Friday, July 31, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/30/2015



Weight – 225.2

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 106

Steps taken (FitBit) – 3456

Miles (FitBit) – 1.53

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - how do you hurt your back when you haven't done anything?!?!

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1464

Calories out (FitBit) – 2220

Water Intake – 80oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Turkey Sausage Sandwich with laughing cow cheese
AM Snack - Light & Fit Greek Vanilla Yogurt and blueberries
Lunch - NS Hamburger with cheese and veggies
Dinner - NS Turkey and mashed potatoes with brussel sprouts and corn later I had a Jack in the Box Taco
Dessert - NS Ice Cream Sandwich

Comments: I woke up this morning and my back hurt so bad. I came home early from work and laid down, it is a little bit better later in the day, but I am hoping it goes away since I will be spending 8 hours in the car on Saturday!!


Thursday, July 30, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/29/2015



Weight – 225.2

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 110

Steps taken (FitBit) – 4015

Miles (FitBit) – 1.78

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0 :(

Exercise completed - Headache, again

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1487

Calories out (FitBit) – 2231

Water Intake – 96oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Honey Wheat bagel with laughing cow cheese and a tomato
AM Snack - Light and Fit Greek Vanilla Yogurt and Cherries
Lunch - NS Grilled Chicken Sandwich and veggies with Bolthouse Ranch and Franks Buffalo Sauce
PM snack - Ham and an orange
Dinner - NS Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza and zucchini and trader joes savory rice thins
Dessert - NS Pretzel with laughing cow cheese and olives

Comments:


Wednesday, July 29, 2015

ROAD TRIP

I’m going on a road trip!

Well, I am driving 8 hours to Carson City to attend a training that I did not want to fly to… Have I mentioned that I. DON’T. FLY.

Same Thing!

I have made this drive several times in the past couple of years. We made the drive 3 or 4 times when we moved to Las Vegas 2 years ago. We made it a couple of times before that when we visited here. I have made the drive once since I have lived here to go back to visit. But this time, I will be trying to stay on track eating and exercise wise. I can already say that this is not going to happen all the way. I have a couple of friends that I will be meeting for dinner and I will not stay on plan for those meals. The rest of the time, though, I hope to be on plan. I also hope to continue to exercise, even if it is just walking. I am staying with my mom while up there, and she is also on Nutrisystem so I am hoping that this will help. I will be bringing food with me for the meals that are not out with friends.

I am going to Texas Roadhouse with a couple of friends on Sunday for dinner. I am studying the menu to see what the best options are. I have concluded that there is not a lot of healthy options there.

I am going out for sushi with another friend on Monday night. I have looked at that menu to make my choices, but then I realized that the restaurant that she wants to go to is closed on Mondays!!! So we will have to find another restaurant to go to.

This brings back memories of moving to Carson City from Florida. We took 3 weeks to drive cross country to move to Nevada.

Downsizing Me Log - 7/28/2015



Weight – 225.5

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 110

Steps taken (FitBit) – 4969

Miles (FitBit) – 2.21

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - Got waylaid after work and didn't get home until after 8... excuses, excuses!!

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1425

Calories out (FitBit) – 2294

Water Intake – 80oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Chocolate Biscotti Bites and Light and Fit Greek Vanilla yogurt
AM Snack - Blueberries and cheese sticks
Lunch - NS Bean Bolognese and veggies with Bolthouse Ranch dressing and a Ghiradelli Chocolate square
PM snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale Protein drink
Dinner - NS Roast Beef and Mashed Potatoes with green beans
Dessert - NS Walnut Chocolate chip Cookies

Comments: Excuses, Excuses!!!!


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/27/2015



Weight – 226.5

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 109

Steps taken (FitBit) – 4584

Miles (FitBit) – 2.03

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - None - okay, somethings gotta change here!

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1396

Calories out (FitBit) – 2273

Water Intake – 112oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Turkey Sausage and Egg sandwich with laughing cow cheese
AM Snack - Dannon Light &Fit Greek vanilla yogurt and blueberries
Lunch - NS 3 cheese chicken with extra chicken and cheese and veggies
PM snack - Ham
Dinner - NS Chicken Alfredo with buffalo sauce and artichoke
Dessert - NS Peanut Butter Cookie

Comments: Okay, I have not been exercising and that has to stop, now!


Monday, July 27, 2015

Monday - Listless No More - Flowers

I want today's list to be pretty - so it is going to be...

Some of My Favorite Flowers...

