On an Empty Stomach...

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Above: me post shopping - no more malls ... for a while.

I write this. 

So if it is incoherent, I do apologize! I have like five pounds to lose by next weekend. (I hope)! Ha! What a joke.

We'll see.

Does that give you a hint as to how my shopping day went yesterday? 

OH Man. 

Never mind the shitaculous (pretty sure I stole that word from Perez Hilton) lighting in those stores that make every woman (and man) look pasty, tired, and drained :-)!

But let's start at the beginning, shall we?

Okay. 

So I made my list.

And checked it twice.

On an organizational roll...

Good start.

Had e dropped off at daycare at eight-thirty a.m. after her not eating (been this way for two weeks almost). I cried as I left her. A small sidebar: about three years ago, j.b. and I owned two lovely kitties: razz and staggerlee. They were, of course, our first children. I found out I was deathly allergic (no seriously!) to cats after about three years of owning them. I used to smoke, so I never correlated my inability to breathe with the cats until I quit. Then I would spend nights pulling desperately for air and taking antihistamines so I could breathe at least a little. I was in denial: from one bad habit to the next. Until finally I went to a Walk In Clinic and the good ol' doc said I basically should have been in Emerg, that's how badly I was breathing. ANYHOO, long story short, we were instructed to get rid of the cats ASAP. So we did. In like a week. A nice nurse who had lived on a farm and had all respect for animals took them. We drove the kitties to her house. And we brought them in. And they cowered. But once they settled and were getting a bit comfortable, we bolted. (Quick and easy). Yeah right.

That's how I felt about leaving e. I wondered, does she think I won't come back for her? Does she feel abandoned?

Probably an over-imagination  on my part, yes?

Apparently she fussed, but quickly settled.

j.b. picked her up after the hour so I could get a move on all my busy day adventures.

So off I went list and plan in hand: First to a children's store to finish e's birthday shopping. 

I have bought her maracas (cuz they're just so much fun), building blocks, bath toys, two pairs of adorable shoes, (btw, I really restained myself here -- it's bad enough that I have a shopping addiction when it comes to me -- having a daughter is going to make my habit that much worse!!!), two bonnets, and two outfits. Pretty good, huh? 

Oh and I had a cute banner made for her that we will pull out yearly for her birthday. A little over the top, but what - ev. Let's not discuss the price tag on this - I may have a small anxiety attack. And I plan to never never never tell j.b. Let's let him remain happily ignorant. 

Happy jb Happy e Happy me.

Okay. The run down:

In six hours I hit twelve stores, got my hair cut and coloured and got all waxed (eek!) and ate two meals. I am an ANIMAL!

Clothing: 

• H & M was good to me: 2 dresses. 3 pairs of pants. two tops. one red scarf. one bow for hair. $250.00. Not bad.
• Urban Behaviour was OKAY: two sweet cardi's. I have a nice collection now!
• And everywhere else? Brutal. I had such a productive first hour, then found NOTHING ELSE.
• No shoes. (waaahhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaa)
• Went to Dynamite in a fifteen minute rush before my hair appointment, tried on and bought three things...Rethought them all, and apres my lovely preening, promptly returned them all. As Diane says, that good ol' Catholic guilt can be something FIERCE!!! - No regrets, though. Mostly.
• I did get the bras!! Can I tell you how much I hate hate hate spending money on bras. I have to laugh, too. The sale's lady looked at me and guessed my size two sizes too small. Guess that's a good thing? Dunno. That was the worst part of  my day though.

Hair:

• greys covered? check
• darker black/brown, rich colour? check check
• Shiny? CHECK!
• less disheveled? Thank GOD: check check check
• Price tag? Don't ask! But but but: $100 cheaper than what I usually pay -- so that's good, but also indicative of the astronomically high price of 'beautifying' oneself!

