My Motivational Song

You know the bed feels warmer, Sleeping here alone,  
You know I dream in color, And do the things I want.  
You think you got the best of me 
 Think you had the last laugh  
Bet you think that everything good is gone.  
Think you left me broken down  
Think that i'd come running back  
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong.  

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger  
Stand a little taller  
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.  
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter  
Footsteps even lighter  
Doesn't mean i'm over cause you're gone  

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger 
Just me myself and i  
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, Stand a little taller  
Doesn't mean i'm lonely when i'm alone 

You heard that I was starting over with someone new,  
They told you I was moving on, over you,  
You didn't think that I'd come back, 
i'd come back swinging
  You try to break me but you see 

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
  stand a little taller  
doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone. 
 What doesn't kill you makes a fighter 
Footsteps even lighter  
Doesn't mean I'm over cause your gone.  
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger  
Just me, myself and I  
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger  
Stand a little taller 
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone  

Thanks to you I got a new thing started  
Thanks to you I'm not the broken hearted  
Thanks to you I'm finally thinking 'bout me 
 You know in the end the day I left was just my beginning..... 
in the end...  


What doesn't kill you makes you stronger  
Stand a little taller  
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone  
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter  
Footsteps even lighter  
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.
  What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger 
Just me, Myself and I  
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger  
Stand a little taller  
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.  
I'm not alone

Points & Pounds

So I went to Weight Watchers last night with my sister and my daughter.  They were all very nice and supportive.

I can already tell that the amount of points they gave me is WAY too many calories :( I know they tell you to eat all of your points - but WHY if you've eaten 3 healthy meals, had a couple of good-for-you snacks and you are not at all hungry? I'd love to sit down with one of the creators of the Points Plus plan and find out all the scientific evidence! It works for thousands of people - so who am I to question?

Again - I think WW is a wonderful program and I am grateful to be going with my sister and daughter! I also LOVE our leader. She lost over 160 pounds - so she can really relate to us!

I still haven't really gotten the exercise bug. I keep telling myself 'self - you really SHOULD go outside & walk' but then i answer myself 'naaaaah i don't wanna' - i need a kick in the pants!!!

Tomorrow I will be moving boxes at work again so that is at least some activity - but I need to get my walk on!

Have a very blessed Sunday all - keep it healthy and real!

Sherry

The Weight Watcher Day with Cake in it

So today wasn't the best eating day in the world - but in WW lingo I only went over one point - and in calories only about 50 calories - so all in all, I call that a win!  Oh - it's my baby sister's 30th b-day - and we got Mexican food.  I planned ahead and ate light during the day.  I ordered shrimp fajitas with corn tortillas.  I ate a handful of corn chips.  I had a small piece of cake.  One scoop of ice cream.  I tracked EVERY bite! 

*NOTE -  I try never to use my activity points or weekly points.  I know it works great for a lot of people, but I do better just eating my daily points :) 

I've been struggling with a sinus infection or something equally glamorous for the past three days.  Yesterday I worked for 2 hours picking up and moving packing boxes for work (long story) and that is about all the exercise I've gotten so far.  The good news is - 2  hours of picking up and moving boxes burns a LOT of calories! 

Tomorrow is supposed to be our last totally gorgeous day.  81 and sunny.  I WILL fit a walk in!  I've been too congested/coughy/body-achy/headachy for the past few days to do it, but tomorrow I shall!  I also pulled out my summer shoes and clothes and I am hopeful that I will stay motivated and positive. 


Here is a printable 2012 walking log - I'm going to use it to track my progress.  I walk SLOW and I start out not going very far - but I hope that using this will encourage me to KEEP going :)

Or if you prefer - here is a weekly walking log  

or daily  :)      Things like that help me - I like visuals!  

 10 pm.  I'm off to bed.  Going to watch an episode of Eureka and then (hopefully) get a sound night's sleep!


Never give up!

