Lesli's Changing Life at 40 Journal

[pearlieq]

Hi!

Lots to catch up on here...

I'm so glad to hear the tax work done! Even better you can see your desk. That's got to feel great to have done and to have more time to spend on fun things.

I really admire your willingness to be honest with yourself (and all of us here ). You're absolutely right--no matter how many justifications we come up with for ourselved, overeating is overeating and WE know when we're doing it.

I'm glad to hear you listened to your body and took a nap. Here's to taking care of your needs, even with everything else going on!

I hope you're having fun planning the Rome trip. Can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[Lesli54]

I kind of forgot that I didn't get on here to journal yesterday. But I did stay busy.

Monday's food was pretty much as written since it was late when I journaled. I don't think that I ate anything after supper, unless it was a piece of chocolate. Water was around 60, I lost track. Went to library board meeting and we awarded the contract to expand! It has been a long long project that started before I got on the board. So that has been my focus and now it is going to happen, so that is exciting.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Breakfast was 1 egg, english muffin, ham, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c hot tea. (I have been working at getting milk back into my diet). AM snack was a banana, I had forgotten how much one banana can fill you up. Lunch was chicken salad on crackers, a little lighter than eating a whole sandwich. My mom came over for lunch. PM snack was a few chips early & 2 thin mints later (those GS cookies might kill me). Went to help unload the Market Day order at the school. Took DS5 & DD10 to a story night for DS's school. Then had to go pick up more cookies because we are selling so many extras around here. So supper was late and I stopped at DQ for a bacon cheeseburger (not very good, won't get it again) and some onion rings, no ice cream or shakes, and not tempted either. Of course, when I got home, I had a few more chips. Water was ........84oz! I did it!

DD20 came over to do some filing and between the two of us we got 2007 boxed up and out of my office. Ok, it is in my kitchen ready to go to storage, but it is at least out of my office. So now I am on a roll to establish a good work habit (easier said than done working from home). DD18 is still not thinking clearly on what to do after graduation, but there are alot of people talking to her to help guide her in the right direction, so hopefully that will help.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, ham, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - hopefully Chinese
PM snack - cheese & crackers
Supper - potato soup (easy & there are things going on tonight)

Today's goals:
1. 60 oz water (28 down)
2. stick to the food plan
3. stay busy

On the plus side I did lose 1 lb, so that is good. Gotta go, things to do.

 

[pearlieq]

Sounds like you've had a great couple of days! Good for you!

I'm glad to hear about the bacon cheeseburger at DQ. DH wants to go there tonight and now I know not to bother with it. Thanks! Good for you resisting the ice cream as well.

It's nice to hear about all of your forward progress with the library board and getting your work done and cleared out. You accomplish so much!

CONGRATS on another pound gone! That's wonderful!!!

I hope today is another great day for you.

 

[Lesli54]

I lost another 1.5 lbs!

Mainly right now, I know it is water weight, but I will take it because it is still weight. Plus it just makes you feel good to know that you are starting to see some results.

Water for yesterday came in at........98 oz! I also forgot how much less I eat when I am actually getting in enough water, even if it is being bumped up a bit for aiding actual weight loss. Still, I am starting to feel much better. Not necessarily more energetic, just not "weighed down". Of course it helps that there have been far fewer empty calorie foods.

Food for yesterday went as planned, with a few exceptions. We didn't go out for Chinese and I ended up eating about the equivalent of a small grab bag of chips, then I ran up to the store to get something healthier. I opted for a LC sweet and sour chicken, so still Chinese. It really was a better choice. I had a GS cookie in the afternoon and one in the evening. Other than that, I think that was it. Also, I stuck to one bowl of soup and three crackers w/butter for supper, that is a plus, and it felt good not to feel overstuffed when I left the table. I was wanting to munch on something late last night, but as I got tired I just went to bed (about 10:40) knowing that staying up would do more damage in the long run.

I did stay busy with my bookwork and have gained alot of ground. Of course, that means that I did little else, but sometimes it is best to just stay focused until you get caught up. My other motivation is the fact that when I told DD20 that I was going to keep with the momentum and get caught up so that I could stay on top of things, she said "you say that every year". Maybe she forgot about the fact that I used to be very organized. But when I look around, I see that my family is not really helping in ways that they should be to alleviate stress and workloads on all of us. So that is my next step, making the family more responsible for various chores DAILY.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, ham, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c hot tea, english muffin
AM snack - crackers & cheese
Lunch - 1 bowl potato soup (all that's left)
PM snack - banana
Supper - banquet food (I will choose wisely)

Today's goals:
1. 60 oz water
2. stick to the food plan
3. stay busy

I better get going. I have alot of work ahead. Pearlieq, I don't know as if I always get alot accomplished, but I am working towards that goal. It sure does feel better knowing that most of your days are productive. Have a great day everyone!

