Please help Rodney

Last week, I wrote just a little about Rodney, who is battling leukemia.

Rodney is a writer trapped in a photographer’s body. He’s an amazingly witty, smart and talented person.

He was a photographer in Detroit when he fell victim, like so many of us, to the sweeping newspaper layoffs.

He found brief hope when he joined the staff of the new Detroit start-up paper.

Sadly, we all know how that ended.

Then he was diagnosed with leukemia.

What a year.

So, Rodney and his family could use a little help, to say the least.

He wrote a book called “Spiritual Wanderer” that you can buy right here.

His publishers are doing an amazingly cool thing. For the rest of 2010, they’re giving up their cut and giving ALL the proceeds from Rodney’s book directly to Rodney.

So, please, spend $10 and buy the book. It will help Rodney and only Rodney.

I’m ordering mine today. Join me?

From what I’ve read from Rodney so far, I know the money will be his, but the gift will be ours.

Please help Rodney

Last week, I wrote just a little about Rodney, who is battling leukemia.

Rodney is a writer trapped in a photographer’s body. He’s an amazingly witty, smart and talented person.

He was a photographer in Detroit when he fell victim, like so many of us, to the sweeping newspaper layoffs.

He found brief hope when he joined the staff of the new Detroit start-up paper.

Sadly, we all know how that ended.

Then he was diagnosed with leukemia.

What a year.

So, Rodney and his family could use a little help, to say the least.

He wrote a book called “Spiritual Wanderer” that you can buy right here.

His publishers are doing an amazingly cool thing. For the rest of 2010, they’re giving up their cut and giving ALL the proceeds from Rodney’s book directly to Rodney.

So, please, spend $10 and buy the book. It will help Rodney and only Rodney.

I’m ordering mine today. Join me?

From what I’ve read from Rodney so far, I know the money will be his, but the gift will be ours.

A woman’s week at the gym

I so wish I could take credit for this, but I can’t. My mom sent it to me in an e-mail forward, but it is one of the funnier things I’ve read in a while.

If you don’t laugh out loud at the part about brushing her teeth, you’re not alive …

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a CEO in the club parking lot. Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

THURSDAY
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.

FRIDAY
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.

A woman’s week at the gym

I so wish I could take credit for this, but I can’t. My mom sent it to me in an e-mail forward, but it is one of the funnier things I’ve read in a while.

If you don’t laugh out loud at the part about brushing her teeth, you’re not alive …

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

MONDAY
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!! Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!!

TUESDAY
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT! It's a whole new life for me.

WEDNESDAY
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a CEO in the club parking lot. Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

THURSDAY
Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes. He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me. Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.

FRIDAY
I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

SATURDAY
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

SUNDAY
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds.

What a nut

So, this morning I was dreaming that I sang in a talent show.

I have no idea what song I sang, but I do know I printed off the words and took them with me on stage.

That had to be pretty impressive to the judges.

Right as Ellen DeGeneres opened her mouth to announce the winner, my alarm went off.

Now I’ll never know if it was me.

Drats.

I wanted to share with you my latest find: Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds.

I had been curious about these every time I saw them next to my regular almonds at Sam’s Club. On Saturday, they were one of the samples, so I tried them.

Yumm-o. Just enough cocoa goodness, too, to tame chocolate cravings.

I was genuinely surprised when I found that they have exactly the same calories as regular almonds. So I bought ’em.

OK, OK. I know why you’re really here. The weigh-in.

I lost 2 more pounds last week, bringing my total so far to 39 pounds!

By the way, “next week’s” weigh-in will actually be conducted this Friday. We are heading out early that morning to Kentucky for a week, so I’ll be away from my scale – and computer – until Monday, July 12.

Oh, I know. What EVER will you do without me for a week?

What a nut

So, this morning I was dreaming that I sang in a talent show.

I have no idea what song I sang, but I do know I printed off the words and took them with me on stage.

That had to be pretty impressive to the judges.

Right as Ellen DeGeneres opened her mouth to announce the winner, my alarm went off.

Now I’ll never know if it was me.

Drats.

I wanted to share with you my latest find: Emerald Cocoa Roast Almonds.

I had been curious about these every time I saw them next to my regular almonds at Sam’s Club. On Saturday, they were one of the samples, so I tried them.

Yumm-o. Just enough cocoa goodness, too, to tame chocolate cravings.

I was genuinely surprised when I found that they have exactly the same calories as regular almonds. So I bought ’em.

OK, OK. I know why you’re really here. The weigh-in.

I lost 2 more pounds last week, bringing my total so far to 39 pounds!

By the way, “next week’s” weigh-in will actually be conducted this Friday. We are heading out early that morning to Kentucky for a week, so I’ll be away from my scale – and computer – until Monday, July 12.

Oh, I know. What EVER will you do without me for a week?

One question for the weekend

Hello, Friday! And hello to you.

I am running way behind this morning, so I want to simply leave you with something to think about over the weekend.

Who or what is in control of your life?

Please don’t let it be a thing.

Please don’t let it be nothing.

If the answer is not you or your higher power, is it time to change that?

Have a great weekend. I’ll see you Monday.

One question for the weekend

Hello, Friday! And hello to you.

I am running way behind this morning, so I want to simply leave you with something to think about over the weekend.

Who or what is in control of your life?

Please don’t let it be a thing.

Please don’t let it be nothing.

If the answer is not you or your higher power, is it time to change that?

Have a great weekend. I’ll see you Monday.

