It has been a fast, busy week here. My wife went back to school a week ago, and I was home with all four kids all week. We went to the zoo, Children's Museum, Art Museum and finally started school on Thursday. Who would have thought 24 pack of crayons cost $.25 while 16 pack of crayons are $1.80!!!??? We bought the 24 pack even though the teacher had 16 packs on their supply list.
Yesterday, during our WW meetings, the leader discussed goals. As a WW member who is losing weight, it's easy to set goals and the success of reaching a goal is so satisfying. As a lifetime member trying to maintain a weight loss, the "goal" has already been reached and new challenges/goals need to be set. Our leader told the story of her "new" goal. Sixteen years ago, she was blessed with two grandchildren. At that time, she told her husband that her goal was to be in the same size clothes as she was when they were born, when they were old enough to drive a car. This week, she was at her daughters house and volunteered to run to the store for something. Her grandson ran out to the car behind her and asked to come to. Knowing something was up, she asked why and he explained that he had just got his temporary license and would like to practice.
She was speechless...before the two of them left for the store, she told him of her goal. "You know, I am in the same size clothes now as I was when you were born!" How do you think a 16-year old boy would respond to this statement. It was the same reaction she got from her husband...silence!!!
She received plenty of praise at the meetings this weekend and just hope that I am able to say to my kids when they get their license that I am in the same size clothes. For now, I'd be happy to stay in the same size clothes till Christmas!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
IT'S NOT FAIR!!
If you're a parent with more than one child, or even a parent with one child, you have probably heard the immortal "It's not fair!!" battle cry. My oldest daughter pulls this card often. Today, it was because she didn't get to see her friends over the summer. School starts on Thursday and I'm sure she'll see plenty of them starting then. She also pulled that same card while we were playing "Cootie." I had my 5 yr. old and 3 yr. old on my team as the "queen" only wanted to play with me. I rolled the dice each time, and didn't cheat once. Normally, I am one to cheat and let the kids win, but because I remember how I used to hate losing as a kid. Well, I won!!!! She said it wasn't fair cause I got to go first, it wasn't fair, cause I had 3 people on my team, it just wasn't fair!!
Scrolling the internet this morning, I came upon a message board that was bashing men because they lose weight "so easy!" It's just not fair!!
Well, let me tell you something sister!!! Men do not lose weight faster than women. It may be true that men initially lose weight faster, but that's probably due to the fact we usually wait till we have a whole lot more weight to lose. I'll be the first one in line to scream since I know how committed I was while losing weight. If I were still as committed to a healthy lifestyle as I was when I was losing, I'd be worried. I exercised endlessly, wrote everything down that I ate, and never "cheated."
It's not fair that I still have to continue being diligent about what I eat, how much I exercise, and not overeating the "good" stuff. That's what's not fair my little 8 yr. old!!
Scrolling the internet this morning, I came upon a message board that was bashing men because they lose weight "so easy!" It's just not fair!!
Well, let me tell you something sister!!! Men do not lose weight faster than women. It may be true that men initially lose weight faster, but that's probably due to the fact we usually wait till we have a whole lot more weight to lose. I'll be the first one in line to scream since I know how committed I was while losing weight. If I were still as committed to a healthy lifestyle as I was when I was losing, I'd be worried. I exercised endlessly, wrote everything down that I ate, and never "cheated."
It's not fair that I still have to continue being diligent about what I eat, how much I exercise, and not overeating the "good" stuff. That's what's not fair my little 8 yr. old!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Quitting
I was surfing the WW boards yesterday, when I came across a gentleman who has lost 6 pounds in 2 weeks!! I thought, that's an awesome two-week total. He thought, it's not enough. The member is throwing in the towel as the weight is not melting off fast enough.
Two weeks!!
I'm going on 3 years following WW and I know I still have things to learn. I try to follow the program to the best of my ability, but sometimes life gets in the way.
Two weeks!!
Habits take much longer than two weeks to form. I feel great about the foods that I eat, but I still know that I eat too much. My portions keep creeping to a bigger level and have sometimes turned into a "second" portion on occasion. I know I'm not hungry, but just enjoy the food.
Last night, I watched a new episode of "Ruby." I do enjoy the show for the most part, as she is definitely a "real" person struggling to lose a lot of weight. In the episode, she admitted to not journaling, not exercising enough, and also not eating what she was supposed to.
