What Faith Can Do

I can't believe Christmas is over. Whew, what a whirlwind of activity and family and all the stuff that goes in between. With 2009 winding down, and 2010 literally like a day a way, it is that time of the year to make our New Year's Resolutions. I don't know about you, but I am not the best at keeping them. I can make resolutions like a champ, but I can't necessarily keep them. That is until this year! What is it about this year that makes it different from all the other years, really, I have no idea. Maybe it is because I was at Church early on Christmas morning and had 45 minutes to clear my head and listen to God, and actually hear what he had to say. That was the most peace I have had in my life in a long long time. My resolution this year isn't to go to the gym every day, because with working 5 days a week, I do need to rest. My resolution for this year is to be healthier Mentally, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually. See, in my time by myself Christmas morning, I made God aware of my New Year's resolution, and it seems the good Lord really was talking to me and he really does answer prayers. Monday I had a voicemail on the house phone from a Lady at NDB Church asking if I was still interested in teaching

classes at said Church. It would only be 45 minutes a week, and it will be first graders. I remember how much fun I had doing it in AZ, but I told her I needed to talk it over with hubby and pray about it. Well, Tuesday I was able to accept the position as First Grade PREP teacher, and I start next Wednesday! I am excited and nervous all at once.

So, I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers and that you

2010 is going to be a great year!

All the Little Children

This is my first time trying this, but here is a video of my little children out in the snow. I hope this work. Sorry about the poor quality, I was using my phone. Yes, I took the dogs out while I had my phone on me, just in case.

Enjoy! Happy Monday!

December 20th and only 5 days to go

Sorry I have been absent, life has had some unexpected turns lately. We are all fine at the igloo, just doing a lot of soul searching. We both are looking forward to Christmas, and we learned a valuable lesson this year. Do not wait until the week before Christmas to buy a Christmas tree stand, you won't find one. Penguin put up our artificial tree and it is pathetic. It is only 3 feet high, but when I wake up today we will decorate it. It might get lost amongst the presents, so we are trying to find a way to make it taller. As all of you most likely know, we received snow that started at like 10am Saturday, and as I write this at 0123 Sunday morning it is still coming down. I will try to take some snow pictures in the morning, but lately after work all I want to do is sleep. Speaking of which, I haven't done the 30day shred in a long time. It's not that I don't want too, but all I want to do is sleep and lately I have been sleeping until the last possible minute that I can get up. Looks like being 31 hasn't changed anything. Penguin starts classes the end of Jan, and since the government is paying, I am looking forward to him going back to classes. I was going to take a class, but with our money being a little tight, I am going to withdraw from the class and just wait until July to hear if I got into grad school. In the mean time, I got a per diem job at Hospital C and start there in Jan. Hopefully, I will be able to bring home some more money to start building our nest egg. My plan is still for us to try to get a house at the end of next year, and who knows have a New Years party there. Hope everyone is doing well. I am going to try to keep up with this, everyone needs an outlet right. Until then, bundle up and enjoy the snow :P

Shred Day 5

Today is Day 5 of Shred. But, before I get to that, let me just say how excited I was to wake up to SNOW!!! I took the dogs out at noon, and there was nothing on the ground, but while I was out there I got hit in the face with a snow flake. Needless to say I woke up to snow!
OK, now back to Shred...
5 Days in a row...for me this is a huge accomplishment because I have worked everyday since Wed, so making sure that I have made time for myself, even if it was just the 27:36 that it takes from warm up to cool down, I am still making time for myself. So, what have I noticed...
1- No changes physically yet, although I am hoping to start seeing changes soon
2- This is not a workout that I should do in front of hubs; while I was exercising here is what I had to listen too : Hubs "push it ladies, I want you to feel the burn, burn this skinny b*tch." (Jealous much?)
3- While I haven't noticed a huge change in my endurance, I have noticed that I only had to stop once because my arm weights are really too heavy. Oh, and I HATE, no wait, loathe, jumping jacks. Being a girl with really large tatas, even with the specialized sports bra, they are still uncomfortable, although getting more tolerable.
4- I actually feel hungry sometimes, and for me that is huge. I know that I am an emotional eater, so I am fighting hard to only eat if I am really hungry
5- (this part is gross, so readers beware) I have now remembered how gaseous I am. I am so glad that this is a workout I do at home. Hopefully this will get better..otherwise, maybe I need been-o or gas ex.
6- Hopefully I will be in at least a little better shape by the spring so that I can run and not feel like a tub a lub