 

[pearlieq]

Hi!

I hope you're enjoying this wonderful spring day! It's so nice to see the sun, feel the warmth, and watch all the kids running around enjoying the day.

Another great day yesterday and more weight gone! Good for you!

You did a great job staying in control and making good choices--doesn't it feel wonderful? Glad to hear you made more headway on the bookwork. I think your plan of spreading the work around daily is a great one. You have tons of hands who can pitch in--might as well put them to good use.

I hope you have a good time at the banquet tonight--sounds like fun!

 

[toystoryduo]

Great job on losing another 1.5 pounds, Lesli!!! Keep up the good work!

I used to be very organized too. That was before we had kids, my DH started his own business, and we started homeschooling. It is such a challenge to keep on top of everything. I understand what you are going through!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

[Lesli54]

Another 1 lb down!

Water came in at 110 oz. Food went as planned except the PM snack was 3 peanut butter sandwich cookies, I also had those in the late evening. The banquet was good, I had a small bit of taco salad, 1/2 enchilada, 2 taco chips, small helping of corn pudding, and 1/2 piece of homemade apple pie (so delicious). Then at home I had a bit more taco salad, so unneccessary.

DD18 won the spirit stick award and I am so glad because it shows that she really is good. Over the years she has listened to many of her peers tell her that she wasn't good enough.

Food for the day:
Breakfast - english muffin, 1 egg, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c hot tea, ham
AM snack - banana
Lunch - going out, so I don't know
PM snack - nuts & crasins
Supper - pizza

Goals for the day:
1. 80 oz water (yes, I have upped the amount)
2. stick to the food plan
3. keep busy

I didn't get as much bookwork done yesterday as I would have liked since every time I sat down, I was interrupted by someone at the door. It is like that at cookie time. But I did get further. Today, I plan to be within weeks of being caught up.

Gotta go, we have to order screens for the new windows we put in a little over a year ago. Everyone have a wonderful day.

 

[pearlieq]

Good morning!

Another pound down! Wow! Look at you go!

I'm glad hear the banquet was nice and congrats to your DD! It sure sounds tasty too--was it catered or did someone make all that?

I hope you have a fun and productive day today!

 

[Lesli54]

It's late, but I thought that I better get to posting so that way I can stay on this roll. Sometimes it is too easy to forgo things that although they relax you they also take a bit of time.

The banquet the other night was more of a potluck for food and it was so nice to actually see a variety of desserts. Over the last few years, we have had a variety of foods, but the desserts have been all chocolate and although I do like chocolate it is really nice to have something else offered. DD18 did get her "sweet revenge" in regards to winning the spirit stick. She said that at school a few people congratulated her and a couple of the cheerleaders who think that they should ALWAYS win everything were a bit pertrubed when people made a fuss over DD18. I guess she liked the fact that she didn't have to do anything to get the "revenge", but it kind of was a way of saying "ha, I can do this" to the others. Kids.

Yesterday was very busy. I forgot to take my banana for my snack. Lunch was Panera's French onion soup, a baguette & ice tea. We were out of craisins so I just ate nuts for the PM snack. Ate too much pizza (1/2) and felt overly stuffed later. Had more nuts later. Also had a bite size Heath bar during the day. Water was 75 oz.

DH and I went to get the screens ordered for the windows only to find out that we need to call the company to do that. I did get that done so it is in progress. Also we went shopping for a new copier. Mine has died. If I put in new toner, I can make it work, but it needs a new expensive part (all lights are flashing) and it really is very, very old. So I said that I wasn't buying toner until we figured out what to do. I was hoping for a smaller one than what I have, however, as it turns out it is not much smaller. Unfortunately in order to get something that can withstand some heavy duty commercial use at times, you don't usually find the little desk top model. Oh well, we did order that as well. Now I am on the push to get my office painted before it arrives. Might as well do it while the old one is out. Picked up the taxes, came home, got a bit more work done, and I don't know what else.