Where’s the beef? Right here

Today’s post is brought to you by my friend Monica.

She and her husband have both lost over 30 pounds on Weight Watchers.

She says this recipe for Low-Fat Beef Stroganoff from Recipe Zaar is very good.

Let’s try it and see if we agree, shall we?

Low-Fat Beef Strogranoff

(40 min. / 10 min. prep)

1 lb. thinly sliced beef (may substitute ground beef or turkey)

1 t. oil
2 large onions

1 lb fresh sliced mushrooms

1 garlic clove

Salt & pepper

1 (10-1/2 ounce) can fat-free cream of mushroom soup

½ can water (use empty soup can)

8 ounces fat free sour cream

1 t Worcestershire sauce

1 T ketchup

1 (8 ounce) pkg. No Yolks egg noodles

Brown beef strips in oil and add sliced onions, mushrooms and garlic. Add salt & pepper to taste. Add can of soup & water, then add sour cream. Cook until hot, then add Worcestershire sauce & ketchup. Cook noodles according to package directions. Serve over noodles.

Serves 4. Calories per serving: 267. Fat 6.3 g., Fiber 2.2 g.

Hey, what are you eating? Share it with us!

Where’s the beef? Right here

Today’s post is brought to you by my friend Monica.

She and her husband have both lost over 30 pounds on Weight Watchers.

She says this recipe for Low-Fat Beef Stroganoff from Recipe Zaar is very good.

Let’s try it and see if we agree, shall we?

Low-Fat Beef Strogranoff

(40 min. / 10 min. prep)

1 lb. thinly sliced beef (may substitute ground beef or turkey)

1 t. oil
2 large onions

1 lb fresh sliced mushrooms

1 garlic clove

Salt & pepper

1 (10-1/2 ounce) can fat-free cream of mushroom soup

½ can water (use empty soup can)

8 ounces fat free sour cream

1 t Worcestershire sauce

1 T ketchup

1 (8 ounce) pkg. No Yolks egg noodles

Brown beef strips in oil and add sliced onions, mushrooms and garlic. Add salt & pepper to taste. Add can of soup & water, then add sour cream. Cook until hot, then add Worcestershire sauce & ketchup. Cook noodles according to package directions. Serve over noodles.

Serves 4. Calories per serving: 267. Fat 6.3 g., Fiber 2.2 g.

Hey, what are you eating? Share it with us!

Sidelined

Last night I watched a little bit of “Losing It with Jillian,” NBC’s latest weight loss show featuring the notoriously bad-ass fitness trainer from “Biggest Loser.”

She seems to be a bit more caring in this show, as she travels around helping individual overweight families.

The father in last night’s family had such a fear of failure that he had quit trying just about everything.

If you remember, I can relate. I have huge issues with perfectionism.

But I’m trying. I even had a dear friend write me some time ago and praise me for trying new things, as she told me about her own fears:

“And now you're doing Zumba. I've been wanting to do that forever, and I'm too terrified to even think about going. All I do is talk myself out of it. I signed up and paid for a pregnancy yoga class and broke in tears the night I was supposed to go the first time because I was too scared I'd need help getting up off the floor. So, yup, I never even tried.”

Please, please, please don’t let your fears keep you watching life from the sidelines.

As the father last night found when he tried roller-skating, his family didn’t care that he couldn’t skate. All they cared about was that he was there with them.

The memories were made during the laughter after the falls.

One day, it’s gonna be too late. You’re gonna realize that you spent your whole life watching.

And fearing.

And avoiding.

Why not start living?

Sidelined

Last night I watched a little bit of “Losing It with Jillian,” NBC’s latest weight loss show featuring the notoriously bad-ass fitness trainer from “Biggest Loser.”

She seems to be a bit more caring in this show, as she travels around helping individual overweight families.

The father in last night’s family had such a fear of failure that he had quit trying just about everything.

If you remember, I can relate. I have huge issues with perfectionism.

But I’m trying. I even had a dear friend write me some time ago and praise me for trying new things, as she told me about her own fears:

“And now you're doing Zumba. I've been wanting to do that forever, and I'm too terrified to even think about going. All I do is talk myself out of it. I signed up and paid for a pregnancy yoga class and broke in tears the night I was supposed to go the first time because I was too scared I'd need help getting up off the floor. So, yup, I never even tried.”

Please, please, please don’t let your fears keep you watching life from the sidelines.

As the father last night found when he tried roller-skating, his family didn’t care that he couldn’t skate. All they cared about was that he was there with them.

The memories were made during the laughter after the falls.

One day, it’s gonna be too late. You’re gonna realize that you spent your whole life watching.

And fearing.

And avoiding.

Why not start living?

What’s your excuse?

Man, I suck.

The last words I left you with here were how I needed to work hard this week.

And then I came home last night and decided to skip kickboxing.

Granted, Monday night kickboxing is always a pain because it doesn’t start until 7:55 p.m.

The later it got last night, the more I didn’t want to go back out. I was already comfy in my nightgown.

That’s no excuse.

So, I got a wonderful wakeup call at 3 o’clock this morning when every breathing thing in my house was wide awake.

My son is battling a bit of a cold and wakes himself up coughing. My dog Clyde gets physically ill during storms, so he was going nuts with all the thunder and lightning here.

It took me a good hour to get back to sleep this morning, and I was finally snoozing soundly when the “Get on the stupid treadmill” alarm started sounding.

I try to make myself get on the treadmill or go to the gym even when I don’t feel like it. Hell, if I waited until I felt like it, I’d never exercise at all.

