Friday, March 31, 2006 

The Right Questions


If Life is what you make it then today is a day to put off the trials of the past, to make positive choices for the present and to anticipate hope, and joy for the future.

In order to live each day to the fulless I need to be aware of my choices and embrace the the day with enthusiasm.

I tend to make too many goals, quickly get overwhelmed, and then pitch the whole idea.

I've decided to make some daily goals that I can achieve without too much effort. It is my hope that having a measure of success in small areas will lead to success in larger areas. My goals for TODAY:

I will listen more than I talk.

I will refrain from criticizing others.

I will forget my trouble and put on a smile.

I will let someone know how much I love them.

I will get in touch with an old friend.

Daisy Dilema: Need for success in at least one area of my life!

Mood: Life is so daily!

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 

Reinstating My Goals!


Goal of the Day:

1. Weigh myself in the morning
2. Eat a healthy breakfast
3. Pack a healthy lunch with snacks
4. Fill my water jug
5. Do exercise video
6. Plan a healthy supper
7. Write down what I ate
8. Stop eating by 8 pm
9. Get a good night's sleep
10. Stay away from my red light foods.

Daisy Dilema: How many times can I keep starting over?

Mood: difficult and dire

 

So much for my Aha Momments!

After my disastrous day it has been suggested that I post on Cacophony. I'm not sure if the writer thinks that's more my style or if the suggestion means if you post on a particular subject the opposite situation will occur. I posted on Solitude, quiet and tranquility and it seems I set myself up for failure.

Cacophony is an interesting word. Certainly not one that would I use every day.....ok, probably not one I use at all. I looked it up to get the full scope of the meaning.

Cacophony: (noun) 1. Jarring, discordant sound, dissonance. 2. Harsh or unharmonious use of language as opposed to euphony.

My world is full of sounds, noises, words, strident and harsh vibrations emitting from electronic devices, clamoring for attention and demanding to be heard. Telephones ring, CD's play, the animals bark and meow and even the washing machine has it's own vibrations and rthymns that invade my inner sanctum. It's hard to concentrate or hear my own inner thoughts, impressions, or reflections. No, to concentrate on jarring dissonate noise would probably be a self-fullfilling prophecy!

Daisy Dilema: Shouldn't I be further down the road in life by this time?

Mood: Depleted

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 

What is Your Pet Peeve?

You hate know-it-alls!





Know-it-alls are your number one pet peeve. They always know everything, and always take pleasure in making you feel stupid. And they always, always make a point of saying something when you screw up something.


Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com

This is pretty accurate. I do hate to feel stupid and I really hate having it pointed out to me. The worst part of having this pet peeve is that I'm also attracted to really brilliant people . So I guess I have a love/hate attraction . My Mr. Wonderful has this particular trait and it always seems to come out in the most inappropriate times. When I'm looking for support and encouragement is the time that I usually get "the I told you so but you wouldn't listen" lecture. Somehow" being right "never seems to sooth my bruised ego.

Monday, March 27, 2006 

Cookies Anyone?

Life lesson
by Barbara Miers

"What the heck is wrong with you? Don't you realize there are cookies to be had here? All rules are off if cookies are involved, do you hear me? Null and void, everyone knows that. Now come with me, I'm doing you a favor here."



Life lessons can occur at an early age. This was the interpretation of a savy 4 year old on life, to her younger sister, when it came to the matter of cookies. It made me laugh and wonder what are the cookies in my life that null and void the rules?

What am I willing to give up for temporary pleasure? What "rules" will I toss aside for a taste of something sweet? Esau gave up "his birthright" for a bowl of stew. Are my physical appetities dictating my emotional responses? Why do I turn to food for comfort? Will I violate my future health for a moment of delight? Definitely Food for Thought!

Sunday, March 26, 2006 

Seven Days to Go


I got this Poem at Weight Watchers......there is no author credited

Seven Days to Go

Monday Evening:
After the Meeting
That piece of Cake I saved is near,
One big slice, I have no fear.
Besides no pounds will even show,
I've got seven Days to go.

Tuesday:...

