Well, I'm NOT busy... so must be the latter. In the kitchen today making some yummy recipes. If I don't type about my diet, it will not have gone to crap, right? I'm afraid to step on my scales and hope it's batteries die before I know my true weight gain. Still in the "smaller" clothes... but OH SO TIGHT!
Now... On to the recipes... (insert smile here ~ with my font, the smiley face looks lopsided so I don't use it... or maybe I should. I do have my Lopsided Days too!) Ever heard of Sweet Onion Jam? Do you like Onions? Aged Balsamic Vinegar and REAL Maple Syrup? You'd LOVE this combination. Takes a bit of time (carmelizing and simmering down for 2.5 hours total) but OH SO WORTH IT. If you want the recipe, type into a google search... "Blaak Sweet Onion Jam" and you find you can purchase it pre-made OR you can get your ingredients local and make it yourself! I'm simmering the Maple Syrup portion now about 15 min away from done. OK... funny story... trial and error sort of thingy. Didn't know if I would like it so I used "Table... aka FAKE... Syrup instead of the real McCoy. Lesson learned. Everything seemed great. Poured into sterilized jar (BTW... recipe only makes about 8-10 ounces of jam/chutney.) and as it was cooling, I couldn't resist and opened the seal. Was FANTASTIC. So into the fridge it had to go because I'd unsealed it. Took it out the next day to have some and it was as hard as a freakin' brick... I kid you NOT. I think it was because glucose/fructose do not have the same chemical properties as real sugar.. anyway... I ate it but had to re-heat it in the microwave each time I wanted some... which leads me to my new favourite sandwich... THANK-YOU Martha Stewart... and I'll only say that once in this lifetime!
Bacon-Blue Cheese Sandwiches (Are you listening Kyle?)
Sourdough Bread
Sweet Onion Jam
Blue Cheese Slices (I found Castello Brand Rosenborg Danish Blue Cheese at Metro)
Fried Irish or Canadian Bacon (What the heck is Irish Bacon... guess which one I used?)
Butter for Bread
Think Grilled Cheese Sandwich... butter bread on outside... fill with ingredients and place on hot skillet. If you think you've not melted the cheese, or if you are making a large qty of sandwiches and need to keep them warm before serving(as in the case of the recipe for beer tasting ~ recommended with dark beers btw ), pop them into a 350 degree oven to continue to "melt" until ready to serve.
Now onto my next recipe if we don't lose power.
So sad about all the lives lost in the central US due to those damned tornados! Now much calmer winds have arrived here... Wind of 60km with gusts of 90km have been with us all day. Not lost power yet but still wondering if I should trust it to bake with. Another thing... Should I try to make a recipe that I can't pronounce? Cheese Gougeres... and there's a funny symbol above the first "e". Accentague or some such thing... maybe a backwards accentague. I feel like I'm the last standing anglophone... well in Ottawa anyway!
Cheese Gourgeres... Think appetiser puff balls without a filling because it is incorporated into the batter and baked at a lower temperature so the balls will not develop a hollow center for regular filling. Incorporated into batter will be finely chopped Green Onion, freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, and Pancetta (Think Italian Bacon).
Time to bottle up my jam. I will get back on my weight-loss program but it's so darn hard eating rabbit food in winter when you have to stay warm!
Hope you are all successful in your endeavours and that I haven't swayed you too far off track with my recipe... or should I say Martha Stewart's.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
It's Been A While AGAIN...
Who-the-freak can do this every DAY? I thought I didn't have a life... and some days, I still ponder that observation... but REALLY? No Children. No Spouse. Still, NO TIME! (but will continue to post :-) remembering it is MY diary... and not caring who reads.
OK... ME BAD. Not weighed in lately.... but was 172.2 when I thought I had to be well above 175. I can still atain my goal of 150 by 50... just maintaining now. Christmas is over... Thank CHRISTmas! TURKEY, GRAVY, STUFFING, POTATOES, BAKED BEANS, CRANBERRY SAUCE a thing of the past... not to mention MULLED WINE, COOKIES, CHOCOLATES, CANDIES of every description... OH... and PUMPKIN PIE and WHIPPED CREAM (LOVE IT).
Anyway... will kick into high gear come MARCH 18th. Why then? Don't think 2 months will get me to my goal and have no idea what St. Paddy's Day Holds... but usually something good ~ especially since I live 'walking distance' from an Irish Pub! So MARCH 18TH it is. Then work my arse off literally to get down to 150lbs by 50 years of age ~ June 9th... 2012... and stay close to there for the rest of my life. (Rumor has it that Weight LOSS is VERY difficult after Menopause... Here's me thinkin' ahead... Always thinkin' ahead.
I've found, although never met, a new friend. ERIC NGYEUN. He is a lawyer by trade but is thinking ahead for his retirement. From his pictures, I'm guessing he is 30. WE NORTH AMERICANS are so freakin' backwards! Eric has AGAIN restored my faith in HUMANITY. In his spare time, he designs and customizes dog collars and leashes. His TYPICAL CUSTOMERS are Rottweiler and Doberman Owners andother larger breads. I found his website by chance and noticed he uses a Lee Valley product. The rest is history. ... Gotta go... Heartbeat on TVO is on.... Don't want to miss... will continue on Sunday 22nd..
OK... ME BAD. Not weighed in lately.... but was 172.2 when I thought I had to be well above 175. I can still atain my goal of 150 by 50... just maintaining now. Christmas is over... Thank CHRISTmas! TURKEY, GRAVY, STUFFING, POTATOES, BAKED BEANS, CRANBERRY SAUCE a thing of the past... not to mention MULLED WINE, COOKIES, CHOCOLATES, CANDIES of every description... OH... and PUMPKIN PIE and WHIPPED CREAM (LOVE IT).
