2009 in review

2009 was a year fraught with a lot of changes. Changes aren't always bad, though. I have been home since March and cannot figure out how SAHMs manage to do everything. I mean, when I was working I just used that as my excuse - now I have none.

We enjoyed my brother living here for almost 3 months. Some people complained that it rained almost every day; however, they have selective memories. It was also sunny and beautiful on most days. And if there was a cool breeze on the back deck we just moved to the front deck.

I did some sanding, painting and a lot of trips to the pool. We didn't get away this year as my husband lost his job mid-summer; although he began another one a couple of weeks later, it was a wrench in the finances. The second, seasonal, position ended mid-November, but he began another job after a couple of weeks which, unfortunately turned into part-time after 2 weeks. They laid him off due to shortage of work last week. Arghhh!

Anyway, I am still leading and recepting Weight Watcher meetings and enjoying that. I suffer periodically from insomnia - I believe both that and the lichen planus that persists in my mouth are stress-related. I've thought that going back to work would be a good distraction from the issues of dirty dishes and disastrous rooms. It's amazing how quickly they can make a clean, tidy room look like I haven't touched it in weeks.

Christmas was very nice. Very nice indeed. We celebrated at home - no dragging gifts around the province or fogetting their favourite toy. My mother-in-law was up for 2 nights and my brother came up for Christmas and again for New Years. My oldest brother was at his in-laws, up from Houston, and came for a visit on New Years Eve with his wife. I haven't seen them in over 4 years since my grandmother's funeral.

We're just taking the tree down today now that the kids are back in school. Unfortunately I think my husband snuck away for a nap. Gotta go. Lots to do and so little time to do it.

Cheers, Candace

Merry Christmas

Frency's vs. Bib & Tucker

So when the 10 year old 'needs' new pants or tops, where do I head? Frenchy's! She's a sweat-pant kid and likes her tops long. Women's Small tops that are a tad too short in the arm for me fit her perfectly. These are the filler items we all need in our wardrobe.

What to do when she wants 1 'good' outfit to feel pretty in though? Good luck finding that at Frenchy's (although you may luck out on occassion, without child in tow you're pushing your luck). I have scoured the Wal-Mart's, Zellers, Sears, Winners and any other store I've been in looking for a suitable outfit. Last night I decided, 'frig it'. I've likely saved hundreds on the kid shopping Frenchy's for so many of her clothes that it was time to bite the bullet. I headed to Bib & Tucker and walked out with a 'dress' or 'long shirt' depending on whether she matches it with the pants or leggings - the outfit I chose was not near in the price-line of some of these items, but for someone who isn't used to spending more than $50 at a time on the kids, the almost $150 receipt threw me a bit. To tell the truth, the pants look awesome with the dress and give it a funky look. I got a squeal, jump and hand clap after she paired these up - and that made the price tag worth it, even though hubby chastised slightly. Christmas Eve outfit down. The 5 year-old's was ordered from Sears at a much smaller cost. And mine - came from Frenchy's.

And now she wants nice shoes to go with it. I should have known - if you give a moose a muffin, they'll want raspberry jam to go with it.

MWAH - Have a great Christmas.

Holiday Plan - 2008 version

My Holiday plan from last year helped and provided amazing results. I began a resistance training regime with Phit-n-Phat late November and focused on a lot of other things. I was in charge of Christmas dinner, which I found helpful. BUT...it's not the DAY that can cause problems, but the weeks beforehand and the week or so afterwards before we all crawl back to Weight Watchers or begin the latest in a long line of diets.

Like everyone else, I want to have fun throughout the holiday season. Food can be a big part of that. I don't plan on going into 2009 with extra pounds gained this month, though. So, I've developed another Holiday eating plan to be used to maintain my weight for December (and hopefully shed an inch or so in the process).

I'll use the same categories as last year for those interested in reading that one. I really did a copy and paste, then made my changes - and really, what works stays. Changes reflect the changes I've made this year.

Gatherings - Get a small plate and choose healthy options (i.e. 1 sandwich wedge, some veggies and fruit, limit of 1 small sweet). Why the sweet - because I'm not on a diet. You heard me - I'm a weight watcher but not on a diet. This is my life and we all need a sweet now and then or one of these parties we're gonna stuff sweets down our throat until we're sick of them - at least I would. Deprivation is not pretty. I strongly encourage my meeting members to use their weekly points allowance for indulgenges, and I usually relax for Saturday evenings. If you have multiple events during the week you may find the need to practice some restraint. Having a plan for the evening is always helpful.

