Weight Program

I lifted weights this morning at the Y. It felt good. I warmed up 20 minutes on the bike first. That felt good too. I drank 5 glasses of water today - better, but not enough. Tomorrow I think I'm going to try a spin class - haven't done that in a while. And I need to do more situps. When you're restarting, it's good to take it easy one step at a time. Also, we've been getting lots of sleep. This is good too.

To sum up - cardio, weights, water, sleep. Now we have to cut down on the sweets next. Too many holiday treats hanging around.

Cheers,
Sue

Reinspired

OK, I've had a bit of holiday eating and fun - now, it's back with the health program. It's back to basics. Here's what I've started today:

- drink my 6 glasses of water (will work up to 8)
- restart my weight lifting program at the Y today (with some bike); tomorrow a SPIN CLASS
- think about my plan for going back to school (how to continue my exercise, water, and good eating when school starts again

Those are for starters. More tomorrow.

Sue

Surviving Christmas

Here's how you do it... keep saying to yourself, "if it doesn't get done, it's ok." I grew up being known as the "Christmas Girl". I was the one who decorated the tree from a young age. I loved helping my Mother with the holiday baking and cooking. I loved the preparations and the getting ready. I still do. I love writing the cards and getting them, that is catching up with old friends. I love the Christmas music. I have put my favorites in a playlist on my IPod. It's great! I'm just like my kids - I love Santa and all the excitement. But, if it doesn't get done, it's ok! This is how one keeps sane and really enjoys the season.

Merry Christmas,
Sue

One More Day Til Vacay

Well, I seem to have fought off a sore throat/sinus thing. Yeah! One more day until the big break. It will be nice to have a few days to relax. Our new stove and dishwasher are installed and working great. Merry Christmas to us! We tried the new stove tonight for dinner. It works great and really looks sleek - a GE Profile with convection and ceramic top.

The kids are excited for Christmas. I already have my new IPod and love it. I bought a touch. It works like a dream, much easier to find songs than with my older one.

Acupuncture tomorrow after school - let's hope this one takes like time one and three.

Sue

New Stove

but it doesn't fit. We need to have the tiles cut by a 1/2 inch on each side. So this weekend we don't have a stove. I finally to the nativity scene up and the mantel done. It's beginning to look a lot like christmas around here (isn't that a song?)

Fighting off something. The kids have everything. I'm determined to fight it off so I can have a healthy vacation.

Hey, let's have some snow.
Sue

Catching up with me

I think the weekend's catching up with me. I'm exhausted. I'm not ready for the holidays yet - far from it. I think it's best to just relax and not worry. I'm trying to do that!

Sue

Whirlwind Trip

I'm back from Virginia as of Sunday evening. I was a good trip with lots of conversation and visiting. I got to help some too with the move-in. Juanita's furniture arrived on Saturday, so we were able to be there. My sister and I talked non-stop. I really enjoyed that. Their house is really nice, more full than last time I was there. She brought out stuff that came from Mother and Daddy's house. That produced stories and walks down memory lane. My dad is very happy, so this is makes me happy. Nita is very sweet and I think she is good for him. I wish I would have had longer, but maybe the visit was perfect length.

Our Music tree is up and lovely,
Sue

A little blog break

I'll be out of town for a couple days (taking one of my special days tomorrow) to visit my sister, my dad and his new wife. So I won't be blogging for a couple days. I have to get up at 3:45 tomorrow morning - yikes!

Wish me bon voyage,
Sue

Foraging, the Newest Food Craze

Have you heard about the latest craze? It's foraging, that is harvesting food from the wild, food like mushrooms, dandelions and wild greens, berries, acorns, wild plants, even weeds. Has anybody had experience doing this? I'd like to learn.

Sue

Rain Continues

Hey, the rain is still coming down. There is flooding. The rivers are over flood stage. We are inches above our yearly average rainfall. Weird. I wish it were snow. We'd have a couple feet now, but at least it would be brighter. The rain is hard on the kids because they can't go outside during recess and run around screaming at the top of their lungs. Plus they all got wet coming to music today. They didn't seem to mind this however.

I am way behind on the Christmas preparations. No shopping done. Little decorating. I take that back we bought ourselves a new stove and dishwasher. These will be nice when they are installed - we must wait until next week.

I'm going to see my sister and meet my dad's new wife this weekend. Taking a personal day on Friday.

Quack,
Sue

Oversized Tree

Hey, anybody want a Christmas tree that's too big for us. It is too heavy and we can't lift it. It's on our front porch. It literally weighs a ton.

I wish it would STOP RAINING!!!! Enough already. We need to dry out.

Sue

Memory

Just how accurate is one's memory? I wonder about this. My sister sent me a box this week with some items found when cleaning out our family home ( my dad and his new wife are moving and sorting through 40 years of stuff). The box contained a diary I kept while I was an exchange student in Italy in hight school. I was 16. I have been enjoying reading it. I find it amazing the things I forgot compared to what I remembered. I remember it as one of the most wonderful experiences of growing up, and the entire experience changed me in a fundamental way. I had a very loving family and got to know a group of wonderful teenagers while I lived there. It is neat to read the thoughts of that 16 year old I was. I didn't remember I had written the diary and didn't know what happened to it. A friend of mine who had been a exchange student the year before insisted that I keep the diary. I'm so glad I did. It's like stumbling onto a former version of yourself that was kept there to be discovered now 40 years later. WOW.

Sue

Foodies, Read on

What should you get the person for Christmas who has everything? Are you ready for this? Drum roll... an instant meat thermometer. Do you have one? I don't. Speaking of foodies - have you read the latest issue of New Yorker Magazine? It's all about food. There were some fascinating articles on apples, coffee (growing it, roasting and testing it), foraging (finding food in the wild - the latest craze for the world's top restaurant chef in Denmark), African spice mixtures, and lots of others. I read the entire issue, as in every article. Very interesting.

Sue

Hanging in There

Let's hang in there together in the next six weeks to get through this holiday season without gaining weight, maybe even losing some. Here are some things that work:
drink your water - get in your 6-8 glasses per day
plan ahead
never go to a party or shopping hungry
bring a dish to the party you can eat
focus on the people at the event, not the food
take the pressure off yourself - if it doesn't get done, it doesn't get done
take some time for yourself - go get a massage, hair cut, or nails done
get in your exercise - walk your dog or go to the gym at least 3 times per week
track even when you blow it
if you blow it, get right back on
Share some of your hints.

Sue

484 posts

I just looked at my posts total - wow! 484 posts. I hope there a few people who are struggling with me. My husband's with me. He and I work hard to eat well. I do the shopping - I try to buy organic because of two reasons: 1) it tastes better 2) we don't want the extra chemicals in our bodies. He cooked tonight a nice dinner. Good day with the kids. They are really something! They are surely worth it!

Sue

How to Keep Going with Losing Weight

You don't give up. You take it one day at a time. It takes what the Finnish refer to as sisu, which roughly translates "guts." It was a rainy day and tough on the kids because they couldn't go outside to run around and yell loud for their recess. We had to practice Quiet Coyote, but we still got some things done. Yeah for WKS!!! (Wet Kid Smell - ah, you got to love it)

Sue

Losing over Thanksgiving

Yes, I did it. I cooked a delicious dinner and lost a pound. So did my husband. No suffering either - just no gravy and no pie crust. How about you?

Is this rain ever going to stop? We are water-logged and soggy... but we did have two very nice days. To my monster day tomorrow,

Sue

New IPod Touch

I love it. I wish it could be my IPhone too, but it can only do mobile connections. Someday the two will merge.

It was warm enough today again to do yard work. I got my garden mostly cleared. We watched the Michigan game. The Buckeyes gave them a good fight. I got to visit with several of my friends. Nice day. One day left of break and then back at it.

Sue

Sun in November

It was a gorgeous day today, sunny and mild. I did some yard work, walked Essi, ate sushi, and went to buy a new IPod. My old one died, but served me well for 5 years. Tomorrow's supposed to be like this one. I'm going to be in the yard - I don't have to shop tomorrow like I usually do on Saturday.

Two more nice days off,
Sue

Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner

I fixed a wonderful dinner today for B on Thanksgiving. It tasted wonderful, if I do say so myself. We had turkey (cooked with herbs under the skin), dressing (Ina Garten's recipes, in fact all the parts of the dinner were her recipes), mashed potatoes, cranberry conserve (yum, one of my favorites), and roasted veggies (brussell sprouts, parsnips, green beans, and fennel) with Pumpkin Mousse for dessert. No gray - we didn't miss it. No pie crust - we didn't miss it. We had a nice Beaujolais Neuveaux with it. I cooked everything from scratch with organic ingredients - they really do make a difference. They taste much better. We took Essi for a nice walk and watched a pretty good movie. Very nice day!

Sue

Thanksgiving break

And now we have a few days off. I'm looking forward to spending some time working out, cooking, walking Essi, and being with Bob. We have five whole beautiful days. I think I'll get out the nutcrackers too, maybe get the Christmas trees. I have an acupuncture tomorrow, my third one. Here's hoping it makes my feet, especially the right one, feel better. I also pick up our turkey tomorrow. It's just B. and I for Thanksgiving. My dad and his new wife were supposed to come, but they are moving to a new house and are quite overwhelmed. I'm going to see them in a couple weeks.

Sue

Victory

It's been a good week. Good observation. It was a wonderful class. It's always nice when your principal gets to see something good. B and I had a nice dinner tonight and we watched a sweet movie called Saint Ralph, just the type I like.

The only bad thing is my IPod died. I can't live without it. I use it all the time at school. The hard drive seems corrupted. I wish I could take it apart and fix it like I used to do with the computers in the old days. I took it to the Mac Store and it must have known where it was. I revived there just long enough to keep me from purchasing another IPod. When I got it home, it died again.

Yeah for the weekend and next week is a very short week.

Sue

Acupuncture #2

I felt so relaxed and good when I came out that I almost floated home. I took B. to his PD appointment and we got a good report. Tomorrow I have an official observation. I can't wait for him to see my classroom in action and my feet will feel great. yeah!

Sue

Alone?

Well, I keep blogging, but wonder sometimes if anybody is reading. I hope a few people are reading without commenting. Today was a good day. Tomorrow I'm taking the day to be with Bob at his appointment. Thursday my principal is coming in to observe my RC classroom. I can't wait for this because I am enjoying the RC philosophy and how it works. I also have an acupuncture appointment tomorrow. It has lasted pretty well - my foot pain continues to be better. Hip hip horray.