Anyway... will kick into high gear come MARCH 18th. Why then? Don't think 2 months will get me to my goal and have no idea what St. Paddy's Day Holds... but usually something good ~ especially since I live 'walking distance' from an Irish Pub! So MARCH 18TH it is. Then work my arse off literally to get down to 150lbs by 50 years of age ~ June 9th... 2012... and stay close to there for the rest of my life. (Rumor has it that Weight LOSS is VERY difficult after Menopause... Here's me thinkin' ahead... Always thinkin' ahead.
I've found, although never met, a new friend. ERIC NGYEUN. He is a lawyer by trade but is thinking ahead for his retirement. From his pictures, I'm guessing he is 30. WE NORTH AMERICANS are so freakin' backwards! Eric has AGAIN restored my faith in HUMANITY. In his spare time, he designs and customizes dog collars and leashes. His TYPICAL CUSTOMERS are Rottweiler and Doberman Owners andother larger breads. I found his website by chance and noticed he uses a Lee Valley product. The rest is history. ... Gotta go... Heartbeat on TVO is on.... Don't want to miss... will continue on Sunday 22nd..
Friday, December 30, 2011
Another New Year is Knocking
I hope everyone had a Christmas as wonderful as I did. Hard to explain what was so great about it. I went no-where, saw no-one.... Worked Christmas Eve (Saturday) and still enjoyed a wonderful time. The Axe-Man and I treated ourselves to a home-made Turkey dinner... sans ANYTHING GREEN!
I found a cute little turkey - only 6.73lbs. I felt it needed me... sort of like Charlie Brown's little Christmas Tree.
Made stuffing from scratch. Sourdough Bread cut into cubes and allowed to go stale overnight. With Bacon Pieces, Bacon Fat and warm water, Onion, Sage, Savory and Thyme.
Peeled and boiled up lots of potatoes. Mashed with Butter and Milk.
Soaked dried beans for 2 days and made baked beans with lots of bacon pieces and molasses, brown sugar, onion chunks, and prepared mustard.
Made un-cooked Cranberry Relish ( 1 Bag fresh Cranberries, FROZEN, 1/2 or whole orange INCLUDING skin, but remove pips/seeds, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp allspice... all in food processor for about 1-1/2 minutes. Spoon into a mason jar and refrigerate. Consume within about 3 weeks... if you can get it to last that long.
Turkey Gravy.
I spent $30.00 on Christmas Eve purchasing "left-over" containers that would fit into my insulated lunch bag. (Expensive little buggers at $5.97 per) and now have a bunch of complete Turkey Dinners in my freezer for future lunches at work ~ sans the Green Stuff. I cleaned off the turkey carcass and filled the containers (4 others Zip-lock ones too, so 9 Turkey dinners in total) with everything from our dinner... right down to the cranberries... (Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Baked Beans, and Cranberries). I did all this while my stomach was making room for the Pumpkin Pie and Whip Cream. Yum!
Axie is having issues with his paws this winter. Condo Corp has decided to treat the walkways and stairs with salt and some blue crystal-type crap. I didn't mind the Grit of winters-past but it seems there were complaints from neighbours who had time to complain about the grit, although no time to sweep up same grit in their entryways. I guess what they don't see, doesn't harm their carpets and hardwood??? Stupid!
So now Axie has learned how to wear booties and he's pretty darn good about it. He does not try to remove them but sometimes loses one when he gets running. I can tell he likes that his feet don't hurt anymore. Not sure he's put the puzzle together yet but knows something is better.
I'm still debating whether or not I should crack my $70.00 bottle of bubbly this New Years. Will be home with Axie. Should I be so Decadent?
Will let you know in the New Year. All the best to you and yours in 2012!
Sue and Accident
PS... Weight Control Program has been dented over the Christmas Season. Will get back to a more reasonable food selection by 7th January. Until then... still enjoying all the wonderful treats of the season. Hope you are not depriving yourself!
I found a cute little turkey - only 6.73lbs. I felt it needed me... sort of like Charlie Brown's little Christmas Tree.
Made stuffing from scratch. Sourdough Bread cut into cubes and allowed to go stale overnight. With Bacon Pieces, Bacon Fat and warm water, Onion, Sage, Savory and Thyme.
Peeled and boiled up lots of potatoes. Mashed with Butter and Milk.
Soaked dried beans for 2 days and made baked beans with lots of bacon pieces and molasses, brown sugar, onion chunks, and prepared mustard.
Made un-cooked Cranberry Relish ( 1 Bag fresh Cranberries, FROZEN, 1/2 or whole orange INCLUDING skin, but remove pips/seeds, 3/4 cup white sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp allspice... all in food processor for about 1-1/2 minutes. Spoon into a mason jar and refrigerate. Consume within about 3 weeks... if you can get it to last that long.
Turkey Gravy.
I spent $30.00 on Christmas Eve purchasing "left-over" containers that would fit into my insulated lunch bag. (Expensive little buggers at $5.97 per) and now have a bunch of complete Turkey Dinners in my freezer for future lunches at work ~ sans the Green Stuff. I cleaned off the turkey carcass and filled the containers (4 others Zip-lock ones too, so 9 Turkey dinners in total) with everything from our dinner... right down to the cranberries... (Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Baked Beans, and Cranberries). I did all this while my stomach was making room for the Pumpkin Pie and Whip Cream. Yum!
