Amy's Journal: Comments Welcome!

[Amy&Dan]

Tracy, I would love that! We arrive very late on the 15th, how about you?

CJK: Hope you got rid of your candy!
Amy: You're right, the goal making isn't the point, I just need to set them and try my best!

Last two days: struggling, plain and simple. Too busy, too much candy and too cold to walk! We got an artic blast of air, it was a high of about 38 yesterday and that was brief. I was set to walk and started out but it was so freezing, I headed back in after about 10 minutes (it was about 25 at this point). DD was whining and on her scooter, who could blame her? Of course she managed to go and trick or treat later just fine!

I dumped the candy into my neighbor's bag last night but of course my kids came home with a bunch! I threw some of it out but then my daughter started to cry and say I never let her keep her goodies! So I didn't toss much I felt so bad. I have not had one piece today, we'll see. We are seeing a movie Friday night so I'll take some then. I have so much to do today, kids have doctors appointments I know I won't probably get a workout in. I may try the treadmill late in the day providing ds doesn't have too much homework.

Biggest obstacle today to overcome: pumpkin pie! I made one for my stepdad (they came over last night for dinner) and we didn't even cut it. I did cut it this morning and had a very LARGE piece plus a few more bites. Darn! I told the kids to have some for snack today and then its gone. Stepdad didn't want to take any home, I was ready to kill him!

Food today:
Breakfast: pie what else?
Lunch: Beef Chili (made with 94% lean ground beef, no beans), some corn chips (very few) and some shredded cheese (too much).
Trying to drink water. There is so much junk in my house that its hard to not eat it. Threw out the rest of the chips but of course that huge bowl of candy is haunting me! I may just throw a few pieces out at a time when dd is not looking! Thanks for reading, I will get to journals later, I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. Now onto Thanksgiving Lord help me!

 

[honeymo78]

Amy, I know that candy can be extremely tempting. There is plenty of it here at work and it keeps calling my name. The cold weather stinks for trying to get exercise in but at least you were out there for 10 minutes instead of 0.

 

[toystoryduo]

Tracy, I would love that! We arrive very late on the 15th, how about you?

Hey WISH sis,

We leave on the 15th around noon...... I guess that means we'll probably just miss each other by a few hours.

Keep on Keeping on, Amy! Each day is a new day with new opportunities. You can do this! We are cheering you on to VICTORY!

Have a great Thursday!

 

[lovinaz]

I may just throw a few pieces out at a time when dd is not looking!

I do this every year, with every holiday! The kids don't even notice, so DO IT!!! Just be sure you don't leave it on top of the trash where they can see it, you have to be crafty...

The holidays are tough. But remember that Thanksgiving is just another day! Yes, there are all kind of extra goodies available, but no one is twisting your arm and making you eat them. It's just another day, your stomach doesn't magically expand just because it's Thanksgiving! So try to plan out exactly what you are going to eat and stick with the plan. You can have a little of everything, as long as it is A LITTLE. You can get through it!

 

[CACruisin']

Just catching up ... good for you getting on the treadmill, at least it is something. The candy is tough. We have a 48 hour "free for all" then whatever is leftover gets pitched. I know I shouldn't take part in the sugar binge myself, but PB cups for breakfast, butterfinger and some carmelly thing for snack... AmyM is really going to yell at me when I post in my own journal! Luckily it will all be DONE by tonight.

I hear ya on setting goals, but you really have come so far. Just the fact that you are here will make this year better than last year. We are here for each other. I know I am going to need all the support I can get to get through the next two months. Hang in there!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi everyone, I was still having computer problems all week. I got one post to my own journal and then it blew, I wasn't even sure that one made it in but I see it did! This week has had its ups and downs. Can I just say Halloween is evil? I ended up eating way too much candy on Tuesday and Wednesday, woke up with a chocolate induced migraine yesterday so I laid off the sweets! I have so far gotten in 100 minutes towards my 900 minute goal of exercise for NOvember. I need to drink more water, I have slacked off on that a bit. Still drinking at least 60 oz. but not my usual 80 or 100. I can't remember what all I have eaten the last few days but again, its been spotty. I did not weigh in, forgot that kids had dr's. appts on Wednesday. Hoping to go this next week. If not, dd will be back in school the week after that. Having her home is great but not condusive to my schedule! We are seeing the Santa Clause movie tonight and I told the kids to take their bags of candy along and finish it all at the movie! Although, I ate so much of it and with my headache yesterday, I am pretty much over it. But then again, you never know!