Overall? Productive! I've overhauled my closet, reorganized my wardrobe and decided what to pair with what (this is my favourite thing to do post-shopping)...Oh what a materialist am I??? I actually had more clothes and shoes already than I had originally thought. But I could still do with one more pair of shoes:-).

The money may be ALL gone, but the rejuvenated feeling is worth it!

I even modeled all my new finds for j.b. (didn't even have to hide any cuz I was so good and budgeted - Yay me!). I would tell you he was completely into the fashion show and the clothing - but I'd be lying. It was mostly so I could play with my new toys!!

And j.b's full day with e? Oh he was bored. Every time I'd call to check in, he'd be like, when are you coming home? I am so bored!!! And Does e ever eat ANYTHING?

So when I did get home and was somewhat organized, his duties were done. He stopped all work, read the paper, did Soduko, played on the computer.

Man I wish I was a man.

So ladies, I hope you enjoyed my play-by-play of my overhaul day! I'd say I did pretty good. I won't be going back naked (in my paper bag, if you recall); nor will I be a hairy beast. Lucky everyone. And, mostly, I feel like I can actually step out into the world without being a frazzled mess.

Now to figure out how to remain calm, cool, collected when it comes to the actual work day and its routines - but that's an issue for another day.

Off to put on one of my new ensembles :-). Oh the shiny fun of new clothes! 

Time to enjoy the sun.

And eat. Should probably do that too.

I'll keep you posted on the weight-loss: I am down 3 lbs so far! Yippee!!!

OH!

One more thing:

I did learn yesterday, as I tried on the many many outfits, where I really hold on to the fat: my belly/hip area, and those damn inner thighs. And it's near impossible on my short little figure to hide it. Hence (oh that university word again) the fact that I did not buy jeans. I tried on many a pair. But until I've lost some chunk-age - or they've managed to work themselves in before I buy them - they will remain on the shelf. That extra roll over the top of the jeans? Ew! Too depressing!

Sigh - boo - ANYHOW - what-evs (again);

e is up from her nap and I've not eaten yet!!! ARRRGHHH.

Happy DAYS!!

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Blabbering....

A blog can be a place where I can just blabber, right? About -- anything? That's okay, right? It doesn't always have to have organization, good grammar, allusions or other such writing elements. Nor does it have to have a point, and stuff, does it?

I hope not.

Because on this sunshiny day, I feel like just expressing myself -- free writing if you will! Oh, and by the way, you are joining me for lunch -- a 'yummy' low-fat, low carb yogurt, protein powder (I gave in and bought some) and bran buds. Can we say chunky cement? Here's to health food!

Regardless, I am glad you are joining me!

So I've decided (well j.b. and I decided--since in a good marriage, decisions are unified...non?) to work out with a dear friend on Sunday mornings. Yes. I have taken yet another step toward the fit s.b of latter years. I kinda miss her. Though I don't miss her psychotic workout schedule, regime, or mind-set, so I am hoping to remain relaxed and realistic here.

(As relaxed as one S.B. can be, you see)!

Anyhow, so I was in this great class called Body Attack, and I looked around the room at all the sweaty ladies, and I decided. I decided that it had to have been a woman who invented the gym. Or, if not the gym, then at least the whole group fitness concept. Because it is exactly what every woman needs. Or at least in my humble and maybe slightly biased opinion.


I don't know if I am over-stepping here, but this applies to me at least; being a woman is often one lonely doctrine. We are so busy caring for and keeping up with our families and lives and homes and jobs and and AND! That we barely barely have time for a real social life. And we are women. We need NETWORKS. This fact is like written into our our DNA or something. Communication is what we do!

Yet, our lives, especially these days, just doo not let us. And we need to be social.

We need each other.

So I looked around at all these sweaty women and I was like, wow, we are in this together. For this hour, we are a network: we are each others' social outlet and inspirations! And for me, meeting my girlfriend and doing some exercise as well is just perfect: two birds, one stone. There are only so many hours in a day and I want each one to count.

So I am feeling, post-workout, very energized and socialized! Much needed.