Axie is having issues with his paws this winter. Condo Corp has decided to treat the walkways and stairs with salt and some blue crystal-type crap. I didn't mind the Grit of winters-past but it seems there were complaints from neighbours who had time to complain about the grit, although no time to sweep up same grit in their entryways. I guess what they don't see, doesn't harm their carpets and hardwood??? Stupid!
So now Axie has learned how to wear booties and he's pretty darn good about it. He does not try to remove them but sometimes loses one when he gets running. I can tell he likes that his feet don't hurt anymore. Not sure he's put the puzzle together yet but knows something is better.
I'm still debating whether or not I should crack my $70.00 bottle of bubbly this New Years. Will be home with Axie. Should I be so Decadent?
Will let you know in the New Year. All the best to you and yours in 2012!
Sue and Accident
PS... Weight Control Program has been dented over the Christmas Season. Will get back to a more reasonable food selection by 7th January. Until then... still enjoying all the wonderful treats of the season. Hope you are not depriving yourself!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thankful for Queensway Carleton Hospital...
Where to begin...
I'm just finishing my extended "leave of absence" from work due to gall bladder surgery. That's the short story. Wanna hear the long one?
As many of you have read, I've been on a rather serious weight-loss program. Through the past 4+ months, my body has had to digest very little Fats or greasy foods (Redundant?). On October 28th, we celebrated, early, Halloween at work with a Pot Luck Lunch. (I took in my nearly famous Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies but that's another story.) Because I'd been so diligent on my diet, and because I'd now into the lowest-sized clothes in my closet... And can't find it in the budget to splurge on new ones... I'd decided that starting at the Pot Luck, I would eat regularly through the winter and save for new spring/summer fashions. (By next fall, I'll have one LottoMax and a fashion budget would no-longer be an issue.) That was the plan.
Those of you who know me, know my penchant for sweets, sugar in particular. I've been known to say, jokingly of course, that if I were handed a frozen turd on a stick ~ coated in sugar ~ I'd consider eating it. Yup, my craving for sugar IS that bad. Back to the Pot Luck. I ate a small plate of "first course" food but ate 3 equally full plates of deserts. Yes, three! Later that evening and all through the night, my stomach was feeling very pained and I could not sleep. I chocked it up to my gluttonous behaviour and said this was my punishment. I deserved it. My system was not used to all these fatty foods after 4 months of deprivation. By morning, I felt fine, albeit tired.
There was still a problem. For the next 10 days, I continued to experience bouts of the same pain though less intense. It usually appeared a few hours after I ate my healthy lunch at work. By the 9th of November, I was in such bad shape I did not go to work and went to a clinic for a check-up instead. They took blood and urine samples, EKG, and X-ray. Also ordered an ultrasound but the lab was backed up for that one. Scheduled for December 8th.
I did not go back to work on the 10th or 11th and even on the 14th, Monday was not feeling better. I'd not heard back on the test results but had been given a prescription for a medication for a peptic ulcer. I had been taking the prescription for 5 days with no results. On the 14th, I went back to the clinic. Results from Xray, and samples came back negative. EKG still needed to be read by a cardiologist and his findings sent back to the clinic and of course, the Ultrasound was not scheduled until 8 December.
I was given a requisition from the doctor on call to be seen at QCH for the ultrasound. I'd never been to this hospital before, not even as a visitor. Almost left when I realized that anything longer than a 2-hour stay was going to cost $14.00!!! I knew my wait was going to be longer than that. So I got shuffled around, back and forth, one waiting area to the next and back again... after they'd drawn blood and urine yet again. I arrived there at 11:37am. Was seen by a doctor at 3:30pm.... Had an ultrasound at 4pm... Test results given by Dr. Leahy, ~ Amazing Emergency Dr. ~ Was spoken to by Surgeons who also viewed the Ultrasound and told about possible procedures ~ Drs. Masters and Weaver ~ Very Thorough... and they asked that I not leave the hospital but remain for surgery either the following day or latest would be the 16th. I was an emergency case and needed to be fit into the roster. By the time of hearing how serious my condition was, it was 10:30pm and all I could think about was Axie at home. I'd already made arrangements with co-workers, who'd contacted my next-door neighbour to walk and feed him... but I still felt bad that he was all alone. I suppose it did keep my mind off some of the pain I was experiencing.
I was finally moved upstairs from Emergency at 3:45am on the 15th of November and had a bed in a semi-private room. This room I shared with a VERY nice lady named Mary. I did not sleep. I was hooked up to an IV drip and was given regular doses of 1mg hydromorphone for the pain. Finally, at 4pm on Tuesday the 15th, I was wheeled down to the OR and I felt every little crack and crevice in the floors on the way there. The Orderlies were gentle but the pain -while lying down was excruciating. For some reason it was not nearly as bad while sitting up. So once outside the OR, I did sit up and spoke with the Dr. ~ Syms ~ who would be performing behind the double doors. He was very personable and seemed to know his stuff. said he'd performed around1700 of these exact same Laproscopic Surgeries for removal of the Gall Bladder... He's 58, I asked... (and Handsome!)
I woke up in recovery around 5:50pm feeling 80% better! The ride back to my room was a picnic in comparison to the ride down. I took very few pain killers which seemed to surprise the nurses because they had been prescribed. By 10am on the 16th, I was up and with the aid of Nurse Wendy, was showering and getting my dressings changed. By 6pm that evening, I was discharged and my good friends Gina and Hal came to spring me.
