A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[Jane E.]

Pearlieq, just wanted to wish you a happy NYE! Sorry that your neighbor is such a pain. Before I had children, I always thought puppies were much cuter! I dare ya to dress up your cats for NYE and send her the pics!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq! Happy New Year's!

You are so funny. I think you should look for the cookie recipes, but it is understandle to wonder who will be your neighbor. BTW, yesterday, I was driving down through the neighborhood and saw all the stuff that was put out from Christmas. You're right, it is amazing. Quite sad, in many respects. DD16 was just telling me yesterday how many kids get to use their parents credit cards or have their own. That is very scary. It's not like we live in an extremely wealthy town. I do understand you frustrations with the neighbors and the blinds. Just because you want to be sensible about your money and still have nice windows, does not make you less "invested" in your home. We have been here for 5.5 yrs and I just found window treatments that I really want for 2 rooms. I too find that there are many with mega bills and no savings, but they still continue to shop and complain. It is very hard for me to relate to that, because if I don't have the means or don't want to pay "forever" for it, then I just wait until I have saved a little more. You gotta retire on something or have a cushion for emergencies. But that's me......

The story about you and your DH ending up at two different restaurants is really funny. Maybe not at the time, but it is now. I can imagine, both of you telling the hostess or waiter "he'll/she'll be her any minute, no I don't want to order yet". It's like a bad movie and the waiter is walking away shaking his head thinking "where have I heard that one before?" As frustrating as it can be, these moments make for great stories later.

You did great resisiting the pizza run.

I hope you have a really good evening and have fun with whatever you have planned. See you next year!

 

[Lesli54]

Happy 2006, Pearlieq!

I hope that you had a good holiday, but now it is time to get our plan into gear and weigh less than last year. I was thinking about this weight loss thing last night and getting a little frustrated about not having lost as much as I had originally intended by the end of 2005. But then I remembered that I had lost something and that I did weigh less than I did at the end of 2004........so it's a win and time to continue that into this year. Are you game?

Here's to a wonderful start to your new year!

 

[pearlieq]

1/1/06 - Happy New Year!

Suffice it to say, yesterday and today were both full of revelry that was fun, but can now be put behing me.

I'm very much looking forward to getting back to normal. As much as I enjoy the holidays, I'm anxious to get back to my normal routine.

Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy 2006!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Glad to see you survived the holiday madness. I so totally agree with you, I love the holidays, but it is nice to get back to normal.

I have a feeling that 2006 will be good for both of us.

Here's to a wonderful day!

 

[pearlieq]

1/3/05

9:00am

--1 fig bar
--1 large bowl Panda Puffs

There was a rather large disparity between how things were supposed to go yesterday and how they actually went. I'm trying not to let the same thing happen today, but so far I'm only having a middling success.

Lots to do today. I need to take a package to the post office to return, get invites done for DH's birthday party, run laundry, and try to get to the gym with DH tonight. At least accomplishing things will feel good after the laziness of the past several days!

12:00pm

--1 BK veggie burger w/cheese
--1 med order onion rings
--1 Coke

Does anyone else think it's funny that BK doesn't offer a "small" anymore? Their smallest size is "medium", which, relatively, would make it "small".

I got my package pack to the post office and DH's invitations are done and mostly distributed. I should get going on some laundry. These gray days are so depressing!

2:00pm

--2 sugar cookies, unfrosted

I went over to a neighbors to drop off DH's party invitation and wound up staying for a chat. She had just made sugar cookies from Market Day and offered me a couple. They were amazing! Light and flaky and just perfect. They were even pre-cut! I'll have to remember them for next year.

I do need to go do something with myself now, though I'm not exactly sure what. While I was at the library today they were giving away old issues of magazines so I took some. Maybe I'll put some laundry in and go upstairs to read a few.

6:40pm

--1/2 cup croutons
--1 T raisins

Just a little snack grabbed while waiting for DH to get home with dinner. I'm starving!!!!

7:40pm

--1 PB&J
--1 chocolate milk
--1 3" slice baguette w/butter & jam
--1 chocolate croissant

As bad as this looks on paper, this could have been a heck of a lot worse! That's all I'm saying in my defense...

Today has been pretty good. I've gotten some chores done and even tried to work on my work project, though the technology is not cooperating. I'm slowly learning that it feels better to just tackle things rather than avoid them and worry.

