Twas the Week Before Christmas

So the presents are almost done being purchased, some were already given (at church) and still others need to be found and wrapped. I have a potluck next week at work and three family gatherings to prepare for.
Am I alone in all this? I know I'm not. It is taking all I have to keep my holiday spirit in tact, but it sure is a tough one. I am all about the reason for the season-but sometimes I just think it's a little rediculous and over rated. I'm not understanding why we do what we do-just for the sake of doing them. I won't go into detail, but it is just making me think way too much this year. I think a lot of what we do is just not necessary.
Having a nice time with good friends and family-that we actually have a relationship with, is great and lovely. Everyone should do more of it-
I hope everyone can muddle through these next couple of weeks with me-
God bless everyone-
Time for tea-
E-

Tea with Family and Friends

I had a wonderful tea at my home not too long ago with some wonderful friends and family members. I called it "The End of Fall" tea. It was a kick-off to my entrepreneurial efforts to begin The Sweet E and Tea catering business. I was pleased with the menu of sweet potato stew, maple glazed Canadian bacon on cheddar and thyme biscuits, chicken cranberry tea sandwiches, cream scones, maple walnut scones, cinnamon cream, and various curds. I also presented guests with a caramel apple trifle. Mom brought a spice and raisin bread to add to the table. Various teas were available per guest, as was a gift bag full of hand made acorn candies, and a sunflower favor. Each recipe was delicious as usual, and everyone went home with happy memories and a full stomach.
I gave out menus, price lists and business cards. I'm hoping that the word will spread through friends and family, and then eventually out and onward!
I have been planning this day for quite some time now and am pleased with the results.
If anyone has any tips on catering for small groups for tea, please let me know! It would be greatly appreciated-
Time for Tea-
E-

Stop the World! I want to get off!

I just love that saying-and boy do I feel it! I would love to get off this world of ours and step into another realm that was just full of the stuff I love and enjoy-wow...what a dream world! Stress of every day life, work and drama is just about made me "mad". I know it will soon be over with once the Thanksgiving holiday week begins, but omg! I wish it would hurry up and get here!  Anyone with me? I need to become a hermit and enjoy some silence for a while!

This too shall pass! Have a good week!

E- and TEA!

Reinventing One's Self

How does one go about "reinventing" one's self? I feel like I am wanting to do so much- but things that come up in life get in the way of it.

I want to become a very healthy person- all the way...not just losing 5 pounds or so, but constantly eating healthy without binging urges and worrying about how many glasses of wine can I have in order to not gain ounces!

I want to join a women's gym to make sure I keep moving in the cold months and not gain a muffin top like I usually do during these lovely Michigan winters!

I want to begin my tea catering company. I think I am ready to do this now! I have menus, I have a pricing range, I have business cards ordered, and I feel like if I don't just try it-I'll never know what might come of this want I have of creating and hosting a most wonderful tea for someone!

I want to make my husband proud of me and keep him happy because he has become the most important person in my life, besides my sons of course-but as they grow older, they are moving away from Mom, and becoming their own person. I am not their center anymore.
My husband and I have always been hard working people-it's what we came from and it's what we know-
his "retirement" was pretty short lived seeing we still needed a little more to get by with, along with my teaching paychecks. I don't do poorly there, it's just that the one high school son is still spending a lot of money on school sports, activities and etc. So, we will keep at it! :)

I have realized that we have to keep loving all of those who are important in our lives- but not to forget to love yourself as well-I think that if we forget to take care of ourselves, on every level of being-we won't be there for them when they need us!

Hot tea for me!
E-

I Love Fall

 

 

     The Fall season has hit Michigan with a slam of wonderful weather, beautiful skies, and the scent of burning leaves. Football games, Homecoming parades, fire in the pit, and coffee with Bailey's! This is my time of year. Hubby just cleaned up the shrubs and trees for the winter, and I am eager to decorate for the Halloween/Thanksgiving season.
With brick pavers in the entryway, and a nice cozy bench to greet people, it is easy to make the front of the house a welcoming home. The plan is to do it up with hay bales, pumpkins (orange and white if possible), mums and corn stalks with Fall ribbon.
I don't know what it is about Fall- but in Michigan it is a season to treasure. Most people love Spring because of all the new growth and bright colors afgter a drab Winter, but Fall does it for me. I love the hues of Fall-oranges, reds, browns and greens and yellows. When the sun hits these colors in the late afternoon, and the breeze wafts in the Fall air- there is nothing better.

Work is nothing but stress lately. I love teaching the kids-it is my passion, but there are so many changes with mandates that are making the teaching into nothing but assessment and data. I feel like the creativity that teachers once had, and could actually use, is all put to the side now. There is no time to languish the event when a student has an "ahaaa!" moment- or to praise and celebrate knew found ideas or beliefs in what kids get out of their education. It is a sad day for teachers, and, unfortunately, for retired or soon to be retiring teachers. Educators are so under appreciated in America- if anyone could have a truly good day in the shoes of an Educator- they would see that all of these beurocratic add-ons to our day is just a waste of time in the life of a growing student.

I'm glad it's Fall- it helps me to deal with the trials of my career, and bring me back to what's really important in the scheme of my life- my husband, my family, my friends, and loving this wonderful thing called Fall.

Go BLUE!!!

E-
 

Fall into Reading (and writing!)