Gerber Daisies
FreeImages.com/Michelle Dennis

Downsizing Me Log - 7/26/2015



Weight – 226.5

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - oops

Steps taken (FitBit) – 5037

Miles (FitBit) – 2.23

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - None

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1496

Calories out (FitBit) – 2299

Water Intake – 64oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Breakfast sandwich with cheese
AM Snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale Protein Shake
Lunch - NS Hamburger with cheese and pickle, with veggies
PM snack - Light & Fit Vanilla Greek Yogurt and cherries
Dinner - NS Meatloaf Sandwich with buffalo sauce and pickles and salad
Dessert - NS Fudge Ice Cream Bar

Comments: Okay, period and sushi yesterday, plus no exercise for two days and very little walking equals a heck of a gain. I am hoping it is water retention also from the sushi! Water, Water, Water today!!!!!


Sunday, July 26, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/25/2015



Weight – 223.9

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 107

Steps taken (FitBit) –2769

Miles (FitBit) –1.23

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - None

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1600 approx

Calories out (FitBit) –2246

Water Intake – 80oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – No

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS French Toast with scrambled eggs and blueberries
Lunch - Sushi, and not just a roll, like All You can Eat Sushi
Dessert - Brownie

Comments: Well, I was bad today, we had sushi for lunch, then I didn't exercise. Oh, well, tomorrow is another day, right?


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/24/2015



Weight – 225.2

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 108

Steps taken (FitBit) – 3615

Miles (FitBit) – 1.6

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - None, headache prevented exercise

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1466

Calories out (FitBit) – 2216

Water Intake – 96oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Turkey Sausage and Egg sandwich with laughing cow cheese
AM Snack - Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt and Cherries
Lunch - NS 3 Cheese Chicken pasta with ham and veggies with a laughing cow cheese
PM snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale protein drink
Dinner - NS Chicken Enchiladas with asparagus and corn
Dessert - NS Chocolate Cupcake

Comments: Its "that time of the month" which probably explains the weight loss this morning! Also, I came home early with a horrible headache, that prevented me from moving as much so my steps and miles are down quite a bit...


Friday, July 24, 2015

RANT!!!

RANT!!! Just full disclosure, this is a “womanhood issue” if you are not interested, please move on to one of my other posts!!

Why, oh, why

Downsizing Me Log - 7/23/2015



Weight – 223.6lbs

Morning Fasting Blood Sugar - 101

Steps taken (FitBit) - 6609

Miles (FitBit) – 2.93

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 20

Exercise completed - 20 minutes walking during lunch

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1511

Calories out (FitBit) – 2375

Water Intake – 96oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS Honey Wheat bagel with laughing cow cheese and a tomato
AM Snack - Cuties and a cheese stick
Lunch - NS Hamburger with Frank's Buffalo sauce and veggies with some Bolthouse Yogurt Ranch dressing
PM snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale Protein Drink
Dinner - NS Meatballs and Marinara with pasta and a salad
Dessert - NS Orange Creme Ice Cream Bar


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Downsizing Me Log - 7/22/2015



Weight – 224.2

Steps taken (FitBit) –5562

Miles (FitBit) –2.47

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - Rest Day

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) –1515

Calories out (FitBit) –2413

Water Intake – 96oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:

Breakfast - NS turkey Sausage & Egg Muffin with laughing cow cheese
AM Snack - Light & Fit Vanilla Yogurt and Cherries
Lunch - NS Cheddar Broccoli Rice with ham and a laughing cow with veggies
PM snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale Protein Shake
Dinner - NS Mac & Cheese with Beef, Kidney Beans and Avocado with Zucchini
Dessert - NS Oatmeal Raisin Cookie


Wednesday, July 22, 2015

A to Z of Me!!

Hi there, can you tell that I get a little obsessed when I find something I like...

This is another A to Z post like the last couple I did. I found this one at The Bikini Experiment by Lauren. This one is the A to Z of me! So follow along and find out a little (more) about me.

Age: 37

Biggest Fear: Spiders!!! Flying!!! Not being in control!!!!