I met some wonderful people during my stay at QCHMaryna, her husband, Sasha, and their 7-yr old daughter, Sophia. Axie LOVES Sophia. I think it's mutual. I must remember to send the Birthday Card I picked out for my room-mate, Mary. Her birthday is December 6th. She lives in Pembroke but hopefully we will see each other again soon.
So I've been off work since the 9th of December and besides the brief stay away, I have been at Axie's beck and call. He and I have been getting along so well. He did not pull as much on his lead when he knew I was unwell. I think he sensed something was amiss. On Monday, 28th, I have to go back to work again. I've missed it there but know I'll miss The Axe-Man more than ever, once I return.
My weight was fluctuating all over the map during this time. I think I have things back to normal again. I'm currently at a loss of exactly 36lbs. I will try to remain at that weight 35lbs ~ give or take ~ through the winter and once spring rolls around, I push for the final 15lbs before 9th June.
I spent yesterday decorating for Christmas. Still have to stow away all the empty boxes and tidy up but that's what the weekends are for... well around here anyway. Glad I finally feel well enough to do it! Oh and watched, "It's A Wonderful Life" while decorating. Have "Holiday Inn", Miracle on 34th St. (Classic and Newer Versions ~ both), and "White Christmas" still to watch. Yes I love the old Classics!
Hope you take some time for yourself during the marvelously hectic time of year. Oh... and remember the SNOW TIRES! (That too, is another story.)
Merry Christmas One and All!
Sue
I'm just finishing my extended "leave of absence" from work due to gall bladder surgery. That's the short story. Wanna hear the long one?
As many of you have read, I've been on a rather serious weight-loss program. Through the past 4+ months, my body has had to digest very little Fats or greasy foods (Redundant?). On October 28th, we celebrated, early, Halloween at work with a Pot Luck Lunch. (I took in my nearly famous Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies but that's another story.) Because I'd been so diligent on my diet, and because I'd now into the lowest-sized clothes in my closet... And can't find it in the budget to splurge on new ones... I'd decided that starting at the Pot Luck, I would eat regularly through the winter and save for new spring/summer fashions. (By next fall, I'll have one LottoMax and a fashion budget would no-longer be an issue.) That was the plan.
Those of you who know me, know my penchant for sweets, sugar in particular. I've been known to say, jokingly of course, that if I were handed a frozen turd on a stick ~ coated in sugar ~ I'd consider eating it. Yup, my craving for sugar IS that bad. Back to the Pot Luck. I ate a small plate of "first course" food but ate 3 equally full plates of deserts. Yes, three! Later that evening and all through the night, my stomach was feeling very pained and I could not sleep. I chocked it up to my gluttonous behaviour and said this was my punishment. I deserved it. My system was not used to all these fatty foods after 4 months of deprivation. By morning, I felt fine, albeit tired.
There was still a problem. For the next 10 days, I continued to experience bouts of the same pain though less intense. It usually appeared a few hours after I ate my healthy lunch at work. By the 9th of November, I was in such bad shape I did not go to work and went to a clinic for a check-up instead. They took blood and urine samples, EKG, and X-ray. Also ordered an ultrasound but the lab was backed up for that one. Scheduled for December 8th.
I did not go back to work on the 10th or 11th and even on the 14th, Monday was not feeling better. I'd not heard back on the test results but had been given a prescription for a medication for a peptic ulcer. I had been taking the prescription for 5 days with no results. On the 14th, I went back to the clinic. Results from Xray, and samples came back negative. EKG still needed to be read by a cardiologist and his findings sent back to the clinic and of course, the Ultrasound was not scheduled until 8 December.
I was given a requisition from the doctor on call to be seen at QCH for the ultrasound. I'd never been to this hospital before, not even as a visitor. Almost left when I realized that anything longer than a 2-hour stay was going to cost $14.00!!! I knew my wait was going to be longer than that. So I got shuffled around, back and forth, one waiting area to the next and back again... after they'd drawn blood and urine yet again. I arrived there at 11:37am. Was seen by a doctor at 3:30pm.... Had an ultrasound at 4pm... Test results given by Dr. Leahy, ~ Amazing Emergency Dr. ~ Was spoken to by Surgeons who also viewed the Ultrasound and told about possible procedures ~ Drs. Masters and Weaver ~ Very Thorough... and they asked that I not leave the hospital but remain for surgery either the following day or latest would be the 16th. I was an emergency case and needed to be fit into the roster. By the time of hearing how serious my condition was, it was 10:30pm and all I could think about was Axie at home. I'd already made arrangements with co-workers, who'd contacted my next-door neighbour to walk and feed him... but I still felt bad that he was all alone. I suppose it did keep my mind off some of the pain I was experiencing.
I was finally moved upstairs from Emergency at 3:45am on the 15th of November and had a bed in a semi-private room. This room I shared with a VERY nice lady named Mary. I did not sleep. I was hooked up to an IV drip and was given regular doses of 1mg hydromorphone for the pain. Finally, at 4pm on Tuesday the 15th, I was wheeled down to the OR and I felt every little crack and crevice in the floors on the way there. The Orderlies were gentle but the pain -while lying down was excruciating. For some reason it was not nearly as bad while sitting up. So once outside the OR, I did sit up and spoke with the Dr. ~ Syms ~ who would be performing behind the double doors. He was very personable and seemed to know his stuff. said he'd performed around1700 of these exact same Laproscopic Surgeries for removal of the Gall Bladder... He's 58, I asked... (and Handsome!)