Sue

Band of storms/electricity, I mean kids

A band is moving through our area right now. I made it through killer monday. The kids were funny today. Sometimes they really break me up. They are amazing and I truly enjoy them so often. I guess I was made to be a teacher of some kind. I connect to them on a spiritual level often. I can sense their emotions. They are very important and introducing them to music, a way to express those emotions and communicate is fullfilling. I wish I could know them better and had more time than just two one-half hours per week. However, you'd be surprised at what we can do - very high energy and it takes a lot from me. But they are worth it, I feel.

Sue

Thanksgiving planning menu

OK, here is my menu:
Turkey breast roasted with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme
Green beans with shallots
Brussell sprouts
Dressing (WW recipe with LOTS of veggies)
Garlic mashed potatoes
Cranberry compote (with lemon zest, apples)
Gravy made from chicken broth (not turkey fat)
Pumpkin moose parfaits

Sound good? I have lightened the menu by not making pie (no pastry). Gravy is lower in fat. Lots of veggies on the menu.

Share your menus.

Sue

Acupuncture

I had some yesterday. I notice my feet are noticeably better today. Wow! I was treated for weight loss too. It helps with that. I was dancing with my fourth graders all day and my feet felt pretty good. Yeah!!!!!

Sue

If You're Not Hungry for an Apple

... then you're not really hungry.

Our levy passed by the skin of its teeth by only 129 votes. Phew!!! Are we ever relieved. Now we can concentrate on other things and maybe relax a bit.

Horray for the glass half full,
Sue

Squeaked by

It looks like we may have squeaked by with a yes on our levy. It was very close. I can't believe that many people would vote no. What is the matter with our people? It is very scary. I am thankful for all those who voted yes. I will still have a job.

Sue

Voting Tomorrow

Tomorrow's the day where we find out about our levy. Let's pray the people decide to vote for our kids and our schools.

Good Dinner

I fixed meatloaf, roasted potatoes and carrots, and cole slaw for dinner. Very good. I used points, but once a week it's nice to have a meal with comfort foods.

I got a new issue of Eating Well magazine. Very good recipes that emphasize veggies and whole grains with less meats with great taste - plenty of herbs and seasonings. The website is great too.

Sue

Get Back on it with Essi

After you have a bad day or week (with too much candy), you have to get right back on it, back on track. I did not have a loss this week. I must do better. I must go back to basics... keep to my daily point allowance, drink my water (or wooder as my dad says), walk Essi, choose healthy and cook healthy.


Here is my dog, Essi. She is a wonderful doggie!


Sue

Mini goals

To reach a big goal, you have to have mini ones. Here's my first: drink my 6-8 glasses of water.

Sue

By the Time I'm 60

I want to be down 50 pounds by the time I reach 60. That gives me a year and six months. Think I can do it? Yes! I will do it slowly and then I will keep it off. I will say this like a mantra over and over. I will say it and follow the steps I need to do to get there. Go with me, those out there who need to!

Sue

Halloween's Aftermath

The kids' costumes were really cute. And our neighbors' dogs came over for a visit too. It was great. I used to love dressing up when I was a kid too, in fact, I still like it. I think it would be fun to go to a masked ball for New Year's Eve and dance the night away until midnight when the clock strikes 12. My carriage would be turned back into a huge pumpkin.

We starting our patriotic song time in both grades. We're preparing the Star Spangled Banner in 4th and You're a Grand Old Flag in 3rd. Good times. I'm continuing to stress my Responsive Classroom stuff. Sometimes the kids just forget, so they need constant reminding. I guess that's the way. I think they were all still high from all the sugar last night.

Sue

Happy Halloween

The first challenge of too much candy is over and I had a couple pieces. Now, I have to get back in gear and back on the program of eating healthy. I will track the damage. Back to school tomorrow and my candy-high kids.

Sue

Rest

We had a frost last night, what they refer to as a killing frost. Then it became quite a lovely day. My foot was hurting quite a bit, then was better this afternoon. I have a cold, so not feeling tip top. I think I can fight it off with a rest day tomorrow. Tomorrow I rest and maybe play piano a bit. Sometimes, you have to know when to rest and let your body fight the infection.

Sue

Review of My Philosophy

Why my title? I want to lose weight organically with the goal being to get healthy. Getting healthy is the most important reason for my losing weight. I'm hoping I'll be able to move around better and do more of the things I love to do, especially the outside things like gardening and walking anywhere I want. I want to have more energy and that will help me to be a better teacher and get through the day with more left over at the end of the day. I want to KEEP the weight off for life. That's why I'm going at it slowly and deliberately. I'm trying to change lifetime habits so I can remain healthy for the rest of the my life. Doing all of this the GREEN way, that is organically, is very important to me. I'm trying to go for quality. That's why I don't like "diet" food. I don't think it gives you the quality for your calories/points. I'm trying to put fewer chemicals/modified/engineered food into my body. I'm trying to buy local as much as I can. I'm trying to grow food myself so it will be fresher and more nutritious.

So there you have it,
Sue

Nice Meal

We found a new restaurant not too far away. It's Italian - yeah, I know, but you CAN make good choices on an Italian menu. Their food is very good.

Made it through Friday. The kids had a great time with the Pumpkin Drop and "harvest" parties (can't call them Halloween and we can't dress up). I am still fighting off a cold, so it was a rough day for me. I'm glad to have the weekend to rest and get better.

So what good choices did you make today?

Sue

Fighting off a Sore Throat

I am fighting off a sore throat. All the kids have been sneezing on me, well... not all, but quite a few. I am trying NOT to get sick. So I am drinking lots of water (trying to), getting as much sleep as I can, and being good to myself as in nutrition followed as in eating right and staying on plan. What else is effective in your experience? How can a teacher remain healthy?

Sue

Halloween

I love Halloween. I love dressing up. I especially love telling scary stories. I love making Jack-o-lanterns. I like thinking back on all the great Halloween parties. There was one where I dressed up as Charley Chapman. I put my Grandfather's huge black hat on my head, covering all my hair. I drew in a mustache and didn't speak for half the evening. Nobody knew who I was. I haven't been to a great Halloween party in years. And of course, I love candy. I am waiting until the last minute to buy some and not getting my favorite kind. Hopefully, I'll be less tempted.

Boo!
Sue

Challenges of Next Two Months

OK, the next couple months are when I have blown it in the past. I do not intend to blow it this year. Would you all help me? Here are the challenges:

- Halloween (trick or treat night) and all the candy
- Thanksgiving - overeating in general; must have family traditions of turkey, mashed pototoes, stuffing, gravy (mon dieu, this will do right there), cranberry sauce, beans, and pumpkin pie
= Christmas and holiday times - I love to bake cookies and love to give them to my friends and family; but I also love to eat them; this is the only time of year I bake
- New Years - the resolutions for the new year and the facing of those extra holiday pounds that I've put on that I determined NOT to do this year

So, let's talk about what to do differently this year. Come on everybody, share your ideas.

Sue

Some Pots Brought In

We brought in some of our biggest pots today, moved them onto the porch. Yesh, were they heavy. Then a neighbor reminded me about all the rain we've gotten - duh, that's why they were so heavy. I even slipped and fell on my padding (right hip) fortunately without mishap. My back and wrist are complaining a bit. It was very nice to get them inside and they still look nice. I enjoyed them before making dinner: salmon, green beans, and a tomato (yes, still from the garden!!!)

Day off tomorrow - yeah!

Sue

Potatoes

Are they good or bad for you? WW has the same number of points for sweet as for white. Sweet are supposed to be much better for you, as in not as high glycemic index and more nutrients. Of course fried potatoes add much fat that is not good. At school they serve prepared tater tots and various warmed up potatoes that have been fried then frozen. They can't be good for you. Also their mashed potatoes are instant from a box. I think a good potato is very satisfying. I especially like the sweet ones. I'm not sure why they have the same points as white. Something to ask at meetings, I guess. Any thoughts about potatoes? Are they good or bad?

Sue

Long Weekend

Yeah! A long weekend with Monday off. We were disappointed at dinner tonight. The quality wasn't there, but the prices were. I guess all restaurants can have an off night. Kids were fun today. I'm exhausted - danced almost all day to the Ghost Busters song. They loved it.

Sue

Holiday planning

What are your favorite recipes? I have a wonderful WW recipe for stuffing I've been using for years. It has lots of veggies in it and not too much fat. I also make cranberries from the fresh fruit (not can). I like free range fresh turkey. I thought my dad and his new wife were coming out, but now we're not sure.

Speaking of holidays... any suggestions as to something to hand out that's not candy? I always end up eating some.

Sue

Slow and Steady

That's my motto. I want it to STAY off, so I'm taking it off slow and steady. One day at at time, and eventually I will reach my goal.

Sue

Rain Forcasted

Rain is coming. Nice day today, but kids all had subs due to PD workshop for many of the teachers. I had a piano lesson. She said I had a lot of patience. I try. I have become more so over the years.

Sue

Another Monday Done

And I made it through once again. Eleven classes is just too many for one day. And so it's on to Tuesday and the rest of the week. It was a pretty day with sun and cooler temperatures.

Speaking of bad grammar. I heard someone on an ad on TV say, "It's funner." That is NOT a word. There no hope for people learning to speak correctly with TV blasting out made-up words like funner. Yesh.

Sue

Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns, hot cross buns, 1 a penny, 2 a penny, hot cross buns.
If you have no daughters, give them to your sons,
1 a penny, 2 a penny, hot cross buns.

That's what a day of folk dancing and learning rhyming songs will do to you.

Yikes, tomorrow's my 11 class day. Wish me luck,
Sue

Dancing

I spent quite a bit of today moving and dancing in an Orff workshop. I can't hop, but I can move. Hurting feet be damned... it was fun. She was funny and had some good ideas kids would love. Did the shopping at Kroger, stopped and got some local apples. Yum - love them.

Happy Sunday,
Sue

Dr. Oz' Transfornation

If you join by visiting his website and signing up at WW, then you can win a million dollars. At the very least, his site has some good hints. Check it out.

Sue

What I've Tried, feet-wise

So long as I've been talking feet... I thought I'd tell what I've tried. I've tried warm soaks, ice, massage (feels good, but I can't talk B into it), endless different shoes, orthotics in my shoes (I currently wear them), Birkenstocks around the house (according to podiatrist - never go barefoot), Aleve (two in the morning with a cup of water first thing works pretty well until about 4 or 5 pm), aspirin at night for aching so I can sleep, voltarin gel rubbed on before sleep for same, at least a half dozen podiatrists (they say you have to live with it), family doctor (basically the same thing - stay off your feet -- RIGHT, no can do since I teach and am on them all day; non weight bearing exercise - bike works great, but when? sleep is important too; they say lose weight -- well, I'm working on that and that doesn't happen overnight, I've made progress, but my feet hold back my exercise; almost everything I like to do involves feet, standing or walking on them, that is. So, what else? My doctor doesn't think I'm ready for the oestero-arthritis doctor. I'm trying Celebrex, but so far I'm not impressed. I'd try replacing them if they could do this. They can replace hips, knees, and other joints, but not feet. Feet are very complicated with lots of bones, tissue, etc. I have pain at ankles up over the tops and at the right arch, right worse than left. Also very stiff in morning and after I sit down more than 15 minutes. Any hints anybody?

