This is Better - Week 3

originally posted on 11/25/09 at my Medifast blog

4.2 lbs gone! 17 lbs total!

I paid more attention to drinking water. I now start my day with one of those big plastic "summer" cups full of water. After it's down, I move on to breakfast. I've also been drinking more tea. Caffeine is an issue for me. I try to avoid it. I found a nice vanilla red tea (rooibos) that has no caffeine. It's really yummy.

I've been moving more just because I have more energy. It seems to be a busy season in my life right now, so the thought of purposefully making exercise happen is a bit overwhelming. I'm going to keep looking for ways to move more in my daily routine. Walks will come soon enough.

I weighed a day early this week, because we are traveling today for Thanksgiving and I didn't want to haul the scale along. I'm going to stay on plan. I made zucchini squash to take as my contribution to the feast. Add some turkey and my lean & green is good to go. I have a bag packed with my favorites - hot cocoa, puffs, pretzels, shakes and a couple of bars. I know I can do this. So can you... weight loss is so much better than pumpkin pie.

Oh... and tomorrow is my birthday! I've given myself the best present ever... the pursuit of health.

My discovery of the week: mini Babybel light cheese. One is a very portable and satisfying snack. I love removing the wax cover. I'm a little confused about how they count... actually the condiment, fat, healthy fat stuff kinda elludes me. But I believe they count as a fat.

Pray for me.

Not Discouraged - Week 2

originally posted on 11/20/09 at my Medifast blog

.8 lbs gone! I can't say I'm not disappointed. I thought I'd lose more.

Maybe my slump has come early?

All I know is that I have been on plan 100% and that there is no reason that I didn't lose more weight. And I know the weight will come off.

My discovery of the week: Soups with Salsa. I have found that 1-2 T of salsa in the Tomato, Cream of Chicken, Chicken Noodle and even Beef Stew is delicious. 1 T of salsa counts as a condiment.

Average weekly weight loss: 6.4 lbs

Pray for me.

Losin' It - Week 1

originally posted on 11/12/09 at my Medifast Blog
12 pounds gone! I am rejoicing that my efforts have paid off.

The last time I did a "program diet" I lost a few pounds the first week and then actually gained the second week... all while following the directions. That failure really messed with me.

Success is sweet. 100% on plan works.

Following the program has been easier than I anticipated. A couple of rough moments... they passed, and a crabby day.

I can do this. I will do this.

My discovery of the week: Hot Chocolate Mochas. Make hot chocolate hot in a bullet blender and then add 2 shots of decaf espresso. For me it's the perfect breakfast.

Pray for me.

So it begins...

originally posted on 10/3/09 at "Less Robin"

photo by digitalcat

It didn't all begin today.

I remember being "fat" forever.

I started Weight Watchers for the first time when I was in 3rd grade. I don't get it when I look at photographs. I don't look as fat as I thought I was.

I went to Fat Camp the summer between jr high and high school and was finally normal. It didn't last. By the time I graduated from high school I was a small fat girl.
By the time I graduated from college I was a medium fat girl.

Now I'm a huge fat woman. Morbidly Obese. Wow, that's hard to type...

Until recently I was always a "healthy" fat person. My weight has caught up with me. In the last year, I've had an episode of atrial fibrillation, been diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea, been prescribed a cpap machine and mask for sleeping (way better than anything Victoria's Secret has for feeling sexy), been diagnosed with high blood pressure... the list goes on.

I considered weight loss surgery, but it's not an option for me at the present time. I have to get some medical stuff cleared before I can pursue it. I'm not sure I want to pursue it.

Losing weight is no longer something I want to do... it's something I have to do.

I don't want to die, or worse yet... have a stroke.

I want to see my boy grow up. I want to grow old with my husband.

I'm hoping that blogging my struggles and journey will help.

Less Robin

If you know me in real life, you know that I need to lose weight.

If you only know me through my blog, you might not realize how fat (there is no pretty word - my other choice would be morbidly obese) I am. I've been pretty good at not talking about it. It's laughable, but I've been in denial. I hope you understand and can forgive me.

A while back, I started another blog. It was called "Less Robin" and it was going to be about my pursuit of weight loss. I was careful to remove any link between here and there. I planned to blog for accountability, but then did my best to keep anyone from finding me. Like I said... denial.

Well... "Less Robin" is history. I'll be reposting most of what I wrote here over the next few days. You all can be my accountability and my cheerleaders and my prayer partners.

In other news, I started Medifast on November 5, 2009. It has a supportive online community that includes blogs. I've been blogging over there once a week on the day I weigh. I'll be double posting that blog here too.

I don't plan for this to turn into a weight loss blog. I'll just be adding another pursuit... health through weight loss and exercise.

Daybook December 7, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday December 7, 2009

Outside my window... it's dark and very cold. Too cold for California. My computer tells me it's 41F. brrr.

I am thinking... that people in colder climates are probably laughing and thinking me a giant wuss for thinking that 41F is freezing.

I am hearing... the quiet woosh of the heater.

I am thankful for... so many things. Did you see that last post?

I am wearing... jeans, brown long sleeved tee, brown beanie (Grom let me borrow it) and my new sneakers.