A Day of shopping, to the mall I go,
for a burger special....it's cheap you know.
I'll walk it off, I have no fear,
Six Days to go, No weigh in near.

Wednesday:

I think I'll skip my tuna lunch,
A ham sandwich is what I'll munch.
Tuna's getting expensive you know,
Besides, I 've got five days to go.

Thursday:

For breakfast one egg, toast and juice.
Kids left their pancakes, oh what's the use.
With inflation, to waste is such a sin
Besides....it's four days till I weigh in.

Friday:

Breakfast- I'll just have coffee today.
Maybe I'll love more that way.
Supper- a little extra I'll eat
Three days before those scales I meet.

Saturday:

Boy this weekend sure is rough
Restaurant menus are reall tough.
I'll work this steak off, have no fear,
In just two days, I'll make it clear.

Sunday:

Now my nervees are really a wreck
I might as well eat, what the heck.
I'll take two ex-lax late tonight.
One day to go-I'll be all right.

Monday:

I can't afford to eat...no way!
Six trips to the john might save my day.
I gained two pounds, wouldn't you know?
Guess I didn't have seven days to go.



Saturday, March 25, 2006 

Wow, Who Knew She Could Write?

I've been having a hard week. Usually I don't let it bother me....This week it did. It bothered me enough to do something about it. I complained! I whined! I wrote a "poor me"post and then I gave it up. I thought it was a rather positive post and ended well.....Obviously I wrong. The majority of the comments were favorable but concerned. Then I became concerned because others were concerned (it's late, don't try to follow my reasoning!)

I became more concerned when I received this from her.

Kathy,
I was so dishearten to hear how bad a week you've had. It's been bothering me all evening, you've been in my thoughts.
I'm starting to worry about you, worrying that you may be depressed. Am I wrong?
I'm worried about you and the restrictive diet you're on, all those changes all at once can be overwhelming, and I think, a set up for failure.
Are you okay? Are you really okay?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

(I thought I was ok......Then I read this on her website.)


"When life is hard, I will not wallow in despair.

This is the only life I have, there is no other.

I will not spend much time on sorrow, I will not give my life over to sadness, I will struggle free.

When a tear brushes my cheek, I will take the time to feel the heartache, so the next day I will continue with out the tears.

I will add bright colors, the somber tones there only to make the bright hues brighter, not to crowd and dampen them.

Those gone and lost inspire me, their memory nurtures me, and flowers will grow, they deserve flowers.

I will have more flowers, my life bright, despite the tears.

When life is hard, I will not wallow in despair." (original work)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At first I thought.....I wonder who this is about? Who is wallowing in despair...?? Then it occurred to me that maybe she means me? So I looked up wallowing.....hmmm, not good.

I looked up despair......Definitely not good!

Then I began to despair that I was wallowing in despair and didn't even know it ( or worse yet was in denial!) Oh woe, now I'm deeply despairing that I ever looked it up.

All that to say .......Who Knew She Could Write! Great Job! Who ever, or what ever inspired this ......keep it up.

 

Could it really be that simple?


I started my 3- Apple- a -day diet yesterday, complete with exercise.

I weigh every day.....(I know Sandy, but I get obcessive complusive about some things.)

My scale has been known to lie.

My scale said I had lost 3 pounds!

I like my scale (at least for today!) I am a firm believer that if you gain weight, it is water weight.....if you lose weight, it is definitely fat!)

Could my apple shaped body really respond to apples? If today is an indication I would say yes! Unless my body is leading me into false assumptions only to sabotage me later!

Eating an apple before meals helps me increase my fruits and vegetable intake and my fiber consumption. It helps fill me so I eat less . I like the fact that it is crunchy and sweet and helps curb my "sweet tooth". They are easy to carry with me too. So just call me Johnny Appleseed for now!

Today was a good day.....tomorrow will be even better!