Current Time: 8:46pm PST

Drink You Had Last: Water, water, water

Easiest Person to Talk to: My mommy

Downsizing Me Log - 7/21/2015


Weight – 227.1

Steps taken (FitBit) – 8298

Miles (FitBit) –3.68

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 20

Exercise completed - 20 minutes walking in place during conference call

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1517

Calories out (FitBit) –2610

Water Intake – 96oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:
Breakfast - NS Chocolate Biscotti Bites and yogurt
AM Snack - Cuties and beef jerky
Lunch - NS Fettuccine Alfredo with ham, laughing cow cheese and veggies
PM snack - Atkins Dark Chocolate Royale protein shake
Dinner - NS Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza with a salad
Dessert - NS Peppermint Patty Cookie and some pumpkin seeds

Comments: I was a little hungry today, maybe not enough protein?



Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Nominated for the Newbie Blogging Liebster Award!!

I’ve been nominated for the Newbie Blogging Liebster Award! I am very honored for this opportunity. I want to give thanks to Rosita Carobelli from All In Place Blog for nominating me!

The Liebster award is a way of connecting with bloggers in the internet world …. and bringing new bloggers together! It is for bloggers that have less than 200 followers.




How does it work? Well, the person who nominates you will pose questions for you to answer …. and in turn, you will then nominate newbie bloggers and pose similar or different questions to them.

So let’s get started! Let me start off by answering Rosita's questions:


1. Why did you start blogging? - I am going through a weight loss journey and wanted to document this. I started my weight loss journey in January 2015, although I have always been a big girl and wanting to lose weight.

Downsizing Me Log - 7/20/2015



Weight – 228lbs

Steps taken (FitBit) – 5435

Miles (FitBit) – 2.41

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 16 minutes

Exercise completed - 16 minutes on treadmill (i would have done more, but head started pounding)

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1498

Calories out (FitBit) – 2342

Water Intake – 112oz

Nutrisystem (NS) On Plan – Yes

What I ate today:
Breakfast - NS Turkey Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwich with a laughing cow spreadable cheese
AM Snack - Light and Fit Greek Yogurt (vanilla) and cherries
Lunch - NS Loaded Baked Potatoes with a chicken patty and veggies
PM snack - Beef Jerky and 2 Cuties
Dinner - NS Salisbury Steak and Mac & Cheese with peas and brussel sprouts
Dessert - NS Ice Cream Sandwich

Comments:
I can't promise that I will post what I ate EVERYDAY, but it was a great suggestion from Jaime at www.nogettingoffthistrain.com. Thanks Jaime!!


Monday, July 20, 2015

Monday - Listless No More - Cars

Today's list is about the cars I have owned and a few that I want!


  • My first car was a Nissan 200SX - my mom bought her for me at Christmas when I was 16. One of my presents was a small box with a set of keys in it, I had no idea what it was all about until I went outside. I didn't even see the car at first because I was so excited (also the fact that it was up on the side of the house on the grass, where no car should have ever been probably helped). It belonged to a friend of hers and I loved it so much.

Downsizing Me Log

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

I have to be cheerful as my morning so far has been unpleasant.

I was thinking about my recommitment to health and fitness. I need some way to be accountable to myself for the things that I need to do. So I decided that I would do a daily Downsizing Me Log. Just a running list of the things that I keep track of to help me on this journey. Things like my weight (obviously), the steps I take (thanks to my FitBit) and the calories I eat (MyFitnessPal) and burn (Fitbit, again). The point of this blog was to document this journey, so what better way to document than to give all the daily numbers. I will still be posting other stuff, but this would hold me accountable as all of the numbers and information would be out there for the universe to see! So I will start tomorrow with my log of today. The format will be like this…

Downsizing Log – July 19, 2015 (sample)

Weight – 226lbs

Steps taken (FitBit) – 4886

Miles (FitBit) – 2.17

Active Minutes (FitBit) – 0

Exercise completed - None

Calories in (MyFitnessPal) – 1450

Calories out (FitBit) – 2308

Water Intake – 48oz

Nutrisystem On Plan – No

Is there anything else that I should include on my log? Those seem like the pertinent stats and numbers but I am definitely open to suggestions. Help me out with your ideas!


Saturday, July 18, 2015

A to Z of travel

Like Thursday's post, I am loving the A to Z lists. Another of the topics listed was the A to Z of travel and it is from MYATOZCHALLENGE.COM. I thought it was a fun post idea, so here we go!


FreeImages.com/Vasilii Shestakov


Age you started traveling: I don't really remember when I started traveling, I know that when I was little we used to travel to see family. I did not really start traveling for pleasure until recently

Best beer you’ve had and where: I am not a big beer drinker so I don't really know what the best would be.

Cuisine (favorite): I love Italian food, Mexican food and Japanese food, especially sushi! I could probably survive for a really long time if I only had any of these types of cuisine.