Shred Days 3 and 4

This is going to be a short post, because 1 I am at work and because 2 this is going to be day 5. Yep, 5 days in a row. What have I noticed different...umm I sweat more, I am actually hungry when I wake up and exercising = better sleep. Working out as soon as I come home from work DOES NOT keep me from sleeping. If anything, it allows me to work out my stresses from work so that when I go to bed I can forget about work, even if it is only for that short period. Today will be day 5, Sunday Day 6 and then finally on Monday my next day off will be Day 7. In the video Jillian talks a lot about the endurance on people who are at days 6, 7, and 8...let me be the judge of that. Anyway, I hope you have a great weekend. I will be leaving work here in like 3.5 hours, going to let the dogs out, work out and then hit the hay so my day can continue. Hope all is well!

30 Day Shred Day 2

Today was day 2 of the 30 Day Shred, or well day 3 if you count the day I did before Thanksgiving. Anyway, I wasn't as sore today as I was last week, nor was I as tired today as when I did the exercises yesterday. No, I am not saying that I am in shape, but I am a shape and I guess from the research I am pear shaped. Today, I took pictures before my workout, which I will keep to myself. In a week, I will take pictures again wearing the same clothes as today to see if there is a difference. I am also thinking about supplementing the 30 Day Shred with WW although I have to do some more research about my job helps pay for that. Anyway, I am looking forward to this daily taking care of myself business, and the next 5 days will be a challenge because I work every one. Well, hope everyone is having a great day. Later alligator!

Flu Season

With flu season upon us it is important that we all do what we can to prevent the spread of illness. For me, it is making sure I have the vaccinations (yes, I have flu and H1N1) and I also increase the Vitamin C in my daily intake. It is also meticulous hand washing that helps prevent the spread of infection. For me, I also believe that exercising also helps ward off the evil illness germs. I think the increase in endorphins helps make you feel good, and if you feel good, I believe you can also ward off illness. But, what do you do if you have children? Do you wash their hands a gazillion times a day, or do you lysol everything? Well, Alice at alice.com is offering a boogie wipe giveaway. Go over to her blog and enter your chance to win!

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is my dearest middle sister's birthday. So, I am taking the time to wish her a happy birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAREST SISTER HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!



Sorry I can't be there with you on your birthday! May you find happiness today, and may your wee one give you more hugs and kisses than you can handle. May you have your cake and eat it too, and may you know that I am thinking of you today, tomorrow and always. Hope you have a great day! See you in 21 days!

Typical Car Convo

This is what happens when Hubs and I drive together...

Hubs: "singing Beetlejuice"
Hubs: what do you think of the name Wynona?
Me: As in Judd?
Hubs: No Rider
Me : Rider H?
Hubs: I don't have the sense of humor as Rider Strong's parents
Me: ROFL, OMG I never thought of that
Hubs: Wow, I married a blonde... cheerleader giggle