Sue

veggie burger

We had Morning Star and it was pretty good, that is for dinner. I had a very tough feet day, as in hurting bad. It is difficult to teach with hurting feet. Hopefully they will be better tomorrow.
Arthritis ... wish I didn't have it in my feet.

Sue

Wisdom

Well, I made it through another monster monday. Plus we had a rally after school. I think we should have them in more populated or busy places. We did get some signs distributed. It was strange seeing my name on the chopping block. Hopefully, our district will see the wisdom of supporting the levy. There were some people who were frowning when they drove by. Crazy.

Sue

Raking Leaves

It was a nice afternoon to rake leaves. I also walked Essi and cooking a nice dinner. I got quite a bit done, but I wish Sundays were longer. I need about 4-5 more hours.

Tomorrow's the tough day.
Sue

your nose

I found out today that your nostrils work independently, that they sort of compete with each other. You learn something every day.

The Buckeyes are ahead at the half. This is good and unexpected (after last week's offensive performance, no pun intended).

I did a 3 mile walk today. It was a glorious day and Essi and I enjoyed it. I am paying now however.

Sue

It's the Weekend

Well, my 10 class day is done. Yeah! The kids were tough this afternoon. The more tired I got, the more energic they became. But we made it. I got all the recorders passed out. I'm ready for the weekend. The weather is very pretty - very clear and sunny. Yeah!

Sue

Wednesday

It's half-way through the week. I had some great classes today who are really getting into the RC techniques. Nine classes with a 30 minute break for lunch. I had a quick salad and that's about it. I need to drink more water.

Keep on target. Got a flu shot after work. It hurt. But I guess it's worth it if it keeps me from getting sick.

Sue

Essi's Adventure

So B's fixing dinner. I'm watching TV. We have the porch door open because the evening was so nice. Essi is on the porch and we hear her bark. Next thing we know the front door bell rings. It's our neighbor WITH ESSI. As it turns out she went right through the screen chasing something. We didn't know she was out. I open the door and she comes in. Good thing Betsy was enjoying the evening and spotted her in the yard. Yikes!

And the kids were having tests today, so the afternoon was a six in a row.

Sue

Win a Million

Dr. Oz is teaming up with Weight Watchers and they plan to give away a million dollars. Check out his website.

Pots Begin the Come Back inside

And it's now time to start to bring pots inside. We had a light frost in some spots last night. Fortunately, I had brought some especially sensitive plants on to the porch. I decided today that Sundays aren't long enough to get everything done I'd like to do. I need another Sunday. I always have a long list only some of which gets accomplished. I did get a nice walk with Essi - very pleasant. I would like to get in another walk or two during the week on top of the walking I do at school which is considerable. Tomorrow is my tough day, so to bed.

Sue

Blog Fix

I think I fixed it. There was a button that was pushed to reduce spam (of which I haven't noticed on my blog) to make you type in a secret word before posting. I turned that off.

Cold cloudy day with wind. I hope it's nicer tomorrow.

Sue

Any Trouble posting?

Is anybody having trouble posting to the blog? Please let me know. I will try to solve this over the weekend. TGIF and we have a nice concert to go to tomorrow evening.

Sue

Fall

Fall is not my favorite time, although there are things I like. It is cooler and the trees are pretty for a bit. We haven't had that crisp fall weather yet, only rain and dampness so far. I like summer and spring the best for growing flowers and veggies. I am still picking tomatoes - good year. The greens/lettuce I planted back in August has not come up well. I must have put in the wrong kind, because it did not germinate well.

Nature had a show about hummingbirds. I had no idea there were so many kinds. We only have ruby throated in most of the US except the west. They are very amazing. I get a kick out of watching them at my feeder.

We're just starting to show some color around here.

Sue

What are your goals?

I was asked that question tonight at a little seminar a friend sent me to. I want to be healthy, happy, and secure. I'd like to have a stress free retirement that I can enjoy before I get too old. I'd like to have feet that don't hurt. I want the same for B and those I love. I wonder sometimes about music as my career choice. I do love it, but it sure isn't going to make you rich to say the least. However, I do think that happiness is a choice, not something that happens to you. And on that note, I'll say good-night.

Sue

Amother One Bites the Dust

And I made it through my 11 classes on Monday. Came home and did a short workout with Bob. Good movie. Now to bed.

Sue

Pinch the Blossoms

According to Mike McGrath, it's time to pinch off the blossoms on your tomato plants to give the greem tomatoes a chance to mature and turn red. I still have green ones out there. Some plants that I got in very late are now starting to bare. Today I made chile, a big pot of it. It was good. I also got to walk Essi and teach a piano lesson. I pruned a plant, a little late to do that, but it needed to be done. I found some HUGE mums at Apple Fest and shared them with Bettina and Gaby. These plants are just the biggest mums I've ever seen and just starting to bloom. Very pretty balls of flowers. Tomorrow's my killer day. Wish me luck,

Sue

Good Loss

I was officially weighed at WW today and was down 2 pounds. Yippee! I feel especially good since it was a rough week with my foot hurting (the rain makes them ache more). I am going to a new meeting on Saturday mornings at the Y. Then I walked Essi and walked around the Apple Festival. It was a very nice afternoon and cleared off finally. The Buckeyes had an easy win and I had a good shopping at Kroger. It was a nice Saturday.

Sue

Good Movie

We saw a good movie tonight called Sneakers with Robert Redford and a cast of many good actors. Very entertaining.

Friday was rough with all the rain, wet kids, and too much excitement with added sugar in the afternoon. I'm glad for the weekend.

Sue

WW Plan Manager

I want to log my food every day. Plan Manager takes so long to launch. Sometimes it takes so long I give up. I like the idea of logging my food online, but I wish I could go directly to Plan Manager and not have to see all the rest of the stuff they have there, like the advertisements and other things I don't use. They shouldn't make you look at all that stuff first. Maybe I'll go back to paper. Etools is TOO SLOW!

Besides that everything is great. Tomorrow is Friday - YIPPEE!
Sue

Kids in the Rain

You just haven't lived until you've had 29 wet kids come into your room from the rain and squeak their feet on the tiles. Some of the kids just got soaked. They have to come outside to come to me. I'm enjoying my Responsive Classroom stuff. We have new classroom risers. They are just wonderful! They will enable use to practice more in the room.

I could use some sun now.

Sue

Good Report

B. got a good report today at his appointment. I also had a breakthrough with two of my special kids. I figured out that patience and consistency is the key. And isn't that true with any goal one has. Good day!

Sue

TGMO

Well, I made it past my killer Monday 11 classes. Tomorrow I take B to his PD appointment. Tonight I went to the School Board meeting to show support for the board members who have been under pressure lately. There were a couple bad guys there, but mostly it was filled with supporters.

Sue

New modem

Our internet was down along with our network. We had to get a new modem.

Nice day, but cloudy. I worked in the yard and walked Essi. I made us fresh tuna for dinner. Yum. Tomorrow is my tough day - 11 classes. Yikes!

Sue

Friday

TGIF. Tomorrow I have a workshop. It's chilly here. Long day. Nice dinner with B. I'm ready for a nice sleep.

I'll try to have something more thought provoking tomorrow.

Sue

Is it possible

to lose weight with limited exercise, that is exercise 3x per week? I came home today exhausted, so I just got the exercise with moving around while I teach. Is this enough? I did very well with my eating. So we shall see.

Sue

dvd workout

We got a DVD with a good workout on there - a twenty minute, stretch and tone, that we've been doing together. It's very good for flexibility and some muscle toning. Even though I was tired, we did it together after work. It's really good for both of us. The guy that made it is from Columbus and it's especially made for PD folks. The exercises are good for everybody. We can do it right there in the great room.

Cheers,
Sue

The Journey

The journey to health and losing weight starts with small steps. I learned that at my WW meeting. If the final goal seems too overwhelming, you should make smaller attainable goals that you can reach, like I will drink all my water today or I will stay on my eating plan today.

Sue

Survived

It was a tiring but good day. I had good snacks. They got me through. I didn't have my water though. Got to do better on that. Tomorrow is an easier day, but I have a lesson after school. Also Zumba is starting up, but on Tuesday, not a good day for me. We'll see. I did some good gardening yesterday - still nice out there and stuff still needs attending. Tomatoes still coming on. I love them fresh from the garden.

Sue

My hardest day

Wish me luck tomorrow, as it is my hardest day... 11 classes. Phew!

Sue

Milk

What is the value of drinking milk? Some say that adults shouldn't drink it. Babies need it, but they need mother's milk. It is a good source of calcium. Dr. Oz questions the value of skim milk. He says you should drink the milk with some fat in it because your body makes better use of it. Skim milk does something wacky with your insulin. Has anybody heard this?

Sue

Keeping Track

It's the absolute key. I have been keeping track online. It's much better than on paper. I think it keeps you honest. The one rule is to track everything.

Sue

Video Exercise after Work

B. and I are following a new DVD we got with really great exercises on it for anyone, but especially mature (sic) people. There are some good ones for feet, balance, and range of motion. Also there are some isometric exercises. We did it together twice. I think I can actually do this after work.

Sue

Great Example

There is somebody who is a great example who has lost 100 lbs. You know who are! Congratulations! You deserve all the credit in the world. Yeah, RG!!!!

Sue

Slow Gardening

from Felder Rushing's new book Slow Gardening, the gardener's bill of rights, the gardener shall have the right to:

< Garden at any hour, day or night
< Plant stuff in the front yard, away from the house foundation
< Have no grass at all
< Plant any color of flower next to any other color of flower
< Cultivate plants other consider "weeds"
< The right to more potted plants than we can water
< Plant too many tomatoes every year
< A leaf pile
< As many wind chimes as we can afford bird feeders (yard ornaments too)
< Prune or not to prune leggy plants with no questions asked
< Mispronounce plant names
< Wear big floppy hats and loose clothing no matter how ridiculous we look

Yeehaa for Felder

Sue

Fish

We had some today. Nice swordfish, very good. I am really enjoying the fresh tomatoes from my garden. I managed to get some picked today before the rain came. Got in a nice walk with Essi too, over an hour's worth. I enjoyed the thunderstorm from my porch for a bit. We needed the rain.

