Best Buddies Blog

Should have retired sooner?

2007-05-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in Great Falls, MT, high school foreign exchange students participate in the graduation ceremony, but are not allowed to wear cap and gowns. Recently a female exchanged student inquired as to why this rule was in place, and basically was told, 'that's just the way it has always been'. She decided to petition to have the ruling changed, and on her own time, in less than 1 week, secured over 1,000 signatures from students who supported her idea to allow the foreign exchange students to wear a cap and gown when they participated in the ceremony. After securing these signatures, she met with an official at the School District Administration, who is retiring at the end of this school year. His response to her was basically--I'm retiring, so I'm not interested in dealing with this issue, so the answer is no. End of story....

....or is it? I feel if the school district feels that these students should experience the graduation ceremony--these students are enrolled and take the junior curriculum although they are the same age as our seniors--then why can they not wear the caps and gowns? What harm does it do for them to wear a robe and cap? Why not give them a different colored tassel as a keepsake? They don't receive a diploma, but I do believe they receive a certificate.

The idea that our Administrators are just cruising into the last days of their retirement really bothers me. If they aren't willing to continue to do the job they are being paid for, then why don't they go ahead and retire at the calendar end of the year instead of waiting until the end of the school year. Or, just start using up all that vacation I'm sure you have banked, since you aren't willing to continue to do the job the tax payers are paying you to do. Harsh? Maybe, but what kind of a message have you sent to this young person who will return to their country and relay this event to their families, teachers, and others who will want to know about their experiences?

But of course, HE'S RETIRING, SO HE ISN'T INTERESTED!!!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful day with family and friends!

Haven't posted in awhile...

2007-03-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

This new google blogger thing has me all messed up! I couldn't remember how to log in. I don't mind so much not blogging myself, but I couldn't post comments to friends, either, and I hope they don't think I don't care! I do!

Heather, I feel for you having your hubby deployed! I will pray for him that he is safe, and that the kids and you can make it through!

Leigh Ann, you are AMAZING! You have done so well, and yet you are still worrying about debt! At the same time, you are encouraging others! Keep it up, you are an inspiration!

Keri...hope your doors and windows are up now! Had to go to your work to find this out, since you haven't updated your blog since you got a foundation! Gotta give you a hard time!

So, hopefully I will continue how to remember to update, so I don't have a long dry spell again. Hopefully I'll have something interesting to say, too!

Time for another baby!

2007-01-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

I have two kids. The oldest is 17. I just found out today that I can't claim my 17 for child credit on my taxes. What's up with that?! I feed her, clothe her, I'll be paying to send her to college, but I can't get credit for her on my taxes?

I told my younger child that I was gonna have to have another baby and she just shuddered! LOL! There is no way I would want to go through bottles and diapers and waking up several times a night again!

So, maybe I can claim my 2 dogs. They are 2 and 1, so that should be good for deductions for a few years...

JUST KIDDING! Don't turn me into the IRS!

My new best friend...

2007-01-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

I joined a gym last week, and this is my new best friend. I am not very coordinated, so it took a bit, but I got it down. The ones at the gym monitor your heart rate and tell now many calories you've burned.

So, with this post, I guess it's fair to say that I'm back on the dieting bandwagon. I've got a long way to go, but for now, I'll be happy with losing the first 5. If you look back in my archives, you'll see my 'before' picture last December. I pretty much look the same. I weigh the same give or take a couple pounds. So, here we go. New year, new me!

Is read more on your New Year's Resolution list?

2007-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

I have been a member for a year now, and this is a great club! It is a way to get new books without paying the retail price. To get started, you post 7 books. This will give you 3 credits. Most books take 1 credit. If someone requests your book, you will be notified, and you will print a wrapper with the recipients address on it, and the media mail postage rate. (Most books can be mailed media mail for $1.59). You pay the postage to send the book. When the book is received, you will be notified, and you receive a credit. To request a book, you just browse through the hundreds of thousands of titles (you can search by Title, Author, or Genre), and then click to request. When you request the book, you forfeit a credit. That's all their is to it!

After a year in the club, I can say that I have never gotten a book that was substandard...most are like new condition. I had one book lost in the mail...it was one I was sending to someone else, so I ended up requesting it from someone else, and sending another copy...which I didn't have to do, but I wanted to. Other than that, I have gotten $200.00 worth of books for not alot, and have gotten rid of many books, that otherwise would just be sitting on a shelf, or going to a garage sale.

So, try out this site...you won't be sorry!

Happy Anniversary to my blog!

2006-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

I've been at this for a year. Originally this was to track my progress in dieting, and also anything that hit me as being interesting. Well, the diet thing didn't work last year, but I have hope for 2007.

Well, yesterday was my birthday, and thanks to my parents, I have a new handbag that I have been wanting for a long time!

Picture this in a dark metallic blue--actually, I wanted this pink one, but they didn't have it, so I picked the blue, which is just gorgeous! It is called a Beijo bag. They have a lot of different styles and come in great colors! So, that was a great present!

In the next few days, I will be pondering my New Year's Resolutions and deciding on a goal. I'm not real great at keeping New Year's Resolutions, but practice makes perfect right?

Our future's in great hands, folks!

2006-12-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of being a judge at the Great Falls Invitational Speech Meet held at East Middle School. They started Friday at 4:00, going 3 rounds and then picked it up bright and early Saturday morning at 8:00 and working through until about 7:00 p.m., when they had awards at Great Falls High School.

These kids work VERY hard, and they are all incredibly talented! The worst part about being a judge, is, you can't have any ties. There were many times I wanted to give 1st place to more than one speaker.

Some of the events I was able to judge were: Expository, Extemperanious, Humourous Duo (which I loved! They all did great!), Original Oratory and I did the finals in an event where they used props. The topics ranged from Magic (my favorite presenter) to Dogs (another favorite) to Genetics (which was extremely interesting even though I'm not very science savvy.)

So, if an opportunity comes up to be a judge at one of these events, you should volunteer! You will see some of our future leaders preparing for tomorrow. I'm very impressed with all the young people I met over the weekend.

Oh, and my daughter ended up in 4th in her event, so that was the icing on the cake!

It's Christmas in Montana

2006-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas in Montana,
And the gentle breezes blow,
About seventy miles an hour
And its fifty-two below.
You can tell you're in Montana
'Cause the snow's up to your butt,
And you take a breath of Christmas air
And your nostrils both freeze shut.
The weather here is wonderful,
So I guess I'll hang around.
I could never leave Montana--
My feet are frozen to the ground!
---Unknown author, but true!!!!

Why can't I think of something like this and make millions?!

2006-11-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

This is called the CD Stripper. You put a newly purchased cd in tis little piece of plastic, and it cuts through all the tape and plastic so you can get to your brand new cd.

They are selling them for $14.99.

Whoever did this, is going to make mega bucks. It's way too simple! Why couldn't I think of something like this?

Another strange but true...

2006-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, I don't know how this stuff happens to me, but it does.

I work in an office. I'm not going to say where, but it is in a complex with other offices, and lots of workers...most of whom work out in the field. From 1 to 2, I am typically here alone, or just with one or two others. So, last week, I was here, and I was by myself. All of sudden, the office door comes flying open and in runs this guy and he's yelling 'They're trying to kill me!' I was just in shock. He starts heading through our office, and the door opens again, and 2 more people come in. One of them turns out to be a police officer. So, they are wrestling with this guy, and the officer finally gets him handcuffed, and they haul him back outside. They don't say a word. I just sat there stunned! My phone was wringing, but I was afraid to answer it, because I didn't want anyone to hear all the commotion!

Well, I thought the guy that was being chased was bleeding on the side of his head, but it turned out that they had peppersprayed him, but it didn't seem to do any good. So the officer came back in and asked if he could use our bathroom to clean up. When he came back out, I asked what was going on. Evidently the guy had been down the street at a restaurant, flipped out and started punching people! When the police arrived, he took off running, and led them on quite a chase!