Dinners - I load up on veggies before they're mashed, make cranberry sauce with splenda and used it on my 3-4 oz of turkey breast instead of gravy. If I really want some gravy, I'll be sure to ensure it is made with drippings instead of fat - This can be accomplished by letting it cool for while - there will be a nice separation. And who eats desert right after the meal, so when it's time, again limit to 1 small piece of whatever looks the best - if you can come up with a low point option, go for it. Just add 'healthy' in your google search.

Fast food during busy days decorating and shopping - Subway, McDonalds grilled chicken salads, Tim Horton's broth soup, Chinese with steamed rice vs. fried, grilled fish instead of fried. There are actually many options for eating on the run. An of course, nothing beats packing a cooler. This simple lunch-box is the best friend of someone watching their waist-line.

Quick meals at home - Stock up on some easy supplies, like pre-cooked chicken breasts, low fat meatballs, shrimp and frozen veggies for stir-fry's. Take an hour and make some frozen dinners that can be easily grabbed - I use the dinners in the frozen food section as guidelines (rice, shrimp, veggies and sauce) or (pasta, cooked chicken breast, veggies and pasta sauce). The choices are endless, but I do tend to use frozen, pre-cooked meat - but you can also throw in a few casserole dishes with various cuts while the rice is cooking. Pork, Steak, Chicken. For pasta don't cook until done as it will continue to finish cooking when being mic'd. Measure, put in container, and freeze. I love the 2C ziploc containers and usually make 6pt meals.

Sweets at home - Last year I was determined not to buy them, but I have become somewhat lax on this venue. If you have problems with food item control, honestly, you don't need them and neither does your family. Gifting or tossing baked goods is all in the cards for some and can leave them feeling extremely empowered. I'm not a big baker anyway, so any sweets we get can be frozen and used for recess or after-school snacks. My husband refuses to give up on these carb and sugar based items, but if I have healthy alternatives in the house (salad foods, protein bars, or other snack items) I tend to go for those. Do what you need to do, though. For me, the goal will be to ensure healthy items at hand.

Sweets at work - specifically chocolates or truffles, as that's my downfall. Last year I actually allowed myself 1 chocolate twice a week, but only if it was something 'good'. It worked great and I think I'll do that again. It saves me from over-indulging when we do have chocolate.

Exercise - Having taken a major hiatus from resistance training with Corinne, I really miss my bicep definition. And, I've gained a couple of inches in the waist and hips in spite of maintaining my weight. My plan is simple and I am going to own it. I will be working out using the beginner program I used last year. I am commiting to 2 cardio sessions per week and 2 strength training sessions. I do need to sub some items for my knees, but I am excited for this. All my weights have been moved upstairs, including the eliptical and bench. I'm taking over the computer room.

For the scale, I do not obsess. I am well below my WW goal and I know that the introduction of any exercise regime may cause an increase on the scale. I suspect my weight will remain the same through December and will begin to drop in January. I am going to go back to using my excel spreadsheets for menu planning and posting them on the fridge. AND, I'll be focusing on filling foods.

A lot of this really is the same as last year, with some improvements. I hope you get some ideas from some of these Holiday survival plans and if you post one of your own, please let me know so I can link to it. Have a great December.

Weight Loss, Exercise and Goals

I haven't been around in a while. Life's been crazy, but I really want to commit to maintaining my blog. I have determined to reduce posting to once a week as I was finding the internet process very time-consuming. I have been busy enough that I actually haven't had a chance to catch up on reading blogs, and I do miss everyone. I will be popping in to say Hi to everyone shortly and hope everyone is doing well.

December looks like it's going to be equally busy. Most WW members know that there are some program changes in store. I'm very excited about these and looking forward to introducing the changes in a couple of weeks. All of the leaders and receptionists who have tried this are really psyched.

Well, in spite of not giving this month my best efforts I have succeeded in losing 0.2lbs in 6 weeks (my last weigh-in). I have not exercised one ioto (is that a word?) and, as a result, have puffed back up into size 10's. Yeah, I know, terrible stuff. Well, last year I actually developed a Holiday Eating plan (which I've moved to the top of the blog again) and will update it for this year. Also, last year I began with Phit-n-Phat. I'm ready to give 'er a go again. So, I expect to maintain through the holidays and then would like to get to that ellusive 140 by the end of March. Something new to look forward to.