I admire always the amount my hubby manages to socialize. He just has so many friends. And mine, though I do have them, are either very busy with their own lives, or living just that little bit too far (either across town, or towns away) for us to really make a go at  the whole meeting up and hanging, thing.

And we are just way way too busy, aren't we? I mean, how do we fit in all we need to do in a day -- and try , when we can, to look and feel good too?

So I was busily moving my behind in this class marveling at the wonders of women: and realizing that we just need this hour. We need to let off steam. We need to be together, in a positive atmosphere.

I was considering not going to the gym, or at least not getting a membership; and many of my 'elders' were saying I would be too busy to even think about working out....

And now I say to that -- too busy for maybe a couple of hours a week? Really? Am I taking away from my child letting her spend some quality time with her pops sans momma and her naturally bossy ways?

Too busy to take a very very small chunk of me away from my life's duties and just do something positive and social?

I know there's housework to do, and food to prepare, and laundry to fold and sort (and socks to find), and a baby to tend to, etc. etc. But I can take one hour maybe two in a week to do for me so I can do for everyone and complete everything.

I mean, my friend said it best, one cannot let the first thing she lets go be her exercise!

Indeed!

And since I never get out to see friends, and I am rather isolated in my home, and my friends are equally busy -- why not marry the two: social and physical!

Yippee for group X!

And yippee for my friend for inspiring me to go.

And yippee to my hubby for wanting me to enjoy some time away for myself (although, let's be real, he gets to enjoy the results too, am I right?)! And for agreeing to be e's caretaker for the times I am away!

And mostly, yippee to that woman (presumably) who invented group exercise because it is the best excuse to get out of the house that any woman needs -- !

And the lingering chats after the class has ended?

Priceless.

It's the touchstone I need to get me through another quiet and lonely week at home --

-- Until the next class!

 

ps. Never mind how motivating it is to see the truly fit in the class and think well, if this class did that for them, imagine what it can do for me!!! :-)

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Things that Inspire

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ps...plan on this post going in a few different directions -- and please please please be patient with me -- the second half of this is particularly important to me.

On the weekend my husband and I watched Invictus. It was a really good movie -- a bit slow, but if you were looking for it, it was inspiring. Nelson Mandela believed that life was meant to be lived fully and that days were not to be wasted. While some felt he over-scheduled, he never wanted to waste a minute. He rose so early in the morning it was still dark out; he exercised daily at this time. He was up until all hours of the night, involved in many different, seemingly unnecessary (though important to him) affairs.

Nelson Mandela's approach reminded me of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, by Benjamin Franklin, which I read in my American Literature class in university...(remember that Beth? do you remember what I said about this particular read? I said the following specifically to you!). I remember coming to class after reading this text both inspired and bothered. I was raised to work hard, but to also rest hard: to lead a meaningful, though balanced life. Franklin believed in never wasting a moment, and ensuring that everyone knew you were constantly working: that is how to be productive (hence his ability to invent such things as the library and volunteer fire hall, bifocals, etc.)...

My university self was a bit bothered by this man's egocentric need to ensure everyone knew he worked hard -- I also noted that all his hard work was very self-involved. He was not really an available family man; though, he did have a family. I thought that that was particularly upsetting: why wasn't he spending his nights with his family? I also thought that he needed to slow down, smell the roses, take some relaxation time. However, aside from his unavailability, the me of today does see some wisdom in the full-day approach to life: we lead such short lives and it's silly to waste them!!!

---

Being on maternity leave, and adjusting to life with a child has slowed me down...a lot. After dealing with the many sleepless nights, I took advantage of nap-times for my own leisure and refueling. Now that I do sleep through, though, this approach is no longer viable. I am feeling LAZY -- and certainly not using my precious days as well as I should!