Breakfast:
1 apple before meal.....100 calories...1pt
light yogart cup......80 calories...........2pt
coffee with creamer....60 calories......1 pt

Lunch:
apple before meal......100 calories.......2 pts
turkey and cheese sandwich......500 calories..8pts
granola bar..............110 calories.........................2pt
sugar free pudding.....60 calories.......................1pt

snack: chips and salsa...........5pt
snack: 2 cookies.....................2pts

supper: 1 apple before meal.....1pt
pizza, thin crust (2 Pieces) 10 pts.....Total 35

Used 5 Flex points.....12 remaining.

Lots of exercise with loading 32,000 pounds of clothing in a sea container.

Friday, March 24, 2006 

An Apple a Day!

I am a bird brain!

Ok, I admit to being a stress eater. When I'm overly stressed nothing is safe around my house. Lately the stess factor has been right off the scale and so is my weight. I gained the same stupid 4 pounds that I've lost about three times now.

The question remains.......What am I going to do about it?

Answer: New Approach to an old problem.

This morning was the usual routine except I decided to drive in later. Let's hear it for an "Aha Moment!" While racing around trying to get ready I realized that once again I would be leaving the kitchen in a mess . I don't like to have to come home and clean before I can even start the evening meal.

So I stopped and cleaned it. Put away the dishes in the dish washer, put the dirty ones in the dish washer. Wiped off all counters, took the trash outside and cleaned out the sink.

Ahh.....instant contentment!

I looked at my weekly Bible Study sitting on my desk. It is a 5 day study and I usually put it off till the morning of the study and try to cram 5 days preparation into a few hours. I had already been alerted that the work situation was tense and the idea of walking into a passive aggressive atmosphere was almost too much to take it.

So I stopped and did the study for today. The first question directed me to Romans 15:13
"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Whoa, the God of Hope! The rest of the study spoke to my spirit so the day was actually off to a good start.

I've started a new approach to dieting with the 3-Apple -A-Day Plan.

For breakfast I had an apple before breakfast.
I had 80 calorie light yogart (key lime)
1/2 cup Life cereal
coffee with creamer

I stopped by my neighbor Beckie's house and we prayed about the day and she actually went with me to work. I was amazed how much we got done in a short time. I feel pretty good about the group coming in tomorrow.

I shared my lunch with Beckie since she didn't bring one. I appreciated the help so much I didn't mind at all.

Lunch:
1 apple before lunch
1/2 turkey and cheese sandwich on oatnut bread
1 sugar free chocolate pudding
1 granola bar

This afternoon I moved boxes around, walked 7700 steps, did a two mile walk, and rode the execise bike for 15 minutes.

Dinner:
1 apple before dinner
1/4 cup of brown rice
2 cups stir fry vegetables with noodles (200 calories)
3 oz stir fried shrimp
1 Tb canola oil

It's now 7:30 and I'm finished eating for the rest of the night.

Pretty good plan so far!





Tuesday, March 21, 2006 

Diet "Road Rage"



( Excerpt for Spark People)

I noticed a lot of things that we, as weight loss veterans, can learn from traffic jams. Next time you start to feel frustrated with your weight loss progress, keep these "lessons of the road" in mind:
  • Pay less attention to how much further you have to travel. Stop asking yourself "are we there yet?" You’ll get there when you get there. Instead, look at the scenery, think about life, carry on a conversation, sing along with the radio, or simply be thankful for how far you’ve come.
  • The journey is always more fun with a passenger. Have you asked anyone along for the ride?
  • You know the route you need to take to reach your weight loss goals. It’s already mapped out. As long as you stay pointed in the right direction, you’ll get there. Even in the worst traffic jams, you still get to your destination at some point. It’s the same way with dieting – just a matter of time. It may take longer than you first expected, but you will get there.
  • There will always be periods of stopping and starting. It’s something that you should just anticipate and allow for. No use getting upset or stressed about not making progress. It’s a normal part of the journey.
  • Sometimes, you’ve just gotta go with the flow of what’s going on around you. Life can present some situations that you really can’t do anything about. When that happens, staying straight and steady – doing the best that you can – will keep you on track and sane. In traffic, impatient people stop, change lanes, weave in and out of other cars, driving themselves and everyone else crazy – and in the end, usually don’t get any farther along than you do by staying put and going with the flow.
  • Shortcuts never work.
  • Driving too fast is dangerous. That’s why they call it "crash" dieting. Slow down, take what life gives you, and make sure you arrive at your destination in good health

Monday, March 20, 2006 

First Day of Spring!