So, back to year-end preparation. I have 2 weeks and 3 weekends to pull a lot of stuff together - wish me luck if you're reading. The life of a corporate accountant - ugh.

And, to leave you with todays inspirational quote:

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do something that I can do.
- Helen Keller

Plan. And Plan to succeed. That is something you can definately do.

The Holiday Weekend

Yes, I forgot to say Happy Columbus Day to my American counterparts. Well, it's been an interesting Thanksgiving. And boy, am I glad to be a Weight Watcher today!

Last year I thought I was prepared for Thanksgiving only to record a stellar gain that week. It took me a few weeks to get back on track. It was frustrating and I felt out of control.

This year, I planned. This year I did some things differently.

We still went to the in-laws and no, I wasn't able to get at the vegetables before cheese, butter and milk were added. Oh well, you can't win them all. I also indulged in desert food - but don't worry, it was Pumpkin Angel Food Cake. I also left some behind for others. I bought a box of biscotti's. These babies are sinfully awesome - and check out that NI.

Walking - my 10 year old and I went for a few walks this weekend, plus one before dinner and one after.

Veggie tray - They were on sale on Sunday, so I bought a small veggie tray for supper that night, a large fruit tray for breakfast in the morning and a large veggie tray to take to sil's. I ate some veggie's before dinner was served and felt quite full after only 1 plate.

Drinks - no wine this year. I had to work the next day anyway, so I brought some Live Active Crystal Lite and sipped on that while others were having beer and white wine.

Desert - My niece turned 19, so we didn't serve traditional Thanksgiving desert. Instead they brought out a DQ Ice Cream cake. I did have a small piece. After all, I'd already had a fair bit of yummy pumpkin angel food cake.

Other exciting weekend stuff. I'm still plugging away on decluttering my home. All 4 of us participated in a 27 fling boogie. The 5 yo was having some issues, but did part with a few toys and some clothes. We ended up with a full bag for donation, a full bag for the garbage and a partly filled recycle bag for paper. We're doing it again this weekend.

Oh, and results. I did weigh-in last week and this week and stayed the same. Exactly. The. Same.

Candian Turkey Day

So, next weekend is Thanksgiving and www.weightwatchers.ca sent out a loverly email with lots of tips and such. What do I consider the most important thing about getting through the weekend without gaining (umm, last year was a record gain for sure). This year I plan to use some Weight Watcher tools, like proper planning and some mental rehearsing. I'm eating at my sister-in-laws, and will bring with some cranberry sauce made with splenda and maybe a low fat desert, such as this angel food cake or the pie custard on the bottom of this page.

My plan:

• Make my own cranberry sauce with splenda (it works – did it last Christmas)
• Get my veggies before they add the butter and milk.
• Put 1/4C gravy on my ‘naked’ potatoes
• Put cranberry sauce on my 3-4 oz of turkey
• 1C turnip is ‘free’ in pts
• Carrot and broccoli and turnip to take up half of plate
• Limit the other veggies to a bit of each and skip the stuffing (she does it right in the turkey)
• If we get there early I’m taking the kids outside for a walk or something. Hopefully the weather will be nice. Will try to get in some good APs over the weekend as well.

Furthermore, I will:

• Pencil in my food plan for the next day in my journal. I won't promise there won't be deviations, but it will be a guide for me so that the holiDAY doesn't turn into a holiWEEK. Also, planning to weigh in on Wednesday of next week to stop any residual poor behaviour short in its tracks.

Those not celebrating, have a great weekend anyway. Take Monday off just for laughs next week. Take care.

When Will The Weekend End???

As you may have guessed from my title I have not recovered as nicely as I had planned. Last night I asked my husband to take all of the chocolate in the house and hide or toss it. I didn't care which, but I could NOT have it just sitting there any longer. I really thought I had THAT kind of self-control - I laugh out loud at that. It was, in truth, quite humbling to admit that I had gorged on chocolate for 3 days. Well - not from morning to night, but once a day, each day, I ate enough until I couldn't eat any more. Physically, I could eat more, but the taste was getting gross.

OK, so after a weekend of not so great meal consumption (Fri, Sat, Sun) and another weekend of disgusting chocolate consumption (Sun, Mon, Tues) I totally deserve a massive gain on the scales tonight. I have no idea what that does to maintenance. I feel so fraudulent - like I had a glimpse of the 140s (149.8 to be exact) and that put me at maintenance. I promptly went back into the 150s with a vengence. Oh my - oh my. Has this happened to anyone else?

