Lesli's Changing Life at 40 Journal

[goldcupmom]

I hope you & DD are having a wonderful time! Can't wait to 'hear' all about it when you get back!!

 

[pearlieq]

67 and sunny in Rome tomorrow!

I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[pearlieq]

I hope you've had a safe and smooth trip home.

Looking forward to "seeing" you!

 

[Lesli54]

Well, we are back and have been for a week now. I have been meaning to get back here and post, but aside from things being very busy once I got home, I have also been sick which is not helping my mood to sit and post.

Rome was fun now that I sit back and really look at things with a clearer head. I got sick the day we landed and pretty much stayed that way. Fortunately, it was mainly a cold & flu thing, so we weren't confined to the room, but there were a few days were I could barely talk, so it was interesting. But we kept pushing on to see and do things and we had a lot of good laughs (even if I was choking on phlegm while laughing). The weather for most of the days was beautiful which helped lift the spirits. Unfortunately, I have come back to dreary, gray, wet weather here at home and it is cold, so it has just made me drag even more while trying to get past this cold. Most of it seems to be gone except the occassional "hairball" in my throat.

I will begin posting details of the trip later tonight. Here is the low down since I have been home.

Thurs, Apr 3 - I spent half the day catching up on mail and work, then I got tired for the other half and slept. I don't think it was jet lag so much as it was the cold. Water since coming home has been horrible. I do remember that I didn't eat much that day. The plus side is that I lost 2.5 lbs while in Rome.

Fri, Apr 4 - DS5 had the day off from school and we went shopping. I needed new clothes and shoes for a GS fundraiser dinner that night. Alot of my stuff is getting so old and this wasn't the place for shabby. It was a quick trip then we stopped by the game store for a new game, got McD's (1/4 lbr w/cheese, fries, tea), then went home. My friend and I had to leave early for the dinner which was 1 1/2 hrs away. They had a silent auction and a live auction, along with good food. It was so much fun. I managed to pick up a night's stay in a cabin at a resort close by, as well as a week's stay at a villa in Worthington Country Club in Bonita Springs, FL. Talk about fun! Now the problem is trying to plan "when" we are going. Supper was a glass of wine, mashed potatoes, filet of mignon, a few cheese tortillnis, & veggies. Throw in some jelly beans for the day.

Sat, Apr 5 - Went many directions. Took DD10 to a Book Bee that she had joined. They didn't run it the way I tought they should have so there wasn't really a winner based on knowledge of the books. It was just more of a trivia bowl of sorts. But she had fun. Had a brat for lunch (the first cookout of the season). Later in the afternoon, I ran the other direction with DMom, DAunt, and DD18 to go prom dress shopping. It was successful and the dress looked nice on her, but I probably would have picked something different. Don't think I ate supper.

Sun, Apr 6 - Church, some work, and I slept. Still trying to fight that cold. DD20 stopped by unexpectedly, she was on her way back to school but her boyfriend had to go mend horse fences at his parents so she thought she would visit. It was nice because she helped me get the house back in order. Not that it was really bad, but a mom gone for more than a week is very noticeable in a house. We all had dinner at Pizza Hut and I ate 2 breadsticks, and 3 slices of pizza.

Mon, Apr 7 - Planned for a GS meeting and tried to get things in order for the recital that DD10 is doing this weekend. Also rested. The GS meeting went well at times and nerve wracking at others. The kids just do not want to listen. I did get alot of my scout work caught up so my co-leader can put it into the computer. For supper, I had a bacon cheeseburger w/tomato & mayo, fried mushrooms, and a coke.

Tues, Apr 8 - I think I slept for most of the morning and that was on top of going to bed early all these nights. This cold just has me dragging. Did some more work on GS, cleared my desk and a few other things in my offices. Started catching up with more bookwork. 2 tuna roll-ups and chips for lunch. Had 2 pancakes for supper. Not to mention the many cookies throughout the day.

Wed, Apr 9 - Did a lot of bookwork. I actually felt like I had more energy. DH and I went for chinese (2 bowls of egg drop soup, gen tao's chicken, sweet & sour chicken, rice, pork low mein, and beef & veggies). The buffet is good, but I think I over did. Had 2 reese's later, plus cookies. Supper was a hot dog and a few tater tots. I really wanted a chili cheese dog and had planned to make them but DH nixed the idea with the kids. Don't know why.