Sue

Soil Key to Gardening Organically

According to Marie Rodale, granddaughter of the founder of Rodale Inst (dedicated to organic practices), all you need to do is take care of your soil by adding compost. People want to buy something to fix whatever it is NOW. Organic is a practice and takes time. It's not something you can get quickly. My grass is looking pretty good. I do not use chemicals. I put compost and corn glutan on the yard once a year. I mow high (3 inches) and leave the cut grass clippings on the yard as nitrogen. That's it. It's taken 10 years, but I have few weeds. If I wanted to go one step further, I'd use an electric mower or reel mower. Marie Rodale makes the point that most nurseries would be left with no products to sell if people gardened organically. Just put on compost. I have beautiful tomatoes this year. All I used is good compost on soil that I have been adding compost to quite a few years. No other fertilizers, chemical or otherwise, were used. I did keep them watered. And I used straw around them as mulch to keep in the moisture. They are beautiful plants even now in the 95 degree September heat of today.

By the way you can easily make your own compost with leaves, yard cuttings, and the scraps of veggies from your kitchen. And it doesn't cost a thing.

Sue

Routines and Habits

I was reading an article that spoke about how important routine is to good health. Twyla Tharp, world famous dancer and choreographer, swears by a routine that is unchanged. She thinks it's the secret to creativity. I have always avoided routine when it comes to work. I do have a routine before bed to encourage going to sleep. But I always have felt I thrive more on change than on routine. I am discovering however that most people, kids in particular, thrive on routine and procedures. They love them. They like to know what is going to happen each day and it makes them happy and comfortable. How do you feel about this?

Sue

Old Dog New Tricks

I'm here as proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. I had a wonderful day at school. It's very hot again - thought we were done with the 90s. More later.

Sue

Temptation

The temptations for over-eating are all around you. The most important thing is to stay away from the fast food places where you can eat fat, carbs, and salt any time of the day. Another good thing is to not watch commercials on TV or other places. Keep on your plan, drink your water, and do your exercise - the basics are good. And you can resist temptation.

Sue

Down 1

Well, I went down one - yeah! Nametags on the brain. I'm determined to learn my kids' names this year. Good day today. Now I have seen all my kids at least once. Nice group of students this year.

Sue

Made It

Well, I survived. I had a good lunch and tried to drink my water, but didn't do too well on the water. I'm trying to get my routine down so I can drink the water. It's very difficult this year because the classes come right on top of each other, one right after another. The kids are responding well to Responsive Classroom though. This is good. Tomorrow I don't have 11 classes, so it will not be quite as tough.

I'm going to bed.
Sue

A Record

Tomorrow I have 11 classes. This is an all-time record in one day. Every Monday I will teach 11 classes. I am prepared and ready. I have some snacks ready and a good but fast lunch. If I'm still alive tomorrow night (ha) I'll let you know how it goes.

Sue

Looking East

Yesterday went well - all 10 classes of it. Best start of school ever. B and I went out to a nice dinner. Today was a normal day - nice weather, food shopping, stopped at Kohls to pick up some new shoes. Even my feet weren't hurting too bad today. I took Essi for a nice walk this morning.

I hope the hurricane isn't tearing things up too much out east. I'm worried for my sister and family in Virginia Beach and my beloved Rehoboth Beach. Right this minute it is directly on top of Rehoboth. I hope the sea grass holds.

Sue

Good Day

Kids excited. Me too. Good first day. Things started on the right foot. Drank my water. Salad for lunch. Nice dinner that B made. I'm tired, so I'm going to bed.

Sue

Hurricane Irene

It's heading for Virginia and Rehoboth. Batten down the hatches. And just after the earth quake. I hope it isn't as bad as they think it will be.

Tomorrow is our first day of school. I'm excited to meet my kids!

Sue

How to Stay Focused

OK, I need hints from everybody as to how to stay focused on the health plan despite the change of schedule. Please, help.

Sue

Plan Ahead

What do you do when you're tired and you come home not feeling like cooking? You plan ahead, so you don't have to decide what to have. You already have the meal ready to go, just take it out of the refridgerator and cook it. That's what I did tonight. I came home and took Essi for a short walk, then did some work on my computer while sitting in the backyard catching up on my water. Then I came in and cooked swordfish, sliced tomatoes, and green beans. OK, it's not a gourmet meal, but it tasted good.

Sue

Preparing for the First Day

Tomatoes are really coming in now. Yum. We have our teachers district meeting tomorrow morning at 8 am. Then other meetings at our school and in our rooms for the rest of the day. I went over today and my room is almost ready. I have put away quite a lot of stuff for a cleaner look. I think it will be better. Took a walk with bob and essi too. Ate some blueberries today, the perfect food. Took my neighbor some tomatoes.

Waiting in Line

I did a lot of this today. Everybody seemed to have the same idea I had and went to the same stores at the same time. It was teacher day at Staples and their checkout computers were down. Yikes! I did get to Dorothy Lane Market and did a nice shopping for the first week of school. One more day before Teacher Day on Monday.

Sue

Clean

We had our windows cleaned today - wow! It is so wonderful to see out with clean screens and windows. We also cleaned our rugs this week. So we are feeling great here. I cleaned up my piles in my den and am readying my room at school. I'm looking forward to trying out some new stuff to start things off great. One more weekend and it starts.

Sue

How to Plan a Meal

I stole this from my WW meeting.

Pick a vegetable. Decide what to do with it, like stuff it, saute it, cut it up.
Add a power food like fruit, greens, other veggies that go with it.
Add a whole grain (NOT white flour based).
Add a protein. What are you going to do with it?
Add a healthy fat.
Don't forget the herbs, spices, condiments.
Assemble.

Notice that the meal is NOT built around meat, but around the veggies. This is how you stay healthy for life, by focusing on the veggies and fruits, the power foods. I like this. So when somebody says, "what are you having for dinner?" You say, "eggplant, tomatoes, with some wild rice/quinoa/whole grain pasta, cheese." Or something that does not focus on the meat. Half the plate is veggies and fruit. Wild, eh? What do you think?

Sue

Tomatoes

I love tomatoes fresh from the garden. There is nothing better. They are now starting to come in. I love the juices squirting all over your face and down your chin when you eat a slice. I love the sweetness. Yum! This is the season when we eat them breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorite dinner: tomatoes, corn on the cob, and green beans. I don't care about anything else.

Sue

Just under 1

Got our rugs cleaned today. They look much better. Meetings and preparation today. Hair done tomorrow. More meetings.

Oh yes, I forgot.... I lost .8 lb this week. I'll take it.

Sue

Productive

Productive day - checked out my room, met with principal, walked Essi, rode the bike at the Y, lunch and dinner with Bob. Tomorrow we get our carpets cleaned.

Sue

Walking and Keeping Going

I've been doing a lot of it this summer. I can't believe I only have one more week to go before school starts up again. Wow, where did the summer go? Still walking, still working on my eating plan. I really want to keep it up when school starts. Some hints please from anybody reading out there.

Sue

Kinds of Yoga

Our Y now has a version of yoga that's exercise yoga, all the moves of yoga with none of the breathing and meditation. I think of it as yoga without the heart. They did this, I believe, because hatha (traditional) yoga was too spiritual. The Y is a Christian organization. I miss the real yoga classes. We had a fantastic instructor, Eva, who was really great. Every time I take the class now, I try to do the breathing anyway, but they move in and out of the postures too quickly for me. I like to find a posture and hold it there, not moving up and down like a yoyo. Maybe I could get a DVD and try to use that. I can't see spending the money extra when we have the facility over there, the largest Y in the country (no kidding). What kinds of yoga do you like? Have you tried it? If not, it's wonderful and I recommend it highly.

Sue

Out to Dinner for Less

We went out to dinner tonight. Good meal. I counted all my points and went over by six points. I have a lot of activity points and all my extra points that I haven't used. I always enjoy going out to dinner. When I was little we rarely went out, so it was always a special treat to me. Now I think most Americans go out all the time.

Weather is still nice. I am really enjoying it. Walked Essi today and rode the bike for 30 minutes. That should do something.

Sue

Beautiful Day

It was a gorgeous day. Walked Essi. Sat outside doing work. Hummingbirds have discovered my feeder after all summer. There must be a half dozen flying around chasing each other. They are very entertaining. Down to fifties !=(!) tonight. Good points day.

OK, I'll send this good weather to you all.
Sue

Food as Medicine

A lot of people now realize that the right food can function as medicine. Here are the top 5 functional foods and what they help (per USA Today):
Salmon - heart, memory, brain
Blueberries - anti-aging
Apples - lung function (includes the skin)
Nuts - antioxidants, good fat
Legumes - blood sugar, heart

Have a good night's sleep,
Sue

a bit of a back-slide

Well, I gained a lb last week. I was expecting it to be worse. I did a lot of snacking and not much sleeping. I tried to move, walk, etc. but mostly I sat all day and used my brain. OK, back on it now. I went to the meeting this morning and got inspired again. There was a woman who had just reached the 30 lb mark. Did she ever feel good about herself. We talked about what your plate should look like: 1/4 protein, 1/4 grains, 1/2 veggies and fruit with veggies making up a bit more than fruit. Good plan! I find I am drinking less milk, but I still have cheese and cottage cheese.

Hope you're doing well,
Sue

When to workout

Morning - eat some some complex carbs and protein before
Lunch - eat healthy protein and veggies after
After dinner - eat more at breakfast and lunch and less at dinner

I find I do better working out in the morning rather than afternoon or evening. Morning workouts energize me for the day.

Sue

Back on Schedule

Got back yesterday and was exhausted. Very valuable week, but difficult and challenging. Can't wait to apply what I learned with my students. Great stuff!

Regular nice day with normal Saturday activities. It's very hot and humid still. Gardens are doing better than last year however.

Sue

Business Traveling

(R., this one's for you!)

Phew... is it ever difficult, business travel, that is. And I'm even staying in the same bed for four nights. I know you travelers already know about the wonderful in-room air conditioner/heater that goes on and off LOUDLY, that's either freezing or boiling. Well, I had the added thrill of jets taking off just outside my room (or at least it sure sounds like it) from 5:40 am to 11:30 pm. My school paid for the room, so I couldn't switch hotels. But, my bed and pillows are ok and there's plenty of hot water. Decent food at the seminar, but not diet. I tried, but I don't think I did too well. Argh. I learned a lot. This was absolutely life changing as far as my teaching goes. I am on over load now. I hope I can figure out how to incorporate all this. Good stuff!!!!! Home tomorrow to a decent night's sleep. Essi is moping. I can't wait for the joyous yelps. Yeah!

Sue

Water

I was reading about how important water is to your body. It is very important to get 6-8 glasses per day, more if you're sweating. There is nothing that quenches your thirst better. The article said that if you're thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. Water helps your cells eliminate the waste. Drinking water is the most important thing you can do to lose weight and be healthy.