It is so easy to get back into bad habits that a "new" habit has to be given a chance for at least a month. Somewhere I have heard that most WW members quit before their fifth week. Is that really long enough to even create a healthy habit?
Going on three years and I'm still learning healthy habits, I won't be quitting anytime soon.
Two weeks!!
I'm going on 3 years following WW and I know I still have things to learn. I try to follow the program to the best of my ability, but sometimes life gets in the way.
Two weeks!!
Habits take much longer than two weeks to form. I feel great about the foods that I eat, but I still know that I eat too much. My portions keep creeping to a bigger level and have sometimes turned into a "second" portion on occasion. I know I'm not hungry, but just enjoy the food.
Last night, I watched a new episode of "Ruby." I do enjoy the show for the most part, as she is definitely a "real" person struggling to lose a lot of weight. In the episode, she admitted to not journaling, not exercising enough, and also not eating what she was supposed to.
It is so easy to get back into bad habits that a "new" habit has to be given a chance for at least a month. Somewhere I have heard that most WW members quit before their fifth week. Is that really long enough to even create a healthy habit?
Going on three years and I'm still learning healthy habits, I won't be quitting anytime soon.
Friday, August 21, 2009
55 Foods on a Stick
A few links for you today...
First this lady is trying to eat all 55 foods served on a stick at the Iowa State Fair. Thankfully, she's doing it throughout the whole run of the fair and not all in one day. I had fun trying the chocolate covered bacon, but would never dream of eating ALL the stick food. She's keeping all the sticks as a souvenir. Really??
This is a news story that ran last week during the Wisconsin Fair. 4000 calories in 90 minutes. Ugh!! On the bright side, the weight guesser missed his weight afterwards, so he won a prize.
Hope you have a good weekend, my wife is taking the four kids "camping" to Grandma's backyard.
First this lady is trying to eat all 55 foods served on a stick at the Iowa State Fair. Thankfully, she's doing it throughout the whole run of the fair and not all in one day. I had fun trying the chocolate covered bacon, but would never dream of eating ALL the stick food. She's keeping all the sticks as a souvenir. Really??
This is a news story that ran last week during the Wisconsin Fair. 4000 calories in 90 minutes. Ugh!! On the bright side, the weight guesser missed his weight afterwards, so he won a prize.
Hope you have a good weekend, my wife is taking the four kids "camping" to Grandma's backyard.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chocolate Covered Bacon
Last week, our State Fair rolled out something new. Each year, it seems as though they try to feature one particular food item and this year it was Chocolate Covered Bacon. It sold for 2 sticks for $3. Luckily, we attended the fair on "Grazin' Day," which is a day in which several items are discounted to give you an opportunity to try many food items. On this day, the bacon was $1 for 1 stick. That's all we needed. By we, I mean, my whole family. We all took a bite and when we were finished there was still about a quarter of a stick left and being the "can't-through-anything-out" type, I reluctantly finished it.
The Sweet/Salty treat was actually not too bad. It is definitely a food that your pallet has never tasted before. The first bite is full of sweet milk chocolate with a bit of chewiness at the end, which is not recognizable as bacon. After the second bite, the bacon is more recognizable and really a surprising guest. Watching the restaurant make this stuff is actually probably more entertaining than actually eating it, but I am glad that I tried it once. They skewer the cooked bacon, pat it down with a paper towel, paint the chocolate on by hand and then put it in a blast chiller for a minute and out to be served.
I'll be anxiously awaiting next years food frenzy!!
Yesterday was my oldest daughter's birthday and for "not having a party" we ended up having 3 birthday cakes: one Sunday with Grandma/Grandpa R, one Tuesday with Grandma/Grandpa B, and one on her birthday. Think it would have been easier and less calories just to have one party!!
Our neighbor knocked on the door yesterday and asked us if we'd like a few creampuffs. She brought over 5 huge puffs and I just let the kids eat what they wanted since they weren't the really fresh ones any longer.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
44 Pounds
Well, considering that my scale has decided that I weigh 44 pounds, if it weighs me at all, I decided it was time for a new one. I believe my beloved scale has suffered a few too many slammings, kicks and abusive drops; some by me ;) most by the kiddos. I bought the cheapest none digital scale I could find and maybe I'll ask for a better one as a present in the future.