30 Day Shred Part deux

So, if you have been reading my blog then you know that the day before Thanksgiving I posted this blog. Well, with the holidays and all we had a house guest, and while I don't normally mind having a house guest, it felt awkward to me to be working out in the living room while she was trying to sleep on the couch. Yes, Penguin and I are thinking about a 2 bedroom, but then again it is just the 2 of us, so maybe more year of the 1 bedroom and then we will either upgrade or hopefully by a house. ANYWAY, today I restarted my promise to myself and restarted the 30 Day Shred. Today I even feel like I dressed more the part, meaning I had my hair pulled back and even wore sneakers. I went into it thinking it would be a wee bit easier...boy was I wrong. It might as well have been my first day ever looking at it. I knew I was out of shape, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine letting myself get this way. Man. My motivation is that I want to be healthier. I also want to be able to buy normal size clothes and be able to dress like I belong into today's day and age and not like I am always wearing a burlap sack. I also thinking about going away with the hubs to celebrate our honeymoon. I think my family is going camping here although some talked about going here. I on the other hand wouldn't mind having the best of both worlds of camping and the beach by going where the wild horses are. But either way, I will need to be in a bathing suit, and in the current state I am in...I think even those who have a loss of sight would need to put glasses on.
In the meantime, I am really going to try to do this this time. Even if we have company I need to do this for me. I need to feel better about myself. I think I am even going to join ww again, this time through work so it is paid for and see if that can help me get on my goals. I will take a picture of myself today, then hopefully in weekly increments so that maybe I will see a difference. In the mean time, I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday and enjoy the new month!

Today's the first day of the rest of your life..

OK, really, that is a song by Rascal Flatts, but it popped into my head as soon as I got home today. Why you might ask? Well, I keep talking about going to the gym, and right now that is not in the budget for Penguin and me. So,my sister J had given me Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred around the time of my wedding and I promise, no I pinkie swore that I would do this tape. Well, I am sorry to say that I didn't. I had every excuse under the sun, and man, to me they were all good ones. The only one that made the most sense was that I didn't have the right sports bra. Well, J fixed that too. see, she told me about this sports bra company that makes bras for well endowed women. I even got a bra in my favorite color PINK. Anyway, I think I used the sports bra like for a week and then put it away. Out of sight out of mind. Well, last night at work it occurred to me that I don't need a stinking gym to get in shape. I can start with the Jillian video and then see where I feel I need to go next. So, that I what I just got finished doing. I did the level one video and it KICKED MY ARSE FROM HERE TO NEXT WEEK!! No seriously, I am sore in places I didn't know existed. And even better, in exactly a month is Christmas, so if I can do this 20 minute exercise every day for 30 days, maybe I will notice a change in myself by Christmas. I am the hardest critic I have. Even though everyone said I looked beautiful on my wedding day, all I see are the flaws and the what ifs. But, I also know that it is possible for me to get back to that day, and maybe better. See, right now I come home and go right to bed. I don't sleep well, I don't eat correctly, heck, even other body systems were wacky. About a month ago I started taking vitamins and I have started to sleep better. I really think I was lacking vital nutrients just because of my sleep schedule. So I figure maybe if I start exercising I will feel the need to sleep. Penguin starts school in Jan, so he won't be able to still be sleeping when I get home from work. In a way that is a good thing because then nothing will stand between me and working out. I just have to remind myself that it is only 20 minutes a day...what is 20 minutes if it means I feel just a little bit better about myself.
I also started looking up smoothie recipes. If you have any good ones, send them my way. I never eat 3 meals a day, so I know I am not getting enough fruits and vegetables in my diet. Add on the fact that Penguin doesn't eat fruit and only certain vegetables you see where my dilemma is. Anyway, I found this awesome recipe and I am dying to try it. See, I am lactose intolerant, so I only do dairy in small amounts. This recipe calls for Almond Breeze, which sounds amazing and I think would be an awesome change from milk. Anyway, today, before my work out I made a smoothie, and I surprised even myself. Here is my smoothie recipe, which I think I am going to try to make again before I go to work. Again, any recipes send them my way!

Mixed Berry Smoothie
1 cup Lactaid (we have non-fat, although I am sure milk will work as well)
1 cup fresh blue berries
1 cup of frozen mixed berries (some concoction my mom gave us)
6 oz of Yo plait yogurt ( mine was peach)
Put it in a blender and puree. If you don't use frozen fruit you may have to add ice.
It was yummo..although I think the mixed berries had raspberries in it because I kept picking out seeds.