I woke up in recovery around 5:50pm feeling 80% better! The ride back to my room was a picnic in comparison to the ride down. I took very few pain killers which seemed to surprise the nurses because they had been prescribed. By 10am on the 16th, I was up and with the aid of Nurse Wendy, was showering and getting my dressings changed. By 6pm that evening, I was discharged and my good friends Gina and Hal came to spring me.
I met some wonderful people during my stay at QCHMaryna, her husband, Sasha, and their 7-yr old daughter, Sophia. Axie LOVES Sophia. I think it's mutual. I must remember to send the Birthday Card I picked out for my room-mate, Mary. Her birthday is December 6th. She lives in Pembroke but hopefully we will see each other again soon.
So I've been off work since the 9th of December and besides the brief stay away, I have been at Axie's beck and call. He and I have been getting along so well. He did not pull as much on his lead when he knew I was unwell. I think he sensed something was amiss. On Monday, 28th, I have to go back to work again. I've missed it there but know I'll miss The Axe-Man more than ever, once I return.
My weight was fluctuating all over the map during this time. I think I have things back to normal again. I'm currently at a loss of exactly 36lbs. I will try to remain at that weight 35lbs ~ give or take ~ through the winter and once spring rolls around, I push for the final 15lbs before 9th June.
I spent yesterday decorating for Christmas. Still have to stow away all the empty boxes and tidy up but that's what the weekends are for... well around here anyway. Glad I finally feel well enough to do it! Oh and watched, "It's A Wonderful Life" while decorating. Have "Holiday Inn", Miracle on 34th St. (Classic and Newer Versions ~ both), and "White Christmas" still to watch. Yes I love the old Classics!
Hope you take some time for yourself during the marvelously hectic time of year. Oh... and remember the SNOW TIRES! (That too, is another story.)
Merry Christmas One and All!
Sue
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wow... Didn't know so much time had passed...
What a great day I had. House Cleaned. Laundry Done, Dog "weekend-groomed" which includes filing of nails... as well as the daily brush, comb, eye-cleaning, and teeth-brushing. Sock Drawer cleaned out... Underwear Drawer cleaned out. Axie taken in to work for a romp with the Saturday Staff, Nicholas Sparks paperback finished. Dinner completed. OK.. My day might not have been up there on the excitement factor list alongside meeting Barbara Striesand but still! I'm proud of my accomplishments and am happy that I can laze around (between dog-walks) tomorrow and not feel guilty.
Only thing left on the agenda tonight is one final walk and turning the clocks back. Oh another thing I did today... FINALLY remembered to speak to my neighbour about turning off her radio alarm when she is not spending the night at home on the weekends. She's happily in love (Even I can hear their bells ringing in the distance.) and stays with her boyfriend some nights. During the week, I get up before she does so when her alarm goes off, I hear it but am usually up and already at'em. On the weekend, though, I don't want to hear her music through the wall at 6:15am. I'm usually hoping I can sleep in until 7 or 7:30. Today I remembered to speak with her. She was extremely apologetic, not knowing that I could hear her alarm in the first place. Yup thin walls. Won't tell you what else I hear. I did mention she's happily in love... but forgot to say that her boyfriend stops over at her place some nights. LOL
As far as weight loss program is going, I'm curbing it for a bit. 31.4lbs and am in a holding pattern. There is a very good reason for this... Finances. Now I've reached the far end of my closet and would need to buy new clothes if I lose much more weight. Spring and Summer clothes are less expensive and then I'll have an extra 6 months to win LottoMax.... I've been buying one ticket a week for only 6 weeks and have already won 2 free tickets. My tickets from now on will be with my own numbers. I have my reasons. Anyway... that seems about the only way I'll ever be able to afford a new wardrobe. and then I can get the last 20lb-monkey off my back.
Besides... It's too freakin' cold out to be eating like a rabbit now. I need hot food to help stay warm. We have had our Smart Meters turned on by Ottawa Hydro. Today is the first day I would allow myself to turn on the heat.... Yup, my place is heated electrically. Have had about 1/2 a dozen days so far where there was frost on the cars that needed scraping... even at 9am. Yup Cold... but don't want to use the heat as peak-hour rates changed to "Winter" on Nov 1st and so peak rates are from 7am to 11am (weekdays only) and again from 5pm to 7pm (weekdays only). Note today is SATURDAY - OFF PEAK all day. I've been getting up well before 6am to shower and wash my hair... Need time for the hot water in the tank to fully heat BEFORE 7am. And to Dry my hair... but only wash it 2 times a week now to conserve. Nope... don't consider myself an environmentalist. Just trying to keep a roof over my head so keeping tabs on my money.
Even Axie is finding in cold indoors. He's actually cuddling up to me now... On the couch when I'm reading and in bed. Never used to do that. I've decided to ignore the reason behind his closeness. Just happy that its happening. I'm cautiously looking forward to my hydro bill mid month. If it's not lower, I'll be raising a HUGE stink. Heck I only use my computer once per day now and not only turn it off but unplug it AND unplug the wireless adapter (I noticed it was very warm on day even though my computer was not on.) when I'm not using them. Soon I'll be buying only the fresh food I can consume in a couple of days and will unplug my fridge too. There's really not that much in there.... about a quarter full and much of it does not need to be in the fridge in the winter months now that I have a VERY Cool Home. OK... so you caught me!.... Dieting and keep butter in the fridge. What's that all about? LOL. The key is to not make a pig of the fattening (Good) stuff. Use SPARINGLY... and be sure to enjoy what small amount you do consume... and trip the guilt to the curb!