After watching Invictus, as well as reading fb posts from my really good friend, and also reading forever-improving girl's blog, I've realized that my love affair with the gym is what I've been missing most in my lazy days. Up until now I'd decided that there was no point to starting an exercise regiment since, once I head back to work, it will be far too stressful to try and keep it up. BUT. Where there's a will, there's a way. And (as Mr. Franklin and Mr. Mandela have reminded me), the most productive people FILL THEIR DAYS FULL...And this is inspiring. Also, once the days are full, they become so much more rewarding. 

Life is simply too precious to waste.

 

I am now inspired. No more excuses. I no longer have a gym membership and for now, I will be okay with this fact: (I've been a member of several gyms since I was sixteen). But, I will exercise in my basement to a really wonderful Jari Love workout video entitled Get Ripped! with Jari Love. After many years of fitness, I know what it takes to get results in a short amount of time: and the full body workout with weights that this video promotes is what I need. I am tired of making excuses but of also not making the best use of the days I've had. No more couch potato, nappy nappy girl for me! Finally -- I feel I am starting, starting to appreciate every day properly.

--

I am someone who, once my life starts to take a more positive turn, begins to look for inspiration everywhere: in blogs, in movies, watching my friends...And another inspiring event is unfolding as we speak. My colleague and close friend's baby's first birthday is coming up in less than a week, on March 1st. This is a very special and pivotal event as baby Sofia was born weighing just under five hundred grams, at barely 26 weeks gestation. It was emergency surgery as my friend Sarah had H.E.L.L.P. syndrome and carrying her baby had put her own life in jeopardy. Knowing that Sofia's life was fragile in these first months, I have prayed Sofia would see another day EVERY DAY--and now she will be ONE YEAR OLD!

--

Both Sarah and I had decided to start trying to conceive at the very same time about three years ago. And we found the road to conception was not as easy as we had planned...We both struggled, though she more than I. However, we did finally conceive (thank God), and she was due three months after me. We went through our pregnancies together, did Yoga, chatted about our dreams and fears of having our first child. 

--

Then on that fateful day, when I entered the school where we both worked and was told the news of her health and the state of her very premature baby, I cried. I could barely carry on my classes that day. My heart went out to Sarah in a way I don't think anyone will ever understand...And it has continued to be preoccupied with her, Sofia and her husband, Luigi, ever since.

You see, of anyone I know, THEY are the people who inspire me. Not only did Sarah pick herself up post surgery, she stayed positive, knowing that her baby needed her good energy, her strength; she did not stop to notice the trauma her body had just incurred. She did not stop and ask, 'why me?'. She did not waste her tears, or beg others to explain to her how such a difficult thing could have happened to her, her child, her family. No. She realized she was lucky: she had baby Sofia! 

The months ahead were incredibly difficult. Sofia had several illnesses and needed several transfusions. She had to be isolated and protected from all germs. She was on breathing machines, feeding tubes, etc. Being barely a pound at birth, and losing weight post-birth, she was very very fragile.

--Luigi's wedding band around Sofia's wrist.

Every day I waited for good news. And Sarah obliged. She emailed the staff and I regularly. She kept us in the know, (both through email, and on a personal on-line journal). Her messages were always positive: her emails were upbeat and powerful. She inspired me, and she broke my heart, daily. She still does.

 

 

Sofia was in the hospital for one hundred and ninety-seven days (I wish I could remember all the details). Sarah and family transitioned to home life in mid September, and life did not get easier. Reflux and feeding issues were a concern, as was any airborne germs as Sofia's lungs were still fragile. The daily grind was busy for Sarah. The setting up of machines, the cleaning and disinfecting, the tube-feeding, the pumping, the regular schedules, etc., were very trying. But she did not complain. She says we all have our struggles when it comes to raising a child. (WOW).

Today Sofia is a strong, seventeen pound gorgeous baby girl. She can sit up on her own; she can jump in her jolly jumper. She is happy. She is on a predictable schedule. She is learning how to eat her solids. 