This is a great time to snuggle down with a good book and a comfy blanket and read 'till your heart's content. I have several books on my "read me" list. Several are adult fiction, some are young adult fiction, some are reference books for my teaching career, and others are for my addiction to crocheting and yarn.
I adore Debbie Macomber, Jodi Picoult, Susan Wiggs, as well a Anita Shreve...and where would we be without James Patterson, Richard Paul Evans, and David Baldacci? (Oh! and Nicholas Sparks!)
I am currently reading a Sandra Brown novel entitled, Lethal , a Cornelia Funke novel called, Inkdeath (the last in a young adult trilogy), and am listening to an audio book by Joyce Myer, who is a wonderful speaker for those of you who need a little spiritual inspiration!
I can't seem to get enough of the printed word.
Today in class, my 7th grade students and I had wonderful conversations about how reading and writing are considered an "art". I asked them why they thought my job title was an English Language Arts teacher- and the responses were so cool.
One student said it's because writers see images in their heads and describe it, and thoughts of characters on paper. Another said that it's because it's what you feel about a topic, and you share it with the world through writing. Yet another said that it's a way to communicate emotions, like in music and painting, only it's in story form.
We then went into how good books can become movies, and are generally blockbusters and rake in millions of dollars; Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Help, The Lovely Bones...the list goes on!
It is fascinating to me that 7t grade students can see so much, and understand so much, but are so afraid to try it themselves because of lack on confindence. 
As an ELA teacher, it's my ob to get it out of them, and speak their mind on an issue, create another land, or reflect on life experiences and create memoir.
Think I have an easy job?
No, I don't ... but the class discussions that I have just mentioned are what keep me grounded in my belief that I can pull it out of the majority of them-even if they outnumber me 165 to 1. LOL-

Keep reading-and check out some young adult books- some of them are better than adult fiction!

Curl up with me and tea-
E-

 

It's That Time Again

 

This week I began another year of teaching. I am in my 26th year, but my 24th year in the school district that I hope to retire from in 7 years. I am a 7th grade ELA teacher, which just means I teach Grammar, Literacy (Reading) and Writing. My group of kids consists of around 160 students so far, but as the year unfolds, I usually gain another 10 or so. My students are of all races, sizes and religions. It is a regular melting pot! That's what makes my job so special and unique. I have been a little nervous with some of the politics that are happening with retirement, and wages, but I think we will pull through somehow. I had a great first week so far, and I can only hope it is the beginning of a good year!

I have crocheted 1 children's blanket for Project Linus so far. I am now working on a red cowel neck poncho for my son's fall baseball and hockey games. I still need to finish my tank top, but since I can't wear it until next Spring- I will work on it in the dead of Winter when I'm dreaming about the warmth of the sun. I will make one more children's blanket before I send them off to the hospitals, for Project Linus. I figure if I can make 2 at a time, that's a good start tot hem program.

I went to a health fair at work, and won a drawing for a free 30 day trial at Planet Fitness- I hope I can find the time to see what it is like.

Hubby and I are still with the WW points. We are getting more serious about it though, because we are not happy with our Summer results. I am weighing and measuring all of my food, and keeping up with my points and tracking them. Wish us luck!

Maybe this calls for some tea-

Have some with me!

E-

Time Keeps On Ticking-

Well, it is the end of July already. I have had such a time with baseball tournaments, and trying to keep social dates scheduled-I feel like I am losing my summer. I have done a lot of reading; Born in Fire, Crispin and the Cross of Lead and now Born in Ice and Treasure Island. Can you guess which of these titles are for my career and which are for fun?

We have been to 7 baseball tournaments around the state of Michigan. Some close by and others needing weekend hotel stays. We have been through a lot of hot weather-some days as high as 100 degrees! This past week, we were in the World Series, but didn't make it to the finals. Very odd, since we have won 6 out of 7 tournaments...

this will keep the boys grounded- that's a good thing!

Next week, we are taking the 14 year old camping in an RV for 3 days. He is bringing a friend-so he will enjoy it. The down side to this trip is that the RV is due back Friday by 10 a.m.- and we have to be playing in a tournament game an hour and a half away by 1:00! Luck of the draw, we get the first and earliest game! :) yay!

Our tomato plants in the back yard were destroyed by the deer- they even ate the tomatoes that were growing! One of the plants was pulled right out of the ground! I trashed them today- what a sight!

All the flowers around the house look good-our water bill is going to be sky high-but I guess it's worth it. Our grass and such looks so nice every time I pull into the driveway!

Well, I am still trying to stay on my healthy eating pattern, but with sadness, I have to say, I haven't lost much-if anything, with all the travel and what not, I have gained the few pounds I lost back again! Anyone ever been in those shoes?? LOL  We can only try-

I am crocheting a tank top out of cotton yarn. It is a mixture of white, blues, greens, and yellow. It will be great for next summer- not sure if I will be able to wear it before Labor Day-

I finished an all white wrap with scalloped edges, and a blue vest for Fall. I guess I've done more than my share of crocheting this summer-must be all those car rides to the ball games! :)

I should be off now- I am (unbelievably) preparing lessons for school already. Crispin is our first novel, then Treasure Island, so I need to prepare.

With all this in mind-

Stay kind-

have some tea, and hug a tree!

LOL-

E-

So much to see!

This past weekend, my husband and I took my parents on a road trip to Door County, Wisconsin. It was a memorable experience-one that I will remember. We had no agenda, just drive from Michigan, through Indiana, Illinois (Chicago), and then into Wisconsin. We made it in 8 hours. We stayed in Sturgeon Bay, which became our "home base" for the stay. To drive to the tip of Door County peninsula, it only took an hour. We saw small towns with many art galleries, wineries, bakeries, and of course, ice cream shops. Cherry pie was on our must have list, so we finally got one on the last night. Dad loved it.

We also tasted many of the wines from throughout the county. We bought a few bottles of blackberry Merlot, and a chocolate cherry dessert wine. Mom and dad bought Riesling, and a white Merlot. I enjoyed seeing the art around Sturgeon Bay-as you can see, artists decorated several sturgeon around town, and displayed them all over. There was even one made into a school bus! Right up my alley!