Apple Pie update

Well...As you know, the apple pie was made Friday. Penguin and I finally got to try some of it. The hubs enjoyed it...his actual words were "honey, you can make this any time, and no worries, I will eat it." Looks like I can make apple pie afterall. Thanks Katie and your grandmother for the recipe.

Last Sunday of ordinary time...

That is what I heard in Church today. Last Sunday of ordinary time. That means that Advent starts next weekend...which means 5 weeks until Christmas. Holy moly! Where did this year go. I have so much to be thankful for. I will save my thankful post for Thanksgiving day. In the meantime, I just thought I would say that finally...finally the weather is starting to behave like it is supposed to this time of year. Finally, little by little we are getting ready. Penguin says no tree or decorations until after Thanksgiving...hopefully by J's birthday we will be ready. I feel bad for Rockle who's entire family apparently is ill of some sort. Hopefully by Thanksgiving you will all feel better. Speaking of Thanksgiving...I will not be there to celebrate with family. I work Mon-Thursday, but no worries, Penguin is making our own meal so I will make sure to take pictures and post it on here. I will miss you guys, but this girl has got to sleep. Oh, quick mention..I will be in Brooklyn with Penguin and his family for Christmas Eve, so unfortunately I will not be back in time for Christmas Eve Mass...anyone wanna join me on Christmas morning? Just thought I would ask now. Anyway, have a blessed last Sunday of Ordinary time. Hopefully Penguin will be up soon and we can go visit the one and only Nana H.

Apple Pie

An aunt of mine makes apple pies all the time for my grandparents, and whenever I ask for a recipe, the answer I get is always the same...THERE IS NONE! (And, I want to respond "If you know how to make it, you had to learn it somewhere right?") But, I just mumbled nonsense under my breath. Well, thanks to a new blog I read from an awesome girl named Katie, I became obsessed with trying to make my own apple pie. What a better way to vent your stress and frustration than baking right? Yeah, I know. Penguin does the cooking and I do the baking. It is an agreement we have and quite frankly I am OK with that. Anyway, I chose today to be the day that I try it. Now...I have learned that making your own pie crust from scratch is messy but none the less fun. Here are the pictures like she did...step by step.
Here is my crust in the kitchen aid pie pan...always wanted to use it;)

Even Penguin helped...he was in charge of peeling and slicing the apples.

Pie with apples assembled....wow looks like it is going to EXPLODE!

Pie with topping...almost ready for the oven...

Pie all topped off and ready for the oven...

See, the pie is in oven...I can't wait to smell it cooking...


TALA! The finished pie...


Now, I just hope it looks as good as it smells.

Accident

Yesterday, Penguin and I were on our way to the grocery store when we got in an accident. While I don't want to get into the details because all that really matters is that we are OK, this is what happens when a

crashes into a

And while the above is an exaggeration of what really happened, below is the real results of what happened. The first picture is from the Internet. It is the rear driver side of what Penguin's car looked like before the accident. (The only difference is Penguin's car is not red)

Here is what the same side of Penguin's car looks like now, post accident.

So, we did it

SO, today Penguin registered for his first college classes. Starting Jan 12th, the igloo is going to be completely different. Penguin has class everyday except for Fridays and the weekend so now he will have something else to do to pass the time. Even I got in the class spirit. Since I am still waiting to hear if I got into grad school, I thought of doing something productive. So, while Penguin is taking classes to start his career, I am taking classes to umm...start mine? Nahh, I am taking a photography class because well what a better way to truly value an awesome camera is to take a class on how to take photos. Not really sure what I am going to be learning, but it seems fun and interesting, and I thought why the heck not. Anyway, not much else going on here in the igloo. Penguin has been cleaning up the house since I stopped asking him to help and well actually, the place is kinda awesome now. We are slowly getting more organized and maybe one day before our lease is up, it will actually look like people live here.