Not feeling like it is not an excuse. Not for me, anyway.

I’ll allow that excuse for those who deserve it.

Take my Aunt Barb, who just completed radiation treatments.

Or my best friend from home, Tifany, who is watching her mother battle cancer.

Or my husband’s co-worker, who over the weekend delivered a baby who died only hours later.

Or my Mountain Workshops colleague Rodney, a Michigan photographer who is beautifully documenting his fight against leukemia here.

They have excuses. Yet they don’t use them.

Join me in vowing to live your best life.

In their honor.

Every single day.

What’s your excuse?

Man, I suck.

The last words I left you with here were how I needed to work hard this week.

And then I came home last night and decided to skip kickboxing.

Granted, Monday night kickboxing is always a pain because it doesn’t start until 7:55 p.m.

The later it got last night, the more I didn’t want to go back out. I was already comfy in my nightgown.

That’s no excuse.

So, I got a wonderful wakeup call at 3 o’clock this morning when every breathing thing in my house was wide awake.

My son is battling a bit of a cold and wakes himself up coughing. My dog Clyde gets physically ill during storms, so he was going nuts with all the thunder and lightning here.

It took me a good hour to get back to sleep this morning, and I was finally snoozing soundly when the “Get on the stupid treadmill” alarm started sounding.

I try to make myself get on the treadmill or go to the gym even when I don’t feel like it. Hell, if I waited until I felt like it, I’d never exercise at all.

Not feeling like it is not an excuse. Not for me, anyway.

I’ll allow that excuse for those who deserve it.

Take my Aunt Barb, who just completed radiation treatments.

Or my best friend from home, Tifany, who is watching her mother battle cancer.

Or my husband’s co-worker, who over the weekend delivered a baby who died only hours later.

Or my Mountain Workshops colleague Rodney, a Michigan photographer who is beautifully documenting his fight against leukemia here.

They have excuses. Yet they don’t use them.

Join me in vowing to live your best life.

In their honor.

Every single day.

No wiggle room

I actually feel like I had a weekend.

It’s amazing how weekends can seem a little longer when you pack a lot into them.

On Friday night after Zumba, I met my friends Michael and Tammie in Bay City for wings at Rattlesnake Rick’s.

If you’re anywhere around the tri-cities in Michigan and haven’t tried these wings, do it. They’re the best I’ve ever had.

I’ve always heard that if you’re going to stray from your diet, make sure it’s worth the calories.

These wings are worth the calories.

On Saturday and Sunday, we loaded up our son and headed to Bay City again to swim with our friends Mark and Monica.

They also have a trampoline, which I ventured onto.

I haven’t jumped on a trampoline since I was a kid.

It’s just as fun as I remember, but I didn’t remember it being the workout it is now. Whew!

While we were there, we also cooked out. My husband and I took over our turkey burgers to throw on the grill.

They had a low-sodium Heinz ketchup made with AlsoSalt that was really good. I had tried a no-salt ketchup before that was just awful, so I was skeptical.

All in all, it was a successful weekend. I even managed to mow the lawn in there.

And … drum roll … I also managed to lose 2 more pounds for the week, bringing my total so far to 37.

My goal of 2.3 pounds a week at 16 weeks is 36.8 pounds, so I am right on target.

But I’ve left no wiggle room.

I need a really good week this week. I need to work hard.

Join me?

No wiggle room

I actually feel like I had a weekend.

It’s amazing how weekends can seem a little longer when you pack a lot into them.

On Friday night after Zumba, I met my friends Michael and Tammie in Bay City for wings at Rattlesnake Rick’s.

If you’re anywhere around the tri-cities in Michigan and haven’t tried these wings, do it. They’re the best I’ve ever had.

I’ve always heard that if you’re going to stray from your diet, make sure it’s worth the calories.

These wings are worth the calories.

On Saturday and Sunday, we loaded up our son and headed to Bay City again to swim with our friends Mark and Monica.

They also have a trampoline, which I ventured onto.

I haven’t jumped on a trampoline since I was a kid.

It’s just as fun as I remember, but I didn’t remember it being the workout it is now. Whew!

While we were there, we also cooked out. My husband and I took over our turkey burgers to throw on the grill.

They had a low-sodium Heinz ketchup made with AlsoSalt that was really good. I had tried a no-salt ketchup before that was just awful, so I was skeptical.

All in all, it was a successful weekend. I even managed to mow the lawn in there.

And … drum roll … I also managed to lose 2 more pounds for the week, bringing my total so far to 37.

My goal of 2.3 pounds a week at 16 weeks is 36.8 pounds, so I am right on target.

But I’ve left no wiggle room.

I need a really good week this week. I need to work hard.

Join me?

My Father’s Day gift: No bitterness

Sunday is Father’s Day, and it has me thinking deeply.

Many of you know that I grew up without my father. I didn’t meet him until I was almost 18.

I saw him once in 1993 and once in 1994, and that was it. I haven’t seen him since.

He and I became Facebook friends for a while. We talked a bit back and forth. It was pleasant enough, but the conversation was always on the surface, and it died pretty quickly.

I went to check in on him one day and discovered that he had closed his Facebook account. I haven’t talked to him since.

If I seem a bit to the point about all this, I guess it’s because it’s how I really am about the whole situation. I’ve gone from incredible hurt during childhood to indifference as an adult.

It is what it is.

But remember my vow of positive thinking?

