June 2: Simple Gifts

[gitfiddle]

Good morning! I'm eager to hear the gift list today. Remember, it doesn't have to be a big production. Sitting for an hour on the porch with a cat in my lap would be a gift some days. I'm still thinking of yesterday's tropical island scented laundry product. That would be a gift "that keeps on giving". :) If nothing else, we might find and appreciate the tiny things that we don't notice under normal circumstances.

I have a dental appointment this morning, so I got to sleep in a bit. Unfortunately, I stayed up correspondingly later, so I got no more sleep than usual.

Breakfast will be a sausage patty and coffee. Lunch will be meatloaf and coffee.

[Belfrybat]

Good morning all! My gift to myself today will be to stay perfectly on plan both foodwise and exercise. I've already mowed for 20 minutes, but will get on the Gazelle in a little while (before it gets too hot).

I just had a nice surprise. I hadn't measured for several months, so did so today and computed LBM. To my surprise, I've gained 3 lbs. LBM since January which with the 5 lb. weight loss, means a total of 8 lbs. of fat gone. I've also lost 2" in waist and hips. :nod: This was really surprising since I hadn't been exercising until this month. I'm a happy camper. :D

[Feelix]

Congrats Belfrybat!

My original gift to myself was to read before I go to sleep but i got an even better gift - DH came to bed early and we chatted instead. It was light and fun conversation but so rewarding and wonderful! There's something to be said about intention!

Today - My gift to myself is going to the fabric store. :-) I plan to leave in an hour. I am also going to sew, take a nap AND live in the moment.

Tonight - I plan on making a Chocolate Banana Protein Shake. I am having Charlie Horse in my calves at night (not fun) and plan to throw a Banana into my diet. I had one last night and had better results (only one leg hurt) AND my bs levels did not take a dive! (Even better news) So here's to protein!

[Ammy]

Good morning!
I'm still sitting in bed, sipping coffee, and slept in on my final day of vacation today so I think that was my FIRST simple gift to myself.

The second one is to get all my stuff caught up for my non-profit meeting this weekend so I don't have to squeeze it in this week after (or during) work.

The final one is to get all my meals cooked/prepared for the week. I'm making a batch of cauliflower (potato) salad and I'll grill some hamburgers and pork chops so I don't have to do any cooking this week. That is what saves me from eating carbs cause I'm not "eating on the fly"!

So, after all that, I will sit and read tonight. I love to sit and read and now that we have a nice patio (and a porch if it's raining), I will end my vacation with time for me.

I will get in some form of exercise today, even if I'm just walking around the block!! It would be SOMETHING!

Oh. I weighed today :cry:, it's not my worst, but it's certainly not good. I have a way to go to get down to my "average" weight...but I can do it. I know that over the weekend we spent a lot of time out in the sun and although I didn't drink nearly enough, I retained a LOT of fluid, so there should be a big drop in the next couple days. The rest of the pounds will need to be worked off!

I'll check in later as to where I'm at with my "self love" today!!

[Ammy]

Oops, forgot to report my food for today!

9am eggs, sausage, toast, OJ
12:30pm ground beef, cheese, cucumber, salad
3:30pm iced latte
6:30pm grilled salmon, asparagus, dreamfields pasta, yogurt

pro: 115
Ecc: 45
Fat: 126
Cal: 1958

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Amy--love the beachy ticker! Fits my summertime mood.

My gift to myself this morning was taking more time to clean stuff out of my closets--goodbye to the skirts that were dragging on the floor (I do like them long, but these are ridiculous since I've lost the weight). I also finally put my long sleeves into space bags, so it had better not get cold again.

I discovered two new things this weekend. I can now use my laptop on my lap, and I can sit in bed and read or watch TV. It may seem small to those who have never been too heavy to do those simple things, but it feels wonderful to me. The dermatitis on my calves is also improving dramatically as the fluid load goes down. And today is day 2 of dropping my Diovan (for bp). We'll see how it goes, but I have my doc's blessing--so it should be good.