Destinations–favorite/least favorite, and why?: I think my favorite destination would have been DisneyLand/Napa Valley. I traveled there with my hubby and we had so much fun just being with each other. I think my least favorite destination was New Orleans. I think that this is a destination that is so overrated. We were there during the French Quarter festival and it smelled of vomit and pee!

Thursday, July 16, 2015

A to Z of food

I found a very cool site with some ideas for blog posts. So here is the A to Z of food from MYATOZCHALLENGE.COM Check it out!!


FreeImages.com/Patrycja Cieszkowska

FreeImages.com/Patrycja Cieszkowska

Adventurous when it comes to trying unusual food? - Not really, I usually only have certain things, although, I am getting better. I would not eat sushi for years and now I am obsessed with it. I have even tries the "eww" stuff from the past like eel!

Breakfast – what does your typical breakfast consist of? - Since I am on Nutrisystem, my breakfast is usually either a sausage and egg sandwich with some cheese or a pastry item (muffin, biscotti bites, etc) and either milk or yogurt.


Comfort food – what do you reach for when you need cheering up? - Carbs!! Mac and Cheese, mashed potatoes, bread, spaghetti.

Describe a dessert to die for - I love chocolate cake, a nice, rich, moist cake with lots of frosting!

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Recommitment to fitness and health

I realized that I have become lax on my fitness and health goals. I am not paying as much attention to what I am eating. I am not exercising anymore. I FEEL fat. I have been on Nutrisystem for 7 months. I have lost a little over 50 pounds.

FreeImages.com/Pascal THAUVIN
But I have stalled.

I am not losing. I had all you can eat sushi this weekend and yesterday; yesterday I had Subway for lunch and Jimmy Johns for dinner. I was not that much over my calorie goal but this cannot continue. It is not just about the calories. I believe that it is also WHAT you eat. Also the exercise is an issue. I hate the treadmill, but I cannot walk outside because it is way too hot. I say I will get up in the morning and exercise, but this does not happen, so then I say I will exercise when I get home. Well, guess what, that does not happen either.

Rant about smart devices

Okay, so I understand the point of a smart device is to be helpful and make my life easier. But I really do not think that devices should be smarter than ME. I spent 30 minutes last night (at 11:30pm) trying to figure out why my FitBit was turning itself on. I really wanted to go to bed. But the light coming off my FitBit was making me crazy. I thought it was dying and I was sad. Then I remembered that I had done a tracker update. So I went on the computer (remember it is 11:30pm) and searched the update. Aha!!!, the update made it so that when you turn your wrist toward you, it comes on for a few seconds so that you can check the time without hitting a button. NEAT!!! But annoying as hell when you don’t know that it is going to do it. So I turned off the new feature and went to bed.

THINGS should not be smarter than me. However, more and more THINGS are. Maybe I am not as smart as I think.


Monday, July 13, 2015

Monday - Listless No More - Favorite Exercises

So I have decided that I am going to do a new series on Mondays. It will help me to post consistently and it will be fun. I am going to do posts of Lists! Whether it be Top 5 (or 10), Favorites/Least Favorites or other types of lists, that is what I will focus on for Mondays at Plus Size to Downsized. So, let’s get started!

Since I started this blog to be a weight loss journal, let’s start with a fitting topic:

My Favorite Exercises

1. Walking outside – I can’t stand the treadmill, but I live in Las Vegas so, unless I want to get up at 3am, I have to use the treadmill. My local gym has an indoor walking track so I may check that out.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Jealousy and Envy

I have a confession...
I am having a jealousy issue.

It all started when I started this blog. I started writing and then I joined Facebook pages for bloggers. I joined other social media outlets like Instagram and Twitter. I started following other bloggers and then other social media users on those social media outlets. Well, it turns out that most of the people that I follow are moms, dads and parents. A lot have babies. I am now JEALOUS!


I really did not start out my adulthood wanting children. Even when some of my friends were having babies, I really did not want them. Yes, they were cute and I loved them. I would take my best friend's daughter for a day or two to give her some time to herself with her husband. But I did not really want my own.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

The journey to NOW...


How did I get here...

Now that the blog challenge is over, and I have moved my blog to its new home, I have started thinking about what to do now.

I started this blog to document my weight loss journey, so I think that I will return to that.

I really started this journey about 6-7 years ago, I weighed the most that I have ever weighed and that fact really stands out in my wedding pictures... This is me on my wedding day. I hate looking at this picture because I can't believe how big I was. I was 305lbs (138.35kgs). This was in August 2008. Its very difficult to display your wedding picture when you hate the way you look in it!