I assume the guy must have been on something. It was quite startling, but the police officers did a great job, and I am thankful for them. They must really see a lot of unusual things, and put themselves in harms way every day.

And yes...this is a true story! I couldn't make this stuff up!

Long time no blog...

2006-10-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm still out here...just haven't had anything earthshattering to say.

I think I'm in love...

2006-09-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

with a car! While my minivan is in the shop, I am driving a rental car. It's a 2007 Buick Lacrosse, and it is SWEET!

I don't want to give it back! It drives so smooth, it's so quiet! Leather interior...and only 4000 miles on it. It's a dark metallic blue. What a beautiful car!

But, alas, the van will be finished tomorrow, and I will have to give this baby back to the rental car company. It was fun while it lasted, though!

Help! I'm stuck in the carwash!

2006-09-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is in the 'strange but true' section for sure!

I was in one of those drive through car washes where the attendants spray down your car, and then you drive up and your passenger side tires hook onto their little conveyor and you put it in neutral and it pulls you through. Well got in there fine and dandy as you please, and the pretty pink bubbles were just starting to envelop my minivan (yes, I drive a minivan...no snide comments--I'll explain that one another time) anyway...focus here! So, pink bubbles, and all of a sudden I hear a SNAP! Then my side view mirror slaps against my van, and I hear this scraping all along the side of my van. Then everything stops!

The conveyor snapped, and it wrapped up the side of my van. Then I couldn't go forward or back. So, the attendants had to cut me out! They got me out just as I was starting to feel the walls caving in and get hysterical.

Well, luckily my cell phone worked in there and I called the hubby, who works near by and he came & talked to the owner of the car wash. They knew each other, so hopefully we will have a happy ending to this silly--but true--story!

Time to face the music

2006-09-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

I started this blog with the intention of using it to mark my progress in weight loss along with just posting about my thoughts on different things because I enjoy creative writing. I have pretty much ignored the weight loss issue.

Until this week. In the last 36 hours I have had my weight pointed out twice.

Thursday my dad made a comment to my kids that I wasn't supposed to hear. My youngest came unglued. She was so angry that she called him on it. I don't know if he didn't mean for her to hear, or if he didn't even realize he said it, but either way, he said it, she heard it and so did I. Yes, it is the truth, but as the old saying goes, the truth hurts. Last night we went to a Mexican restaurant. It is new in town, and we thought we'd give it a try. I ordered a pop. When my order came, one taste told me it was a diet drink. I didn't order a diet drink. I hate diet drinks, but I kept my mouth shut and drank it anyway. The waiter came and my husband ordered another drink, and the waiter asked me if I wanted one. I said yes, and he said 'Diet, right?' I said 'No, regular.' He looked confused for a minute, and then embarrassed. I said, 'It's okay, don't worry about it.' He brought me another drink, and took away the diet drink, but he looked uncomfortable every time he came to our table, although I pretended nothing was wrong.

I hate to diet. I hate to exercise. I love fast food. I love chocolate. I love ice cream. I work full time and am always in a hurry, and convenience foods are easy, but usually fattening. My kids don't like 'diet' or 'healthy' foods.

But, I also hate the way I look right now. I hate that my father makes comments about my appearance, which I have let go. I don't shop for clothes, so I look pretty ragged right now.

I know what I need to do, but it's so HARD!

So, I just need to bite the bullet and get started.

2006-08-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about bestbuddieThirteen Things reported about celebrities this week that bestbuddie thinks are ridiculous…

1. Britney Spears' 2nd child was an accident...this is newsworthy? I mean it's on MSN news...probably CNN, too--c'mon people, it's not THAT slow of a news day...

2. Sean Preston Spears Federline being voted worst dressed by Esquire magazine. He's a BABY Esquire! He doesn't pick out his own clothes!

3. Jennifer Aniston is or isn't engaged to Vince Vaughn...

4. Lindsey Lohan is late for work...not only did they report on it, but one "news" site also posted the letter from the producer.

5. Tom Cruise helps stranded motorist. That's nice of him, but you can't tell me that it wasn't staged...Tom Cruise doesn't do anything for any one else unless he knows it will be picked up by the media to give him a little more press coverage.

6. Paris Hilton. Period.

7. Kevin Federline. Ditto.

8. Lance Bass' 'boyfriend' moving in with him.

9. Jessica Simpson's relationship with her father. He is a creep, but she grew up with creep and doesn't know any better, so why keep putting it in the news.

10. Ashley Simpson's 'new look'. She changes her haircolor, outfit, nose every week.

11. Prince Harry grabbing a girls boob. Yeah, that's newsworthy....

12. Boy George pictures doing his community service by sweeping a street by hand.

13. Suri Holmes-Cruise fake blurry pictures of this giant sized baby through a window on their 'estate'. #1...if there really is a baby, it wouldn't be anywhere near a window that could be easily accessed...#2...Katie just 'happens' to be photographed gazing out (although, with the drugs, it's possible I guess...) #3...I can't see them dressing their 'golden child' in nothing but a plain white diaper, even in doors where they think it can't be seen. Some things just aren't done by the 'rich and famous', and I'd think if this child does exist, it would have a wardrobe that most of us average joes would envy....

bestbuddie

Deeper than my average post...

2006-08-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about what life is like for people in these countries where there is continuous war going on, or where there have been wars and the people are left with nothing and have to start over? I worry about that sometimes here in the U.S. We have been a nation of freedom for over 230 years, and most people feel pretty secure with their lives. I worry that one day someone will find a way to break through that security, and we will be under the rule of another nation. How awful would it be to lose the freedoms that we take for granted?

And I find myself taking things for granted alot. You just don't THINK about stuff like that. What if we didn't have all the stuff we have. What if you couldn't just go to the store and choose from 10 zillion different brands of cookies or chips or even bread? What if you had to stand in line for hours just to buy a loaf of bread?

I am thankful for the freedoms we have in this country. I am thankful for all the choices that I have, and the opportunities my children have for their future.

I am also thankful to all those who are serving in the armed forces to allow us to continue to live this way. At home and abroad, there are people out there who are braver than I will ever be, and they are willing to do what I can't.

Name that tune...

2006-08-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Alot of new songs on the radio seem to be rip offs of old favorites. Lately everyone is talking about how much Jessica Simpson's new song 'Public Affair' sounds like Madonna's 'Holiday'. I can see that one. The one that has been driving me crazy...both the song and the thought 'where have I heard this before?' is the one by Paris Hilton. Her song 'Stars are blind' or whatever it's called is a total rip off musically of Blondie's 'The Tide is High.' I guess the only reason that hasn't been out there is that no one is admitting they have heard Paris Hilton sing....

If you ever visit Seattle, don't miss this!

2006-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/

We were in Seattle last weekend, and this was one of the highlights of our trip! We learned so much about the city, and we got to see alot of neat sights! Our guide was very entertaining and knowlegeable!

The duck is a vehicle like the ones they used in WWII at the beaches of Normandy. They are cars that actually go in the water and have a motor that will allow it to become a boat. On land you wouldn't think it could go very fast, but it can really go!

One thing about Seattle...you will never have to search for a Starbucks...I can not believe how many there are--and how close together they are. They have like 3 on one block! I don't see how so many outlets can be profitable in one city. Guess that's why they were able to franchise out, because they are supported by the city of Seattle! I must say that I didn't have Starbucks while we were there. It was just too hot and humid. All I had was bottled water!

But overall, I really enjoyed the city. It is alive, and the people are great! If you are looking for a great vacation spot, Seattle is a good choice!