Today is the first day of Spring!

This is my happy dance to the vernal equinox.

Today there was just as much sunshine as darkness.

An equilibrium is achieved.....it is a celebration.

Don't laugh it's more exercise than I usually do!

Spring, new life, new energy, new growth.

Now all I have to do is remind myself :

We are Easter People,

Today may be Friday .......but Sunday is coming

Friday, March 17, 2006 

hmmm...Guess I'm not the only one!

"Why is it so simple to fall off the wagon, but next to impossible to get on? They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. For me I'd say it takes about 2.1 seconds to form a bad one. Chocolate, TV, and lazing on the sofa - I didn't need any period of adjustment for these. They just happened. "
( so she said, in one of her recent posts.)

It does totally amaze me how quickly I throw in the towel after all my great resolves and pep talks. I'm sure it's the course of least resistance and has been ingrained in my DNA since birth. I think the apostle Paul said it best... Romans 7 :18-19
"I have the desire to do what is good, but I can not carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing."

I really have nothing or no one to blame. So, I know what I need to do, now it's just following through day in and day out. Life is so daily.

According to Spark People:

To stay consistent long enough to become a creature of healthy habits, surround yourself with visual, written and well-placed reminders that steady the course and help you refocus. Use positive images and words. Find a visual that shows why you want to lose weight in the first place, or what you’ll be doing with your weight loss. A picture of your kids, the new dress you want to wear, a basketball.

Every day is a chance to build momentum or to slack. Every day, you have to decide to make the right choices. Keeping your goals and motivators close by helps you make that decision and feel good about it. Remember, this is a positive experience! You’re doing something good for yourself, your loved ones and your future. Don’t waste any opportunity to remind yourself of that fact and congratulate yourself on progress.







 

One Fatal Flaw in Women


One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.

Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 

I Value Women over 30


This was orginally written by Andy Rooney of 6o Minutes Fame: Why I Value Women over 30!

"As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all.

Here are a few reason's why:

- A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.

-If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around
whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.

-A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in who she
is, what she is, what she wants and from whom.

-Few women past the age of 30 give a damn what you might think about her or
what she's doing.

-Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you
at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you
deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think you can get away
with it

-Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what
it's like to be unappreciated.

A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women
friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best firend
because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.

-Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends
because she knows her friends won't betray her.

-Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a
woman over 30. They just know.

-A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true
of younger women.

-Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her
younger counterpart.

-Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if
you are a jerk, or you are acting like one! You never have to wonder where you
stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons.

Unfortunately it's not reciprocated. For every stunning, smart, well-coifed hot
woman of 30+, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of
himself with some 22 year old waitress.

Ladies, I apologize for all those men who say, "Why buy the cow, when you
can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are
against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire
pig, just to get a little sausage."

 

What Color Green are You?

You Are Olive Green
You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself.
For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself.
You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you.
People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know.
What Color Green Are You?

Sunday, March 12, 2006 

Hurgry People Make Bad Food Choices!


How's that for a great revelation? It's something I've always known I just never seem to apply it!

My weight is up again and I'm down. I yoyo up and down all week and it's always fasicinated me that I allow it to affect me. I think I'm better at not being so down on myself. I try to tell myself, "Ok, that was yesterday, today I will make better choices, exercise, drink my water, write down what I consume and be conscious of my actions.

That last for about 5 minutes, long enough to go get a drink of water and start thinking about what I'm going to do for exercise........Then the darker side of my personality starts to get the better of me and the discouaging tapes start playing in my head. You know the ones, the one that says, "You've failed at dieting so many times before, what makes you think you'll succeed this time?....you might just as well quit now! Why bother? "

I've finally decided that those bad tapes that I allow in my head have a name. The name is fear. I fear failing. I fear getting my hopes up and not being able to pull it off. I fear telling people that I am dieting for fear of the eyeroll and the look that says, "It's about time!" I fear the condescending looks and the "all you need is a little self discipline " pep talks from thin well wishers.

