To my track ~ thanks for the memories my concrete friend

I may be on hiatus after this post, I'm not sure if I'll get another chance to blog in the next few days.  We have spent all day today packing, tomorrow we load up the U-haul and Thursday we hit the road.  I promise I'll be back on Saturday and I will keep track of all the things I learn along the way and share one for each day.. lol, I'll also fill you all in on my road trip adventures and terrible eating habits.  Which by the way, have already begun.  I've been feeling so bloated and nasty for about 4 days now... hardly been exercising and not following my points as strictly as I always do.  I actually feel like there's been a boulder in my gut for days. 

However, it was beautiful this morning so I went for my run.  It occured to me that it would probably be my last at that track and I smiled when I thought about how many pounds have been left on that very track.  Oh me and my track, I'm gonna miss my ol' buddy... it was always love/hate but it was with me through good and bad, thick & ahem.. thin.. lol.  

Alright peeps, farewell for now, chat with y'all (yeah I said y'all) on the weekend.  Hope you all have a fabulous rest of the week.

ROAD TRIP!!!

Today I learned...

... that Fred & Wilma Flintstone were the first couple on tv to be seen in bed together.
... that they make individual Silk drink boxes.  Perfect for a road trip.

Today I learned...

... well, this ~
"Passover is the day we commemorate the Hebrews' escape from enslavement in Egypt.  Every year, on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, Jews commemorate the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt by celebrating Passover. The story is that after 410 years of slavery in Egypt, Moses told Pharaoh that he must "Let My People Go." Each time Pharaoh refused to release the Israelites, God brought another plague upon the Egyptians. After 10 plagues, the Pharoah let the Jews go. They left Egypt so fast that they didn't have time for their bread to rise (which is why they ate matzo) and Passover commemorates the Jews being released from slavery."

Today I learned...

... that my cousin had a baby boy!!
... that ordering something in a restaurant automatically triples the calorie content of any "normal" food item.
... that a Human Nutrition Program is offered at a university near my town and I'm seriously considering enrolling... hmmm

Today I learned...

... that I lost 1.2, and definitely when it was least expected!
... that I have a new follower, welcome Kenz! ps- I can't decide between blueberry & strawberry either ;)
... that some guy named Rufus King also signed the declaration of independance.  J's cousin was writing a paper on him for school and noone could tell me how many people actually signed it... lol.  Someone could be helping me learn something new. 
... that saying goodbye to my WW meeting & leader was tougher than I thought it would be.

Sad Goodbyes

Ok so I really don't want to be one of these people who bitches about not doing well and then does really well, I can see how that would be totally obnoxious.. but I swear the scale was not budging this week.  I weighed 0.2 less on my home scale than last Saturday.  So, I figured I'm either up or down a little bit, which I expected.  Well just for good measure, I said what the hell and wore my lightest shirt & pants I own.
*** Ok I'm not embarrassed to admit that when I first bought my digital scale and was a litte "weigh happy" I may have weighed some of my clothes***
Anyway, I was down 1.2 y'all!!  Woohoo.  I really couldn't believe it, and yes the difference between home scale and WW always differs so I never know what the WW result will be.

So I was one of the last people to arrive at my meeting, so it was a packed house (sorta) when I walked to the front of my meeting and took my seat..  my leader announces that this is my last meeting and said some very nice things about me and how well I've done since coming there and what a joy I am to have in their meeting *well I wasn't GOING to cry* lol  Nah I kept it together but she's like so how did you do this week..  omg I didn't even look I just put my book away in my purse.. haha I opened it up in front of everyone.. geez this really could have gone either way.. but exclaimed 1.2..  *applause*  My leader told me to keep in touch, gave me her email and a big hug.  It was really really special I have to say.   I also was happy I got a chance to say to her in front of everyone that I've been to WW many times and many many meetings and good leaders are really hard to come by and I meant it!!  She joked and said gee I wish my boss was here right now, I said well give me her address I'll email her too.. lol.    Good day, but ugh I hate goodbyes!!
She also told me that she wants me to go back to Canada, get to goal and become a leader...  so sweet, and the more I think about it the less of a bad idea it becomes. 