I honestly believe the reason I didn’t have a father is because, instead, God gave me a husband who would be the most devoted father to a child I’ve ever seen.

He hates this picture because he says he looks too fat. Well, he’s lost at least 30 pounds since then, so maybe he’ll forgive me for posting it.

It just captures how wonderful he is to our son.

From Day 1, he has been there changing our son’s diapers, feeding him, rocking him, teaching him, singing to him and loving him.

Daddy hung the moon, if you ask our son.

Daddy does playtime and bath time and bedtime.

He’s showing our son when to be tough and when to be gentle. He makes him laugh and lets him know it’s OK to cry.

He shows him that men can clean the house and cook dinner and kiss boo-boos.

In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined a better father and role model for my child.

And God knew that was what was in store for me all along. I had to get through the bad to get to the good.

No, I won’t be bitter on this Father’s Day.

I know God skipped giving me a dad so he could give my son the greatest dad.

I’ll take that any day.

Happy Father’s Day.

My Father’s Day gift: No bitterness

Sunday is Father’s Day, and it has me thinking deeply.

Many of you know that I grew up without my father. I didn’t meet him until I was almost 18.

I saw him once in 1993 and once in 1994, and that was it. I haven’t seen him since.

He and I became Facebook friends for a while. We talked a bit back and forth. It was pleasant enough, but the conversation was always on the surface, and it died pretty quickly.

I went to check in on him one day and discovered that he had closed his Facebook account. I haven’t talked to him since.

If I seem a bit to the point about all this, I guess it’s because it’s how I really am about the whole situation. I’ve gone from incredible hurt during childhood to indifference as an adult.

It is what it is.

But remember my vow of positive thinking?

I honestly believe the reason I didn’t have a father is because, instead, God gave me a husband who would be the most devoted father to a child I’ve ever seen.

He hates this picture because he says he looks too fat. Well, he’s lost at least 30 pounds since then, so maybe he’ll forgive me for posting it.

It just captures how wonderful he is to our son.

From Day 1, he has been there changing our son’s diapers, feeding him, rocking him, teaching him, singing to him and loving him.

Daddy hung the moon, if you ask our son.

Daddy does playtime and bath time and bedtime.

He’s showing our son when to be tough and when to be gentle. He makes him laugh and lets him know it’s OK to cry.

He shows him that men can clean the house and cook dinner and kiss boo-boos.

In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined a better father and role model for my child.

And God knew that was what was in store for me all along. I had to get through the bad to get to the good.

No, I won’t be bitter on this Father’s Day.

I know God skipped giving me a dad so he could give my son the greatest dad.

I’ll take that any day.

Happy Father’s Day.

That’s a wrap

I love Mexican food. I’ve made no secret about it.

There’s my steamy love affair with chips and salsa.

And with Taco Bell and Qdoba.

If you’ll recall, though, the tortillas at Mexican restaurants can pack over a whopping 300 calories, so I try to go naked when I eat at these places.

Hehe. I said go naked.

Anyway, Hungry Girl is always talking about these La Tortilla Factory tortillas, so I finally tried them.

As usual, Hungry Girl was right. Delicious.

These whole wheat tortillas are only 50 calories and are low-carb and high fiber (7 grams)!

I used them to make these chicken fajitas last night, and they were great.

I found the tortillas at Meijer, so I’d say they should be pretty easy to find. They were a little more expensive than the others ($3.29 for 10), but worth it.

Enjoy!

That’s a wrap

I love Mexican food. I’ve made no secret about it.

There’s my steamy love affair with chips and salsa.

And with Taco Bell and Qdoba.

If you’ll recall, though, the tortillas at Mexican restaurants can pack over a whopping 300 calories, so I try to go naked when I eat at these places.

Hehe. I said go naked.

Anyway, Hungry Girl is always talking about these La Tortilla Factory tortillas, so I finally tried them.

As usual, Hungry Girl was right. Delicious.

These whole wheat tortillas are only 50 calories and are low-carb and high fiber (7 grams)!

I used them to make these chicken fajitas last night, and they were great.

I found the tortillas at Meijer, so I’d say they should be pretty easy to find. They were a little more expensive than the others ($3.29 for 10), but worth it.

Enjoy!

Count thy blessings

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday who said she had recently run into a fellow church member, who asked her how she was.

She told him, and then he replied, “OK, now tell me something good that’s happening in your life.”

That sparked a small discussion between us about how we try to remain positive and not complain. I told her that this blog has helped me tremendously in that regard.

When I get on the treadmill each weekday morning, I spend the time praying, meditating and thinking about what I am going to write for this blog immediately after my walk.

When I started this blog to document my weight loss journey, I had two main goals: Keep it positive, and keep it real.

Oh, I know I still complain. But I try not to every day.

How many of you would keep reading if all I did was tell you how bad diet and exercise suck?

So, this blog has honestly helped train me into a new way of thinking.

What can I find amidst the pain and struggle that will keep me going, and in turn help inspire my readers?

Now, I know that most of you reading this aren’t gonna go start your own blog documenting your struggles for the world to see.

You don’t have to.

But I do challenge you to write down your own journey in a private journal or wherever.

Examining myself daily for this undertaking has taught me so much.

Another exercise I encourage you to try is to each day take note of five things for which you’re thankful.

Some days, you’ll have to get creative, I know. But the blessings are there if you just look.

Take for instance the fact I am way too sleepy this morning. I am thankful for that because we were out late last night at a baseball game, surrounded by friends.

