can be done.. I know.. I am trying again for the 50 billionth time...
Until next time..
Ohhh the eggplant parm from last night in the pictures from yesterday looked great.. .BUT DAMN the eggplant was bitter and that was after soaking and rinsing it too.. I gotta research how not to bet bitter eggplants.. gonna trash the dish when I get home .. RATS...

A PHOTOGRAPHIC DAY IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

2009-02-08T19:26:00.006-06:00

LAUGH AT ME

2009-02-06T05:04:00.001-06:00

TODAY is about laughter.. do you know when you have finally "ARRIVED" when you can laugh at yourself... when you can describe yourself.. and laugh.. and not take all that is you so seriously.. Your imperfections are what make you uniquely you.. Today try and find something about you to laugh about.. Of course I wish I were a Victoria Secret's model.. but I am about as far south from that as you can get.. WAY DOWN SOUTH... My body.. is lumpy and bumpy in all the wrong places... I am wide where I should be curvey.. My legs look like tree stumps but .. they work.. and they are my legs.. You will never see my parading around in 4 inch heels.. I would fall.. its a fact.. My grace ... well. she left the building with Elvis.. and I tend to be more like the bull in the so called china shop.. but I am okay with that..
I am not dainty.. and sometimes I sound like a full blown cracker southerner.. one that can snore the shingles off the roof.. and I am proud of that.. No matter how much weight I loss I will never be what I fantasize to be.. but far more importantly I will be a better version of me.. I won't get taller.. I might get shorter.. and this too I am fine with.. because aside from my poundage.. I am pretty damn cool.. I am comfortable with me.. it took me a while to be able to say that.. and now I look forward to being more comfortable with me.. Perhaps its my age.. Welcome to 46.. I dunno.. frankly I just want to live.. and I thank God for my relative good health.. and I am blessed because every morning I wake up.. and look down and do not see a toe tag on my toe.. Hey baby.. I am alive.. ready to face.. another day... SO MY FRIENDS MAKE ME LAUGH!
News from EATING WELL....
its almost fluffy heart time.. so here ya go
Eating for your heart
HEART HEALTH CENTER
eat to prevent heart disease
Steps to Heart Health
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
CALCULATE YOUR RISK
LOSE WEIGHT IF YOU NEED TO
SLASH YOUR INTAKE OF SATURATED FATS
JUNK THE JUNK FOOD
FILL UP ON FIBER
REPLACE REFINED GRAINS WITH WHOLE ONES
GO FISH
GET NUTS
ENJOY ALCOHOL IN MODERATION
QUIZZ YOUR HEART SMARTS

THURSDAY

2009-02-05T09:52:00.006-06:00

Well its a pretty quiet Thursday ...
Hope all is well in your world..
Y'all have got to try these Amy's frozen hot cereals.. they are really good.. and just the right portion size and VERY VERY VERY VERY FILLING... they can be tricky to find, in fact the only place I have found them is at WHOLE FOODS..
Well off to face the work day..
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
I just noticed something odd my post for yesterday said it came out on Tuesday.. oh well.. it came out yesterday morning round 5 ish actually .. oh well..
dont know whats up with the posting issues..
KICKING SOAP BOX TO MIDDLE OF BLOG... STANDING ON SOAP BOX..
CLEARING VOICE.. ... Normally when I go to Caloriecount.about.com to log my food I never EVER read the links to the communities.. and comments.. for some stupid reason I did today and I am flaming mad right now..FLAMING.. So I was reading some of the posts.. the topic was .. waht do you fear about losing weight.. and perhaps it was a age related thing.. most were worried about losing their boobs.. most of the responses were so superficial .. I find that a lot of the posters on this site.. are young ... and have no clue what a real weight issue is.. granted everyone has their own private issues with weight and who am I to get so tired and irritated when I read such useless crap.. hence while I like logging my food there I seldom find any of the communties genuine and real.. perhaps I have looked at the wrong communities I do not know..I just know.. that to fear going down a cup size.. to fear losing your butt.. is stupid.. to me... I had 3 pounds taken off my chest in 1989 with my last big weight loss and then I had a reduction.. I guess everyone has their own goals.. and while it is nice to look nice.. I suppose at 46 my main goal is health.. to be healthier and feel better.. the looking better comes with the territory and is fun.. but the serious side.. good health.. is far more important on this weight loss excursion.. to me..
Stepping off soap box.. kicking it back into the corner...

And for that someone who was wondering exactly what the food for lunch I was eating was doing to me.. .here is an analogy.. Remember the show WELCOME BACK KOTTER.. remember when Barbarino would get that goofy look on his face and Say "what.. who.". etc.. thats exactly how my tummy would feel...

EATING WELL WEDNESDAY + THE POUND SOUND

2009-02-03T16:08:00.004-06:00

Here are some neat things from this weeks Eating Well..

MAPLE GLAZED CHIX

CARMELIZED ONION LASAGNA

A COLLECTION OF COMFORT FOOD RECIPES

as of 1 minute ago.... 194.7
I am debating...
I like the lunches at Food Studio.. I really do.. but I dont think they like me so much .. as right after lunch I start not feeling well.. digestive issues.. IBS.. so... what do I do .. would I be better eating lower calorie lunches from my house.. like I told Steve last night his meals cost me between 350 and 450 calories.. I can have lunch for 300 calories.. and not be starving after dinner... which has been happening because by the time I get home.. I have around 150 to 300 calories to use.. and end up going over by 50 or so calories... just trying to work out the bumps in the program... What I want to do is make my meals 300 calories or so.. then have room for healthy snacks.. keeping the total calories between 1200 and 1300 calories.. though I was not thrilled with this at first.. eating frozen meals for lunch... Healthy choice just came out with a new line that is lower in sodium ( sodium was my concern on some of these meals) and I also think about the money too.. 45 a week.. prior to starting my program I was spending that much or more for lunch.. however.. now with making really good dinners again.. I see really great potential in left overs.. am I really that cheap??? or is that just being smart..
I dont know what to do.. I really like food studio.. but I can not afford ESPECIALLY NOW getting sick at work.. and thats happened every day this week so far.. I have 3 more paid for meals from him.. I am picking those up in an hour or so.. if I feel that I can not eat them I am giving them to my boss.. ( she never eats unless I remind her..or bring her lunch thats how busy we are now) otherwise I will pick up frozen dinners and do the left over thing next week and see how i fair weight wise.. .. yes I am a calorie counter. and I think.. counting calories for ME is the best way to lose weight.. 3 balanced meals.. a couple of snacks and exercise.. seems to be the best trick... I like basing this on the Eating well program they have so many great recipes.. and I love that comfort cookbook it actually has symbols on which ones are better for weight loss.. so while all the recipes are better for you in that cook book than other cook books... they label which ones are better to use when you are trying to lose weight.. I like that a lot.. plus all nutritionals are provided with every recipe.. I dont even look at recipes that do not provide that...
Well its time to start a Wednesday..
Have a great one..
Until next time...

KNOCK KNOCK TICK TOCK I CHEATED

2009-02-03T11:20:00.003-06:00

ACTUALLY cheat is not a word I use.. its a silly word.. and one that does not work in my world.. and besides I really did not cheat.. I peeked.. Yeah .. I was impatient and wanted to see if I lost anything and much to my happiness I went from 199 last wednesday morning to 195.2 I will do the official weigh day tomorrow.. I was planning on walking last night and planning for a lighter dinner but had left overs instead. Sunday night I made a hamburger cassarole.. using 90% lean hamburger meat , I browned about 1/2 a pound then let it drain on a paper towel on a plate.
I sauted sliced scallions ( the whites) added the meat back, added 2 cans of tomato sauce ( 8 oz each) simmered for a while until sauce thickened.. I used about a half a bag of yolkless egg noodles.. drained them .. I took 8 0z of light cottage cheese and used my hand mixer and pureed that mixed in 8 0z light sour cream.. added chopped green scallions ( the parts of the white that I had not used before) about a handful, mixed that together... then I layered the noodles , meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture until it was all used up.. ( I put in a 2 qt pammed pyrex) sprinkled some light shredded cheddar.. then baked until the cheese was melted.. about 30 or so minutes.. and the cassarole was set... It was pretty tasty..
Tonight we are having omelettes made with egg substitute, mushrooms, scallions and peppers.. and light white wheat toast.. and probably a WW bar for dessert ..
Ohh Amy's makes a great line of frozen oatmeal cereals.. ranging from 190 calories to about 220.. they are YUMMY.. I eat them on cold days when I do not have time to make my oatmeal..
Lunch is provided by Food STudio B .. today its black bean soup...
Yesterday it was Shrimp and salad.. with a yogurt dill dressing.. I dont do well with red onions and I had mentioned that.. but they were on top of the salad and easy to pick out.. the shrimp was tasty.. I hope I like the black bean soup.. I am not a huge black bean fan.. so this should be interesting.. its kinda nice getting lunch surprises and trying different things... I will give the guy a lot of feedback as to what works for me and what does not.. its weird not making my lunches and only bringing fruit with me.. for snacks for work.. Planning on walking right after work.. with temps so cold .. swimming is out for now.... ( even in the indoor pool.. I get too chilled and it makes the fibro flair up it seems when I get too chilled..)
Otherwise.. same old same old here.
Until NExt time..

