Weight Loss Benefits To Volunteering

I had my orientation at the hospital yesterday. I am now a volunteer. I'm real excited as I am going to actually be working with low income families at an offsite location. I've got my Master's degree in counseling and I'm so excited I'm going to be able to help people. I got divorced when my kids were young and raised them without any assistance. So it's just going to be nice and try and help others since I will have a good understanding of what they are going through.

This volunteering has some benefits to it. As a volunteer, I can set up appointments with a nutritionist at the hospital and set up a specialized diet. I think if I have someone I'm having to account to, it will be more of an incentive to me....even if it is something I have initiated.

I'm looking forward to both. I'm excited at the idea of helping others...when it is my choice. For those that haven't been reading my journal, I've complained in the past about helping others and always putting myself last. I'm turning those tables now...and it sure feels good.

I'm still going to start out on this SlimFast program since I've bought so many cans of the chocolate shake. I figured I'd wait a month or so before I see that nutritionist.

It's a beautiful day so I'm going to take the dog for a walk....as soon as I finish my green tea. I'm sitting here thinking, I'm going to be helping people and losing weight doing it....What a win-win situation that is. Woooo Hoooo

The slimfast weight loss program...giving it a try

It seems whenever I decide to do anything....I'm gung ho. I've decided to try the slim fast plan. I hope I like these shakes. I went out and bought 40 cans of the chocolate shake. I've going to start this on April 1st.

The SlimFast website has a lot of good information. 4 keys to success:
1. Nutrition
2. Activity
3. Expert Advice, Counseling, and Support
4. Support monitoring tools

I have had all of these as part of my program....just not on a regular enough basis. I've been fooling no one but myself. So, I have decided to start again on April 1st with the Slimfast program.

I watch my dog drinking water without any coaxing.....wishing I could do the same. I can't figure out why it's so hard for me to drink more than a glass of water a day while I have no problem drinking 6/8 diet cokes a day.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

I've been drinking green tea since I quit smoking. I guess because I cigarette and coffee always went hand and hand. I don't want to be tempted by having a cup of coffee. Funny thing is, I don't miss either one of them.

I was reading Celestial Tea. They have good information on all types of teas. I didn't know there was such a thing as white tea and red tea. It's a good website to check out.

Positive thoughts are helping my weight loss

We took my sister to O'Hare airport yesterday for her flight back to Ontario California. I only yipped at my husband a couple of times. On the way up to get her, he was in the wrong lane on the tollway and went through the IPASS lane. The third time you do that, they mail you a ticket. Of course, that was the second time. Needless to say, I kept telling him to stay in the right hand lane until we got pass that particular toll.

My weight loss program has gone to heck in a hand basket this past week. I'm not sure it's all that bad though. My sister, who is two years younger than me and a whole lot thinner (size4/5), actually looks older than me. My mom mentioned to me how much sis has aged. I hadn't said anything...I thought perhaps it was me. I think much of it can be attributed to her weight loss. She had been a size 9/10 before she got her false teeth. She's had them for over a year but still finds it so hard to eat with them....so she just doesn't eat she said. She has to use to use so much adhesive to hold them in, the stuff dries out her lips. I've never known anyone that settled for teeth like that. If it was me, I'd be camped at that dentist's office until he got them right.

Today, I started with my green tea and a cup of fresh raspberries. They sure were good. I don't know why I don't eat more fresh fruit....it really does taste good. I'm also back to drinking my water. I've been really bad about that this past week.

I know what my weaknesses are....I just have to act on them in a positive manner. I started today.....and that's a good thing. I'll be heading back to losing weight again. I know I can...I know I can!!!!

Calories in corn beef?

Happy St. Patricks day to everyone. We are quite Irish here and had our traditional corn beef and cabbage for supper. I didn't even look up the calorie content in the corn beef. It has to be my favorite type meat. My sister really loves it too.

My sister's visit is going great!! Time is going by so fast though. Even though we got lost when we left O"Hare airport....I was smart today and printed the directions so we won't get lost next week when we take her back.

I've been trying to drink more water the last two days. I still haven't gotten on the scale. My sister is so thin. I've been monitoring her the last two days..........geesh...all she does is drink water and coffee. She only eats at supper time. I just don't have that kind of will power. She says she never gets hungry. I was I could be that fortunate.

Time to go visit some more. Happy St Pats Day!!!!!!!