Top 'O the (Yawn) Mornin' To Ya

Well, last night was St. Patty's Day. Oh, we all looked cute. I wore a green top with leaves across the neck - not my fav, but I realized the only green top I had. Hubby also had a green top on. The 9yo dressed in dark green capris, and lime green t-shirt and fleecy. Even the 4yo decided to get in on the action, wearing her kilt-like skirt and one of her sissy's green pj tops (from Old Navy and it looked 'uber cute on her). Mark took the girls to McDs for a Happy Meal and Shamrock Shakes. When I got home he had to go to his sisters (around 45 mins away) to give her some documents for the car she bought from us and to change the headlight. He picked up some Ale on the way home (although I suspect it was Scottish).

I've never been sure why he's so into St. Patty's since his geneology is Scottish and English. Jealousy maybe? I was a McC, my mom was a Mac, and there was LeBlanc along the way, too. I feel quite justified in my fascination for all things Irish and Scottish and proud of a French heritage, albeit one that was lost (ever heard of the Acadian expulsion from Nova Scotia? My ancestors changed their last name to White so they could stay. Now je ne parlez pas francais. Although I get a wicked tan in the summer).

Are you ready for this weekend? I think I can handle it. Mil is coming up Saturday for the night and I work next Monday, so it'll be short and sweat with other distractions than stale Easter chocolate and hard jelly beans.

March Break and Upcoming Foodies

Well, this is March Break and we're down to 1 car until later in the week. I took the LO to daycare today. Yesterday I let her stay home since she was as exhausted as everyone else and I thought it wouldn't hurt her. She had a lot of fun with Daddy and Sissy. She told me all about how Sissy had put sprinkes on her face and how she looked 'weyard'. They were basically full of *iss and vinegar last night.

We ended up going to the grocery, pharmacy, dollar store and tried at the discount store, but they were closed. Allowances are burning a hole right through someone's little purse and she just couldn't find 'IT' - the thing worth spending that money on.

So, my plans for the gym took a back seat. I'll get there tonight though, I hope. I've a hair appointment. Just a trim, but it'll be a first step towards my new look. Oh, measurements - here goes:

I've lost 4.25 inches in each of January and February. Kind of funny when I look at them though, because I consider the bust and rib cage losses the same losses since they're so close - you know - back fat. This is good, though, and I'll take it. I think my waist is slowly moving. The waist is measured at the smallest spot, which isn't necessarily where you think it is. I think of waist as, when you look in the mirror straight-on that part that indents the most. Not so for me. I need to look in the mirror from the side and it's that part just above where the belly starts to protrude. This is still around an inch above where the sides are smallest, so as this number changes, hopefully the location being measured will change, too.

Also, new goal for a reduced BFI (or Body Fat index). As near as I can figure, the 'healthy' range for this runs parallel to BMI (Body Mass index), but has more to do with muscle content in the body. As of Sunday:

BMI: 24

BFI: 25.3

I had set my goal for BFI at 22, but am thinking just to try and lower it 1 point at a time. So, while 22 is a long-term goal, I am going to work first towards a BFI of 24. I also have a waist goal of 28 inches. There - it's out there.

I don't think Easter is going to be so tough. I plan on indulging in a green beer next Monday, and maybe some green eggs for breakfast. Not sure if I'm up for the traditional fare, and since hubby and I rarely get out together I can't see us getting to visit some of the metro establishments. As for Easter, so far the cream-filled eggs haven't bothered me in the least. My biggest problem is when bite-sized pieces end up lying around. Although I had a chat with everyone and told them that the other day. Last night the 9yo informed me that they were 'helping me out' and that they had hidden the latest creation of chocolate macaroons (or haystacks, or frogs, whatever you call them, they're yummy). So I'm hopeful that gentle reminders will keep the BLT's at bay. And that's all today kiddies. Hope you're having a great week.

Top 'O the Morning to Ya

Well, I decided to change my countdown and just realized the next 'fun day' is St. Patty's. Oh, how we love St. Patty's here in the Maritimes. I suppose the little Mouse will be celebrating her heritage in the big TO as well next month.