WINNER

2009-01-31T20:29:00.002-06:00

I know I usually post photos when I am doing posting about a recipe that I am creating.. however I actually forgot to take the pictures this time..

So please use your fantastic visualization skills ...
Honi's Baked Eggplant Cheesy Thing..

A GOOD FRESH EGGPLANT
MOZARELLA CHEESE ( PART SKIM) FOR SPRINKLING
ROMANO CHEESE FOR SPRINKLING
ITALIAN STYLE BREAD CRUMBS
5 EGG WHITES
PAM
EITHER JARRED OR FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
Fat free milk..

Last Sunday and Monday I created my own sauce.. a very simple one.. I used fresh basil, roma tomatos chunked up, and a small can of tomato paste and a medium can of tomato sauce.. I simmered the sauce for several hours.. on the first batch and did a repeat the next night...
So this sauce was my base..

I took an eggplant cut off the ends, peeled it and sliced it in fairly thin slices .. then I put those slices in bowl of salted water.. I let the eggplant sit for 15-20 minutes Meanwhile I put the convection oven on on Convection Roast and set it at 350.. I took the eggplant out of the water rinsed it off and patted it dry with a paper towel..
Then I put 5-6 fresh egg whites in a bowl and mixed lightly with fat free milk.. and I put the bread crumbs in another bowl..

I use a big cookie sheet Pammed it.. and then put a piece of parchement paper on it and sprayed again.. ( NOTHING WAS GONNA STICK TONIGHT) ..
I took each invidual slice of eggplant , dredged it through the egg whites .. then dredged it through the bread crumbs until a nice coating formed.. ( BE FORWARNED THE BREAD CRUMBS WILL GET CLUMPY SO HAVE EXTRA ON HAND IF NEEDED)
I placed each slice of coated egg plant on the cookie sheet and then I sprayed the tops of each slice with PAM...
I placed this in the oven for about 25 minutes ( checking often for browning )then I flipped the eggplant over and sprayed the other side and placed back in oven for another 15 to 25 minutes or so..

Then I got a small pyrex sprayed it with Pam.. layered the eggplant with the homemade sauce and sprinkled the cheeses on it as well ( SPRINKLE CHEESE LIGHTLY) Bake until eggplant softens and cheeses are melty...and sauce is heated through.. this is a HEALTHY RECIPE and based on the Master selections of recipes I was pulling this from should run you no more than 350 calories .. remember keep serving sizes reasonable and serve with a nice salad.. I used a great yogurt based blue cheese dressing for our salads as well..
For dessert I took sliced strawberries and fresh blueberries and placed them around a little glass bowl with some Light Redi whip for dipping... it was a really devine dinner and Steve said its a KEEPER...
Wish I had some photos but will do photos next time..
Tommorow night we are trying a recipe from the Eating well Comfort food cookbook.. and Creamy hamburger Cassarole.. hope it will be good..
Hope everyone is having a good weekend..
Until next time...

DAY TO LA DEE DA

2009-01-29T16:34:00.003-06:00

Day two is going well also .. I had lunch from Food Studio B.. I had fresh fruit and fresh chicken salad with dried crannberries, dices apples and honey pecan bits.. and italian parsley.. the dressing was a yogurt based dressing and it was delightful.. I enjoyed my lunch very much .. I plan on starting Monday getting my lunches from them. The nice thing is he sat with me and we discussed my likes and dislikes and what my goals are .. When I want him too he will make extra meals.. dinners or breakfasts.. whatever I want.. its all portion controlled and yummy .. well yummy so far.. My lunch today totaled to 325 calories and I was full most of the day .. I snacked on an apple and 4 clemetines today and a Yoplait light and creamy yogurt .. tonight I am going to try and make a light version of eggplant parm .. using the sauce I made on Monday night with fresh roma tomatos and fresh basil .. uhmm yumm.. hopefully it will be nice and tasty too.. I love eggplant and just need to learn how to do lots with it.. Ohhh also the guy at Food Studio will make me snacks as well.. humas and fresh veggies, or a trial mix .. all portion and calorie controlled.. He also reccomends places to eat that are "safe" and have optimal good choices.. I really like this guy.. he showed me that some of the people he deals with are eating to get fit and have certain diets they are on for training purposes.. He talked about the 1200 calorie program he has for his wife.. and how she is enjoying the healthier way of eating.. too.. we talked about his son and the trials of dealing with a little one who is exposed to many unhealthy choices out there.. and what he does to encourage him to make smart choices. but get to eat some of the childhood goodies too.. This morning was very enlightening and fun.. a great experience and i look forward to working with him as I try and shed this outter body that has been causing my inner body so much harm.. We also talked about food as fuel... garbage in .. garbage out.... looking forward to this all.. will take pictures as I make dinner tonight Hope it will be good ..
Until Next time..

With Super Bowl Sunday coming up.. here are some great recipes :

FOOTBALL FEISTA

IT IS A NEW DAY!

2009-01-28T08:32:00.002-06:00

Today is actually my start day..
SO far so good.. although I had to be a quicker thinker this morning.. I tried to find Food Studio B and I forgot that I would be on the opposite side of the highway to get there from where I come from. so I had to cross oncoming traffic to get to where the store is. Lucky for me .. someone stopped and let me cross.. well.. low and behold turns out I was right in front of the damn place but did not see it.. because they do not have a big sign .. its very low key because most of their business is not retail .. ( I would guess that means they do a lot of catering ) so they do not have big sign because of the expense.. they are right next door to DIPPIN Dots.. I was right there and it made me so mad I did not see it.. so I am going to tomorrow morning.. however this time I am thinking if I go up the hill and can do a U turn at a light it might be easier than trying to cross at rush hour and when the traffic is dangerous and heavy.. then all I have to worry about is leaving the place and getting into the correct lane so I can get to where I need to be to get to my office.. I would be going there 2 times a week I think.. the lunches are 8.75 each.. and I would be using them 5 times a week.. truthfully, I Probably spend more on buying crap food each day than what I would spend eating healthy there.. I have thought about them doing all my meals 5 days a week.. thats 25.00 a day.. but I am going to start with a good lunch .. the calorie count is between 300 and 475 and they also as the guy I spoke to said have a TON of salads they can do as well.. so what I want to do is keep my lunch at no more than 350.. that way that gives me roughly 300 calories for breakfast and 300 for dinner.. with some extra to spare.. my goal is 1200 calories no more than 1300 a day.. my long term weight loss goal is around 132 .. my short term is 189.. this morning I weighed and I am 199.00 the lowest I have been in the last 2 years was 180 ... In 2007 I started at 211.50 and I swore I would never see those numbers again.. and that still is my plan.. By the grace of God goes me..
SO here we go baby..
Until next time...

TAH DA !

2009-01-27T15:37:00.002-06:00

SO here we are at day 1,
Breakfast is done..
I am still breathing.. and I actually feel pretty good..
I am drinking my water..
Here is SUPERBOWL WEEKEND GOODYS FROM EatingWell
Will be starting to swim next week and do something other activities..
anyone got a free Wii fit they want to give me... ??? Liking the Wii Fit idea a lot...
but need the pool more..... just asking.... never hurts to ask..
Until Next time..

TICK TOCK GOES THE CLOCK

2009-01-27T12:09:00.002-06:00

It feels good.... a fresh new start.. looking forward to starting tommorow..
Check this out.. FOOD STUDIO B MIGHT BE ORDERING FROM here as it is near my office..
Well I am keeping this extreemly short today .. got a lot going on .. and things are much better.. and getting organized I sure hope!
until next time..