I am remembering... that I have forgotten to get out our Jesse Tree and the Advent Calendar my Aunt gave Grom. Better get both of those going quick!

I am going... to go get a cup of tea. Maybe it will take the chill off.

I am reading... I am just about done with "The Memory Keepers Daughter". I can't wait. I'm looking forward to the next Jennifer Chiaverini book.

I am hoping... Surferman and I love the luggage we bought. And that we take lots of trips with it.

On my mind... Christmas. Christmas cards. Christmas presents. Christmas music. Christmas.

From the learning rooms... It's "L" week at school. I'm sure it will be lovely and loaded with laughs. We have a bunch of books about Christmas that we are reading together.

Noticing that... I need a manicure. I bite my cuticles and with this dry winter weather, my hands are rough.

Pondering these words...

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-34 NKJV

I get an email with a Bible verse everyday. This was the verse today.

From the kitchen... homemade Turkey soup from the bird I roasted when we got home from Thanksgiving. Ripe bananas in the fruit bowl will be transformed into banana bread. Anyone have a great (and easy) recipe? I don't want to sift.

Around the house... it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Our tree is up. The stockings are hung. We just need to get the Christmas music going.

One of my favorite things... shopping at Trader Joe's. I can get most everything I want/need and it's affordable. I love their rBST free dairy products.

A picture to share...We've had some beautiful sunsets lately. I took this one from church.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

gratitude community - december 7

Some of these are a bit old, but I'm thankful for these things regardless.

82. A done (yep done!) to do list. This was from a foray into a pretty to do list. I'm back to my brain book and autofocus.

83. Grom has discovered that letters make words. He hasn't figured out that spaces in the letters need to come at very certain places, but he's writing. Here's a Bible verse from Kids Club that he wrote out. If you read carefully, you'll find John 1:1.

84. Colorful trees a picture of God's majesty.

85. Did you know that the beautiful colors in the leaves are there all the time? It just takes fall for the leaves to lose the green and reveal the other colors. It reminds me of the way God refines us. If the green represents ME, prayerfully it is dying away and fading to reveal the hidden qualities that please my Lord. Maybe a gentle and quiet spirit?

86. I hope me as a tree would have orange leaves.

87. A wonderful Thanksgiving with close and extended family that wasn't about food.

88. Coffee at Starbucks. I'm always grateful for a good cup of coffee.

87. Grom and a Girlie. He loves his cousins. And they think he's pretty cool too.

88. A fun day of riding public transportation (BART and Muni) with a boy who in enthralled by trains and how things work.

89. Wondering if we'll see fishes when we travel under San Francisco Bay.

90. Going into The City for Black Friday.

91. Watching the shoppers rush home with their packages.

92. Visiting... not living... in San Franciso. It's good to go home.

93. Pastor Jack and his wife Jinell. (We don't belong to some weird cult where we all dress the same. It just happens to them every now and then.) We love to go to their home for dinner.

94. This precious little guy is home. He has more tests, surgery and other yucky things ahead. For now Simon is home and we rejoince. Pray for his healing.

95. A chair full of boys. Lord let them all become men after your own heart.

Want to live the shortest, surest rule to Happiness? Become a Joy Finder? Consider joining the Gratitude Community! Just jump in with your own counting!

How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life

What's for Dinner - December 7, 2009

Monday
LO Turkey Soup
Biscuits
Salad

Tuesday
Pork Chops
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-in 4 Dinner~
red sauce for pasta

Thursday
~QBs Christmas Dinner~
CORD

Friday
~Melodrama Birthday Celebration~
~Night In Bethlehem~
????
we'll eat somewhere

Saturday
~Pottenger Open House~
take Aunt Theos Potatoes

Sunday
~Family Dinner~
my folks cook

I'm back!

I took an unexpected break from blogging.

I'm not really sure why.

I have a few suspicions...
I'm dieting and have become a little consumed by the plan.
It's a busy time of year.
I think I was running out of things to say.

Anyway, I'm back. I'm starting back slow... with a meal plan.

My kid cracks me up

It's been a while since I've shared a "my kid cracks me up". Here's one from last Sunday.

We were picking up breakfast sandwiches at the deli. Even though Grom had just eaten, he was starving. It was 8am and he wanted Nacho Dorritos. Like an good mommy, I said no way... no chips for breakfast. Instead he talked me into buying him a package of gum. Everyone knows how filling gum can be.

He picked Big Red. He's never had Big Red before.He had just popped the first piece in his mouth.

"Mommy this gum's as hot as a bbq"

Like I said, my kid cracks me up.

Daybook November 2, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday November 2, 2009

Outside my window... it's a beautiful day... warm and clear.

I am thinking... about a couple of boxes that I'm waiting for... my new MacBook Pro and a box of diet food.

I am hearing... boy and grandfather scheming about a trip to the ice cream store.

I am thankful for... my Dad. It's his birthday this week. He's a great dad and a great grandpa. I'm not saying that he doesn't drive me nuts and that he doesn't interfere in our parenting, but I wouldn't trade him. I should pray for him more.