But more than everything else, Sofia is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She fought through so many illnesses; underwent countless surgeries; struggled through the pain of reflux; and she came out victorious. (She will likely, one day, be the strongest soccer player on whatever team she chooses). She has the will to live and the fierce love of her mother (and father). She is a lucky girl. And we are all lucky to know her and her parents.

Sarah and her family leave me in awe. Not only has Sarah guided Sofia through all her struggles with positivity and grace, she has managed to keep involved in her own life: visiting friends, going to the gym, etc. She is my inspiration.

More than ever before, I am aware of the inspirations all around me: the strength in my friend, in other women, in myself, is not to be taken for granted. I hope to always appreciate these poignant examples of strength and fulfillment. 

Life is a precious gift. I thank Sarah and her family for reasserting this important fact.

Sofia, Sarah, Luigi: You are my inspiration. You have my heart. You make me want to always strive, to always live every day to its fullest -- and to do so positively and powerfully. 

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.

Happy Birthday Sofia!

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Let Us Eat Chocolate

 

In honour of Valentine's Day--and her birthday--today I would like to feature my best friend's mom: Brita Housez. Brita is the type of woman we all aspire to be. She is a well-rounded, well dressed, elegant woman who manages to be an excellent home-maker, a successful entrepreneur and a talented, creative artist. And she makes it all look easy! She does not shy away from life; rather, she meets it head on. I have not met a more talented woman, and as the matriarch, her creativity has been passed along to her two beautiful daughters.

Brita has let life inspire and guide her career decisions. After living through a loved-one's fight with cancer, she became inspired to learn more about how to prevent the disease through food. During her research, she became aware of and interested in the disease fighting components of soy. Through scientific studies, it is concluded that soy can help fight diseases such as breast cancer, kidney disease, and osteoporosis; but it can also help with menopausal issues like night sweats and hot flashes. It is soy's naturally occurring phytochemicals that make it a potent health promoter(Housez 4).

As a result of life experience and a want to inspire others to heatlh, Brita created her first cook book: Tofu Mania. Because of its versatility, Brita chose to focus her first cookbook on tofu, as it is a readily available and versatile food. Her main message is that soy needs to be integrated into most cooking in order for it to be effective at preventing disease. She shows us how easy and tasty tofu can be. The recipes are multicultural and, while they all contain tofu, they also consist of other healthy, tasty ingredients that are readily available at the local grocer. 

So, without further ado, I am going to share with you my absolute favourite Brita Housez recipe. I was introduced to it four years ago, and have made it a staple in my cooking ever since. It is a perfect Valentine's Day treat, and is absolutely guilt free. (Also, if you've read my previous posts about diet and weight loss, you know that any dessert that contains protein--such as soy--stabilizes blood sugar, which helps prevent weight gain).

This brownie is the most guilt free, moist,and chocolately treat you may ever encounter. Even my husband, who is anti anything resembling 'heath food' LOVES this treat:

Chocolate Brownies:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature

1/2 cup soft tofu

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup unbleached flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius)

With electric mixer, beat sugar, butter and tofu until smotth. Beat in buttermilk, eggs and vaniulla. Gradually mix in flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. When smooth, fold in pecans.

Spread batter evenly in a lightly greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Bake about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on wire rack.

Spread frosting over brownies with a spatula while brownies are still a bit warm. Cool completely; cut into 24 squares.

Makes 24 brownies.

Chocolate frosting:

1 cup icing (confectioner's) sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 tbsp butter, at room temperature

2 tbsp soft tofu, mashed

Cream all ingredients together in a bowl.

Per Frosted Brownie: 170 calories, 2 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 8 g total fat (3 g saturated, 3 g mono, 1 g poly fat), 31 mg cholesterol, .4 g fiber, 67 RE vitamin A, 6 mcg folate, 1 mg vitamin C, 124 mg sodium, 52 mg potassium, .4 mg iron, 30 mg calcium.

