Black Clouds Have Come

I join millions of others in the unemployment line..

Smoking

I have decided to give a go at quitting smoking...again! I am starting to feel like I am on a health craze or something or maybe because a birthday freak out is coming. I always get antsy around my birthday, I don't like getting older.

I haven't gone to the gym for quite sometime and it looks as though it will be another couple of weeks. I finally got to the doctor after 2 weeks of knee pain to find out I have a problem with my meniscus and what is called a Baker Cyst. So the doc prescribed an anti inflammatory and I need to go back to see him in 2 weeks. Hopefully it will be better. Until then, I guess I am stuck with upper body workouts and making sure I stay focused with Weight Watcher's.

Oh, back to the smoking thing. I think what triggered it is that I think back to the struggle I have at the gym. It is hard to be a smoker and the try to do cardio. Sometimes I feel like I am going to die, my face is beat red and I get some looks. Scariest part, next year (2010) I will have been smoking for 20 years..hmmm.

Yummy!

At Saturdays meeting our regular meeting leader was not there but her replacement was just as good and quirky as she is, so it kept the meeting interesting. It is a possibility that I may switch my times because going at 10 in the morning is just to late for me. So I gained some insight on a new leader.

During out meeting she was talking about this nice 2 point snack she makes with her kids. It sounded so amazing that the whole room was quiet and intrigued. When she was done explaining how it was made you wanted to leave and go home and make it right away. That is just about what I did!!

As most of you know, I love to share tips and ideas, that is what I am going to do right now with the awesome little snack.

I don't know what it is called, besides YUMMY..

1 box of cake mix, any kind, what ever you like. I used Devils Food cake
12 oz of diet soda, any flavor. I used Waist Watcher Vanilla Cream ( I know it sounds weird)
Pour the cake mix in a bowl and SLOWLY add the 12 oz of diet soda and mix together.
Tip: Don't knock it till you try it!
Get out your regular size muffin pans, the pan that makes 12 muffins, you will need 2 pans.
Divide the cake mix into the muffin pans. I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to divide the mix 24 ways.
Bake in the oven according to the box, less 5 minutes.
When finished take out and let cool. Individually wrap them and place in freezer.

When you are ready for your snack, take a Weight Watcher's Chocolate Mousse Bar (1 point) and unwrap and place in a bowl. Pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds(just long enough to get the stick out) Add a couple of TBS of Fat Free Cool whip and mix together. Now take one of the little cakes you made, unwrap it and cut it into pieces. Mix the cake with the ice cream add a little dollop of Cool Whip for the top and there you have a nice little 2 point treat.

Tip: If you don't want to make the cake you can but the Weight Watcher's 1 point snack cakes. I suggest making the cake. I find the Weight Watcher's snack cakes to be dry, these homemade ones are far from dry.

You can also add a few berries to this. As we all know it takes a lot of strawberries to equal a point. Just grab a few, slice them up and now you have a sundae!

What A Shock

So yesterday was weigh in day and I couldn't wait to get there. See, I have a scale at home but since rejoining Weight Watcher's I ask my husband to put it away so I would not be able to get on it and check my progress during the week. That always had led to sabotage for me in the past and this time I planned not to do that. So with no available scale at home, I have been relying on the way I feel and I had felt great all week.

Yesterday I wake up, thanks to Emmit the cat, at 4:30 in the morning. Ugh, My meeting is not till 10 am, what am I going to do? I managed to keep myself busy for a little while and before I knew it, it was time to hop in the shower and get ready to leave. On my way to my meeting I started to doubt how much weight I had lost. With my knee not being 100% I had not time in the gym. How annoying, my gym membership card just sitting there on the tv stand taunting me. Is it possible that I will lose a good number with out exercise? When I got to the meeting I decided that I didn't care what I lost, as long as I didn't gain for a 3rd week in a row. As far as I was concerned I had no reason to gain, I followed the program to the T!

Waiting in line, isn't that the hardest thing to do? Finally it is my turn, I kick off my shoes, hop on the scale, close my eyes and prayed for the best. Finally I hear her say"Got it" and I get off the scale and I get a very mellow and matter of fact "Wow, you did great." Yea, I thought and I asked "Well, how much is great?" The chick weighing me in says "8.2, you lost 8.2 this week." HOLY COW... 8.2 and that is the best you can give me for excitement, I thought to myself. That is a huge amount of weight to lose but I needed it, after gain of 2 and then anther 2.2 I was feeling a little down. So I did what I set out to accomplish, lose the 4.2 I gained back and with an added bonus of another 4 lbs gone!