IF YOU ARE CHILLY (and even if you aren't) I have some CHILI recipes for you :-)

2009-01-23T04:29:00.001-06:00

LOTSA HOTSA RECIPES FROM EATINGWELL.COM FOR CHILI

DO YOU SUPPORT THE BAN ON FAST FOOD RESTUARANTS

Belly warmer recipes

RECIPES FOR GOOD BONE HEALTH
Heading into the weekend... may yours be peaceful..
until next time..

Right Now

2009-01-22T12:28:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I wish I had total free range here.. but I don't ..
Right now in my heart part of me has fear... (EMAIL ME AND I CAN EXPLAIN PRIVATELY)
Right now.. part of me has trust..
Right now part of me worries did I make the wrong decision..
Right now knows that soon things for my physical self will be changing..
Right now.. I want some chocolate..
Right now. I Know that chocolate won't make this feeling go away..
Right Now .. I still want Chocolate..
Right now.. I had a handful of Chocolate mini bites chex cereal to curb the chocolate craving..
Right now.. I am worried about my broken tooth and is the packing still in it..
Right now I know on Tuesday I am getting the tooth restored..
Right now I worry about Mom's house selling..
Right now I worry did I do the right thing by lowering the price.
Right now I feel weighted down between dealing with Mom's house and life in general..
Renting is not an option .. Selling is a must but not a desperate must.. the house is payed for and
Right now I know that..
Right now I wish my sisters understood that I am doing the best I can sell the house and I have a super agent..
Right now..I am planning what to put on moms Foot stone.. going to do that in February..
Right now I am looking forward to Saturday.. nails, facial.. and maybe a hair trim if I do not chicken out which I probably will ..
Right now I am wishing I had made a different choice
Right now I know I have to be satisfied with my decision
Right now I know it will create less tension
Right now I dont give a damn about the tension..
Right now my heart is 75% worried about the others .. not the one..
Right now I am thinking about the fun we had perusing 1 of our new cook books picking out recipes to make together..
Right now .. I am tired of worrying..
Right now.. while in the worry I am thankful too..
Right now.. is simply Right now...

THINGS NOT TO FEAR

2009-01-21T14:11:00.002-06:00

CHANGE
A new president is a good thing ... When I listen too all the media .. especially here in the south.. my gag reflex gets very strong.. People.. what are you after? back off.. and watch for a bit.. I think commenting on Michelle's clothes is so pathetic... who are you to judge.. lest you be judged.
I think she is a smart and sharp first lady as far as her husband goes President Obama.. hmm has a nice ring to it.. His words paint a picture to a stiff future.. to a rebirth... filled with effort and hard work.. similiar to our journeys of good health... We put ourselves in these apathetic places.. and it is up to us to remove ourselves .. I hold no one responsible for my weight other than myself..

THE FUTURE
Is what we create .. what we make it to be.. the future is good.. even if there is failure .. let failure be a stepping stone to your next success.. learn from it.. remember it .. breath in.. breath out and move on..

YOURSELF
You are not perfect.. you fall down, you make mistakes and you do the wrong thing.. over and over again.. yet at the same time.. you create new life .. be it another life, or recreating your own life.. You have hope.. hope that you can achieve anything you want.. and with that hope you have will.. a will to achieve what you want and can achieve.. so .. Do not fear yourself.. your weakeness makes you human.. With faith in yourself.. you can achieve.

WORDS
Words are words.. words we type .. words fall out of onto the blank pages of our blogs.. out of our mouths.. from our thoughts.. Words can yield the consequence of success.. and make us feel exhilarated and excited.. or tear us down and make us feel less than what we are really worth.. Turn off those old tapes in your heads.. those old words and use new words.. like faith, good health, good choices.. I am getting stronger, I am getting healthy.. Okay .. I slipped a little today.. a minute ago.. brush off.. and pick up and move on... You are not the sum of those negative thoughts you keep holding on.. nor are you the sum of your pounds... You are a unique indvidual.. fragile, strong.. a fighter.. you can do this .. because you a warrior for yourself..
BREATH IN.. BREATH OUT .. and MOVE ON.. ( as the great Jimmy Buffett says)

TUESDAY ...

2009-01-20T17:47:00.003-06:00

Have not tried this out yet but looks pretty good..
Sichuan-Style Chicken with Peanuts ..
Coconut and Lime Chicken
SWEET and Sour Tofu
I love new recipes.. I love to try different things...
Here we are getting closer to the 28th and I am getting really psyched about it starting and logging my food.. I will probably check in once a month with my nutritionist and share with you guys how it goes.. and boy do I simply want it to just go..
Until next time...

HAVE A EATING WELL WEEKEND

2009-01-16T04:28:00.001-06:00

TIPS AND IDEAS FROM EATING WELL:

SERIOUSLY, TOOLS ARE NEEDED

YES YOU CAN HAVE YOUR DESSERT AND EAT IT TOO

THE BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED ~ THE EATING WELL DIET AND THE EATING WELL COMFORT FOODS MADE HEALTHY STILL WAITING ON THE EATING WELL COOKING FOR 2 COOKBOOK the last cookbook will be used during the week.. since we both work.. and this should be fairly easy to use.. and the first cookbook will be for weekends.. .Steve is going out of town soon so during that time I am going to Clean out the pantry.. clean out the fridge.. get rid of any left over holiday candy and junk laying around.. and stock up.. on the healthier things.. As things start going I will be sharing recipes I try and enjoy.. I am debating about developing a per week menu on Sundays.. doing the shoping on Sundays for said menu.. I don't know if that is being a bit anal.. or being wise and money saving.. or just making things more complicated.. Last night I got home late and we had fresh oatmeal with chopped apples.. for dinner.. and I had the left overs for breakfast this morning.. I have also been thinking about that when I make these meals having enough for lunch the next day..at least during the week.. that way its more cost effective.. and over all healthier..
Well enough rambling...

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

2009-01-15T12:27:00.002-06:00

It sure is freezing down south.. and only going to get colder.. Brrrr.. we should at least have some snow with this .. I mean at least that would be fun.. well I really can not complain its a glorious day out aside from it being windy and cold..
Eating wise , I am still reining things in and getting better every day..
I am still waiting on my program to come in the Eating Well V-trim program.. and 2 cookbooks associated with Eating Well.
I also signed up for their news letter.. HAVE A LOOKSEE at the website. Here is the current issue of Eating Well Magazine that I get..
Hope everyone is having a good Thursday..
Until Next time..

WEDNESDAY

2009-01-14T16:40:00.002-06:00

Boy its getting cold here.. running over to Mom's house to cover up the spickets and open the sink cabinet to let the heat get in.. Hopefully this will keep things warm enough .. Its so hard running 2 households.. and I will be happy ( sad) when her house sells.. I am so glad I did not grow up in that house.. in away it makes it easier .. you know.. >>
The 28th is getting closer and I am getting more motivated.. so this is good..
A step at a time...
Still waiting on the books so I will let you know what I think when I get them..
Glad the weekend is getting closer..
Until next time....

AND YOU SAY IT JUMPED INTO YOUR MOUTH AND YOU JUST HAD TO SWALLOW IT..