Sherry

Another "Day One" - recipe & new product review

I can't tell you how many "day ones" I've had in my life.  Those days where you're going to change your life?  Eat healthfully, exercise, get your house organized, etc. etc. etc.  Well, I'm not feeling any of that - but I started anyway.  Because the days that are hard - the days where you don't feel well - those are the most important days of all to hang in there.  I have a terrible head cold and lots of congestion - but I didn't want to wait any longer to start feeling better, ya know?

I'm starting slow and easy here - using Spark People because I just adore them! 

I should note - I get a LOT of calories/points per day 'cuz I am a big girl :)  Obviously this is more food than most of you would eat in a day - but I am even at the low-end of my target range! 

I track my food, water, and exercise every day.  (Well, starting today I do *snicker*)  I have four or five people who have volunteered to go walking with me - so no excuses there!  And I am joining Weight Watchers with my nearly 16-year-old daughter on the recommendation of her pediatrician.  So all in all - it's just time. 


BREAKFAST:  Thomas' everything bagel thin w/ one egg, one 70-calorie sausage patty, 1/2 a banana and Yoplait light yogurt in cherry cobbler

SNACK:  Fruit and walnut salad from McDonalds and an unsweetened iced tea (210 calories)

LUNCH:  90-calorie flatout wrap w/ 1 oz roast beef, 1 TBS roasted garlic  hummus, 1-pt string cheese, lettuce and banana peppers rolled inside, a dill pickle

SNACK:  Kraft milk and granola bar in oatmeal raisin (I am NOT a milk drinker and this has not-so-bad stats and tastes like an awesome creamy, cold oatmeal raisin cookie and has as much calcium as an entire glass of milk in it!) 

DINNER:  Hungry Girl buffalo chicken fajitas (REALLY good, will make again!)  in corn tortillas and a side of Brussels sprouts and a bowl of cabbage white bean soup. 

No kidding -  I'm amazed at how much I can eat for my calorie allotment!  I lost 50 pounds doing this before (yes, gained back 33 of them!)  so I'm going to keep doing what works for me.

EXERCISE:  Since I"m a bit under the weather, I took it easy and did 2 Spark People videos - upper and lower body stretches.  I've been sedentary pretty much all winter!  Thought I should stretch out.  I have a walk planned for tomorrow :)

WATER:  This will be a work in progress - I think I got in 5 eight-oz glasses. 

Have a great week!

Sherry

Plan Ahead/Cook Ahead Sunday March 18th

Time for me to plan my week!  Last week was full of work, kids, a movie & dinner date, cooking, cleaning, and all the other things that make my life go 'round.

I am linked up with Vanessa over at one of my favorite thrifting blogs, Thrift Core! 

Speaking of thrifting - I scored a pair of capris, a super cute skirt, & a couple of pair of new socks for Em.  I passed on the most perfect small china/hutch/thingie that was on a 30-minute special for 12.50!  Kicking myself now :(  

Today I will be stopping by the store for a few ingredients to whip up some sides and a batch of soup for the week.  Menu planning, lesson planning, cleaning, etc. 

MONDAY:  Payday - have to pay my phone, electric, heat and joining Weight Watchers with my sister and my almost 16-year-old daughter.  Also homeschool with Em, laundry, and couple hours of work.

TUESDAY:  Lots of work hunting down charts. I do know that a big part of the day will be working and homeschooling.  (Em will do part of her schooling while I am hunting down a needle in a haystack for work!) 

WEDNESDAY:  It is my baby sister's 30th birthday!  Ha!  More work and homeschooling, dinner at my parents with a family b-day party for my sis.

THURSDAY:  Work, homeschool, and evening Bible study.

FRIDAY:  Work, homeschool, and if the weather stays nice - maybe the drive in with my girls?

SATURDAY:  Work meeting in the a.m., plan something w/ the kids for the afternoon, and evening at my parents with my family.

SUNDAY:  Church & planning ahead!