I am beginning to panic about the holidays. The food, the baking, the gifts, the money, our trip to WDW, the inlaws coming, my family getting along, the list goes on and on. I told dh we are setting a schedule this weekend. Sort of a detailed to do list of what we need to accomplish. We leave for WDW six weeks from today (yippee) and then we get home very late on the 22nd. On the 24th my inlaws arrive. So I need to get everything done before we leave for WDW so that the one day we have before they get here I am not insane. I don't want to be stressed, I just want to enjoy their visit. Also, inlaws are low key and have little expectations except to be with us. But I stil have to buy and wrap all the gifts (we also have several birthdays in my family and dh's), decorate the house, shop and make Christmas dinner (and Thanksgiving too for that matter). It makes me dizzy to think of it. Every year this happens (except the WDW thing, thats a this year thing only) and we ened up eating way too much fast food. So I am trying to avoid that trap very much.

Hopefully my new computer is working properly. I am caught up on journals now including my own. Thanks for all your support and I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

[lovinaz]

Bummer about the computer problems! Glad you got a new one, we missed your support!

I am going to quote on of my fave Dis movies "DON'T PANIC, DON'T PANIC!!!!!!" That would be A Bug's Life... You have to guess the scene! Just take things one day at a time. I am the Queen of Stressing Out (DH is probably ready to toss me overboard the second we get on the ship) but I have learned that as long as something is not going to kill you or ruin you financially, it's not the end of the world. All your problems are caused by having a family, having the opportunity to take an awesome vacation and having the ability to bake and cook. Be thankful you have those things to worry about because some people don't have that. Maybe if you look at it that way, you'll get a wave of calm and be in a better position to deal with it. Just my 2 cents...

I will miss you next week while I'm on my cruise but I'll check in when I get back! I still owe you some Buckley pix. Hopefully he'll survive a week with my mom...

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

Remember to breathe!!!!

I know, I stress out too, but try to simplify, it makes things so much easier!

You said your inlaws are low maintenance type, that's good. As far as food, could you have things ready, like veggie/fruit trays, sandwich fixings (breads, rolls, meats, cheeses, etc.) that people could help themselves to, and eat when they want, rather than all big formal foods? How about pots of soups?

Ok, that's it for the helpful suggestions. Hang in there and enjoy your weekend.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hey WISH sis,

I'm sorry to hear about the computer problems. I hope that everything is working correctly now.

I hear ya about the holidays.... Last year, we went to WDW around the same time and I was so focused on WDW, I forgot to Christmas shop for the rest of my family! I was running around like crazy the week before Christmas. This year, I won't have that luxury because I will be working and won't have time for last minute stuff.

I think you are far enough away from your vacation that you can break all of the things that you need to do in smaller groups so that you don't get overwhelmed. One of the things I plan to do (keyword being "plan" ) is to have my kids help as much as possible. We are going to make a list of everything that needs to be done before my DD's birthday party and before WDW tonight and then break it down into the days ahead... I hope this makes sense.

In any event, just take a deep breath and do the best that you can. You still have 6 weeks and that's a good thing. Before you know it, you'll have everything done and you'll be on your way to WDW!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

I am right there with you about the weather. Last week was just horrible some days. I don't blame you for walking on the treadmill rather than outside. It was chilly!! Good for you for getting on the treadmill.

The holidays are always a stressful time for a lot of people. I think what you are thinking is only natural. I know DH and I did the same thing this week about making a list of everything that we have to do and buy. Crazy! I enjoy the holiday's but I am always glad when they go away!

Keep up the great work! You are doing a great job!