2009-01-13T18:01:00.004-06:00

Okay so thats not actually the facts m'am... I well.. you see.. it .. well.. I .. uhmmm well???? I am .. (scratches head) .. okay so this is what happened.. I went to the donut store.. ( its not like a regular donut store its like a Hell I dont even know the name of it) .. I went to pick up donuts for my boss for her kids.. they had a special ... 2 for one to clear out the shelves before 1 pm.. when they close..and I who never eats donuts.. because they are not a particular favorite of mine.. saw a halo appear over something that I am not to sure what it was but it was pull aparty... and cinnamony... and doughy.. and sweet.. and well.. and there was a light.. you see.. and I and the .. heavens opened up right there and then and I heard a voice say buy it .. you'll like it... and uhm.. well.. who am I .. to say no to a heavenly voice.. and sigh.. well.. I did not eat the whole thing.. can that count??? for something.. HONI WALKS UP LOUDLY and smacks HONI in the head.. you asshat!!!!!! WHAT on earth made you think it it was okay to eat that.. I hope you are having reflux from hell .. not to mention donut gummy mouth right now.. what brain cells fell out of your ears to let you ingest that.. where .. how.. what did you do that for ... You may never do that ever again.. sheeesh.. I know you have not set your start date.. but at least you were getting ready to go somewhere.. all these tools you are buying.. all this preparing.. SNAP OUT OF IT SISTER.. all the preparing in the world is not going to work unless you take action... I know .. you keep hearing January 28th in your head as your start day.. Why must you have a start date that is so ambiguous .. why not now???.. I know !!!I know.. you have a thing about dates.. and stuff.. heck I would not be surprised if you start talking biorythms because of that thing you downloaded on your cell pho.. HEY! don't hit me.. I can tell them.. they are your friends.. they know you are a few french fries short of a Happy Meal... (ehem. sorry for the food anology) .. Look. sweetie.. Honi.. No more donuts.. stick to the plan.. I know you like buying lunch for you and your boss on tuesdays at Fresh Market.. and you can continue doing that .. buy the SUSHI and the other healthy stuff.. stick with things you bring from home.. SKIP THE DONUT STORE>> LOSE THE DIRECTION>>> Donuts.. wont fix anything no matter how tasty.. Donuts rob you.. there is nothing good you can say about a Donut.. ( in a tiny voice... it has eggs in it? )
Now that that is out of the way you may continue with your normal evening... Be careful when you run your errands... and I do think a light dinner might be nice.. FEATHERS comes to mind!.. okay okay a little oatmeal never hurt anyone.. since it will be around 8 pm before you eat dinner.. thats okay.. I know its freezzzing out.. okay.. have your oatmeal.. and BEHAVE!!!
Until Next time..

COOOL BEANS

2009-01-13T17:48:00.002-06:00

WOW I can post to blogger freom my phone yay.. thats nifty to know..not any other features with this app than simple text..neat never the less....... hmm the editing feature kinda sucks.. but its okay for a fast post..
Until next time..

RUNNING A TEST

2009-01-13T17:42:00.001-06:00

hi folk testing an app from my G1 to see if i can post to blogger hope u all are having a great day!

JUST SAY NO! RUN RUN .. KEEP AWAY!!!

2009-01-12T15:32:00.004-06:00

IF I think I know everything surely you think you know everything .. but one thing I really know is that saying NO to Diet Pills is a must.. so put that little "magic" (HOCUS POCUS) "pill" (POISON) down... throw it out.. get your money back .. because Sister , or Brother.. you are going to have work to lose weight.. I know .. it was easy gaining it.. but the real deal is .. is that in order to lose weight one must take in less calories and expend more calories.. otherwise known as EXERCISE.. its a simple solution.. one that takes EFFORT, TIME, PLANNING and FAITH.. If you have those things then you can do it.. and those things are no magic pill.. just common sense.. Look at Oprah .. do really think she would still be fighting the good fight if one little pill could wipe it all away.. ???? She knows that in order to be succesful you have to develop a plan and stick with it.. and it that plan does not work make another.. and so on.. You never give up... You might get dissapointed but you simply never give up...
THis will never be easy.. this however will be the most rewarding thing you ever do for yourself.. and there is no "HOCUS POCUS" involved..
UNTIL NEXT TIME

THOUGHTS

2009-01-09T08:27:00.004-06:00

First when I redid my blog I did it with the intention of not only discussing issues regarding health , weight loss and general well being.. I did it because I wanted to feel comfortable discussing things I do not toss out on the web.. so today I titled this post thoughts because.. well I am going to share them.. and I hope to encourage everyone to think a little deeper about things in our world.. rather than taking bits and pieces from what you might hear..

I can not help but be greatly bothered by the events taking place in Israel. Having gone there, having spoken with people who have battled for this land.. who have bled for this land who have lost loved ones for this land.. I could not imagine what it would be like living in a part of the world where all my neighbors hate me including those who live with in the same border that I do .. I could not imagine what it is like worrying is this the day that a rocket will destroy everything dear to me..but I can have empathy.. especially after visiting this wonderful slice of the world..
As simple as I can say this:
The news exploits very graphically the loses sustained by those that live in Gaza.. The news quietly mentions what Israel has sustained for over 8 years.. day after day ,night after night, hour after hour.. rocket after rocket aimed at killing civillians.. thats the fact.. Has Israel gone overboard..? absolutely NOT... I do not call the loss of life colateral damage.. I call it calculated and planned by Hamas, they put rocket launchers where they supposely worship, they put them in schools.. they put them in crowded neighborhoods.. they destroyed the infrastructure that Israel had in Gaza when Israel gave them that land .. they weave into the general public to make sure that if any retaliation happens that there will be loss of life for the civilians.. they do not care about those people.. those people are no more to Hamas than bricks to a building.. and as far as that population goes.. well they chose Hamas believing that they would help them.. HA.. when all they have done is kill them.. ..this is what they chose Hamas.. so seeing their injuries, seeing their suffering while making me sad.. I have remind myself.. these people put themselves in that situation another bad choice. one thing these people.. who no one is willing to absorb into their country.. ( JORDAN KILLED SOME of THEM AND REFUSED TO TAKE THEM IN) these people are good at making very bad choices as to who they choose to run their government.. Nothing like choosing terrorists and hate .. Hamas and surrounding countries have only one goal.. and that is to destroy Israel.. thats it.. and whatever the cost of life on their part.. so be it.. they do not care to protect anyone but themselves. On the other side you have Israel fighting as usual to survive.. and with much warning, they did the only thing they could do .. try to stop these attacks.. On a more personal note.. One of Steve's cousin's is now participating in the ground incursion. he is the same young man I wrote about in April who had lost a good friend in Lebanon.. he is the same young man who fought there as well.. and suffered injuries .. He is the same young man who bravely fights for his people..
I think it is wrong for the world to stand in judgement.. and I think it is sad state of affairs when you hear about all the antisemitism pouring out around the world..all for hate.. all for nothing.. but hate.. . It really makes me shudder to think that these groups in Florida can support Hamas, and scream death to the Jews .. you should all die in ovens.. and they call themselves a peace loving group.. This saturday a group here in Birmingham will be having a "peaceful demonstration" they call themselves the peace project yet when Israel is attacked they never say a word.. Peace project .. another Hate project cloaked if you ask me.. and yes I am going to probably go down to the park and see what these "peace lovers" are promoting.. something tells me me it will not be peace..
Until next time..

IN THE MIRROR

2009-01-07T09:44:00.005-06:00

There she is again.. the same face that has met my gaze for 46 years.. nothing about her has really changed.. she still has the same hopes and dreams.. though altered somewhat.
This YEAR we did not jump on the NEW YEAR band wagon of GUSTO FILLED weight loss gurus. I did not Clean sweep my pantry and do 100 situps.. I did not do even one situp.
This year , so far I have been observing.. I walked into Walmart this morning.. and guess what.. ??? I did not lose weight.. I did not feel the wealth of health they are promoting in their advertising on TV. I really do not think I can get healthy with Walmart ..
This year I did not stand in line at a Weight Watchers meeting lamenting my holiday over eating.. and critisizing myself.. This year I am eating the same as I did a couple weeks ago.. which though not a particularly good thing.. is actually not a bad thing.. because this time. well there is not going to be a THIS TIME
There are things that must be addressed before other things change. So I am standing here looking at the mirror at you.. and wondering what about you will change this year.. what about you can change this year after 46 years of doing the same thing..
Why has food always felt so safe to you until the last few years when you have actually suffered because of food.. ? IT is a tough question.. but why have you always turned to food.???. I know why... because food has never once said to you.. You are not good enough.. food has never once said to you.. who pushed you off the ugly bus? food has never once said to you , you will not succeed.. no.. food has been your cheer leader, your "blankie" your buddy.. in the worst of times .. in the best of times... food has whispered in your ear.. I am here if you need me.. and for some reason you have always used this for your excuse.. even when food started hurting you.. reflux.. stomach pain.. etc.. what did you do??? but turn back to food for comfort.. it is high time you realize that food.. is simply food.. it has no great power.. no great magic..unless you consider the ability to make your ass three times the size of Texas.. magic.. well.. what are you doing? ... I do think that it is okay to enjoy food.. and be passionate about cooking.. but food.. is simply food.. to be eaten and enjoyed.. not to be a blanket.. not hide emotion.. and food.. because it has no magic powers.. will not fix things... Ironically the same can be said about all the ads that are being rushed out at you right now.. All the pills.. all the quick fixes.. are simply foder for advertising.. nothing really comes from pills.. .. what works in the long run.. is will power.. what works in the long run is learning to let go of what hurts.. and realizing that food simply is food.. its not a fix.. its not a healer.. it is simply accessable.. SO next time.. you are angry.. or you are sad.. or you happy.. be those feelings..and if those feelings are over powering.. here is a thought.. GO OUT THERE AN MOVE.. exercise.. walk... find a friend to talk too... swim... write it down... SCREAM .. do what you must.. but do not turn to food..
Now.. as you decide if you are really ready.. educate yourself.. by reading and finding something you truely know you can commit too.. through it all.. good bad.. indifferent... something you are ready to do... I will be sharing more about the books I have been reading, Volumetrics and the Eating Well program .. I really like the Eating well program..and their website as I have said before.. will let you know more as I know more.. waiting for a couple more books to arrive.... so for now the main thing I can say to me is : do not think you know it all.. or have tried it all.. because obviously if you did .. you would not be looking at yourself in the mirror right now... wondering why you are still obese. Have faith in yourself.. no matter what..
Until next time..