Thursday Thirteen

2006-07-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things about YOUR NAME1…. Start your list here!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thirteen Blogs I visit regularly:
1. http://saveleighann.blogspot.com/ Leigh Ann is a great gal! I check on her every day and wish her well! Visit her site, and if you feel so led, donate to help her out! Or at least give her a word of encouragement!
2. http://diaryofthenello.com/ I am actually doing the Thursday Thirteen because of her. She is very creative! I'd love to have her make over my blog, but I'm broke...one of these days I will!
3. http://trent.blogspot.com/ This is the place for the real story on celebrities. Don't know how he knows where to go to, but he always has the news. He's very entertaining!
4. http://mtpeaceofmind.blogspot.com/ This is a gal that moved from Texas to Montana. She lives in the country, and her photography is wonderful! Some of her put together creatures are strange, but it's fun!
5. http://prncesh1.blogspot.com/ I check Heather's blog every day. The things her son says make me laugh out loud! She is a writer, working on a novel, so check her out and encourage her!
6. http://www.greaterfalls.com/ This is a blog about my hometown. David tries to keep us up to date on the happenings in town. Stop by and find out what is great about Great Falls!
7. http://zenpanda.blogspot.com/ This is another blogger from my hometown. She is really in to photography and does a great job! She is also honest and writes for herself, but lets others into her life. I respect her willingness to share her pain as well as her triumphs!
8. http://underthebigsky.blogspot.com/ This is my hairdresser's blog! Love ya' Keri!
9. http://www.travelblog.org/ Some day I am going to be a world traveler and be able to post here!
10. http://la.apartmenttherapy.com/ I don't live in an apartment, but enjoy reading the different posts about furniture and stuff. I also check out the chicago, new york, l.a. and san francisco additions...
11. http://bitchonthestreet.blogspot.com/ These 2 are so funny! I have been following their story of the Starbucks watermellon lady! Only in NYC!
12. http://prettyinthecity.blogspot.com/ I ready Karyn's 1st book. It was very entertaining. I found Leigh Ann through Karyn's blog, so keep reading Karyn's blog whenever she updates.
13. http://www.defamer.com/ This is another entertainment blog. It's got a 'sister' site called Gawker that is a little crude with the language at times, but still has fun articles.

So, that is my 13. I might make this a weekly thing, but don't count on it! See ya' bestbuddie!

My 2nd daughter....happy (un)birthday!

2006-06-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

I posted about my 1st born the other day, so I have to tell you about my youngest daughter also...I'll forget by October to do this, and then I'll be in trouble! My oldest daughter gave me a reason to live and stand up for myself. My younger daughter gave me joy, and taught me to enjoy this life! Sometimes I have to be reminded, but I am the luckiest person in the world to have the great kids I have. They love me no matter if I am fat or thin, have my hair done or am ugly. I couldn't have asked for a better family than the one I have. I am truly blessed! So, girls, now the whole world (or at least the two or three people that read my blog) know how great you truly are!

What I'm currently reading....

2006-06-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is a great summer read! It is about a lady who's only son is killed in a car accident, and she agrees to donate his heart to someone who needs a transplant. Several years later she tracks down the recipient. It is easy to read, and moves right along. Her characters are very well developed, and the plot is well done. I think this is her first novel, so she has a great future ahead of her!

Happy Birthday, baby girl!

2006-06-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter turns 17 today. This child changed my life--as any child does, but in wonderful ways. I was in a co-dependent relationship, and when she was born, I finally asked myself...do I want her to be treated the way I am? NO WAY! From that day on, I started standing up for myself and for her. I have wonderful memories from the last 17 years, and look forward to many more in the coming years.

So, happy birthday, baby girl! You mean the world to me!

Thanks, Leigh Ann!

2006-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Leigh Ann of SaveLeighAnn had a contest on her weblog, and I won! Now, what did I win? I won a penny that had been stretched and embossed with a happy face and a peace sign and says San Francisco on the bottom of it. I know, it's not the lottery, but hey, it made my day! It was in my mailbox last night, and sure beats bills! Thanks, Leigh Ann! You are a great buddie!

I get by with a little help from my friends...

2006-06-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have joined a support group of friends I have met over the internet that like to make cards with rubberstamps. We have been dieting together for a week, and I have done really well. I have exercised every day and drank an ocean of water, and have cheated very little. I know I have lost at least 2 pounds this week. The weekend is my worst time, but I am going to try and keep at it.

Suggest a caption...

2006-05-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

I was e-mailed this picture along with a few others and it made me crack up. Any suggestions for a caption? Whoever did this with digital altering had a great sense of humor!

If you don't like it, do something to change it...

2006-05-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

These are the infamous words of my beloved hubby. He said this about 7 or 8 months ago when I was bummed about my weight before. I didn't take it to heart then, just had the defeatest attitude that I couldn't do it around the holidays.

I have been trying to follow my 'rules' for dieting. I do pretty well on Monday through Thursday during the day. Thursday is pizza night at our house, and I do partake. I have been trying to cut down, but I still do eat. Then from there through the weekend, it is all down hill.

So, I thought, what can I do to change things? Then I remembered...hey...I have a Trek Mountain bike sitting in my garage. I haven't rid it in 2 years! Yes...2 years! So, I got it out Monday night, pumped up the tires and rode the bike 2 miles. It about killed me. I'm sure it was a real pretty sight, too. Big girl huffing and puffing on little purple Mountain Bike! But, I DID IT!

Tuesday my daughter had a concert, so I couldn't ride, so I walked around our complex in the morning and the afternoon. that is 1.6 miles of walking.

Yesterday was church night...could mountain bike, so I walked our complex trail once in the morning, and 2 laps at lunch! I didn't go in the afternoon, because we are having record breaking heat here and I figured I'd pass out half way around. That would not have been good. So, that was 2.4 miles walking yesterday.

Today so far I have walked once... .8 of a mile. Will go again at lunch. I'm working tonight at the pizza place, so no bike again.

So, I didn't like how I looked, and I'm doing something about it. Now if I can just keep it up. Wish me luck!

Thanks, Mom!

2006-05-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Mother's Day, and I have so much to celebrate! My Mom is one of the most wonderful, honest, caring people on this planet! I don't know what I would have done without her many times. She has been a great role model for my girls, and a great friend to me. We have traveled together several times, and it's always a blast! I look forward to many more years of great times with her!

My Mother-in-law passed away in 2003. She was a wonderful person also. She accepted me from day one, and made me feel special. She was one of those people who never meets a stranger. When you were in the grocery store, you always knew if she was there, because her laughter carried all over the store. It made you want to laugh too. She was the glue that held the family together. We have stayed in touch, but things are not the same. She was a great role model and friend to my girls, and she will be missed.

So, to everyone that reads my blog that is a mother, Happy Mother's Day to you, too!

How much does hair weigh?

2006-05-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, the rest of the week has been a rollercoaster! I have broken just about every one of my 'rules'. I weighed myself 3 times this week. Monday was my starting weight. That was 178 pds. Then Wednesday, I weighed myself again. I weighed 180 pds! I thought I was doing SO good! So Friday, I weigh again...still 180 pds! Then I tell my hubby this and he says, 'Well, you haven't done that good...didn't you eat a bunch of chocolate on Monday?' So much for moral support. Now, before you go saying 'Kill the hubby'...remember...he has cancer, and this was chemo week.

Anyway, so, I didn't eat anything all day Monday except an orange. Drank my water. Then ate just a teeny dinner. So, then I have kind of laid off this weekend, and I weighed this morning...I've lost 4 pounds!

Well, yesterday morning, I went to the salon and got my hair done. I had been using boxed color, so was trying to dye it close to my natural color. It was DARK. So, went to Keri--the best hairstylist in the City--and she colored my hair, and then I had her cut it all one length, which is up to my chin! So, now I'm wondering, how many pounds did I cut off?

Well, I'm not really worried, but it is an interesting thought. I actually have really thick hair, so you never know...but I like to think it was all from my diet.

Springtime in the Rockies

2006-05-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love spring? See what difference a day makes in Montana? One day we have our parkas on, the next we are walking around in shorts and short sleeves. Of course, a lot of people in Montana wear shorts all year round...I'm not a rebel like that. I like to be warm when it's cold!