Brita's recipes are accessible and they are delicious. This is a great one to start with, but I do recommend taking a look at, if not buying and trying your hand at her health promoting, easy and creative recipes from Tofu Mania, The Joy of Soy, or Pleasures Pure and Simple. Enjoy!

**p.s. this brownie tastes really good with the featured wine from yesterday's Thirsty Thursday: McManis. Oh Heaven.

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Today

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To begin with, it does not pay to take a night off of blogging...I missed out on a lot of great reads and had to catch up today...and I still have all today's reads to read! -- enough reading already???

Okay, I decided I would do a small entry about health and food. Just a small one. I hope. We'll see. To know me is to know that food and health are synonymous with me. Well, usually. My quest to be a healthy individual started at a very young age, so I've been researching food and diets for over 18 years.

Here is where I am at today:

Today I've decided that I will try and be smart with my approach to food. Exercise I will discuss another day. But food will be today's fare.

I used to be really really disciplined about food: I wouldn't eat red meat; I wouldn't eat more than one serving of carbohydrates in a day; I wouldn't eat eggs or baked goods; I would eat very very small portions. Diet coke was my only go to besides the three liters of water I drank in a day. Although, weekends and wine still coexisted regularly. How could they not? Everyone needs a vice - !

Here's where I am at today. I usually hate this word, but it works so well here: I am at balance. I don't want to cut out starches, nor do I want to disown red meat, tuna or anything else that may kill me due to hormones or mercury or whatever.

Today I say yes to the seven letter swear word. So to stay balanced, I eat around four to five small meals a day. Here is my sample menu:

breakfast: plain 2% astro *or liberte plain yogurt, depending on price difference. In it I put flax oil, blueberries, vanilla flavoured manitoba hemp protein powder, and psyllium fiber bran buds. Coffee with skim milk (because sugar and cream are extra calories)!

lunch: small wrap, (or three ryvita crackers, or two 30 g servings of bread) with tuna, egg whites and vegetables, tofu and egg, or faux chicken tofu. And a sugar free chocolate pudding -- again, I have vices!!!

snack: grapefruit -- I should have a protein here, so sometimes I have an ounce of cheeze.

dinner: always salad with homemade dressing. Meat. Potatoes. Veg. or Spaghetti. (there was a time I would not eat spaghetti)! Oh how deprived I was.

bedtime snack: two small homemade chocolate chip cookies. (again with the vices)

water -- constantly.
decaf tea -- two to three times a day.
wine -- on the weekends -- a glass or two, because, really, why not?

My goal right now is to maintain optimal health, to feel vital and awake, to stay lean without working out (for now), and to enjoy food. I want to be creative with my eating, not limiting myself in any way, but to know that what I put in is good energy rather than just garbage.

I am also taking a few supplements. I do not in any way know for sure if they work, but here's what I take:
1. Probiotic for digestion.
2. Multi-vitamin.
3. Green Tea for antioxidants.
4. Apple Cider vinegar for antioxidants and ability to lower glycemic index in food.
5. B Vitamin Complex for daily stressers/energy.
6. Calcium/Magnesium Vitamin D supplement. Because I don't eat a lot of dairy and I cannot drink milk *intolerance.

And that's the regiment.

The philosophy is to always have a protein with a carbohydrate; to eat high fiber, low glycemic, antioxidant rich foods; to drink lots of water; to eat lots of vegetables and a couple of fruits daily; to make eating simple; and, to enjoy the hell outta food! Oh, and looking good is the bonus side effect (i hope)!

On a personal opinion note: I adore watching Dr. Oz, along with all the other reading I've done about diet and health. I worry,though, about the 'all or nothing' approach to eating for two reasons. One, the approach is damn hard to maintain.And two, I fear food paranoia. I appreciate Dr. Oz's goal, which is optimal health. And maybe some people cannot have ANY of the white stuff if they hope to stay on track. But salt adds taste to food. And sugar-less cookies, ew! And don't get me started on whole-wheat flour cookies, double ew! However, I think we need these daily, weekly, montly vices to keep us sane and to ensure we maintain our love of food.