Weighing the distance between rest stops

I've got to leave for O'Hare airport in a couple hours to pick up my sister who is flying in from California for a week. It's about a two hour drive and I'm not looking forward to the traffic.

I've already been drinking plenty of water this morning. I know I'm going to have to be stopping on the way up to the airport. I think I know every rest stop and gas station in about a 200 mile radius. I remember getting caught in a traffic jam on the interstate once when I had to go. I was too lazy to stop when I had to go and then when I REALLY had to go...I couldn't. Believe me, that taught me a lesson....DON'T WAIT. I gave my purse and brief case a toss and made a mad dash for the restroom when I got to work.....whew..I made it.

So, with that in mind, I am already planning my strategy to getting in the airport comfortable. I have to giggle to myself when I think about these golden years. In my younger years, I remember worrying about such things as....will my car make it from point A to point B without breaking down....do I have enough gas to get there...do I have enough money to make it back home. Now, I have a good car and enough money to get from point A to point B, but I have to worry about finding a restroom between the two points. My husband just shakes his head everytime I tell him "Potty break."...and says "Again?"

I'm going to put off getting on the scale until tomorrow. No need putting myself in a bad mood first thing in the morning. I just know I've gained. (Sighs) Calories in....calories out....geesh I just can't seem to get that through my head. It sure am making this weight loss a tough road to hoe.

Putting Myself First

I was reading my favorite blog, My Journey by M. She is so upbeat. I like the fact she puts her needs first. I need to learn how to do that. All my life I have done for others and put my wants and needs on a backshelf. I get so mad at myself when I do that. I do a slow burn inside. There is just something that keeps me from saying anything or changing anything. I just don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I guess I figure I can beat up on myself.....I always no the outcome of doing that.

I started my day by drinking a very large glass of ice tea. The weather has been in the 60's the last couple of days and I've definitely got spring fever. I've got to get busy and get some more house work done. My sister will be arriving on Wednesday. The only thing I've really accomplished is the vacuuming and laundry. Guess I better head off and get some dusting done. Wondering.....how many calories get burned doing housework. I guess if I can look at it in a weight loss manner.....it won't seem so bad.

Atkins Diet worked for my girlfriend

My girlfriend called today and we went to a craft fair. It was held in three separate schools. I was proud of myself...I didnt' buy a thing. My girlfriend made quite a few booth owners happy today.

She told me she has lost 35 pounds since January 28th. She wasn't even big to begin with. She must be about a size 9. I asked her how she did it. She has been on the Atkins diet. She said this is the only one that has worked for her.

I tried the Atkins diet once, but just couldn't eat such a restrictive diet. My mouth always seems to taste like a Slim Jim. I also had two employees that used that diet....as soon as they went off, they gained their weight back.

I realize that this weight loss, no matter what method you use to your goal, it has to be a permanent life style change. It's just that the road to get there, is ever so windy and such an uphill battle.

Time to drink some more water.

Doing it My Way...It's not working

I'm sitting here with my headphones on listening to Kenny G. Gosh, what soothing music. I remember as a kid my dad listening to Johnny Mathis. My sisters and I would just roll our eyes and think yuck!! Now, we all love his music. It's funny how our tastes for so many things change over the years. (I'll never never like liver and onions)

The other day, I mentioned I had finally lost another pound. It was just like I gave myself a ticket to go hog wild. (I haven't eaten the spice drops or jr mints though) The last two days, yikes.... I've been so bad. It seems the only thing I've stuck to is my lenten promise.

The doctor has me on blood pressure pills and a water pill that also does something for my heart. I know I need to drink water otherwise, I retain fluid so bad. Right now, it feels like my fingers and toes are ready to split open. It's hard to bend my fingers. I get so mad at myself when I have such disregard for things I know I need to do.

It's like this weight loss is a never ending battle. I'm getting tired. I'm going to have to regroup and rethink my methodology.

I'm going to have to change this attitude of mine. The ole song "I Did It My Way" isn't working. It is getting into the 60's today....me and the dog are heading for a walk. I'm hoping everyone has a wonderful weekend.

I've got my water bottle in hand....off I go!!

The Peanut Butter Diet

I was reading material over at Diet Channel and noticed the Peanut Butter diet. I immediately clicked on it, since I LOVE peanut butter. It isn't a hard diet to follow. I just don't like the idea of a half pound loss a week and still having to exercise 45 minutes a day.

I noticed the grapefruit diet and the cabbage soup diet. I remember doing those years ago. I lost quite a bit of weight on the cabbage diet. I can attribute that to the the fact there were 3 of us at work that went on that diet together.