It was a great trip-I recommend it to anyone who loves small shops, wine and walking. I forgot to mention the awesome yarn shop called "Spin" that I went to. I found some beautiful Italian yarn and brought it home! Now I just have to decide what to crochet it into!

Have a good week-

E-

Keeping At It...

This weekend I weighed in and saw that I had gained .6! I was in shock because I did so well with points and exercising- so I stuck with it over the weekend. I ate good- but with little exercise. I had a baseball tournament to attend, perch fishing with family, and more baseball!
I woke up this morning not wanting to walk-but I went on a 3-miler anyway- I'm glad I did. It feels good to know you accomplished something that you know should have been done, whether you felt like it or not.
I had mni wheats for breakfast, and we are having tossed veggie salad with tuna in it. I prefer mine without mayo- hubby likes a little. I also did the house cleaning- so I look at that as extra calorie burning.
I am planning a trip to Wisconsin Door County this week- I plan to make it as enjoyable, and as healthy as possible.
Hope everyone else is still on the losing path!
E-

Keep Walking!

Today I was a little tired and played with the idea of not walking or riding my bike. I enjoyed some company until 12:30 last night, and it was just great to catch up on things...
the problem with that is, I am becoming a light weight! I have a hard time staying up late and having a few "beverages" while entertaining! LOL I know I'm pushing 50- but this is rediculous!
Well, the good thing is is that I decided to put the 'ol walking clothes on and take my jaunt around the island. I went about 3 miles or so-and I am feeling so glad that I didn't stay in my robe with another cup of coffee.
Yes, I may need a nap this afternoon-but my husband informs me that that's OK! :)
I weigh in on Fridays, so I only have tomorrow and the rest of today to stick to my points, and get my exercise in. Yesterday, we biked 7.7 miles! Summer is great here! We are so lucky to be able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor Michigan weather.
Well, the youngest has a dentist appointment, so I better run-
It's going to be another warm one-
Keep cool-
Ice Tea for Me!
E-

p.s.- Say a prayer for Florida and the Western States! What a mess!

Still Going Strong...

The pounds are going away slowly- but I am happy to report that  the total is 5 pounds now. I have been very strict with points and have been walking and biking with my husband. It is so nice to have a companion on this better eating style-healthy living style. Being close to 50- I feel that if I don't get used to this way of living- it could be unhealthy for both of us. With cholesterol counts and irregular heart beats, and stress, it is wise to begin this way of being safe and healthy now!

I have 7 pounds to go to get to my goal- I am sure it will be slow, but I feel ok with that. I remember when I used to be impatient with weight loss- but I realize now, it's ok if you know you are doing your personal best to get where you want to be.

I finished my youngest son's afghan, and am now working on a summer top/winter vest, and a sampler squares blanket for myself. I gave my friend Jackie the prayer shawl I made a while ago- I felt it belonged to her-it is her color and everything...she was greatly appreciative.

Thinking about making the women in my family handbags for Christmas, and my husbands family women, scarves.

Hope everyone is doing well- it is a beautiful day here in Michigan-76 degrees for the high today, but the sun is just wonderful. Walked 4 miles this morning- it was perfect!

Keep active and stay on the healthy path for food choices...

Iced Tea today-

E-

Still Trying!

Weigh in was good- I didn't budge! To me-that's success...as long as I didn't gain- it's a good thing!
I plan on continuing the quest for weight loss-cooking healthy meals, walking and biking...and working on my upper arms. A friend from work showed me a new exercise for them-
Hold arms out to side, and turn them (or flip them) palms up, then down-for 100 reps a day. I also have been doing push ups on the stairs. It really does help-builds the upper back strength too!

I just finished cleaning the house, and I feel like that was a workout in itself-so now I am trying to decide what to do next. I think I will shower and relax a while, put my son's afghan together-just finished crocheting the last panel of it, then when the evening comes, and if it is not raining, I will walk a few miles.

P.S. Son #2's baseball team won their 2nd tournament of the season-swept it again! Great job boys!!

Have a nice hot week everyone-
Enjoy the sunshine-
Enjoy your tea-
E-

Schools Out for Summer!

Hey everyone! School is officially over for the summer! This is me and my 6th hour class-what a great bunch of 7th graders! We had a good year- lots of good times!
These guys are what I live for-along with my own 2 of course!! LOL   They are so special...
Hubby and I walked about 4 miles today- weigh in is Saturday morning- so I will see how I did this week. I had a small piece of cake for a retirement celebration- but I think I walked that off! LOL


Everyone have a great summer!
Have some tea and read over the summer-enjoy!
E-

Summer Is Upon Us

This is the last week of classes for me. I will officially be done teaching on June 14th, but the 15th is my official last day for the school year. Yahoo!

I have  2 classes of projects to check, and a few odds and ends to enter for grades, but for the most part it is going to be an easy end to the year.

I had my weigh in morning today- I am down another .7, for a total of 3.9 pounds. I am glad to see it in the negative, since I know I tried very hard to do well with my WW points. I did walk only 1 day, about 3 miles, but that's because of baseball practices and games on all the other days.

I am pleased to say that I made it through the 2 toughest weeks for women, the week before the dreaded curse, and the one before that! Those 2 are the hardest challenge weeks for baked goods and sweet and salty snacks. I was very disciplined, so I know that next week I will see a bigger loss at the scale.

I wore a pair of pants to work yesterday that I wasn't sure I'd fit into comfortably, but they were fine!

That in itself makes me feel better about how I see myself, and feel.

I am longing to go boating and relaxing in the sun. I want to read and crochet, and just enjoy the beautiful Michigan summer. What a great season to live in the Great Lakes area!

