STUFF TO THROW OUT THE WINDOW! DAY 251

Thursday, August 26, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

The first STUFF I am throwing out the window is my computer. It is soooooooo sloooooooow!
It's taken more than an hour to boot it up and get it running. So I am on the other computer in my office which my hubby uses. Why so darn slow?

The next stuff I'm throwing out the window is myself. My granddaughter's birthday was Tuesday and we forgot to call. Mainly because I took her shopping and already bought her bunches of clothes a week ago Saturday and this past weekend, we had a birthday celebration for her and the two grandsons who have birthdays soon. So I guess we kind of thought we already celebrated but that is no excuse not to remember to call her. So hubby has the duty of sending a card today as Sat she has her real b-day party and we cannot attend it either. Our names are mud for sure.

The third thing I'm about to throw out the window is dieting. I am sooooo tired of getting on the scale and not losing. Nothing I do seems to work. I'm not eating enough so I eat more. I'm eating too much so I eat less. I'm changing up my food to trick myself. I'm really tired of this and here it is day 251 and 8 lbs lost for the whole year and nothing happening. What's a body to do? I guess I'll just have to like myself the way I am.

I read another blog this morning and the person had lost 4 lbs. Good for her. Why isn't that happening for me? I'm not exercising enough for sure. I'm probably not eating enough of the right foods like veggies even though my points are within range. I dont know what to do. I'm not quitting but I'm not losing either.

Last night we went out for dinner. I had a tossed salad with balsamic vinaigrette. I had pecan crusted trigger fish, steamed medley of veggies, and rice pilaf. I had half and brought the rest home for lunch. I fell down by having 1 lite beer and 2 rolls with olive oil dipping sauce. Yesterday I attended a morning meeting and then headed off to visit with 4 clients. I didn't get home until 2:00 and had not had lunch except an energy bar and 2 cheese cubes at a clients house. I had 2 oz of brunschweiger on sandwich rounds and then off to dinner. I guess this way of eating just isn't going to do it.

Now at 2:00 I was really pooped out and I didn't accomplish much the rest of the day. Couldn't concentrate. My next effort is to actually try to join a WW meeting and keep it up but our schedule for the fall is already ramping up with activities. This Friday evening alone we have 4 invitations and can only do one of them. And all day Saturday is taken up with Armed Forces Appreciation Day which I will blog about later. I am working in the beer booth for 3 hours.

So that's it. I'll take any and all encouragement and kind words you want to throw at me. Later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRAIRIECROCUS 8/27/2010 2:12AM

You should definitely stay the course ! I agree with what SDTALLY just said. Keeping active is such a great way to get the numbers on the scale to move down ! There are so many things that a person could do ! Taking the aerobics classes at Shapes is a fantastic way to get a good workout, and burn about 500 calories or so. There's also Jazzercise, or any kind of dancing... Some people like to run, or jog, for exercise. I enjoy swimming, especially because it is always cool in the pool ! And then, you are more free to eat (within reason !), because you have burned off so many calories ! I consider all the swimming I do, to be my hobby, and it does so much good for me ! I think I'd be lost, without it ! I hope that you can find a sport you can " call your own", that will help you on your SparkPeople journey ! Report Inappropriate Comment

SDTALLY 8/26/2010 9:57AM

Aww - you sound down. Maybe with fall coming you will be able to settle down in a "normal" (hehe) routine. Only thing I can add is that maybe you should up the exercise. I know that every time I've tried to loose and thought I could do it just by food (and not exercise) I have not been successful. Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

CSDAYS 8/26/2010 9:42AM

If you hold your own that is quite an accomplishment. Keep at it. Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 8/26/2010 9:39AM

I've not lost a lot of weight this year. I gain and lose the same lbs and never seem to get ahead so I can relate. I'm going to keep on though. They are offering Weight Watchers meetings here at work beginning in September so I'm going to try that. Anything that might help. Hang in there. Keep Sparking, get firm with yourself and you might be pleasantly surprised. Good luck. We can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE! DAY 249

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

I woke up this morning feeling discouraged about not losing any weight in weeks and then I read my e-mails. There was THE WEEKLY SPARK with its timely article, THE POWER OF GRATITUDE. It is 6 pages but well worth the read and brought to mind all of the things I am grateful for. Too many to list so I will limit myself to 3 areas.