SWEET

I Feel Confident

I have a really good feeling about this weeks weigh in. I hate to jinx myself but I just feel lighter and I really managed to stay on track this week. Did not over do it or eat more that I did not track, I just followed the program and hopefully it will pay off! (I am pretty sure that it will)

I wasn't able to go to the gym at all this week. Between my cold and my knee, it just wiped my out. I hope my knee gets better soon, if not then I will be off to the doctor to see what is going on. One good thing is it hasn't gotten any worse. Maybe by Monday I will try the gym....

Cut Your Portions

* If you're at home, use smaller plates. This creates the illusion of eating a bigger serving. (I personally do this one)

* If you're at a restaurant and you know the portions are going to be huge, ask the server to put half your meal in a doggie bag before it even hits the table. This saves you money as well as unnecessary calorie overload. If the server can't (some restaurants the server brings you the container for you to do yourself) ask for the doggie bag to be brought with your food.

* Share an entrée with your dining partner.

* Make a new rule for yourself: Always leave something on your plate. This reminds you that you are in control of the food, not the other way around. You don't have to clean your plate like mom said you do!

I Think I Am Back..

Another successful Weight Watcher's day! 2 days in a row, that is a good thing. We had Chinese for dinner last night and I opted for the chicken and broccoli with white rice. Low points, very filling and because I measured it out I have left overs for lunch today! Yeah me!

I think the gym will be a no go for a couple of days, sadly. I hurt my knee yesterday, at first I couldn't figure out what I did and then this morning it dawned on me. I was shoveling the rest of the snow off my patio and maybe I did it then. I guess a Seattle injury lawyer is out of the question! Why? Well first off I don't live in Seattle and secondly, what am I going to sue myself??? I will have to find other ways of trying to get some exercise in...any ideas?

I also go back to work today after not being there since 12/24...I don't mind cause being home can get very boring. If they lay me off on a permanent basis I am not quite sure what I will do, besides go crazy!

It is almost time....Here is to another on track Weight Watcher's day...

Things Have Been Tough....Very Tough

So this week wasn't very good. I basically sat on my ass and did nothing and I mean nothing! I barely followed Weight Watcher's and I didn't go to the gym!! I am not quite sure why but I didn't. So it didn't come to any surprise that I was up another 2.2 lbs this week. I ate what ever I felt like and did it without any care... I think I snapped out of it though, yesterdays weigh in was sort of a wake up call. I have already hit the gym and yesterday I tracked everything I ate and drank! Besides that, I stayed with in my points allowance. I am proud to sat I am back on track eating healthy and cooking healthy (healthy grilling instead of frying) .

I guess part of it is my husbands fault. I mean, he doesn't make me eat the food but he to wants loose about 50 lbs. That is great and all but dam it, help me prepare the meals. Weight Watcher's is time consuming and when you tr to do stuff for 2 people it is not easy. I don't think he really appreciates it, he is just happy that someone else besides himself is making his lunch. BUT I have decided that I will no longer be the only one to prepare meals, he is going to have to pitch in as well. Eventually I will blow up like a bomb if I keep doing it all. It really kills my motivation when I have to worry about what he will or will not eat. Screw it, I joined for me so if he wants to lose weight he will have to do it for him!

GEEZZ..I feel a little bit better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

I Am Stunned

So I have been MIA for a few days, well yesterday I posted but I didn't hang around to read blogs. This morning on the other hand was a different story. I learned that Liquid from Liquid Illusion had passed away on Christmas Eve. A very sad day for so many. Between her wonderful photos and her witty, yet sometimes snarky poems, I am not sure what I will miss the most. Rest in peace...

Afriad To Try or Afraid To Fail

A well-lived life is not for the timid. The world was never meant to be approached with extra caution and fear of making mistakes. Kids know that you have to jump in feet first and be willing to take some lumps on the head if you're going to have any fun. When did we stop trying new things? Why did we stop taking risks? In large part, we're afraid of messing up. We've settled into our comfort zones and don't want to look like a fool to ourselves or others. What's the price we pay for our pursuit of perfection? No growth, no sense of discovery, few real experiences. The sacrifice isn't worth it. Are there points in your life that you wish you could have back because you didn't pursue an idea or a new interest? Those chances are gone forever--but you'll have more in the future to take full advantage of. It's been said that most people don't learn much that's new past their 20s. That's an awful long time to stay stagnant. The only mistake you should be afraid to make is not trying.