I like the fact they offer a diet that fits the various catergories of diet types. It's a GREAT site.

Finding a lost friend

Yesterday afternoon, a girlfriend stopped to see me. She asked me if I had been losing weight. I must say, that sure made me feel good. Hearing someone ask, it is such a pick up. I sure don't see any change. We started writing a book about 6 months ago, but she has had things come up in here life that has caused us to put it on hold. I know God has a time and place for everything so figure we'll get it finished in due time.

Reflecting back on my college days, I was living 85 miles from my home town. I met Deb my first day of college at my first class. I told her I thought she looked familiar. When she told me her name, I couldn't believe it, she was from my hometown and I had remembered her. (I didn't start college until I was 28) That was her first day of college as well. That was the beginning of our friendship. We went all the way through and got our Masters Degree in Health Sciences. We even did our internships at the same place and did our thesis together.

After completing all that, our lives lead us in different directions for about 12 years and we lost contact with each other. God has put us back in each other's path. I believe it was for the purpose of writing this book. It is going to be a Christian based parents guide to helping their children who abuse alcohol and drugs. We have too many kids getting caught up in these things and parents don't know how to deal with it, often turning a blind eye.

I guess I better get moving here. I can't build muscle or lose weight sitting here.....heading off to the gym. I'm going to grab my pedometer and my Propel water and head for the door. I'm hoping everyone has a great day.

An interview....after 35 some years

I'm just a tad nervous this morning. At 10 am, I have my interview at the hospital for volunteer work. I didn't use to think much about it when I was the interviewer. Now that the shoe is on the other foot...ha....it's a horse of another color. I worked for the same organization for almost 35 years before I retired, so I have know idea what kind of questions to expect. The last volunteer work I did at the hospital was back in high school when I was a candy striper. We use to wear these pink and white striped dresses and deliver flowers to the patients. A lady at the hospital told me they are called Tags now. I find that rather an odd name.

I'm going to work out after the interview. I don't want to get all sweaty and have my hair lose it's curl before I meet Sue. You know....those first impressions.

It's time to fix a cup of green tea and tend to the load of clothes I have in the dryer. (note to self: Remember to wear pedometer today)

Happy Day

Yesterday I was complaining that my weight was stagnent betweeen these same 2 pounds. I got on the scale this morning, and I'm down a pound from that. I'm so excited. I have to keep remembering to stay focused and not get discouraged.

I'm heading off to the gym in a few minutes whistling a tune. Happy day....happy day....this weight is on it's way (down). I'm going to finish my mug of gree tea and decide what I want to do today after I'm done there. (My sister is coming from California to visit. Suppose I should do some heavy duty cleaning)

I played frisbee with the dog in the snow already this morning. She just loves someone to play with her outside. I keep a towel on the back porch to wipe her feet when she comes in. She is so smart, she stands at the top of the stairs and sits for her paws to be wiped before she goes it. She has brought so much joy to our home. I go to the pet department now, like I use to do when I had little kids at home. She has too many toys, just like the kids use to.

I plan on working on the rowing machine and the recumbent bike....I may work a little on the treadmill. The first twinge of pain in my leg though, I'm quitting.

Walking in the Snow

I just got up a few minutes ago, low and behold, it is snowing. It looks so pretty. It doesn't feel cold. It's suppose to get up to 42 F today so I know it's not going to last. I'm going to take the dog for a walk. Since my gym isn't open on Sundays, this will have to do. I've decided I'm going to walk to the grade school I use to attend. I always told my kids I use to have to talk a mile each way to school twice a day. (We had to go home for lunch...no cafeteria) I only live two block from the old homestead. It's going to be interesting to see how close I really am.

I seem to be stagnent on this weight loss. I keep gaining and losing the same two pounds. I know my efforts at the gym aren't what they should be. It's just that it's been so nice not having my leg hurt. I'm not sure why it always ends up hurting when I go. For now, I'm just going to be concentrating on swimming....that doesn't effect my leg.

Off I go....to catch a few snowflakes.

I just got back from my walk to my old grade school.....4225 steps round trip. Now I just have to check out how far that is. My hair is soaked and my ears are frozen. It's time for me to fix another cup of green tea. I must say, that walk sure felt good!!!

Saturday Morning and all is well

I'm up early. Yeaaa. I use to love to get up early everyday. I seem to get so much more done when I do. I just threw two corn beefs in to a pot. They should be ready for lunch today. I've got company coming over for a Bible Study. I figured this was easy and I wouldn't have to watch it. I love those kinds of meals.