I went shopping yesterday with the clan as my wife started with meetings before the school year. We ended up at Target and with 4 kids ganging up on one Daddy, it's hard to say no to everything. I stayed strong however and managed to make it home with little damage. No toys, no Webkinz, no junky $1 stuff! We settled on some Target brand Push-Ups, which they enjoyed on the way home.
We finished up our school shopping, which actually looks more like a cleaning supply list with 8 rolls of paper towels, 4 packs of disinfective wipes, antibacterial handwash, napkins, cups, bowls, tissues, etc. Of course, there are the real "school" supplies too, but its these extra supplies that really add the $$$ total up.
I did try the chocolate covered bacon on a stick and will write a bit on it when I get the pictures up on my computer.
I went shopping yesterday with the clan as my wife started with meetings before the school year. We ended up at Target and with 4 kids ganging up on one Daddy, it's hard to say no to everything. I stayed strong however and managed to make it home with little damage. No toys, no Webkinz, no junky $1 stuff! We settled on some Target brand Push-Ups, which they enjoyed on the way home.
We finished up our school shopping, which actually looks more like a cleaning supply list with 8 rolls of paper towels, 4 packs of disinfective wipes, antibacterial handwash, napkins, cups, bowls, tissues, etc. Of course, there are the real "school" supplies too, but its these extra supplies that really add the $$$ total up.
I did try the chocolate covered bacon on a stick and will write a bit on it when I get the pictures up on my computer.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Quest for Ice Cream
I put my 3 yr. old to bed last night and then proceeded to ride the elliptical for 45 minutes. As I was coming down stairs from our second floor, I heard my wife coming upstairs from the basement to the main floor. Why would me wife be going downstairs at 8:30pm on a Friday night? She doesn't even go downstairs during the day saying there are spooks down there!! I came into the kitchen and was cleaning up the dishes when all of a sudden I hear a SCREAM!! My wife likes to exaggerate things once in a while so I thought nothing of it. It was quiet again for a time and then one more gigantic SCREAM followed by a wife running out of the house in pure terror screaming at the top of her lungs, "THERE'S A BAT IN THE LIVING ROOM!!!!"
After a few minutes of looking for the bat, I was able to scoot it out of the front door with a broom while my wife hid in the backyard fearing the bat would look her in the eyes.
I have know idea how that bat got into our house, but I do know that it will be sometime before my wife goes back in the basement for some evening ice cream.
After a few minutes of looking for the bat, I was able to scoot it out of the front door with a broom while my wife hid in the backyard fearing the bat would look her in the eyes.
I have know idea how that bat got into our house, but I do know that it will be sometime before my wife goes back in the basement for some evening ice cream.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Baseball Game
Last night, I went to the Brewer Game with my 3 yr. old, Alex. His response when asked if he like it, "I liked the Sausages better than the Brewers!!" Of course, in Milwaukee during the middle of the 6th innings there are 5 racing sausages that race around the field to see who is the fastest. Last night, the Polish was victorious.
We got the tickets free at a company picnic last week. The were great seats, one level up, and in the 14th row. They included a preferred parking pass, which meant we didn't leave the house much to early.
What was the problem with these seats? Really nothing, but they reminded me of why I wanted to lose weight in the first place. Hopefully, it was enough motivation to kick my sorry butt back into the reality of me not being so conscientious of my choices and get me back to a weight I NEED to stay at.
We sat in our seats and were the first people in our row. Right before the game began, five big strapping gentlemen sat right next to Alex. They were towering men, not so overweight as just plain large. Didn't bother little Alex one bit. During the first inning, a heavy couple came to sit right next to me. It reminded me that I hated sitting in formed chairs (stadiums, theaters, etc.) when I was 270. This couple and a few of the gentlemen on the other side had to be very uncomfortable. They sat with the knees scrunched, arms folded and just looked miserable. The gentlemen were able to move down a few seats and stretch their legs, but the couple was trapped in by us. It didn't stop them from getting a large hot pretzel with cheese, a plate of loaded nachos, two brats, and a pair of the largest drinks I have yet to see (and do you suppose they were diet?).