Oh I also have to tell you guys about this funny strange conversation I had with my bf's father this morning.  We are going over there tonight for a party and bbq burgers & stuff.  Well (lol I'm laughing as I'm writing this) he called this morning and said (and picture a southern accent) so Jeremy tells me you're doing some kinda vegan thing so I wanted to know if you wanted me to put on a chicken breast for you instead of a burger.
*me almost dropping the phone*
He really is just a sweet sweet man.
Hope you all have a fabulous beautiful weekend Peeps
Peace xo

Today I learned...

... a lot about leafy greens, and some recipes that sound really delish.  I'm actually starting to get curious about Kale, Collards greens, Napa Cabbage, & Bok Choy.  This is new territory to me, hope I like it.
... that I have another new follower, welcome Liza.  Just yesterday I was so happy to have 12 now I have 14!
... that reading cookbooks does not help with cravings the night before a weigh in..  ugh.

Venting..... and breathing

Oh my *sigh* tomorrow is weigh in.  I'm not sure whats going to happen, I thought I had a good week but the scale at home didn't move much this week.  I guess thats sorta to be expected since I lost 2lbs last week.  I really wanted to make this weigh in count big time because its my last weigh in for a few weeks, last weigh in in the States.  Yes, next thursday I head back to my native land Canada, and bid farewell to the US of A for good.  I have the most hectic, busy and stressful week ahead of me.  Packing is at the forefront right now, but I can deal with packing... I pack like a champ, its unpacking I hate!!  But it means trying to get rid of all the food thats left in the cupboards.  I've been holding off eating alot of it till after tomorrow.  We have so many commitments coming up and all involve food.  Saturday we are going to J's dads for a "going away party" which I'm going to assume will be burgers and potato chips as a side.  Sunday we're heading to a friends for a bbq, Tuesday we're going to dinner with Jeremy's mom and step dad.  Then Wednesday is the dreaded goodbyes... then Thursday we hop in the U-haul and drive for 2 days straight.  Theeeeeeennn, when I get home my family will be so excited to see us and they loooove to partay!  Not to mention Easter weekend...  food food food FOOD.   Oh my gosh, when I lay it all out like that its makes me feel even more stressed.  So back to my weigh in - I'll probably be up or down .4 or so.  I guess I'll take whatever it is and move on but please lord give me strength in the upcoming week... I'm going to need all the strength I can get!!  I'll get back to WW in Canada asap but I'll be scared to see the result from the week of hell leading up to it.  Ok, this was my vent post.  Thanks for listening.  Breathe....................

Today I learned...

... that "The Kind Diet" would have been half the price I paid had I bought it online. ugh
... that my cousin got engaged and is getting married this summer...  yay.
... that Albert Einstein was vegetarian.
... that I have a new follower... welcome Linda ~ lucky #13!

100th Post, 12 followers, 40lbs down, and still learning!!!

Hey folks, I wanted to make this post spectacular because its #100..  but guess what?  I have nothing truely amazing to say today.. hahahahahaha.  However, I am going to post my recipe for hummus since I was asked.  So,  I actually googled a recipe for hummus without tahini (ground sesame seeds) because.. well... I didn't have any.  I also only made a small recipe because it was just for me.  I would suggest doubling it for a few peeps.  (I almost typed poops hehe)

1/2 - 16oz can of Garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1/8 cup olive oil (or 2 tbsp)
garlic clove
1 tbsp lemon juice.

Blend in food process or whatever you have (you can even mash it).  I added a few splashes for water to get it to mix better and then afterwords I have to take a masher to it to get a couple of missed chick peas.  Delish and it went really good with Tostitos & Survivor last night.