So, on to the diet stuff...To finish off Tuesday--

Dinner was totellini and homemade sauce...daughter had a craving. Also had a small piece of french bread with mozzarella cheese on it. Not the best choice, but hey, at least I didn't bomb totally...YET...keep reading....

okay, for dessert, I had a small chocolate pudding-snack pack kind, and a glass of milk. Still not terrible. Then my youngest daughter goes to the store with my husband and buys a box of Wilcoxson ice cream bars! Wilcoxson is the best ice cream in the world! So, I had one.

So that was Tuesday.

Wednesday, was English muffin with strawberry jelly and margarine for breakfast. Red grapes for snack at break. Baked potatoe with brocolli & cheese Lean Cuisine for lunch with carrot sticks and sugar snap peas and an orange for break.

Dinner we made homemade waffles. They weren't that good...I've never used a waffle iron before. So didn't over do it. And I didn't have anything for a late night snack. I had will power! And there are still ice cream bars in the freezer!

So, that is how it's going.

Today was our makeup day for Secretaries Day, and the guys took us to lunch. I had 2 slices of pepperoni pizza and 2 cokes. I had a banana for breakfast. Dinner will be the chicken and rice we were supposed to have on Tuesday.

So, not great, but not bad...and I did walk the trail today, so there's still hope for me!

Day 2 of the diet...

2006-05-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

Guess I'll finish up last night first. Oldest daughter had a Parent Night performance for Dance team, so I went to that. Got home at 5:15, left house at 5:30. So, she and I were going to eat afterwards. Went to Arby's. That's in my "rules". Got a regular roast beef. That's also in my rules. Also got a small potato cake--fried stuff is a no-no...and I got a medium coke. Definitely not in the rules. I didn't even think about drinking the coke until I was halfway done with it. So, I quit drinking it, and got some water. Then for a snack later in the evening, I had my chocolate Teddy Grams and some milk. So, not great, but pretty good for a first day.

Today so far:
Breakfast-chocolate chip granola bar and a banana and coffee--well, not the greatest, but it was only 100 calories of granola bar...
a.m. snack-chips ahoy 100 cal. snacks...yes, more sweet stuff...
Lunch-baked chicken Lean Cuisine, grapes and water
p.m. snack-medium size orange
Dinner tonight-haven't made yet, but it will be chicken and rice with green beans.

And it was snowing...yes, I said SNOWING--great big flakes! when I woke up this morning, so it was wet out and a little cool so not walking weather. So, no walking today.

The snow did melt, and it has turned off a little nicer, but not enough to get me out of the office or house. I'll pick up the exercise tomorrow. Maybe even do some sit ups and stretching tonight at home.

So, I know...this is boring, but I'm trying to get this weight off! This is day 2.

Just like starting over...

2006-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

Today I am starting over in ernest! (What an old fashioned word!) Okay...I'm trying to get the diet thing on track and really have some will power here! So, as of today, I am going to follow my rules of dieting that I followed last year and lost a bunch of weight.

So far today I have had:
An English muffin with a tiny bit of margarine and strawberry jelly on it and coffee for breakfast.
A chicken pecan with rice and sugarsnap peas, a banana, carrot sticks and water for lunch.
A medium size (okay large) orange for a snack.
Not sure what I will have for dinner, but will finish up on my 64 ounces of water, and finish out my evening with either a chocolate pudding snack and milk, or my Teddy Grams and milk.

This morning I walked the complex track for a total of .8 mile.

So, it's Monday, and I'm going to do my best to work it this time.

The big motivator? Yesterday I got out my summer clothes, and I can't fit into them...I thought I needed to lose weight before, but this really got my attention!

When I am old...

2006-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

When I am old....I shall not wear purple....
or a red hat....

because I will know how ridiculous that looks, and know that acting silly in public isn't cute...especially by someone who has so much more to offer than being dumb and
dressing in clothes and hats that don't match.

Sorry...this is another of my occasional rants. Went to lunch the other day, and our local 'Red Hat Society' was having lunch in the restaurant as well. Now some of these ladies looked very stylish even if red and purple doesn't match. Then there were a couple that looked like they were at a Rick James look a like contest...no lie! And were they RUDE! They were acting like they were the only ones in the restarant...and it was a small diner.

So, when I am old, I think I will wear normal clothes and be polite and still have the time of my life!

Happy Easter to all my blogger friends!

2006-04-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Yes, I'm still alive

2006-04-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

This has been a long week, and will be a longer weekend. We are having the husband's side of the family over for Easter dinner and are making a dish that his mother used to make. I've never made it before. So, I will be cooking and cleaning like a mad woman tomorrow. Tonight we have a Good Friday church service, so won't be doing anything tonight.

On the diet front, it has been up and down. I have been trying different drinks. So far....Vault Zero from Coca Cola co. is good, but it kept me up all night...and I had it at lunch time! It tastes pretty good! Dasani Sensations...tried both the lemon lime and the Mixed Berry...sorry, but this one isn't very good. I didn't taste the Berry flavor until I burped after drinking the carbonated water. BUT, I love the Dasani flavored waters. My favorite of anything I've tried is the Dasani Strawberry. I also tried the Fruit 2 O drinks...sorry, didn't like them either. Not very flavorful.

So, that is what I have tried so far. I have been trying to walk on the complex trail every day at least once. Also want to get my bike tuned up next week so I can ride with the girls. I have a Trek mountain bike that I got before I quit working at a local sporting goods store. It is practically brand new, and I quit working there 9 years ago. I can count on one hand the amount of times I've used it. My husband rode it back and forth to work for awhile a few years ago...it looke really cute too, because he is alot bigger than me, so he had the seat up as far as it would go. Of course, now I can't get it back down where it belongs, so that's part of why it's going in for a tune up.

Well, that is my blithering for today and probably until Sunday night...happy Easter everyone! best bud

Long time no post...

2006-04-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

It has been a few days since I posted. Last monday the hubby had another chemo treatment. This is his 4th. It was rough. He was sick all week, finally feeling better today. It is really strange how his being sick disrupts the whole family dynamic. We just don't function properly when he is down.

Today's diet update

2006-04-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today I did really good! No pop! Here's what I had to eat:
Breakfast: banana & coffee
Snack: apple sauce (no sugar added)
Lunch: Weight Watchers Santa Fe chicken, carrot sticks, teddy grams & milk
Snack: grapes
Dinner: Turkey casserole, mixed vegies, water

I also tried another new drink. Coca Cola has a new energy drink out called Vault. They also have a 0 calorie one called Vault Zero. It is a citrus flavored drink. I tried it and it was pretty good. Also tried the Dasani Raspberry flavored water. It is good, but I like the Strawberry better. My daughter ended up drinking that.

I also walked morning & afternoon both, so I ended up going 1.6 miles today! Good day today!

Diet baby steps cont'd...

2006-04-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long week...can't believe I haven't posted! So, I did really well all week with drinking water. I also walked at least once a day, sometimes twice with the prodding of my two co-workers. The weekends weren't as good, but I am proud to say I didn't eat fast food all weekend, which is usually when my diet sabotages me. I also didn't eat any Girl Scout cookies this weekend, although I bought 4 more boxes for the family.

This week I will do the following:
1. No pop--even diet. I will give up pop completely. This has been part of what makes me crave sweets I think, and it's unhealthy. I can't just have 1...I have to have two or three.

2. No fast food. Period. None. This may not be as tough as I thought, because I got through the weekend.

To help with drinking water and getting off the pop, I have been experimenting with different types of drinks. There is so much on the market right now!

I was going to make my post real fancy with pictures and everything, but I have been trying Coke products, and I can't get their product pictures to download right, so you'll just have to settle for big pretty words.

So, this week I tried.... TAB ENERGY! It was about that color...kind of like Cherry 7-Up, but the flavor is kind of different. Very hard to describe.

I also tried.... Dasani Strawberry flavored water!