9:00pm

--1 plain bagel
--3T whipped raspberry cream cheese

This is also from my dinner order. Can you tell I was super hungry when I told DH what I wanted? It was good, though I probably could have gotten away without it.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq!

Sounds like you have a busy day planned. I hope it's a good one for you!

Take care!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

It is so nice to hear that your DH is wanting to go to the gym with you. I think that will help the two of you in so many ways. How wonderful!

Staying busy is good, less time to snack. I hope your day goese well.

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

I don't think you day looks too bad yesterday. Your portions looked reasonable and your quick snack was just that, which is a huge step in the right direction. Your going to make it this year, I can just feel it!

Have a wonderful day!

 

[pearlieq]

1/4/06

9:00am

--1 med bowl raisin bran w/1% milk

Well, I woke up hungry today. That's a good sign, right? I've been feeling really sluggish in the mornings lately--the gray outside is wreaking havoc with me, plus I'm having congestion problems so I'm not sleeping as well as I should. Still, at least I feel pretty good today.

I don't have a whole lot to do. My work is slowed down until we can figure out the technical problem I'm having. I need to run out a get a card for a neighbor who just had a baby. I was thinking of going to yoga this morning. That's about it. I may go over to a neighbors this afternoon just to drop of an invitation to DH's birthday party and to catch up.

DH's birthday is next Monday. He decided he wanted to have people over for a game night party. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but invitations are out, so I'm throwing one the Saturday after his birthday! I'm mostly worried about how to keep the kids entertained without them destroying my house. There could be up to 9 kids, and they're all under the age of 8. I'm not sure how well they'll do at supervising themselves so their parents can play games, but I'll do my best to put out things to keep them busy.

At least preparations should be simple. DH wanted pizza, so that and some other munchies, plus his birthday cake should cover food. I'm just going to serve soda, maybe a few beers and wine coolers for the grown ups, and a few juice boxes for the kids. Nothing fancy.

12:00pm

--1 banana
--1 pad thai bowl
--1/2 cup peas

Well, I made it to yoga. I was somewhat disappointed to find that the lady who used to teach the class had a scheduling conflict and had to pass the class on to a new teacher. The new lady was OK, but I had really liked the old teacher. The new teacher taught a much harder class--it used to be Yoga Basics but now it's a regular Hatha Yoga class and I couldn't really keep up. I had to stop and regroup a couple of times, but the instructor came up to me afterwards and encouraged me to keep coming and working at my own pace. I was very pleased to see they're offering several new yoga classes, so I might have to check out a few more. I really enjoy it as both a strength training workout and as relaxation.

After class I stopped by WalMart to start buying party supplies. I got IBC rootbeers since they're one of DH's favorites, Sun Chips, which I'll serve with onion dip, and Tositos Scoops, which I'll serve with salsa. I also got a big container of mixed nuts. I think that and a veggie tray ought to cover munchies for the party. I picked up Chutes and Ladders, Memory, and Connect Four for the kidlets, some new exercise pants for me, and some other things we needed for the house. How come I can never get out of WalMart for less than $100???

3:00pm

--1 sm chocolate candy
--3 or 4 smallish cookies

I wound up spending the afternoon catching up with a neighbor and she plied me with snacks. It was nice to get out.

6:00pm

--1 carton chocolate milk

We had decided to go out to dinner with our neighbor and I was starving so I downed this quickly before we left.

7:00pm

--3 or 4 cheesesticks
--4 or 5 onion rings
--ranch dressing
--1 Banzai garden burger
--a few steak fries
--2 or 3 rootbeers

Wow--this was a mistake!!! At least, believe it or not, it was closer to normal than it has been in a while. We should have only gotten one appetizer, and I should have asked for no mayo on my sandwich and taken it a little easier on the soda, but other than that I'm happy. I was stuffed at the time, though.

9:00pm

--1 mini almond joy
--1 mini snickers

A little sweet treat before heading upstairs to our loft. I forget if I mentioned it, but after 4 of 5 years of lobbying, I finally consented to DH buying a big screen TV. He got a great deal in an after-Christmas sale and he's tickled pink. He just received a new home theater system as a gift, so he spent the night puttering around with that (it will be put in the loft) and I did some reading. It was a nice night and nice to be away from the fridge.