I'm heading out today to get Alicia's book The Kind Diet.  I'm so excited.  I'm sure I'll learn alot..... and then blog about it.  Also, since this is my 100th post I just want to say thank you to all my followers and readers.  I love you all, your comments & blogs inspire me and lift my spirits daily, and I'm learning a ton!!
Looking forward to the next 100!!

Today I learned...

... hummus is super easy to make and delish!
... that Miley Cyrus can actually really sing.
... to make a healthy delish vegetarian Shepard's Pie (that my boyfriend liked also)

Today I learned...

... that I have another new follower, Carla Do Carmo ~ Welcome!
... where Richard Alpert came from on Lost ;)

Today I learned...

... that its World Water Day.  Have you drank your water today??  I know this day is mainly about conserving water but I think WATER WATER WATER, its the source of life, save it, reuse it, conserve and make sure you drink it..  lots and lots of water.  Hooray for water!!

For more info check out Alicias blog at http://www.thekindlife.com/post/world-water-day.  Peace

Back on track *ahem* in more ways than one

There's nothing better than getting a package in the mail.  Its thrilling when the mailman brings a box up to your door.  I had come across a giveaway in one of my health mags for All bran, I figured wth, filled it out and stuck in on my mailbox.  It was weeks ago and I was sorta forgetting about it and sorta giving up hope on it, well Saturday lo & behold a package arrives.  I was so excited.  Oh and btw since starting this blog I take a picture of everything now hahaha.

Its the cutest little care package ~
All Bran Buds
All Bran Complete Wheat Flakes
Coupons for All Bran cereal, and in the pamflet (sp?) there is jokes & puzzles & recipes & info...  super cute!
Seeds for Marigold Flowers ~ this excited me to no end, I can't wait to plant these.

Aahh  its the little things people, the little joys in life.
So, after a terrible weekend where I just blew off all morals & responsibility with eating... lol  I am back on track today.  I'm still feeling gross from eating everything I avoided for a whole week.  I had a hangover all day yesterday, but the food hangover has held on another day.  I feel sluggish, tired, unmotivated, and its that time of the month as if I didn't feel shitty enough.  Oh well, like I said back on track (food wise) and for breakfast I tried the All Bran Buds, 60 cals - 0 fat - and 10g of fibre!!  That equals 0 ww points and even if you calculate it with only 4g of  fibre (like we're supposed to *eye roll*) its still 0 points.  I dumped the packet into my bowl and said "oh great, rabbit food for breakfast"...  they actually taste really good...  so good that I would buy the box, I'm not joking. I wonder if I can get some sort of All Bran sponsorship.  Of course this kind of fibre-y cereal has to be your thing cause its not sugary sweet, but its really crunchy and I dunno... it was enjoyable.   I'm sure this cereal can only further help things along but I'm proud to say (as if anyone really cares) digestive system is back on track.  Really truely not eating meat & dairy for a week has fixed my issues, to an extreme.  Can't argue with the.. um... evidence.. lol.

On another note, did anyone watch Kirstie Alley's Big Life last night?  I have to say, I'm not a huge fan of hers, sometimes she can be a little hard on the nerves but I really feel for her weight struggle, its the same no matter how famous you are, or how much money you have.  Ok I get it, its not exactly the same when you're on the cover of the magazines but she said something that just felt so pure & honest, she said her motivation for losing weight is simply because she hates how she feels FAT.  Isn't that enough...  wow, so true.

Peace.

Today I learned...

... that Shannon Tweed (married to Gene Simmons of KISS) is from St. Johns, Newfoundland. 

Today I learned...

... that I'm down 2.0 lbs!!  Yay for me.  I don't know if it was running every day (cause the weather was gorgeous all week) or cutting out meat & dairy for a week but I busted thru a barrier ~ crushed it actually, into the 150's and here to stay!!!
... that cookies4spartans & Genie @ diet of 51 are the same person.. lol.  I kinda had that feeling..  well double welcome for you Genie!!

Today I learned...