Food today--ricotta pancakes for breakfast, not too sure what I'm having for lunch or supper. There's plenty of good stuff in the fridge, so I just need to decide.

Great results, BC.

Carol, any chance you'll get to enjoy your porch soon?

[Peachy]

Well, I'm back after some seriously bad eating. I'm trying to stay on plan and drop the weight I regained. I feel all bloaty and guilty -- but I plan on giving myself the gift of forgiveness.

[Mitra]

That's a great gift to give yourself, Peachy :cool:. We're often far harder on ourselves than we'd ever be with somebody else.

My daily gift comes in two instalments - I've done the postures and breathing part. Meditation will be later. I was intending to do it earlier in the day, but got caught up in other things so that didn't happen. I'm practising finding the middle path between beating myself up because it wasn't perfect, and letting it slip altogether. So far so good :).

[Ammy]

I discovered two new things this weekend. I can now use my laptop on my lap, and I can sit in bed and read or watch TV. It may seem small to those who have never been too heavy to do those simple things, but it feels wonderful to me!


I remember the first time I realized my stomach was not hitting the steering wheel!! I didn't notice until one day I spilled something while driving, and realized it hit my THIGHS and not my stomach roll!!
Yes, it IS wonderful!!! Good for you!!!!!

[maxlharris]

I'm still thinking of yesterday's tropical island scented laundry product. That would be a gift "that keeps on giving".
If it smells like Curacao, that's the gift that keeps giving you nausea. :evil:

Gift #1: Some like bike intervals. It was really nice. Felt the work, but didn't kill myself. Working from the idea that something is better than nothing. Feel warm, still, 4 hours after, so it must be a good thing.

Gift #2: Hot wings and book reading. That's the menu for lunch. Happy days.

I'm simple like that. I just want some me time in a hectic period.

[Claudette]

Hi, y'all,

Peachy, sometimes forgiving ourselves is the best gift.

BC, congrats on increasing the LBM & the inch loss/weight loss.

Today, I am being good to myself by staying on plan & doing my exercise tapes.

JC Penny had a sale, I bought a sport skirt & pants in a size 10, and they fit! :nod:
The top I bought was still a large, but the "girls" still have to be covered untill I drop some more fat there, since losing the 20lbs, I have decreased on top and I am happy.

Well, off to lunch, then off to work on the old house.

My menu:
B- lc cold cereal w/ splash lc hood milk
S- boar's head slice bologna, slice montery jack cheese
Planned:
L- 1/4 th wedge small canteloupe, egg salad on scredded lettuce, few cherry tomatoes, small dill pickles
D- baked chicken, green veggie, green salad, raw cherries for desert.

[gitfiddle]

To my surprise, I've gained 3 lbs. LBM since January which with the 5 lb. weight loss, means a total of 8 lbs. of fat gone. I've also lost 2" in waist and hips. :nod: This was really surprising since I hadn't been exercising until this month. I'm a happy camper. :D
What a nice surprise, BC!


DH came to bed early and we chatted instead. It was light and fun conversation but so rewarding and wonderful! Harmony is something money can't buy. That sounds good, Feelix!


I will get in some form of exercise today, even if I'm just walking around the block!! It would be SOMETHING!
Amazing how good it makes you feel to just get out and do it.


I discovered two new things this weekend. I can now use my laptop on my lap, and I can sit in bed and read or watch TV. Great! I used to keep a list of things I wanted to do but couldn't yet, like fitting into the chairs at Taco Bell, etc. One day I found the list and I checked off almost everything! I'm not getting a new porch, but a new living room. It's going to be next week rather than this week, I'm afraid.


-- but I plan on giving myself the gift of forgiveness.Good choice, Peachy. It's hard because we're our own worst critics. Think of the love and understanding you'd give a friend who let you down and was miserable about it. Now give it to yourself.


I'm practising finding the middle path between beating myself up because it wasn't perfect, and letting it slip altogether. So far so good :). That's also difficult for me, Janet. My ego doesn't like being moderate.


If it smells like Curacao, that's the gift that keeps giving you nausea. :evil: Oh, I'll bet there's a story behind that statement! :nod: Welcome back, Max!