I JUST RECIEVED THIS FROM MY HUSBAND'S OFFICE MANAGER AND I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU

NEW YEARS WISH FOR YOU AND YOURS:

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your ophthalmologist, your psychiatrist, your cardiologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your gynecologist, your podiatrist, your plumber, and the IRS.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your love handles, and your stocks never fall, and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count, your weight, and your property assessments never increase.

May you be sensitive to the needs of others and may you create within yourself a balance of your own needs.

May you laugh at yourself and realize if you were supposed to touch your toes while exercising, the Lord would have placed them further up, and may you realize the reason so many people take up jogging is to hear heavy breathing again. May what you see in the mirror delight you and what others see in you delight them.
May someone love you enough to accept and forgive your faults and be blind to your blemishes, and tell the whole world about your virtues. May you live in a world at peace, with an awareness of the beauty of every sunset, every flower, every child's smile, and every wonderful astonishing beat of your own heart. If by laughter, I can cause you to wipe one tear from your cheek, that is my only reward. Above all, may you continue to smile, may your life be filled with laughter, and may you never forget the words found in the Book of Proverbs, "A gloomy spirit rots the bones; but a merry heart is like good medicine!

I HAVE NO IDEA WHO WROTE THAT BUT IT IS GREAT!

SIDEWAYS RAIN ON A HELLDAY

2009-01-05T21:05:00.005-06:00

I am so glad Monday is over.. yay.. hopefully Tuesday won't be an extension of Monday... hence why I need my weekends badly... I spent over 40 minutes working with a man on the phone to figure out his insurance.. I pretty much knew what it was.. but he had no idea what I was talking about.. so he had the insurance company call me and lo and behold I was right and after all that work the farthead never called me back to make his frigging appointment after all that work I went through.. It was a total hellday today.. nonstop.. from one thing to the other and on top of that rain rain and more rain and then even more rain.. I drove home slowly.. in sideways rain on two lane highway.. on coming traffic was blinding me.. when there was no traffic I could go better than 40 miles an hour but with oncoming traffic I had to slow down.. at least the mile long line behind me.. ( YES I WAS THE ASSHAT DRIVER TONIGHT) seemed to be dealing with similiar issues.. er.. uhmm.. perhaps they just thought it might be better to stay away from the silver matrix weaving and bobbing her way down the road.. sigh..... Had some toast and Matzah ball soup for dinner.. and am all wrapped up in my snuggly robe ... taping away at the keyboard... I want to share with you recent purchases... some I have received already and some not.. ohh here are the blankets I made for 2 of my nieces so far.. I am going to come up with a better hobby.. I liked doing this but .. I want to do something else.. less bulky.. more portable.. I need a portable hobby.. and I am just not ready to do the knitting thing yet.. not sure about the counting aspect of knitting I am not good with that kinda stuff..

here are the two books I bought..
I have started the picture perfect book and am waiting to recieve the volumetrics book...
also I am getting 3 of Eatingwell Cookbooks and diet information Tools.. and common sense.. never hurt... and I need all the tools I can find...

Until next time

LISTS for 2009

2009-01-03T05:11:00.000-06:00

HAPPY LIST

The world with all its twists and turns is basically good.. I need to remember that..

I love gazing up at the winter sky before sunset and watching a flock of geese pass by.. in a perfect V..

I love the first flicker of star light in a winter clear sky..

The sound of my husband's laughter makes me smile..

A perfectly cooked dinner after a hard day at work ...

A hot shower first thing in the morning and pulling a warm towel off the heated towel rack..

A look from my pups that simply says .. how was your day mom .. wannna play frisbee?

A really good movie

Fresh flannel sheets and a cozy new blanket

Finishing up my blankets I am making for Hannah and Ari.

Trying to develop a new hobby that does not involve food..

WISH LIST

I wish I knew how to knit

I wish I was more talented

I wish I was a better cook

I wish I weighed 132

I wish I could paint fabulously

I was a I knew how to decorate wonderfully

I wish I was an artist instead of an artist wanna be

I wish I could play Piano

I wish I sang better

I wish I had better math skills

I wish I had a child

I wish I had a really cool sports car

I wish my parents were still alive

I wish I was independently wealthy

I wish I could travel and not work

I wish I could spend more time with my husband

I have limitless wishes it seems.

ANNOYANCE LIST

New years eve dinner that was suppose to be delicous.. sucked.. too salty .. and this was my favorite Italian place. NO MORE YUCK~~

If you must drive on the road when I go to work please go the damn speed limit, I know you think you are safe driver but the reality is you suck, and driving 35 miles an hour in a 50 mile an hour zone is not going to win you any stars... all it does is aggrevate the driver behind you and he has to pick a safe place to pass you .. and don't think you are being cute when you suddenly decide to speed up when said driver is passing you.. you sir are an asshat from hell..

Refering to above .. also if you are in front of me during the whole 13 mile ride to the highway.. for God sakes get out of my fucking way once you make your turn .. it is not cute when you decide to switch into the lane sans indicator that I am in to pass your asshat self... that is called cutting me off and it makes me angry so please feel no insult when I gun my engine and ROAR past your annoying little car.. sheesh~!! if my horn did not sound like a duck quacking I would lay on that piece of rubber and honk your ass back to your mommas womb!

It is not funny mr or ms fireworks setteroffer when you set your fireworks off between 12 and 1 pm NON STOP on new years EVE.. granted I know you want to celebrate but you could have done it earlier in the evening not to mention the fact that you drove my poor doggie nuts.. she was shivering horribly all because you like to set off explosive shit.. Now I like fireworks but not in my front yard for over an hour after Midnight.. and then you decide to do a replay the next evening.. (granted it was earlier) but PLEASE think of your neighbors you idiot!

Mr shopper person in line with me .. back the Hell off.. I do not want you to peer into my wallet nor do I want you to watch me key in my pin number when I make a purchase.. back into your own universe mr nosey NED!

To any patient anywhere going to see any provider.. know your INSURANCE.. we at the front desk (especially those of us in a very small office .. i.e. 1 doctor 1 office person) Please realize that though I may seem wonderful and perfect.. I work with a zillion different insurance companies ( okay maybe not a zillion but you get the picture) and there is no way in hell that I can know who your insurance carrier is or what discount plan you might have.. or what vision insurance you might have so staring blankly at me because I did not know who your insurance carrier is , is totally a waste of time especially if I was suppose to pull an insurance authorization prior to your visit.. SO being angry at me is.. pointless. Expect to pay out of pocket if you do not know your info.. this applies to everyone with insurance know your business prior to your doctor's office visit.. it really saves a world of aggravation..