... that I won the Sugar Doll award again, yay thanks Josie!!
... that tomorrow is "The Great American Meatout" day.  Sorry if it seems like I'm blogging alot about Vegetarianism these days, I'm trying not to be a bandwagon jumper but I'm hooked on Alicia Silverstones blog http://www.thekindlife.com/ and I'm learning alot.  Check it out.
... that I have a new follower cookies4spartans and a new reader Genie @ diet of 51 (thank you so much for your comment)....  Welcome!!

Today I learned...

... that there is a limit to how much I actually want to know about where my food comes from.

Today I learned...

... that veggies burgers & meat substitutes have come a loooooong way.  My bf was worried that I was gonna mix up his chicken burger and my chik'n burger (picture a grimace face).. and when I took a bite I actually thought I did (even thought I knew I didn't) lol.
... that I don't like cauliflower puree as much as I thought I would *humph*.  I've been wanting to try this for months, assuming I would love it, finally made it and was less than impressed.  Oh well, they can't all be homeruns. 
... that I won a blogger award.  That made my day.
... what 159.6 looks like on the scale.  Finally!!!!

I'd like to thank the Academy...

I won... woo hoo.  I won my first award!!  Thanks to my girl Diz @  http://mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/ ... she was my first follower and has been one of my greatest supporters and new awesome friend. 

So, ok here are the rules, let see if I can remember (I'll refer back to Diz's blog to make sure I have them right)

1) Thank the chick who gave me the award.  Dizzy you know I loves ya!! Thanks so much for everything you are and everything you do!  Don't ever change ;)

2) Name 5 other rockin bloggers equally as deserving of the Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award. 

~ Josie @ http://apjosie.blogspot.com/.  She is such a beautiful spirit inside & out.  She's super cute and super positive.  She leaves the sweetest comments for me and I love that I know her.

~ Kat @ http://katdoesdiets.blogspot.com/.  Kat is always pushing herself to the best she can be, and she is always sharing her love for everyone on her blog and she really makes you feel like we're a big family.  I love that about her, among many other things. 

~ Laura @ http://100in12.blogspot.com/ . This girl is so punny.  She's a riot, you can just tell she has an awesome energy about her and loves to laugh at herself... a self proclaimed fool.  She is also responsible for getting me hooked on Puffins, for that I will be eternally grateful.

~ The Monkey & Me @ http://themonkeyandme.blogspot.com/ This girl is super sweet & her little man could not be cuter.  She also leaves awesome comments and her blog is really down to earth and honest.  (ps - m&m I have tried to comment on your blog several times but it won't let me - just wanted to let you know I'm still reading you up girl)

~ TJ @ http://tjstestkitchen.blogspot.com/ TJ is the cutest.. I love her recipes and want to live in her kitchen.  She takes these super cute pics of the groceries she buys and I want it all!!  You have to go check out her blog... her baked oatmeal is sooooo goood. 

Well, that was kinda tough because I hate the thought of leaving anyone out, but congrats ladies.  I hope you enjoy this award as much as I am.  yay

3) Write why I was given this award.  Well here's what Diz wrote
..."for always posting intriguing and interesting random facts...and more importantly to me, being a good friend and cheerleader as I strive to attain my goals."

Ahh love her.   Alright peeps, going for my run now, make sure you all sweat a little today.
Peace.

Today I learned...

... Bone char, made from the bones of cows, is at times used to whiten sugar. Some sugar companies use it in filters to decolorize their sugar.   I was wondering why sugar was not considered vegan... that is why.  Geez.
... that Silk is called Silk because of Soy and mILK hahahahahaha.  I know I know I'm ditzy (don't judge me), I thought it was just cause it is smooth & silky. 

Today I learned...

... that I can go to Old Navy pull any size 10 pants/skirts/capris/shorts off the rack and they fit!!  They all fit!!