Even though my food choices haven't been the best for a few months, I am still making as many healthy choices as I can. Picking chicken over burgers, one bite of cookie over a whole dozen, passing on dessert if it's something I really don't enjoy (Nancy, I only tried two desserts...can't say the same for Claire), sharing meals with the kids rather than eating my own plus their leftovers, etc.
I know everyone goes through funks once in a while and maybe this was the wake-up call I needed to remind myself that I am doing OK, but need to be mindful always and keep on tracking.
Even though there were big people around us, there were plenty of "pretty" people as well, like the two hotties my 3 yr old was flirting with right in front of us all night ;)
We got the tickets free at a company picnic last week. The were great seats, one level up, and in the 14th row. They included a preferred parking pass, which meant we didn't leave the house much to early.
What was the problem with these seats? Really nothing, but they reminded me of why I wanted to lose weight in the first place. Hopefully, it was enough motivation to kick my sorry butt back into the reality of me not being so conscientious of my choices and get me back to a weight I NEED to stay at.
We sat in our seats and were the first people in our row. Right before the game began, five big strapping gentlemen sat right next to Alex. They were towering men, not so overweight as just plain large. Didn't bother little Alex one bit. During the first inning, a heavy couple came to sit right next to me. It reminded me that I hated sitting in formed chairs (stadiums, theaters, etc.) when I was 270. This couple and a few of the gentlemen on the other side had to be very uncomfortable. They sat with the knees scrunched, arms folded and just looked miserable. The gentlemen were able to move down a few seats and stretch their legs, but the couple was trapped in by us. It didn't stop them from getting a large hot pretzel with cheese, a plate of loaded nachos, two brats, and a pair of the largest drinks I have yet to see (and do you suppose they were diet?).
Even though my food choices haven't been the best for a few months, I am still making as many healthy choices as I can. Picking chicken over burgers, one bite of cookie over a whole dozen, passing on dessert if it's something I really don't enjoy (Nancy, I only tried two desserts...can't say the same for Claire), sharing meals with the kids rather than eating my own plus their leftovers, etc.
I know everyone goes through funks once in a while and maybe this was the wake-up call I needed to remind myself that I am doing OK, but need to be mindful always and keep on tracking.
Even though there were big people around us, there were plenty of "pretty" people as well, like the two hotties my 3 yr old was flirting with right in front of us all night ;)
Monday, August 10, 2009
Another Day at the Fair
Yesterday, I took my soon to be 8 yr. old to the Demi Lovato concert at the fair. Unfortunately, because of some stormy weather, the show was delayed for over an hour, which gave us plenty of time to walk around and find food. I never realized how many things could be deep fried or served on a stick. Last year, the big craze was deep fried mac & cheese on a stick. Our family got some and this year, Elizabeth wanted some more. We went to the vendor and found that it looked a lot different this year. Served in triangle forms rather than the oval clumps of last year. The vendor explained the the oval forms were running havoc on the deep friers and the recipe needed to be revamped. It seemed to me that they were less oily and didn't have as much of the crustiness of last year. Elizabeth ate them without complaints. We walked down the Grandstand Lane and found everything from deep fried green beans and deep fried smores, to Ruebens on a stick and the chocolate covered bacon.
We had a great time at the concert and grabbed an apple turnover for Mommy on the way home. The fair is running a special tomorrow because of the rain yesterday, they are selling 2 for 1 admissions. We already have enough tickets to get in a few more times, but I have a hard time passing up a bargain. I'm sure they run these promotions to get people in the door since once you're in, you're sure to buy!!
I have only had a few bites of a cookies and a few fries so far at the fair, choosing rather to eat before I went yesterday and after I came home on Thursday. There's still plenty of time left during the week, so I'm sure there will be other temptations before the week is through.
We had a great time at the concert and grabbed an apple turnover for Mommy on the way home. The fair is running a special tomorrow because of the rain yesterday, they are selling 2 for 1 admissions. We already have enough tickets to get in a few more times, but I have a hard time passing up a bargain. I'm sure they run these promotions to get people in the door since once you're in, you're sure to buy!!
I have only had a few bites of a cookies and a few fries so far at the fair, choosing rather to eat before I went yesterday and after I came home on Thursday. There's still plenty of time left during the week, so I'm sure there will be other temptations before the week is through.
Friday, August 7, 2009
What's on your stick?
