I can finally change it......

Ok, it took me 22 weeks but I can finally change the tag on the sidebar to read "15 Pounds Lost". 

I was really hoping to be at my goal weight for Big K's  wedding in May but it was moved up to January 1, 2011.  Don't think it's going to happen.  What I am trying for is a total lose of 40 pounds by the wedding. 

I consider myself a professional dieter, I know all of the do's and don'ts (or at least I thought I did), I just don't practice what I preach. 

I found this website call SparkPeople, it's sort of like the weight watchers online program but its FREE.  I have been playing around with it and tracking nutrition and physical activity from time to time.  Just can't seem to get myself motavated enough.  After all, if I'm tracking what I eat I have two choice, neither of which I'm to fond of:

1.  I have to write down every thing I eat, or

2.  I can't eat it.

Now that makes a person start to think before you make that unplanned trip through McDonalds.  I'm admit, I'm weak I LOVE their french fries.  I'm not sure I want to think :p

My sis is doing her second round of "Biggest Loser" at work.  She came in 2nd place during the last round losing by a pound I think.  She is taking this serious and I am very proud of her.  Until....

she actually asked me if I wanted to join the challenge between her and me!  Now that means I have to get serious - I don't like losing to my little sis. 

I have to admit, it really is scary.  I think of all of the negative stuff right away and soon have myself convenced that I will never be able to eat the foods I love ever again.  Now we all know that's not true - but our minds can play such tricks on us. 

I've been working out and slowly taking some weight off but now I need to step it up.  I have been getting encouragemnt all over, I sure it's God telling me to get up off my fanny and take my health seriously. 

So, I am going to take this seriously.  I know I will fall and whine (please bear with me) but I will pick myself up and move on.  It won't be easy, not only is there the physical weight to take off but I also have a lot of mental clutter to over come as well.  I have to change how I think about food and exercise. 

Won't you join me on this journey to a healthier life?

Pictures that make you go "Hummm"

 Fed Ex delievers to the UPS Store????

Maybe it's me but I'm thinking the windows are a little low.

Advice from a retired husband

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Carol Anne. When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Carol Anne to get a full-time job, along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed. Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from golfing about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club, so eating out is not an option in the evening. I'm ready for some home-cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, Boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two, or even three days. That way, she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points..

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half-finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man.. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me, too. . 

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Carol Anne. I'm not saying that showing this much patience & consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I how frustrating women get as they get older. However, Guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly on January 31 of a perforated rectum. The police report says he was found with a Calloway extra-long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip showing, and a sledge hammer laying nearby. His wife Carol Anne was arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 10 minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defense that Ron, somehow without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

Sorry, I couldn't resist posting this email I received.

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER .....

You would learn stuff like this:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When it's in your best interest - practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.  

Take naps and stretch before rising.  Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance and round and wiggle your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout - run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something  you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit closed by and nuzzle them gently.

~Author Unknown~

What's In Your Purse

A Penny:  a reminder that "In God we trust" - Proverbs 3:5

Gold Cord:  to remember that friendship is golden - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Button:  to keep your shirt on.  Patience is one of the seven virtues. - Colossians 3:12 

Rubber Band:  to be flexible. - Proverbs 3:6

Toothpick:  to pick out the good qualities of everyone, including yourself.  Matthew 7:1

Kleenex:  to dry someone's tears, or your own so you can see the tears of others. - John 11:35

Kiss:  to remember love.  - Matthew 22:39

Sick of Gum:  to stick to the Golden Rule.  - Luke 6:31