That catches me up to today. I am planning to get some bookwork done, do a few errands (in the cold rain ).

Breakfast - 1 c 1% milk, 1 egg, english muffin, ham, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - 1 c hot tea, banana
Lunch - chili cheese dog (I really want and I figure better to eat it or I will just eat tons of everything else in sight)
PM snack - yogurt or cheese & crackers
Supper - pizza night (no pop)

Oh yeah! I am down another .5 lbs since coming home. So that makes a total of 3 lbs lost since I left. Will post more later. Everyone have a great day!

 

[Lesli54]

For the most part yesterday went as planned. Got quite a bit of bookwork done and some errands in the evening. Unfortunately I ate 2 chili cheese dogs along with some chips, but at least I am past that craving. PM snack and in the evening, I had 2 cookies each time. Supper wasn't too bad. DH and I ended up at Ruby Tuesday's where I had a salad, part of quiche, and probably too much spinach artichoke dip. Water was 28 oz.

Today's food:
Breakfast - 1 egg, english muffin, 1c 1% milk, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - rice cake (take along)
Lunch - tuna
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - Not sure

Goals for the day:
1. 48 oz water
2. stick to the food plan

I have been getting some decent sleep lately. Even last night I went to bed early, which is not all a bad thing in terms of weight loss. Although last night, it was a bit earlier than I had hoped because DS5 was very nervous over the storms passing through and thought he needed me to sleep next to him (at least until he was asleep and DH moved him). Gotta love kids.

Today I have lots to do. DS5 (no school for him today) and I are leaving shortly to pick up DD20 and bring her home for the weekend. Then I have an unplanned library board meeting this afternoon with the contractor of the addition. Hopefully, I won't have to leave the meeting early, but I might, since I have to get DD10 off to dress rehearsal tonight for the dance recitals she is doing tomorrow. That might actually leave me time tonight to actually get BIL's taxes done along with a few other minor things.

Talk to you all later.

 

[pearlieq]

Good morning! Welcome home!

I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick and dealing with the "blahs". Hopefully it passes soon.

I can't wait to hear about all of your adventures in Rome. Congrats on coming home with a weight loss. That can be very hard to do while traveling!

It sounds like you've been incredibly busy. It always looks like you run your life at a pretty good clip, so I'm imagining that catching up after a week gone is quite a daunting task. How did your DH fare running the show on his own?

It sounds like another full day for you, and a full house this weekend. I hope you have a nice time!

Take care, and it's great to see you again!

 

[Lesli54]

Well, DH said that he and the kids did pretty good while I was gone. Guess I can leave more often?

As for yesterday, I forgot the rice cake and got off a bit later getting DD20, so we stopped at McD's on the way home (1/4 lbr w/cheese, fries, tea). Did the library board meeting which was mainly the architect setting up things with the contractors, so not too long, but I do think I want to sit in on as many of their other meetings as possible just to be aware of the progress as we do this project. Had a few cookies. Dance rehearsal went a bit long for DD10 so we stopped at DQ for supper (4 chicken strips, gravy, texas toast, not quite 1/2 the fries, & coke). Yes, I know not a great meal day. Worked on BIL's taxes and had a few more cookies. I think water was around 20 oz.

Today, I have tied up a few loose ends on things sitting on my desk, ran some errands, did DD10's hair and makeup for the recital, then went to the first recital of the day. It was pretty good. We are now back home grabbing a bite to eat and relaxing before we have to go back for tonight's performance. She is really enjoying it and DH along with the rest of the family will see her tonight.

Today's food:
Breakfast - english muffin, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c grapefruit juice, ham
AM snack/Lunch - yogurt, rice cake, 3 PB ritz crackers
PM snack - 3 PB ritz crackers
Supper (very early) - 1 tuna rollup, the rest of the tuna that didn't fit on a tortilla, sm grab bag of BBQ chips
Treat after the show? - Maybe we can convince DH to stop by DQ for ice cream. By then everyone will probably be hungry since this day is so off schedule.