1. Family. Friday night my entire family was in my dining room. I don't have a big one, 2 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, my mother-in-law and my sister and her husband and of course, my hubby. We had a baptism of the one year old who brought his parents and brother down from North Carolina. There were a few challenges like some sibling rivalry and fussy children but all in all, I am so grateful that we had the weekend. I have 2 daughters-in-law whom I've developed a healthy relationship with and I'm so grateful for this. And I'm grateful for knowing when to stay out of family arguments and staying calm in the situation.

2. My Clients. I am so grateful to still have a thriving business in spite of the sluggish economy, oil spill, etc. This summer I'm helping several of my past clients redecorate their homes and I'm so happy for this opportunity. I have a beautiful career and I help people make their homes beautiful, one room at a time!

3. My Health! I am a healthy 62 year old woman who can walk three miles and have a conversation with her best friend. My weight loss is definitely stalled but I am eating in a healthier way than I ever have, consistantly. I look and feel good at the weight I'm at, at least 8 to 10 lbs lighter than last year. My numbers at the dorctors office were the best they have ever been and he was pleased. I've been able to eliminate 2 meds for my depression this year. And I've learned to be calm through all adversity by putting my hands into God's. And I've made lots of friends here at Spark!

So, I may not be making any swift progress in weight loss but I have so many other things going for me. And I'm not giving up. I continually redirect myself back to the eating healthy effort when I fall off. I have so many to thank.

So, for today, what three things are you grateful for? A friend of mine has a gratitufe journal by her bedside and every night she writes in it before she goes to bed. What a nice idea! Have a great day and I'm anxious to hear back from you! www,sparkpeople.com/resource/wellnes
s_articles.asp?id=1541

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRAIRIECROCUS 8/26/2010 1:47AM

What a nice career you have : beautifying people's homes ! I'm sure your clients' lives are enriched, once the renovations have been done ! You are right! We all do have so much to be grateful for ! I am grateful for the activity that has been Sparked in me by SparkPeople ! The entire SparkPeople program has brought more life into my life ! For this, I am truly grateful. I am grateful that all these resources are free ; I hope and pray that it can be so, forever ! I wish everyone well, as they progress on their SparkPeople journey ! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST_TRI_IT 8/25/2010 10:38PM

Wonderful blog... Such a great way to go to sleep with the last thing on your mind being gratitude. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARLY47 8/24/2010 4:56PM

What a great blog you wrote.. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHARONSPARKLE 8/24/2010 12:35PM

I loved your blog! I'm at a bad place with SP right now as I have put a few of the lbs I lost back on. It is so discouraging that I've been thinking I may as well give up. I loved your reasoning and I also have much to be grateful for. With that in mind, I am going to renew my efforts to live a healthier well balanced life! Thanks for your wise words. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAEDA 8/24/2010 11:39AM

If you always look to the positive side of life and all you have to be grateful for, you will never be depressed Report Inappropriate Comment

NIGHTHAWLK 8/24/2010 11:01AM

Very good blog, I am very thankful to have a husband who still is my best friend for 37 years. still enjoy his company.For all my spark friends and right now good health at the age of 71. I too have stalled out,on losing weight but it will come as I continue to eat healthy. Report Inappropriate Comment

JENNY888 8/24/2010 10:33AM

A beautiful blog Carol. I am grateful for Spark Friends like you who write these inspiring blogs. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDI571 8/24/2010 10:08AM

I agree. I think we can get focused on the negative sometimes and forget what good we have in our lives. Being grateful can put it into perspective. Report Inappropriate Comment

BOHEMIANCAT 8/24/2010 9:48AM

Thanks for writing this. I sometimes feel sorry for myself. That is great that you have been able to get off some meds. I am grateful for: 1. That I have a job that helps pay for a nice style of living. 2. That I have a wonderful husband. 3. That many people like me, sparkfriends included. Have a wonderful week! Linda Report Inappropriate Comment

HISOWN1 8/24/2010 9:40AM

my weight too has stalled 3 things I am grateful for - I have dropped close to 50 pounds, that God provided a wonderful 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite in New York City so our son can join us at NO extra charge from the hotel - a true blessing and for my DH who is a rock when I feel shaky Report Inappropriate Comment

KASEYCOFF 8/24/2010 9:20AM

Really good, Carol - and you are so right! We all have much to be grateful for - and I'm glad you had a good time with 'the kids'! :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

BABY'S ASLEEP! DAY 246

Saturday, August 21, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

Baby's asleep and I had a minute to log-in. I have a very small family but last night all of them were here at the house. My 2 sons, wives and 4 kids, my sister and her husband, hubby and his mother. It was certainly a crowd!!! This morning, hubby, son and wife went off to a 5K and I am here with baby and 5 year old. I put the baby in his crib and he's quiet so hopefully he'll sleep. They had a long day yesterday, getting up at 3:00 a.m. to catch the plane and busy all day. We have 2 babies, 9 months and soon to be 1 yr. They were so cute together! I hope I can get a picture of the 4 of them and post it online to match last year's pic. Great fun but what diet this weekend? Have a great day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATHRYNLP 8/23/2010 9:12AM