Our mission to tear out the back deck is coming nearer- maybe the week after school is done we will get at it. It's so large that we have to do it by sections.

We will be very busy, and physically active to boot-so I am planning on dropping a few pounds that way-

With that in mind- time for tea! (Iced!)

E-

Winning It and Losing It!

    It's Weight Loss Time!

This has been a very busy weekend for our family- the youngest had a baseball tournament both days and won all five games! They swept the tourney! The boys are so excited!
I thought with being out at the ball park all weekend, I would lose track of my food intake and points- I was wrong...
I had 2 good lunches both days; one was a grilled veggie wrap at a coney island, and the other was the veggie omelete with spinach and onions inside, and tomatoes diced on top of it from Bob Evans. It was only 7 points!
I kept to my points all weekend, and even enjoyed a couple of cold brews (light of course).
I weighed in Saturday morning, and found that I had lost 3.2 pounds. I was so glad-I think that gave me the encouragement to be good with points this weekend. I need to deep going.
I bought a new WW scale, I just love it-it takes a little tap, then goes right form zero to your weight. I've heard of scales that deduct or add weigh to a starting weight and it just tells you what you lost or gained- sounds neat-but I like mine...
Tomorrow I am going to try a new WW recipe with Pene and butternut squash. If it's good, I will post it this week!
I hope everyone has a good week!
Have some tea!
E-

This week has been very strange for me. I have been eating very healthy, but I still don't feel safe to exercise since I haven't been feeling 100%-I think it's bronchitis- doctor thinks it's allergies-how do you know that you know more than a doctor?? I am looking forward to getting active again-hopefully it will be soon. This weekend is swamped with baseball tournament, Islandfest, and more baseball- plus it is the last 2 weeks of school, so all is crazy at this point. Final projects, tests, exit exams...the list goes on-  I am certainly looking forward to the 10 weeks of pure freedom-I call it a "retirement tease"-because it is all that and more! LOL   Our flowers around the house are looking great, the deck in the back will be our summer project-needs to be taken down and re-done. Lots of work, but it will be worth it!

Well, tomorrow is Friday, and I need my sleep to make it through the day of a 7th grade teacher.

I will be blogging again on Sunday after my weigh - in.

With summer in mind- it's time for some relaxing tea-

E-

I'm Still Here!

I have not been blogging for several reasons...one, my son's baseball and spring hockey schedule keeps me going 24/7, two, my school work for my 7th graders piles up on me like crazy, and thirdly, it is the end of the school year and I am just loaded with paper work to do, cleaning up to do, housework inside and out to do, and wanting to fit in readin a good book and crocheting.

I am still on the journey to losing the 10 pounds I've been blogging about. I did very well, but then gained it back. I am not giving up this journey though, so stick with me- the best is yet to come!

We are grilling on cedar planks tonight-yes, fresh walleye from Lake Erie- fresh pineapple on the grill as well, and some corn on the cob and fresh steamed green beans with almonds. Yes, I even made a low fat trifle with fat free pound cake, fat free pudding, fat free cool whip and strawberries! YUM! Only one serving!

I have had the opportunity to crochet my oldest son's afghan. It turned out beautifully and now I am half done with my younger son's. I have a sea green afghan started with sampler squares, but I am not sure who the recipient of that one will be. It looks very feminine, so maybe a family member or a friend...

I have taken some nice walks with my husband. We walk at least three miles when we go-so it'a always a good workout. We biked over to Swan Island the other day-it was such a nice ride! Lots to look at and lots to discover. I think this is the only reason why I love this island so much- the scenrey and the natural areas are just one to soak in...

More to come later-

Stick with me!

E-

New Year- New Me-

The Monday after Easter was my weigh-in day at WW. I wasn't nervous about it- I just reminded myself that I was pretty determined, and stuck to my points , so I should do ok- or stay the same. I was surprised and happy to see that I lost 2.2 pounds! I was happy because I tried very hard not to eat a lot at 2 family Easter get togethers, plus I had to control myself when we had my Dad's birthday cake from my favorite bakery! I split a piece with my husband-so I felt safe on that decision.  When we got home, we went for a 4 mile walk to help with the weekend eating-but later in the evening, we had popcorn made on the stovetop by the bucketful!  (We counted it as dinner and snack since we had an Easter Brunch that day!) LOL

I am now down 5.8 pounds. I have 8 more pounds to go to get to my goal. This week I have tracked my points, drank my water, walked, and self-talked a lot so that I wouldn't binge or over do anything. It's so easy to add on to portion size and add on helpings. I am using a lot of the "anchoring" techniques that I've learned at the WW meetings-they help!

Well, it's only Wednesday, so I have 4 days and a half to continue to do well. Weigh in is Monday- hope it is in the negative again!

Have a great week!

E-

New year-new me-still!!

Today has been a good day. I have been keeping to points this week, and have been very aware of my moods and my urges to eat. I have been eating the 5 fruits and veggies required of WW, so it has been a great help. I also have been drinking the 6 glasses of water. My husband and I went out to eat last night, and I had hot water with a lemon-what a nice "filler". I ate only half of my veggie omelet and I felt full.

Keeping my food diary is great for me because I can plan ahead, and account for food I want to eat ahead of time. I rarely use my weekly allowance points, but when I need a small piece of candy like a taffy or a mini-tootsie pop drop- I'm good to go!

I had some students ask me today if I wanted a birthday cupcake- it looked so good! I said "no", I'm trying to watch it- and they were very understanding! LOL Middle school kids can be so cool!

I hope my weigh -in next Monday goes well, I'm trying very hard.

With that in mind-time for dinner!