Or take my silly little blister. I’m thankful for it, too.

It means I’m still working hard and haven’t given up, even when this battle has seemed too overwhelming.

As you train your body or whatever on your own journey, don’t forget to train your mind, too.

All your blessings are there. Learn to see them.

Count thy blessings

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday who said she had recently run into a fellow church member, who asked her how she was.

She told him, and then he replied, “OK, now tell me something good that’s happening in your life.”

That sparked a small discussion between us about how we try to remain positive and not complain. I told her that this blog has helped me tremendously in that regard.

When I get on the treadmill each weekday morning, I spend the time praying, meditating and thinking about what I am going to write for this blog immediately after my walk.

When I started this blog to document my weight loss journey, I had two main goals: Keep it positive, and keep it real.

Oh, I know I still complain. But I try not to every day.

How many of you would keep reading if all I did was tell you how bad diet and exercise suck?

So, this blog has honestly helped train me into a new way of thinking.

What can I find amidst the pain and struggle that will keep me going, and in turn help inspire my readers?

Now, I know that most of you reading this aren’t gonna go start your own blog documenting your struggles for the world to see.

You don’t have to.

But I do challenge you to write down your own journey in a private journal or wherever.

Examining myself daily for this undertaking has taught me so much.

Another exercise I encourage you to try is to each day take note of five things for which you’re thankful.

Some days, you’ll have to get creative, I know. But the blessings are there if you just look.

Take for instance the fact I am way too sleepy this morning. I am thankful for that because we were out late last night at a baseball game, surrounded by friends.

Or take my silly little blister. I’m thankful for it, too.

It means I’m still working hard and haven’t given up, even when this battle has seemed too overwhelming.

As you train your body or whatever on your own journey, don’t forget to train your mind, too.

All your blessings are there. Learn to see them.

Blistering speed

Today I need your advice.

This first picture is of my right heel after this morning’s walk on the treadmill.

I recently rubbed a blister while walking that won’t completely heal.

Admittedly, it’s not as bloody as it was a few days last week, but it’s still annoying.

So, I went to the Band-Aid aisle at Target the other day and got these nifty “Advanced Healing” blister pads.

But when I walk, the pad kind of scrunches up and hangs by one little side by the end of my walk. That was a lot of fun while mowing yesterday.

So, I don’t know what to do.

Do you have blister advice? Lemme have it.

Blistering speed

Today I need your advice.

This first picture is of my right heel after this morning’s walk on the treadmill.

I recently rubbed a blister while walking that won’t completely heal.

Admittedly, it’s not as bloody as it was a few days last week, but it’s still annoying.

So, I went to the Band-Aid aisle at Target the other day and got these nifty “Advanced Healing” blister pads.

But when I walk, the pad kind of scrunches up and hangs by one little side by the end of my walk. That was a lot of fun while mowing yesterday.

So, I don’t know what to do.

Do you have blister advice? Lemme have it.

Too much fun, not enough fit

Remember last week on Weigh-In Day when I declared that I needed to crack down on my diet?

Well, this time I REALLY mean it.

It seems my “fun” outweighed my “fit” this weekend.

(Psst – it was really, really fun.)

Here’s my husband and me all spiffed up before his best friend’s wedding. Laugh while you can. I don’t do dresses that often.

The next photo is at the reception. It was a dessert buffet.

I wanted to get naked and roll around in it.

Now there’s a visual that’ll haunt you for the rest of the day.

After the wedding and reception, the wedding party and a few others ended up a biker bar.

Yes, we went dressed like this. We didn’t stick out AT ALL.

There may have been adult beverages consumed. Then there may have been a very late-night McDonald’s run.

Whew. I’m too old for this.

And I stayed exactly the same on my weight this week.

Very good, considering the all-out assault on my stomach and liver. Thankfully, I had busted my rump physically, or I would’ve gained.

But it’s time to get serious. Again.

Luckily, I have friends who help keep me on track. This next picture, featuring the beautiful and witty Kim and Kristy, was taken last night after the first of what will be weekly Sunday night walks for us.

And then this last picture is of the cutie pie who begged to join us. He has taken to going to the door to the garage and saying “walk.”

How can I say no to that face?

This morning I have an appointment with my doctor – the first since I’ve started losing weight.

I’m actually kind of excited to weigh so he can see my progress.

But don’t think I won’t still take off my shoes before I step on the scale.

Oh hush. You know you do it, too.

Too much fun, not enough fit

Remember last week on Weigh-In Day when I declared that I needed to crack down on my diet?

Well, this time I REALLY mean it.

It seems my “fun” outweighed my “fit” this weekend.

(Psst – it was really, really fun.)

Here’s my husband and me all spiffed up before his best friend’s wedding. Laugh while you can. I don’t do dresses that often.

The next photo is at the reception. It was a dessert buffet.

I wanted to get naked and roll around in it.

Now there’s a visual that’ll haunt you for the rest of the day.

After the wedding and reception, the wedding party and a few others ended up a biker bar.

Yes, we went dressed like this. We didn’t stick out AT ALL.

There may have been adult beverages consumed. Then there may have been a very late-night McDonald’s run.

Whew. I’m too old for this.

And I stayed exactly the same on my weight this week.

Very good, considering the all-out assault on my stomach and liver. Thankfully, I had busted my rump physically, or I would’ve gained.

But it’s time to get serious. Again.

Luckily, I have friends who help keep me on track. This next picture, featuring the beautiful and witty Kim and Kristy, was taken last night after the first of what will be weekly Sunday night walks for us.