Silk & Shoes

After reading some of the comments left for me regarding my baby steps blog I just wanted to clarify a few things.  First off thanks for reading and commenting, you guys rock.
I'm not really sure that my ultimate goal is to become a vegan.  Although I am researching it and getting some really amazing recipes and food ideas I do intend to try A LOT of alternatives.  I'm going to cut back on dairy for now and cut down on meat, try some meat alternatives and see how I feel.  Maybe my body will reject meat & dairy after that, who knows.  I'm starting with a baby steps plan (or as Alicia calls it "flirting") so that I'm not gorging my system with animal products that I'm kinda starting to feel different about anyway.  Again, to clarify, this is not because I can't stand the idea of eating animals or animal products.  I hate to sound like an inhuman person or a hiprocate but my two main problems I want to fix are my digestive system and my skin.  Obviously I want to continue losing weight but I am losing weight, I have figured out how to lose weight the right way, of course its still a struggle every day.  But I just feel defeated when I'm doing all the right things (for the most part) eating veggies, fruits, lean meats, whole grains, I run 3 miles 4-5 times a week and STILL can't go to the bathroom regularly and have constant breakouts.  This is not fair to me and this is why I've decided to find alternative foods. 

I just hope that I can still stay within my points while trying some of these new foods & recipes.  Oils (upon oils), pastas, peanut butter, to name few all still allowed...  and some of these recipes sounds soooo deadly.  Lord help me.

So first things first, last night my bf took me out to find a milk alternative and to get me these shoes I wouldn't shut up about.  I was really in need of brown heels.  Last year I was on a ballet flats kick and now have about 6 pairs, this year is the year of heels!! 

I decided on Silk light plain & got the chocolate as well.  Both were DE-lish.  Had the plain in my oatmeal this morning and tasted like every other morning oatmeal, mission accomplished!

...and aren't my new shoes Gor-JESS?!  Not too fancy but thats me.. lol

Today I learned...

... that almost all commercial dairy comes from pregnant cows.  This milk is filled with growth and other hormones and it causes (among other things) acne.  Gross!
... that Silk Soy Milk Light is really good and the chocolate Silk is deadly. 

Baby Steps

I have so many thoughts and ideas bouncing around in my head I don't know where to start.  I've spent the day on the internet looking at different food options & diets and here's where I'm at, I've always been intrigured by the Vegan/Vegetarian lifestyle but never wanted to commit myself to it.  I'll be honest I love meat, dairy, eggs, etc but I always hear so many positive things about it that I'm intrigued, almost envious of vegans.  On Oprah the other day (and a few months back) she was talking about Food Inc and she also had on Alicia Silverstone talking about her "kind diet" but its just all the perks that she talks about that I want soooo bad.  Maintaining her goal weight without trying, clear skin, healthy digestion, bright eyes, strong nails ~ all of which I'm seriously lacking.  I mentioned recently that I saw Food Inc, and it was such an eye opener, however, I'm not on an alternate food kick because of this movie, I actually sought out to watch this movie because I have all these ideas already and I really want to learn more.  
Reasons to change how I eat 1) I've been dealing with a huge pimple for days now, this is getting rediculous.  I'm 30 years old and still have to deal with gross huge bulging pimples and I'm f'n sick of it. 2) Another thing I haven't mentioned but needs to be said, I'm highly irregular.  I mean I hardly ever "go".  I have to drink prune juice daily if I expect anything to happen and when you're trying to lose weight its imperative that you "go" or you're doomed.  I hear Alicia S bragging on Oprah about how she goes 2 sometimes 3 times a day, she's in the bathroom for a minute - in & out, and I'm so jealous I can hardly stand it.  Odd thing to be jealous of but if she can brag about it on national tv and have a gleam in her eye when she talks about how "perfect" it is I think thats something to strive for.

So, here's the deal, I don't think I'm ready to commit myself to being a vegan, I think if I dove in head first it would fizzle very quickly (and my boyfriend would probably leave me..lol).  I plan to take baby steps to find certain food alternatives that are practical for me and do not sacrifice taste and nutritional value.