Daily moderation to me means

• six or less starches *totalling a mass of equal to or less than 180 grams or six ounces--mostly fibre-rich, but including some white flour/sugar if needed!
• two or so dairy products/dairy substitute per day.
  

• Five or more vegetables a day.
  
• Two or so fruits *especially berries and lower glycemic fruits.
  
• Two or so portions of protein *including legumes, two servings of red meat a week, two or more servings of fish a week, and lots of white meat and tofu!!!
• A couple of tablespoons of healthy fat day.
  

I know, being the buxom girl that I am, that I have to pay mind to my starch intake, and keep it on the lower end to maintain a svelter figure...My waist tells my sins rather honestly...But I still eat me a cookie or two a day.

Because -- why not?

*****please note that I am not a nutritionist and I do not pretend to be. I just hope that people will enjoy learning a bit about my passion...I LOVE learning about eating and I hope to one day pass on my love of food and health to my children!

thoughts?

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My Blog is My Gym...

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We have the same ambivalent relationship. Seriously. For instance, when I started out this whole blogging thing, I was on a roll, I was up night and day just writing like I'd not written in years. The ideas were just rushing in! What adrenaline! I was full speed ahead, all in baby!

I have the same approach with the gym. When I get the urge to start out my new workout regiment, again, (a story for another time) - (for instance, on January 1 EVERY YEAR) I am very very determined and committed. And I wonder how I ever left. Oh how the endorphins are just so addictive. Why did I ever stop? The first week I am exhilarated, amazed at my new resolve. And then during week two I start to slow down, just a bit. Still pleased with myself, but starting to think the bed is slightly more attractive...especially since the results are just not showing the way they should! By week three and onward I am full stop at the question: What is the point? And done.

Anyhow, I blather...

The point being that the first week was a super high getting this blog going. Even the second week was pretty amazing, learning how to design it, getting tips from great bloggers such as Beth, Melissa, or Jenn...And the new friends!!! I got great feedback at first and that helped drive my want to write. But then a day would go by and maybe I got nothing, not a comment, or a hit...and I would think, boy that bed sure looks attractive.

You get it.

But why?? I think I must have a problem with discipline, or maybe attentiveness, or maybe a need for immediate gratification, or feedback. Actually, I think it's really immaturity...Whatever it is, it is.

But the moment I start to feel too down or that maybe I should just stop (who wants to read sappy stuff about E?!), someone throws me a bone. I get a new follower (welcome dArLyn), or receive a fun award, thanks Aubrey (Stacey)! And I am back.

Sad but true. I am hoping this is not simply a negative attribute that only I possess. I am hoping I can cop out a little and blame it on the human condition...?!

Regardless. I am really hoping that I can write for the sake of writing...ha! Don't we all just want an audience?!...no?

p.s. blogging rhymes with jogging! do you suppose they both will provide the same results? Six pack here I come!

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How to Cheat without Cheating -- A Loophole!!!

Today I found a way to cheat on my 'diet'! A cereal cookie. Thank you Second Cup -- 'you're my inspiration'! Now, just having cereal in the title really does make it okay, or as Rachel Ray would say, presumably 'figure friendly'!!! I. am. serious. Click here for today's recipe of choice. Woo hoo! This means I can have ten, right?!

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Blog before Breakfast

Well, here's a great diet strategy:

hop on the blog before breakfast and literally hours will pass before I stop reading/writing (and intermittently playing with the babe) -- and breakfast has passed with only my coffee calories passing my lips...

hm.

Let you know how this new approach works for me...

oh and please don't call CAS for neglecting my child. I fed her first!!!

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Protein Powder

Just wondering if it is a waste of money...I went into a male meat-head oriented 'health food store' today in search for one to add to my am yogurt, and was overwhelmed by the scary size, overall selection, and seriously serious looking containers of various powders...

are they necessary????

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