Have a great day

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you so much everyone. Yes, I am trying to breathe and relax! Its just very tough coordinating dh's family with my family for the holidays. The aunt and cousin who stay with us are great but my fil, well thats a different story! We are putting him up in a hotel (dh's brilliant suggestion) if he even makes it which is up in the air. No way could I have him and his companion here with us for the holidays and dh thankfully knew it. I don't even know where we would put them to be honest! So that was one thing that got taken care of at least. I think what stresses me out is that I do all my mom's shopping, baking, wrapping and decorating. She is simply unable anymore. Last year I got ALL of her presents bought and wrapped and she unwrapped them after I put them under the tree, claiming they didnt' have tags and she didn't know what they were. The joy of Alzheimers. I have told my family that they are to pick easy things like gift cards. DVD's or cd's, I just simply don't have time to hunt for unique things. I think if I just had my own stuff to do, I could handle it. I do need to be thankful that I have these things to do and yet its sad that I have to do some of them. My mom has always loved the holidays and to see her struggle to remember all the details and have to basically do everything for her is not easy. But it will be fine!

I am going to make all of Christmas dinner except the turkey before I leave for WDW. And Kate makes a good suggestion, I am making some soups and chili ahead and sticking those in the freezer for the meals before and after Christmas itself. I like the deli meat/sandwich idea too. Okay, enough about that, I appreciate all your help and suggestions. Oh and one thing (sort of crazy) we put up our Christmas Tree this weekend! We saw the Santa Clause 3 movie Friday night, got in the mood and its up and that is one less thing to worry about! I love the tree as does dh and the kids so now we just have more time to enjoy it. We are keeping the living room blinds shut so the neighbors don't think we are insane!

Food this weekend was a challenge. Movie popcorn for dinner on Friday (and some Halloween candy which I am happy to say is now gone). Saturday was better, we did a ton of running around and put the tree up. I did have some Christmas cookies (yes, Wal Mart had the pre sliced, design in the middle xmas cookies) and egg nog while we put the ornaments on. Sunday we went to friends house for the game and I had: three pieces of pizza, one boneless buffalo tender, one brownie, one lemon square (very tiny) and 32 oz of water and 32 oz of ice tea. So at least I skipped the beer.

Today has been pretty good:
Breakfast: Atkins shake
Lunch: chicken sausage, chicken soup, pudding, applesauce.
Water: 48 oz. so far.
I did 40 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of mowing and raking outside. So I am at 170/900 for the month. Got no exercise in over the weekend. Oh well.

Not sure if I will weigh this week or not. DD is still home and I think having a friend over Tuesday night/Wednesday. Next week she will be back in school which will make getting to my WW meetings a bit easier.

Lastly, I would really like to ask that my WISH friends pray for our friend's son. He is having an angioplasty (sp?) on Thursday. This at best will work until he's 18 (9 years from now) and at worst will not work forcing them to do open heart surgery they don't typically do on a child (bypass) and aren't sure he can tolerate. His name is T. Michael and he is sweetheart. Just looking at his little face last night and knowing that his life is changed forever (he has the heart of an old man) is so sad. But he's got great doctors and he is a trooper. So thanks in advance for thinking of him!

 

[toystoryduo]

Amy,

Of course we will keep T. Michael in our thoughts and prayers. Poor little guy. Please keep us updated on what happens Thursday. God bless him and his family.

I think preparing as much as you can in advance for Christmas is a great idea! I've been thinking about freezing some meals myself for when we get back from WDW. Maybe once the busyness of tomorrow settles down, I can figure some meals out. If you have any easy (and cheap! ) recipes for soups or stews or chilli, please let me know.....By the way, my DH is allergic to poultry so chicken is out.

So was Santa Claus 3 super funny or what? We are going to take my DDs to see it for my DD5's (soon to be 6) birthday. It looks funny!

Hope you have a great week WISH sis!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thank you Tracy, your prayers for T. mean a lot to me and his family.