RING THEM BELLS

2009-01-02T09:52:00.006-06:00

IT'S A NEW YEAR ... TIME FOR A NEW YOU! blah diddy blah blah blah.. yeah we are overwhelmed with ads screaming LOSE WEIGHT! BE A BETTER YOU.... GET FIT.. LOSE WEIGHT WITH WALMART..ehmm. what? LOSE WEIGHT WITH WALMART? lose weight with wallyworld, wall hell.. wallfart.. what ever your derivative.. Have you seen those repugnant ads on tv yet? buy your produce at walmart, eat smart with walmart.. etc.. c'mon.. walmart wants you skinny? walmart is trying to join the obesity band wagon if you ask me...
Here is what I have learned in 46 years..
It is not going to happen over night.. even though it seemed to have happened over night~
Life is a series of constants.. we constantly never know what life is going to hand us~
try as we might we are not perfect.. we were never intended to be perfect for that would destroy our individuality.
Eating healthy, is a choice... as is everything.
Being healthy is a combination of choice, action and genetic make up.
Constantly telling myself I am worhless and I do not deserve something is powerful... however, telling myself that I am worth everything and deserve the best that I can give myself.. by being good to myself is even more powerful.
There is no end, there is no finite. there is no promise, there is only will, effort, action, desire, and the rest of my life~
Nothing in life is a given.. when you put the effort out there, and the action is born.. and the results mount.. then this is what is a given.. effort will eventually yield results.

There is wonderful information out there and a wonderful website is eatingwell.com not only is this a fabulous wealth of info but their magazine is great and I subscribe to it.
Changing our lifestyle.. moving our world a bit does not have to be straining and hard.. but it must be accepted that this is forever.. forever being the length of our lifetime. There is no go back to how we ate before .. that is if we want to be sucessful. IT is such an easy but difficult concept.. but one that can be done..
Find what works for you.. and above all do not listen to "them" find out what works for your body.. be it WW, SOUTHBEACH or just adapting to a healthier eating style.. It is true what they say .. all things in moderation..
Americans have screwy ideas about portion sizes and what should be viewed as a main course.. I have heard and seen this over and over again.. Truthfully, meat, should not be a main course but treated as a side dish.. Your veggies should be considered your largest portion.. your meat serving should only be about the size of a deck of cards.. Yeah.. shocking I know.. but the truth is .. well.. we are all still learning our truths..
I am finding what works for me.. and I will share that with you.. in hopes it might help you find your way... as I find mine..
Until Next time!
RING THEM BELLS~

518 POSTS LATER

2008-12-31T08:59:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-23T22:25:00.002-06:00

SAYING IT WITH PHOTOS

2008-12-22T21:48:00.007-06:00

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

2008-12-19T08:28:00.004-06:00

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

2008-12-17T06:50:00.000-06:00

LOWFAT GINGERBREAD CAKE

MINI SHEPERDS PIE

ANGEL DELITES

20/20 SUPER FAST CHICKEN RECIPES

SWEET POTATO FRIES
ENJOY~

Holiday laughs

2008-12-15T21:57:00.006-06:00

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..

2008-12-15T11:58:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-12T10:07:00.008-06:00

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

2008-12-10T09:54:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-09T12:34:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-05T11:26:00.005-06:00

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

2008-12-03T09:48:00.002-06:00

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

2008-12-01T16:03:00.001-06:00

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

2008-11-22T19:25:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-21T12:04:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-19T06:22:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-19T05:27:00.001-06:00

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

2008-11-18T05:31:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-15T13:14:00.005-06:00

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

2008-11-13T09:24:00.002-06:00

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

2008-11-11T12:02:00.002-06:00

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..

2008-11-09T21:37:00.003-06:00

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.. :-)

2008-11-07T05:36:00.000-06:00

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

2008-11-05T13:28:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-04T10:50:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-03T13:48:00.002-06:00

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

2008-10-31T05:57:00.000-05:00

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

2008-10-30T06:47:00.001-05:00

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

2008-10-28T10:11:00.004-05:00

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

YES , I DID THIS TO MY DOG

2008-10-27T13:08:00.003-05:00

We got "booed" the other day and in our bag someone put a doggie halloween costume I put it on Cookie.. the had would not stand up like it was suppose to and she only kept the hat on long enough for me to snap a picture.. i loved the little collar though.. she looks so cute !!

For those of you who want to know what booing is.. it is a neighborhood event for halloween we have every year... you get a back with instructions in it.. and goodies... the instructions tell you to boo 2 of your neighbors with in 48 hours.. the goal is to boo the whole neighborhood before Halloween.. this year they started kinda late.. but never the less we booed two of our neighbors too..

Tonight is weigh in night.. yikes..

November 6th at 645 am I have the endoscope so we can find out what is going on with my belly.

Lets see.. this Saturday is birthday number 46 for me.. and we will be on our way to Gulf shores for my cousins wedding on Sunday .. its going to be a casual fun wedding... Ohhh and here is a bit of a freak note.. November 18th is our first anniversary.... where indeed does time go????

Well thats it for now..

Wish me well

Wish you well too..

SO YOU WANNA BE A NEWS ANCHOR??

2008-10-24T06:42:00.005-05:00

YOU know most of the time I really try and keep this health oriented but sometimes .. that little alarm goes off in my head.. and I simply must grab the soap box and stand on it and proclaim.. uhmm what ever it is at the moment I need to proclaim... so I am proclaiming....
THAT IF YOU WANT TO BE A NEWS ANCHOR ON A NATIONAL NETWORK USE FUCKING PROPER ENGLISH.. (all right already I know.. I probably should not have said fucking let alone highlighting it in bright yellow... ) ..
Lets back up a wee bit... I have not slept in 24 hours.. for the most part.. you see I decided that I was not going to take anything to help me sleep... I was going to be a sleep warrior ( yep a SLEEP WARRIOR) .. PFFT... that did not work... at all.. so I am already not toooo Happy..
Then we are watching FOX.. ( urp.. sorry threw up in my mouth a bit) ... because my husband believes as do I, that in order to be well informed you need to see what all the stations are saying... We are MSNBC fans personally.... ) this morning... and the blond ditzy anchor chick... drops her Gs .. and who else do we know that drops her Gs... Let me give you a ripe hint..
Sarah PaWannaBeARegularJoesSixWhateverHockeyMomSoPeopleWillThinkIAmAwwwWhoTheHellCareslin.. shesh Honestly, .. I really do not like those that supposedly deliver the "UNBIASED" news reports to not SPEAK proper ENGLISH do not DROP YOUR Gs.. that annoys me just a little..
On the other hand.. those of us who write our own blogs.. or speak amongst ourselves.. Talk anyway you want... cuz.. that is okay... BUT IF YOU ARE DELIVERING THE NEWS SPEAK IT .. CORRECTLY .. ~!!!!!! Kicking soap box back where ever soap box goes...
Going to get ready for work..
Seeing the doctor today... oh and in my infinite wisdom today I just realized I was taking the Nexium WRONG.. you are suppose to take it at least one hour before eating.. heck sometimes I took it after eating breakfast.. DUMBASS me.. would have been nice if about ohh say a month ago when I started taking them that I read the damn directions.. .. so I am going to take the Rx bottle with me and tell the doc what I did.. perhaps if I take it correctly it might actually help me more efficently.. a good bit of the heart burn is gone.. however my stomach still bothers me... so we gotta get to the root of that.. and of course it could be the FIBRO too... its flairing up badly today since I did not sleep well... uhmm at all...
I was doing better with the PT .. that seems to be helping a LOT.. but I did not swim at all this week.. I had so much to do after work.. Yeah I know I should have made time but at least I am honest..
So my friends.. have a rocking happy weekend..
ITs going to be blustery stormy here today with cooler and nicer weather creeping in over the weekend... love that crispy stuff..
Wish me well
Wish you well too...

NEW DISCOVERIES

2008-10-22T15:20:00.005-05:00

BLUE DIAMOND ALMONDS BOLD WASABI AND SOYSAUCE FLAVOR YUMMMMY

EMERALD COCOA ROAST ALMONDS DARK CHOCOLATE... YUMMM

Lentils and basmati rice

Have a great Wednesday!

Wish me well

wish you well too!