WW oven "fried" chicken, broccoli and sweet potatoes! Yum!

E-

New Attitude-

I went to weigh in on Monday- I lost 3.2 pounds. I am really excited about that! I had such a struggle with losing 5 and gaining it back- now I feel I am on the weight loss journey I had begaun a while ago. I have to do a lot of self talk, and a lot of planning for the food I will prepare for the week. I made myself walk w/o my husband the other day, and was quite glad I did!
I know that this is a time consuming endeavor-it's not going to happen over night-it cannot be rushed. I think that because I want instant results, I get super upset when I don't lose one week-I need to keep in mind that this took months to put on-it's going to be that way to take it off. Patience is the key, and a good attitude.
I hope everyone reading can learn what I did-relax and enjoy the new foods, fruits and veggies made a different way-adding more seafood to your diet, and a lot of water!
Keeping up with new low fat and heart healthy cookbooks are great too. I have a new magazine called Eating Healthy, and I look at the WW website for recipes, and purchase their cookbooks as well.
There are plenty of websites too-just look!
Have a great day!
E-

new me /new year-take 2

Well, here I am. I had to regroup and re-commit to my losing 10 pounds. I went to WW to weigh in-I am right back where I started...
I am tracking my points, giving up a few bad habits, and trying to add some good ones.
I am trying to eat the lesser meal at night, so that I won't sleep on a heavy stomach. I feel better too-especially if I go walking.
Today I was reminded of all things that I've forgotten while I am able to walk on this beautiful island of ours. I saw some water fowl; swans, geese, heron, and a little bird I'm not sure of-but it is an eye grabber! I saw boats out for early fishing, and I also saw people out and about doing their own walking and bike riding, and also yard work or home improvement work.
I am strengthened by the fact that I am not alone in this struggle to remain healthy for my "elder years" in the near future. I was greeted by many people who are around my age- late 40's, early 50's, 60's....who probably feel the exact same way I do. I need to shed that extra poundage from this winter of ours.
Fortunately we have been blessed with an early Spring-88 degrees in March in Michigan! Record breaker!
My hydrangea is beginning to sprout and so is the clematis out back near the fountain. I feel like an expectant mother when they begin to reappear in the warmth of the sun. They are truly my babies. :)
So, maybe there is a lesson to be learned by Mother Nature. Try. This is why I chose the graphic for this post. I need to try to be what I am most comfortable at-I want to be comfortable in my body-so I am going to TRY! I made the commitment (and saw myself in shorts!) and I am sticking to it!
My family may hate it, but it's for the better for them all to be involved in this.
My husband was so funny when he talked to me from out of town. He was telling me how the work area that he is at is set up so that he has to walk from one end of a convention center to the other to get his work done, so he is using the "travel" from one end to the other as exercise time. How convenient! I love it!
Well, I have some reading to do-
Sounds like a good time for tea-
Have a great week-
E-

Here we go again!

Well, I was off to such a good start-
I totally went off goal. No one can ever say that family stress doesn't have anything to do with weight gain! I have gained the 5# I lost back again, and I have not been tracking my points and I have felt terrible-only because of what I let myself do...
I know I don't look terrible-but I look not so good- to me! I am uncomfortable in my clothes, dressing for work is getting to be a hastle, and food just discusts me at the time being.
This weekend I am setting new goals for myself-
When I write them all down and decide a new program for myself-I will share it. I will continue to go to WW, but I think I need to sit down with myself and work out a new goal and strategies that are going to help me get on my way to losing the 10 # I need to lose.
I read the Mayo Clinic diet and it is very similar to WW- so I think I am going to find a way to combine the two, and call it my own.
I know for sure that I am definitley working in daily activity- since it is now nice outside, and I won't freeze to death walking in the cold.
Ok- this is it for today- thanks for sticking it out with me through the "thick" and "thin" of all this. LOL-
I will do this- I just need to get my poop in a group!
Have a great weekend!
E-

Have some tea!!!!!!!!!

New Year- New Me

I had my weigh in yesterday- I was up .8. Now I know that it doesn't sound like much, but when you try very hard to eat only 26 points a day, and watch your husband eat a Blondie at Applebee's right in front of you- with no tastes...it's kind of hard to take!
I did so well-or so I thought...I guess I just have to try harder this week-I have to start exercising! That's what it is!!
I have been on an emotional roller coaster all weekend and these first few days of the week- so hopefully it will all settle down and I will get more focused.
I don't have much to say- just that we have to stick with it! Never, ever, ever give  up! I think that's a famous British quote from an old war! :)

Onward MacDuff! (Shakespeare)
With that on my mind-
Time for Tea-
E-

New Year-New Me

I am very excited to announce that today on my day off, I was able to attend a WW meeting and weigh in for my first week. I lost 5 pounds total! I was in shock! I was very strict with my 26 points, I used some flex points throughout the week, and I even went to a bowling fundraiser for my son and had a few beers! I was really on guard though- I didn't eat any pizza, and I brought a bag of mixed nuts and Pepridge farms baked crackers cheddar flavor to nosh on while having a brewski! It really worked for me this past week! I just hope I can be successful again this week-knowing I won't lose that much - I am hoping for 2 pounds.
I went for a walk around the island-almost 3 miles. (Not the whole island! ) LOL -
I also ate a good breakfast/lunch since my meeting took me out of the house a little longer than I planned.
Dinner is WW recipe for Chicken Hash-  NYC restaurant favorite, and a Healthy Eating magazine recipe for mashed potato/brussels sprout frittata! Together the meal is only 9 points!
Keep eating those fruits and veggies! They are the key!
Time for TEA!
E-

New Year- New Me!