Goals:
1. Drink water where I can (I think I am at 32 oz)
2. In bed by 11pm

Gotta go fix makeup and hair, get DS5 ready, pick up DMom and then head back to the next performance. And to think, dance may be ending, but soccer and softball start next week.

 

[pearlieq]

I agree. I think that sounds like an invitation to go off gallivanting more often.

Sounds like yesterday was another full day. Congrats on getting out of a DQ without ice cream. That's amazing!

I hope the evening recital goes well. It's great that the whole family could come together to see it. What kind of dancing is she doing?

Enjoy your weekend!

 

[Lesli54]

I sure am getting later at posting, but at least I am doing it.

I think I managed to get in about 40 oz water yesterday. The second recital was pretty good as well, but threw me off since they had taken out the routines for the really small kids because it was late, so the family didn't quite see everything, but that was ok. DH gave DD10 flowers (I got her a few earlier in the day) and she just gushed and felt really special, which was cool. Afterwards we headed to DQ (following the long line of cars). It was packed, but we made do with 2 tables in seperate spots, but that was ok. I had a sm Heath blizzard. Call it supper, snack, or whatever you want. Dropped off DMom, who enjoyed the recital which followed a show of the Lippazaner Stallions earlier in the afternoon that I gave her and DAunt for their birthday. Once back home (finally) I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the couch within minutes of being home, so I would say that I made my goal there.

DD10 did a jazz number to "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend", which was cute and she loved it. Being in front of an audience is in her blood (DH used to sing). She also did a clogging number which was pretty good for just learning, but she would like to try Irish Step. DD20 attended the recital and tried very hard not too be too critical of the performance of the studio. Although, we saw many of the things that she did and I have to say that we have to consider whether we will be taking DD10 to another studio next year. I have to listen to DD20 because she danced for many, many years and she was good. We were spoiled by really good studios with the older DD's, so we can spot many differences. The technique and the discipline at this studio just isn't what it should be. In many of the numbers the girls were off, didn't point toes, arms were different, formations weren't clean, transitions were either a bit sloppy or they boring and very noticeable, etc. This spanned into the older girls who have been dancing for 5 plus years. The studio also doesn't do competitions at any level because the instructor helps with her local high school dance team and that is where they do competition. DD10 had fun, but overall I would say that if I am spending about the same amount of money between studios then she might as well get the quality.

Up early this morning since the kids had to "run" both church services and there was a potluck breakfast in between. The pastor spoke a bit, but it was mainly the Sunday School kids who took care of everything else, which is neat. I really wanted to sleep in. Before we left, I threw some strawberry crepes and chese blintzes in the oven to bake off for the potluck. They were ok, but I will not buy them again. DD10 had a small "duet" at church too, so she is really on the performing bandwagon this weekend. DD18 did behind the scenes, which is where she likes to be and also helps with the younger ones. Afterwards, we went down to visit my Gran and have lunch with her. The lunch could have been much better, but sometimes these little town restaurants aren't so good. Unfortunately, I was not good company since I fell asleep on her couch for a bit. At least Gran's understand, right? Most of this evening, I have just been trying to catch up on some journals since I am too tired to think. Water has been about 30 oz.

Food for the day:
Breakfast - 1 1/2 biscuit w/ gravy, 2 strawberries, 1 c oj, strawberry crepe (didn't eat all), cheese blintz (didn't eat all), egg casserole, 1/2 piece of sweet bread
AM snack - 1 c oj
Lunch - tossed salad (or should I say, lettuce only, don't know what they did with the veggies, unless they "tossed them out" of the salad ), 1/2 c green beans, 1/2 c mashed potatoes (both were very bland and I laughed as DH tried to add more salt, pepper, and anything else I handed him), BBQ ribs
PM snack - 4 cookies
Supper - 1/2 pizza and a bottle of coke (not because I was hungry)

I think most of today's overindulgence was mainly that I was tired and I could have done better, but I could have done much worse. Oh well, "tomorrow is another day".

 

[pearlieq]

I really hope you can get some rest today! Or at least sleep in a bit or catch a nap after the kids are off to school. You've had a very full weekend!