Veterans' Day 2009

Yes, I know this post is late, I hope you can forgive me. Working night shift sometimes has it's perks (why else can I stay up late to watch reruns of True Housewives); but it also has it's downsides (like sleeping while the rest of the world is awake). Anyway, was Veterans' Day, and Penguin is a vet...so, I had to do something to show him how much I appreciated what he gave up. But, what do you get someone for Veterans' Day?! Well...one of my co-workers suggested this Little dessert...

(Yes, I made this...well assembled it, and I used the food setting on my camera). With the craziness of how working nights goes, Penguin and I did not eat this yesterday..BUT, don't worry, I will be trying this today! Happy Veterans' Day! I know I am late, but it doesn't mean I didn't think about it!

My project for this weekend...APPLE PIE! I found this awesome website on the blog of an awesome girl named Katie and the recipe looked easy enough, and her pie looked awesome. Wish me luck..it is the first time I am going to try to bake an apple pie!

High Hopes

...yes, I did have high hopes. High hopes that the Phillies would have won the world series, hopes that I would have bragging rights in the igloo of mine, but I digress. The Phillies did not win, but we are still National League Champions. We are still the team that last year won the pennant and still celebrated our 10,000th loss. There are a lot of what ifs and what could have been, but that won't change the outcome. It won't change the fact that my mom's secret boyfriend is Chase Utley, or that the Flyin Hawaiian is also known as Shae's Victorino cuz he's her best friend. It doesn't change how it makes us feel when they win and when they lose. What it does is it plants a seed of hope and dreams about what next year will bring. I do have to say that I am proud that the series wasn't a sweep, and that the Fighting Phils lived up their name. I am proud to be a Philadelphia Phillies Fan, and I guess I still love Penguin even though he is for the other team.

PS Say a little prayer for me, I have an interview at a top secret location today...I will tell you about it later.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

To my dearest nephew Joey...
Your uncle and I can't be with you today as you celebrate your first birthday, but we want you to know that we love you very much and miss you! We hope that your first birthday is a barrel of monkeys, and that mommy and daddy give you lots and hugs and kisses from us. After you eat your birthday cake, I hope you get to go visit the neighbors and with mommy and daddy's help say "Trick or Treat." I know you will be the cutest turtle there is. Happy birthday! May you feel our love today, tomorrow and always, and maybe just maybe we will be with you next year!

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY AND 2ND HALLOWEENIE!

We love you and miss you!
XOXOXOXOXO

Chicago!

Yes, we will probably all be blogging about Chicago and the chaos that insued. There were alot of Haldamans et al in Chicago for the week, but we were all there for a good cause. Here, are some pictures from the days leading up to the Baptism. Yes, I will save some pictures for Joey's actual bday, but in the meantime, enjoy these.

THREE WORDS

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS.

The flyin' Hawaiian, J Roll, Werth, Utley, Ruiz, Ibanez, NLCS MVP Howard, Feliz, JA Happ, Hamels, Lidge, Madson...WAY TO GO!!! Back to the World Series we go! At least Philadelphia is good in one sport!

I'm leaving...

Not by Jet plane. As most of you know, we the entire family will be heading to Chicago this weekend. The parental units leave tomorrow with Penguin and I, and Rockle leaves either tomorrow night or Friday morning. This will be the first time all of us will be in Chicago at one time since J's wedding. I can't wait. Since I am working tonight, Penguin is driving with my dad in shotgun. Mom and I will be in the back, and hopefully I will be sleeping most of the trip. I am looking forward to this trip. This will be Penguin and my only vacation for a while since I am on a pay off your bills so we can buy a house mode. Anyway, I don't have twitter or anything like that for my phone, and I am going to try to be computer free. I will take lots of pictures, Penguin and I are thinking about going into downtown one day as he has never been there. Anyway, look for many pics to come. Have a great weekend!

Quiz

I don't know if you took a look or not, but Penguin did a quiz because afterall Rockle does them all the time. Go ahead, give it a whirl. I can't do it...doesn't mean you can't!

This weekend

Not too much happened here at the igloo. Joe's niece Danielle came and spent the weekend to get some peace and quiet from the hubb bubb of Brooklyn. All I have to say is WHAT ABOUT THOSE PHILLIES!!! Way to go Cliff! Keep it up, let's beat those Dodgers!