Today was another great day points-wise. I had a good lunch which included an apple with the new Jiff peanut butter take-along, a baby bell cheese round, and a cutie. I also had a nice poached egg and dry whole grain toast for breakfast. Dinner was a great WW recipe-Stir fry beef and broccoli-had a little zing to it-good!
I finished my poncho today after work while I waited for the meat to marinate for dinner-it turned out very nice! Now I will begin mom's request for a yellow baby sweater. Since son #2 has hockey- it's the perfect time.
I got all of the tests scored last night and today, so I feel good about using my extra time crocheting. I have a beautiful pattern for an open-work cardigan for spring and summer. I will work on that as well. I picked a seafoam green color- I think it will turn out nicely.
Next week I have a 2 day break for "winter break" here in Michigan. Not that it's a very lengthy break, but a break all the same. I plan on doing a lot of relaxing those 2 days...
I will probably end up cleaning and cooking and baking a lot while the house is empty! LOL
Well, here's to another good day. I need to keep my spirits up and my confidence in tact!~
Hope you do the same!

With all of that-
Time for tea!
E-

New Year-New Me...

Day 3 of feeling empowered with my WW healthy living quest...
I had a great day of sticking to points. I made a wonderful pasta recipe with asparagas, tomatoes, and a couple of strips of low fat bacon in penne! Wow was it ever good. It is a 8 point per serving WW dish.
I did a 30 minute lower body cardio workout on my Direct TV-wasn't sure how I would do-but I did fine-hung right in there!
I am suffering from cold symptoms (headache, stuffiness...) but I made myself try it.
I am so glad that my husband is such a great supporter of this healthy living kick I'm on- but I assure him that it is the best for both of us! I made each of us a Michigan salad for our lunches-what a perfect treat! The Traverse City cherries and walnuts taste so good with the low fat vinegrette we have. I suggest everyone make it!!
Well, with my head stuffed and my tests to score call me- I better sign off for now.
Maybe some tea would be the key for me! (LOL)
E-

New Year-New Me (?) I lost count!

Today is Tuesday and I feel much better. I had a little set back, but am on my way now! I went into WW and weighed in. I weigh more than I thought, but I'm ok with that! My home scale must be losing it's bounce- it's about 4 pounds off! AHHHHHHHHH! LOL- Needless to say, I got the new WW info., and began with the 2012 version of Points Plus- not bad-26 points now, but they are giving more flex points-I never did understand those flex points, it feels like I'm allowed to cheat! I hope I don't use too many of those per week!
I went grocery shopping after work today-now mind you- I hate to grocery shop, but on a Tuesday afternoon around 3:00, it wasn't so bad...it was actually quiet and realxing??? I bought some good food for dinners and lunches, and snacks that are healthy and some WW products. My sons are going to have to deal with me until May- because that is how long I have given myself to reach goal weight. But it won't stop there- I want to be heart healthy-I want to cook it, live it, and be it. I can't afford not to be...I've lost too many family members to heart disease at a young age, and I am closing in on that wonderful age of 50. So- now is definitely the time!
I have done extremely well these last 2 days- I actually haven't felt hungry-so I think I am eating those power foods that keep you full longer. It really makes a difference.
I have been crocheting a poncho for myself for the spring baseball games. My youngest is playing school ball and travel ball, so the spring will be chilly- It is almost done. It is a beautiful color-it's called drift wood-but it has a mixture of lt. brown and soft blue in it.
I just finished a prayer shawl, so now I have one equal to my mother and sister, which I made for Mother's Day for them last year.
I made a baby sweater for a friend at work having her 2nd baby-a girl this time...
I am now commisioned to crochet a yellow one for my mom's neighbor's daughter who just had a little one 3 months ago.
This is what keeps my hands busy so that I don't eat too much after dinner! :)
Hope you have a good day/week!

Here's to Tea!
E-

New Year New Me (10)

Today I came to a startling epiphany- I can't lose the weight until I get serious about it- I don't mean, I just want to lose 10 pounds- I really want it- like an army guy who yells at the new recruits-"get down and give me 50"!! LOL
I gave it a lot of thought today-(not quite sure how I got through 6 hours of The Call of the Wild with my 7th graders-but we did!)   :)  but I truly think that my state of mind was just not in the right mode- but I think I am headed in the right direction.
I went onto my health insurance provider's web site (HAP), and I connected with the health and fitness tab-it will walk you a questionaire about your health and fitness, habits, and even mental health questions. It then gave me a plan to get more motivated to exercise for the health of it, not just to lose weight.
I am very concerned about my heart health since my family is douced in heart issues and also diabetes, so it is my overall concern to whittle the waste so my future is a good one. Not smoking is a plus, and I do have an occasional drink, but nothing to ever worry about. I am going to see my doctor soon, and I also have my mamogram scheduled, so, again, on the right path.
I am going to read over the plan I received from HAP today- and then this weekend I plan on purging my cupboards in the kitchen and stock them with the good stuff.
Gotta go to hockey now-
In a hurry as usual!
Wish I could have tea!
E-

New Year-New Me! (9)

Well, as you can see, I am having difficulty keeping up with my blog here...I am also having difficulty keeping myslef motivated to drop these 10 pounds! I want to, but I am getting extremely lazy due to stress at home at at work. I feel like I am over loaded with it...I actually have a doctor's appointment soon to see what ailes me...not quite sure, and not very good at self medicating! :)
I have a WW account and joined a 40 mile challenge for the month of February-not doing so well- thought I would get right at it since our weather is mild enough (40 degrees or so) or do the walking tapes with Leslie Sansone-but it's just not happening.
Food-wise, I have done so well-but this week it's just gone down hill for me. I want coffee dunkers, quick breads, muffins-all the comfort food that I love-
Not quite sure how to stop myself from baking them and buying them! How does one do that??? LOL
I look at every day as a new starting point-so hopefully tomorrow will be the beginning I need-as fo today-I already blew it...I had pizza and salad with the girls at work, and then I had a few peanut M&M's!
I feel terrible-but I will get over it.
Hope you are having a better time of it-
It's time for me to ger serious!