It was yummy!

And last I tried...Dasani Sensations Lemon-Lime

sorry, Coke, but this tasted like Alka Seltzer....

still, overall, I enjoyed this, and think I will continue trying new drinks which I think will help the dieting. I need to keep working on what I'm eating, but I am approaching this step by step, and I think that will be the best way to go instead of trying to change everything all at once.

So, I'll just keep plugging away hoping that this will not just work for a couple months, but that I can find something that will work and be permanent. Hugs, Bestbuddie

Diet baby steps...

2006-03-27T13:58:00.000-08:00

Well today I will be starting the first of my 'diet baby steps'. For this week I will try to do the following:

1. drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water each day (and probably go to the bathroom 4 times as much as I usually do...)
2. walk our complex trail in the morning every day this week.

So, that is how I will start. Guess I'd better call the Water Plant and let them know about the unusually large consumption that will be coming from the Northside...don't think they'd see the humor in that, though.

Haven't ranted in awhile, so here goes....

2006-03-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

I don't watch a lot of sitcoms, but when I am switching channels to find something I like, I have noticed a few. I want to know what the deal is on all these new sitcoms with the couples. All the guys are dumpy looking and they all have these hot wives. I want to know a couple things: #1 - how many shows are there on tv where the GUY is hot and the wife is dumpy? #2 - why is it okay for the guy to be a normal average joe, but not the girl? If you are going for realism, then okay...use normal people. Use an 'average joe' AND an 'average jane'.

Or, just for kicks, lets have a HOT HOT HOT guy and a dumpy girl and see how long it is before that show is cancelled. Nobody would believe it, would they? The last show I remember where they used a couple that looked like they matched was Roseanne. They were a believable couple.

So the next thing you ask is...why do I care? I'm not watching these shows anyway...well, maybe I would if they were more believable. Of course, HGTV and ESPN would have to be off the air first...

American Inventor

2006-03-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

I watched this show for the first time last night. It was the second episode, I guess. It was kind of interesting to see the different things that people are trying to market. It was interesting to see what the judges voted as viable. I agreed with most of what they thought, although I think the one dumpy guy with glasses that supposedly designs toys for a living is just a jerk. My biggest complaint from last night is that I think they should have a minimum age that is allowed to even audition for this show. Last night they had a 12 year old boy who had invented 'invisible tear gas'. They voted against him saying his invention wasn't quite what they were looking for, and he left crying. It's a wonder he didn't bomb the judges with that invisible tear gas for voting against him. It was really sad because the poor kid was obviously very intelligent, and when they interviewed him, he said he invented it by accident. My question is...what in the world is a 12 year old doing experimenting with things that could lead him to invent invisible tear gas? Scary! I sure wouldn't want to live next door to him!

Oh, and the lingerie 'inventor' looked totally staged to me. That one definitely was all about getting ratings for a new show. All the 'drama' was definitely staged.

But, overall, I liked the idea of this show. I liked the little gadget that helps you keep the doors shut on public restrooms and I liked the little doll that spoke 3 languages. It will be interesting who finally wins, but I figure anyone who got air time that wasn't a wacko already is a winner. If they have even a half way decent idea, there are going to be companies that will be contacting them to cash in.

Wish I'd thought of the idea of that little piece of plastic for the restroom door!

If they could just stay little...

2006-03-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

This is the little monster when he was cute and sweet. Now he is just a handful. Why can't puppies stay little like that always?

Thursday Thirteen

2006-03-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about bestbuddie

1…. Brett Favre is the only man I would ever cheat on my husband with.

2. I love watching the Goonies on DVD.

3. I would love to be a published writer.

4. I love pepperoni pizza from a local chain called Howard's pizza.

6. I work part-time at a different pizza place (which shall remain nameless), but I hate their pizza.

6. My favorite perfume is Happy from Clinique.

7. I purposely do not follow the dress code where I work. I wear jeans almost every day.

8. I prefer Dairy Queen to Baskin Robbins.

9. I give history presentations to 3rd graders in our school system.

10. I barely passed history in high school.

11. I love cats, but I'm severly allergic to them.

12. I love calendar organizers, but I never write my appointments in them.

13. Christmas is my favorite holiday.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. http://mtpeaceofmind.blogspot.com/

2.(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Day of reconning...

2006-03-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Well, today I have to face the truth. I can not ignore my weight any more. I got on the scale and I was at 176. I have never weighed that much before in my life...not even 9 months pregnant...that is just sad.

So, today is the day I begin again to take the weight off. I need to do it for reasons other than just the scale, though. I know it's unhealthy to weigh this much, and though it doesn't seem to be a problem now, it will be in the years to come. I'm also not happy with the way I look, and that is not good. So, I have got to make some major changes in my life.

I will have to do several things:

1. No more fast food. I need to eat at home and choose foods wisely.
2. Taper off the pop until you stop drinking it again for good. I was up to 3 to 4 cans per day again.
3. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
4. Walk 5 days a week to start with, during breaks at work. Work up to adding another activity and walking further/faster.
5. 5 servings of fruits and vegies every day.

That's where I am starting. I will try and do 'before' measurements tonight if I have time, if not, I'll do them tomorrow. Hopefully I will have the willpower to stick to it this time.

And hopefully I won't run into any more girl scouts selling cookies....

Thursday Thirteen

2006-03-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Things about bestbuddie

1…. I sing alto in our church choir.

2. I love to make greeting cards with rubberstamps.

3. I have an extreme phobia to snakes...can't even look at them on t.v. without getting nauseous...

4. I have been to/through 25 of the 50 states in the U.S.

5. I was born in England.

6. I love watching pro football and pro basketball on t.v.

7. CSI is my favorite t.v. show, but I don't watch the other 2 spin offs.

8. I prefer Coke to Pepsi.

9. I collect flamingos because you will never see a live one in Montana.

10. I love Bath & Body's Cherry Blossom scented products.

11. I love dogs-particularly Labs, Beagles and Yorkies.

12. I played the viola in high school.

13. I have 1 brother, 4 nephews, a niece, and 2 daughters that I adore!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

New avatar and other stuff....

2006-03-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

I was looking at my new avatar this morning, and you know what? It looks exactly like my oldest daughter, Jessica. Same haircut, same face shape...skinny and beautiful. Only thing is she doesn't wear pink pajamas. Usually she is in shorts and a t-shirt. Anyway, that is what my wonderful talented daughter looks like. I'll have to change it one of these days to look like my younger, beautiful talented daughter, Kari. She is a blond.

Yesterday was a tough day at our house. Hubby's chemo really got him down. He had the chills, a fever that kept going up and down and body aches. I ended up calling the doctor and they told us to ride it out a little while and keep the temp under control if possible. He started doing better in the evening, but he's still pretty rough. Now we know what they mean by 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'... Hubby says he feels for kids that have to go through this. He can't imagine how they do it.

On a more positive note, our City Commission voted for Walgreens! YES! I'm not so much a big Walgreens fan, although we have been seeing their commercials on t.v. forever, but I am a big fan of our City growing. Everyone keeps saying they want growth in our town, but it's the attitude 'not in my backyard'. I feel that I can say, yes, in my back yard because my Mom & Dad live just West of the proposed development. I think if we get some of these businesses here, it will bring other industries. We just have to prove that we WANT growth. We have a capable work force, and a lot to offer in our City.

Okay...that is my political soapbox for the quarter....bestbuddie!

My dream job...

2006-03-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

Once when we were visiting another city, we went shopping at their mall and I found my dream job. It was this store that sells mattresses and all the employees were wearing their pajamas and slippers! I tell you...that is my dream job! I would love to be able to go to work every day in my pajamas. So comfy...you don't have to worry about accessories and how it fits and all that. So, in honor of my 'dream job' I created an avatar...look people! I am getting even more technically savvy here...I have discovered an avatar and have her in pink pajamas in an office!