Happy Wedding!

Today, my friend Tina is getting married. It is the first wedding that Penguin and I are going to since our own. I wish I could ask for nice weather, but it is already raining. Ironically, that is supposed to be good luck (although I would have been very upset had it rained on my wedding day). Anyway, I wish her and her soon to be hubby the best of luck. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and love! So, in keeping with the marriage theme, here are some pics from our wedding, and hopefully they aren't duplicates.

So, here's a toast to happiness and everlasting love! Oh, and hopefully later, I will have some of her wedding pics to post!

He finally did it!!!

Penguin finally did it. He's now a blogger. Follow him at Mr. Tatted Irishman.

Walking in a winter wonderland...

Ok, so yes, it is only Oct 16th, but you have got to see this.

I appologize about the picture quality, it was taken with my phone.

Do not adjust your screen, yes, that is snow you see, and yes I did take it today. Penguin and I went up to Walmart in the Poconos because he was looking for a movie he couldn't find at the local Wallyworld. Anyway, we drove through the snow, and when we came out, it looked like this. Guess winter is here! Bring it on!

Wordless Wednesday- Fall

Yard work necessities

I don't know if when I was 2, I needed to wear gloves to help in the yard. Peanut sure does.

And, when she is done with yard work, Nana tells her to clean the car.

I don't know why you clean a car with a dust pan and brush, but it's peanut, I have learned not to ask her any questions. The best part is, when she is finished, she puts it right back to where she got it from.

Fall must be here...

Apparently, the seasons have changed and it is time for fall. I don't know about you, but I think winter is coming sooner than we all were hoping, so it is best to enjoy the fall now. Yesterday, I got to hang out with Peanut, the only child of my sister Rockle. Can I tell you how much fun I had yesterday with her. She sure is a spit fire. Here, are some of the pictures that I took yesterday of Peanut being peanut. Trust me, I think I might have some pictures here to blog for a while.

And, when it was too cold to be outside, Peanut was the life of the indoors.

How beautiful it was.

Yesterday, Penguin and I made an uplanned trip to Bushkill Falls. For those of you who don't know what it is, it is penned the "Niagra of PA." Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to experience it, you have no idea what you are missing. It is absolutely beautiful. Penguin, with a bum knee and all, walked almost 2 and a half hours on one of the trails just so we could see it in all of it's beauty. Next time, or next year, we will go earlier in the day, and maybe get to spend more time there. Anyway, here are some of the pictures. The rest will be on facebook. Hope you enjoy them, they truly do not do the falls any justice.

As we were leaving, this is what we got to witness....

Week in Review

Yes, I know it is only Wednesday, but I thought I would do a recap quickly of the week thus far.
Sunday, I ran. Not for as long as I wanted too, but still, I did it. Now, I just need to motivate myself and I will do it again. This weekend is my next start date with running again. Anyway, on Sunday I ran for 8 minutes and thought my heart was going to explode. So, then I had to walk for 4 minutes. I didn't want to think I was done yet, so then I ran for 2 more minutes, followed by 2 more minutes of walking, then finally a 2 minute run. I was sooo sore, but it felt great. I decided that the route I chose was not the best to start off with...it had hills! I decided on a different route.
Monday, I had to work, but man, I was sore. Again, it felt great, but I thought I didn't want to do too much right away, so I took the day off.
Tuesday, my friend Liz came over with her son Anthony, and we walked for like an hour. We took the route that I chose for running, but just added distance to it. Really, I think I could have walked forever, but Anthony had finally started napping and Liz had errands to run.
Wednesday, again, I am at work, but I still should have done something. Apparently, today I chose sleep. Tomorrow, I am hoping to do the 30 day Shred like I have been meaning to start. I figure it is only 20 minutes, so if I do that on days I work and run on days I don't I will start to get in shape better. I am also hoping to run Fri Sat and Sun. I will keep you all informed. My goal for running this weekend is to make it 10 minutes without having to stop. Then I will repeat that goal for next week, and then hopefully by the time I am in Chicago I can try for like 12 minutes. I have no idea how far I can run in 10 minutes, but hopefully since the terrain will be flat, it should be easier for me.