I've recently discovered that FEAR has no power over me. It is short for False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. Fear is an illusion. Everyone is afraid of something. Bravery is not the abscence of fear, bravery is doing what must be done despite being fearful. In short, do it afraid! So ifI try and don't succeed. Do it again, and again, and again, till I finally get it right.

Here are some Road Signs I've learned along the way:

  • Breakfast prevents you from overeating the rest of the day.
  • One surefire way to sabbotage good diest intentions is getting too hungry.
  • People believe the myth that if its fat-free or low fat, any amounts is O.K.
  • Any type of regular exercise is better than none.
  • Stress eating is not ok. Go do something constructive or as least get out of the kitchen.
  • Have a goal. Working toward something can keep you on track

Saturday, March 11, 2006 

Chicken Club Brunch Ring

  • 1/2 c. fat free mayo
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tsp honey dijon mustard
  • 1-1/2 tsp finely chopped onion
  • 1-3/4 c. cubed cooked chicken breast
  • 2 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled (optional)
  • 1 c. reduced-fat shredded swiss cheese
  • 2 tubes reduced-fat crescent rolls
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 c. shredded lettuce

In a large bowl, combine the mayo, parsley, mustard & onion. Stir in the chicken, bacon & 3/4 c. of the cheese.

Unroll crescent dough, separate into 16 triangles. Arrange on an ungreased 12-in. round pizza pan, forming a ring with the pointed ends hanging over the edge of the pan and overlap the wide ends (sorta looks like a big sun).

Spoon the chicken mixture over the wide ends; slice tomato and place randomly on the top of the mixture; fold the outer tips over the mixture and tuck the ends inside the ring, underneath the wide ends.

Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining cheese & let stand for 5-10 minutes. Place lettuce in the center of the ring with some chopped tomato.

 

Chocolate Teasers for less than 200 Calories!


  • Prepare chocolate sundaes with 1/2 cup nonfat yogart and 1-2 Tablespoons fat-free chocolate syrup (25-50 calories per Tablespoon). Top it off with a dollop of fat-free whipped cream or Cool Whip and a marashino cherry.
  • Make a chocolate float with 1/2 cup nonfat chocolate frozen yogart and diet soda. Total indulgence: Less than 150 Calories!
  • Savor a fat-free chocolate pudding cup or frozen fuge bar with less than 120 calories per serving.
  • Sip a cup of sugar-free cocoa, add several mini marshmellows, a sprinkling of cinnamon, or a drop of vanilla extract for a special treat.
  • Rice cakes and chocolate: Spread a thin layer (1 teaspoon of hazlenut chocolate spread over two carmel-flavored rice cakes.
  • 2 oz angel food cake (137 calories) drizzled with 1-2 tablespoons fat-free chocolate syrup.
  • 2 1/2 inch square fat-free brownie ( pre-pared from mix or homemade receipe).
  • 3/4 cup strawberries (about 5-6 medium) dipped in 1 ounce melted dark chocolate chips.

 

Little Known Chocolate Facts

Hmm......are you catching a theme here? (Taken from previousl mentioned article)

Everything you Don't Need to Know About Chocolate... But Might Enjoy Knowing!
  • Mice are more attracted to coaco than they are to cheese.
  • The higher the quality of chocolate the louder it should snap when you break it!
  • The richness of chocolate goes way back. The ancient Mayas used chocolate as money.
  • The word chocolate comes from two ancient Indian words meaning "bitter water".
  • The blood in the infamous shower scene of Hitchcock's Psycho was chocolate syrup.
  • Chocolate taste better on an empty stomach...you'll eat less and enjoy it more.
  • The highest chocoloate consumption is between 8p.m. and midnight.
  • More chocolate is consummed in the winter than in summer.
  • The U.S. is the 8th largest consumer of chocolate at 3.1 billion pounds a year.
  • The average American consumes approximately 11.7 pounds of chocolate each year.

