LBD Diet

Found yet another diet...the Little Black Dress diet. On this website you can get the first week's diet as well as a free diet profile. It's worth looking at.

I only worked out today for an hour and half. I decided I don't want to burn myself out. It only amounted to 600 calories. I'll really be monitoring my snacks today. I looked at the banana nut muffins at the store this morning. I couldn't believe it, 450 calories in ONE muffin. Needless to say, I put them back. I bought myself fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries.

Weight Loss Journal

As I mentioned last week, I had bought two journals, one to write down everything I eat, and another Christian thoughts and prayers for the day. Needless to say, I haven't started either one. I have to be the worst procrastinator. Perhaps tomorrow....I start both of them. The first day of a new month..that makes sense to me.

I woke up early and talked with my husband for a few minutes before he went to his men's Bible Study. He has to work 4 hours this morning, so I'm leaving for the gym in 5 minutes so I'll get home before him.

My knees are bothering me again this morning. I am not going to be able to work out as long as I have been. I'm already telling myself...no snacks tonight~~~~ I've already got my Ipod on my arm. I'm just going to finish my green tea...and out the door I go!!!!

Weigh in day--another loss

I weighed myself before I went to the gym this morning...lost 3 more pounds....this was a two week period. I'm happy but sure wish it was coming off faster. I know I need to snack on healthier food at night....that is my worst downfall. At least tonight, I ate fresh strawberries.

I went to the gym again today. My knees were bothering me so it took me 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach 900 calories on the treadmill. The rest of the machines I worked on to reach my 1550 calorie goal took me longer too. My workout took me a little over 4 hours to complete. I drank 3 bottles of propel water while working out. That water is sure refreshing.

I was reading the American Heart Association website. You can take a learn and live quiz and get a free cookbook. There is a lot of good information on this site.

My workout

I got up later than normal so I didn't have time to make a post before I went to the gym. I drank my cup of green tea before I left. I grabbed my Ipod and 3 bottles of flavored propel water and went to the gym. I spent 2 hours on the treadmill for another 900 calories. I was on the nu-step for 45 minutes for 300 calories, and then finished up with the rowing machine. I was on it for 40 minutes for 200 calories. The propel water site has tools and tips on workouts.

I love my Ipod, it makes time go by so fast. I dont think I could workout this long without it. I just close my eyes and move to the music. I'm hoping I can keep up the pace. I actually had someone tell me today, they could tell I was losing weight. Of course, I can't see it...but it made me feel good.

I ate some roast beef and carrots for lunch. I feel full. Think I'll fix myself a glass of ice tea and get some house work done.

Weight Watchers and Curves

I wanted to share this success story in which a woman used Weight Watchers and Curves to successfully lose weight. I have never tried the Weight Watchers program. I have tried Curves and didn't care for it. I'm not sure if they are all the same. The one in my town only allows you to go around the circle of various machines 3 times. They play music and you have to move as it changes. I think it took about 20-25 minutes to complete. I did have an employee lose weight going there.

There is such a variety of programs to choose from, it's no wonder it is such big business. My favorite machine is the treadmill. I have one in the basement, but it just isn't as nice as the one I workout on. That is probably going to be the next thing I buy for myself. I'm going to have to check out the various brands online. (I love doing research.)

I just finished my green tea. It's time to get ready for church. I'll fix myself some oatmeal when I get home.

Losing one pound at a time

To motivate myself at the gym today, I just kept telling myself, you're gonna lose weight one pound at a time. I had my Ipod playing, and humming along walking on the treadmill. I walked over 7 miles which equaled 900 calories. It took me two hours and 10 minutes to walk that far.

I noticed today, many only come to the gym to socialize. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but some should be concentrating on burning calories. I saw today, they are offering a 7 day course, it will be covering motivation, nutrition, and proper weight loss. I'll be sharing this class once it starts.

I've got to get on the scale this Tuesday, it will have been two weeks. After all the pie I ate the last two days, I'm afraid I may have gained. At least the pie is gone...one less temptation.

I've got to run to the grocery store. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Power shopping=weight loss

I just got home from my xmas shopping adventure. I was out there with a lot of other nuts at 5:00 am power shopping. Lots of sales...lots of stores. I walked the mall a couple of times not to mention all the stores I hit inbetween on end and the other. Of course, I had several other stores to stop at to complete my trip.
Menards was so busy, there wasn't a parking space to be had in the entire parking lot. I had to park two blocks away at a bowling alley. There were no carts available, and of course, I had a heavy item. After I finally got checked out, I had to leave some of my stuff with an employee and make two trips to my car. I just kept thinking, walking off the weight....this is a GOOD thing. (even though the temp was only about 15F.)
I've brought everything in from the back seat, but the trunk........now that is going to have to wait until tomorrow. Since I stayed up all night so I wouldn't be late for the store openings, I'm tired. I'm off to take a little nap.