My Baby Steps
1. Find an alternative to milk (please see lesson learned for today).  Whether its soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, I'm gonna try them all and whichever one I like the best is the one for me.  If anyone has suggestions by all means,  I'm looking for something close in taste to 1%, don't want it to be sweet and something I can cook/bake with and won't change the taste of my food too much.
2. Cutting way back on cheese.  I've actually been doing this since I joined WW because I don't like to sacrifice the points in a sandwich, salad, wrap, casserole etc when I can barely taste it anyway. 
3.  I will cut back the portions of meat that I cook and eliminate from recipes when practical. For example, chili.  I made chili the other night without meat, loaded with beans, corn, tomatos and it was delish, didn't even miss the beef. 
4. I cut out diet pop 95% (never drank reg pop).  I know this is not a veggie choice but it goes towards the idea of cutting chemical and genetically engineered and processed foods out.  I've been buying for some time now crystal light/wylers light & hawaiian punch 5 cal packets and I haven't bought pop since.  Now I know what you might be thinking, this is a chemical too, I get it but I'm talking baby steps people ~ one thing at a time and I feel good about not drinking diet pop anymore.
5. I've cut out butter also for some time.  I have the spray margerine and I've cut back on butter comsumption hugely.
6. Once I get back to NS and I'm near a health food store I commit to trying new meat alternatives.  I will try to cook with tofu, soy, veggie burgers, etc.  If I like it (and bf likes it) great!!  If not, oh well I tried.

For me this has to be practical, I'm not willing to eat foods I don't like but I am willing to try another way to be happy and healthy and I'm really excited about the path to new discovery.

Today I learned...

... that when a cop pulls someone over they press their fingers on the back of their car in order to leave their finger prints.
... I'm up 0.4, I blame Trader Joe's.

Today I learned...

... that if I miss a day of blogging what I learned its not the end of the world.  This blog should never be a source of stress to me.  Its ok!
... more about food than I ever thought I wanted to know... whew ~ I watched Food, Inc.

Today I learned... (Mar 11)

... that my guilt free low fat brownies have 21g of sugar per brownie.  This causes me major guilt :(

I was warned.. *humph*

Today was just not a good day "diet" wise.  We took my bf's mother to a doctors appointment in Charlotte.  When we were getting close I noticed we drove by a Trader Joe's, I said omg I've heard about Trader Joe's, bloggers mention it all the time.  So we decided to check it out while we waited.  I love Trader Joe's!! yay.  My bf called me over to the cereal aisle one point with a big smile PEANUT BUTTER PUFFINS!! OMG  I have been warned about these little buggers (specifically by http://100in12.blogspot.com/ thanks girl) so of course I had to get them.  We bought nothin but munchie stuff... I thought I made good choices, Turkey Jerky, Puffins, Guilt Free brownie mix and Sea salt pitas w/ hummus.  When we got back to the doctor's office we sat in the parking lot and opened it all (except the brownie mix)  uuuggghhh.  Then we went to Ikea and it was lunch time now and bf's mother was starving so we went to the caffeteria.  So now I'm feeling guilty cause I already pigged out so I got a chicken ceasar salad, which lets be honest is not really a healthy option.  I also couldn't resist a small side order of mac & cheese.  Have you ever seen the food at Ikea? Its deadly, you would never imagine.  So anyway, I only ate half my mac & cheese and was begging my bf to eat the rest, because it was sooooo good and I was starting to really hate myself.  He says to me, if you don't want to eat it don't eat it.  This infuriates me because yes it should only be that simple but its not that simple and please don't try to oversimplify everything that I struggle with every day of my life..  lol.  I digress.  I ended up taking a napkin and squishing it down into the m&c...  ahhh  small victory.  Inside I was crying, I wanted to pull out the napkin and lick the cheese off it, but in front of my "not yet mother in law to be" I have to show some restraint.  Well I only had 5 points left by the time we got home (once i kinda sorta figured out the damage) and I had a turkey burger & veggies for supper so that was not too bad.  However, no exercise at all, we took as many shortcuts as possible thru Ikea so that doesn't count and now I have tons of new, exciting, yummy foods in my cupboards that I want to dive into head first.  I'm purposefully not making the brownies tonight because I know I'll eat 3 before bed.  Shhh.... whats that pita chips & hummus??  eat me??? ok....  gotta run peeps.   Caio (no pun intended)

Today I learned...