With that in mind-
Time for Tea-
E-

New Year-New Me! (8)

Hey! Another day of following the WW points plus system....still having terrible urges to snack, so I actually let myself snack a little today-I had a few M&M's peanut! I guess it's ok because I used them in my extra points for the week bank-
I really don't feel that bad about it...
I have a landmark birthday to go to this Sunday-so I am in charge of getting the cake! I have a favorite bakery that I use for special occasions like our wedding, anniversaries, and the like. I just love their cake-so I am trying to do good with points this week so I can have a piece. My mother is turning 75, and my sister, 50! 2 landmarks at one time!
We are also going to a favorite Italian restaurant of ours, so I am going to have a really challenging day! Maybe if I just relax on the food, I can have the cake! LOL
We'll see- as  you know, you'll hear all about it on Monday when I am recovering from the party! :)

I bought A Wii game called Biggest Loser Challenge today. My son and I went into Gamestop, and I found it used for $16.00- maybe this will help me to be more active at home while hubby is bowling! That's the plan anyway- I thought if I don't get into a crochet project, I could put it in the Wii and check it out!

I have several quizzes to check by Friday, but I'm going to be lazy and check them tomorrow. I am very lazy right now after making turkey burgers with soup for dinner. WW had a great recipe for the burgers, and the kids loved them too! It has 1 pound of ground turkey, 1 garlic clove minced, 1/2 t. pepper, 1 T. of soy sauce, and 1 T. of ketchup. Mix and then add 1/3 cup monterey jack shredded cheese and fry in a pan using Pam or any other kind of cooking spray, and 2 slices of turkey bacon for grease and taste purposes. Cook about 4 min. on each side-or longer, depending on your taste.
It was very tastey! Just ask my family!!

Good luck today! Hope you stayed away from the M&M's!!!!

E-

New Year-New Me! (7)

Having a hard time wanting snacks today- it's just one of those days! I'm doing good though- stuck to my points...
Not doing much good on the movement part of this endeavor- but I will try to incorporate that when hockey gets less intense! We had a tournament and district playoffs all weekend including yesterday and tonight! Yes, son #2 played at the Joe yesterday and won! How nice-
Crochet-wise, made hubby a cute "prince charming" Frog-I used to tell him he is the frog I kissed, and he turned out to be my prince!! He's actually quite a handsome frog, if I do say so myself! LOL
Well, I guess this will be a short blog today- not much going on- just wanted to let you all know that we all struggle with this issue, and it's ok-we get through it and move on- snacks or no snacks! :)
Keep smiling and have a great week!

Have some tea on me-
E-

New Year-New Me! (6)

Today was a crazy day! I made a great lunch for myslef to bring to work, and I left it on the kitchen counter! Not so good- so I had a grilled chicken bacon ranch salad form McDonald's. It was good! I only used half of the Newman's dressing though...so I felt good about my decision to get that.

I had my 2 fruits, and I will have a vegetable with dinner. Today I am making cube steak, but with only a bit of flour, and olive oil to cook it in. No more vegetable oil- we sledom used it anyway.

Yesterday we made baked cod with an herb crust, and I boiled sweet potatoes and steamed brussels sprouts. Boy was that good! What a healthy meal!

Baking was quite an event yesterday. I made a WW recipe for scones (one of my favorite things to eat!) and they literally turned out like hockey pucks! They were terrible! I threw them away without letting my husband take a taste-they were that bad! I found another scone recipe in another WW cookbook- so maybe I will try that one-

Well, hopefully you had a good day today- trying to stick to my points!!
Off to the kitchen to make dinner then to the ice rink for son #2's hockey game! Lucky me!! :)

With that in mind-
Wish I had time for tea-
E-

New Year-New Me! (5)

Well today was my "official" weigh in after 1 week of eating healthier using the WW points plus system. I have lost 2 pounds! I feel good about this because this was the worst week of the month for me- all of you ladies out there who are peri-menopausal know what I'm talking about...I struggled a few times with wanting baked goods, or a piece of candy, or chips, but I held my own and snacked in a healthy manner. I had some WW 1 point cookies that I made (metioned in an earlier blog), and I had Skinny Pop popcorn that I had heard about at a WW meeting last summer-it's good! Low points! I also made myself eat 2 fruits a day. We bought some clementines, apples and bananas, so we were well stocked.

Speaking of well stocked-I really think that's the key to eating better-if it's there, you'll eat it. We had to get rid of a lot of extra candy and such from the holidays, so it was a little easier-plus, the WW or Eating Healthy recipes I've found in various cookbooks has helped, like Cook Yourself Thin, and WW cookbooks, and Eating Well magazine, and WW magazine! They all help with snack ideas and recipes.

Tonight we are making baked cod with baked sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts- notice all the "baked" items- rule #1- NO fried foods! LOL -Even though now and then a small amount won't hurt you- it's good to stay away from it if you can. I hope this week is as successful as last week was for you and me! I need to get more movement in this week- I guess that will be my goal for this week.
Leslie Sansone-watch out! LOL

With that in mind-
I think I'll fill my belly with Tea!
E-
(Have a great week!)