Food has been pretty good this week. I have been cooking lowfat meals both nights. Yesterday was great with food, I didn't exercise because I got on a cleaning binge. I tore apart closets, started getting stuff in the suitcases for WDW (good to get those more summery things out of the closets anyway). Had to go vote, run dd to choir, go to Sams, cook dinner, help ds with a school project and I was too pooped to walk. Then dd rubbed my feet while I laid on the couch and had a beer. So the beer was not great but oh well. I needed it! Today I will do some more packing and cleaning. Already got my 45 minutes in on the treadmill so thats done. Trying to get the house in order before the holidays and WDW (sound familar Tracy ?). Tonight dh and I are having dinner at Rumbi Grill while the kids are at church. Thats what I picked, cheap and they have two very good salads I love. I am feeling less stressed about the holidays, planning on doing hte bulk of my shopping this weekend. And my fil is not coming, I am sort of sad, it would have been nice to see him yet just add more stress and bodies to deal with! We will see him in June when we head out to CA for our Disneyland trip.

Our friend's son's procedure is tomorrow, just really keeping my fingers crossed, this has to work or it could be very bad. This little guy was in perfect health until he got some weird disease two years ago which caused the offshoot heart problems. So scary and so sad. Thanks for your good thoughts on this Wish friends!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hey WISH sis,

Any update on T.? He has been in our thoughts and prayers today.

Sounds like you are doing a great job this week! Keep up the good work!

Have a fabulous Friday!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Thanks Tracy. T. came through the procedure just fine, it will be a temporary fix. He'll probably need bypass surgery but they need to wait until he's older. For now he's out of immediate danger, thank goodness! Thanks for your prayers.

Food was AWFUL yesterday. Started out making two pans of brownies for a teacher appreciation luncheon. So of course I ate one of those. Then had a Chick Fil A sandwich for lunch plus half order of waffle fries (shared those with dd at least). We were at the mall and now that Edo has gone out of our food court there is no place else I like to eat. Major Bummer. Onward to dinner which we didn't eat until almost 9:00 due to haircuts, waiting for dh to get home and then a long phone call from a friend regarding T and another one from my mom. I was starved. Ate Wendy's, some nasty double cheddar melt burger, fries and a regular coke. No idea what happened. Too much stress, running around, eating too late and I just sort of self destructed. Oh well, done deal, time to move on to today right?

This weekend will be tough as they always are. I am hoping to get some exercise in. DD returns to school on Tuesday so I can begin walking more regularly. Although I have been pretty good at doing the treadmill. But I miss the outdoor walking.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, thanks for reading!

 

[toystoryduo]

Ate Wendy's, some nasty double cheddar melt burger, fries and a regular coke.

Nasty?!?!?!?! I love Wendy's double cheddar melt burgers!!!! Ummm..ummmm.....ummmm..... Yummy!

Seriously, Amy... I'm glad to hear that T. is doing better. I know that he may need a bipass surgery in the future, but thank God that he is out of immediate danger right now. We'll keep the little guy in our thoughts and prayers .... Our God is one of miracles!

Ya know... It sounds like you could use one of our famous outdoor walks! If you get a chance, please try and fit some Amy time in this weekend and take a leisurely walk and imagine you are walking to your favorite spot in WDW. Hey... you know what?!?!? I'll take one of those walks this weekend too... maybe on Sunday! (It's supposed to rain here all day tomorrow.) I'll be heading to the Beach Club ... Where are you headed?

Have a great weekend, WISH sis!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Tracy, I love the mushroom melt burger they have from time to time, this one was jalepeno, and they were not very good thus ruining my cheddar melt fix! I am definitely taking an outdoor walk this weekend, I think that is one of my problems lately, I am missing my outdoor time to walk, pray and reflect! I will walk tomorrow since we are raining on Sunday! I'll be at Saratoga Springs and maybe a stroll through the World Showcase. In my mind for now but in person soon enough! I saw T today and he looked great. Thank you for your prayers, they hit the mark!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy,

How did your Saratoga Stroll go? I managed 45 minutes of walking this morning, but I have to admit I only thought about BCV for a couple of minutes.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

 

[honeymo78]

Hi Amy. Hope you are having a great weekend. How did your walk go? I never thought to pretend I was at disneyworld when I take a walk. I'll have to try it sometime when I'm not on the treadmill reading (that might be hard).

 

[CJK]

Okay, that is PURE GENIOUS to pretend you're walking through WDW. I must try that during my next walk. Would it also work to pretend I'm eating a dole whip at the same time? How was your weekend? Hope you were able to enjoy your walk. Great to hear that T is doing well. It's nice hearing good news like that.

Have a great week!