This morning, I actually slept in until 8:45, so I know I was tired. Got the laundry going, had a family meeting on getting some help around the house, then left to do some shopping. DD18 and I picked up DD20 to do some shopping with us. Mainly, I needed some new jeans and a few shirts along with a few other things for the Rome trip. DD18 & DD20 also needed a few things. I do have to say, I really do like the right fit jeans at Lane Bryant (thanks Pearlieq). I thought about taking DD10 and DS5 along, but they get so bored when I am looking for me and I would have come back home early. The older girls and I had fun and it worked out well since I think DD18 really needed it to see that I can reach the point of not only mother, but eventually friend.

Today's food:
Breakfast: 1 piece toast w/ PB, 1 c tea (not as hungry and needed to leave)
AM snack: missed
Lunch: small pina colda julius (something to tie us over until our late lunch with DD20's boyfriend)
PM snack: Panera's French onion soup & baguette, ice tea (or you could call this the late lunch)
Supper: 3 chicken strips & a few baked fries
Additional: I had 3 squares of Caramello & about 2 handfuls of almonds

Today's goals:
1. 60 oz water (I am at 61)
2. Get some shopping done (did that and then some)

It was a pretty good day other than the fact that everytime I try to find shoes they don't have my size. Maybe I will try tomorrow since I have to go back out again. DD20 just called and wants me to come look at a formal gown. She needs one for an event and of course doesn't want it to look "prommy". Also it needs to look respectable since the event is very elegant and proper, not to mention that her boyfriend is looking at becoming an officer in the military so she needs something that will work for various occassions that they will attend. (They haven't officially annouced an engagement, but they do hint around at long term and discuss openly many things that let you know that is what they are thinking.) Some days a mother's work is never done.

Other good news heard today, DD18 has said that she will be staying at home while attended the community college. I am not sure what we said that got through, but it is a sigh of relief. Besides with the economy, I am sure that there will be a lot of kids staying home this fall.

The new problem of the day is tackling DD10's food sneaking and then lying about it. Of course, this is a typical thing that kids do, but I want to nip this one in the bud, especially given the fact that she is a bit overweight to begin with. None of my other kids have her build or metabolism, so it is more determination for me to get no only myself healthier, but my family as well. Always something.

Better get going, talk to you all later.

 

[pearlieq]

Lots going on today!

It's great that you got some nice rest this morning and called the family together to talk about pitching in. Hopefully they take it to heart.

I'm glad to hear the shopping trip was successful and that you were able to take care of the screen and copier. More forward progress--always good!

Great news for both DDs! I'm glad to hear DD18 is thinking about making a good choice this fall. For all we talk and talk to kids, some of it must sink in, right?

How exciting to possibly have an engagement on the horizon for DD20! That would be so much fun. I hope she's successful at finding the formal she needs.

I hope things go well with DD10--that could be stick to deal with. Hopefully this phase will be short lived!

Keep up the great work!

 

[Lesli54]

Maybe I have time to do a quick report.

Sunday, Mar 16 - I had an English muffin for breakfast then ran out the door to meet DD20 to do the dress shopping. We had a lot of success and fortunately she was willing to try on various dress to see what styles worked best for her. An amazing feat. She ended up finding 2 dresses. One was a simple formal that would work well with various dinners that DD20 and her boyfriend attend. The other was a true ball gown for the various balls and receptions they attend. Really beautiful. A bit more than I had planned to do but she did need them and I can't complain too much since she is working to knock off most of her college expense through various means. We ate at DQ/Orange Julius. I had a chili cheese dog and a pomegranite berries smoothie. Very delish. Took a nap when I got home (lots of walking). Supper was Subway, chicken teriyaki on italian, mayo, sweet sauce, tomato, gr pepper, & cucumbers. I had a few pieces of chocolate & 6 peanut butter sandwich cookies.

Yesterday was very, very busy. I had an egg, english muffin, 1 c milk for breakfast. Got my hair cut so that it would be manageable on our trip, stopped at Kohls for a little of everything that everyone needed, ran to Lowe's for paint supplies, then Walmart, back to Staples for DH, and then to pick up some tax papers. Whew! I had Steak Escape for lunch (DH asked) and ate a 7" philly steak w/ cheese, mushrooms, gr pepper, onion & had a coke. Don't know why, but coke sounded good. Then on to home to get DD10 ready for her dance pictures and get all the costumes ready, took her to that then was very tired when I got home. Long day. Had chips for "supper", and english muffin, and a couple of cookies.