... what Trader Joe's is, and I love it.
... that turkey jerky is delish and Peanutbutter Puffins really are like crack.
... a lot about Puffins.. lol.  I suggest you buy this crack in a box (see above) and learn about puffins yourself.. hahahaha
... that Corey Haim died.  Really shitty.

Today I learned...

... that you can restore bamboo by boiling it.

Today I learned...

... that the skin formed at the edge of our lips is called the vermillion border.
... that the shirt I have been waiting years to fit me right is very unflattering.  Turns out it really was just the shirt ha.

Oh what a hike

Today me and J went on a wonderful hike.  I've been feeling lately like I really needed to have my spirits lifted.  For no reason other than just winter.. I'm so over it.  It was a warm spring day here today and we took full advantage.  We drove out to South Mountain and hiked up to the falls.  It was A-Ma-Zing.  I've been there before a year ago and I can't tell you how much more of a joyous experience it was for me.  Its funny how you look at things differently when not every thought is consumed with "how fat do I look right now", or just being out of breath and sweaty because it is a strenuous hike.  I still got out of breath and sweaty at some points but it felt gooooood.  I knew I was getting my workout in, burning calories and doing wonderful things for my heart & soul.  Here of some pics.

Here we sat on some rocks beside a babbling brook, I was loving life at that very moment.  It was so calming and peaceful and I was enjoying soaking it all in and thinking about how this time around was such a difference and much more positive experience for me.  I feel like my spirit has been rejuvenated, there's nothing better than being in nature on a warm sunny day. 

Today I learned...

... that John Hughes had passed away.  I also learned that he directed a LOT of movies I was not aware were his.

Food for thought

Ok Josie @ http://apjosie.blogspot.com/  has excited me to do a little research to confirm what I already knew, but I came across this website which basically confirmed exactly what I thought to be true.  I especially love the 6th paragraph "Its the perfect tool..."   Anyway, I'm just on a tangent right now (or as Diz @ http://mybattlewithbulge.blogspot.com/ would say "a rampage"  haha so join me won't you!!!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Lose-Belly-Fat-by-Over-Eating-1-Day-Per-Week&id=1540218

Peace

Today I learned...

... that there are 280 different species of squirrels. 
... that binging hurts my stomach, meh I already knew that.
... that its good to speak up in my weight watchers meetings.  It turns out theres always someone interested in my (seemingly) inane tips & tricks.  It feel really good to have people say "oh wow what a great idea" or "ooh that sounds good".  I'll start contributing more from now on.

Where the magic happens

This is where I attend my meetings every Saturday.  I'm really going to miss it when I head back to Nova Scotia at the end of the month.  Then it will be back to the basement of the YMCA.  Oh well, it was good while it lasted.  I had a really great weigh in - down 1lb.  I'm so excited because I really only expected a 0.2 loss and that was ok, I was ready to accept it and start a new week.  But 1.0... I was floored!
I said to my boyfriend on the way home, you know they say that a healthy average weightloss per week is 0.5 to 2 lbs and I fall in that range every week (with a couple acceptions) and I always have a cheat day on saturday. 

To clarify what my "cheat day" is, I always have something I wouldn't have any other day which is usually a greasy burger and onions rings from a local dive.  Also we sometimes go out and its the only day where's I'll have a few beer and typically just tend to be more lenient with my food choices.  However, I still write down everything I eat, I've usually maxed out my daily points by lunchtime and use a lot of my flex points by the end of the day, and I rarely will use any more flex points for the rest of the week.