So, what you may ask does any of this have to do with my diet? Absolutely nothing. Which is about what my diet is doing right now. Absolutely nothing.

I am blaming the Girl Scouts of America for that one. If they would stop selling those darn cookies every where! I can't stop buying them...and I can't stop eating them. But they make such a great breakfast, snack after lunch, dessert after dinner, bedtime snack....I never realized what a cookie fiend I am! So really my avatar should also have a Girl Scout cookie in her hand and she should be about 3 times the size she is....but what fun would that be? So, for now, I am skinny and wearing my pajamas to the office and getting away with it!

On a more serious note...hubby had 2nd chemo today. Not doing so hot tonight. He has the chills really bad. This is not fun for him, and I worry about him. So, hopefully he will get some sleep here pretty quick and wake feeling better. That's pretty much why the diet is on hold right now. Once he gets feeling better I will kick it into high gear. I am trying to make healthy meals for him though. We had a salad yesterday with a stew that had fresh vegies in it. Tonight we had steamed vegies with pork chops. So, I'm trying and hoping that he stays healthy. That's all for tonight...best buddie

Support our youth!

2006-02-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first of which is hoped to be an annual event featuring talented high school students from the Great Falls area.

Cascade of Talent will be held in the auditorium of West Elementary School. Tickets are $10 each and the proceeds go to scholarships for the youth of Cascade County.

There are a variety of acts, including the Great Falls High Bisonnettes, which my daughter is a member of. The CMR Wranglers also are performing...they are a very talented and professional bunch of ladies, too! In addition to dance acts, there are singers--soloists and groups, and a couple of bands as well. So, if you don't have plans for this evening, get down to the Teacher's Federal Credit Union and buy some tickets for an evening of entertainment.

By the way...I am not affiliated with the management of this or anything...just a pround Mom!

http://www.cascadeoftalent.com/pages/1/index.htm

The monster also known as Jaxson

2006-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the 'monster'. Today he spent time at Grandma & Grandpa's and went and picked up younger daughter at school. I'm sure he enjoyed seeing all the kids coming out of the middle school. He is just over a year now, and if he is settling down any, I'm not seeing it much. But he has those 'puppy dog eyes' and you can't stay mad at him!

Did good yesterday...

2006-02-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is my "before" picture!

Yesterday I had fruit for breakfast.

Lean Cuisine Shrimp & Pasta for lunch.

Dinner was bbq ribs in the crock pot...very small portion...was satisfied, not stuffed, so I think that was good.

Snack was Reduced Fat Lemon Cooler Girl Scout cookies!

and made sure to have milk so got my calcium in!

I also walked my mile route at our office complex, so exercised also!

Daughter's Junior prom dress

2006-02-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.christinagowns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=1795&categoryID=156

This isn't the exact dress. Her's is a deep red, but it is the same style, same company. This will be her first prom...can't wait to see her all decked out heading out the door!

Weigh in Day...some improvement!

2006-02-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

I lost 1 pound this week! Yippee! I don't know how it happened, but I'll take it! Just imagine if I had gone full force with the plan instead of adhering half the time. I did gain it one pound at a time, so even if it takes me as long to take it off as it did to put it on, I'm going to get where I want. So, now to improve on my habits and maybe next week it will be 2 pounds down!

What I'm currently reading....

2006-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

This is from the co-author of the 'Left Behind' series. My Mom recommended I read this, so I am. So far it is pretty good!

5 a day....

2006-02-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Nutritionists say that you should eat 5 servings of fruits and vegies a day. I try to do this, but sometimes it's not easy. I wonder how many servings a salad is considered? Do you count that as one vegie, or do you count each separate thing in the salad as one serving? Like lettuce would be at least one serving for a small salad, and then you have like a quarter to a half of a tomato in there? and carrots? Do eggs count as dairy? And how many ounces of cheese are considered a serving of dairy?

So far today I have had:

Breakfast: 1 Quaker Oats oatmeal breakfast cookie
3 cups of coffee

Snack: 10 baby carrots

Lunch: 1 small chef salad with 2 tablespoons (or so) of Ranch dressing
2 cups of melon
1 20 0z. hot chocolate

I plan to have an apple this afternoon, too. So, so far I have had 2 to 3 vegies and 1 to 2 fruits. Do you count tomato in the fruit column or the vegi column? I think sometimes I make this too hard....

Hello, Mattel...they're NOT REAL!

2006-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I saw this yesterday on MSN's homepage, and had to comment....http://www.shareholder.com/mattel/news/20060209-187095.cfm

It seems Ken has gotten a makeover. Now I'm all for the Ken doll being revamped for kids. He was always dorky looking when I was little, but come on! A PRESS RELEASE. And then the news picks it up and presents it like it is some important information that the whole country needs to be aware of. Sounds like someone really has a lot of time on their hands. I wish I could get that job! I could make up all kinds of stories for Mattels products to release to the press. I bet my 7 year old niece could come up with some great ones!

Okay, okay....enough of my rant. Back to the real purpose of my blog...the weight thing. Well, I weighed in on Wednesday. Still the same. No loss, no gain! I'm going to stick with my plan. It worked for me and I didn't feel like I was starving myself. Pretty much because I would give myself chances to cheat if I felt like it, then get back on. So I feel pretty confident that I can get the weight off at least as a jump start. Then when I hit a plateau, I will look for changes to get over the hump.

Me, hubby and daughter #2 are going out of town for weekend for church. Oldest daughter is staying home, because she has to leave for a choir trip and needs to get ready for it. So, it will be quiet again around this blog.

That's okay...I'm sure Mattel will have plenty of newsworthy press releases while I'm gone to keep everyone occupied! D-bb

Two sure things...death & taxes

2006-02-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

So luckily, we are only dealing with taxes, but what a pain! I am having a 'national tax preparation service' do mine...I have done my own in the past, but to me, the money to have them prepared is way worth not having the hassel myself. It is a pain to have to dig out all the little forms and statements and pieces of paper from the last year. I always forget something and then I have to go home and get it and go back. So, I think for next year, I will start a file folder now and just try and remember to put the tax stuff in it as I get it.

On to the diet thing....weigh in Wednesday showed no change. Guess that's good, because I haven't been good. Then my jeans started feeling tight again, so figured I'd better knock it off and get back to it. So, back we go. Water every day. No pop. Fresh fruits and vegies. Will try and get some fish going this weekend. I have cod, which is about the only type of fish I really like, so will have some of that. No one else in the family will eat it, but will try and guilt hubby into having some. He is going to have to start watching what he eats. I have let him go since he is still recovering, but he's got a week and a half until starting chemo. Funny they haven't said anything to him about his diet. Guess they figure he is overwelmed enough right now.

In other news, GFHS lost a teacher to cancer this week. Kind of had my daughter saddened. This was after a CMR student commit suicide in the high school bathroom on Monday. It's tough to know how to talk to your child about these things. You want them to put it in perspective. There is a lot of confusion, and fear and anger when these things happen. Then you have a respected teacher die of the same type of cancer your loved one has, and it just adds to the emotions. We talked it out, and I hope it was the right thing. She seems to be okay, and I keep a pretty close eye on my girls emotionally. So, it's been quite a week.

So, now for the weekend. We are having a Super Bowl party--correction...the GIRLS are having a Super Bowl party, and hubby and I are chaperoning. Wish us luck!

GO SEAHAWKS! (I love an underdog!)

Bestbuddie

Currently reading....

2006-01-26T12:38:00.000-08:00

Just starting this book...if you haven't read this series, you should! The first one is called 'Naked in Death'. This is a romantic suspense book (light on the romance, heavy on the suspense) that takes place beginning in the year 2058. The author is Nora Roberts writing under the pseudonym of J.D. Robb. I believe there are 23 books so far included short stories in compilations using the same main characters, and there isn't one that isn't good. So, check it out if you haven't already.

making progress again...

