whatever works . . .

These are all photos of food or drink . . .

Taken with my phone . . .

And then texted to my daughter . . .

No matter how small . . .

Or time of day . . .

If I put it in my mouth (and subsequently swallow it) . . .

I send a picture of it to Joc.

Pretty odd, huh? Well, I can't knock it! She suggested instead of writing down everything I eat, to take a PICTURE of everything I eat instead. I suggested that I needed a lot of accountability and encouragement, and asked if she were up to it. She said as long as I sent her *everything* she would be there for me, so I did. Don't knock it, though . . . I've lost 10.8 pounds this first week! Isn't technology fun? And fyi...the pink glass with the 8 oz. marked on it is my water glass. Yes, I even send her a photo every time I get a new glass of water. Haha--good thing we have an unlimited text plan!

On a much more primitive level, here's a couple of fun things we've pulled out of the creek recently:

This old snapping turtle did NOT want to let go of the cage. Mind you, he wasn't stuck, he was hanging on! He was trying dearly to get to the minnows and crawdads that were on the inside! Do you see his tail? It's wicked long.


And speaking of crawdads, this is about the biggest I'll fool with 'em. Any bigger than that and Todd can deal with 'em! I can't wait until Sawyer is big enough to go down to the creek and do a little crawdad catching!

:)

double whammy . . .

Word up and weigh in. If that's not a double whammy, I don't know what is!

One of my lifestyle change decisions (not a resolution) was to become more healthy; to eat healthier and to find some way to manage exercise. I'd started this crusade last year, and was making definite headway, when the accident happened and rather up-ended my comfy little world.

I'm guessing that some weight loss would put less stress on the right ankle, and therefore make it a little less painful to bear weight on it. It's a little bit of a catch-22, though. I can't do any weight-bearing aerobic exercise, which limits me pretty much to swimming and cycling. Since we're in the RV, having a stationary cycle at home is out of the question, which means joining a gym. Ugh. It irks me not a little to have to pay for a gym membership to get on a single piece of equipment, but there it is. I need it desperately!

Of course, exercise isn't THE answer, it's only part of the answer. The other part definitely has to do with my eating choices. Ugh. LOL! What, how much, when . . . *sigh*. I wish this part was as simple as giving the gym a check and showing up daily. It'll definitely take more work and planning, but it will also bring the most benefit, too.

To this end, I linked up with A Ditchin' Time Quilts, and the Wednesday Weigh Ins! Accountability is good for me -- if I know I'm going to be recording a number somewhere publicly, I'll want it to be a good number!

So, on Wednesdays I'll be updating and getting that number over to Stephanie's blog. Yay! Lots of little steps, over a long period of time, equals progress!

I did say double whammy, didn't I? The Charming Chatter has it that 2011 will be the year of the 'word'. What word? Whichever word best suits you! The object is to choose a word that you'd like to see reflected in your life in the coming year - a word to visit periodically, and to focus on throughout the year!

Kelly, Charming Chatter blog owner/author, noted that coming up with a word was a little more difficult than she'd anticipated. She was told to be patient and that "the word would choose" her!

My word JUMPED out at me, I didn't even have to think twice about it.

C O N N E C T

I don't know the full connotations of it yet, but off the top of my head, I'm thinking . . .

. . . Connect to a healthier life style . . .

. . . Connect to family and strengthen those loving bonds . . .

. . . Connect to a deeper relationship with my Lord & Savior . . .

. . . Connect to my quilt guild by helping on a committee . . .

. . . Connect to my stitcher's group by attending more events . . .

. . . Connect to a gym. Ugh . . .

. . . Connect my ankle/heel/foot together better. LOL!

What word suits you best? Click on the Word Up graphic above to visit the Charming Chatter "Word Up" post! Everyone's welcome to join in!

:)

saturday workday . . .

What's the old saying? There's no rest for the weary and the wicked don't need none!

Ummm . . . I'm not going to ponder where I fit into that statement. Perhaps I shouldn't have opened that way!

My weigh in was less than satisfactory this morning. Perhaps it's because I was already dressed and had eaten breakfast. I've been so *painfully* good, it really aggravates me. Perhaps I should have my thyroid checked. LOL! Because it would be so nice if something were "wrong" with me. Good gravy. Sometimes my line of thinking can be a bit bizarre! (I don't *really* want anything to be wrong with me. I'd just like to lose 2-3 pounds per week. So there.)

Anyway, it's 8:12 and the cars are starting to make their way into the camp for the MACOBA (which, by the way, stands for MAdison COunty Baptist Association) work day! I fed Todd (and me) a good, hearty omelet and sausage breakfast, and we had multiple cups of Keurig coffee, so we're armed and ready!!

Unfortunately, it looks like the rain is on their heels, but they are going to give it all they've got in the meantime!!

While they put up the shed and get our new site leveled (among other things), I'm going to take down Easter and put up "standard". I need to mess around in the basement and rearrange some of our totes (and label them) so I can get in and out of my *stuff* more easily. Then, provided the weather stays at bay, I'll help get lunch together for the volunteers, serve, and clean up!