And then this last picture is of the cutie pie who begged to join us. He has taken to going to the door to the garage and saying “walk.”

How can I say no to that face?

This morning I have an appointment with my doctor – the first since I’ve started losing weight.

I’m actually kind of excited to weigh so he can see my progress.

But don’t think I won’t still take off my shoes before I step on the scale.

Oh hush. You know you do it, too.

Lipstick on a pig

So, I bought a dress.

That’s kind of a big deal for me.

One, I rarely buy any clothes brand-new, and two, IT’S A FREAKING DRESS.

My “fun” of my “fit and fun” Weekend Mandate will be Saturday night when we attend a wedding. My husband is the best man.

Since nothing in my closet really looks that good nor fits that well anymore, I broke down and bought this dress.

Shopping for it didn’t suck so much.

Oh, let me be clear. I still look like a cross-dressing linebacker who’s been in Great Aunt Netty’s closet.

But at least I’m a linebacker in a dress that’s a few sizes smaller than I would’ve needed a few months ago.

After the dress, things just kind of snowballed.

I bought heels. Yes, heels.

And then last night, I got a pedicure. And one of my twice-yearly haircuts.

And my eyebrows waxed. (I once again have two distinct eyebrows. Success!)

It’s sad how when I didn’t feel as good about myself, I didn’t think I deserved these kinds of things.

And besides, what’s the point of nice clothes or toes when you’re gigantic, right?

Just lipstick on a pig.

So, breaking down and doing these things for myself is actually all part of a very foreign healthier mindset.

They’re baby steps.

But baby steps with fabulous toes.

Lipstick on a pig

So, I bought a dress.

That’s kind of a big deal for me.

One, I rarely buy any clothes brand-new, and two, IT’S A FREAKING DRESS.

My “fun” of my “fit and fun” Weekend Mandate will be Saturday night when we attend a wedding. My husband is the best man.

Since nothing in my closet really looks that good nor fits that well anymore, I broke down and bought this dress.

Shopping for it didn’t suck so much.

Oh, let me be clear. I still look like a cross-dressing linebacker who’s been in Great Aunt Netty’s closet.

But at least I’m a linebacker in a dress that’s a few sizes smaller than I would’ve needed a few months ago.

After the dress, things just kind of snowballed.

I bought heels. Yes, heels.

And then last night, I got a pedicure. And one of my twice-yearly haircuts.

And my eyebrows waxed. (I once again have two distinct eyebrows. Success!)

It’s sad how when I didn’t feel as good about myself, I didn’t think I deserved these kinds of things.

And besides, what’s the point of nice clothes or toes when you’re gigantic, right?

Just lipstick on a pig.

So, breaking down and doing these things for myself is actually all part of a very foreign healthier mindset.

They’re baby steps.

But baby steps with fabulous toes.

Tacklin’ the List

Well, it’s official: I’m doing the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk!

We booked our hotel yesterday.

The 5-mile bridge walk is on my Bucket List. When my longtime friend Christi read the list, she wrote me and said she wanted to be with me when I mark that one off.

She and her family are coming from Kentucky to help me do it.

Amazing.

My friend Cookie has said she wants to do the Kentucky Derby with me, and my Flint Journal girlfriends say they’ll do Bonnaroo.

I’m hoping to hold them all to it next year!

Take a look at my list again. Is there something you want to help me mark off?

Is there something that’s on both yours and my list that we can do together?

What are we waiting for?

Tacklin’ the List

Well, it’s official: I’m doing the Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk!

We booked our hotel yesterday.

The 5-mile bridge walk is on my Bucket List. When my longtime friend Christi read the list, she wrote me and said she wanted to be with me when I mark that one off.

She and her family are coming from Kentucky to help me do it.

Amazing.

My friend Cookie has said she wants to do the Kentucky Derby with me, and my Flint Journal girlfriends say they’ll do Bonnaroo.

I’m hoping to hold them all to it next year!

Take a look at my list again. Is there something you want to help me mark off?

Is there something that’s on both yours and my list that we can do together?

What are we waiting for?

I’m watching you watching me

Well, hello there. I see you.
So THAT’S what you wear when you read my blog.

Teeheehee.

My friend Nancy told me how to track visitors to this blog. I knew it was possible; I just didn’t know it was free and easy.

With Site Meter, I can now track all kinds of stuff, like how many people are visiting, where they’re visiting from, what times of day or what days get more hits, what you’re wearing when you visit, etc.

OK, I might have lied on that last part.

Or did I?

Put on some damn pants.

Spread ’em

Two products have become staples in my house: Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil, and Smuckers Low-Sugar Strawberry Preserves.

The olive oil mayo has half the fat and calories of regular mayo, and it is delicious.

The low-sugar preserves have half the sugar and calories of regular. I love this on toast or sandwich thins when I’m craving something sweet.

Both of these are as good as the original … maybe better. You won’t miss the fat or sugar. Trust me.

I would, however, caution against eating them together.

Just sayin’.

I’m watching you watching me

Well, hello there. I see you.
So THAT’S what you wear when you read my blog.

Teeheehee.

My friend Nancy told me how to track visitors to this blog. I knew it was possible; I just didn’t know it was free and easy.

With Site Meter, I can now track all kinds of stuff, like how many people are visiting, where they’re visiting from, what times of day or what days get more hits, what you’re wearing when you visit, etc.

OK, I might have lied on that last part.

Or did I?

Put on some damn pants.

Spread ’em

Two products have become staples in my house: Kraft Mayo with Olive Oil, and Smuckers Low-Sugar Strawberry Preserves.

The olive oil mayo has half the fat and calories of regular mayo, and it is delicious.

The low-sugar preserves have half the sugar and calories of regular. I love this on toast or sandwich thins when I’m craving something sweet.

Both of these are as good as the original … maybe better. You won’t miss the fat or sugar. Trust me.

I would, however, caution against eating them together.

Just sayin’.

Got a grip

I still hold onto the handrails when I walk the treadmill.

Tightly.

It’s been that way ever since the Treadmill Incident of the Early 1990s.

My mom and I had gone to try out Lydia Taylor’s new gym in Island, Ky.

This was so early on that the gym was in a building, I believe, near her house. She hadn’t built the one next to the Island Dairy Freeze yet.

Yes, she owns the fitness center and the dairy freeze. You can’t make this stuff up.

(I found this picture of the dairy freeze on this blog. Hopefully he won’t mind.)

Anyway, Mom and I were the only ones in there, thank God, besides Lydia.

Mom was on another machine, and I was plodding along on the treadmill, all willy-nilly without holding onto the handrails.

Then, for reasons even unbeknownst to me, I shut my eyes.

The next thing I know, I had flown off the treadmill and into the wall behind me.

Mom and Lydia rushed over, asking if I had passed out or something.

God, I wish I had passed out.

Nope, I had just closed my eyes, zoned out and flown into a wall.

So even today, I get nervous when I have to pry one hand from its Vulcan Death Grip on the handrail to wipe my face or take a drink of water.

But I keep going.

Not sure there’s much of a lesson in today’s post, except to hold on, keep your eyes open and go like hell.

Whatever it takes.

Have a great day.

Got a grip

I still hold onto the handrails when I walk the treadmill.

Tightly.

It’s been that way ever since the Treadmill Incident of the Early 1990s.

My mom and I had gone to try out Lydia Taylor’s new gym in Island, Ky.

This was so early on that the gym was in a building, I believe, near her house. She hadn’t built the one next to the Island Dairy Freeze yet.

Yes, she owns the fitness center and the dairy freeze. You can’t make this stuff up.

(I found this picture of the dairy freeze on this blog. Hopefully he won’t mind.)

Anyway, Mom and I were the only ones in there, thank God, besides Lydia.

Mom was on another machine, and I was plodding along on the treadmill, all willy-nilly without holding onto the handrails.

Then, for reasons even unbeknownst to me, I shut my eyes.

The next thing I know, I had flown off the treadmill and into the wall behind me.

Mom and Lydia rushed over, asking if I had passed out or something.

God, I wish I had passed out.

Nope, I had just closed my eyes, zoned out and flown into a wall.

So even today, I get nervous when I have to pry one hand from its Vulcan Death Grip on the handrail to wipe my face or take a drink of water.

But I keep going.

Not sure there’s much of a lesson in today’s post, except to hold on, keep your eyes open and go like hell.

Whatever it takes.

Have a great day.

Inch by inch

Thanks for waiting, everyone, while Blogger had its malfunction today. I feel like this should be much better after all that waiting, but it's not. Here you go ...

Hello, Monday. I hate you.

But you’re inevitable, it seems.

How was everyone’s weekend? Did you do something fit and something fun like we talked about?

My “fit” was mowing the lawn. Uggh. At least it’s productive.

My “fun” was a walk on Sunday morning with my son up to Hemmeter’s Farm Market.

The farm market is really close to our subdivision. Its fields touch the backyards of our neighbors across the street, and used to occupy all the land where our subdivision now sits, I’m told.

When Hemmeter’s opens for the season, you know it’s summer.

So we strolled up there Sunday and got cherries, asparagus, red-skin potatoes, bananas, pears, cabbage and corn on the cob – all for $13.56.

I’m really hoping to rein in my diet a little. When I weighed this morning, I had lost 1 more pound, but I know I can be doing better, and will.

That’s 35 pounds in 14 weeks. Remember, my goal is to lose 2.3 pounds a week through the end of the year.

I’m still on goal, because 2.3 pounds times 14 weeks is 32.2 pounds.

But that little bit of breathing room I had built up is quickly disappearing. Yikes.

Anyway, after we got back from the farm market Sunday, I took our fruits and veggies inside and went to take my son out of the stroller.

“Mo! Mo!” he said, indicating he wanted “more” walking, so we walked some more around the neighborhood.

I wonder if he qualifies as a personal trainer?

Inch by inch

Thanks for waiting, everyone, while Blogger had its malfunction today. I feel like this should be much better after all that waiting, but it's not. Here you go ...

Hello, Monday. I hate you.

But you’re inevitable, it seems.

How was everyone’s weekend? Did you do something fit and something fun like we talked about?

My “fit” was mowing the lawn. Uggh. At least it’s productive.

My “fun” was a walk on Sunday morning with my son up to Hemmeter’s Farm Market.

The farm market is really close to our subdivision. Its fields touch the backyards of our neighbors across the street, and used to occupy all the land where our subdivision now sits, I’m told.

When Hemmeter’s opens for the season, you know it’s summer.

So we strolled up there Sunday and got cherries, asparagus, red-skin potatoes, bananas, pears, cabbage and corn on the cob – all for $13.56.

I’m really hoping to rein in my diet a little. When I weighed this morning, I had lost 1 more pound, but I know I can be doing better, and will.

That’s 35 pounds in 14 weeks. Remember, my goal is to lose 2.3 pounds a week through the end of the year.

I’m still on goal, because 2.3 pounds times 14 weeks is 32.2 pounds.

But that little bit of breathing room I had built up is quickly disappearing. Yikes.

Anyway, after we got back from the farm market Sunday, I took our fruits and veggies inside and went to take my son out of the stroller.

“Mo! Mo!” he said, indicating he wanted “more” walking, so we walked some more around the neighborhood.

I wonder if he qualifies as a personal trainer?

Weekends not weak ends

Happy Friday!

I am so thankful for the weekends. So far, I don’t have mandatory workouts on Saturday or Sunday, and knowing that keeps me motivated throughout the week.

As you’ll recall, my current routine is 2.5 miles on the treadmill each morning Monday through Friday, kickboxing on Monday night, Body Sculpt and Zumba on Wednesday night, and Zumba on Friday night.

I change that as necessary, of course, when stuff comes up.

(Wasn’t that a breezy, go-with-the-flow statement? I’m trying!)

I know that eventually, I’ll likely have to add a mandatory workout on the weekend, but right now I like giving myself permission to rest if I need to, or to freestyle it.

So I’ve come up with a little rule for myself on the weekends: Do something fit and something fun.

A lot of times, my “fit” option is mowing the lawn, which it will be this weekend.

Sometimes, it works out where my fit and fun come together, which is strapping my son in his stroller and taking him around the neighborhood or for a walk around our favorite park.

He loves it, and so do I.

Maybe you’re far more adventurous than I am, and it can mean going for a hike or canoeing. Maybe it’s working in your garden.

I’d like to go soon to a batting cage and golf driving range.

My point is, it doesn’t have to be in a gym where someone is counting your reps, or on the treadmill where you’re staring at a wall.

Weekends are a perfect time to trick yourself into getting some exercise.

Fit and fun. Keep moving, keep smiling.

It sure beats the alternative.

See you Monday.

Weekends not weak ends

Happy Friday!

I am so thankful for the weekends. So far, I don’t have mandatory workouts on Saturday or Sunday, and knowing that keeps me motivated throughout the week.

As you’ll recall, my current routine is 2.5 miles on the treadmill each morning Monday through Friday, kickboxing on Monday night, Body Sculpt and Zumba on Wednesday night, and Zumba on Friday night.

I change that as necessary, of course, when stuff comes up.

(Wasn’t that a breezy, go-with-the-flow statement? I’m trying!)

I know that eventually, I’ll likely have to add a mandatory workout on the weekend, but right now I like giving myself permission to rest if I need to, or to freestyle it.

So I’ve come up with a little rule for myself on the weekends: Do something fit and something fun.

A lot of times, my “fit” option is mowing the lawn, which it will be this weekend.

Sometimes, it works out where my fit and fun come together, which is strapping my son in his stroller and taking him around the neighborhood or for a walk around our favorite park.

He loves it, and so do I.

Maybe you’re far more adventurous than I am, and it can mean going for a hike or canoeing. Maybe it’s working in your garden.

I’d like to go soon to a batting cage and golf driving range.

My point is, it doesn’t have to be in a gym where someone is counting your reps, or on the treadmill where you’re staring at a wall.

Weekends are a perfect time to trick yourself into getting some exercise.

Fit and fun. Keep moving, keep smiling.

It sure beats the alternative.

See you Monday.

The hips don’t lie

Ah, come on! You’ve GOT to be kidding me.

That was my exact thought last night about a third of the way through my Zumba class when the familiar SNAP! and stabbing pain struck my left hip, just the way it did during Danceapalooza on Saturday night.

I almost hit my knees in pain this time.

I have been on the treadmill four times since then, no problems.

I even had done Body Sculpting class right before Zumba last night. Again, no problems.

But I guess when I shake my booty, I’m like throwing out a hip or something.

How sad is that?!?

I have an appointment with my OB/GYN a week from Monday. Maybe I’ll try to convince him the hips are well within his um, “area” of expertise and get his opinion.

I was able to finish the class last night, modifying some of the more intense hip movements to get me by. It’s again just sore today.

The most ironic part? The song right after the one where my hip blew was Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Well, I’ll give you that.

But what exactly are mine trying to tell me?

Today’s picture is of my son’s art project from daycare yesterday. He kept carrying it around and saying “Piggy! Piggy!” It was cute. Hey wait, he better have been talking about the artwork …

The hips don’t lie

Ah, come on! You’ve GOT to be kidding me.

That was my exact thought last night about a third of the way through my Zumba class when the familiar SNAP! and stabbing pain struck my left hip, just the way it did during Danceapalooza on Saturday night.

I almost hit my knees in pain this time.

I have been on the treadmill four times since then, no problems.

I even had done Body Sculpting class right before Zumba last night. Again, no problems.

But I guess when I shake my booty, I’m like throwing out a hip or something.

How sad is that?!?

I have an appointment with my OB/GYN a week from Monday. Maybe I’ll try to convince him the hips are well within his um, “area” of expertise and get his opinion.

I was able to finish the class last night, modifying some of the more intense hip movements to get me by. It’s again just sore today.

The most ironic part? The song right after the one where my hip blew was Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Well, I’ll give you that.

But what exactly are mine trying to tell me?

Today’s picture is of my son’s art project from daycare yesterday. He kept carrying it around and saying “Piggy! Piggy!” It was cute. Hey wait, he better have been talking about the artwork …