BOORIFFIC ideas for HALLOWEEN

2008-10-21T05:33:00.000-05:00

FOUND AT DIET.com here is some useful info I found on Diet.com..
4 Healthy Tips for a Happier Halloween-
Wait to buy candy until the last minute – you won’t be stuck craving it while it is in your house-
Buy candy you really just don’t care for!
- Got lots of leftover candy? Give it away!-
Stuck with all the candy your kids brought home? Keep treats out of sight and eat them as your kids would – as a small part of their day. For example, instead of your usual dessert, enjoy a fun size candy bar.
13 Healthy Treats
I know it sounds like blasphemy but you could skip buying candy altogether and redefine your idea of a treat!
Here are your lucky 13 diet-friendly treats:
1. 100 calorie packs of crackers
2. mini boxes of raisins
3. 94% fat-free microwave popcorn
4. small 100% juice boxes
5. sugar-free gum packs
6. small apples or tangerines
Or, try these non-food items:
7. pencils or crayons
8. erasers
9. stickers
10. rubber spiders
11. colored chalk
12. noisemakers or party favors
13. temporary tattoos
We guarantee you won't be tempted to eat up any of these leftovers!
Candy 101
Still tempted to indulge in the more traditional Halloween treats?
Check out how these “fun-size” candy bars stack up.
While fun they might be to gobble, they might not be so fun for your waistline!
Snickers Snack Size: 72 calories, 4g fat
Twizzlers Snack Size: 133 calories, 1g fat
Butterfinger Snack Size: 100 calories, 4g fat
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup: 80 calories, 5g fat
Milky Way Snack Size: 77 calories, 3g
Corn: 3.5 calories per kernel! Small pouch (0.5 oz)
Sweetarts: 50 calories, 0g fat
Fun Size M&M’s: 70 calories, 3g fat
Witches Brew Cider
Traditional apple cider can be high in sugar and calories, but not this Witches Brew Cider recipe! Enjoy a cup to stay warm or bring some to the Halloween party.
Halloween is creeping around the corner.. remember keep the treats out of the house until the very last minute to avoid ghoulishly gobbling up those treats meant for the ghosts and goblins who will ring your doorbell Oct 31...
and on that note..
Wish me well
Wish you well too!

FIVE POUNDS OF OPPOSUM IN MY HEADLIGHTS TONIGHT~

2008-10-19T20:02:00.004-05:00

WELL FIRST .. just hop on over to my other blog TWO WHEEL TALES FOR TODAY'S POST AND SOME PICTURES FROM OUR TRIP.. YOU CAN CLICK OVER IN THE SIDEBAR FOR OUR FLICKR PICTURES FROM THE TRIP.. IT WAS REALLY A LOT OF FUN...AND A MUCH NEEDED BREAK!
650 MILES OF SMILES!
oH AND IF YOU GO OVER TO MY OTHER BLOG THE TITLE OF THIS POST WILL BE EXPLAINED THERE.. ITS A OLD BLUEGRASS SONG!
TWO WHEEL TALES

TO THE MOUNTAINS WE WILL GO

2008-10-17T11:28:00.002-05:00

Well, in two and a half hours I go to PT .. for about an hour or 2 then we are off to the mountains via motorcycle or car depending on the weather.. its been raining all morning..and still is drizzling.. Steve said that if the roads are wet when we are ready to leave late this afternoon.. then we will go via car.. my car just got new tires, new brakes, and new belts.. so its in great shape... so we might just go via car.. either way its going to be chilly chilly chilly.. Looking forward to going either way.. I love the mountains and there are all sorts of festivals going on in the N. Ga. Mtns as well as N. Carolina mtns.. and Tenn.. everything thing is about 50 miles round so its a great trip.. you from Al. to Tenn, to Ga, to Tenn.. in a 50 mile or so span.. I love it.. in that area.. we stay at a great B and B... Angels Landing .. we are only staying there one night as she only had one night open.. Tommorow night we stay at some Comfort Inn.. but thats cool.. regardless we will be festival hoping through out the mtns..
Hope everyone has a rocking weekend.
Will share trip and food info when I get back..
Great place for fresh trout.. and good veggies..
Wish me well
Wish you well too

SOME MORE HELPFUL INFO AND REMEMBER NOT TO FORGET YOUR PET AT TAX TIME

2008-10-16T06:52:00.000-05:00

These were a little abused on the way home.. sorry... I did not realize they were under my swim bag.. but I wanted to share them with you.. again reminders and material to help us think a bit...
Oh and do not forget your pet around tax time see below:

Wish me well

Wish you well too!

Making my BADONKADONK a BADINKADINK

2008-10-15T08:45:00.008-05:00

Something about that Hardee's comercial that always makes me laugh ..

I think that metaphor can work for us too.. how many of us really want to shrink that badonkadonk into a badinkadink.. I know I do.. and that badonkadonk can be anything.. from your tush to your belly to your body... so sometimes.. if we add a smile to what we are doing I think it makes it more fun.. to find the laughter in things that have been difficult for us.. it makes it easier.. and I am all about the easy button.. even though we know that this will take a lot of work.. hard work.. change is never easier.. and true success is never easily won.

I hope everyone is having a great week at best and a tolerable week at worst.. Mine is going okay.. Started PT .. and I am hoping to get some pain control soon.. Am going swimming today.. of course my swimming is not that fancy.. but never the less it is still classified as swimming nah I really do more than dog paddle..

Aside from exercise if you were to be asked what is your biggest trouble spot with eating healthy.. long term.. what might some of your answers me.. let me know in the comments section..

Mine would have to be portion control...THIS IS NEITHER HEALTHY OR A PORTION SIZE.. remember the actual portion size for a hamburger let alone a cheeseburger from the hand out I put in a post last week...? yep.. single burger cut in half.. no cheese.. remember that?

Here is a good refresher..play this little portion size game from Cooking Light

PORTION SIZE for your food pyramid.

Wish me well

Wish you well too

GETTING HALLOWEENED

2008-10-13T13:37:00.002-05:00

FRIDAY FUN

2008-10-10T15:28:00.002-05:00

Alright nothing to report really on Honi, I will be posting more tips and stuff as I go along.. but today.. well today is devoted to things that make me laugh... I indeed like to laugh.. in fact I darn right love to laugh.. and with the ways of our world right now.. we all could use a good laugh..
So no offense to any easily offended people.. here we go:

ON SARAH PALIN :
"She does know about international relations because she is right up there in Alaska, right next door to Russia." –FOX News Channel's Steve Doocy, gushing over Palin's qualifications, to which Jon Stewart quipped, "When you think about it, Alaska is also near the North Pole, so she must also be friends with Santa."

SARAH PALIN FACEBOOK PAGE
REASONS TO LAUGH
LOGOs GONE TERRIBLY WRONG
LOVE THROUGH THE EYES OF KIDS
STUFF THOSE KIDS SAY
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Wish me well
Wish you well too!

HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR EVERYBODY

2008-10-08T06:06:00.005-05:00

AS I move along my own weight loss I thought it might be fun to share with you the hand outs I get in class.. I recieved a lot this week so for now I will share the below with you.. click on each one , resize it so you can read it if needed. Use it.. I will be including recipes as well... over the next week or so.. I hope these tips and ideas help you along your way... Yes they are things you know by rote.. you have known them a very long time but maybe by seeing them once again in print.. it might give you encouragement or ideas along the way.. we can do these things.. we can make these changes.. a simple step at a time..
If you visit my friend over at ESCAPE FROM OBESITY you will see she has developed a cool participatory program regarding changing one habit a week.. read it.. it might give you inspiration.. She is a wonderful writer as most of you are too... check her out...
I any respect.. tis time for Honi to get ready for work..
and since I get off early today I am going to go swim ..
Wish me well

Wish you well too..