Anyway back to my point, I asked my bf if he thinks I'd lose 'that much' more if I did not have my cheat day.  He said that he thinks that having that little bit extra to lose acts like a catalyst for losing over and above that for the week.  I agreed and thought that was a really good point.  I thought of it more of like a surge of calories to catapult me into megaburning fat boosters for the rest of the week.  I'm sure there's contradictory evidence of this and I'm sure people will have difference of opinions but I have read in some places where they say a surge of calories once a week is very good for your body.  I guess in order for me to bust through doors I need to back waaaaay up and get a good running start.  I'm sure this doesn't all look perfect on paper but it's my formula and it works for me, why change now?  Hope you're all having a super fabulous weekend.
Cheers ;)  ~ oh ps 159.8 this morning YAY!!  (not at WW of course, but still ;))) I'm really doing it!

Today I learned...

... what the Gold Rush was.  I guess people have been chasing the "american dream" for centuries.

159 you are my Everest!

Oh my 159.. you're killing me!  Last week before I went to WW I weighed myself and was 160.0!  As you may have read I'm a tad excited about being in the 150's... well so I figured by Wednesday for sure this week I'd be under 160.   Wednesday I weighed 160.0...  oooooooohh Thurs for sure then, Thursday - 160.6!!! wth?  Today - 160.2.  I have been dancing around it all week, can quite get under that 160.0... its so frustrating.  I tried to be positive and laugh about it like my scale was just playing some silly joke on me and I should be a good sport but its like COME ON!  I ran 4 days this week totaling 12 miles and I shredded once,  I should have knocked this week out but sometimes the scale just doesn't agree with me, oh and btw one thing I now know I cannot keep in the house, Fat Free Cool Whip.  If I don't have a big loss this week I'm sure I'll find a reason why.. lol. 

This morning I also went thru a tons of my clothes at the back of my closet..  wowsa.  I got rid of some big ass clothes... and some I really was sad to get rid of but oversized jeans are just not flattering.  My "go to" capris that I've worn for years got perged too *tear*, I put them on and walked around and they just fell off.  They're all in a bag now and going to good will because you may know how I feel about passing on fat clothes. *** I blogged this a while back but I don't know how to link to my previous posts *** 
There's not a whole lot else going on, weigh in tomorrow.  I don't know how to feel about it, I guess I'll see but however it goes I'll be alright.  I'm handling small loses much better than I though I would considering most of my losses are good.  I thought I would feel like I should lose big every week but I'm actually feeling like my success is sort of a pat on the back when I have a small gain/loss.  Positive positive positive!
Peace

Today I learned...

... that Oscar the Grouch (Sesame Street) was named after a Canadian folk singer Oscar Brand, whose son is todays returning champian on Jeopardy!.

Today I learned...

... of another earthquake, this one in Taiwan.  This is very scary to me, why so many in such a short time span?  Yikes.

Pumpkin Muffins

These are do delish and so easy I make them year round. 
All you need is the two ingredients shown in picture and 1/3 cup of water.  Blend all together, drop in muffin tins and bake at 350 for 20 mins.

I just finished another batch, they make my entire house smell deadly.  I also added raisins to a small batch for the first time... as if these muffins could taste any better.

For all you weight watchers out there if you make 12 they're about 3 points each, I make 18 which makes them 2 pts.  I got this recipe at my WW meeting and the folks there are convinced that they are only 1 pt each.  I have done the math on this several times and they are just not 1 pt.  I tried to explain this at my meeting but noone seemed to want to hear it... lol  I would not mark these as 1 pt and overindulge, I'd only be doing a disservice to myself.  Please enjoy this recipe, they are so good with coffee... yummmm.

Today I learned...

... that as I get older my spelling gets worse.  I don't know whats happening to my brain, I used to win spelling bees as a kid.
... that Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson.
... that the Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the only airport in England named after a person.

I heart new followers!

Welcome to my blog The Monkey and Me (your little guy's the cutest) and TJ (your recipes rock girl!).  I just love new followers, I'll try not to dissapoint (ugh disappoint, this is probably why my bf dominates me at Scrabble)... lol.

Today I learned...

... that "quotey" is not a word, and there's no "d" in bulge.