Hmmm.... Wonder if I can convince the Axe-Man to have his last walk now... instead of in an hour or so.... Doubt it.... especially since we get an extra hour sleep tonight. His poor little bladder might bust. He's such a good dog about that. Never makes a mess. He showed me his limits years ago and I don't expect him to last beyond that. He's good for 10.5 hours. I'm proud of that and of him! Pushing him past that would not be fair... That would be equivalent to someone telling you that no matter WHAT you've consumed, you're not allowed to use the Ladies/Gents for 10.5 hours. Could YOU do it? I couldn't! Yup, Axie is a great dog.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend, is still with their programs and REMEMBERS to turn their clocks back an hour... Well, here in North America anyway.
Sue
Only thing left on the agenda tonight is one final walk and turning the clocks back. Oh another thing I did today... FINALLY remembered to speak to my neighbour about turning off her radio alarm when she is not spending the night at home on the weekends. She's happily in love (Even I can hear their bells ringing in the distance.) and stays with her boyfriend some nights. During the week, I get up before she does so when her alarm goes off, I hear it but am usually up and already at'em. On the weekend, though, I don't want to hear her music through the wall at 6:15am. I'm usually hoping I can sleep in until 7 or 7:30. Today I remembered to speak with her. She was extremely apologetic, not knowing that I could hear her alarm in the first place. Yup thin walls. Won't tell you what else I hear. I did mention she's happily in love... but forgot to say that her boyfriend stops over at her place some nights. LOL
As far as weight loss program is going, I'm curbing it for a bit. 31.4lbs and am in a holding pattern. There is a very good reason for this... Finances. Now I've reached the far end of my closet and would need to buy new clothes if I lose much more weight. Spring and Summer clothes are less expensive and then I'll have an extra 6 months to win LottoMax.... I've been buying one ticket a week for only 6 weeks and have already won 2 free tickets. My tickets from now on will be with my own numbers. I have my reasons. Anyway... that seems about the only way I'll ever be able to afford a new wardrobe. and then I can get the last 20lb-monkey off my back.
Besides... It's too freakin' cold out to be eating like a rabbit now. I need hot food to help stay warm. We have had our Smart Meters turned on by Ottawa Hydro. Today is the first day I would allow myself to turn on the heat.... Yup, my place is heated electrically. Have had about 1/2 a dozen days so far where there was frost on the cars that needed scraping... even at 9am. Yup Cold... but don't want to use the heat as peak-hour rates changed to "Winter" on Nov 1st and so peak rates are from 7am to 11am (weekdays only) and again from 5pm to 7pm (weekdays only). Note today is SATURDAY - OFF PEAK all day. I've been getting up well before 6am to shower and wash my hair... Need time for the hot water in the tank to fully heat BEFORE 7am. And to Dry my hair... but only wash it 2 times a week now to conserve. Nope... don't consider myself an environmentalist. Just trying to keep a roof over my head so keeping tabs on my money.
Even Axie is finding in cold indoors. He's actually cuddling up to me now... On the couch when I'm reading and in bed. Never used to do that. I've decided to ignore the reason behind his closeness. Just happy that its happening. I'm cautiously looking forward to my hydro bill mid month. If it's not lower, I'll be raising a HUGE stink. Heck I only use my computer once per day now and not only turn it off but unplug it AND unplug the wireless adapter (I noticed it was very warm on day even though my computer was not on.) when I'm not using them. Soon I'll be buying only the fresh food I can consume in a couple of days and will unplug my fridge too. There's really not that much in there.... about a quarter full and much of it does not need to be in the fridge in the winter months now that I have a VERY Cool Home. OK... so you caught me!.... Dieting and keep butter in the fridge. What's that all about? LOL. The key is to not make a pig of the fattening (Good) stuff. Use SPARINGLY... and be sure to enjoy what small amount you do consume... and trip the guilt to the curb!
Hmmm.... Wonder if I can convince the Axe-Man to have his last walk now... instead of in an hour or so.... Doubt it.... especially since we get an extra hour sleep tonight. His poor little bladder might bust. He's such a good dog about that. Never makes a mess. He showed me his limits years ago and I don't expect him to last beyond that. He's good for 10.5 hours. I'm proud of that and of him! Pushing him past that would not be fair... That would be equivalent to someone telling you that no matter WHAT you've consumed, you're not allowed to use the Ladies/Gents for 10.5 hours. Could YOU do it? I couldn't! Yup, Axie is a great dog.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend, is still with their programs and REMEMBERS to turn their clocks back an hour... Well, here in North America anyway.
Sue
Sunday, October 2, 2011
God... IF you are truely out there... I could use some assistance.
Hello Followers (few and far-between),
Holy Freakin' Crap!... Was that an expletive? Well it is for good measure!
I have had an INTERESTING week to say the least. An appointment at the bank found that I have 50,000 dollars more to deal/play/work with than in 2007. I'm writing about borrowing here... not My actual money. It is weird though as my raises have amounted to LESS than the cost of living... Something about interest rates being much lower. (I'd be embarrassed to state my actual income but you Bean-counters can tally it quite easily, I'm sure.)
Anyway, I've come to the same conclusion that many before me are prepared (or not) to admit. I am "COMFORTABLY BROKE."
I'm sure many of you would not Kowtow to defeat as I appear to have done... but with a roof over my head and a job that I ENJOY, I'm far from complaining. My bank is willing to give me a loan that suits them but in 5 years will likely NOT suit ME. Will have to re-think my options. Sorry Shanta.