Weight loss pills...do they work?

I've been reading about various weight loss supplements. I've tried many of them over the years with little success. In fact, I remember one time a doctor giving me an article to read on a test done on rats taking diet pills.....they got fatter when they quit. That was about 25 years ago....but I still remember it. I realize now I had no chance losing back then.....I had both my pockets filled with silver dollars when I got on the scale.....I told myself that way next time I came back, I would weigh in at less. That definitely was a recipe for failure.

This time I am trying to changing my eating habits and am exercising. Perhaps I'll try pills next. I wanted to share this article that talks about healthy eating, exercise and diet pills. It does sound promising to me.

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanks Jenny....you motivated me

I just got home from the gym. I worked out for 3 hours and burnt off 1550 calories. I've never worked that hard before. I even did a few of the weight machines when I was done. I sure don't have any strength in my arms. That is an area I'm going to have to work.

I really wasn't sure if anyone was even reading the posts I made every day. But reading the comment left by Jenny.....it sure motivated me today. I figure these posts would give me a better understanding of my thought process for the day as I go back and reread them.

I bought myself two journals yesterday. One to write everything I eat and the calories, the other is a Christian journal. It is to write down such things as an inspirtional thoughts to guide my day, things I am grateful for, kind words someone said to brighten my day, my kind deed for the day, and how I hope to make tomorrow better.

I'm off to make some low calorie jello.

Black Tuesday

Well, I couldn't even write yesterday....it was such a bad day for me. I had a hard time sleeping the night before. Of course, I was able to fall asleep about 5 am and slept until 9. I was too tired to go to the gym.

At 9:30, mom and I went shopping. We were out and about until 3:30. We stopped to eat, and I had a mushroom swiss burger. I felt so guilty eating it....but it tasted good. I didn't get any french fries and did drink water instead of soda.

I forgot to get on the scale before I left yesterday, and sure didn't want to when I got home. I've decided I am going to wait until next Tuesday to get on the scale. I'm afraid I'll be disappointed if I get on today.

Off I go to the gym......me, my Ipod, and my flavored water. Happy Holidays Everyone!!!!!

Out to eat with mom

My will power sure stinks when I go out to eat. Mom and I went shopping and she wanted to stop and eat lunch. I hate to say no because she needs to gain weight and usually doesnt eat lunch.
I ended up getting two chocolate phosphates and a taco salad el grande. I ate half for lunch and half for dinner. I still think there were way too many calories in it.

I'm going to try and get by this evening with NO snacks. Perhaps I'll just go to bed early...then I wont be tempted. I didnt sleep well last night, so I am tired. I'm off to finish watching that casino show.

My Friend was a no show

Well, I went to the gym this morning expecting to have a nice visit with my friend while I worked out. We were suppose to meet around 8:15. I'm glad I took my Ipod with me. I actually managed to walk on the treadmill for an entire hour.....that burnt off 445 calories. YIPPEEE
I ended up burning off a total of 725 calories. This took me an hour and 50 minutes. I think I'm worth spending a couple of hours a day on myself.

I had to stop and buy Thanksgiving cards for the kids since none of them will be home. I sure am a procrastinator. It takes me forever to pick them out. I better get on the ball and get my notes wrote so I can get them in the mail today.

I'm going to fix myself a large glass of ice tea and get busy.

Sunday Morning

I've got no plans for today other than going to church. I'm starting my day with my green tea as usual. I dont feel hungry yet, so just I'll wait until I get home to eat. I can't go out to eat today, after eating at KFC yesterday.

I've got a treadmill in the basement along with a stair stepper, rowing machine, and bicycle. All of which are great dust collectors, not to mention places to hang clothes. Since the gym is closed on Sundays, I'm hoping I can talk myself into using at least one or two of them after church.

What a battle this losing weight is. I think it was easier to quit smoking...but then..I know God had His hand on that accomplishment. It just reminds me, I should be praying out this losing weight.

My husband is all dressed up for church, nice suit and tie...looking so sharp. And here I am...... I dont even have any nice clothes that fit me anymore...ugh. I've gotta get this weight off!!!!