I also watched a little Irish legend hallmark video the other night with the family which also put me in the mood. It was called "The magical legend of the leprechauns" as was very good. Had some nice Irish dancing at one point, which makes me think of Zazu. It's been a couple weeks since I visited her blog, so I popped in to say Hi.

So, I guess I better stock up on some food colouring to be sure we have some green stuff when the big day arrives - then hide it. My 9yo has a tendency to 'steal' it and my skewers because she desperately wants a calligraphy set. I guess these combined satisfies her created needs.

Finally, apparently there was a 'storm' on Wednesday (some high winds, yes - I don't understand the weather warning systems anymore) so that WW was cancelled. I found this out by a sign posted AFTER I had driven there. SO, no WI again this week.

Happy Heart Day

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope everyone has a great day. I even got a valentines in my mail box this morning - a Popples one. I braved the bake-fest last night, too. Actually, the 9yo did all the baking. The made heart-shaped sugar cookies for the 4yo to take to daycare today and some fudge brownies for her own recess snacks. She's really getting the hang of mixes and will be ready to move on to something else soon.

Hubby helped them out with all of their valentines earlier this week and they took them all in yesterday, so I've really had to do nothing except avoid the baking last night.

As a Valentines present from Canada Post my Lean Desert has arrived today. I ordered it through bodybuilding.com and, even with the crazy international delivery fees, it worked out to less than half price what I can get it for in the stores. Thank you Americans for keeping your dollar low for me:) I think I'll have to try Chocolate fudge tonight.

I've nothing crazy planned for tonight. Ci and I both have dance and I suggested we do a nice family candle-lit dinner tomorrow night - I'm thinking salmon, brown rice and brocolli. Will run it by hubby again as he tends to focus on 'the day' rather than the event, if you know what I mean.

So, I hope everyone enjoys a warm bath, a candle-lit dinner, a glass of red wine, or whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy today or over the weekend. Happy Valentines Day.

What a GREAT Christmas!

Yup, That's right! I ended up having a great time. Parts were kind of stressful - like staying up late 2 nights running trying to get everything wrapped. Putting up a second Christmas at Mil's on Sunday NIGHT - Thank you Superstore for Christmas tree in a box (ornaments to dorn a full-size tree) and Bargain shop for tinselly and cardboardy hangy things. Oh, and Mr. 3M for Scotch tape. Some old paper, ribbon and bowes found in the basement to wrap up the pictures on the wall and hubby tracked down a light-up Santa head for the wall and, voila, the front sitting room was magically transformed into 'Tacky Christmas'.

My best gift - the squeel and knock-down hug when Ci opened up her TV. Considering we don't have cable I'm surprised that she was surprised to later open a DVD player. I think I was her age when I learned "Dear old Santa Claus, When you get to me, I don't want no mittens, I just want my own TV" - I got mittens. J loved just everything. She went from one thing to another all day Tuesday, Wednesday and most of Thursday. I was so glad to get home last night - whooo.

Overindulgences: I mayyyy have gone over my points last week. Don't know. I was doing really good, then came Christmas eve snacking. We had rice casserole, egg rolls, spring rolls, meatballs with dip, and sil brought over brie, goat cheese and fig pastries, babaganooshe and pita. All of it sampled and I may have had too much of some things. Christmas day was actually much better. I was cooking and able to get a bowl full of potatoes before the butter and milk went in. The girls and I used small plates and I heaped it up. I had some gravy and left the dinner table satisfied - not stuffed. I picked here and there until we left mil's, having some truffles and gum drops. Also, some wine was consumed through the week.

Now, there are a few days before New Years Eve. Eat healthy, stay on points, and watch Chinese food portions on Monday night. We're scheduled to have ham on New Years Day, so I'm looking forward to that, too. All told, I will be watching what I eat as I'd like to have a no gain for next weeks weigh-in.

Hope everyone had an awesome Holiday.

Christmas shopping blues - part deux

Hubby and I made the dreaded trip to the basement last night and categorized, strategized and prioritized. Who did we miss? Is there enough for each bambino? Does it look even?

1. MIL - I know what I want for her and will brave WalMart tonight.
2. SIL - Got it - Body Shop and Liquor store, here we come.
3. SILs long-time beau - Uh, liquor store
4. 18 year-old niece. I was told to by SIL to just give her money. I really don't like that. Really, really don't. Yet, the look of constant disappointment whenever she opens a gift for us makes shopping for her really, really not fun.
5. My niece and nephews in Newfoundland - Their's will be delivered direct to their home (yeah for on-line shopping at Toys R Us).
6. My family - we don't exchange anymore, but I am sending out Christmas cards - yikes, that should have been done already!!