New Year-New Me! (4)

Well, well...it's Thursday and I am still doing just fine with my 29 points limit. I had a good day at a Literacy Leader workshop today, and they served a great lunch with salad, soup and chicken sandwhich wraps. I had a cup of soup and a wrap-and it wasn't a large one, it was small. (But good!)
I came home and was a little hungry, so I made myself some tea, and made myself busy with my crocheting. It's a good hobby to have to distract me from bingeing! LOL
Seriously- I think that a hobby is a good way to keep busy, and stay away from snacking-
If I keep with that train of thought, I'll have a ton of crocheted items made by summer! :)
I have my son's hockey game to go to tonight, so I'm trying to think of what I could possibly do after I'm done blogging for some kind of exercise...any ideas?? I don't have much time- my husband suggested the stairs! Maybe that could work-as long as I don't kill myself doing it in the process!
He gets to bowl tonight, so he's all set with his activity points...lucky!

I recommend the Cook Yourself Thin recipe for Turkey Chili-I made it last week and it was awesome! It is very low calorie, but packs a good taste! If you break up a few tortilla chips in it-it's even better!
Well, short blog today- but that's how it is when you're on the run!
Have a great day-
Tea is a great distraction to food as well!
Time for Tea!
E-

New Year-New Me! (3)

Today was another successful day- we didn't walk outside because despite the mild temperature, it began to rain. I guess I will make today a skip day for exercise-not so good an idea, but I've kind of busied myself in the kitchen too much tonight.

I made a great dinner from my new cookbook Cook Yourself Thin. It was a wonderful Chicken Tetrezzini!  I just got done baking 1 point cookies from WW. They are oatmeal cherry ( I substituted raisins for cherries). One batch made 40 cookies.

I kept to my 29 points today, so I feel pretty good about that-this perimenopausal stuff can play havoc with cravings- so I think I am doing enough self talk to get through this week without going over my points values.

Hope your day was just as good-
With that in mind-
Time for Tea-
E-

New Year-New Me! (2)

A couple of days ago, I decided to blog about my weight loss efforts until I lose the 10 pounds that needs to be shed off of my body! I am using the WW points plus program, which gives me 29 points per day. I can also use "points plus allowance", but I am choosing not to at this time.

My husband and I walked over 3 miles on both Sunday and Monday. It's been such a mild winter here in Michigan, that we were able to take in some beautiful scenery on the island we live on. The full moon shone so evenly over the river last night, it was amazing! It looked like a photo-

Sunday I was able to keep to my 29 points, Monday I kept to them as well. Today, I am still at 11.5 points available to me, and it is almost 6 p.m. I am drinking a lot of water during the day at work, and snacking on fruits and veggies, since I need to have up to 5 servings a day. The only "downfall" I had today was that I was craving mixed nuts when I got home from work!! I felt guilty when I ate them, but hten realized I had points to spare today- so not to worry too much...

Hubby is bowling tonight, so I am on my own to get in some exercise. I think today is either a spot training day, or a Leslie Sansone walk from On-Demand cable. Not sure what I will feel up to.

I have a student who is requesting that I crochet him a blue scarf for the winter to match his denim coat and blue eyes. LOL- so I may have to get going on that too!

I feel pretty confident that I can get through this first week of WW- I keep reminding myself of how much better I feel when I am 10 pounds lighter! :)

If you are reading this blog- please share your weight loss joys and woes- I'd like to revel in them with you!

With that in mind-

Time for Tea!

E-



New Year-New Me! (?)

This year I have decided to dedicate my blogging to weight loss. I have to lose 10 pounds or more to feel the way I like to feel. I will be blogging my progress, my woes and my joys as I venture into this wonderful time of weight loss.
I am a confident person when it comes to losing weight. I have done it in the past and I can do it again. I have come to the acceptance and conclusion, though, that getting older certainly does have an impact on how quickly or how slowly the weight comes off.

So, the good news is that I didn't gain as much weight as I thought after going on a cruise to the Bahamas for our honeymoon, getting through the last few weeks of classes with 180- 7th graders before the holiday, plus the actual weight gain expectations of Christmas and New Years! I think that 10 pounds is very do-able and realistic. If I get to that point and I feel I need to lose more, I will rearrange my thinking.


If anyone would like to join me in this effort-feel free to comment or follow me. I am 5 feet 2 and 1/2 inches tall, and need to lose 10 pounds as I mentioned earlier. I am 47 years old, and work full time as a teacher. I have one son in college and one in high school.

I am at hockey games and practices a lot, and also love to crochet and read. I also like to walk-but here in Michigan, it can be hard to do in the winter-but it is a goal of mine to try it a couple times a week.

I will probably walk indoors with my Leslie Sansone videos for 2 and 3 mile walks after work, and maybe do some area exercises for my upper arms and thighs.
Well, here we go! I will try to post a blog every day, and talk about my goals and my successes. I will also whine about the hard part of losing weight-not eating as many baked goods as I'd like to! Although- I do have some great recipes that are low fat that I will share!

With that in mind-
Time for Tea-
E-
(Tea is good for you!)

New Year- 2012

Well, we made it. Christmas is over, New Years Eve is over...now what? It's a new year- is everyone ready?

Personally, I thought I was, but now I might have to question that. Now that it is here, there isn't really much I can do about it, is there? LOL

I think that by now, I should know that the years come and go more quickly, and we are never really ready for new ones. I guess it's just "forge ahead", "be brave and move onward", or "suck it up" or something-LOL

I guess I have some expectations that I would like met, but I'm not quite sure if they will be this year. I'd like some changes to take place in my (our) lives, and I just hope I have the ability to make them happen.

I'm not going into detail as to what they are- they are "do-able", not at all fantastical or over the top...

it's just that I don't know if it is the right time for changes, or would waiting be beneficial.

Lots of thoughts to ponder this new year-
make the best of the time we have!


With that in mind-

Time for Tea-

E-