Been A Few Days

I haven't been here in quite sometime, not to long but longer than I like. Things have been crazy with the holidays and now that they are almost over I have a little breathing room.

I am still on track with Weight Watcher's, although I did gain 2 pounds at this weigh in yesterday, I was a little disappointed but I guess that is how the human body works. This week shall be better! In my defense, it is hard to do this and go to someone elses house for Christmas dinner. My mother in law covers every veggie in butter...drives me crazy. Even before Weight Watcher's I couldn't stand it. This year she made carrots and then green beans with bacon. The veggies were fresh, so that was a plus but she killed them with the coating of butter.I like butter but geezz..that is a bit much. If I was a diet pill sucker taking Fentraphen I would probably double up the dose! I mean what else was I going to do? Rinse off the butter?!?!

But that day is behind me and now I am off to a fresh start!

Did I Get The Pay Off??

Yesterday was weigh in day and as great of a week that I had I still wondered if I would get the weight loss I was looking for. Usually I know before I weigh in but since I found out that the scale at home was very inaccurate from my first week at Weight Watcher's I decided to chuck it! Besides not having the scale at home helps me stay focused on the task. No room to cheat cause now I have no way to tell if I gained or lost. I also did go to the gym last week, not as much as I would have like to but I went 3 times. I had a few unexpected gifts to do for Christmas and that meant going into stores! I did it, I am now done and ready to focus on me!

So did going to the gym and Weight Watcher's pay off?? It most certainly did..I lost 6.4 lbs this week. That is the most I have ever lost in one week while doing Weight Watcher's. Usually it is 5 pounds and under, don't get me wrong, 5 lbs is nothing to look down out at but ,6.4 was an awesome number to see. (I feel like a Biggest Loser contestant!)

So for all of you fellow dieters, if you have tried dieting and not exercising, I would suggest doing both. It will make a world of difference!

Struggles

It amazes me how hard it is every when you try to change your eating patterns. Even though I know the routine, it still doesn't seem to be any easier than the time before. I know there is at least a week of feeling like I am suffering and being deprived of what I love, but I also know the rewards that come with following the Weight Watcher's plan correctly. The one thing I have this time that I haven't had in the past is the gym. Going to the gym gives me a great advantage this time. Besides the advantage, it also gives me extra points to use if I wish. The extra points come in handy this week! We had Sliders chicken wings on Sunday, chicken wings = high point usuage! Monday morning I got up and jumped on E-Tools to figure it all out and boy it was sure scary. I used daily points, all my weekly extra points and then some. Actually I was in the negative on the weekly points!!! Going to the gym has only helped put me back in the positive on the weekly, well when I get to the positive!

I guess I should do a little Christmas shopping..online that is! I love online shopping! I wasn't sure what to get my mom and my dad said she has been checking out this Hansgrohe faucet. A faucet for Christmas!? My dad is sure nuts but he said she wants and he pretty much makes sure she gets what she wants. I think he worries about how much longer she is going to be with him, she doesn't seem to get any better and he spoils her something rotten! It's cute though...

I Joined ....Again!

So my weight loss has been at a slight stand still lately so I decided that since the holidays are here and Christmas was right around the corner that I would join Weight Watcher's...again. I am not going to remind people of how many times I have joined, let's just say I am the poster child for quitting and rejoining. This time when I signed up I did the monthly pass, I hate nothing more than paying for something and then not taking advantage of the service. With the monthly pass the payments are taken out of my account and I have no reason for not going, the money is taken whether or not I go! I also learned that my scale is VERY wrong but in a good way! That sure made me feel better. Hopefully this time I can stick to it and make my goal. Speaking of goals, I was going to check out Persimmon trees but, I must get ready for the gym, they open in one hour!

Exercise At Home

Over the weekend, I pulled out one of my exercise videos to change things up a bit. My weight loss has stalled a bit and I figure that it could be due to the same old routine. One thing I can say is trying to exercise on wood flooring is not the most comfortable thing! I didn't do very much that's for sure and the exercise mat I had before we moved is MIA. I wonder if my husband tossed it in the trash, would not surprise me at all. Today it is my mission to go get another mat.

Today I also go for my second set of eye tests, I am a little nervous. Although my mom reassured me that cataracts are no big deal to take care of, I am still nervous. I think what I am really nervous about is the fact that I am only 32 years old and what else is going to happen. Right now, I have to deal with the problem at hand and not worry about what the future will hold. Work is not requiring a doctors note, it does not impact my job but at any point they could need me to do inspection and obviously I shouldn't be doing it. I feel as though they think I made it up. I have never been a story teller and to make up a lie like having cataracts is beyond me! Oh well, they shall receive a note.