2006-01-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

well, it's wednesday weigh in day, and last week i was up 8 lbs...wondering if the scale was off, because i'm down 8 pounds this week.
Yesterday's menu was:
breakfast: Q.O. breakfast cookie, coffee
mid a.m. snack: goldfish snack crackers, banana
lunch: Wendy's chicken sandwich & a coke (oops)
mid p.m. snack: pretzel sticks
dinner: taco in a bag at the basketball game and water
also had another coke...it was really hot in that gym!
no evening snack.

this a.m. so far: breakfast was banana, special k cereal bar and coffee
a.m. snack-pretzel sticks

drank all water yesterday and so far today am doing pretty good water wise.

yesterday walked 1 mile and today have also walked 1 mile.

So, down to 170 again. Hopefully the rest of the week will be okay. Today is co-worker's birthday. We are going to lunch. I will try and be good. We decided to forgo the birthday cake so we can both be good. Hopefully I can find something healthy that isn't salad at this restaurant...bestbud

Today is the first day of the rest of my life....

2006-01-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Well, once again, I did good for the first part of the week, then really go down hill after Thursday afternoon. Thursdays at our house are pizza night. I did pretty good for the pizza. Had about 3 slices of Pizza Hut cheese pizza on thin crust. Had 2 cokes with that, though. Then Friday I enjoyed the dollar menu at McDonalds...double cheeseburger, small fry, small coke and a yogurt parfait. Well, there is fruit in the parfait. But then I had to take my car into the shop and leave it for awhile, so went home and walked....yeah right! I went home and took a 2 hour nap. I think fast food has the same ingredient in it that turkey does...it makes me sleepy in the afternoon.
Friday night daughter #1 had friends over, so hubby went and got these huge cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I had one with my coffee, but ended up scraping about 1/2 of the icing off. So, that counts for something doesn't it? Then I skipped lunch, but made Weight Watcher's stew for dinner. Hubby and daughter #2 enjoyed it as much as I did. I made biscuits (canned, I'm not THAT good at baking...) and we had a decent meal, but I have to say, I'm still working on that portion control thing...
yesterday I made homemade chicken casserole and grated potatoes with sour cream and sharp cheddar. Nothing at all low cal about that meal! Then I skipped dinner because I was still full from lunch, and then had to go to the store for lunch bags and juice and came home with a mini-size coconut cream pie. I was okay until I watched Desperate Housewives and saw Edie eating that dessert with all the whip cream on it!

So, here is how today is going.... Breakfast-Quaker Oats breakfast cookie and coffee (I drink it black, so no added calories there); Mid a.m. - banana (1 fruit for the day...or 2 pts on WW); Lunch-turkey sand on wheat with just a smidgen of mayo, pretzel sticks and a KoolAid jammer--90 calories, 100% of my vitamin C and a ton of sugar I'm sure. Of course, I spilt half of it trying to get the stupid straw in the pouch!

I get to have one of those Cara Cara oranges for my p.m. snack. Dinner is meatloaf. I don't like meatloaf, so that shouldn't be much of a problem to control portions...

So, it's off to another start. I weighed in and I have GAINED--I'm up to 175 again. Bummer. Oh! But I did my mile walk this morning and am on my way to getting all my water for the day. Things are looking up, and I'm going to do it this time! D

Tuesday and Wednesday in DIEt land

2006-01-18T17:13:00.000-08:00

Tuesday's menu: Breakfast - 2 homemade cookies, coffee
mid-morning snack - banana
Lunch - turkey sand on white with mayo
2 homemade cookies
med fountain coke
mid afternoon - nothing
Dinner - burrito, taco, coke and a pina colada daiquiri and small piece of cake.
Met friends at a mexican restaurant to celebrate a co-worker's getting married. They had a civil ceremony because they have been living together for 8 years. I don't drink often and I don't go out much at all except with the family, or maybe a couple times a year with hubby. So, I figured it wasn't SO bad. I could have probably made better choices, but it was a start.

Wednesday's menu: Breakfast: Quaker oats breakfast cookie & coffee
mid-morning snack-nothing
Lunch - Soup at hand tomato, 100 cal. Wheat Thins, granola bar, mini fruit cocktail
mid p.m. snack: apple
Dinner - sloppy joe and water
Have church tonight and we will be singing in choir, so will have a p.m. snack of teddy grams and milk.

I also walked today on the complex trail--1 mile with inclines! So, I actually DID something today. So far, no pop....and all my water for the day! So, we'll see what happens.

2006-01-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

Things with my hubby are going well. He started working a few hours a day again. He says he feels pretty good, but he's not going to push it. Next week he goes for the chemo consult, so we'll see how that goes.

The diet is going terrible! I do great during the week when I have things to do all day, but on the weekend, it's just too easy to grab something here while we are shopping, or just snack on this while watching t.v. Instead of losing, I'm gaining! I have gained three pounds!

So, I guess I will have to figure out how I can do this and really DO THIS! I appreciate everyone's support, though. I can't let myself or you down. This weekend the biggest problem was the girls wanted cookies, and I love to bake, so Imade chocolate/peanut butter swirl chip cookies. They were pretty good. So, I guess that wouldn't be so bad, but I eat two or three of them every day. I also can't say no to the pop again. I forget I'm not supposed to drink it, and order it or grab one of the kids. It's so ingrained I can't stop myself.

So, back to square one...

Update on my diet

2006-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I did pretty well. I had a cereal bar for breakfast and coffee. For lunch, I had a BK grilled chicken salad. I ordered the honey mustard dressing, I thought it was the fat free one. I got the regular one, so I ended up just using a tiny bit of it and eating the salad pretty much without it. It wasn't bad, though. They put in a lot of different vegies, so it makes it good. For dinner I had a plain chicken salad and tater tots. Not the best, but it's what was in the house. I drank all my water for the day, and didn't have a coke. That was pretty tough, but I stopped drinking pop before, and I can again.

Today was okay. Well, started out not so good. I brought another cereal bar, and it was hard as a rock, so I ended up throwing it away. So no breakfast again. So I made up for it at lunch. Went to the grocery store and got a salad from the deli. Chicken Caesar salad (just a small one) and a banana and milk. Also got a bottle of water and an orange. Had the orange for a snack.

But this was weird...I peel the orange and it's red like a grapefruit. Turns out they are Sunkist Cara Cara oranges. It's a delicacy I guess...it just looked like a regular orange to me.

Read any good books lately?

2006-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

I am just finishing reading this book.

This isn't the normal type of book I read, but every once in awhile I scan the 'best sellers' or check out the 'book clubs' selections, and this one was on several, so I read the description on Amazon.com. I asked for it for Christmas, and my Mom gave it to me. I got into it right from the beginning. It is set in 1964...the year I was born.

If you are looking for something different, check it out.

The Plan...

2006-01-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

Today is going better. Just to clarify yesterday's post...I didn't intentionally not eat anything until lunch...I forgot to eat, and I didn't have any change...of course, it would have ended up in a vending machine, and I would have blown it before I barely even got started! So, today is better and I'll try and post tonight how I did through the whole day.

A year ago I started to try and lose weight, and I developed some rules that worked for me. I'm not saying if they are right or wrong, but it helped me lose 15 pounds and keep it off for 6 months. I'm going to have to tweek it a little, though, because after the first 4 months, I hit a plateau, and that's pretty much why I quit. Obviously the plan isn't perfect, but that's why I'm blogging...for help and advice to get me to the place where I will be thin AND healthy.