RESULTS

2008-10-06T20:57:00.003-05:00

3 POUNDS DOWN AND AWAY SHE GOES!! YEP LOST 3 POUNDS FOR THE FIRST WEEK...
SWAM FOR 30 MINUTES.. ( COMBO LAPS AND WALKING JOGGING IN WATER) THEN GOT IN THE HOT TUB FOR 10 MINUTES CAME HOME AND HAD SCRAMBLED EGGS.. A WHOLE WHEAT LENDERS BAGEL AND HALF AN APPLE AND A SMALL HANDFUL OF CINNAMON SUGAR ALMONDS..
GETTING READY TO HOP IN THE SHOWER
TO MY FRIEND LAURA. THANKS FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT DURING THIS ORIENTATION INTO THE WORLD OF FIBRO~ Post below explains doctor visit today...
WISH ME WELL
WISH YOU WELL TOO!~

TWO WAYS TO LOOK AT THINGS

2008-10-06T15:44:00.002-05:00

So its early this morning.. and I go to see the neurosurgeon.. I get there about 30 minutes early as I had to go down to my regular doctor to get the MRI pictures to take up to the neuro. So I get there do the paperwork etc.. My appointment is at 9 ( oh by the way still waiting on blood tests results so far everything has come back normal... still waiting on the vitamin D test) so I finally go back at about 9 15 .. at 9 45 an assistant of the doctors comes in to do an eval on me... Then at 10:00 the doctor comes in.. and tells me how my doctor wanted him to work me in.. blah blah blah..He was nice enough.. my herniation in my neck is not that big.. which is good.. but then the doc does the same eval the previous doctor did.. and then at 10:15 he says the most profound thing..
HONI YOU MUST LOSE WEIGHT.. ( said with the deepest sarcasm I can muster) .. right I say.. and you must exercise at least 5 days a week.. he says.. right I say.. ( all of these things I fucking know) he says that those things will help me manage my pain better.. right I say... I know these things.. so at 10:20 I ask for PT.. he gives me an intense 6 weeks 2 to 3 times a week session.. which is what I wanted in the first place not a lecture that I need to lose weight.. YOU REALLY THINK I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT.. I know these things.. trust me..... I am thinking.. then the doctor said there are 2 things he would never want to have.. Fibromyalgia and MS.. whew thats a relief to know.. lol.. oh well.... so I know I have to make some lifestyle changes but for now I need some short term relief so I can get to the long term things.. I have been doing ok on the eating.. I go weigh in an hour and a half and then tonight I am going to swim.. I hope I am not commiting too big of a sin...Thursday afternoon when I should be in temple for Yom Kippur.. I am going to my initial PT session to get my eval so I can start therapy ASAP to get some short term relief so I can move better.. I figured I would go to services in the early morning.. come home.. swim.. shower.. go to Pt.. go home and change and go back to services then go to my aunts.. or I might not get a swim in on Thurs but I am going to try.. I have a late work day tommorow so I can not swim then.. So I am going to swim tonight, Wed. Thursday ( hopefully ) and possibly Friday.. not sure.. I just know when I am in the water I feel better or when I am moving I feel better..
In other news... check this cool site out..ME AND GOJI
Wish me well
Wish you well too

Trying to be a Warrior

2008-10-03T09:33:00.002-05:00

Trying to be a warrior.. pain is pretty bad.. today .. but I will get through it..
In other news... so did you watch the debates last night... ??? Biden.. maybe.. Palin.. not sure.. she really gets on my last nerve.. I know she is trying to appeal to the general masses .. I guess I am extreemly old school when I prefer a person to use proper english and not come across a couple of times like a smart ass.. Sorry Palin fans but to me there were a few times .. she seemed a bit smart assish.. I also fall into the line of being pro choice so I have issues with her stance on abortion rights and in general rights to privacy .. either she is not well informed or was completely taken by surprise in a recent interview. thats it for politics.. just my thoughts..and trying to focus on other things besides the pain I am in...
Have a great weekend...
Wish me well
Wish you well too

YA THINK?

2008-10-02T10:32:00.004-05:00

In 2008 its okay to be Gay Clay.... its not really news... ya know...

Things I love

A magnificent Voice

A funny blog a bit racy be careful where you read :-)

Peace and Quiet...

Things I am dealing with

Eating well

having stomach issues .. waiting for gasto folks to call so i can get endoscope might have another week or so to wait..

Pain with no pain pills.. seeing nuerosurgeon regarding disk herniation in neck on Monday early am.. hopefully he will prescribe some PT for me .. that always helps and might help with the Fibro...

Sleep with no Advian switched to half an Ambian...

Taking care and treating myself.. I bought new glasses, a new bathing suit and treated myself to a new cell phone all which I will be getting between now and November 1.

This Fibro is odd.. I was okay earlier today .. I cleaned the office.. vacuumed and mopped .. I had to sit down and rest.. which I am doing now... very tired now..

Otherwise I am okay.. hanging in.. eating healthy for the most part.. breathing .. living and trying to move a bit..

Wish me well

Wish you well too

REDUCING THE APPEARANCE OF...

2008-10-01T12:40:00.002-05:00

REDUCING the appearance of .. well fill in the blank.. be it wrinkles, lines, a big butt .. whatever.. while there is merit in losing the big butt.. what about those lines in your face...why is it so wrong to have lines... or a few wrinkles here and there.. isn't that the sign of a life well lived.. or perhaps some sadness.. so what what if your life shows a little on you.. The facts are simple we all are getting a little older each day.. so what.. we also are getting a little wiser... a little smarter.. we also get a little braver.. A line on my face shows who I am .. not who I am hiding.. I am 45 almost 46 years old.. I am not 18 or 25.. I have been through a lot in my life.. and a majority in the last 7 years... Life bends and turns and deals you shit.. and deals you joy... and happiness.. you have to take the shit.. find some perspective.. and work towards the joy and happiness.. thats my perspective... Going through all this pain lately.. I have done a lot of thinking through the haze of pain pills.. I decided.. not to take pain meds yesterday or today.. how do I feel? pretty much in pain.. but at least my mind is clear.. no fog here... I opened my email to find that I can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles if I just buy such and such product... seems to me I feel best just trying to feel like me.. lines, wrinkles and all.. thats not to say I do not indulge in the luxury of make up.. I do.. but I also do not hide who I am.. an almost 46 ( November 1) Honi..
Wish me well
Wish you well too.

FIBROMYALGIA and Me

2008-09-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

Well we have become well aquainted this weekend. I signed up for a study nearby my office. Hopefully I will be accepted. it is for a new drug to treat Fibro.. Today is a pretty painful day.. but I am taking it a breath at a time... It is also the start of Rosh Hashanah the jewish new year.. Tonight I will be with family and friends having a wonderful meal at my aunt's house.. and then tommorow I will be at my synagogue and my other aunt's house for a great lunch.. there will be 2 blank spots in my life tonight and tommorow.. my mom and dad.. it will be odd with out either of them tonight or tommorow.. I had gotten used to missing dad during the holidays especially.. and now.. well.. now I have to add my mother to that mix.. oh well.. its not hard.. it is just different.. empty different but different.. no rushing to pick up mom before temple.. no arguing over stupid things.. just this very loud silence.. but it is okay.. It is a new year.. and hopefully a good year .. and hopefully a year that will be devoted to good health and happiness and very little sadness and drama.. I am keeping on.. friends... whatever may be will be and I will just deal with it.. as always thanks for your love and support.. it does see me through... any Fibro advice is much appreciated too.
Love you all
Wish me well
Wish you well too
Not to forget I am going to weigh tonight right after work.. even though I will not be actually meeting with my nutritionist.. I still want to see if I have lost something.. though I doubt it.. my tummy is so sore right now.. but actually feeling a little better.. I hope..

WILL THIS STOP ME

2008-09-28T15:35:00.002-05:00

NO THIS WILL NOT STOP ME! I have been remiss in posting... On Friday I went to see the doctor.. I have Fibromyalgia , which would explain my years of pain...
Steve has mentioned to me on more than one occassion I get the ball rolling with weight loss and then BOOM! something happens and stops me!.. he is right.. this does happen.. but this time. I can not let this happen..
I have opted out of wearing the sensewear for now.. frankly.. it irritates me and annoys me and is uncomfortable.. and that is from the fibro... I feel best on no pain meds... because I hate being foggy... I didnt like the flexerial at all and am going to tell my doctor.. I found an article in the paper ( a friend called and pointed it out to me ) regarding a new study being done for folks with Fibro so I am going to check that out.. I will do anything to have freedom from pain.. My best choice is getting in the water as much as possible.. and adivan to help me relax and sleep at night...
I am going to stick with my program though... I am going to be scheduled for a endoscope in the next couple of weeks. still have the burning in the gut.. either the fibro acting up or an ulcer.. we need to see which... also going to see the nureosurgeon regarding my neck .. just to get a more detailed view of the MRI.. I had a ton of blood work done on friday to see if I have a vitamin deficency... so I am waiting for those results too
All and all.. I will keep on keeping on and now that his pain has a name.. at least I can do something with it instead of thinking It is just all in my head... thats a relief..
Hope everyone is well..
Wish me well
Wish you well too

SNAG

2008-09-25T20:55:00.002-05:00

Looks like there will be a delay in starting the Senswear program.. seems there is a problem activitating the armband and software.. so once that is done at my nutritionists office .. then I can do it at my house.. then I should be up and running.. Will keep u posted..
Wish me well
Wish u well too