I am wearing... the summer "uniform" - black cargo capris, croc flips, and my wild yellow and bright colored tee shirt.

I am remembering... a silly outfit that I used to wear when I first met Surferman. A white long sleeved shirt, navy tights and red/navy plaid shorts. I don't know what I was thinking. Must have been some leftover preppy. Do you remember any silly outfits you wore?

I am going... to celebrate my blogoversary this week. Four Years! I should also be hitting 600 posts. Watch for a giveaway later this week.

I am reading... same as last week. It's slow and I haven't been taking any extra time to read.

I am hoping... that the new comforter cover that we bought is going to stop shedding someday. It's flannel and has been leaving fuzz everywhere. I washed it and it's still very linty.

On my mind... all the fund-raising they do at Grom's school. Just today, three opportunities to spend money came home. Do they really need all that money?

From the learning rooms... books about the ocean, ships and sea animals. It's "g" week at school.

Noticing that... my desk is so messy that now I'm putting my computer on top of a pile of papers.

Pondering these words...

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

It's from our message on Sunday. Today Grom was lollygagging before school. He told me that everything in his life was too tempting and that it kept him from listening and doing what he was supposed to. Oh, the things God teaches me through my son.

From the kitchen... tuna noodle casserole tonight. It's a favorite that we don't eat very often. Please don't tell Grom in has tuna in it.

Around the house... marshmallow gun wars. We bought my dad a couple of marshmallow guns for his birthday. Way fun. It's surprising how scary it is to be shot with a mini marshmallow.

One of my favorite things... picking Grom up at school and getting the chance to be the first one to hear about his day. Today they went to a play of Charlotte's Web. It was a man in a pig costume... not a real pig.

A picture to share...Another of the sunset shots. I love Grom's reflection in the wet sand and evident joy he gets just running around at the beach. We need to hit the sand more often.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

gratitude community - november 2

63. best buddies

64. the amazing view rom my kitchen window as I'm making dinner. I am so blessed to live here.

65. this adorable little giraffe who has been through so much in his short life. Please pray that his next surgery will be his last surgery.

66. this man (the giraffe's dad) who loves the Lord, loves his family and does his best in spite of a crummy hand he's been dealt. It's a wig.

67. his wife (who I don't have many photos of... hmmm) who is "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair"

68. their boy (Grom's buddy) who seems to breeze through the chaos of his brother's medical problems

69. presents brought home from a day of hookie (or is it hooky) - a bucket of smelly fish and the decorated placemat from their pancake brunch

70. Surferman who finally understood why 10/31 isn't just a "fun day"

71. my camera shy boy

72. so much sandy fun at the beach

73. some fun pictures instead of the shot I was hoping to get for a Christmas card

74. muscles

75. I get to live here
76. art based on one of God's beautiful creations... the apple


77. proof it's not all random... who put a star in the middle of my apple? GOD!

78. pages and pages of fun

79. a little boy who is so excited about the "millions and millions" of rolly pollys he found outside that he had to come and get me so I could see and take a picture (I can't really see them either)

80. celebrating my Dad's birthday with family and friends... a spaghetti and meatballs feast

Want to live the shortest, surest rule to Happiness? Become a Joy Finder? Consider joining the Gratitude Community! Just jump in with your own counting!

How to begin your own 1000 Gift List ::: How Gratitude Can Change your Life

What's for Dinner - November 2, 2009

Monday
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Zucchini
Fruit

Tuesday
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Wednesday
~Everybody Pitch-In 4 Dinner~
~Kid's Club~
bring condiments for hot dogs

Thursday
C.O.R.D.
~Session at Dream Dinners~

Friday
~Couple Home Group & Pitch-In Dinner~
bring green salad

Saturday
???

Sunday
~Pasta Feed @ the Arnolds~
bring beverages

Share your meal plan with the others at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

My new hobby - wire wrap beading

I've been having a lot of fun making earrings. I had bought a few pairs from a wonderful Etsy Shop. I was inspired and thought... hey if I could just learn how to wire wrap, I could make my own earrings.

I found out that a wonderful lady at church was doing some wire wrapping. She's an artist and really has the heart of a teacher. She was gracious enough to show me how. There has been no stopping me. Here are some of my creations. Lots of them are up for grabs - say the word and they are yours.

Here's the first pair I made with Deborah. They are made with recycled variegated red glass beads. I'm pretty happy with my first effort, even though they hang a little crooked. Up for grabs.


These are delicate pink striated glass beads. Sorry these are mine.

These simple single bead earrings are a peachy crackled bead. Mine too.

Another simple pair... a rosy tan faceted bead. Up for grabs.


These are my favorites. They are bell shaped mostly clear beads. I think they are so cool. I'm hoping I can find more of these beads in the stash so I can make some more to giveaway.

These are clear striated beads. They are alot like the pink earrings above. Very pretty and up for grabs.

These are fun golden brown recycled beads. I think Erika wants these, if not they are up for grabs.

Last pair, clear flat round beads, they are quirkily imperfect (I might have made up the word quirkily). Up for grabs.

I have more ideas waiting to get twisted into beautiful baubles. Let me know if you like seeing the pictures.