 

[Lesli54]

Just had to make a few suggestions. Not knowing the ages of the kids, take it for what it's worth. Kids love games, so see if you can round up a few kids games that they can play (ask the neighbors for some if you don't have them). If you have twister, they love it! They could go along time on that. Also, Uno Attack is a good one. They may not know exactly how to play, but they love watching the cards fly out. Sorry is also a good one for kids. You could section off an area that is "Kids only - NO Grownups" that way they feel special and they will be more proud to stay in that area if they know that the adults aren't supposed to invade. You can make it one corner of your living room with streamers. Just something that is distinguishable, not too far away that the adults can't keep an eye on them and something that you can easily "kid proof".

If you don't want munchies and juice boxes all over the living room, then designate a place in the dining room or kitchen where the kids can leave their drinks at the table or their snacks. That way they know where they are supposed to eat. Do yourself a favor on the juice boxes, buy Capri Sun or something in the form of a bag, they don't "spill out" as easily upon first opening them.

For DH's 50th, we cleared the living room of most furniture and put up card tables, threw a colored colth on them, and put up pictures of him when he was little as centerpieces (they were on cardstock tha we just put back to back). It made it easy for guest to socialize and the kids could easily play games. The walls were lined with helium balloons, very simple decorations that had a big impact. I think it was the best party I have ever done, especially since it all went up behind his back.

Hope this helps. Your party sounds like fun!

 

[pearlieq]

Just had to make a few suggestions. Not knowing the ages of the kids, take it for what it's worth. Kids love games, so see if you can round up a few kids games that they can play (ask the neighbors for some if you don't have them). If you have twister, they love it! They could go along time on that. Also, Uno Attack is a good one. They may not know exactly how to play, but they love watching the cards fly out. Sorry is also a good one for kids. You could section off an area that is "Kids only - NO Grownups" that way they feel special and they will be more proud to stay in that area if they know that the adults aren't supposed to invade. You can make it one corner of your living room with streamers. Just something that is distinguishable, not too far away that the adults can't keep an eye on them and something that you can easily "kid proof".

If you don't want munchies and juice boxes all over the living room, then designate a place in the dining room or kitchen where the kids can leave their drinks at the table or their snacks. That way they know where they are supposed to eat. Do yourself a favor on the juice boxes, buy Capri Sun or something in the form of a bag, they don't "spill out" as easily upon first opening them.

For DH's 50th, we cleared the living room of most furniture and put up card tables, threw a colored colth on them, and put up pictures of him when he was little as centerpieces (they were on cardstock tha we just put back to back). It made it easy for guest to socialize and the kids could easily play games. The walls were lined with helium balloons, very simple decorations that had a big impact. I think it was the best party I have ever done, especially since it all went up behind his back.

Hope this helps. Your party sounds like fun!

Thank you so much for the tips! I really appreciate it. We should have 2 8-year-olds (both girls), 3 6-year-olds (2 boys, one girl) 3 4-year-olds (two boys, one girl), and one 2 year old girl. That's if everyone comes, of course.

I had forgotten about Twister! I will definitley pick that up too! I was going to give the kids their own room, and I'll definitely take your advice and decorate it up so it's special for them. I'm still trying to figure out where to put everyone. I know DH is looking for a poker game, so I think I'll put the guys in the kitchen. Then I'll set up one room for board games and another room for more group games like Pictionary or the like. Hopefully this all works out!

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[pearlieq]

1/5/06

Well I was hungry as I was falling asleep last night and hungry when I woke up. And a bit of the holiday weight is starting to come off. I think I have some TOM weight in there (can I just say I HATE my pill). So hopefully we're on the right track.

I'm going to get some breakfast here soon, then I have a conference call for work. I'm still having a techical problem, but hopefully that gets resolved soon so I can move foreward. I'm not sure what I'm doing with myself this afternoon. I should get some exercise and maybe stop by the library. Whatever it takes to get out of the house!

9:00am

--1 garden lasagna entree
--1 banana

Conference call time...Ugh!

12:00pm

--1 boca burger
--1 chick'n sandwich
--1 apple
--1 mini almond joy

So far the day has been pretty uneventful. I'll take it. I'm going to be seeing Duane the trainer again tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a good workout. I'm thinking about trying a class tonight. They have a 30 min cardio class that sounds good. I hate cardio, so if I can just get through the 30 minutes, I can check it off my list without too much unpleasantness!

2:00pm

--1 pad thai bowl w/peas
--4 or 5 mini candy bars

And so begins a spate of eating...

4:00pm

--5 mini filled pretzels
--the rest of the mini candy bars (around 10 or so?)