Ok, I admit it .....I have chocolate on the brian.

Thought for the day: Eating chocolate may prevent you from binge eating.

Friday, March 10, 2006 

Once A Diva.....




You Are Miss Piggy



A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it.

You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less.

You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way.

Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!


Wouldn't you know it! Once a Diva, always a diva! Good advice on the diet tips too!

 

10 Reasons You Should Eat Chocolate.

As If I needed a reason!

( Information taken from 26 Reason you should eat chocolate by Jyl Stenback, senior editor for Looking Good Now Magazine, Feb. 2006)

  1. Chocolate is abundant in antioxidants ( catechins and phenols) that may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
  2. Cocoa Powder is virtually fat-free. Need we say more!
  3. Men who eat chocolate live longer than those who don't. Researchers at Harvard University found that men who eat chocolate a few times a month live significantly longer than those who rarely eat chocolate.
  4. Chocolate does not cause acne! Acne is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition, not by the foods you eat.
  5. Chocolate does not promote tooth decay. There may be antibacterial agents in chocolate products that inhibit plaque formation and slow down the tooth-decaying process.
  6. Chocolate makes you feel good. Chocolate contains substances that act as natural opiates, dulling pain and incresing our feeling of well-being. Chocolate releases endorphins that make you feel happy.
  7. Chocolate will not clot your arteries. Stearic acid, the primary fatty acid in chocolate, does not increase the blood cholestrol level the same way other types of saturated fats do.
  8. Chocolate craving during PMS may be associated with the desire to supplement low levels of magnesium and copper both found in chocolate.
  9. Indulge in the best. Darker is better. Dark chocolate provides the most antioxidants and stearic acid, followed by milk chocolate. White chocolate does not have any antioxidant properites; it is made from cocoa butter, not beans.
  10. Chocolate is not addictive! Ranked as the single most craved food in the United States, people love the taste, scent, and texture of chocolate, but it is not addictive.

Thursday, March 09, 2006 

The Scale Can Be Your Friend!


I recently read an article that stated People who weighed themselves daily lost more weight or had less weight gain over the course of 24 month than those who don't.

Researchers found that those who were trying to slim down and weighted themselves daily lost an average of 12 pounds in two years comparted to 6 pounds for people who weighed in weekly and 5 pounds for people who said they never go near the scale.

While in my head and in my heart I know this is right, it is hard for me. I seem to base my whole self-esteem on what registers on the scale. I know I'm much more than what the numbers indicate but I've given it power to alter my mood. If the numbers are up then I'm down! If the numbers are down then I'm up. What an incredible paradox!

When I'm in the "Weight Zone", ( similiar to the Twilight Zone) it is all consuming. I weigh myself every time I go to the bathroom, I plan every meal and snack, I weigh and measure everything, I'm a woman with a mission and obcessive in my every action. I dream about food, every food commerical on TV shouts out my name and my friends put flares around me to warn any unsuspecting person coming back from the snack machine to stay clear of me, the dieting diaster.


I don't want my weight to be the measure of who I am. I don't want to feel like a miserable failure with every flucuation of the scale. I don't want to feel like a victim of my circumstances either. So I'll keep on weighing my self daily and every day I'll keep reminding myself that I can make good choices and I will succeed.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 

What I learned from Children's Books.



Editor's Note: My apologies to Jack and the Beanstalk, Alice In Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and The Wizard of Oz , for stealing plot lines!

Finally the scale is moving.....I thought maybe the gravitional pull of the earth had increased or something really funky in the universe was wacky.....(it certainly couldn't be ME)

What a thrill to see progress!

Yes, I've been here before but seems like it is an elusive dream. Who knew the climb up the bean stalk would be so challenging or that the giant that lives here would be so daunting? In the cartoons he looks "kind of cute" for a huge fat man.

I live in Two-terville ......The land of giants where people are 200 plus pounds. We command a great deal of space and I am a full time resident. I've lived here most of my adult life. At one time I might have even considered running for mayor! Life is comfortable here.....All the chairs are oversized, there's a refrigerator and TV close by, a recliner and the remote control are all within reach, and if nothing is on TV there's always the internet. In Two-terville no one asks you if you'd like to supersize that?....They do it automatically. No one stares at you, gawks, or snickers behind your back. It's a safe environment. Life is slow moving like most of our residents.