Chocolate covered bacon on a stick
Each year, our state fair has a different craze on a stick and this year, bacon makes the splash into chocolate. I am intrigued by the concept as I love sweet and salty, but I've heard that the bacon is rather chewy and not so crunchy. They're estimating that over 80,000 orders of bacon on a stick will be consumed during the 10 day run of the Wisconsin State Fair. I was at the fair yesterday and didn't look to hard to find it, but I'll be back a few more times before the end of the run including a trip to the Demi Lovato concert on Sunday. Not sure why my daughter picked me over her mother to go, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Daddy being a softy when it comes to buying stuff and Mommy would never buy her anything at the fair and just take in the concert.
Busy weekend here. Weight Watchers is getting a new computer system so I'll be working all 4 meetings tomorrow. Afterwards, we'll be ditching the kids to head 2 1/2 hours North for a wedding. Back in the late night and off to a dinner party Sunday before putting the earplugs in to mute all the tweenie screams at the concert.
More on the bacon when I actually get close enough for a picture.
Each year, our state fair has a different craze on a stick and this year, bacon makes the splash into chocolate. I am intrigued by the concept as I love sweet and salty, but I've heard that the bacon is rather chewy and not so crunchy. They're estimating that over 80,000 orders of bacon on a stick will be consumed during the 10 day run of the Wisconsin State Fair. I was at the fair yesterday and didn't look to hard to find it, but I'll be back a few more times before the end of the run including a trip to the Demi Lovato concert on Sunday. Not sure why my daughter picked me over her mother to go, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Daddy being a softy when it comes to buying stuff and Mommy would never buy her anything at the fair and just take in the concert.
Busy weekend here. Weight Watchers is getting a new computer system so I'll be working all 4 meetings tomorrow. Afterwards, we'll be ditching the kids to head 2 1/2 hours North for a wedding. Back in the late night and off to a dinner party Sunday before putting the earplugs in to mute all the tweenie screams at the concert.
More on the bacon when I actually get close enough for a picture.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
One Big Big Wheel
While in Disney World, some of the most amazing sites are the bigger than life objects at the resorts like the 5 story yo-yo and the 2 story Mr. Potato Heads. My favorite was the humongous ginormous Big Wheel. The weight limit on this thing is what made me giggle. Recommended child weight 877 pounds.Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Well, after over a week of being subject to convenience foods, I am glad to be home. Our trip to Disney was a success with little gripping, complaining, or whining. We feasted and had fun all week long.
Staying on the Disney grounds and partaking in a meal plan was actually very conducive to making healthy choices. We had 2 meals a day including an entree, dessert/snack and a beverage along with 2 snacks a day. I took advantage of a snack every morning usually a huge yogurt parfait. Looking at the snack choices, that was the healthiest and the most expensive so I got my moneys worth with that choice. We ate at the resort for the most part, but did enjoy a few meals at the parks including feast at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and the best Chicken and Couscous along with some Baklava in Morocco at Epcot.
I didn't exercise beyond walking and made a dicey dessert options (there were carrots decorated into the frosting of the cake, so it had to be a veggie right??). I can definitely see how vacation can be accomplished without a huge weight gain as when I stepped back on the scale after getting home, I had actually lost 3 pounds!!
Looking forward to the next trip to Disney, maybe next time we'll fly. I'll post pictures throughout the week, but for a huge dose check out the family blog.
Staying on the Disney grounds and partaking in a meal plan was actually very conducive to making healthy choices. We had 2 meals a day including an entree, dessert/snack and a beverage along with 2 snacks a day. I took advantage of a snack every morning usually a huge yogurt parfait. Looking at the snack choices, that was the healthiest and the most expensive so I got my moneys worth with that choice. We ate at the resort for the most part, but did enjoy a few meals at the parks including feast at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and the best Chicken and Couscous along with some Baklava in Morocco at Epcot.
I didn't exercise beyond walking and made a dicey dessert options (there were carrots decorated into the frosting of the cake, so it had to be a veggie right??). I can definitely see how vacation can be accomplished without a huge weight gain as when I stepped back on the scale after getting home, I had actually lost 3 pounds!!
Looking forward to the next trip to Disney, maybe next time we'll fly. I'll post pictures throughout the week, but for a huge dose check out the family blog.
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