I have this feeling I ate more but I can't remember what.

7:00pm

--2 boca manwiches
--1/2 can green beans
--1/2 can pineapple

9:00pm

--3/4 of my portion of cheese dip
--3 1/2 servings wheat thins

So today wasn't one for the highlight reel. It could have been worse, but what did help me was that there wasn't much in the way of junk in the house. I think I need to go back to a no junk policy--I eat less if I have to go out for it, and if I'm bound and determined to overeat at home at least I have to eat something with some redeeming nutritional value.

DH fixed up a spare computer for me tonight so I finally have my own laptop again. Yay! He's now up in the loft happily hanging speakers in anticipation of his new TV. The kitties and I are hiding in the bedroom.

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Congrats on getting away from the fridge last night. Maybe having the tv so far from the kitchen will work well for the two of you. One can hope right?

Also congrats on getting some of the holiday lbs off. Waking up hungry is a good sign.

Sending you to get your technical problems fixed. Have a good one.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Just wanted to stop by and say hi and thanks for posting on my journal!
have a great weekend!

 

[pearlieq]

1/6/06

I have to meet Duane the trainer this morning. Again I'm dragging my feet about it, even though it's just going to be a weight workout and I don't usually mind those too much. We'll see. I'm sort of hungry, but not really. I know I should get some breakfast before I head to the gym, but I'm not all that jazzed about it.

9:20am

--1 banana
--1 light string cheese

Again, not that enthused about food before heading to the gym. The session with Duane went pretty well. I think I've got the start of a good, comprehensive weight workout. With that, some yoga, and some walking thrown in, I think I might be set.

I've got a whole stable of TOM woes today, so I'm not feeling that great. I'm thinking that the couch and I have a date for the afternoon. I'm not sure what's up for tonight. I think we might just stay in. I have a taste for Chinese, so I'll have to see if I can talk DH into bringing some home. I imagine he'll keep puttering around upstairs for the evening. He's so excited about his TV!

Tomorrow should be fun. I'm not sure what we're doing during the day, but in the evening my company rented out the Museum of Science and Industry for our holiday party. I'm a huge geek and love MSI, so I can't wait! We're still debating whether or not to stay downtown for the night. Maybe I'll try my hand at Priceline...

***************************************************

Oh dear did today take a downturn. I wasn't feeling that great after I got home from the gym and within 2 hours I was in the throes of full-blown stomach flu!

I finally wound up at the ER around 10:00pm because I'd gotten sick about 40 times over the afternoon and was hopelessly dehydrated. It was a 2 hr wait in the ER, and by the end I was praying to whatever diety would listen for a bed and IV.

We finally got called back around 12:00am and they gave me a quart of saline, some pain medicines, and some medicine to stop me from getting sick. I was able to finally get some sleep while the IV ran and I felt so much better when it was finished. They sent me home with some more medicine. I was never so grateful to have someone shove a needle in my arm!!!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Yesterday was another learning day and a reminder of what you want. Today is the chance to continue forward.

I hope your meeting with Duane is a good one. Have a wonderful, wonderful day.

 

[pearlieq]

1/7/06

9:30am

--1 cup jello

This is my first try at anything vaguely food-like since breakfast yesterday. I weighed myself this morning just out of curiosity and I'm 6lbs lighter than yesterday!

I definitely have a new respect for dehydration. I'm a healthy 26 year old woman who weighs over 300 lbs and I was flat on my back after less than 8 hours. I can't imagine how people survived before they could go to the hospital for treatmen! It was so miserable--I was weak and achy and dizzy. It's very scary how quickly that can happen!

Today is definitely a rest day. I may go wild later and try some applesauce, but I'm not pushing anything.

***********************************

The rest of the day was a lot of napping and resting. I did finally have a little bit of applesauce and a packet of plain animal crackers.

I thought I was getting my appetite back in the late evening and I tried a cup of vegetable soup, 2 pieces of white toast, and 1/2 a banana. That didn't sit too well. Probably too much too soon.

 

[Lesli54]

Good evening, Pearlieq!

Ok, we are supposed to be losing in a healthy way, you know the lifestyle change.......uh, the "I'll do anything to get the weight off" was not part of the plan.

Seriously, I hope that you get better soon. Take care.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi there,

Just got caught up, so sorry to hear that you are under the weather. Glad to hear that you are feeling a little better.

I hope you continue to feel better, have a great Sunday.

Jamie