We tell ourselves that "everybody loves a jolly fat person". So we tell jokes on ourselves, hoping people will laugh with us instead of at us. We mask our pain behind "a great sense of humor" but it's always there. I read somewhere that "humor is pain turned inward!" (but I digress....)

I really want to live in One-derland, the land of people that are 100 plus pounds. I hear it's a great place to live, that people there are much more active and actually "have a life" rather than watching others vicariously. I also heard that the clothes are cuter!

I keep looking for Alice or the White Rabbit to follow, but they seem to be running down other rabbit holes right now. I haven't found the shrinking elixir yet so there is no way that I'll ever fit through the hole. So like my roly poly friend Winnie the Pooh I feel stuck between two worlds ......One half in Rabbit's front door and the other half in the outside world.

The honey that got me here was sweet, the liberty to move around in the outside world is even sweeter. I have decided that "wishing" is not going to get me where I want to be. I've been following the bread-crumb trail far too long that leads to the Gingerbread House. I'm looking for a fairy Godmother who will wave her "magic wand" and turn me into a beautiful princess instead of the ugly pumpkin shell I inhabit now.

One-derland lies off in the distance. So like most travelers, I'll gather up the brochures, start saving my resources, pack my bags and apply for a passport. The map says this is the right road even though there aren't any yellow bricks to follow. I'm sure there will be some detours on the trail, some unexpected breakdowns, and miles and miles of the same scenery but I think I'm finally ready to start the journey.

 

Down on the Upside


You've heard the expression, "I'm down today."

Usually it evokes sympathy from those around you and if you live with "a fixer" he will try to do something to help you out, lighten the load, encourage you or at least give you a hug.

Well, I'm down today, but I've discovered that in some cases Down is Good!

If you are on a tall building that is on fire.......Down is Good!

If your cat is stranded in a tree.......Down is Good!

If you are fearful of heights.......Down is Good!

When you've jumped out of a plane and the parachute opens......Down is Good!

When the scale finally starts moving.......Down is Great!

I was down two more pounds this morning ! Don't get me wrong, I am doing a "happy dance" today over their departure. I would have thrown them "a bon voyage" party except they keep coming back! These three pounds keep following "the bread crumb trail back home!".........(and yes, I'm pretty sure bread is the culprit that keeps them coming back!)

So even with a loss in the bank, I'm still back to ground zero! But hey, what a thrill to slide the weight bar to the left for a change! So I say, "Up with Down!"


Tuesday, March 07, 2006 

Tasteless Tuesday?


Well, I weighed myself this morning and had a nice surprise. ( Down by one pound.) Any loss I will gladly take. It's nice to see the scale moving down again!

What have I learned since yesterday?
  1. I learned that I need to weigh everyday so I'm not caught off guard when the scale starts showing bad choices that I've made.
  2. I learned that I don't know how to do moderation. I'm seem to be "an all or nothing kind of girl." Either I'm obsessive compulsive with weight issues filling up my whole life......or I forget about it totally and when stressed over-medicate with food. I'm sure there has to be a middle ground somewhere but so far I haven't found it.
  3. Since I know that about myself then the best course for me right now is to avoid my Red Flag foods or stay away from them totally. I can't even have weight watcher treats right now as I overeat them. I love the Snack Well cookie cakes at 1 point per cookie. I especially like the Chocolate Mint variety. I like them so much that I ate a whole box of them last weekend ( all 12 of them!) It tasted good at the time but now I'm into guilt and self-loathing (never a good combination!)
  4. I learned that I need to plan my meals and snacks and have them on hand. If I have to go on a hunt for something I will choose the course of least resistance and the most calories.
  5. I learned that I absolutely hate, loath, and despise all forms of exercise. I didn't get the name Lazy Daisy because of my boundless energy.
  6. I learned that I have to exercise.......it doesn't matter what I think about it....as Nike says, "Just Do It!" Time, distance, and finances are a challenge right now so I have to be creative and disciplined. (Moan, I hate that combination!)
  7. I learned that I need to be a "mermaid" as far as drinking water. (I just stoppped and ran and got a glass after writing that statement. ) According to most of of my" pounds to go" friends.....I need to be drinking alot more water. I guess that's how you get your exercise in for the day, by running back and forth to the toilet all day! I also read that by the time you feel thirsty that you are already dehydrated!
  8. I have discovered that I'm a "secret eater". I usually eat late at night when Mr. Wonderful is asleep. I know it's stupid but some how in my thinking....items eaten in secret don't count! When I tell myself I can eat nothing after 7 p.m. it seems to works. (Now if I just keep listening to myself!)
  9. Sleep is a wonderful thing. I like it.....I think I'll try to get more of it! Sleep deprivity leads to an increase in cortisol that leads to an increase in weight. (Great, now they tell me after working the night shift for 30 years!)
  10. I know what to do to make this change. I can do these things to change. I will do these things to bring about permanet change.
Plan of the Day: Repeat day one!