Water on these days was not good. Walking, however, was. On Saturday, I counted 2.5 hours of walking as exercise, we were out much longer. Sunday, I figured about a good hour of walking (not counting browsing). Yesterday, I figured about 3 hours. The plus side is that I am at least getting into a bit of walking shape for our trip.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, milk, 1 c hot tea
AM snack - missed
Lunch - tuna wrap & chips
PM snack - banana
Supper - buffet at a meeting, I will watch portions and choose wisely

Goals today:
1. 80 oz water
2. stay busy
3. stick to the food plan

I know that the last few days for food wasn't so good and I have learned that I need to concentrate harder on taking water with. Also, making better choices when I am out and about. Fortunately, it is rare that I am out doing so much shopping.

So far today, I have been cleaning. No, my family is still not really stepping up so some drastic measure may need to happen, like hide the tv and computer monitors for awhile. My new copier should arrive any time now and I already moved the old one out of the way. I plan to either tackle bills or some more work. Later, I have to go to an Annual meeting for GS. It will be late when I get back. Oh well.

Gotta go, everyone have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

Wow! You have been a busy bee! I'm glad to hear all of the shopping trips were successful. Good for you for getting so much walking in.

I hope today is a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, everyone!

Some of the things that I am learning lately......journaling is very important for me everyday and at the beginning of the day rather than the end. I do better at planning my meals and trying to follow them rather than trying to wing it and just stay within guidelines. I need to work on taking water with when I leave the house for extended periods. I also still have the tendency to grab whatever is available when I am very busy. Now I know that there is a simple solution for all things. I could easily stop my work and should stop for a brief while to regroup, have a snack or a meal and then continue with whatever I am working on. Sometimes easier said than done, but I can do it.

On Monday, I ate 3 peanut butter sandwich cookies instead of a banana for my snack. Dinner was very healthy at the meeting. I had a small salad, a small aount of mixed veggies, a few new potatoes w/herbs, a small skinless chicken breast, and a small wheat roll, along with ice tea. Not bad. Portions were good and I realized that I was very satisfied without filling my plate. No dessert offered, which was good. After the meeting though, DD18 was hungry since there wasn't much there for her that she wanted to try , so we ran through McD's where I got a medium fry and a medium sprite. Not good. Mainly I caved because my friend ordered something similar, not because I was hungry. I do need to work on that. Although it was a hilarious trip at McD's drive thru. Our order was showing up on the lane next to us and their order was showing up on our screen. Talk about interesting and funny when we were both trying to tell the girl taking the order that we didn't order what was on the screen and tried repeating our orders. Water about 45 oz.

Yesterday, was a pretty good day for staying busy, and so so for food. Breakfast was 1 egg, english muffin, 1 c milk, 1/2 c hot tea. AM snack - tuna (not a good idea, although it appealed at the time, it just became part of an extended lunch, so snacks will now be only snack type food) Lunch - chips, then later an ego waffle. PM snack - 3 peanut butter sandwich cookies. Later it was cheese and crackers. Supper - 1/2 frozen pizza and a coke (need to cut down on this amount). That was later followed by 2 peanut butter sandwich cookies. Water a little less than 60 oz.

I did alot of bookwork until about 3am this morning. Mainly, I could see the end in sight so I kept going. I only have to enter 3 weeks of daily reads then I will be caught up, all expenses are in. That just feels so great and I know that I can probably be done with all that tomorrow (lot's of other stuff today).

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c hot tea (at least I am getting in the milk)
AM snack - applesauce
Lunch - an LC dinner
PM snack - banana
Supper - fish, veggies, baked potato

Goals for the day:
1. stick to the food plan
2. take 2 - 15 minute breaks (get some fresh air, walk around, just quite working)
3. stay busy (bills, measuring suitcases, start the packing list, clear my desk, maybe get a chance to tidy some closets, move some stuff from my room to the attic - with redoing the bedroom closets & stairs to the attic I forgot that I don't have to store stuff in my room and I can now walk it up to the attic. )

The kids get home soon for Easter break so I will put them to work on a few chores as well. Gott run.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesli,

I know what you mean about journaling in the morning. It helps me to think about the day ahead and what needs to be done. It really does seem to help!

You have a busy day ahead of you. Sending some to help you get it all done.

Hope you have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

Put those kids to work! Maybe they can have some kind of fun reward if they really put in a good effort today and tomorrow.

3AM! Wow! I can understand about wanting to get things done though. I hope you're able to finish off the rest of it today. That will feel awesome! I hope you can catch up on your rest.

I agree that journaling really does make a difference--it sets a framework for the day. I've always thought that you've thrived on having a plan. Things come up and it doesn't always go exactly as planned, but having an idea of what's coming makes it easier to think though choices.