I will talk to you soon. Jaime, I hope you are having a great vacation. Can't wait to see you! Rachel, hope you are having a good week. See you this weekend? Mom, see you Friday for dinner with Gavin!

Can I get a whoot whoot!

First, I would like to congratulate the NLE champion Philadelphia Phillies! Wahoo! The world series this year might turn out the way Penguin predicted...Yankees vs Phillies. Oh man, what would I do! Anyway, I thought that since this is a new month, I would again try to do a blog a day about the goings on here on the igloo. If you remembered, I blogged about Penguin and I reducing our carbs, and apparently, I am the only one who is sticking to that. Penguin insists that he is cutting down his carbs, yet he can eat an entire pint of ice cream in one sitting! I, on the other hand, have really tried to stick to this plan. I am currently loving Smartones foods and desserts, and suprisingly to me, they make me full. I am also snacking better both at work and at home. At work, I have my own jar of reduced fat peanut butter and I simply bring in celery. (I was once told by my grandmother that I should eat celery instead of potato chips, so I am trying to do what she suggested). I also try to count my ww points even though I am not on it. For instance, yesterday for breakfast I had a Smart ones english muffin breakfast sandwich.It was yummy! It was only 4 points, and filled me up. Then of course I went to bed (still waiting on my delivery from enell) and slept until about 2. When I woke up at 2, I had some FF Dannon vanilla yogurt with 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips. For dinner, I had Pregresso's Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle soup and since I was hungry, I ate the entire jar....it was still only 2 points for the entire jar! I had that and 2 servings of the salad that Penguin made and the appropriate serving of RF Ranch Dressing (2 tbsp for a serving). After dinner I felt full, not stuffed, but satisfied. About 2 hours ago, I got hungry at work and busted out my peanut butter and celery. Soon, it will be lunch time and I will be eating a Smart Ones meal (I believe it is 5 points), some yogurt and a serving of the chocolate mini rice cakes. I have also made sure to increase my fluid intake. Lately I have felt that I was dry, really really dry. So, to make up for it I drink water when I am at work, instead of snack out of boredom. On a really boring day, I believe I have drank 2.5L of water! Right now, I am only at 500mL, but my water bottle is empty so I better go get more. Hope everyone has had a great week so far. We made it past hump day..the weekend is almost here!

Life and other happenings

Not much is going on here in my little world. I am working right now as much as I can, for some reason I am being possessed by the NEED to pay off bills. As of right now 3 credit cards will be paid off by the end of this year, and to that I feel proud. I am hoping that Penguin and I can buy a house next year, if not, I will just keep chugging away and maybe by 2011 at the latest we will become homeowners. Since I started with the pledge of starting October by getting in Shape thanks to the 30day Shred and Enell, I am starting to eat healthier too. Yes, Penguin and I did start to decrease our carbs, but just yesterday, I chose Smart Ones deserts over "real ice cream" as Penguin calls it. The desserts I chose have WW points, so while I can't afford to do WW right now, I can continue to try to watch my points. This Saturday is Kim and Phil's one year anniversary housewarming party and I am looking forward for the opportunity to see their new crib. (OMG did I just say that?) Anyway, before that I decided to join them for Step Out. It is a 5K run/walk, which of course I am walking this time around. Let's see how I do, and maybe I will try to find a 5K monthly and maybe by next spring I will be able to run them. (Wish me luck with that day dream). Anyway, not much else to report. Unfortunately, I will not be heading to Pittsburgh on Sunday, with the finances right now I chose to work over going out there. I am saddened, but I also need to do what is best for Penguin and I. Hope everyone has a good week.

New Do

Well, yesterday I got a new haircut. Here it is. Hope you like it! And no, I don't know how to turn the picture. Sorry.