Sue

Good Rain

We had a half hour rain last night. We needed it.

Went to Y today. Did some shopping. Have to be away next week at a workshop. Am going to use it as an excuse to really work hard on everything.

Sue

Back

We're back in town. Nice couple of days all around. Beach time! Holden time, walking around one of the nicest places in the world. Great eating (high points though). Nice drive.

Back on the program all around.

Sue

Trip to Cleveland

We are making a little trip up to northern Ohio for a couple days. We're going to the beach, Holden, and I have a workshop Tuesday on retirement. Couldn't get into one down here, so we decided to make a little vacation around it. So, I won't be blogging for a couple days.

We got 10 minutes of rain today. Better than nothing.

Sue

Trip to Clevelamd

Eating Out

USA Today says that most Americans eat 35% of their meals out each week. Here are some tips:
Plan ahead by knowing the menu and what you'll order
Don't go to a restaurant starving.
Choose grilled, baked, not fried.
Choose tomato based rather than white/cream based sauces
Ask for dressings on the side.
Don't eat the bread, especially if it's not worth the calories.
Share dessert portions or have when you get home.
Drink water before and during.

Any more? I'm sure I missed some.

Sue

Married

My Dad is getting married Saturday. I want him to be happy, but it makes me feel weird in some ways. He was terribly lonely and met a nice person to be with.

Still very hot. It was 97 in Dayton today, 98 in Cincinnati, around 95 or so here between.

Sue

Heat Wave

We're having one. Tomorrow it might get to 100 degrees. I walked Essi this morning and we got back ok. We stayed in mostly shade. It is very hot. I wonder how many calories are being used doing things outside.

We had beans and rice tonight and watched Splendor in the Grass. I had seen it but had forgotten most of it.

I have to have some dental work done tomorrow morning. Ugh!

Sue

Report

Well, I had a .4 gain. I wasn't too upset because I know I tracked and didn't go over my point allowance. Plus I exercised a lot, drank my water, and sweated. So, I'll just keep doing what I know works. Next week it will come off. Right?

Sue

Weigh in tomorrow

Tomorrow is the end of week 6. We'll see how I did. There was a lot of sweating and some good eating. Today I went to our County Fair to see one of my students ride. It was English style and those kids had all that gear on. Yikes! They looked hot. But then again I was hot in my shorts too. I got to see all the animals getting baths, including the chickens. The pigs were enjoying the baths the most. Horray for 4H.

Sue

Hotter and Hotter

That's what we're getting. Wow! It's amazing how the sweat pours off of you when you work outside. I drank ALOT of water today. The air conditioning sure feels nice.

Sue

Digging

WW thinks digging and planting is very high in activity points. I have been doing a lot of that lately. I went 4 points above my daily quota today, so I had to go into the extra points today. I also walked Essi this morning.

The humidity is back along with the higher temperatures. I am very grateful for air conditioning because I remember what it was like without it. As a girl, we just slept in the heat. It was rugged.

Sue

Points Tracking

I have been tracking. I think this has been helping, as much as I hate to admit it. I have rarely been going into my extra points and have also been tracking my exercise. I think this has helped too. I haven't been hungry at all.

We had another lovely day today, weather-wise. I got some more planting done. I will put a few more in tomorrow. Now we need a nice rain. Maybe this weekend.

Sue

Nice Visit

B's brother was here for a visit today. It was a nice visit with lots of family stories that I love hearing. I fixed cabbage rolls, a favorite of ours. They turned out good. We walked Essi. The weather was gorgeous today. Low humidity and mid eighties.

Sue

Clothes Size

In our meeting our leader said that it's important to buy and wear clothes that fit. She said most overweight people choose clothes too big and that it makes them look heavier. I like to have room to move and I don't like clothes that are tight. What say you?

Sue

New Total

I was down 4 lbs today! That is a grand total since joining WW of 8.4! Finally... progress! Yippee!

Sue

Hot and Hotter

Wow, is it ever hot here - temperature today was 96 and very high humidity. Yikes! I was planting this morning and worked on the computer in the afternoon. Essi got her walk in the best part of the morning.

Sue

plants plants plants

I won a bid on a silent auction - got lots of nice plants. Oh boy! Now I get to plant them. Gave some away too. This is fun.

I fixed tuna for dinner. Yum. Also we watched "the Network." Very interesting movie. I thought the acting was spot on.

Happy Monday! I love summer!
Sue

Shopping

Today I found three soaker hoses at a yard sale for one buck! I couldn't find the rest of my netting however, so it's sheets again for the tomatoes. They sure are growing fast. Today they all grew at least an inch in one day - wow! I got some nice good at Dorothy Lane Market. Tomorrow I do some planting in the new space and some more weeding.

Night-night,
Sue

Splendid Evening

I walked out to my garden at dusk. The lightening bugs were coming up and blinking. Everything was glowing - lovely. We had a nice rain last night. Just what we needed. I almost have my tomato fence up - 7.5 feet high with bird/deer netting hanging on long plastic poles. I think it will do the job.

It was a nice day. I spent some time working at my computer and lots of time exercising. I had shrimps for dinner - good.

Have a nice weekend,
Sue

Physical Day

I had one today. We had a crew working on our trees, so I was out there too. Whoops, got to put my sheets on the tomatoes.

Sue

Cleaning out the Freezer

This is good once in a while. I found some good stuff in there today.

I am also working on a fence for my veggie garden. The deer have eaten the tops off of several of my plants. I estimate I've lost maybe 1/3 - 1/2 of my crop. I got mad today and went to get stuff to build a temporary fence. I got the poles in today and tomorrow I put up the mesh and grid.

Good day. Good workout. Good time sweating in the yard.

The lightening bugs are gorgeous tonight.

Sue

Back in Gear

OK, I gained a lb, suprisingly, but I'm back home and back logging and blogging.

We watched the 4th of July Celebration on PBS last night. It was very good. Steve Martin played the banjo with his bluegrass group. They were great.

I'm glad the fireworks popping is over for another year.

Sue

I'm Back

Happy 4th of July. I had a wonderful visit at Rehoboth with my family. Plus I got lots of walks and beach time. It was heavenly. I did a good job on eating - no greasy french fries, fudge, and whatever else.

You should have heard Essi yelping when I got home. It is good to be missed!

WW meeting tomorrow, so we'll see how I did via the scales.
Sue

Quick Trip East

And so I'll be gone until Saturday. You two guys have fun with PR and stay on course with the eating plan. I plan to do so. I am going to keep my points written down. I am spending time with my family.

Beach, here I come.
Sue

Sleep and birds

It's so important. I have a regular routine at bedtime. I always read a bit. I like my fountain outside the window and I like hearing the birdie chorus both in the evening and in the morning.

Speaking of birds... There is a robin now nesting right next to the garage. She is sitting on her eggs. I am trying not to scare her when I go around the house. I have really gotten a kick out of all the nesting birds in our yard this year. It's amazing. We have house wrens, blue jays, robins, english sparrows, and cardinals. The gold finches are just getting ready soon. We have good cover and food for birds. And the birdbath keeps water on hand too.

One more day and then I'll be in Rehoboth for a few days. No blogging while I'm there.

Sue

Nice Day

I love summer. I had a nice day today. I walked Essi and met some neighbor friends with their dogs. I planted a couple plants and did some weeding. I had some nice meals with my husband. Nice day.

Sue

A Pound a Year

In USA Today there was an article that said most people gain a pound a year until their mid 50s due to poor choices NOT slowing metabolism. I know that women's metabolism slows down a bit for each decade, so it can't all be poor choices. It's true that you have to pass by the fast food places if there is any hope of getting and keeping your weight down. You also have to head to the gym and outside to walk more.

Sue

Big Day of Gardening

I had two people helping me and we got a lot done. The back beds are starting to shape up. I did about 5 hours of gardening today. Yes, I kind of over did it. I planted 30 rudebekia plants in a newly weeded spot. And we just had a shower on them. It was kind of cloudy today and so was a perfect day for planting.

I made salmon, couscous, and green beans for dinner. I tried to log, but eTools was not working again. Boo. Must be because of the thunderstorm.

Have a good sleep,
Sue

Again

I had a good loss - 1.6. Yeah! That's a total of 4.6 for the past two weeks. Onward!

Sue

Weeding and Planting

That's what I did mostly today. It rained midmorning and again briefly in the afternoon. We need some sun and warm. I had a couple women helping me today on the back beds. It was like having three of me. Good times.

Tomorrow is weigh-in number two. I have had a very good points week with good activity. I'm curious to see if the scale rewards me.

Sue

Are you hungry?

How do you tell if you're really hungry?

Stomach is growling or feels empty
You feel tired - you may need water or food - can you feel your lower blood sugar level?
It has been 2-3 hours since you last ate and you ate something healthy.

I try to NOT use that I just have a taste or an urge to eat something. If I just ate, I try to wait 10-20 minutes to see if I still want it. Also I drink some water.

Sue

Tabouli

I made Tabouli tonight with low fat chicken sausage. The Tabouli was really good - bulgar wheat (sometimes known as cracked wheat), parsley, celery, onion, sugar snap peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil, salt and pepper. Very good and very good for you too.

Sue

Activity

Today I walked Essi and weeded for about 1.5 hours. I got to go to two spin classes this week - first in a while. We just had a nice dinner out and watched a Star Trek Next Generation (I love that show).

Sue

Lightening Bugs

They are lighting up at dusk again. They are very pretty.

Good diet day, but still having trouble with eTools not being able to save sometimes. I press save and it can't do it. They must have too many people online for the equipment to manage.

Got my hair done today and worked in the garden some. My tomatoes are doing well. I got them in late, but I think they might catch up.

Sue

3

Well, I went down 3 lbs - finally a respectable loss for one week. We made some adjustments, mostly slightly lower in fats, lowering the amount of fat in cooking and picking diet dressings. Plus we had sorbet or yogurt for desserts.

Sue

2 Gorgeous Days in a Row

Wow, it was gorgeous again. I did a spin class for the first time in a while. I think I'm going to feel it tomorrow. I also walked Essi and spent the afternoon gardening. My feet didn't like it, but the rest of me did.

Tomorrow is weigh-in day. I am curious to see how I did.

Sue

sometimes it doesn't save

What do you do if it doesn't save? E-tools does not save all the time when you've put in your food. This is frustrating. Help, oh ones of more experience.

Sue

Progress on New WW

So far so good. I have been tracking on eTools. It doesn't always work correctly, but this morning it was working great.