I see you've planned a LC meal for lunch. I think that's a great idea for you! They're pretty healthy and very brainless. Just pop up a corner of the film, stick it in the microwave and you're good to go! There's such a big variety to choose from and they're just so darn easy. It seems like a great solution for an on-the-go woman like you.

Good job eating a nice healthy meal at the meeting! I completely understand about the MCD's trip--it's very hard to say no when others are eating. You feel left out and deprived. At least you didn't order a whole meal--that's something.

I hope today is a great day for you!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesli,

I hope you have a nice weekend ahead and a Happy Easter! Take care!

 

[Lesli54]

Well here I have said that I must journal and then I didn't come back. I was very busy, but I do need to find balance.

I just can't remember everything, but I will do my best. Most of Thursday's meals went well. Supper didn't happen as planned. I didn't eat much that night at all actually. Although there were a few cookies and rice cakes, I don't remember much else. Just stayed really busy getting bills done, and getting my office looking pretty good. Water so so.

Friday morning, I was clearing more of my desk and enjoying the fact that I felt relaxed while taking care of things that needed to be done. In the afternoon, I did errands, tax runs, got new shoes for the trip (comfy for walking), did some returns, etc. I know I had my staple of a breakfast, including milk. Lunch was a small bag of chips. The rest of the day, again, I didn't eat much at all, just a few snacks. I wasn't really hungry and I think that is because I am overly focused on other things right now. Cleared out a bunch of reciepts and anything else that would help me get on track. Went to bed early. Water so so.

Yesterday, breakfast as usual with milk. Lunch, dont' remember. Supper was 1/2 a pizza. I did have 2 cokes during the day. Also, I think there were 2 cookies. Tried to take care of all things that the kids would need when they start back to school (lunch money, permission slips, etc.) That way DH won't have to worry about it. Also took care of more stuff on my desk, cleaned up a closet, took care of Easter preparations, and in general stayed busy. Water was not so good.

Today, went to church, had a hard boiled egg & english muffin for breakfast along with some hot tea and a c. of milk. Then started cooking my meal for the day. It went really smooth which is surprising, plus we got alot of clean up work done. I think that is because I am much more relaxed (it also helps to plan a lighter meal. ) For dinner, I had ham, 2 deviled eggs, sm portion baked beans, sm portion corn pudding, cauliflower, carrots, celery, 2 slices cheese & crackers, sm glass wine. I have also had a few jelly bean, and recently ate 2 more deviled eggs & a piece of cheesecake (ok, but too much citrus). We had a few family members over and in general it was a nice time. The plus is that everything is cleaned up and I am not really hungry, even though I didn't eat alot today. I think I might make some popcorn later, and get in some more water. The rest of the evening, I will get the laundry caught up, pack some clothes & toiletries, and get our travel papers together. I think I will also look over some more details of the trip.

The plus side of the last few days is that I have been staying very busy. The down side is that I have not paid as much attention to my weight loss and healthier living. Again, I have trouble with balance sometimes.

I will be on here tomorrow to post. It's the last day before we leave. I promise to write down everything while we are gone so that I can give a trip report when we come back. Hope everyone had a great Easter.

 

[pearlieq]

Happy Easter!

So, so busy! It sounds like you've gotten so much done. It will be great to head out without having all these tasks hanging over your head.

Today sounded like a great day--I'm so glad to hear it.

Happy packing!

 

[Lesli54]

The last day to get things done!

Last night I did have 1/2 bag of popcorn, but it really didn't appeal to me as much as I thought it would so I stopped eating. A plus.

Well, we have laundry going, suitcases looked through, my room is clean, just need to hit the last bathroom for cleaning. Got some more items ready for the mail or errands that I have to run this afternoon. All in all, I think we are doing pretty well.

Breakfast - 1 boiled egg & 1 c 1% milk
AM snack - 1 deviled egg
Lunch - baked beans, veggies, ham
PM snack - yogurt parfait (while running errands)
Supper - probably some more leftovers, don't know

Goals:
1. Finish packing
2. 60 oz water
3. stick to the food plan
4. try to get some sleep tonight since we leave early in the AM

Catch everyone later.

 

[pearlieq]

Good job stopping with the popcorn last night. That's always so hard to do, which makes it gratifying to succeed!

I really hope you have a wonderful trip. I'm so excited for you and DD18. Rome will be so much fun to explore, and I really hope it goes a long way in helping keep the lines of communication open and showing that you two can be friends now that she's becoming an adult.

I'll be thinking of you. I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures. Have fun!

Sending you lots of