Positive Steps

Sounds like positive moves are being made in the fight against breast cancer! My grandma had breast cancer several years ago; she had a mastectomy and has been cancer free since then. She actually just turned 80 in November! I love you Meme'...

Once again, I am up early on a Sunday morning surfing the net. What a boring life.. I was reading an announcement that Cryo-Cell has collaborated with the National Institute of Health to research whether or not there is a potential for treatment of breast cancer using stem cells collected from menstrual blood. As far as I am concerned it is a positive step, we all know that stem cells have been used for treating disease and why should breast cancer be an exception? I hope they find positive results as this could be the answer to a prayer that millions women and their families have been looking for. I know I certainly hope that one day some one out there discovers a cure for breast cancer. So I have included a copy of Cryo-Cell's announcement for your reading pleasure. I feel that it is important for people to know what strides are being made in the long fight against breast cancer.



There is exciting news in the world of breast cancer research as Cryo-Cell International Inc., America’s most established cord blood bank, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center have just announced a research partnership . Through this partnership they will conduct an exploratory study to determine if stem cells collected from menstrual blood can be used in the potential treatment of breast cancer. This study will include cutting-edge techniques making it possible to track stems cells in the body using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)—a non-invasive method. Currently, non-invasive imaging for long term tracking of stem cells in the body do not yet exist, making this truly ground breaking research. The ability to use MRI to monitor the journey of menstrual blood stem cells in the body holds great promise in the utilization of menstrual stem cells in the future treatment of disease. Cryo-Cell’s research partnership with the NIH is a major step towards discovering potential breast cancer therapy.

With a commitment to superior service, Cryo-Cell is committed to serving the needs of parents, with highly trained child birth educators available for consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cryo-Cell has successfully stored more than 160,000 cord blood samples.

Have a Cold?

Here are some tips to help you...

Always drink plenty fluids, a runny noses, coughing and sneezing can lead to dehydration. You will also want to take a nice hot shower, especially if you are extremely congested and you do not have a humidifier. The humidified air will help ease the congestion. Last but not least, get plenty of sleep.


Do not take antibiotics, they only wok against bacteria. Don't get yourself all stressed out. Having a cold is enough stress to your body and adding more could just make your cold and symptoms even worse. Oh one other thing, don't sweat out a cold - there is no truth in that idea...Just be sure you are comfortable and have everything you need to get through the bug..

Eyewear Savings

My job offer an eye wear Savings plan. basically I can get a discount a participating providers. I wasn't going to sign up for it but HR said for the the cost of $12.00 a year it is really worth getting. My insurance company offers a discount as well and I have always just used that. Apparently the company I work for will be looking for health insurance quotes in a couple of months. They suggested I get it as a buffer, in case the need to drop vision to lower costs...eeek! It doesn't really surprise me, the cost of every in going up dramatically and my job still cover a large portion of our health insurance. So I enrolled, 12 dollars doesn't really make or break anything. If I get a better discount through them then it was all worth it!

We Went To The Eye Doctor

Last night my son and I went to the eye doctor, I dread the eye doctor! My vision is poor to begin with and every year it never gets any better! My son he need glasses for the blackboard, well now they call it a whiteboard.

Me on the other hand, I feel like a train wreck!My vision has gotten worse, as I already figured out on my own but now there is something new. So I go over this huge list of noticable issues and at the end of all the tests, doctor asks me if #1, have you taken prescription steroids? Me: no, Doctor: #2 Are you being treated for asthma? Me: No and last but not least Doctor: Have you ever has severe head trauma? Me: Yes...So doc wants to know and I tell him. He was mortified as most people would be and I told him that I didn't write it on the paper because I didn't think it was necessary for him to know. He agreed that I had no reason to think he should know. I know I am pretty open with my life here at A Day In The Zone and at A Dose Of Nonsense but this part of my childhood would make most of you cringe as it did my doctor. All I will say is that I was abused as an infant and maybe one day I will post about it more.

So anyways, doc now knows why I have at a ripe age 32, I have cataracts! I gave a goofy look as I always related cataracts to old age, my great grandmother has them! He said that it is very unusual to see them in a person my age and that is why he asked me those questions. Now my routine eye exam has turned into a medical issue. We'll see, no pun intended..I go back Monday for more tests...Ugh...