Day 3 at the Gym

I'm glad I went now. I only stayed for an hour and 20 minutes...burnt off 575 calories. I ran into Michelle there. I use to work out with her before. I quit there and joined the YMCA. I don't care for their equipment, so I just quit exercising altogether. We are going to start working out together again next week.

Mom took us out to eat at KFC. I had the shrimp and fish dinner. I could only eat about half. I'm still betting I had way too many calories. I'm just going to have to chomp on celery sticks if I get hungry. Weekends....they sure are rough!!!

Off to fix myself a tall glass of ice water.

Bread....Good or Bad?? Now there is a bread diet out there. WOW

As time goes on....an we spend more and more on diet products...people keep producing more programs for us. I was just reading about a new one called The Bread for Life Diet.I know I'm not a nutritionist, but I just can't see me eating 12 slices of bread a day. Who am I to say, if the program works for some.....I'm glad.

I'm reluctantly heading off to the gym. I over did it yesterday and my leg muscles in the front part of my leg are sore. It feels like someone hit them with a big stick. I think I'll shorten my workout today. I think I"ll just take the dog for a walk later.

Off I go, with my Ipod and my flavored water.

Gym Day 2

I was procrastinating this morning...making excuses for myself why not to go excercise. It's kind of funny now we can have two personalities at once. One side of me saying, "you know how good you felt after you went yesterday" and the other side says...".there is always tomorrow...what's one more day."

I burned off 750 calories in 1 hour and 50 minutes. It took 11 minutes on the rowing machine to burn off 100 calories. I'm going to remember that, everytime I go to have my Oreo 100 calorie packs of thin crisps.

I'm off to fix myself a tall glass of ice water.

My battle with diet coke

As I posted yesterday, I am still having trouble reducing the amount of diet coke I drink every day. Yesterday was a successful day for me on that front......I only drank one!!! That is definitely a record for me. I know it was easier for me to quit smoking.

I am drinking my usual cup of green tea. I'm heading off to the gym. I felt so much better all day yesterday after I exercised. It is so easy to procrastinate and then tell myself it's too late to go. I get mad at myself when I do that.

I realize in order to lose weight, I have to make life changes. Eating healthy and going to the gym are going to make the difference for me.

I realize everyone doesnt have time for the gym...so going up and down stairs and extra 20 times in a day, marching in place, and using cans of soup/vegetables for weights will do the trick at home. And of course, when you feel like a snack, grab some grapes instead of cookies.
I threw my opened packages of cookies away and gave the unopened ones to a neighbor. (I hate waste)

I'll write more later....off to the gym...with my flavored water and Ipod.

The Gym

I started the day with a hot cup of green tea and then off to the gym. I just got home. I burned off 625 calories. That took about an hour and 40 minutes. I used the following machines:

1. rowing machine
2. treadmill
3. nustep machine (uses arms and legs)
4. sci-fit (uses arms only)

I just fixed a large glass of ice water. I'm still have trouble reducing my intake of diet coke. I've decided I'm only going to allow myself to have two of them today.

It's about lunch time so I am going to fix myself some spinach and broccili. There are only 30 calories in a cup of each. 60 calories for lunch...not bad!!

How Much is Enough?

I've decided to go to the Life Fit exercise progam today. I've been spending a lot of time reading about how much exercise is needed to produce weight loss. Since my goal is to lose 30 pounds in two months, I need to add/change my daily habits to increase my weight loss.

I'm starting my day with a cup of green tea and a large glass of water. I'll be taking a bottle of Propel water with me to the gym. I'll eat my oatmeal when I get home.

I wanted to share this article on how much exercise sparks weight loss.

WEEK 2 -- WEIGH IN

I forgot to weigh myself before I ate breakfast. I was kicking myself before I got on the scale..already making excuses for myself if I hadn't lost any weight. YIPPEE...I'm down 2 more pounds.

I know 4 pounds in two weeks doesn't seem like much. I just keep reminding myself, I didn't gain it all in two weeks. I'll just keep plodding along.

Last night I got a call from a girlfriend (she is 69), she has just gone through her orientation at the excercise program and the hospital. She is excited about getting into shape. She had that gastro by-pass surgery done 5 years ago and really lost a lot of weight. It just goes to show, even after losing weight....how important it is to continue to exercise to keep or improve body/muscle tone.