The forest continues to get greener and denser. The air up here smells *so* good! God's handiwork is ever evident. How blessed I am!

Onward!

:)

it's been . . .

. . . way too long!

But gosh, I've been so, so busy!

So, Joc and I headed to Atlanta on Friday night. We had a great drive down and got to talk about all sorts of things that moms & daughters talk about. We were late getting to the hotel --it was about 9:30-- and the lobby was filled with women who were obviously also checking in for the Beth Moore conference! There were two staff at the hotel counter, and you could tell they were feeling a little overwhelmed. The hotel was booked full, and those guests waiting to check in were the last of the occupants! I admit I was just a tad anxious as we waited, but I had spoken to Lisa (who happened to still be there) to confirm our reservation earlier in the day, and had called and spoken to her again when I realized we weren't going to make it by 9:00 pm. We finally got our turn, and we were checked in without incident! And we had a *beautiful* room on the ground floor! Joc & I were so excited!

Anyway, we dropped our bags and headed back out to grab some dinner (which we'd skipped in the interests of getting to the hotel as soon as possible). We went to Arby's and as we were leaving, Joc suggested that we get the two hotel employees a dessert turnover. So we did. And when we got back to the hotel, we dropped them off, just thanking them for all their hard work.

We went directly to bed. With books. Joc had one she's reading and she'd brought one for me -- a new one by Francine Rivers, called Her Mother's Hope. I hated putting it down to turn off the light! The next morning, I got up first (and pretty early), took a shower, got some coffee, and proceeded to read the book until Joc got up at 7:00!

When we went to check out, both of the same workers from the night before were still at the desk. (??!!) They were both really appreciative of the turnover gesture; Lisa mentioned she'd skipped dinner and so it was really good! :)

We drove over to First Baptist Woodstock and got parked and settled. It was a super-great conference!!! First we worshiped with Travis Cottrell, and then Beth came up. She alternatively had me laughing and crying and laughing. She so cracks me up! I had read the book coming into the conference, but there's something about hearing Beth live that is just good to me.

We headed home (after sitting for close to two hours in the PARKING LOT) and managed to drive into one of the worst storm systems we've had in a year. But we managed. Joc talked me through it. Luckily (thankfully) she got herself a caffeine-laden drink on the way home, so she didn't sleep through the drive. I needed her awake!! :)

Sunday was church and afterward we invited some friends out to the RV, after picking up some BBQ. It was a lovely and quiet afternoon. Later that evening I got a call from Kim...

And so I got to watch Sawyer on Monday! We had a fun morning, he and I, and then I came home and, um, finished that Francine Rivers book. Which made me *really* angry, because I turned the page expecting to see a new chapter, and it was the END! And the sequel isn't due out until the fall!!!!! Argh!!!!

Weight-wise I'm doing very well. I was very well-behaved over the weekend, even though we were traveling!! Yay!!

And...on a quilting note...I had a surprise in the mail!!!

Well, perhaps I'll blog that in its own sweet little post.

:)

this and that . . .

I haven't referenced my new, healthy lifestyle in several days, and I think it's worth a mention. I'm so excited at how relatively easy it's been! I think, for me, the no sugar, no breads (starches) has really paid off in these first two weeks. The cravings have noticeably gotten less maddening, and the time between them increases. Yes!! The vending machine has not had any pull on me this week, even when I was stressed. That, my friends, is of God! As is the weight loss . . . and it's happening! Whoohoo! That's definitely His; I'm giving Him the glory for it all.

Speaking of which, I shared a couple of weeks ago my desire to be involved with the women's ministry at our church. Sure enough, they brought me on board. And what's first?? I had to laugh, God does have such a sense of humor . . . they asked me to lead or co-lead a Bible study on weight loss! I'm not quite sure what it's called; just that I've been called. :)

My camera broke. Pooh. Luckily, when we bought it, we went ahead and got the extended warranty! So Tuesday evening I ran it over to Best Buy, where they told me it would be 2-3 weeks before I'd get it back. Pooh again. There have been so many things I'd have gotten pictures of in the past couple of days! Yesterday morning, for example, in the platform bird feeder out the picture window, there was a blue jay, a cardinal, and a goldfinch! All *three* primary colors in one feeder!! That is incredibly rare and I would have loved to have shared the moment with you. Alas.

I also *really* wanted to take it with me this weekend!!! Joc and I are going on a ROAD TRIP!! Tomorrow evening we're headed to Woodstock, Georgia (right outside of Atlanta) for a Beth Moore conference, So Long Insecurity! I have *never* been to a live Bible study of hers--although she did make a personal appearance with Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer when we went to see a simulcast of them--but this is *different*! I believe she is filming this one for a new weekend Bible study. Yay!