• Bambino's - Well, the TV looks awefully big for the 9yo, but toy-wise she really needs something else. I also need to get a couple of movies for them and get to Old Navy for an outfit each and Chapters for at least 1 book each. I think I need a few more trinkets like make-up, jewellery and craft stuff, too, like from La Senza girl, Ardeen's or WalMart.
• Hubby - 1 more thing - I have it in my head and know where to look.

My Mom didn't want me to 'waste' my money on her, but I did give her a bunch of my clothes, like my Nygard suits and some of my large shells that I loved. I hope she's enjoying them.

The Christmas Shopping Blues

OK, First I went to weigh-in last night and have nothing to report. The scale read 158.0, same as 2 weeks ago. My home scale was actually up a bit from where it had been - figures.

I am sucking at the whole Christmas shopping thing and I hate stores at the best of times. Despise the malls at Christmas. I'm gonna look at everything tonight and 'categorize, strategize and prioritize' (another classic - Flintstones with John Goodman, and a bunch of other famous people). I did have 3 small items that I just left behind when I saw the line-up.

What else sucks - feeling guilty because I'm supposed to only take a 30 minute lunch. How can you get any shopping done in 30 minutes?

Woot, Wooooot!

I had to put a train on the Christmas challenge tracker because I'm really feeling like the little train that could. I'm slow and steady, but eventually I'll get to where I need to be. So, Woot, Wooooot! Watch out, I'm comin' though. Maybe not tonight at weigh-in, Maybe not next week, but my goal is still in tact. Guess I just won't be meeting it for this challenge. I will struggle to get to the top of Gordon's Hill (anyone else a Thomas fan?). I may falter, need a shove from a friend to keep me moving on this upward trip, but my path is there and all I need do is follow it.

If you're slipping off the wagon, or have taken a nose-dive into Christmas treats, remember that it's the first and last bites that you'll remember, but all those others in between that you'll be fretting in January. I guess I'm trying to say, proceed with caution. There were also a lot of crashes on Thomas - and although I loved Ringo's telling of the crashes - we don't have little men digging us out. In January, we'll be the ones working to get those bonbon's off our hips.

If you're feeling the slip start, check out the links to Holiday Survival plans. I read them over periodically and KNOW they've been a great source of motivation for me over the past couple of weeks.

We a Happy Crew

J is not smiling because someone is actually looking at her and talking. If we weren't on a sleigh ride she'd be huddled behind Daddy's legs. Ci was playing hard in the playground before we climbed on, has ditched her jacket and removed her hat half a dozen times. Can't see Mark's eyes and mine seem awefully dark. I saw it and said "Perfect!" This is us, in all our glory.

Merry Christmas!

OP Weekend (And I feel Great)

What an awesome weekend. Didn't get into the office like I had planned, but maybe that's why it was so great, lol.

1st - After my ST session and some great smoothies, Hubby took kids to J's dance class. Another set of sissy's goes and the big girls get together and play for the hour while the little ones dance. They scored a 'sleeping play date' according to the 4yo. I spent half the time reading Roni's Women's World and the other half straightening the kitchen.
2nd - Once they got home we got ready to go to my staff Christmas party. A good time was had by all. My three cuties rode the mechanical bull, played outside, ate hamburgers, fries and hot chocolate. Mommy brought a protein bar and had a hot dog leaving most of the bun behind and a coffee. We petted some horses and headed home.
3rd - Shopping in Bedford. After a trip through a couple of stores I took them to McDonald's to eat. I tried to order a grilled chicken salad - no go, so I ordered the chicken wraps. Surprised to realize these were the snack wraps and not the fajita ones, so I only ate 1 and left the other for hubby later. It's getting late and we had to head home.
4th - Kids at sleepover. They should sleep well after the day they've had. Hubby and I began some culling in the basement. I think we tossed well over half of the area we cleaned. The garbage is piled on the back deck and will need to go to the curb in segments. We also burned a bunch of wood and cardboard in the back yard - good riddance to bad rubbish. Time to clean up and hit the sack at 11pm. It's been a long night.
5th - Sunday we were still alone and began cleaning the living room. Serious wall washing stuff. At 11am hubby headed out to pick up the kids and my Mom calls to say she's leaving home and heading our way. She'll be hear in around 2 hours. I also began to haul out the Christmas stuff.
6th - I can't wait any longer for Mom. J and I need to get to a birthday party at the rink. She's never skated before. Mom arrives just as we're heading to the car, but she won't be staying as she's taking Ci shopping. After getting skates sharpened and watching the zamboni, J and I hit the ice. It was great to be back on blades again and J did great - she's a natural I tells ya.
7th - The party food. I piled a plate for J and just took some veggies and a small piece of cheese. When the plates were handed around I opted for just a piece of brocolli. Yeah me. Um, well, then J have me a piece of her cake - she had removed all of the icing, and I (gulp) at it.
8th - Home to continue with some Christmas stuff. Hubby bought a lasagna (8pts for 1/4 of the thing - I had 1/4 + 1/8, or 12pts - call it my splurge day). I whipped up some salad (read - I opened a bag of salad) and enjoyed. Mom and Ci landed home and, after I secured the TV for 30 minutes of exercise tapes, we popped in "Three Fugitives" - a blast from the past with Nick Nolte and Martin Short. Nighty-night little ones.