Informative Snack Site

I was just reading an article written by a nutritionist working for University of Illinois. A variety of good snacks listed. I wanted to share this with everyone.

Determined to lose weight more than ever

I started my day with a cup of hot tea and a bowl of Great Grains cereal by Post. I spend so much time reading. The more I learn, the more I want to read to continue learning.

I just read an article which stated only 25 to 35 percent of people take weight off successfully. I've been sitting here analyzing why. I believe the reasons are:

• poor eating habits (eliminate fried foods and eat baked or broiled)

• choice of snacks (eliminate the cake, cookies and ice cream and replace it with low-fat jello or fresh fruit
  

• lack of exercise (take a 20 minute walk everyday, if you have stairs, make a few extra trips up and down them) The best thing would be to join a place that has a trained physical fitness person to help you. I have just joined a program called Lift Fit located at the hospital. 98 percent of the people are my age or older.
  

• beverages (limit the pop/coffee/milk shakes and drink lots of water) I love Propel flavored water

• Lack of support system (whether it be family members, someone one on here, or a weight group...we all need encouragement)

I am going to do my part to change the success rate. I'm printing this out and putting on my fridge along with the 5 filling foods. Tomorrow is weigh-in day for week two. (biting my nails)

Weight Watchers...Sharing a person's success story

I'm starting my day as usual, with a steaming cup of green tea. I'll eat breakfast when I get home from church. I'm going to have oatmeal today.

Losing weight is a mental battle as well as a physical one. I find myself being so impatient. I want to be able to twitch my nose and be back where I was 3 years ago. I keep reminding myself, calories in and calories out....that is what will make the difference.

I enjoy reading success stories and wanted to share one. I found this one from a woman in Ft Wayne, IN. using the on-line Weight Watchers method.

5 Fillings foods----Can help weight loss

I'm starting my day off with a cup of hot tea and a piece of watermelon. I just threw away my chocolate covered graham cracker cookies. They are my worst enemy. I've always loved cookies and milk in the middle of the night. I had two at 5 am and went back to bed....then I was mad at myself for eating them.

According to Dr. Dave Hnida, it takes longer for warm food to digest. His article also mentioned 5 foods that take longer to digest, which in turn will help weight loss. They are:

1. Baked Potatoes
2. Beans
3. Oatmeal
4. Fish
5. Grapes

If one has the urge to snack, low fat yogurt and popcorn or the best. Of course, he said pop, whether it is regular or diet...it's the worst. I knew that had to be, since I love diet coke. He suggest low fat chocolate milk.

I'm off to the store to buy some grapes and some more watermelon. Time is going by so fast..it is almost time to weigh in again. (Week 2)

Obestatin....hormone to control hunger

I was just reading this article on the research of a hormone called Obestatin which has shown to curb hunger.

It sure sounds promising, even if it may be 5-10 years down the road.

Of course my day started with my husband calling on the phone and me having to run up to his work. I think I've been there almost every day since he has started working. When the snow starts flying...that's NOT going to be happening.

Of course, mom and I went shopping again for over 3 hours. So, I'd say I got my walking in for today.

I haven't had any breakfast or lunch yet. I havent had any type of snacks either. I knew keeping busy would help. Im going to make a glass of Ice Tea.

Veterans Day -- Flags--Why so Scarce?

Mom and I drove to the cemetary this afternoon to check on the flags. There were lots of flags missing. We used all we had and still need more.

We ran to several stores and none of which had those type of flags. Sure, a flag with a pole to display it from your house. They had a few of them. But that was it.

I find it quite disturbing, that flags are so far down the priority list for businesses.

Again, I think I got my 20 minute walk in with this unexpected journey.

Signs of Winter

The wind was howling all night. It made me wonder, if that is what it sounds like on the barren northern tundra. Perhaps I watch too much tv.

The yards are covered with leaves. The trees look like brown sticks poking into the sky. I'm not sure if it's winter I dislike the most, or seeing things die off.

I started my day off with my green tea. I'm feeling blah today...I hope this afternoon I can force myself to take my walk. I know it's the weather. I guess I better just get use to it.

I think I'll just surprise my husband and bring him lunch. He's taken a part time job for the holidays. He loves all those electronics at Radio Shack. So far, it's cost us more than he's made. A boy and his toys....ahhh.....I just smile and shake my head.