How nice to have your family all together for a visit. It can get a bit crazy though. I too, love their company and seeing my grandkids, but we live a quiet life, and I need to go for that walk, early in the morning, to stay serene. Maybe you gals can take an evening walk, and let the boys cope with the kids for a bit? Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYCEMARIE9 8/21/2010 9:46AM

Most importantly enjoy the family your diet will be there when the family is gone just be conscious of what you are eating and with grandkids you will get plenty of exercise. ENJOY! Report Inappropriate Comment

OFF FOR THE WEEKEND! DAY 245

Friday, August 20, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

The phone rang at 4:30 this morning! We are always afraid it is my mother-in-law sayng she has fallen down and needs help to get up. But it was my son calling from the airport. They got on an earlier flight and will be here this morning at 8:30. WE are so looking forward to their visit. At noon we are all going to the retirement home for lunch with Grammie. She'll be so happy to show off her great grandchildren to her friends! I still have some organizing and cleaning up to do so I"ll sign off. I'm looking forward to a wonderful family oriented weekend! Later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JENNY888 8/20/2010 10:38AM

I hope your weekend is everything you expect it to be. Enjoy. Report Inappropriate Comment

KASEYCOFF 8/20/2010 7:48AM

Have a good time, hon! Sounds like you are in for a really fun visit. :-D Report Inappropriate Comment

NUTS TO YOU AND OTHER STUFF! DAY 244

Thursday, August 19, 2010

LEARN TO B E CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

I was blog reading this morning and one person said how she LOVED nuts and could not leave them alone. I used to be that way with potato chips. Just didn't buy them and now I am happy with a handful but it took a good year or so of not buying them. Nuts are good for you though. A dietician proficient in diabetes nutrition said she had read that eating a handful of nuts WITH your meal could lower your blood sugar 50 points! They had to be peanuts, almonds or pistachios and with the meal. So we got some small baggies and a couple of cans of nuts and put a handful into each bag for my mother-in-law to have with her meals. On the Sonoma Mediterranean based diet, 11 almonds is a legitimate snack. And the dietician said any form of those 3 nuts, sugared, salted, unsalted, etc. would do. Now you have permission to eat them.

I was out this a.m. for my planned 45 min walk with Pat when it started to rain half way through, not hard. We stood under a tree for a few min and then called my husband. By the time he got there, it was letting up but Pat is a beautiful black woman and she said that if she didn't get inside real soon her hair would look like Buckwheat's! So we headed home. My hair flattened up, hers exploded.

My daughter-in-law got the job she wanted! Yea! She works for a university in admissions and scheduling and her job was moving to the campus away from here. She was hired for the same type job with the same univ working on the local Air Force Base which is closer to her home. Wonderful news!

I've had my granddaughter off and on all summer and we've had some fun together. She starts school next week but I will remember these days fondly. Today I am taking off work. Tomorrow my youngest son and family comes for the weekend and we are having a birthday party for the three grandkids who have birthdays in the next couple of weeks. My granddaughter and I are going shopping for birthday party supplies and setting up things. She will be 9 next week. No birthday cake, just fruit and maybe a couple of cupcakes. My son is about 10 lbs from his goal at WW and wants to weigh in on Sat. So I am preparing WW type food as I am watching my points as well.

I weighed this morning and am still solidly at 180 with a little left leaning. Since I've gotten up in the middle of the night to pee the last two nights, I figure I must be close to dropping a pound. That would be wonderful to leave the 180"s as you know I have been here for quite a while. I am so happy that the scale has not gone back to 185 or 182 or more as it did for months.

Off to my day of play! Later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JENNY888 8/19/2010 10:33AM

Thanks for the limit on almonds. I also love nuts and have to watch out for them. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDI571 8/19/2010 9:41AM

I laughed right aloud with the hair story. I could just picture it in my mind. To funny. I love the sugar coated cinnamon almonds. That thrill me that it could be a legal snack. Problem, stopping at 11. I am curious on how many points you are getting in a day. Do you get your need to points? You seem to be a very active person with your running around. You may need to go into your flex points. I had 4 flex points yesterday, and actually lost the pound I had gained from last week. Report Inappropriate Comment