Very interesting perspective about the recital and dance studios. You're right--I wouldn't be expecting to see that from the older girls either. It's nice that your DD20 really cares about making sure her little sister learns properly.

I'm glad to hear everything, from the recital to the church service, went well. It's great that you do so much together as a family. You must be very proud.

Have a great day today, and take it easy! You've earned it.

 

[toystoryduo]

Lesli,

Welcome Back! It sounds like you have been super busy lately. I hope you have some time to rest and relax this week.

Have a great week ahead!

 

[Lesli54]

Thanks for stopping by, Pearlieq and Tracy.

Rest? Don't know what that is. BTW, add 2 cookies to late last night. Today I got the kids up and going, then about the time I expected DH to come in from the store he calls and says the delivery truck just showed, so I did his morning chores, then took the kids to school. Usually DH will take them as he heads back to work, but I think the kids liked the change. Then I ran bank errands, mail, and stopped at the store trying to get the last of the papers needed to finish BIL's taxes. This was all before I got a chance at breakfast mind you. Most of my day has been spent on taxes, but the good news is that BIL's taxes are done and I managed to finish DMom's taxes. Most of hers had been done and filed, but there still remained something that I needed to research due to her moving. But the plus side is that they are done before tomorrow ......did I mention I also did payroll taxes today?

Then it was off to run more errands of mail, groceries for supper, and dropping off the taxes. I was so busy, that I forgot to eat lunch. Now I just need to watch the munchies later.

Food for the day:
Breakfast - 1 egg, ham, english muffin, 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - yogurt
Lunch - a few chips (forgot to eat my sandwich as planned)
PM snack - 2 cookies
PM snack (very late) - 1/2 bologna sandwich (I was afraid that I would overeat if I didn't eat something)
Supper - taco salad w/taco chips (DD18 is making)

Goals for the day:
1. stay on track with food
2. 42 oz water
3. stay busy

Well, I am off. I have some things on my desk to take care of then I have a library board meeting. Talk to you later.

 

[Lesli54]

Hey, I actually got my nap in this morning after that long weekend.

Add a few more cookies to yesterday's food. Water was at least 28 oz, but it may have been 42. I can't remember if I did get that other glass.

This morning, I did something that I hadn't done in a long time.....I actually put on a little makeup and fixed my hair. As opposed to just combing through my hair and not bothering with makeup. I think it makes me feel a bit more put together for the day even though I really don't have "places" to go. Right now I am trying anything that make me feel better so that I can stay geared up for losing weight.

Food for today:
Breakfast - 1 egg, ham, english muffin, 1 c 1% milk, 1 c grapefruit juice (yes, I need to find something new)
AM snack - 1 bite of cracker w/spread cheese (threw it out, no good), 1 rice cake (I almost think that made me hungry for lunch)
Lunch - bologna sandwich, chips (need to go shopping)
PM snack - yogurt
Supper - chicken strips, fries (cleaning out the freezer)

Goals for today:
1. 60 oz water
2. Stick with the food plan
3. work on pictures (need a relaxing hobby and needs to be done)

Most of the morning & afternoon will be spent on bookwork, then I have to help unload Market Day at the school. This morning, I had to get out some knitting needles for DD10 (teacher is teaching knitting for fun) and I realized how many craft projects I have that I have never done, so it got me to thinking that I need to create more time for hobbies and learn to relax again. With graduation coming up, I think that tackling the pictures and getting some together for DD18's display table would be a good place to start. My family as a whole needs to learn to relax "creatively". Lately, everyone has either been on computer, tv, or gaming systems. Time for a change.

Time to get to work. Talk to you later.

 

[pearlieq]

I understand completely about reclaiming some creativity. I hope you have lots of fun going through your old projects and finding fun things to complete and share with the family. Hobbies are really enriching, but they're so easy to lose track of. I can understand the urge to create.

I'm glad you finally got some rest! Good for you for taking care of yourself this morning. You're worth taking care of. I hope you have a pleasant, productive day today. The Market Day job could pass as a workout!

Have a nice day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Wow, Lesli! Things have sure been a whirlwind since you got back. Can't wait to hear all about the trip....but I'll give you awhile!!