Proper sleep...it can also effect weight loss

I'm hoping I can fall asleep tonight. I was reading about the correlation between enough sleep and weight loss. It seems everything is interelated. It reminds me of that song when I was growing up:

• The hip bone 's connected to the knee bone
• the knee bone 's connected to the ankle bone
• etc etc

Of course, like most things from the past, I only remember part of it.

Click on the highlighted words to read the article I wanted to share about weight loss and sleep.

Good Intentions ....a gliche in my day

I didn't get to sleep until 4 am. I'm not sure why I tossed and turned all night. It is just so maddening to lay there and just watch the darn clock.

When I got up, (9 am) my husband, mom and I went shopping. I didnt even have time for a cup of tea. They were raring to go.

I'm glad I went, I got a lot of my xmas shopping done. I walked so much, I figure I got my 20 minutes in.

I've decided to increase my water intake this week. I'm quite the fan of Propel water. Lemon is my favorite. I drink too much diet coke, about 6/8 cans a day. Since I am trying to eat healthier, I better start drinking healthier as well.

Slowly downhill I go End of week one

Today was weigh-in day. I closed my eyes and got on the scale. It's funny the things that run through your mind in just a split second. Opened them......woo hoo....lost 2 pounds.

Of course, I want it to come off faster than that........so.......tomorrow, I'm going out to the hospital to exercise. I know I walk faster on the treadmill than I do with the dog...except when she is pulling me.

I've tried clubs before but I don't feel comfortable exercising with those young kids dressed to the nines in their fancy gym attire. Most of them are there because they enjoy, not because they need it.

November is Diabetes Month

I'm sitting here drinking my greeen tea and doing so research. After reading about diabetes
I was surprised to see there are lots of complications that can go with it.

When my daughter was real young (about 3), she was a borderline diabetic. She is 33 now, so I don't remember exactly all I had to do to keep it in check. She doesn't have diabetes at this point in her life..and she's thin as a rail.

As I sit here and reflect back on my younger years, I remember when I use to drink milk shakes to try and gain weight because I was way too thin. I don't actually remember when I slipped the other way.

With everything I read, I know that staying active and exercising is the key to good health. Along with healthy eating.

Here I go again...off for my walk.

Body Mass Index

I found a helpful website to measure my fat, Dr Halls BMI. I have a long way to go to be in the perfect range.

The phone rang as I was sleeping this morning. My husband forgot a clipboard he needed for work. So, I jumped up, washed my wild looking hair and out the door mom and I went. Of course, we went shopping after that.

I didnt get my green tea or breakfast this morning. Perhaps that is what I need...to be busy. I didnt even think about food while I was on the run. For lunch, I had 4 brown and serve sausages and two pieces of Healthy Life Bread (35 calories)


I'm heading out for my walk. Grabbing my Ipod and the dog.

Weekends and Will Power

I don't know what it is about the weekends.....but they are the worst for me. Junk food and snacks become by best friends. So, today, instead of eating a couple of candy bars for lunch, I ate a piece of watermelon. Actually surprising how good it was.

I've made myself up a big bowl of cut up cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, green peppers and celery. I used Wishbone fat free italian dressing. It has a great flavor. This is going to be my snack food this weekend.

I keep remembering reducing just 500 calories a day, equal a pound per week.

Gastric By-Pass Surgery...

I've been reading about this topic this evening. I've known 4 people that have had this surgery. Only one of them had no problems after the surgery. These people had their surgery several years ago. Perhaps the methods are better these days.

After reading this woman's story, http://www.mygastricbypass.com/ it sure makes we think, this may be the way to go. I know before I have anyone cut on me, I'm going to do more research.

Perhaps there are people that would care to share their experiences with this surgery. I'd love to hear them.

Getting close to weigh in day

Well, three more days and it will be time to jump on that scale. I'm tempted to now..but I'm holding off. I wonder if I'll be happy or discouraged. Just gonna keep praying.

I know I am doing better than before I started this blog. Yet I know, I could do much more. It just sometimes seems so overwhelming.

I've been checking out the labels on cans...can't believe all the sodium. So, I have decided to make some home made vegetable beef soup. I've got lots of veggies in the fridge, so I'm just going to have to run to the store and pick up a round steak.

High Blood Pressure +Water retention take your meds!!

As I approach these golden years, (I'm 54) my health is showing it. I went to the doctor's about a year ago and found out I had high blood pressure and I was also retaining water. I'm now taking:

• Tarka (blood pressure pill)
  
• Triamtere (water pill)

I didnt think it was any big deal, so I would let weeks go without taking either one. I'd take them for a couple of days and quit again. I never was too hept on taking pills.

I just went back for a check up so I could get the doctor to sign me up at the hospital for this exercise program called health fit. When I told him how I skipped my pills, he just shook his head. He let me know that skipping and then taking the pills again, could cause a spike in blood pressure and it could cause a stroke.

So...I am now taking my pills everyday. I'll be starting that exercise program next week.

Those Good Habits

I took my walk with the dog....maybe I should say she took me for a walk. I decided I need to buy a pedometer. I'l like to know how far I am walking. I know I should be picking up speed over time. Who knows...perhaps a 5/10K next year~~It's good to set goals. I think that would be fun.

I am going to have to start checking into running shoes next. There sure is nothing worse than sore feet. I wore cheap deck tennis shoes today.....they sure aren't proper foot wear!!

I did my marching in place for 10 minutes....geesh...that is harder than walking. I was out of breathe ....Im gonna have to try some different music later today for that. I bet I marched farther than I walked today.

Heading off to do my weights.

Bread.....Good or Bad????

Good morning....starting my day with prayer and a cup of green tea. This tea sure isnt very strong. I think I might just try two bags with my next cup.

I've been reading about bread in various diets. So I have determined, that everything is all right to eat...as long as it is in moderation. I bought some bread called Healthy Life Bread. Of course, I tried to put the website here so you could just click on it...but it's obvious...I don't remember how to do it. I bought it at Krogers grocery store. There are only 35 calories per slice.

So, keeping with the promise I made to myself yesterday...starting those GOOD habits:

• I'm heading out the door for my 20 minute walk. I can't get mom to go...so I'll take the dog and my Ipod.
  

Calories in and calories out

I've been doing some reading. It takes 3500 calories to make a pound.

• Women can lose weight consuming 1200-1500 calories per day.
• Men can lose by consuming 1500-1800 calories per day.

The ideal weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week.

It sounds easy enough...but bad habits are hard to break. Starting tomorrow, I'm going
to start some GOOD habits.

1. Walk briskly for 20 minutes. (have to go to the mall if it rains)
2. March in place 10 minutes. (in the morning and afternoon)
3. Use my 3 lb weights for 10 minutes (in the morning and evening)
   

I've got to build up to heavier weights but think being comfortable is important. These weights are too heavy for my mom (she is 77 years old) so she will be using cans of soup.

Missing my son

Aaron went back home yesterday.....a 10 hour drive. I miss him so much. The house is so darn quiet. Even the dog is still looking for him. Meadow (the dog) spent half the day sniffing around the front porch where Aaron had kept his stuff while he was here.

I checked around the house and didnt find one thing left behind. I'm just going to enjoy the memories and pictures of this visit.

We raise them to spread their wings and fly from the nest...I just wish he hadn't landed so far away. I guess it could be worse...he could be living in Tinbucktoo.

Well, I'm off to fix myself a cup of green tea. I'm not hungry...so I'll eat breakfast later.

Prayer works wonders

Today I am starting my day off with prayer. I forgot to mention, I quit smoking on July 28th, cold turkey. I had been praying and praying for God's help. When I got up that morning, I just knew it was the day. I must say, I feel better. I had been smoking for over 30 years and was up to 3 packs a day.

So, today I'm starting out with prayer and a bowl of Basic 4 cereal with 2% milk. (I cant get my husband or mom to drink skim milk.) Knowing God is in control, I'm happy and thankful I can share my life with others. Just hoping that perhaps, I can help someone...even if it is just to bring a smile to their face.

I'm off to play frisby with the dog.

Found the perfect snack while reading

I planned on posting again last night..but as things usually go...I got engrossed in a book. (reading a good series by Tim Layne and Jerry Jenkins called "Left Behind") I bought them from various people on ebay so they weren't so expensive.

I found a great snack if you like ice cream, Health Smart by Blue Bunny. They have 70 calories per bar. I tried to copy the url to post here, but needless to say, it didnt work. They have a dollar off coupon on a quart of ice cream listed on their website. Only 70 calories per bar!!!

Day 1 on the ride down hill

Good morning!! I got on the scale and have my official starting weight...ugh!! Last night I was trying to analyze what factored into my weight gain. (I was able to keep my weight off for 3 years)

There were 3 things that stood out for me.

• stress at work
• death of my father/left my home and moved in with my mom to take care of her
• last but not least...I opted for early retirement this year.

I'm starting my day with a hot cup of green tea and a bowl of oatmeal.