Monday, Monday, Monday, October 24

203.  Took my elderly aunt shopping yesterday with my son.  She had a department store coupon and wanted us to use it too, so I told her if I found a dress on clearance, I'd buy one.  I found a really pretty, flattering dress, tried it on and said I would buy it.  After mark-downs and coupon, it was less than $25.  However, she bought it for me.  Hurray!  I argued, but she knows I have given all of my spare money to my daughter (and then some).  She also gave me a Donna Karan bag she got when she bought some perfume.  So today I wore a new dress and carried my lunch supplies to work in a lovely bag instead of a plastic Walmart bag.  It makes me happier than it should. 

I made banana bread with some over-ripe bananas since my freezer is stocked and because I thought my grandsons would like it.  Then refused to try it... until... my son was enjoying a piece.  Then they both wanted a slice and a second.  Great success!  It is mostly bananas (5 mashed), some brown sugar, one stick of butter, 2 eggs, a little flour, salt, and baking soda.  I'm sure that eggface has a healthier version.  My son suggested replacing some of the flour with protein powder.  I don't know if it will work, but I think I am going to start playing around with the recipe unless anyone has a good one.

New dress and lunch bag is bound to lift spirits!

Hey all!  Worked the weekend so grateful for the day off today.  Inlaws left this morning so back to regular business around here.  Went for a 6 mile run this morning and loved the crisp fall air!!  I wi**** could stay fall forever.

Tonight I am a speaker at the Pre-op support group for my bariatric program.  I do this as often as my work schedule allows and I LOVE it.  Not only can I hope to inspire/help someone else, it keeps me grounded.  I always leave feeling inspired and excited to continue my journey.

Keep on keeping on people...I'm grateful for this group and for all of you!

Heather

Greetings Goodie Avoiders

"Looking out at the pouring rain, I used to feel so uninspired..."  Well that line from the old song (I think written by Carol King) is how I feel today. Its pouring rain here and the dogs don't even want to go out. It feels like a day to stay in bed and watch old movies. But its monday and there is plenty of stuff I need to do. 

132.5 again. Dang. The longer these couple of pounds hang around the harder they are to get rid of. I dumped the orange chicken, went to the store and got some healthy stuff, and made lentil soup last night with lots of veggies in it. Only had about 3/4 cup and it was a warming satisfying dinner. Well there was that one piece of cheese. A local company makes a fabulous monterray jack cheese. Usually that cheese is too bland for me but this one is to die for. Loleta Cheese Factory if anyone is ever around here. 

Puppies and more puppies. We have just the one and she is 7 months old but is a one girl tornado. Probably a good time to breed Ella, Kairk, but that means winter puppies. 

Well hope everyone (including me) finds some inspiration for a week of healthy eating and activity. Stay warm, dry and centered.   Diane S

Separate post to say that.... I HAVE BEEN EXCUSED FROM JURY DUTY! 

I made it into the jury box all the way from seat 18 to seat 12 (part of the actual jury) and then the prosecution excused me. Funny, in one way I was disappointed, but overall I was quite relieved. I couldn't fathom how I was going to juggle report cards, parent teacher conferences, my grooming clients, fetching Ella after she's bred and jury duty all at the same time. 

Such a relief. Makes planning ahead so much more peaceful. I came home and took stock of what needs to be done and I'm getting oodles done and feeling like I'll have lots of time tonight to cook for a few days ahead. 

Feeling positively on track! 

Re-posting from another thread and editing a bit - going into the office tomorrow so probably won't be on:

Kairk, you make me smile talking about your dogs. Mine aren't show worthy but I sure do love them! I think Duchess (13 year beagle) is slowing down a lot, so I worry about how many years she has left. But she still doesn't show signs of anything dire and enjoys our daily brisk walks (though she is very tired when we get home). Oh and the pudding cake you mentioned yesterday would be VERY risky in my house - I'd probably sniff it out even if hidden (I have to have skinny husband hide some of his treats).

123.2 this morning - apparently the butt exercise did work, as I could tell at Zumba yesterday.  Eating was mostly good yesterday except I had both a WW salted caramel bar (80 calories) AND 1/2 cup light ice cream (100 calories). But better than cake!

I got VERY stressed today from work stuff and went to grab food (yes I am a stress eater).  Thank goodness I only have decent things that fill me up pretty quick!  Still have a little room to eat some dinner (then time to stop).