Monday, March 06, 2006 

Today I was able to meet all my goals!


Today went well. I met all my goals and despite snow flurries I was positive and productive.

I took apart old copiers and sorters this afternoon. I wanted to smash and bash things and removing the plastic parts was actually fun. We were able to recycle several machines now that the plastic parts are removed.

I did the one mile walk in my living room and stayed very busy this afternoon. I quit eating by 7 p.m. and it hasn't bothered me tonight.

My eating was good.....1 cup of Raisin Bran with a banana and 1/2 cup of Soy Milk, 1 cup of coffee with creamer,.

Lunch: Tuna salad with apple on lettuce, Sugar Free Jello, 100 calorie snack

Dinner: Feista Chicken bowl with beans and rice, and ranch dressing.

My water consumption wasn't very good today.....tomorrow I will work harder on getting it all in. For the most part I was pleased with the day and keeping to the program. Stay the course!

 

Just Barely Monday!

It's just barely Monday......time to get serious about my diet.

How is it that all bets are off till Monday!

Goal of the Day:

1. Weigh myself in the morning
2. Eat a healthy breakfast
3. Pack a healthy lunch with snacks
4. Fill my water jug
5. Do exercise video
6. Plan a healthy supper
7. Write down what I ate
8. Stop eating by 8 pm
9. Get a good night's sleep
10. Stay away from my red light foods.

Sounds reasonable......plan your work and work your plan!

Film at 11!

Saturday, March 04, 2006 

The word is Failure!

Failure P) Pronunciation Key (flyr)
n.
  1. The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends: the failure of an experiment.
  2. One that fails: a failure at one's career.
  3. The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling short: a crop failure.
  4. A cessation of proper functioning or performance: a power failure.
  5. Nonperformance of what is requested or expected; omission: failure to report a change of address.
  6. The act or fact of failing to pass a course, test, or assignment.
  7. A decline in strength or effectiveness.
  8. The act or fact of becoming bankrupt or insolvent.
I've been thinking about this word a lot lately. What makes a failure? Lack of motivation or knowledge? Lack of resources or effectiveness? What about unrealistic expectations? If you tried and didn't succeed does that make you a failure?

Why are we so hard on ourselves? Is it because we expect to hit a home run every time at bat? Is it because we deserve to see the scale move if we have put in the work? Have we become so tainted with success that anything less is failure?

I have to ask myself why am I emotionally bankrupt over a temporary setback? It's not that I don't know what to do. I just need to pick myself up and keep on keeping on. Persistence will pay off. I will get to the goal. It may take longer than what I anticipated but the journey is life and the detours only add to the scenery. Don't mind me.....I'm just fine. I'll keep on dancing, even if the music is only in my head.

About me

  • I'm Lazy Daisy
  • From Elizabethton, TN, United States
  • I am a married, empty Nester, missionary, living on the hillside of Tennessee, with lots of homespun humor and hopefully some insights!
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