Weird! On another note, I've decided to re-enact my membership to "Meet Market. Com". So FREAKIN" vulgar... but still... and I've updated my profile. Thankfully at no expense.
On the brighter note... Have FINALLY made it to "30lbs LOST." A few HOURS outside of my goal but I'm happy to have arrived!
Not sure if 40lbs, within the month of October, is healthily within my grasp... so know that I'm working towards IT and will be ecstatic if I CAN reach it. (Extra wine enabled me to honestly fill out my Meet Market questionaire and I did not record it on my daily LoseIt Chart.) Maybe 37.5lbs is a more realistic goal now that the colder months are approaching. I'll need to eat warm food which appears to contain more calories than rabbit food.
Success to all followers... Especially those below the 49th parallel (Canada)!!!
Holy Freakin' Crap!... Was that an expletive? Well it is for good measure!
I have had an INTERESTING week to say the least. An appointment at the bank found that I have 50,000 dollars more to deal/play/work with than in 2007. I'm writing about borrowing here... not My actual money. It is weird though as my raises have amounted to LESS than the cost of living... Something about interest rates being much lower. (I'd be embarrassed to state my actual income but you Bean-counters can tally it quite easily, I'm sure.)
Anyway, I've come to the same conclusion that many before me are prepared (or not) to admit. I am "COMFORTABLY BROKE."
I'm sure many of you would not Kowtow to defeat as I appear to have done... but with a roof over my head and a job that I ENJOY, I'm far from complaining. My bank is willing to give me a loan that suits them but in 5 years will likely NOT suit ME. Will have to re-think my options. Sorry Shanta.
Weird! On another note, I've decided to re-enact my membership to "Meet Market. Com". So FREAKIN" vulgar... but still... and I've updated my profile. Thankfully at no expense.
On the brighter note... Have FINALLY made it to "30lbs LOST." A few HOURS outside of my goal but I'm happy to have arrived!
Not sure if 40lbs, within the month of October, is healthily within my grasp... so know that I'm working towards IT and will be ecstatic if I CAN reach it. (Extra wine enabled me to honestly fill out my Meet Market questionaire and I did not record it on my daily LoseIt Chart.) Maybe 37.5lbs is a more realistic goal now that the colder months are approaching. I'll need to eat warm food which appears to contain more calories than rabbit food.
Success to all followers... Especially those below the 49th parallel (Canada)!!!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
What a Fantastic Day!
Now hang on. I did not win a lottery, nor did I complete a manuscript for that book I said I'd have published by the time I was 50... (Silly me!)
Today, I woke a bit late. The sun was up ahead of me for a change. Axie trotted into the bedroom, hopped up onto the bed, via the steps I made him, stood on my chest and gave me a quick lick on the nose. I love when he does that. He's not a slobbery dog and he's rarely demonstrative with his affection (Typical Male in that regard). I know our day has started off perfectly on the rare occasion that he behaves this way.
After a bit of cuddling, another thing Axie does not usually approve of, we got up and I prepared his breakfast. While he ate, I dressed. Outdoors by 7:20am and went for an amazing walk on some paths of the Greenbelt. Back home and time for weigh-in. This is a schedule I've been following since my weight loss venture began. Walk~Weigh. I have weighed myself EVERY DAY since July 1st. Today something else to make it a Fantastic Day.... loss of 0.8lbs... but something tells me it's all water. Oh well. So much better than gaining 0.8lbs.
I followed that up with MY breakfast while Axie kept nudging me in the calf with his nose to go play with him. This time I got MY WAY and he had to play with his squeaky toys by himself. By 9:00am, I was nearly knee deep in Peanut Butter! I baked 21 DOZEN Peanut Butter Cookies today. Tomorrow I will turn these individual cookies into Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies ~ the same recipe I brought to the Hog and Cobb in July. So much easier to bake in the cooler weather. Today held only a 17C high but on July 23rd, it was 29C with the humidex reading of 37C.... What-the-Crispy-Crunch was I thinking??? Today, I actually enjoyed baking.
Did I mention that Axie got bored of me and my baking even though he got to lick out the two 1-kg PB Jars that I emptied while making the cookies? This is what he was doing.... on the dining room table... aka... my desk.
We stopped around noon as nature called Axie, therefore Moi, outdoors again. We had a short walk and when we came back, I had lunch. I didn't feel like turning the oven back on even though I still had about 6 dozen cookies to bake so I asked.... yes.... I asked the Axe-Man if he'd like to go to work with me. This is where he gets to run loose on carpet... and man... can the little guy ever fly! He loves going in because everyone dotes on him AND gives me their STRESS BALLS to throw for him. I packed up his water and a few treats and some cookies (4 dozen) and in we went.
Yup, That's my boy on my messy desk. We've been pretty busy lately... thankfully! Oh.... and note the evidence that once there was a stressball in his vicinity...
He was zonked in about an hour. I thought it would be the perfect time to make a quick trip to the Dollar Store as I'd no containers for 21 dozen cookies! My dog squealed his bloody head off as I walked away from the car and I could hear him as I entered the store.... and that was 50 yards away. He had water, the windows were rolled down slightly and it was only 17C and partly cloudy by then... not too hot but my little monster is spoiled. I never, until now, leave him in the car. Here's me thinking he'd sleep and hardly notice I was gone. Nope. Still squealing when I came out with containers, 10 minutes later.