Food looks good & all you do must surely count as some exercise, right?

Too bad about the dance studio stuff, but I know it is really tough to find a good one anymore (or at least one that has openings). Good thing you know what to look for!

Hope you have a great rest of the week. Taxes DONE!!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lesli,

I'm glad to hear that you were able to get a nap in.

I think unloading the Market Day truck definitely counts as exercise!

I hope you have a good evening!

 

[Lesli54]

Julie, thanks for reminding me of my Trip Report. How could I forget?

Pearlieq and Tracy, I was just think of counting Market Day as exercise, so we must all be on the right track. Plus I got lots of unintended exercise after that.....let's call it "cleaning out the freezer".

I missed my PM snack, since Market Day was earlier than I thought. But after doing that, I went up to the store for a few minutes. Well, that turned into hours. Our 15 door freezer lost coolant so we were quickly unloading all we could and spreading it around to all the other freezer space that we had around the store. Unfortunately, some of the things were thawing and we didn't have enough room for all of it so we had a fire sale. I stocked up to fill our own freezers at home, which took 2 trips since I wasn't sure about the room we had. It was interesting. By the time I got supper, I had a headache and was so tired so I went for easy. Supper was 1 english muffin, ham, blueberries (part of the feezer cleaning). Water was maybe 40 oz. I can't remember. Needless to say, I had no problem getting to sleep last night. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the pictures at all.

This morning started out so so, then got worse, then got better. I had planned to bake some cinnamon rolls (freezer cleaning), but forgot to take them out of the fridge in time to finish raising so that I could make them for breakfast, so the kids had cereal. DD10 and I got in a tiff. She is trying to push the limits of being older. Then we did her ortho appt to do the prep work for braces, which I almost forgot. Off to look for new door hinges to replace the rusty ones when we put on new doors. Baked the cinnamon rolls. Did some banking, got stuck at the store doing some things. Finally, I am sitting for "lunch".

Food for the day:
Breakfast - 5 mini blueberry muffins, water (grabbed on the way to ortho)
AM snack - BBQ chips, sm bag (late morning)
Lunch - LC sweet & sour chicken
PM snack - 1/2 cinnamon roll & berries
Supper - chicken strips, corn, tater tots (lots fo freezer stuff around here)

Goals for the day:
1. stick to the food plan
2. 60 oz water
3. work on those pictures

I almost forgot, I lost another .5 lbs! I will take all I can get, at least it is still on the losing side. A busy evening, I am sure, but at least the windows are open!

 

[Lesli54]

Another .5 lbs bites the dust!

Ok, I didn't stick to the food plan completely, yesterday. I did have 5 cookies (not at the same time), but thankfully, they are gone. My PM snack turned into a whole cinnamon roll and no berries. I think I was getting tired by this time and instead of resting or getting fresh air, I went for comfort. DH brought home leftover cookout food, so supper plans changed as well. I had a hot dog and a few chips. Water was 62 oz!! Most of the evening was spent on bookwork so that I can get that insurance loss turned in on the freezer, but that is ok.

Today's food:
Breakfast - cinnamon roll, 1 c 1% milk , 1 c grapefruit juice
AM snack - cheese & crackers
Lunch - tuna roll up w/ lettuce OR w/ salad
PM snack - rice cake & hot tea
Supper - pizza, no pop

Goals for the day:
1. 70 oz water
2. 2 breaks of 15 min where I get a little exercise (either walking, dancing, stretching, anything to get a little more oxygen)

It's a busy day again, but I don't have to run, I think I will save that for tonight or tomorrow. I need to finish up bookwork which will be most of the day, then make adjustments to DD18's prom dress for this weekend and the dress of her friend (her prom is later). Also, I am going to try to tie up loose ends on my desk.

I'm off, everyone have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

Congrats on another half pound down!!! Good for you!

Yikes! Another busy couple of days!

Sorry to hear about the freezer misadventures, but I guess there was at least a little something in it for you. And you had an excuse to clean out the freezer. I hope the paperwork goes smoothly to recoup the loss.

I hope things go well for you today. Is DD18 excited about her prom? Do they do it at the school or do they rent a hall?