Then a few months later, my best friend came to visit from Florida. She brought her two littles with her, we went to hang out at Lake Tahoe for the day and she started taking pictures...

I recently found some pictures from that day and immediately wanted to erase them from existence. But then I took a breath and said to myself that this is where I was, I am NEVER going to be there again.

So I guess this would be my BEFORE picture. I can't wait to get to my AFTER picture. But I guess I need to take it slow and go through the DURING phase. That is where I am now. I weight 228lbs (103.42kgs) now. I want to be so much less. My goal right now is 150lbs (68kgs) but, my current little goal is just to get below 200lbs... I can't wait to get to Onederland!!!



Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 28 - Last one!!

What I would do if I won the lottery...


Wow, what a dream this would be. To not have to worry about money. To quit my job. Be able to buy what I want, go where I want, do what I want.

Well, its not quite that simple...

If I won the lottery, I would buy a large piece of property, somewhere that is green and your neighbors are not on top of you. Probably somewhere like Tennessee, Kentucky or even Washington or Oregon...

I would build my dream home. Not necessarily a mansion. But one with enough space for my family. I would also have little cabins all over for family and friends to stay in when they came to visit. I may have to hire someone to come cook healthy meals for me, and a personal trainer to help me finally get healthy, and every once in a while, I would have to have someone to follow me around and slap me when I want to eat all that unhealthy stuff :)

The other thing that this property would have on it is a rescued animal sanctuary. Someplace to take all those abandoned or neglected dogs, cats, whatever... There would be a house just for them and people there 24/7 so they didn't get lonely or afraid. They would have acres to run and roam...

I would also help out my family and friends with college funds for their children (because college is really important).

I would also travel and go all of the places that I talked about on Day 9 of the challenge.

I would do good in the world, I would not be like all the rich people that you see that have to have the most expensive (fill in the blank). Or the people that spend millions of dollars on a party or on a car or anything else. I would not be selfish (okay, maybe a little). I would help those in need.

Okay, can I win the lottery now?...


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 27

Favorite Color...


My favorite color fluctuates at times. Between green and purple. Sometimes purple is my favorite. Sometimes green... I am not sure which one I like better.
But then, at times, I like blue. And sometimes, I like red or pink.

I don't necessarily have a FAVORITE color. I have colors that I like better than others. I have colors that I prefer. But sometimes, I really like green...or purple...

I'm kinda indecisive that way!

Tomorrow is the last day of the Blog Challenge, it has been amazing and I love forcing myself to write for you guys to read. I hope I can keep it up!

My last challenge post will discuss what I would do if I won the lottery, stay tuned!


Monday, July 6, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 26

Favorite Season or Holiday...


This one is easy!

My favorite season is FALL. When it is getting cooler after the heat of summer. When people start focusing more on family and home. Oh, did I mention, my birthday is in the fall!!! Which also leads to my favorite holiday (also in the fall), HALLOWEEN. I love that there is one day of the year that you can choose to be something else. You can be a witch, or a fairy or a barmaid, wench or anything else that you choose. And your excuse is its a costume. I also love the meaning behind Halloween. When the veil is thinnest and you can be close to loved ones that have left us.

I have always loved the fall for holidays. Living in Nevada, even more so. I love the fact that every two weeks I have time off work!!! You see, I don't work on my birthday. I have always taken it off. So in the middle of October, I have time off for my birthday. Then at the end of October, it is Nevada Day (the last Friday of October). Then in the middle of November, Veteran's Day...Then Thanksgiving and the family day after. Then I have to go a little longer to get to Christmas and New Years. Sometimes I take a day off in the middle between thanksgiving and Christmas, just to have a day off every 2 weeks.

Fall is the best, followed by Spring, then Summer and Winter are tied... I hate heat and extreme cold!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 25

Favorite Smell...


I think I have a tie for my favorite smell.

At first thought, I would say CHOCOLATE. (Do you see a theme in the blog!) I love the smell of chocolate. Going in to a bakery or an ice cream shop, or when chocolate brownies or cake is cooking. MMM...

But the more I think about it, I think my real favorite smell would be the scent of rain. Not something we get alot of here in the desert. But I remember growing up in South Florida, you knew that it was going to rain because you could just smell it. I still get so excited when I can smell the rain coming. I love to sit and watch it rain. I love to lay in my bed and hear the rain hitting the windows. Rain washes my soul...