I feel great about the weekend. It was not a lazy weekend, but so much fun. Hubby and I had a great work-out Saturday night cleaning out that basement. It felt great to purge ourselves of so much garbage, and we found a few things we'd been looking for in the process. We also filled a few bags for donation. And we were focused on only the work shop area. Amazing what 5 evening hours without the kids can accomplish.

Happy Monday,

Weigh-In - 0.2 down

Well, I really expected to have a small gain this week, but the scale said I lost 0.2lbs and am now 158

I guess this means I should officially drop my points. I like to wait a few weeks into the new #s before doing this - and, I guess by trying to confine my FPs to 25 for the week I am, to some extent. So, it's official - my new daily points are 21.

On a side, my Christmas Challenge pants - the black ones I never posted a pic of - were definate muffin top at the start of the challenge and have been fitting quite nicely for a while now. In fact, they have recently started to slip (just a bit) in the hips. My Silver 33's are definately getting too big - even hubby commented. So, all is good in the land of wuz.

I keep asking people how they're doing on their Christmas shopping and am getting a lot of 90% done's. Anyone else have 100% to go?

Challenge Updates

I've been tired the past few days and have blogged not much other than updating my menu post for this week. I figured this was 'cleaner' than a new post each day.

I've finally visited all of the blogs from the Christmas Challenge that I could access. Some pretty cool girls out there. Most seem to be doing really good and Corinne and Randy are doing top-notch trying to keep it pulled together here in blogland. I unoficially changed my challenge goal to 153, but this is just for me. I realized that reaching my WW goal of 148 was not going to happen in the specified time period

I had also signed up for a New Year's Best Challenge housed at Sparks. After the first few weeks the leaders made the forum private so ya'll can't see it. Actually, they just wanted to keep the group intimate and didn't want people joining part ways through. We have little weekly challenges which, I must admit, I haven't been into much. I try to visit there a couple times a week, but aren't on Sparks as much as I used to be. There's still a lot of support in the little group and I like the forum environment and the ability to post specific threads.

I also changed my WW goal. I chatted with my leader and decided to go for 150. You may recall that the original one that I had was for 145. Anyway, I guess that's why you have time to think about it. I told her that I may just walk in one day and decide that I'm at goal and she said that was fine, too since I'm now in the healthy range, according to them. Oooh, I'll leave you guessing.

In unrealated news, we have decided to spend Christmas with my mil. Apparently we are going to have my niece, too, but sil is working that day (VON nurse). Hubby was talking about fixing beds, etc at mil's - not sure what was up with that, but forget it. I told him we'd bring up the air mattresses and all of the girls could sleep in the front room, including the niece (she's 18, quite overweight, and won't likely appreciate it, but oh well). Mil's house is a bit messed up. She has the old LR 'upstairs'. She had an addition built on that includes her bedroom and a huge sunroom, which is really the new LR (there's only 3 steps). You can't see one from the other, so Santa can do his thing in private, ya know. Mil is really excited we're going there and so are my girls. I'd say by this time next year, mil won't be 'with' us - as in mentally. She appears to have alzheimer's and it's progressing rather quickly, so we're trying to make this a memorable event for our daughters and, to some extent, Nanny. If it's a bad winter, we'll also find it more difficult to visit regularly, so we're trying to get in as many visits as possible now.

Cheers,