Now I'm fixing myself a cup of green tea. I've sure gotten use to this stuff. I can't remember the last time I had a cup of coffee. It use to be my staple in the morning. I couldn't function without having 3 cups. (trying to remember how long it took to break that habit)

The gym opens up at 6:30 am. I'll be heading over there as soon as I finish my tea. I plan on working on some weights too. I've gotten lacks about doing them. I've got to remember to take my Omron pedometer. I love that thing. Going to try and hit those 10,000 steps again. Gives me a sense of accomplishment when I do.

Losing My Patience

Stupidity is hardest thing for me to tolerate. I think as I have gotten older, I have become more understanding and patient then when I was young. Stupidity has moved to the top of my list of things that upset me followed by lieing.

My husband is not real computer literate. Now that doesn't upset me. We all have our own areas in which we excel. His daughter is getting married on March 25th in Las Vegas to the guy she's been living with for the past 8 years. (She's 40 and this is her 2nd marriage) He decided to book a plane ticket out there online. Well..needless to say, he screwed it up. He made the reservation for February 25th. (Of course, he didn't tell me that.) I'm not sure when he realized he made the mistake. He had the correct return date. But what does he do instead of booking just a one way ticket out there since his first purchase was non-refundable, he books another round trip ticket. Now he has $1200 wrapped up in this dang plane ticket.

When I get this mad, I just want to eat. I realize that is self-defeating and have been real good sticking to my plan. I just keep telling myself you can't lose weight eating. I'm trying to decide what would be a good comfort...(don't want it to be food) Perhaps I'll take a walk with the dog and just mumble to myself. I'm praying I get over this quickly. I really don't like being mad.

Losing It All

Wednesday, my husband and I stopped at Burger King and had a egg and cheese biscuit before we went to church. (Ash Wednesday) I glanced and saw there were only two people in the place at that time. I thought to myself....I bet they just left the shelter.(Everyone has to leave at 7:00am) I felt kind of bad...wondering what lead to their circumstances, saying a prayer for them.

I was so shocked when the woman said "Hi Chris, how are you doing? Are you living here in town now?" I took a good look and saw it was an old friend. I asked her where she was living. She told me between two towns. She told me she had quit drinking but her boyfriend was an alcoholic and they fought a lot. I felt such a sense of despair.

I hadn't seen her in over 15 years. So many thoughts flooded my head. I remembered when she use to have her nails done every week. Her hair done weekly as well. She had a great husband and two daughters that excelled in high school. I use to think...what a lucky duck.....here I was a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet and never had enough money left over to get my hair or nails done. I always wondered what it was like to be a stay-at-home mom. I don't remember her drinking anything but pop back then.

I knew she had gotten a divorce. Her kids had disowned her because she had been seeing someone while still married. Obviously, husband #2 didn't work out. I had gone to high school with him.....and my gut feeling.....it wasn't good.

Needless to say, seeing her dressed in those tattered clothes with a men's ski cap covering her dirty hair shocked me. I thought to myself, here is a person that has gone from having everything to losing it all. As we got up to leave, I noticed her putting on her coat....then I saw her pick up a pillow case. I assume that must be all her belongings. It was all I could do to not cry.

I am feeling so helpless. I don't know what I can do to help her. I went looking at Burger King for her today without any luck. I'm not sure what I was going to say or do...but I just felt God wanted me to talk to her. I'm praying for her. I have such a burden on my heart for her. Threw our short conversation, she seems to have lost all hope.

I'm asking everyone to please include Annette in your prayers.

Ash Wednesday

I'm up bright and early and feeling GREAT. I'm fixing myself a cup of green tea. My husband and I had to take a ride through town and check out the churches to see what time mass was this morning. We've decided to go to the 9:00 am service so we can take mom with us.

It use to be, the churches would always publish their service times in the newspaper. Looked and looked last night in all the sections of the paper, only services printed were in a town 15 miles from here. I find that rather sad.

Two days ago, I stopped by the church. I wanted to fill out a mass card for my dad. The church was locked up tighter than a drum at 11:00 am. It sure surprised me. Oh, how the times have changed.

I've got to rememeber...no meat today. I am trying to lose weight, but my biggest downfall is spice drops and junior mints. These two will be off my list during lent. God is going to have to intercede here. I'm so weak. (sighs)