The event itself is long sold out, according the website, but it's being simulcast all over the place. Joc & I are going down Friday night and staying overnight so that we can be out there bright and early when the doors open, so we can get great seats! I'm so very excited. I got the book when it was released and read a long through it with the LPM's Blog Bible study.

So anyway, big things planned, no camera to post photos, life goes on . . .

:)

roughing it . . .

No. This is not a 'wilderness' post. This is a dieting post. 'Nuff said? :)

This is day five. I'm pretty excited about that. Five days without sugar and starches? Five days without any real chocolate?!? {Sugar-free fudgsicles do NOT count as real chocolate.} I'm actually quite darn PROUD of myself! It has not been too difficult, although there have been some wishful moments . . .

Todd's been gracious enough, for these first two weeks, to do without pasta/rice/potatoes with his dinners, so that I don't have to cook them but not eat them. In a compromise, I've gone ahead and prepared a bread for him. Saturday night, when he was mopping up his plate with a roll, I was a little envious!

On Monday we were going to go out to breakfast to Cracker Barrel, which I know is a carb-conscious friendly restaurant. Their power was out (????) so we went to Blue Plate Diner instead. Ummm, this place is NOT dieting friendly AT ALL!! I had an omelet stuffed with veggies, which was very good, but Todd's breakfast came with a biscuit (and pancakes and hash brown casserole), which I just *love*! I was seriously envious that day.

Okay. Just the fact that I'm envious of bread tells me I'm taking the right steps by eliminating them from my diet temporarily, to get my cravings {addiction} under control.

Today, back to day five, is a little tougher. It hasn't been a difficult day work-wise, but I am *really* battling the cravings! It would be SO very easy for me to put two quarters in the snack machine (which sits around the corner, less than ten feet away) and pull out a Dove Bar or Cheetos (or both). And I'm here. At work. Stuck. I can't run from the MACHINE!

But then I pull up pictures of my precious Sawyer, grin to beat the band, feel a little moisture gather at the corners of my eyes, and get it back under control.

Because he's worth it. And so am I.

:)

I know . . .

. . . I said yesterday that I wouldn't use this blog as a forum for new lifestyle. But hey, it's *what* *I'm* *doing*! And you know how when you start something like this, it pretty much occupies your thinking for a while? That's where I am.

My MM (mighty man) is so encouraging and willing to do whatever it takes -- even going through these next two weeks without pasta/starches/whatever--to make life easier on me! Isn't he sweet? We sat down over breakfast this morning and planned out our menu for the next week, and then I made out my grocery list and hit the store. I believe this is doable, although I can see that there is going to be struggle with the sugar/bread thing.

When I got to the checkout at the grocery store, chocolate was ALL over the place! It was beckoning, calling, whispering my name!!! And before I could even consider it, a picture of my precious Sawyer popped into my head. I got to babysit him last night, and I was thinking of how important lifestyle change was, if I was going to be grandma to him for a very long, long time. Who needs chocolate? I've got my Sawyer!

Todd & I took a long walk/hike through the woods and over the streams this afternoon. I'm finding such wonderful treasures as natures blooms and grows! It's breathtaking. No, I mean literally, as I hike all over creation, I'm huffing and puffing, trying to catch my breath! LOL! This too shall pass!

Ah, and thank you kindly for all the supportive comments and e-mails over the past couple of days. It's so encouraging to know I'm not going the battle alone. I believe it really does make a powerful difference.

Cheerio!

:)

the battle renewed begins . . .

Over the years, I've tried almost everything. Most every diet, hypnosis, prescription pills, over-the-counter pills . . . I've tried Weight Watchers, Nutra Systems, LA Weight Loss, calorie counting, and the cabbage diet, to name a few. Oh, I could go on and on. Unfortunately, the weight came off, temporarily, but it, too, went on and on.

*sigh*

Enough is enough, right? I promise, I won't turn this into a painful, day-by-day (blow-by-blow) blog of a 'new journey', or anything like that, but I do feel it's worth a mention. Because I'm tired of the battle. I'm not willing (or able) to fight the battle with surgery. And I'm tired of the excess weight. I'm tired of it being a part of who I am!

So. Enough. New approach. Shock therapy (so to speak).

My dd is trying South Beach. I hate to say the 'diet' part, because I know it's not a temporary thing (which is how 'diet' always sounds). It's a lifestyle. Weight Watchers was also a lifestyle (one on which I did *very* well for a season), but it was too easy to cheat the system, if you know what I mean. I struggle really bad with a sugar addiction. I *know* that. I also know that the more sugar you eat, the more you crave. So it really needs to go.

I think--I hope--that perhaps South Beach may be the answer. It's *very* restrictive in the first two weeks, but then, once your body has been relieved of its cravings, it introduces foods back into your plan.

I dunno. All I *do* know is that something needs to change with how I eat, before health-wise, something changes that is out of my control . . . and has to be controlled with surgery or hospitalization or insulin.

So. I'm saying it. I'm changing. I'm taking charge.

I'm scared!

:)

ps. I hate exercise. LOL! :)