So, here are the rules...my starting point:

1. No pop--even diet isn't good for you. It's not good for ME. I can't just stop at one, and the sugar in it makes me crave more sugar. I hate diet pop.
2. Always eat breakfast. Choices to include: an English muffin with a little margarine and a tablespoon of strawberry jelly on each half. or fruit and a Special K cereal bar.
3. Drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water every day. You can use the Crystal Light powders and count that as part of your total, because they have only 5 calories. The Raspberry Ice ones are yummy! (That's what helped me to kick my pop addiction.)
4. Try to walk every day on breaks. At least in the morning for 15 minutes if you can.
5. Lunch - Lean Cuisines or Healthy Choice or Weight Watchers during week when at work. I try to stay under 5 grams of fat...3.5 if possible.
6. Fast Food-McDonalds I will have a reg. hamburger, a fruit parfait and a bottle of water. Taco Bell you can have a bean tostada and water, but they have more fat. At Arby's, I have a regular roast beef plain and do't eat the top bun. At Burger King, I get the garden salad with grilled chicken and low fat honey mustard dressing. No croutons! So far, that's what I have been having for fast food, which I am trying to avoid. With 2 teenage daughters, that can be tough!
7. I also take a multi vitamin every day. It seems to help with my cravings. I take One A Day for Women.
8. To help with my chocolate cravings, I have chocolate Teddy Grahms. You can have 24 of them and they are about 120 calories! That is my late night snack sometimes with a small glass of milk (gotta have that calcium, too!)
9. Another snack is low fat Fudgesicles. They have them at many of the grocery store chains. Schwan's has some that are excellent, too. That curbs my ice cream cravings...
10. I only weigh myself once per week, on the same day, same scale wearing as little as possible. (That's a pretty mental picture, I'm sure.)(don't go there!)
So, that is the old rules. We'll see how that goes and try and refine it to something that works, without having to pay someone else to think for me.

All for now...off to get rid of some of the 64 oz. of water I've been drinking all morning! Bud

New D-I-E-t 2006 starts today!

2006-01-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

So, today, beginning weigh in was 170. At this time last year, I weighed in at 175, so for all of 2005, I lost 15 pounds, gained 10 back. So, today is the start of my new diet. I will post the "rules" later. I have a friend that is paying to go to the center named after the large city in California. She gave me some of their literature and I created the daily diary on my computer. It has a spot to record what you ate for breakfast, mid morning snack, lunch, mid pm snack, dinner and evening snack. It also has a spot to check off as you drink 8 - 8 oz. glasses of water, and check off your fruits and vegies. So, for today so far, I have had...5 glasses of water, no breakfast, no morning snack, lunch was tomato soup, wheat thins (100 cal. packs), and pineapple. For my snack I had chips ahoy (100 cal. packs) and hot chocolate. Didn't walk, because the wind was blowing like 100 miles an hour. So, I am getting an okay start. Rules to follow, but got to go feed the family! Bestbuddie!

Hug a nurse!

2006-01-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

Well, hubby is doing better and will be coming home tomorrow. His tests showed that he had only 1 lymph node that the cancer spread to, so only 1 round of low dose chemo will be ordered. He was lucky. With no history of cancer in the family, they don't recommend tests until age 50. He is 44. He had none of the classic symptoms. We are thankful that it was caught now.

I have been practically living at the hospital for the last 7 days. I have seen some bizarre things, and watched the RN's, LPN's and CNA's and the things they have to do. I am so thankful there are so many men and women out there willing to do these things, because I am such a wimp...I just couldn't do it. So, think about it next time you go for a check up, or visit someone in the hospital, or if you are unfortunate enough to end up there yourself. These wonderful angels that are willing to do the dirty work everyday and get no thanks alot of the time!

So, that is my soap box for today...and if you are over 50--buck up and get a colonoscopy! LOL! bestbuddie!

Most important thing in life....

2006-01-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

YOUR HEALTH! Not your weight, or your bank account, or what kind of car you drive, or your kids' GPA. We have been hit right between the eyes with this message this week. My 44 year old husband, with no history of cancer, who has never been sick, went to the emergency room on Monday night, and Tuesday night, they operated and found a cancerous tumor the size of an orange. No symptoms until 3 days before. So, don't take your health and your family's health for granted...you just never know what is going to happen.

Bestbuddie

New Year's Resolution-fun!

2005-12-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Your New Year's Resolutions

1) Get a pet rock

2) Eat more Twizzlers

3) Travel to Japan

4) Study finger painting

5) Get in shape with surfing

What Should Your New Year's Resoluton Be?

I should be making big journalistic bucks!

2005-12-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Click on this link to E! On line and read the article about Katie Holmes...if you read my previous blog, you will love this:

http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Awful/Daily2005/051228d.html

I posted a rant about the mis-use of the word amazing. It means, and I quote from Websters, "to affect with surprise or great wonder". Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise use this word alot about each other. I have 'great wonder' for the idiotic way that Tom Cruise is behaving.

So, next time I have a great rant, I'm going to submit it to E! Entertainment and start my new career as a journalist...and then I'm going to sell everyone my ocean front property in Arizona....

Humorous item from newspaper...

2005-12-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

Gotta pass this one on. I couldn't find the link, but weekly in the GF Tribune, they post things found on the newstand...the 'Trash Talk' from the tabloids. The 'obligatory bizarro story of the week' was this:
Mini pirates attack ship in a bottle'...isn't that a hilarious mental picture?! Loved that one! BB

Before picture....

2005-12-26T21:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of big beautiful me. In the next few days I will post my eating plan and do my first official weigh in and begin my journey to a slimmer me. A year ago I started doing this and kind of went off the wagon, so this time I hope to find a permanent solution instead of a temporary 4 or 5 month solution.

When I was in high school I weighed between 98 and 105. I stayed pretty much around 105 until I had my first child. Then it was around 115, which was still a pretty good weight for me. After child number 2, I was up between 125-130. Every year or two I'd creep up a few pounds, until now, and I'm pushing 170. If I was 6 feet tall, that'd probably be okay, but I'm 5'3"....so, hopefully I can get some will power and find a solution that I can live with.

My biggest challenges: I love Coca cola and I hate salads. I also crave chocolate and love fast food. So, I have pretty much laid it all out there for the whole world. Probably not a great idea, but this is for me...not anyone who has a snide comment.

So, anyway, that's where I am at. BB

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2005-12-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS
TO
EVERYONE WHO
READS MY BLOG!
BEST BUDDIE

All I want for Christmas is a new ride!

2005-12-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

Ran across this awhile ago, and thought, 'I wish my kids were little again...I'd love to do this'. This is an example of what my car looks like now:

And this is an example of my DREAM CAR:

Isn't that classic? I love it! Someone could make a fortune on customized Little Tyke Coupes! You could have the most stylin' 3 year old on the block!

So, I am wondering if there are other creative people out there posting great things on the internet. Whoever did this...you are VERY TALENTED!

Finally done with my shopping!

2005-12-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

I am finally done with my shopping. My Dad was the hardest to buy for. I'd think of something, search it out, and then decide....no, he won't like that. Then I start over. Ended up going to a bunch of different stores, and then went back to the first one and got his gift. It's actually kind of for everybody. My parents will be spending Christmas Day at our house with my husband and 2 girls, so I got my Dad a Texas Hold 'Em Plug & Play game so everyone can play poker with him.

I added a weight loss tickler to my blog. Right now it says I haven't lost any weight....it's a good thing I didn't let it gain, or I'd be going up...up...UP! So, after the holidays are over, I'll repost my eating plan rules and begin, and hopefully I will see that tickler steadily move!

I will also post a 'before' picture once I go back to work and start my plan. Then you hopefully will be able to see the incredible shrinking woman!

Good morning to all my new buddies!

2005-12-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

I think the hardest part of starting a blog is finding a user name and title that hasn't already been taken. I must have tried 10 names before I got one that would work. So, if you think that my post name and blog name are pretty corney, well they are because all the good ones were already taken!

So, what is this all about? Whatever I decide to post. After the new year, it will be a log of my battle with dieting. Last year I was fortunate enough to lose 15 pounds on an eating plan that I kind of worked up on my own. Unfortunately, I have gained back 10 of those 15 pounds, because I haven't been able to keep up with the dieting and exercising. This time, I am determined to modify what I have done in the past to make it last.

I also have a family and I work full time, so I will probably blog about those also. So, be prepared for just about anything! bestbuddie!