GOALS FOR THE WEEK

1.  Have a successful first week of WW
2.  Motivate my daughter & sister w/ healthy recipes and walks in this gorgeous weather!
3.  Get all my work caught up
4.  Get all of my 'business' done on Monday (financial stuff)
5.  Make my kids feel special
6.  Get my bills paid
7.  Have a great time and meet new friends at Bible study
8.  Take Mt. Washmore DOWN!
9.  Blog every day (REALLY!)

Have a great week!

Sherry 

Plan Ahead/Cook Ahead Sunday

 Here we are, Sunday again.  I had a pretty unorganized week and I don't want to duplicate that for the week coming up! 

Since we sprung ahead this morning, I feel an hour behind, lol.  It's nearly noon! 

So far this morning I unloaded the dishwasher and cooked ahead a few things for the week as well as prepped some veggie containers for quick snacks for the girls and I. 

Of note - Aldi has some super cheap veggies this week!  I am going to stop by for more staples :)

Last week I mentioned that I had broken up with the man I've been seeing for the past two weeks - well last night he asked for a second chance and I've decided to give it to him.  So we shall see.  If he doesn't step up his game, it will be a waste of both of our times!!

MONDAY:  Need to rent a storage facility (work) and set up two moves from different locations.  Homeschool with Em.  Get outside for a nature walk!  Back to Aldi for more veggies.  Mail out 2 resumes.

TUESDAY:  More work and homeschool.  Maybe a date with Larry - I suppose it all depends if he asks or not.  hmmmmmm

WEDNESDAY:  Work move???  Homeschool with Em.  Dinner w/ the kids at my parents.

THURSDAY:  Plan to go to the Detroit Institute of Art with my girls :)  Bible study in the evening.

FRIDAY:  Grocery shopping - bill paying. 

SATURDAY:  St. Patty's day - dinner at parents' house with kids.

SUNDAY:  Church and plan/cook ahead!

It's boring - but it's mine!  lol

Have a great week ahead,

Sherry 



Plan Ahead Sunday

LOOKING BACK AT LAST WEEK: 

I didn't have the most stellar week - but I am still feeling very positive, if not a little bit snarky! 

* My biggest client is shutting down his office.  There goes my one source of financial stability!  He is keeping me on as his personal business administrator - but this means I will need to find another client ASAP!

*I broke up with the man I've been seeing for the past 2-1/2 months.  He was wrong for me.  Good guy.  But not necessarily good for me.  But you know,  I am PROUD of myself - because a couple of years ago I would have held on for dear life simply because I didn't want to be alone.  Go me!

*THRIFTING:  Well, it was good and bad.  I'm super depressed about how much my favorite haunts have gone up in price.  I got my daughter 4 pieces of clothing and it cost 21 bucks!!!  She absolutely adores the bohemian-like jeans and top and we found her a J-Lo pleated demin skirt and a London brand unique hoody - so I won't complain too much.  I got a couple of deals for myself tho - a corningware dish with lid that was 1/2 price at 4.50 and a ribbon message board that goes perfectly with the theme/colors of my room for 2.99.  So not great - but better than nothing!

GOALS FOR THE WEEK:

• Get resume out there!
• Get cord for laptop ordered
• Get this place cleaned up!  (My kids utterly destroyed my home over the past two days!)
• Stick to healthy eating plan
• Even if it's tiny - do some exercise!!!  (I'll settle for anything!!)
• Blog at least 3 times.  Keeps me grounded.
• Make each of my kids feel special
• Take dinner over to my friend's family after her surgery

DAILY PLANS: 

• MONDAY - Work, homeschool, exercise (?) housework -  start sending resumes
• TUESDAY - See above (One of my best friends having surgery - check on her)
• WEDNESDAY - Go to office to organize charts & set up medical records for copying/distribution,  dinner at parents'
• THURSDAY - More of the same!  Starting new Bible study tonight.
• FRIDAY - Work at office (see WED)
• SATURDAY - Cooking lesson w/ Jennah (my 15 yo) + driving lesson,  visit parents
• SUNDAY - Church, plan for week, blog, laundry, cleaning

Looks like a pretty boring week, lol.  Nothing wrong with that!

Sherry