I miss the rain!



Saturday, July 4, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 24

A Book I could Read Over and Over...


So this is not really going to be about one book. It is going to be about a couple of different "sets" of books.

First, my favorite author. We all have our favorite authors... mine is Nora Roberts. Anything she writes is wonderful and I get lost in the story. I could read her books over and over, and have on numerous occasions. I have one whole bookshelf that is just Nora Roberts and her alter ego, JD Robb. Her characters are relateable and her writing is just amazing. When I see that a new book has come out I have to run out and buy it (or, download it).

The second of the "sets" is the Harry Potter series. I have read all of these books several times. This is not just a children's book series. It is amazing whether you are 12 or 102.

I also have several other authors that I buy and keep around and re-read... they include Stephen King, Robyn Carr, John Saul, Nevada Barr and Dean Koontz.

So I guess this is not just a book post but a post about my favorite authors!


Friday, July 3, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 23

My guilty pleasures...


Hmm... I think one of my guilty pleasures would be the same as most other women on the planet... CHOCOLATE!!! Good chocolate not just some crappy stuff you can by at the grocery store. I will get chocolate and only let myself have one piece at a time, and I savor it... I am always really sad when it is gone, but I DO NOT have another piece. That would be cheating.

Another guilty pleasure that I have would be reading. I can and will read for hours and hours and hours. I better not start a chapter (because you always have to end at the end of a chapter, don't you) if I don't have time to get lost in the book...which is always an issue when I try to read at lunch at work...

I think my last guilty pleasure would be naps...I LOVE NAPS. I love to go in to the bedroom in the middle of the day and curl up (or stretch out) on my bed and sleep. I get better sleep during naps than I do at night...

What are your guilty pleasures?


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Blog Challenge - Day 22

My view on religion…


Oh, what possessed me to make this a Blog Challenge topic…

I guess the short answer would be, everyone should be able to worship how they see fit.

A bit of background. I was raised Catholic. We went to church and everything. Was baptized when I was little. As I grew up though, we stopped going to church.

I knew that there were more religions than just Catholic. One of my friends was Jewish, and another was Mormon (I said Merry Christmas and she told me about it). But I only knew what I was raised. I was even homeschooled for a couple of years using a Christian based home school company.

When I was in college, I had a friend who was Wiccan. She had all these books and the conversations that we would have were eye opening and enlightening. I began to see that there was more out there than Christianity.

I do not necessarily know WHAT I am, I am more of a spiritual person, I believe in Higher Power. But to narrow it down to Catholic, Jewish or Wiccan… I don’t think I can do that…



Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Hello July!!

It is the beginning of July 2015. This blog was originally so that I could document my weight loss journey. I have not really mentioned that recently since I have been focusing on the Blog Challenge. So I thought that I should get back to it.

I weighed myself this morning, I did not like my scale. I celebrated this weekend when the scale said 229.5lbs. Today, it said 230.7lbs. That does not make me happy. I think I have been a little too free with the food lately. Also, the laziness. I have not exercised in over a week. I need to get back to it. I got a new exercise DVD in the mail yesterday. I am so excited. I ordered Richard Simmons “Sweatin to the Oldies”. I used to watch this when I was younger and I loved it, so I figured since it is 1000 degrees outside and I HATE the treadmill, I would work out to good old Richard Simmons. I will let you know how it goes.

I have mentioned a couple times that I am starting a No Spend Challenge in July. So today’s the day. No extraneous spending and keeping track of every cent that hubby and I do spend. I think that this will also help with the weight loss as we are not going to be able to go out to eat as much, the last two weekends have been ridiculous. Two weeks ago, one day of NO diet food! Then this weekend, sushi and Mexican food. Yup, need to get back on the plan…

I am hoping that July goes as planned. No extra food, no extra spending, lose lots of weight, save lots of money!


Blog Challenge - Day 21

My earliest memory…


Okay, short post today.

This one is about my earliest memory. I am not sure why this stuck in my brain. I guess it would have been traumatizing. I was young, under four. I was sitting on the couch at my grandparents’ home and I was drinking a glass of something, not sure if it was water, juice or milk. I looked down into the glass and it was red (it was NOT supposed to be red). I was having my first nose bleed, ewww!!! I know, gross, but the question was first memory and that is one of the first, if not the first!

Other memories are more pleasant, spending time with my family, laying on the floor at my great grandmother’s house reading a book. Playing with friends. But, if you ask about first…eww!

Tomorrow is my views on religion…