Well now the cookies are all baked and I'm supposed to be sealing them up until tomorrow, when I'll add the filling.... In case you'd like to know how to dress up YOUR PB cookies, Whip together: 8 ounces of Cream Cheese, 1/2 Cup PB, and 1/2 Cup Icing Sugar. That's it... Spread it on back of one cookie, Slap that to the backside of another cookie and you will get rave reviews too!
With all the temptation, I did not waver... Yet LOL. Twice I found myself cleaning off my index finger by way of my mouth. As soon as I realized what I had in my mouth tasted gloriously sinful, I promptly spat the demon dough into my kitchen sink! SERIOUS!
The weight loss is still on track. I think I should be able to make my goal of 30lbs by September 30th. I've lost 28.6lbs to date. I've added something into my daily diet that I had banned for the first two months. Each night... if I feel like it... which I ALWAYS do, I enjoy 3 ounces (75 Calories) of Red Wine. This might sound really bizarre, but to make it last longer, I MIX it with 7 ounces of Canada Dry Club Soda. Red Wine Spritzer.
One more walk awaits us so I should be going to get part of it in before dark. I've added a few pics so you can see that a picture really is worth 1000 words, or more where the Axe-Man is concerned!
Hope you are giving yourselves everything you deserve... and that your expectations are within your means.
Sue
(Expecting 2C tomorrow morning Brrrrr!!! Where'd I pack those darn Woolies?)
Today, I woke a bit late. The sun was up ahead of me for a change. Axie trotted into the bedroom, hopped up onto the bed, via the steps I made him, stood on my chest and gave me a quick lick on the nose. I love when he does that. He's not a slobbery dog and he's rarely demonstrative with his affection (Typical Male in that regard). I know our day has started off perfectly on the rare occasion that he behaves this way.
After a bit of cuddling, another thing Axie does not usually approve of, we got up and I prepared his breakfast. While he ate, I dressed. Outdoors by 7:20am and went for an amazing walk on some paths of the Greenbelt. Back home and time for weigh-in. This is a schedule I've been following since my weight loss venture began. Walk~Weigh. I have weighed myself EVERY DAY since July 1st. Today something else to make it a Fantastic Day.... loss of 0.8lbs... but something tells me it's all water. Oh well. So much better than gaining 0.8lbs.
I followed that up with MY breakfast while Axie kept nudging me in the calf with his nose to go play with him. This time I got MY WAY and he had to play with his squeaky toys by himself. By 9:00am, I was nearly knee deep in Peanut Butter! I baked 21 DOZEN Peanut Butter Cookies today. Tomorrow I will turn these individual cookies into Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies ~ the same recipe I brought to the Hog and Cobb in July. So much easier to bake in the cooler weather. Today held only a 17C high but on July 23rd, it was 29C with the humidex reading of 37C.... What-the-Crispy-Crunch was I thinking??? Today, I actually enjoyed baking.
Did I mention that Axie got bored of me and my baking even though he got to lick out the two 1-kg PB Jars that I emptied while making the cookies? This is what he was doing.... on the dining room table... aka... my desk.
We stopped around noon as nature called Axie, therefore Moi, outdoors again. We had a short walk and when we came back, I had lunch. I didn't feel like turning the oven back on even though I still had about 6 dozen cookies to bake so I asked.... yes.... I asked the Axe-Man if he'd like to go to work with me. This is where he gets to run loose on carpet... and man... can the little guy ever fly! He loves going in because everyone dotes on him AND gives me their STRESS BALLS to throw for him. I packed up his water and a few treats and some cookies (4 dozen) and in we went.
Yup, That's my boy on my messy desk. We've been pretty busy lately... thankfully! Oh.... and note the evidence that once there was a stressball in his vicinity...
He was zonked in about an hour. I thought it would be the perfect time to make a quick trip to the Dollar Store as I'd no containers for 21 dozen cookies! My dog squealed his bloody head off as I walked away from the car and I could hear him as I entered the store.... and that was 50 yards away. He had water, the windows were rolled down slightly and it was only 17C and partly cloudy by then... not too hot but my little monster is spoiled. I never, until now, leave him in the car. Here's me thinking he'd sleep and hardly notice I was gone. Nope. Still squealing when I came out with containers, 10 minutes later.
Well now the cookies are all baked and I'm supposed to be sealing them up until tomorrow, when I'll add the filling.... In case you'd like to know how to dress up YOUR PB cookies, Whip together: 8 ounces of Cream Cheese, 1/2 Cup PB, and 1/2 Cup Icing Sugar. That's it... Spread it on back of one cookie, Slap that to the backside of another cookie and you will get rave reviews too!
With all the temptation, I did not waver... Yet LOL. Twice I found myself cleaning off my index finger by way of my mouth. As soon as I realized what I had in my mouth tasted gloriously sinful, I promptly spat the demon dough into my kitchen sink! SERIOUS!
The weight loss is still on track. I think I should be able to make my goal of 30lbs by September 30th. I've lost 28.6lbs to date. I've added something into my daily diet that I had banned for the first two months. Each night... if I feel like it... which I ALWAYS do, I enjoy 3 ounces (75 Calories) of Red Wine. This might sound really bizarre, but to make it last longer, I MIX it with 7 ounces of Canada Dry Club Soda. Red Wine Spritzer.
One more walk awaits us so I should be going to get part of it in before dark. I've added a few pics so you can see that a picture really is worth 1000 words, or more where the Axe-Man is concerned!
Hope you are giving yourselves everything you deserve... and that your expectations are within your means.
Sue
(Expecting 2C tomorrow morning Brrrrr!!! Where'd I pack those darn Woolies?)
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