I'm simple like that. I just want some me time in a hectic period.I'm thinking you need time to get acclimated.


Today, I am being good to myself by staying on plan & doing my exercise tapes. Way to go, Claudette. Congrats on the new size tens!

I am in the final week of the school year as far as teachers and students go and it is HECTIC! No time to do normal, everyday work, so I'm behind. It's always this way and it always works out, so I'm not stressing about it, but I am exhausted.

Between dentist office and work, I stopped home and made myself a great protein shake with blueberries and almond butter and cream and supps. That was three hours ago and I'm still sated and my blood sugar is wonderful. I'm with you, Feelix. Here's to protein! :)

[maxlharris]

Quote:
Originally Posted by maxlharris http://proteinpower.com/forum/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://proteinpower.com/forum/forum/showthread.php?p=68930#post68930)
If it smells like Curacao, that's the gift that keeps giving you nausea. http://proteinpower.com/forum/forum/images/smilies/extended/evil.gif

Oh, I'll bet there's a story behind that statement! http://proteinpower.com/forum/forum/images/smilies/extended/nod.gif Welcome back, Max!

They have a giant oil refinery about 1/4 mile from downtown Wilhelmstad. It smells like burning tires when the wind isn't blowing.

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Carol--Hang in there. You're where I was two weeks ago. My best friend doesn't get out of her classroom until next Wednesday, and she's about to start climbing the walls.

[Karole]

Hey, good to see you back Max. Sorry, about the smell of burnign rubber you had to endure. Was the rest of the trip to your liking? Hope so. By the way, when exactly do you and you dw move to Chicago? Surely can't be too much longer.

Peachy, I'm with the rest of them, just jump back in with both feet and let it go. We can't change yesterday, but we can darn sure do something about today !! At least it didn't take you 3 years to get right back here , like it did me !! (I must be a slow learner)

Sounds like every one is doing well with body fat and smaller clothing and
bp meds and blood sugar reading ! We must be doing something right around here, wouldn't you say!!

[Mal Lady]

Wow, great reports from everyone! Sick season must be over :D!! Everyone is reporting in and doing great. I see Max is back and being himself!!!! Yuck, burning tires - how pleasant! There must be something good you can tell us about? I guess we'll wait til you're in a better mood. Relax - take a deep breathe - ahhhhh! So much nicer!

Food is on schedule today.

Bacon, eggs, fruit and whipped cream
Pork, cottage cheese with a little cantalope.
Dinner:?

2 out of 3 - getting better.

Gift to me today is - flowers for my hanging baskets. I can't wait to see how pretty they will look when I get them done.

Sharon

[petra65]

Welcome back Max.

I officially did my module for my board recertification (that class I took at the conference) so I got my official credit tonight. Nice to check that off my to do list. I took another bath tonight and there is always quality dog petting time at my house.

[Anniesnan]

hi, everyone!

my simple gifts today:

started out with my tropical island scented clothes (no, not burning rubber - although, Max, those links were dead to me)
and decided my perfume - brown sugar something ... and I have the lotion, too, so lotioned up

remaining positive at work today despite one of those days
walking at lunchtime with my dd

cooking dinner ... yes, as weird as it sounds. DH started cooking when I went to school at night and I generally cook breakfast and he tends to cook dinner. He had to stay late tonight, so I got to experiment.

I "invented" (maybe/maybe not - maybe it exists:p)
Chicken Agnese

okay, it's basically chicken scarpiello, 'cept I didn't have pickled peppers or any kind of Italian sausage (hot or sweet). So, I stretched my substitutions and
sauteed three strips of bacon, ripped into threes, with three orangey yellow peppers and one itsy, bitsy red one and about 8 cloves of garlic and added in about 1 pound of chicken thighs and 1 pound of large cubes of chicken breast and two pats of butter until the chicken had some color.
Then, I "decorated" the chicken with balsamic vinegar (maybe 2 tsps) and about 1 tsp of lemon juice
added 1 cup of pinot grigio, and 1/3 cup of chicken stock and dumped the whole thing in a pan in the oven for half an hour.