Sorry I didn't blog last night. We got home late from Columbus where we were visiting old friends. It was really nice to see them and catch up. They were folks from First Church in Columbus. Some have moved away (out west). One of our friends was celebrating her retirement from teaching 41 years. Zowza! We both did good eating and I used some of my bonus points.

Today it is much nicer - gorgeous in fact. I am going to walk Essi right now. Have a good Sunday,
Sue

Hungry Day

I was hungry today. Nice dinner - I'm not hungry now. I had a leaner day. Do you use the e-tools? Sometimes it won't let me on. Tracking is going ok. I still don't like it.

Sue

tracking your eating

Well, I'm doing it. I hate to do it. The online tool is kind of slow, but it will speed up with I get all my foods on the favorites list. Good two days. More activity - I planted tomatoes today. Kind of late, but I think they will be ok. It sill is very hot.

Sue

Aging Well

Here are 5 questions about aging well:

Do you wake up happy most mornings?
Can you walk up 3 flights of stairs without feeling out of breath?
Can you squeeze a rubber ball for 90 seconds three times in a row?
Can you get up from a sitting position on the floor without using your hands?
Is your normal walking speed 3.5 miles per hour or faster?

–from MORE magazine, May issue

Sue

WW and a Bum Tooth

Well, I joined WW and had a tooth pulled today. WW looked good - they have made many positive changes since the last time I was there. Healthy eating is encouraged, not just counting points. Our leader actually said, "not all calories are the same." Yippee. They've gotten wiser. As for my tooth - sorry to lose it, but there was infection up there. So now I have a hole in my head. Some would say this is nothing new. It's sore and I hope I don't have to go through THAT again.

Well, m' hardies, it's time for bed. Very warm here still. I hope I can get into the yard tomorrow and do some exercise, but we'll see.

Sue

What a Day

It was a bruiser! Meetings and gut renching talking. But my keys are now handed in. My desk and shelves packed up. I was filthy and done in, but it's now REALLY over. I came home to the shower. I now need to sleep about two weeks. It is very hot too.

Onward to summertime,
Sue

Copper River Salmon

Yum! We had some tonight for dinner. It's my very favorite fish. Copper River is in Alaska. You can only get this salmon just a few weeks of the year and it's very expensive. Worth it.

We sat and discussed today the various jump start routines. I think I'm going with a combination of my nutritionist's plan and signing up with WW. I need the support of the other people. So it's Tuesday morning at 10:30.

Tomorrow we have a teacher day and hand in our keys for the summer. It's not a moment too soon for me.

Now we're having record high temperatures in the 90s already. Yikes!

Sue

Outsmart Temptation

Check out this website - good ideas.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calendar_2009_outsmart_temptation.pdf

I feel bone tired, like deep weary. I had my regular schedule today with an Essi walk, a couple piano lessons, and food shopping. I came home exhausted. I'm still coming down from the year I guess. We'll sleep in tomorrow.

Sue

Waving Goodbye

We were out there as the buses pulled away waving to the kids. There were lots of smiles and horns tooting as they pulled away. Some kids were crying because they did not want to leave us.

I am packed up. One of the trailers will be removed. Even though I have the most time out there, I will not move indoors. It looks like I'll be in another trailer next year again. We have a teacher day left on Monday. There are RIFs and the end of the year was kind of nasty.

I can't wait to get into my yard with gusto.

Sue

One More Day

of high pitched squeals, farts, SKS (smelly kid smell), screamy singing (use your pretty voice please), extra drama on any topic, silent cayote, Jeremiah Joe (their favorite music game), High School Musical, "can I go to the bathroom," "I need a bandaide," head off the floor please, loud laughs, hands to yourself, he/she was mean, "Hi, Mrs. Saari," and a heap of other stuff. I will be glad to have a break from the responsibility for a bit.

Sue

All Calories Are Not Equal

Some people think a calorie is a calorie. Not so. Calories of protein, carbs, and fats are different and digest differently. Protein takes 30% of its calories to digest. Fat is digested more efficiently, as are carbs. Fiber slows down digestion considerably and leaves more calories undigested, so they can pass from your system. Eat 35-40 grams of fiber every day. Most calories are expended just keeping alive in daily activities. Boosting your metabolism is a good thing, to help your body's furnace to burn faster. Artificial sweeteners can actually make you GAIN weight because they promise sugar without the calorie payoff.

Thanks to Mens Health for these helpful hints (June, 2011 issue).

Two more days!
Sue

Supplements

We take a multi vitamin, Norwegian fish oil, CoQ10, Calcium with Magnesium and vitamin D (just me), generic statin (me), Singular (me), Advair (inhaler disk two times daily), CLA (for metabolism), Cod liver oil (B), Flax seed ground on cereal, Calm (magnesium at night in water), Aleve (me for my feet). Sometimes we take extra vitamin C. We are trying to get omega 3s and keep the metabolism up.

What do you take?

Sue

Pretty Day

I got lots of yard time in today. It was very warm - almost 90, but it felt so good to be outside in the sunshine.

Only four more days to the end of school. We are all ready.

Sue

Memorial Day

We watched the annual Memorial Day concert on PBS that's broadcast live from the Capital. I think it's a good thing to think a bit about the sacrifices of so many. And I am also thinking about my Mother who died a year ago and missing her very much. She was the person who kept the news about everybody, who kind of balanced everybody's temperments. It's difficult to figure out the dynamics now.

It was sunny and warm today. I took Essi for a nice walk and worked in the yard some. And we should have another day tomorrow. Hope your weekend's going well.

Sue

One Year Ago

Well, it's been a year since my Mother's funeral. I have been thinking a lot about her and still miss her a lot. She always knew about everybody else in our lives and kept up with the news. There is nobody like that left. None of us keep up with all the old friends and relatives like she did.

We got some sun today finally. Essi and I went for a nice walk. I hope I can get into the beds tomorrow. I got some fish emulsion to try to save my poor beat up tomato plants (from the hail we had). I hope it works, but they look pretty sad.

Happy long weekend,
Sue

Gatspatcho

I love it. It's a great springtime summertime treat. It's all veggies. It's crunchy with a bit of bite. We had a nice dinner tonight at Bravos. The food was very good, service a bit fast, but it's better that than cold food.

Looking forward to gardening this long weekend. Hey, it only drizzled a bit this morning, but no sun. We're lucky the rain held off for our field day complete with tug of war.

I lost .8 lb this week, so that's something. I can't wait to start my regular heavy duty workouts when school's out. But I must have a tooth pulled - it can't be saved ... ugh!

Here's to the long weekend,
Sue

Good Eating Week

Well, we had a good eating week. I am curious to see what the scale says tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we have Field Day, a day of games outside. I am helping out in the gym with a hula-hoop game. Pass the hula-hoop around the circle without dropping hands.

I plan to do good workouts this weekend with hopefully some yard work. But it's still raining. It rains every single day, sometimes a lot. It's like the tropics. We had a couple of thunderstorm during school today. You should hear the rain on the roof of the trailer. It's loud.

Have a good Memorial Day weekend,
Sue

such a picky eater

Summer has arrived with the humidity. Eek! Now if we could get some sun too, that would be nice. We need to dry out a bit.

There was a lunch for our volunteers today. It was nice to get something different for lunch. There were some nice salads and chicken. There was a WW person there counting up her points. I think it works better to divide your plate into fourths: 1/4 protein, 1/4 starch/carbs, and 1/4 veggies. She had a big piece of chicken and hardly anything else. And guess was she let her daughter eat? Potato chips! I was aghast. And she made some comment like, "she's such a picky eater..." Right... Kids should be encouraged to eat properly and not permitted to just eat chips. Her daughter is headed for weight issues when she gets older. Enough soap box for one evening, but I do think if I ate healthier when I was growing up it would have helped now. My mother studied nutrition in Home Economics, but it was not the nutrition of health. She actually grew up eating healthier than I did. She always stated that they were poor and didn't eat much meat and ate from their garden. This is actually the healthier way to eat rather than to have so much meat and canned veggies and desserts.

Sue

Colored Food

Colored food is supposed to be good for your brain: blueberries, strawberries, carrots, radishes, lentils... anything that is not white is very good for your brain. The fruits themselves provide Omega 3s but the actual color signifies benefit for your brain and well being. Berries are coming into season - get some local berries and eat hardy.

Still raining. We had some afternoon sun, but it's thundering and raining again. My trailer is sitting in a swamp that never dries out.

Sweet dreams,
Sue

Walking Is Good

Essi and I had a nice walk today. It was warm and pleasant. I got a small bit of yard work done before these violent thunderstorms came over with heavy rain and hail. The hail was marble sized and bouncing off the roof with the rain. The cells went right over our house. Essi was scared of the noise and shaking.

I am sad the weekend is over. Tomorrow is the last Monday because we don't have school on Memorial Day, the next Monday. Only two more weeks. I wish it were over now.

Sue

Weeding

I actually got to do some weeding today. Well, halleluia!. The sun stayed out and it was warm too. I took Essi for a walk after breakfast. It was nice to be outside enjoying the sunshine.

As it turns out, I guess I'm going to Rehoboth for a few days. My dad paid for a condo and offered it to me. So I'm going. I love Rehoboth. I love being next to the ocean to sleep.

I hope you had a nice day out east and west too,
Sue

Sun!

Yeah! The sun came out today. It was a lovely day. TGIF and horray for the weekend. I have iris in bloom - my favorites with the heirloom roses and sweet rocket - very pretty.

Happy weekend,
Sue

Burning the Right Fat

My nutritionist says to burn the right fat, you must keep your metabolism stoked by eating small meals and snacks. You should eat every 2-3 hours. You need to choose whole grains for the carbs, at least 5-6 servings of veggies a day, 2-3 servings of fruit, healthy fats (like olive oil and avocado), good protein (including several servings of fish per week, chicken, beans, and not much red meat). You need to exercise to keep the metabolism up too. Anything the encourages the gain and lose effect, known as yo-yoing is not good. She also stresses changing habits for life, small changes for life. Losing 1-2 pounds a week allows your body to adjust and helps you not gain it back. Looking long term is her way to go.

Tomorrow is Friday - it's still cold and cloudy with drizzle. I'm ready for the weather to change WE NEED SUN!

Good night,
Sue

More Veggies

We're trying to have more veggies this week. To save time and from having to cut them up, I got some precut vegies from Dorothy Lane Market that they cut up. We had them tonight with rice and beans. They really added a lot of flavor. We might have even had our 6 recommended servings of veggies today.

It's still raining here - can you believe it? It's serious because the farmers can't get their crops in due to the wet ground. Bummer.

I've been recording Dr. Oz's TV show. It's pretty hokey, almost like a game show in format. I find his website much more valuable.

Sue

Planning the Menu

Happy Tuesday. I can't think of anything brilliant to say today. We did plan out our menus on Sunday. That's working so far. I've been working out again. Yeah. Getting up tomorrow morning to do bike.

I read about the diet. I don't like that there's no breakfast. It's a very low calorie diet, looks about 800 calories per day to me. No wonder you lose so much weight. I'm going to study it some more.

Have some good sleep,
Sue

Healthy Day

Cold and wet again today. Good day of eating healthily. Bob cooked a good dinner with chicken, yummy local asparagus, couscous, and tomatoes with a little yogurt for dessert.

The kids have one dynamic level these days: LOUD, LOUDER, and EAR SPLITTING. I don't know how they don't all lose their hearing with how loud they talk to each other. Only 13 more school days left!!!

I have some gorgeous iris blooming now. I picked a huge bunch of flowers yesterday to bring inside. My mini pond is doing great. It's really pretty and I love the sound at night.

Sue

New Salads and a Loss

Try black rice, soba noodles with soy beans, spinach with wheat berries and orzo.

We were mourning the loss of a local sheriff who lost his life in the line of duty this week and left behind a wife and three little children. So sad and senseless. He was buried in the Lebanon Cemetery today. There was a procession of over a 100 police cars from all over the state.

My sweet rockets and iris are blooming.

Sue

TGIF

Phew! Glad that week's over. The kids were like little tornadoes. We still have three weeks left. Yikes!

I still have some cough, but it's much better. I'm starting back on my exercise starting tomorrow. Plus we ate lean for dinner this week. We both stayed the same though. We maintain beautifully - we think we're losing, but we maintain. It's kind of scary because we don't eat that much. I managed to log three days this week. Next week, I'll try to do better. I'm using Dr. Oz's online program.

Sleep tight,
Sue

Exercise is the key

Exercise is the key to staying young. It's also the key to losing weight and feeling good while you're doing it. I have not yet gotten back on schedule since being sick. I am now going for next Monday to get back to my 5:30 am workouts. I make better progress when I do this.

Sue

Secret Weight Loss Plan

OK, so what is it? Is it new WW? Please reveal.

Sue

Blue Skies

What a beautiful day it was - very blue, warm. Our mowers came through early this morning and almost got stuck beside the trailer (very muddy). Maybe there can be some drying out. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 80s.

The kids are in their May madness. Yikes! I am trying for the most fun and easy lessons. All they want to do is goof off.

Tomorrow we have an important doctor's appointment to discuss the PD. I have taken off school to go so we can both ask questions and get better informed. Then I see the dentist in the afternoon. Yippee!

Here's hoping you get this wonderful day out there,
Sue

Red Eared Slider

We found one on our back step. Beautiful little guy. Guess what he is?

Congrats on 4.5 lbs. Anybody who loses that should get kudos!

We went to a very nice concert last night. Paava Jarvi's second to last gig with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. We heard a newly commissioned fanfare, Bernstein Dances, an absolutely wonderful Copland clarinet concerto (a Swedish guy really wonderful), Ives, and Varese' Ameriques. What a wonderful program. They played great too.

Happy Mother's Day to RS and all you moms out there,
Sue

PS I lost .5 this week with no exercise (still getting well)....

A Word about Essi

She is just the most wonderful dog. Those kisses you get when you get home are the greatest. She is so loving. All she has in her is affection. When you're home, she's your little shadow. She loves treaties (when she does her wees and poops) and plate lickies. She loves her walks too. She brings her binkie or toys for play. She sleeps right beside me every night.

Sue

Small Dinners

We have really cut back our dinners this week (Bob is responsible - he's been cooking). We'll see if there is a proper reward at the scale. Tough week with the bad news on the levy and the rain. It was a pretty day today - finally some sun. We forgot what it felt like. My trailer is sitting in water - not good for allergies, mold, etc. We're supposed to get more rain tomorrow, but we'll see.

Sue

Low Temps and Spirits

Very discouraging day. The levy failed 57% to 43% despite all the hard work of phone calling, etc. It's a difficult phase with teachers and schools under assault from all fronts.

It rained again today and now it's clear at night when we can't get any sun. It's supposed to go down to 36.

I hope it's better out there in blog land. Come on, let's hear some positive news.

Sue

Our Levy

It looks like our school levy request is going down. This is very disappointing that people don't want to take care of their schools. Bummer.

Sue

Fad Diets and Stuff

What a day! Osama is dust. Election day is tomorrow and we find out about our levy. And it's still raining. Does anybody out there know what is with this weather? Why are we getting so much rain and no sun?

We watched Dr Oz talk about a new fad diet. He hedged more than I thought he should. I don't think fad diets work. You may get a quick weight loss, but it's mostly water and you gain it right back. The yo-yo is just not good. I think the answer is the Mediterranean diet that we talk about all the time.

Someone want to build an ark? I think we might need one.
Sue

Cod Liver Oil

Did you ever have to take cod liver oil when you were a child? It turns out that it's very good for you. Good for Omega 3s and vitamin D and good for PD. This is from Dr. Oz. He advises PD patients to take cod liver oil to help minimize symptoms. What can it hurt? It does have calories though. It's oil after all.

I finally feel slightly better. I still have the cough and some wheezing, but it's better.

Happy Sunday and happy first day of May,
Sue

Fairy Tale Wedding

And it sure was. You're right. The music was really great. It was kind of nice to escape and enjoy for a bit. They both seemed very sweet and happy. My favorite next to the music was the variety of hats. WOW!

Sue

Exercise First Think

It's good to exercise first thing in the morning before you break your fast. You burn more fat because there is no food in your stomach.

Sue

Writing it Down

I have always hated doing this, keeping a food journal. You keep writing down the same things. Experts always want you to do this, even online now with the keeping track.

Still raining. We're at 13.5 inches for April, ready to set the record for the wettest April OF ALL TIME. Stuff that loves this is: grass and all kinds of weeds. These especially love the water.

My lungs closed up today. I guess I have to believe I have asthma. Today I forgot to bring my inhaler to school. I know, I should have stayed home. Well, I had several coughing fits and couldn't get air. It was creepy and I didn't like it one bit. I was ok once I got home and took a puff of my medicine - yikes! I'm staying home tomorrow to rest some more. It would be nice if I could sleep. I didn't get much last night due to too much wheezing. I kept myself up.

Royal wedding tomorrow morning. I know, big deal.

Sue

Body Type

Check this website out to make sure you're on the correct diet for your body type. It's interesting

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/11-week-plan-body-diet-dilemma-pt-1

Sue

PS I'm still wheezing, trying to decide if I should go in tomorrow or not.

Asthma - yuck

Well, I have asthmatic bronchitis, so the doctor gave me antibiotics and told me to get out my inhaler. We had testing today and I didn't want to stay home. I wanted to make sure the kids stayed quiet for the 4th grade testing. But I staying home tomorrow to rest and stop coughing and work on getting well.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm not a quitter. So, I just got to do it and keep doing it.

Sue

Progress or Lack thereof

I had a big boo-hoo today about my slooooow progress. I mean, it seems like I lose 2 pounds and then gain back 1.5. I need to kick things up a couple notches. Plus, I still have the chest crud. It's really starting to bug me along with all this endless rain we're getting. I can't into my beds to work because everything is under water. The gill over the ground is taking over. This weed just LOVES this rain. Help out there in blog land. I need a shot in the arm.

Sue

PS We had swordfish for Easter dinner, but we had Dorothy Lane cookies for dessert. That's what I mean. I do a lot of good things, but not enough.

Happy Easter

I went to an Earth Day celebration today at Marvin's Gardens, a local nursery that follows the organic practice and grows many of their own plants. I had visited a couple weeks ago and what a transformation. They place looked great and the plants looked wonderful. They had many booths and tables set up with organic services and organizations of various kinds. It really made me feel good to see that there are actually people in this area that care about organic local growing and eating like I do. I am not alone. Hip, hip, horray. Then I went shopping at Dorothy Lane Market, my favorite supermarket that specializes in organic produce, meat and fish without antibiotics (animals raised humanely, fed grass, etc), organic cheeses, fresh baked breads, great wines, and lots of gourmet products. What a pleasure it is to shop there. We get our vitamins and supplements there too. Good stuff! I got this gorgeous looking swordfish that I'm going to fix us for our Easter dinner tomorrow. We had some chicken and challuh for dinner tonight. It was a nice day. I actually got an Essi walk in between storms. We're still getting rain and thunderstorms. The back yard is mushy.

Sue

Spring Salads

Salads... I like them. It's almost salad season where you can grow your own greens. It's good to plant some once a week to have a good supply. I will put some more greens in tomorrow, if I can find a moment between rain drops. And it's only Friday night with two whole days to go yet. Yeah.

What are your favorite salad treats? I like a variety of greens and lettuces, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, a bit of cheese, radishes, well... just about any veggie raw.

Sue

eatingwell.com

I love this website. I get a newsletter sent to my email address. I also get the new magazine. It's great. Well, both are. There are lots of recipes that are healthy and not too difficult to eat. Check it out.

Happy Easter weekend,
Sue

Rain and Tornado Warnings

Well, we've had 8 inches this spring. Why is it we get too much or too little, never just right? A question for the ages...

We had a tornado warning in the middle of the night last night, so we went down into the basement for a while. It was a heck of a storm - knocked out power to a lot of people, high winds, and LOTS of rain, but no tornado. Of course I could not go back to sleep (the warning went off at 1:13 am) until 5, then I had to get up. Everybody was a wreck today. We all were sleep deprived.

More rain to come - yikes!

Doing ok on the eating, but not the exercise. I still have the chest crud, a bit worse today due to no sleep. We have off Good Friday though and a 3 day weekend. We're supposed to get more rain almost all weekend. Boo-hoo. I'm whining like a baby, so I'll stop.

To bed,
Sue

C and D

These two vitamins are very important. They may even fight PD. I think it's better to get them from foods, but supplements can be effective especially taken with food.

We got heavy rain and thunderstorms, more tonight.

Sue

Crazy Robin

We have this robin that keeps flying against our front windows. We kept trying things to stop him. Finally I hung ribbons from top to bottom on four different windows. When we put something on one, he would go to another. We've had this happen before, but this bird is very persistent. I think we finally have the windows so he won't bash himself. Although this evening I saw him sitting by the windows trying to figure out what was going on. Is there a life lesson in this I wonder?

To bed now,
Sue

Fresh Air

Well, I sure got some today. I did quite a bit of yard work: opened my pond and put the little pump in. Low and behold, all my little fish made it through the winter and they had babies. There were lots of little fish too. The chemistry is in really good shape, I don't think I'll get an algae burst this year. I also cut down the big grasses in the back and cleaned out my bird houses, the ones for the house wrens. I love them. Last year we had wrens nesting in both boxes. I hope they come back this year. I love their song, a long warble. It's unmistakable. I also picked a few dandelions and weeded around the porch and one of our ash trees, pulling up honeysuckle seedlings. It's quite taken over every bit of woodland around here. Bad stuff. At least I can keep it out of my yard. I fixed Bob a nice dinner: pork loin and roasted vegies, lots of them. I guess I'm feeling better and my cold is on the wane.

Sue

Eye on It, Stay in the Present

It's important to keep your eye on your goals. Unhappiness comes from resistance to what is. Being happy is a choice, it is not something that happens to you, but how you choice to feel about what happens to you. Tolle talks about coming into the now. This is where there is peace and contentment. Very difficult for me. My first reaction is to resist what I have no control over.

Sue

Good Report

I've got good news and bad news. The good news is I lost 1.4. The bad news is that I've caught a nasty cold. I had to stay home and rest today. It was also Bob's 64th b-day. We celebrated at home which is where I was anyway :( I'm hoping to fight it off this weekend. I want to do some yard work. But it's raining again. We did get to sit in the yard for a bit today before the rains came.

Sue

Getting Enough Sleep

This is important. Most people don't realize that they need at least 8 hours per night. If they do realize it, they don't get all the sleep they need. A bedtime routine will help you get ready to sleep. Of course sometimes even this does not help me fall asleep when I want, or worse yet I wake up and can't get back to sleep. I have heard though that if you don't get enough sleep, you compensate for it by eating more calories.

Sleep, sleeeeep,
Sue

Early Riser

Boy, am I tired. I woke early again last night at 4 and couldn't go back to sleep. My nose was totally stopped up and clearing it woke me up. Bummer. I hope I can sleep all the way to 5:30 tonight. I am just not an early riser. I like to wake with the sunrise and not before.

Sue

Be Nice

Do something nice for yourself and do something nice for someone else. If you have a favorite charity, do something for them. One of my favorites is Last Chance Corral. It's in Athens and run by a woman who sank all her savings into buying a small ranch/farm (12 acres). She takes in horses nobody else wants, brings them to health, and finds them new homes. She saves foals from the racing industry (don't ask how that happens). I visited her farm once. She does an amazing job, especially this time of year when she brings a bunch of babies home that don't have mothers. She is able to save many of them. I think it's neat what she does. I send a bit of money once in a while, not much. But I like helping her even in a small way. It makes you happy to help.

Sue

Back to 5:30

and tomorrow too. Is it ever hard getting up at 5:30 though. Onward,
Sue

Another Hint - about portions

Check portions. A cup is about the size of your fist. A 1/2 cup fits in your cupped hand. A tablespoon is about the size of your thumb. A teaspoon is the tip of your thumb. Dr. Oz says most people put on weight over the years by eating an extra 100-200 calories per day. Looking on the positive side, you can lose weight gradually over time by eating 100-200 fewer calories per day. This is the equivalent of choosing two less cookies, eating a small potato instead of a large one, walking an extra 30 minutes briskly.

Sue

Oz - Extend the Burn

Have water with every meal - increases calorie blasting 24%, two cups that is
Take a 20 minute walk - after each meal? start with 5 and build it up
Lift weights - walking isn't enough - you need weight training even if you use your own body to lift

Today I did a yoga class, first time in a while. It was great. We did lots of warrior 1s, 2s, and reverse warriors. Lots of downward facing dogs, sun salutations, and chairs. The chair is really good - you stand with feet at shouldar length apart, then squat like you sitting down in a chair, only you hold it there. Good for hips and hams.

We watched "Dive, Dive" tonight with Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. At least that's what we call it. They're on a submarine. Good movie.

Cheers and good night. Tomorrow is Sunday, our favorite day.

Sue

Number 58

Well, I had a really nice birthday day. My friend Sally sent a boxful of gifts I've been opening all week. What a pal! My kids sang happy birthday to me. My mother used to call me on my birthday and sing. I was thinking of her when they sang. I've been feeling especially "gorgeous" due to my "day of beauty" Bob got me last Friday. Ha! I had a couple moments to sit and enjoy the pretty day, some outside my trailer waiting for late classes and some after school with Essi on my lap. Bob and I had a nice dinner and watched a cute movie. The scale was even nice to me today and showed a .8 loss.

So now I am 58.
Sue

Healthy Fat is Satisfying

Healthy fats are good for you and satisfy hunger: olive oil, olives, avocados, sunflower seeds, nuts are good in small quantities. Also choose good fiber in whole grains, fruit, and vegies to slow digestion and stave off hunger without a lot of calories.

Tomorrow is my birthday, number 58. Wow,
Sue

Clean out your Kitchen

Only keep the "good" snacks. Don't keep anything that you don't want to eat. This also applies to your office, classroom, and car. That way you're not as tempted to eat a cookie or donut if you don't have them.

Hints from Dr. Oz

A good article in Good Housekeeping from Dr. Oz who says that your best weight-loss tool isn't a scale - "it's a tape measure. A tape will tell you if you've lost risky belly fat. Ideally, your waist should measure under 33 inches; at 37 inches, you're entering the health danger zone.

He has some rules that I think are good. I'm going to share some of them. First rule is "to renew your vow daily." Tell yourself your goals every day. His next rule is to "do something different every single day." Some possible new somethings are: try a new vegie, go to bed a little early, when you feel stress coming on breathe deeply, park in a different spot, sit in a different spot, try a new magazine or book. What are yours?

More tomorrow,
Sue

40th HS Reunion

How is this possible? Yikes! Can it possibly have been 40 years back from this June?

Sue

Last Day of Vacay

And it was a good one Beautiful day, warm and nice. Great walk with Essi, nice lunch with Bob. A bit of gardening and good dinner with a good western. Now to bed and back to the kids tomorrow.

Sue

Sushi

I love it. I usually get some on Saturdays before I go food shopping for the week. It is very good quality. I go to this place not far from here that doesn't have anything fancy, but just the sushi basics. You haven't lived until you've tasted salmon, tuna, and yellow tail fresh and uncooked. It is so very good. Salmon is down right sweet. Tuna tastes like tuna, much better than what comes out of a can. Yellow tail is like eating butter. The texture is very smooth across the tongue. Yum.

Well, one more day of spring break. It has really been a nice week off. I have really enjoyed a week with no schedules and just relaxing, spending time with Bob, Essi, and some friends, but mostly just our little family. I can't say I'm looking forward to going back, but I'll try to psych myself up tomorrow.

Sue

Oz Agrees

The famous Dr. Oz agrees with what we'ver been talking about: colored food, whole grains, smaller meals with snacks. Keep the metabolism stoked by eating often, but not so much.

Day of beauty today for me. Bob said is worked - ha! It was a day of being pampered to the hilt.

Only two more days of vacay - boo, hoo!

Sue

Goings on

You can post feeds in new ways, blogger just told me.

Nice day today, though still cold, only slightly above freezing. I haven't been able to garden much, although i did get the corn gluten on yesterday in the snow flurries (argh). I got my little plot at school spring cleaned today, plus a few other things. We had a nice lunch, I worked out, walked Essi, and made a big pot of chile, most of which I froze. This is good. I was very sore today, feet and everywhere else. We had a very nice dinner with our neighbors last night at their house. Good meal and very fine conversation. I did so enjoy the evening. We both did.

Tomorrow, a day of beauty, or at least some pampering,
Sue

Slimming Snacks

A friend sent me this message. Some of these could also be breakfast or lunch (with a salad).

8 Slimming Snacks

By Rachel Crocker

Put those chemical-filled cookie bags back on the shelf where they belong! Stay on the diet straight and narrow with these filling, delicious, fat-loss approved snacks. Bonus: They’re all under 200 calories!


1. Slice one hard-boiled egg. Place pieces on five low-salt whole-grain crackers topped with small tomato slices. Add ground pepper to taste.
2. Dip 10 carrot sticks into two tablespoons of hummus. Go the homemade route and whip up this tasty reader recipe.
3. Make use of your leftovers: Shred two ounces of turkey breast and place on half a toasted whole wheat English muffin. Place two thin slices of avocado and a large sliced strawberry on top.
4. Cut a small apple into eight pieces. Mix together one tablespoon of natural peanut butter and one teaspoon of honey; spread evenly on each slice.
5. Lightly toast one small slice of whole-grain bread. Cover its surface with two ounces of drained water-packed tuna and top with one tablespoon of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted.
6. Cut one large flaxseed tortilla in half. (Save the other half for your next snack attack.) In a small bowl, mash one-quarter cup of blueberries and sprinkle with cinnamon. Spread one tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese onto one half, then top with the blueberry mixture. Fold and enjoy.
7. Have a quick, colorful salad: Toss three cups of baby spinach, 10 cherry tomatoes and one tablespoon of pine nuts with two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
8. Mix a half-cup of cooked quinoa with one to two tablespoons of chopped, sautéed onion, one-quarter cup of canned lentils (drained and rinsed) and a dash of garlic powder. Add a pinch of chili powder for heat. Warm slightly in the microwave before eating and garnish with tomato slices, lemon and parsley (optional).

Sue

Winter Hangs on

Argh! It's been chilly this week, not what I was hoping for, gardening wise. I cooked a nice dinner for Bob tonight though, and it was a nice day. I'm trying to improve the variety at breakfast and fix some new and different dinners. I have worked out every day. Today was weights. Picked lots of daffodils for inside. Not much sun today and very chilly.

Sleep well and sweet dreams,
Sue

Outside

I have been outside some of the past three days. It feels so good. It is chilly, but sunny. You have to wear some layers and gloves, but passable to be doing some garden beds cleaning up. Also, I've had some good walks with Essi. She loves to go with me.

And another food to add to the inflammation fighting arsenal: flax seeds or ground flax seeds. Very good for you. Sprinkle on everything you can.

Sue

Diet Dangers

We need fewer omega-6 (from corn, safflower, soybean oil used in processed foods, corn-fed meat, farmed salmon) and more omega 3 as in walnuts, wild caught tuna, olive oil. We need to eliminate trans fats used in "convenience foods" as in margarine, vegetable shortening and partially hydrogenated veg. oils and foods that contain them. We need to eat foods with lower glycemic load as in colorful food: brown bread over white, sweet potatoes over white, brown rice and pasta over white, colorful fruits and vegies, more beans, apples, berries. Buy those blueberries. Eat more soluable fiber like in oatmeal, oat bran, lentils, seeds, and strawberries. Magnesium is good in foods like almonds, cashews, and spinach. Choose grass-feed chicken or turkey (free range) as opposed to corn-fed. All this to less inflammation and (for me) feet that hurt less. If your feet hurt less, you can move and exercise more to burn more calories!

Sue