Anniversary Weekend

Tomorrow marks our 2nd anniversary. This time 2 years ago, I was getting my nails done and freaking out about how much I had to get done still! I was up until 2:00 in the morning doing last minute stuff... And, in looking back, none of it mattered! But, I thought it did at the time.

Every year, David and I have marked our anniversary by visiting wineries across Nebraska and always going to a special Bed and Breakfast. So, if you are bored, here's a weekend in review - complete with links, pics, and reviews of places!

We went to Soaring Wings in Springfield. My favorite was the Winter White, their dryest semi-sweet. David's favorite was the Falco Red, a semi-sweet red.

Next, we visited Windcrest Winery in Raymond. This is his first year open, but you cannot tell that by the taste of his wines! We took a bottle of the Crest Select (semi-sweet) and Cherry Delight (a semi-sweet cherry wine) home. If you have a little bit of chocolate in your mouth when you drink the Cherry Delight, it makes it taste like chocolate covered cherries! Yummy! And because he is a newer winery, he will actually let you try all of his wines - dryest to sweetest for the same price. He just gives you slightly smaller portions than the other wineries do for only 5 tastings. But, so worth it!

After Windcrest, we checked in at The Anniversary Mansion. Two years ago, David surprised me with staying here the night after our wedding. We have made it a tradition to come every year and have now stayed in 3 of the 4 rooms. Dave is an awesome host and his employees are fabulous! As always, we are looking forward to going back next year!

Before settling in for the night, we dressed up

and headed to Misty's. As if we hadn't had enough wine already, we ordered a bottle of the Riesling. We had the portabello mushroom appetizer. I had the Salmon Choe and David ordered the Petite Prime Rib. Both were delicious!

We headed back to the mansion for the night and enjoyed an awesome breakfast! The jacuzzi tub was nice and relaxing, and the bed was SO flipping comfortable! I told David I want to steal it.

We left the Mansion and headed for the zoo! We haven't been since the weekend of our wedding - we went with family the day after - so it was a nice break. We went to the store beforehand and got stuff for sandwiches. The one thing we didn't do that I wanted to was the Butterfly Pavillion. But, we have a zoo pass and plan to go back next week. The animals were feeling lazy, but it was the perfect day and we had a blast. (All the walking and hills provided great exercise also!)









After the zoo, we decided to finish our weekend with another winery! I won a bet last night, so David owed me another bottle of wine. We went to our favorite tasting room, Too Far North, in Ft. Calhoun. Sandy is always awesome and can pin your tastes perfectly! We tried a few new ones, and I actually liked a dry red! Yes, I, Amanda, liked a dry red! We brought home a bottle of a wine from Hartington, NE (Northeast Nebraska Winery - they aren't on our tour, though). They have an outlaw "series," complete with history on the bottle! I loved the Sam Bass (the dry red), but we bought a bottle of Jesse James (semi-sweet red).

We headed home, made dinner, and played with our puppies! Oh, and had a glass of wine (of course!). We had a great weekend relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Tomorrow starts a new week. It's my first day with kids for summer school. Hopefully the 14 days go by quickly! Look for tomorrow's post.... a blast from the past!

April Showers bring May Flowers

I know you've all heard this phrase. Well, I'm really hoping that our personal "April Showers" will be bringing some awesome flowers soon! This week has been tough, but it's also had some ups. There are days where I just wonder what we've done to piss God off. But, then something good happens, or somebody says something, or I get emails! I know that other people have things worse, but it's been an emotional week for me.

So, a rundown of the week....

Sunday and Monday - spent the day with David's family. I love David to death, and his family is great - individually and in small doses. But all rolled up into one? And at my house (and in some small ass town in Iowa)? Yeah, not so much. Lots of wine was had by Amanda!

Tuesday and Wednesday - packed up my classroom for the summer. I don't know why this always makes me more sad than the day the kids leave. Seriously - I get emotional packing up my room! I think it's the consistency and routine. And the bare walls. I hate bare walls.

Thursday - got my room ready for summer school! I'm at a different building so I had a few things to do. Am I ready? No. I'll go early Monday morning. I'm excited, but at the same time, I just want to be done. The money is nice though!

Friday - got bad news all around the board.... David decided to pull a tooth that needed a root canal. We can't really afford it right now (for several reasons), and he's in so much pain. So he made the decision to pull it. We also finally got the results back from the nuclear test they did on his gall bladder a week ago. It's dying and he needs to have surgery. He goes to see the surgeon on the 10th, but now he can't do his summer classes. So, his graduation is pushed back to December 2010.

I'm glad David will be getting healthy. He'll have a little time off work and then he can get back on track. It also means we have to keep holding out on a baby. We're not sure if we're going to wait until David is completely out of school, or until late fall, after he is recovered and things slow down a little.

I know that we will be great parents when it's time. I just hate that people who can barely afford to raise the ones they have keep getting pregnant. And then pregnant. And then pregnant.

So, the goods for the week!
We're keeping up on the 5K training. We went to the track together Monday night and Friday morning. I went by myself on Wednesday. Monday and Wednesday I made it 2 miles in 30 minutes - jogging half and walking half. Friday, I made it 2 1/2 miles in 40 minutes! The best part.... there were some army guys doing some kind of training. 3 guys were running. When they started, I was about 1/3 of the way around the track from them. 2 of the guys easily passed me. When I rounded the corner, I looked back at the 3rd guy... He was jogging slowly, but going. I don't know how far they had to run, but I know they were being timed by the "guys" on the bench. I keep doing my thing - walk, jog, walk, jog... The 2nd guys passed me a couple times. The 3rd guy? He NEVER passed me! I never passed him either, but I did notice that he was walking some.

Now, granted, he could be recovering from something, or just having an off day. But it felt great that someone in the MILITARY never passed me as I did my "thing" on the track!

I also got my hair done. It was my anniversary present to myself. I haven't been in 3 months and it felt great! I got it lightened up but I decided to grow it out a little. We're going to do pictures this weekend, so I'll be sure to get one of my hair!

I had to have my eyes checked. I haven't been since October 2007. Oops! That's what happens when I don't wear my contacts every day so they last longer. My prescription didn't change! So, I have contacts ordered and they gave me a sample pair because I begged.

So, it was a good and bad week. I was pretty emotional all week, but things are improving. I know things will get better for us. We work our asses off and deserve to have a break! It will come.... It will come.....

Something to think about

I got this through an email from my cousin and after the day I have... I needed something positive (More to come - probably tomorrow)! I don't know who the original author was, but several of the lessons struck home for me as I read it.


To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.
It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:


1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never
blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up
to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

New Progress Pic

This morning I put on a shirt that I got 4 years ago. My mom and I went to see Brad Paisley in KC and I got a shirt thinking it would fit. It was a baby-doll style, with the really short sleeves. I bought it in XL, thinking that's what I wear - it will fit. Right?

Well, it didn't. I think that was one of the first times I realized that I was heavier than I thought. But, I wasn't at the point in my life where I wanted to do anything about it. I hung onto the shirt, thinking if nothing else, it would become a good dust rag someday.

About 6 months ago, I tried the shirt on. It was a little snug, but it fit nice. The sleeves were a little tight, and my stomach looked "okay."

Today??



It is super comfortable! This is now my new favorite shirt! :-) And don't mind my look - early morning, just out of shower... not ready for another day!

I had weigh in today. I gained 3.8 lbs. I knew I was going to go up - 2 bottles of wine by myself over the weekend... Every day, I used all my daily points. I also used all my weekly points and about 1/2 my activity points. I didn't earn as many as I usually do (12 instead of 15-20). On a normal week, I use all my daily points (a few days, I will short myself a couple, but not many), and maybe 5-10 weekly points. I never dip into my activity points. So, now I've learned - the point of maintenance - where my limit is! All daily, some weekly, and I need to earn 15-20 activity points!

I'm okay with this gain. I didn't think I'd ever say that. But, I am! WW has taught me how to live the lifestyle - I can have wine and 2 BBQs in one weekend. Next time, I'll work out more or listen to my body a little better! There is always a next time!

This weekend is our anniversary. I can't believe that we've been married for 2 years! Be prepared for a sappy post sometime next week. I love David more each day, and I never thought I could love him more than I did the day I married him. But I do. Yeah, we have our ups and downs. But our love is strong and we can survive it all together.

Adventures in Gardening

If you know anything about me, you know that I do not have a green thumb. In fact, it's probably black. Anything I've ever attempted to grow, I've killed. When we bought our house, there was an established garden. We left it on the outside of the fence "just in case" I ever decided to do a garden - we don't want the dogs messing with it!

Well, this year, I decided to give it a shot! My mom gave us our anniversary present early, and we used the money to get some gardening stuff. I got 4 tomato plants and 2 green pepper plants. So far, they're doing good. They are growing. I'm not very good at the weeding thing, so I have some work to do today.... I'm excited to have tomatoes and peppers this summer!!!!

So, the point of this post: I'm expanding my gardening skills! The owners of the shop got some herbs for their home. They had more than they needed, so I asked if I could have a few. The next thing I know, I have 8 plants - basil, oregano, 2 kinds of rosemary (creeping and the regular tall one), thyme, curry, sage, and chives! I planted each one in their own pot because supposedly (read, if I don't kill it) they will spread and grow on their own! The chives already need a "hair cut," so we may be using chives tonight in our grilled veggies! I can't believe that I WILLINGLY committed to growing something and by potting them seperately, I'm actually trying to KEEP them growing! Our kitchen window is perfect for growing herbs in the winter, so I should be able to have them all year round.

The owners also gave everybody working yesterday a hanging basket. We've had them for a while, and they aren't dying, but the hanging-basket-season is basically over. He would rather them go to a good home than to die in the greenhouse! So I got a beautiful basket with red geraniums and something white (who knows what!). I bought a shepherd's hook at Walmart and put it outside the front door. I think I want to get another hook for the other side of the porch and get matching hanging baskets next year!

When we bought the house, we had pretty nice landscaping - lots of hardy plants, shrubs, etc... I didn't do anything with them last year, and the dogs have eaten some of the plants and dug holes in the landscaping. But without anything, my peonies have started blooming - I haven't even watered them! I do want to rip up the majority of the landscaping in the back just because nobody can see it and the dogs just track the mulch and rocks into the house. I want to get some perennials or bulb plants for in the front. They will come up on their own with little help from me and add some nice colors!

We are looking into getting the huge pine trees in the front yard cut down. One of David's co-fire fighters owns a tree service, so we may be able to get a discount! These things have been here for ages and it's actually not safe - they are pretty close to the road and we can't see traffic coming one way because of them. Plus, I'm allergic to the pine, and we like having the windows open.

So, I'm becoming a gardener! The only thing I've killed are the things I haven't done anything with - and alot of our "pre-existing" landscaping came up on it's own. I can't wait to cook something with OUR herbs for the first time (hopefully some will get used tonight!).

And if you've read all the way through, I'm proud of you!! This was totally random but I'm avoiding mowing and cleaning the kitchen! David's family and my dad are coming over tonight to grill. Then, all of his extended family is getting together tomorrow at his uncles. Totally taking the wine and anxiety meds with me! Say a prayer that I survive and don't say anything that I might regret later! :-)

Monterey Jack Turkey Burgers

I can't believe I haven't posted this recipe before! We make it all the time and it is SO yummy! My father-in-law, who "refuses" to eat ground turkey ate 3 of these one day. When we told him what was in it he said "Oh, these are actually good!"

POINTS® Value: 6
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 5 min
Cooking Time: 20 min or so

Ingredients

3/4 lb ground skinless turkey breast
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 TBSP reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 TBSP ketchup
1 tsp minced fresh garlic
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 strips turkey bacon (we don't usually use bacon and adjust the points accordingly)
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
1 tomato, cut into 4 slices

Directions

In large bowl, combine the turkey, shallots, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and pepper. Blend in the cheese, then form into 4 burgers.

Heat an indoor ridged grill sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. (Obviously, we use the outdoor grill when it's nice out but it takes a little more time to cook) Cook the burgers until cooked through, 6-8 minutes on each side. When you turn the burgers, add the bacon to the grill; cook until crisp, 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve the burgers in the buns, with the bacon and tomato slices.

We also add lettuce and cucumbers (instead of pickles). And I usually add a little ketchup or mustard to my bun.

Weekly Check-In

Last night was weigh in! I really watched my points this week because I wanted to win the Biggest Loser competition at work. I lost 2.8 lbs this week!!! Leah was proud of me, but now I'm .6 under the maintenance "window." So, over the next 4 weeks, I need to gain a little. Gain weight? Really? How? I'll figure it out. At least I won't have to watch myself quite as much over Memorial Day Weekend and our anniversary!

So, Biggest Loser at work.... I have lost 23 lbs since the 2nd week in January - 11.05%!!! Was it good enough? Not quite! I got 2nd place. The person who won lost 25 lbs, 12.56%. 3rd place was 10.5%. Everybody else was right around 4%, and a few 1%.

The biggest frustration about the day? Having to DEFEND my weight loss to my coworkers. The other day, I had a coworker tell me it wasn't "fair" that I was still in the competition because I got sick. She didn't understand that I actually gained while I was in the hospital - being chalked full of fluids and greasy hospital food. I made her realize this, and she dropped it.

Today, that coworker and a couple others and I were talking. They asked me about WW - how it works, etc... I was talking to them about it, and coworker #3 says "Well, you haven't lost ALL your weight with WW." WHAT?????? She says, "Well, when you were sick this summer you lost a ton of weight." Yeah, and then I didn't lose for the next 2 months because my body was catching up. I had to defend myself and my weight loss to this teacher. I was SO upset. I think she finally got the point when I got an attitude with her. I wanted to say "You can't say anything to me when YOU have gained at least 20 lbs back from your weight loss."

Nobody has the right to tell me about my weight loss. I know I get defensive about it. I've worked my ass off for my 25% weight loss! I know I need to "gain" a little for a few weeks, but then I can lose it again. I like that number. And I'm NOT gaining the weight back until I'm pregnant.

I'm not letting these people upset me, or make me feel like my weight loss isn't as "good" as their's just because I was sick. And I'm sure as hell not going to turn into them and gain it back! Their comments kind of ruined my high from getting 2nd place. But, I did it! And I'm proud of what I did.

Any thoughts on how to gain .6 in 4 weeks? :-P

A new adventure!

Tonight, David and I went to KFC to try the grilled chicken. Then, we went to the track.

The chicken was good - the "free" coupons we got from the Oprah website? Yeah... now they are making you get a rain check. But, they are sending us the rain checks because corporate didn't "realize" how popular it would be! Seriously? You offer a FREE meal and expect it to be anything besides a mad house? But, we still got the dinners. We had a grilled breast (4 points) and a wing (2 points). I had green beans and a salad. I decided to eat the biscuit because, you know what? I wanted it! And I wasn't overly stuffed after eating. The chicken was good. We definitely won't be going every week, but if we ever want chicken, that's where we'll go!

We went to the practice field of one of the high schools that is open to the public. They have the track resurfaced with the "squishy" tread. So, we wanted to go for a 5K, or at least try for it. It wasn't hot, but it was pretty warm... David went on Saturday and had walked a lap, then run a lap..... So, tonight, I decided to try to jog. I walked a lap to warm up, and then, guess what??? I actually jogged! An entire lap! I did it! Then I walked one more, jogged one more, and walked... I started my 3rd jog (6th lap), when I caught up to David. He hasn't been feeling well, and had been walking and just jogging when he felt right. I stopped jogging when I caught up to him and convinced him we need to leave... He looked like crap and was complaining about his abdomen. (More on that in a second) So, for the first time since before my July surgery, I'm jogging again! No, I'm not going to do it alot, and I probably won't even run an entire 5K, but I can jog a little, and that's what matters. I felt great! I'll see how my knee feels in the morning, but right now, I feel great!

So, back to David... Remember when I told you he learned his lesson about greasy food? Well, his stomach has really been bothering him since then. Everytime he eats, he feels bloated and usually ends up in the bathroom within 30 minutes. He's not digesting food properly and is having trouble staying hydrated. He went to see his dr today, who ordered an ultra sound. David had breakfast, so they wouldn't do the u/s anytime today. It's scheduled for 7:00 tomorrow morning. If that doesn't show any gall stones, they are going to do a nuclear test and see if his gall bladder is even working at all. Chances are, he'll be having his gall bladder removed sometime this week. He starts class on June 1st, and we're supposed to go out for our anniversary May 30-31. He says he'll be okay to go regardless, but I'm worried about him. It takes alot for him to say something is wrong. So, we'll see tomorrow what happens. Keep him in your prayers please!

Product Reviews!

I love my parttime job at the flower shop. The owner eats very healthy and often has finds that I haven't seen/tried yet. So, here are the last few things we've tried...

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. Yum! I just had the Cajun Chicken & Shrimp. I couldn't believe that it was only 5 points. Lots of taste and texture. Definitely going to be trying another one soon!

Sobe Lifewater - another yum! You have to be careful, though, because some of them have calories. The Fuji Apple Pear, Black and Blue Berry, and Yumberry Pomegranate are all 0 calories and yummy! It's easy for me to drink plain water, but every once in a while, I need variety. This gives me flavored water with extra vitamins and a great taste!

Ronzoni's Smart Taste pasta - again, yum! This is one we found a few months ago at Walmart. I found it again at HyVee today and I'm now making spaghetti for dinner! :-) Smart Taste is a "white" noodle, but healthier than even the wheat pastas. David and I have had trouble finding a wheat noodle that we like, but now we don't need to try to find it! We love the Smart Taste!!!

Committed!

If you are a Weight Watcher, you have heard of the Momentum Walk It Challenge. David and I have been talking and decided to join it. Well, I just got done registering us for our first 5K! As far as training, I know that I can walk a 5K, and David is building up to running. We are going to start walking more together this summer to keep preparing. If you are local, and want to join us, just let me know! We don't really have a set schedule right now other than no weekends (at least if he's going to walk), but I can go with you without him! :-)

Fast Forward's Race for MS is August 15th here in Omaha. We are so excited! The website says that registration isn't open yet, but it is. Super simple! Because we committed, we get 3 free issues of the WW magazine. After we complete the 5K, we get walking charms for our key chains.

We also registered for the Corporate Run 10K in September with my school district. David wants to try to run it - I'm walking. This one is for the Lung Association. Once we're in the system, I'll let you know. If you can help us out, and pledge even a dollar or two, I would greatly appreciate it!

Next, we are doing the Race for the Cure 5K in October. I haven't started a team yet, but plan to in a couple weeks. If you want to join the team, or could donate, that would be great also!

The funny thing is... 2 years ago, neither of us would have even THOUGHT about doing these races! Weight Watchers has taught us so much, and it's our way of giving back to the community. All 3 of these races are for great causes, and I feel honored to participate.

"It's okay to cheat."

Yeah, somebody said that to me today. I'll get to that in a minute....

My workouts this week have been great! I haven't been to the gym much because of time, but I did the Biggest Loser videos a lot and met my exercise goal for another week.

I wanted to go to the gym Wednesday morning but slept in. I woke up with a decent headache and sore neck. So I took the BL Yoga DVD to work and did it with a coworker after school! I've been working out a little with a couple other teachers and this one was good. We were both dripping and felt great! But, don't be misled: Yoga - especially weight loss yoga - is tough! Bob works you so hard! You will be amazed!

Last night was my first weigh-in of maintenance. I gained .2. My leader said that was awesome! She said alot of people either continue to lose their usual 1-2 lbs or GAIN 1-2 lbs the first week. She was proud of me! She said to do the exact same thing - maybe not quite as many weekly points, but other than that I'm set!

I went to tutor afterwards. When I got done, David had texted me. He wanted to go to dinner with friends. At Noodles & Company. Really? Can we be any less healthy? I also found out the dogs had not been out much throughout the day, and David hadn't been to the store yet. I'm thinking: there is so much I need to do! I don't have time for this. But, I decided to go. I got there before everybody else, so I looked at the Nutritional Values and used my slider to calculate points. I decided to get a small buttered noodles (6) with sauteed shrimp (1) and lots of veggies (0). I also got a small salad with fat-free dressing (0). Dinner was great! They offered to go to Dairy Queen, and I knew I could get a small chocolate cone for 5 points.

Well, I got home after enjoying dinner and found out: the noodles were 11. Yeah, that's right. WW has Noodles & Company in their tracker, and it was 11. Even for the small one. And the dressing was 1. Yeah, not bad, but still... I was so frustrated! I took it out on David - he knows I can't go to a restaurant without knowing my healthy choices and noodles are NOT healthy. AND he knew that WW had Noodles & Company points but didn't bother to share that with me until AFTER I ordered and ate. He never did tell me my points for the noodles. It's not fair that I took it out on him.... Yeah, he had more data than I did, but it's not fair. I was just tired and stressed.

So, today... I'm talking to a coworker about the spaghetti. I told her how frustrated I was last night and she says "You know it's okay to cheat! You don't ALWAYS have to eat healthy." I looked at her and said: You're right, I can choose less healthy foods. But, that dinner wasn't worth the calories it cost me. It's not cheating to choose a less-healthy alternative, but I can be upset with it when I wasn't expecting to do something so high in calories! This is also the girl who works out 4-5 times a week but eats junk 9/10 meals. Then she complains that she can't lose weight. Um, duh? She's watched me lose 62 lbs - she knows that what I've done works. That I've had my wine, Chinese, and Italian. I've had my chocolate, emotional eating days, and turned down treats that aren't worth the calories. But, yet, she makes the most assanine statement she could possibly have made! UH! I was so frustrated.

I get home... David had started the kitchen but not made dinner for me to reheat. He forgot he had to work and left the kitchen mid-cleaned. I still don't have clean counters (grumble) to cook on. So, I'm chilling a bottle of wine and planning on eating a lean pocket for dinner. It's about all that's in the house.

I know everybody is allowed to have a bad day here and there... I'm tired, crabby, and hungry. But am I hungry because I'm hungry? Or because I'm emotional?? I'm having trouble figuring that out! Maybe the wine will help me figure it out? I did work out this morning, so I don't have to try to do that tonight on top of my mood. I will probably work out in the morning again because I have to tutor after school. Then, David is taking me to dinner. I know I will be more prepared this time!

Alert: Random Post Ahead!

I'm watching the Biggest Loser finale - loving it! They all look great! I'm surprised Mandy and Aubrey didn't lose more, but they still look good.

So, last night I did some math... at my goal weight, I lost 24% of myself. Wow! I couldn't believe it! I knew I had lost alot, but to put it with a percentage - just like Biggest Loser does - was astonishing! I was talking to one of the teachers today and told her how much I had lost... I had to laugh when she said "And we don't want that bitch back, do we?" HA! I vow, right here and now, that I will NEVER go above 200 again, unless I'm pregnant or losing pregnancy weight. That "bitch" will never come back. I don't consider being pregnant a bad reason to gain weight - obviously - and I will take the initiative as soon as my doctor lets me to lose the weight again!

I have another picture for you. The parent finally sent the pictures from field day. Obviously, I blacked the kids' faces out for security reasons. These were taken the day after I weighed in for my goal weight!


And yes, I was yelling at kids for some reason - you have no idea how hard it is to keep attention on a field full of excited kids! But, the point is: I feel great in this picture! There are always the trouble areas that I want to get rid of: tone my arms, get rid of the stomach.... But, I did it! I've reached a weight that I'm proud of; I'm wearing clothes that I feel comfortable in. My 14s are really baggy, my 12s are a little loose, and I can wear 10s comfortably! I'm proud of where I'm at - I'm proud enough to show you these pictures. That has to say something, right?


Yes, I actually did the sack race! Well, I started to do it, and jumping hurt my one incision. But, this more of a humorous picture than anything.

I told you this was gonna be random! But, there you go! Tomorrow is my first weigh-in of maintenance. Next week is weigh-in at work for Biggest Loser - $150 jackpot! 8 days of school left. That's it! YAY!!!

Quick Update

I really wanted to work out tonight. I didn't get much in yesterday - a walk and mowing... I came home from tutoring and David was sick. He made the same mistake I made a year ago: ate super greasy food after being strict on WW for 6 weeks! Oops! He said he was up for a walk around the neighborhood, but I could tell he wasn't.

I made myself dinner and decided to do a DVD workout. A couple weeks ago, David and I ordered some Biggest Loser DVDs. They are great workouts, but Bob and Jillian are sadistic. Seriously. Sadistic. Especially Bob's Bootcamp! What I like is that they have it in a 6 week plan - 3 different levels that you do for 2 weeks at a time. This weekend, I did Bob's Yoga and the Power Sculpt that has all 3 trainers. Tonight, I did Bob's Boot Camp and the Power Sculpt. Great workout, but damn, I was sweating!!!!!

The rest of the week has gone well. We weren't as busy at the shop as I expected - good and bad. Friday night and Saturday lunch were brought in. So, of course, I used some of my weekly points. But, overall, I've earned 12 activity points, used 25 weekly points (out of 35), and I haven't used all my daily points 2 days. I weighed myself this morning and I'm where I was Wednesday morning. So, as of right now, I'm doing a good job maintaining! Official weigh-in is Wednesday.

We have 9 days of school left. I got selected to teach summer school which is exciting. We need the money, and it's only 3 weeks. The rest of the summer will be spent cleaning and organizing! We're hoping to hit a few wineries this summer as well!

Other than that, there isn't much going on. I'm loving this weather - if only the pollen would go away! Our veggie garden is going good - the 4 tomato plants and 2 pepper plants are growing. I hope I don't kill them! The dogs are enjoying their walks. The girls don't walk very well when I'm by myself, so I may have to switch up how I walk them (boys vs. girls is how it is right now).

I just ate my ice cream... now I'm on my way to bed with my "sick" husband.

Random thoughts...

Well, today was Day 1 of maintenance. I didn't eat all the points - hell, I didn't eat all of my "old" daily points. I just wasn't hungry. So shoot me. :-P

David was so sweet today. I had to work at the flower shop after I tutored, so he brought me dinner. He also brought me a gift and told me I could open it whenever I wanted. So, I opened it when I had a few minutes - he got me a really sweet card and.... the Biggest Loser family cookbook! So excited to use that! :-)

A couple weeks ago, we ordered some workout videos - all 4 are Biggest Loser based. Bob's Bootcamp and yoga. We also got the sculpting and cardiomax videos. David did part of Yoga tonight, and when I got home I wanted to try it. Man, that was tough! But, I feel good afterwards, and it only took 35 minutes! It actually tells you where to "start" - so Week 1 and 2 is only 35 minutes, Week 3 and 4 build, and then 5 and 6.... You're supposed to do it 4-5 times a week, but I'll probably only do it 2-3 times. I'll see how I feel in the morning and go from there! :-)

We had field day today at school. Remember the days when we would race around the track and play relay races? Well, things have changed. We had some pretty lame games, but my 5 year olds loved - and I mean LOVED - it! Well, how do you explain to 5 year olds how to put a ball between your knees and walk? I had to show them! One of the parents took pictures and said she'd share them with me. While I don't really want embarrasing pictures around... the thing is: I can do it! 2 years ago, I had trouble even WALKING with the kids around the field. Last year, I did a few of the activities, but I tried to avoid the tough ones. This year, I was excited to do things with the kids - I showed them what to do on all but one (the sack race - my incisions started hurting when I jumped). So, I'm sure I'll have "interesting" pictures to share with you soon.

Anyways... I think that's about it. David is patiently waiting for me to finish this so we can go to bed. Tomorrow is Friday - Thank God!

I did it!!

Tonight was our weekly weighin. I lost 5.4 lbs this week. Holy cow!! The biggest part of this though is.......
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I made lifetime!!!! My doctor set a goal for me slightly higher than Weight Watcher's "guideline" because she knows me.... And I hit it tonight! After my maintenance phase, I want to lose another 5 lbs, maybe a little more. We'll see what happens.

So, maintenance phase... I increase my daily points to 4 - so I'm at 33 points instead of 29. I still have the weekly points if I need them, and any activity points I earn can be traded in. But, I can't go more than 2 lbs below or 2 lbs above where I'm at right this second. That makes me nervous! I've been trying for so long to lose weight - and I've been so "good" at gaining weight all my life... Now I have to stay right here for 6 weeks????? I just got used to eating only 29 points - and using a few weekly - now I have to up my points and see what happens.

My leader is awesome. She is totally here for me, and I'm so thankful for her for being here the entire time... I really don't think I could have done it without her constant support!

David also did great tonight. He lost 7.6 lbs, and hit his 5%! So proud of him also!!!!

So, here's to the next 6 weeks......... :-)

Rice Krispie Meatloaf

David got this recipe from somebody on the WW boards. He tried it tonight and it was YUMMY! Unusual combo, but really yummy and low in points!

POINTS® Value: 3
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 60 min

Ingredients

1 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast (If you use lean ground turkey, it will change the points a little)
2 clove(s) garlic clove(s)
1 medium onion(s)
1 egg white(s)
1 egg
1 cup(s) Kellogg's Rice Krispies
1 cup(s) ketchup

Instructions

Mix all ingredients except for ketchup together.
Put in loaf pan.
Bake at 350 for about one hour (until cooked in the middle).

Lesson(s) Learned

Something Weight Watchers talks about is controlling your environment. When you know where you're going for a meal, you check online and find something healthy. If they don't have online menus, you search for keywords like grilled, whole wheat, etc.... You ask for a box when the food comes out.

Well, I work at the flower shop every Saturday. I always bring my lunch because I rarely get a break to go get something. Hell, I'm lucky to sit down for 5 minutes to eat sometimes. The owner offered Quizno's for lunch today. I love Quizno's. Love. With a capital L. So, I ordered my favorite: Chipotle Raspberry Flatbread Salad. Sounds healthy, right? Well, it's lettuce, tomato, chicken, cheddar cheese, a creamy raspberry dressing, and bread. This bread is to die for. Seriously. It's why I order it. Of course, it's not the healthiest thing, but today, I figured I'll "pay for it" later. It can't be that bad, right? It's tons of lettuce and tomatoes!!

I'm paying for it. All 18 points. That's right. My yummy salad is 18 points! That's WORSE than a kids' meal from McDonald's! Wow! The sad thing is that, without the bread, it's still 11 points! I know I can make it healthier by getting rid of the bread and cheese. Plus, I could choose a different dressing, but then... what's the point of that salad? Taking all the yummy stuff away!

So, the last couple days I've been in a funk. I gained weight last week, and I think I'm still mad at myself about it. I know it's part of losing weight - having up weeks, but I only lost 2 lbs last month! That's the worst month I've ever had. I know I'm close to goal so it's going to decrease, but damn it! I should have done better than that! I used alot of my weekly points last week - 20 to be exact - and limited exercise because I hurt my knee on Tuesday. I learned that I cannot eat that many of my weekly points unless I work my ass off in the gym!

I'm trying to get myself out of the funk. I "deserved" that salad - but now I feel bad that I ate it. I should have made a healthier choice, but I didn't plan for the environment -- I didn't control my choices or anything else that Weight Watchers has taught me.

I made a healthy choice for dinner - a Lean Cuisine dinner for 4 points, but basically anything I eat tonight, unless it's vegetables, is putting me over my daily points. I took the dogs for a walk tonight, and my knee started hurting. So, I'm obviously not ready to go back to the gym. That's frustrating, too, but I need to take care of my knee or I'll end up in worse shape than I am.

So, here's to a better week! I WILL have a loss this week. And I've definitely re-learned the core principles behind Weight Watchers this week...