It smelled and tasted so good!
Definitely worth a repeat and, there's breast left over for my lunch tomorrow:D

next was "my" Annie for a couple of hours. We cherish playing hide and seek with her, and just listening to her talking, watching her ride her little tricycle, learning to play hopscotch, etc., but, tonight,
we watched a snail walking up a tree ...
never before have I seen a snail "walking" ... dh & I were as fascinated as Annie ... slinking up the limb of my no longer blooming lilac bush, searching for ??? with his shell on his back ... waving his antennae at us.
and just knowing, that, maybe, someday, she won't be one of those girls who screams eyuck, gross, eeewwwwwwww
she even held his/her shell for a little bit and watched as the snail peeked out, went back in, peeked out again - that's when we put him back on the bush and he began his climb.
I don't know much of anything about snails, except they're GROSS, EYUCK, EEEWWWW, when they are sans shell and you step on them barefooted, but we will soon find out.

sorry about such a long post!
my food was good
eggs/bacon
left over sloppy joes
chicken "Agnese"

[Ammy]

I'm still sitting in bed, sipping coffee, and slept in on my final day of vacation today so I think that was my FIRST simple gift to myself.
DONE

The second one is to get all my stuff caught up for my non-profit meeting this weekend so I don't have to squeeze it in this week after (or during) work.
IT TOOK QUITE A WHILE TO BALANCE THE CHECKBOOK THANKS TO A BIG MEETING WITH A LOT OF CREDIT CARD CHARGES, SO I ONLY GOT THAT PART DONE, BUT THE REST SHOULD BE EASY.

The final one is to get all my meals cooked/prepared for the week. I'm making a batch of cauliflower (potato) salad and I'll grill some hamburgers and pork chops so I don't have to do any cooking this week. That is what saves me from eating carbs cause I'm not "eating on the fly"!
MEALS ARE COOKED AND PRE-MEASURED SO I JUST HAVE TO GRAB AND GO!

So, after all that, I will sit and read tonight. I love to sit and read and now that we have a nice patio (and a porch if it's raining), I will end my vacation with time for me.
I AM JUST NOW SITTING DOWN TO READ.

I will get in some form of exercise today, even if I'm just walking around the block!! It would be SOMETHING!
I WALKED A MILE.

[BlancE]

Claudette, woohoo for you!!! Great news!

Anniesnan, what is that perfume??? I just love Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar line of lotion, etc.

I was reading the posts tonight and since I just read the June challenge tonight, was wondering what I would celebrate today. It finally dawned on me...

My gift today was making time to check in on the board. This is such a gift to have a community of like minds out there.

[Feelix]

My original gift to myself was to read before I go to sleep -
I am on my way to read right now!

Today - My gift to myself is going to the fabric store. :-) I plan to leave in an hour. I am also going to sew, take a nap AND live in the moment.
I went to Walmart first and the craft department is having a Clearance Sale! It was so good I went to 4 Walmart's in our city! I had a great time and spent/saved $$$.

Tonight - I plan on making a Chocolate Banana Protein Shake.
Completely satisfying after mowing the lawn. It was cool, filling and wonderful. I am hoping that the potassium kicks in tonight! I had a Charlie Horse last night that brought me near tears. I followed it up (2 hours later) with the last half of the creamy spinach dish (spinach, cream cheese, bacon bits, parmigiana cheese, garlic salt). TASTY!

[Anniesnan]

[quote=BlancE;68995]Claudette, woohoo for you!!! Great news!

Anniesnan, what is that perfume??? I just love Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar line of lotion, etc.


I wrote it wrong ... it's the same one you like - Warm Vanilla Sugar, not warm brown sugar:eek:
smells heavenly:D
I had it on one day and my Annie came to give me a hug and she said
"oh, Nan, what's that smell?"
I asked her is she liked it and she said
"oh, yes, Nan, Annie likes it"

she's got a nose like a blood hound.
She gave the dog a hug last night and then told him he had very bad doggy breath:D

[gitfiddle]

You people just absolutely rock! :nod: