Lulu201's Back In Action Journal

[DoeWDW]

You're a fast reader! I only had a few minutes to read last night but what I've read so far has really spoken to me.

I think honoring your body's needs with a nap yesterday was a very wise move! I hope today finds you feeling a little more energized.

How long has it been since we've earned our food smilies?? Could today be the day? I'm starting out with good intentions but I'm lacking a concrete plan. I hope you and I both can earn those elusive healthy eating smilies today!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, dear Erin!

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning dear Erin! So I just must ask.....what is a pumpkin roll?

You had a good day yesterday despite the pumpkin roll - good for you. I know we are going to watch the scale in your signature move down to that 165 number before we know it. Good for you on listening to your body and not pushing yourself yesterday. I know that about 2 days before TOM arrives I feel very lathargic and usually end up sleeping an hour or so after work. It is what the body needs - so never feel bad about that.

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Today is November 17, 2004.

Here's how I'm doing:

1. Devotions: 16/30
2. Vitamins: 13/30
3. Water: 15/30
4. Exercise: 11/30
5. Food: 10/30
6. Scale: 6/30

And as of today, I HAVEN'T LOST ONE SINGLE POUND! That's OK, though. I pretty much ate whatever I wanted over the weekend, so I'm just happy I didn't gain. I'm just going to keep trying to treat myself right. As far as that scale goes. . .maybe I'll lose 10 lbs. by New Years? Or Valentines Day? I'm OK with whatever happens as long as it doesn't move in the opposite direction!

So far today I've read my devotions (the E. George book and Guideposts online), had my vitamins and a glass of water, eaten a piece of toast with pb, and gotten on the scale. Not bad.

Book report: The chapter that I read today was about making time for and developing a prayer life. Elizabeth (the author) says that even giving 5 minutes a day to develop this discipline will enrich a woman's life and help build faith. When she puts it like that--just 5 minutes--how can I refuse? Certainly I can find the time to sit down and focus for that long, can't I? Hmmm, I guess that remains to be seen , but I can try!

I'm feeling so tired today--normally the way I feel on Thursday. I didn't get home from rehearsal until after 9; that must be why I'm dogging it. That and TOM, I guess. I think I'm going to divide my exercise into two short 15 minutes sessions. Even a measly half hour on the treadie seems huge this morning.

OK, I'm off into the day. Oh wait. Amanda, I almost forgot. By definition Erin's Pumpkin Roll is a pumpkiny spice cake filled with a cream cheese icing and encrusted with chopped walnuts. It looks like a jelly roll--you know, a round log with a spiral center.

Now I'm really moving here. . .

Erin

Edit: Lunch was McD. salad. Walked my 30 minutes--actually it became more like 35. Am drinking water like a camel.

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Erin! Your pumpkin roll sounds delicious! YUMMY! I'm sorry the scale is being stubborn. But you are right at least it isn't moving in the other direction. Try to get some extra rest and relaxation time in today so that you won't be dragging to badly tomorrow. Also.....you may want to enjoy a cup of coffee....okay I said it!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Mmmmm, pumpkin roll!!! I've made them once or twice but have never used the chopped walnuts on the outside - sounds delish!!

5 minutes a day for prayer - yep, sounds very easy to do! So far I'm really enjoying this book!

I am so impressed with your idea of breaking your exercise into 2 sessions instead of just saying "I'm too tired" and forgetting about it all together. That's a very healthy attitude!!

You're doing great this week, Erin, in spite of TOM! Next week, I bet the Whoosh fairy may make an appearance.

Blessings to you today!!

 

[Strings]

Erin,

I seem to remember that you are in the major DZONE right now. The fact that you are maintaining the weight is a major accomplishment. Once the Whoosh fairy shows up, there will be a loss.

So you are doing a no candy Challenge. I'll join. I always have some RS candies as a reward for working. I'll try to skip those this weekend.

Great job getting the exercise in today. Keep .

Take care,
Beth

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Erin

You are doing a great job this week! I bet the Whoosh Fairy is right around the corner.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Tracy

 

[lulu201]

11/18

Today's a busy day and I've only got a second to update here:

1. Devotions 17/30 Thank goodness I've been doing this. It keeps me sane!
2. Vitamins 14/30
3. Water 16/30
4. Exercise 12/30 Did those two walks yesterday, but nothing today. Crazy morning.
5. Food 11/30 You guys are making me think I should put some faith in the Whoosh Fairy. . .I can only dream!
6. Scale: 7/30

Gotta run, but I'm looking up while I go!
Erin

 

[Strings]

Hi Erin,

All it takes is faith and trust...

I know you're busy today. I just wanted to say that I am thinking of you. Have a good evening.
Beth

 

[Princess Michelle]

Love seeing all those Erin! Keep up the good work!

 

[lulu201]

11/19/04 Good morning to all my WISH buddies. Thanks, Beth, Tracy, and Michelle, for stopping by yesterday to check on me. I appreciate it! I'm going to do a quick update, take DD to school, and then come back to edit.

Here's how it's going. As of Thursday, Nov. 18, I'm

1. Devotions 18 for 30.
2. Vitamins 15 for 30.
3. Water 17 for 30.
4. Exercise 12 for 30. I didn't exercise yesterday, but that's OK. There truly wasn't any room for it. I did walk over to DD for a cup of coffee, but I don't think that really counted.
5. Food 12 for 30. No sugar, no binge
6. Scale 8 for 30 I'm trying to look at that guy first thing every day!

A 5 day--I can live with it.

I read the chapter #5 in our book this morning, Tracy and Doreen. Uhh, this one--about being a woman who serves--was a little harder. I understand the principles behind it, but the language she used (husband as career, for example) were a bit difficult to accept. I'm not saying I'm rejecting her thoughts, but I'm going to have to sit with and pray about them some more. I have to tell you, though, that this chapter describes my mother to a T! And she was an awesome wife and is a fantastic mother and could have her picture included in this book as a the model of servitude. Looking ahead to Chapter 6, I can see that I'm going to be challenged some more. . .

OK, I'm checking the clock and can tell I've got to run. I'll be back later.

Erin
A Sugar Free

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Erin,

You're up early too! I couldn't sleep so I thought I would DIS. (Please notice that I didn't choose to exercise this early in the a.m. )

Chapter 5 was a tough one for me, but Chapter 6 was even tougher! I think one of the reasons that I am reading this book over and over again is because there are a lot of God's truths in it that I really need to work on. There are also a lot of really good lessons that I want to tuck away in my heart as well.

Chapter 5 stood out to me because it reminded me that I am to be a helper to my DH. Lately, I have been struggling with
"me-itis", but I have realized that when I have a servant's heart and am focusing on others, I am much more at peace with who I am. Ohhh.... deep thoughts at 7:08 in the morning...

I hope you have a wonderful day today! Keep up the good work, Erin!

Tracy

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, my dear sugar-free !

You are doing a fantastic job - 5 yesterday!! You're an inspiration to me!

Well, I haven't gotten to Chapter 5 yet - just started Chapter 3. However, I clearly remember the minister that married Todd & I talking to us before the wedding. I was not attending church on a regular basis then and I wanted to take "obey" out of my side of the wedding vows. He talked to us at length about God's plan for me to honor and obey and serve my hustband and for my husband to honor and take the best and most loving care of me that he is capable of. Those words have always stuck with us and yes, I did promise in my vows to "obey" DH, among other things. I'm looking forward to Chapter 5 to challenge me to serve DH even better. I don't even know what Chapter 6 is about but you both have me scared to find out!

I must say that I've been using the info in Chapter 2 and spending much more time in prayer and more time memorizing and reciting Bible verses (growing my spiritual "roots"). I'm already benefitting from this book!

Erin, I'm sorry I've hijacked your journal with my deep thoughts! I hope you have a wonderful Friday, filled with a sense of God's peace and love and strength.

 

[lulu201]

Oooh, I love our book discussion!

One thing I love about my marriage is how DH and I are together in everything we do. Don't get me wrong--it's no paradise sometimes--but we basically share everything--our work, the household chores, the child-rearing, the smiles and frustrations of our day to day lives. . .I feel totally blessed that God gave me this wonderful man to be my life PARTNER. Reading the beginning chapters has helped me to remember to make this man my number one human priority which is something I don't always do. Maybe because we're together so often? I know that there are many times that I take him and his goodness for granted. Anyway, the last few days, I've been trying to honor him and show him how much I appreciate him, and it's set a lovely atmosphere around our days. Now I find myself in Chapter Five (Doreen, I can't wait 'til you get here) and I'm searching to see how this works for us in our situation, because DH's career IS my career and visa versa--I think we often support each other and enable each other to do what has to be done. Maybe, though, I need to support his dreams and ambitions in ways that I haven't thought of or done before. Maybe I need to care for him in different ways. Simple ways--like make his lunch sometimes or fill his car up with gas--little things to show I care? I was taken by how Elizabeth's career, though, so definitely takes a second place to her husband's. . .that must've been hard for her to adjust to, don't you think? Still, the love and selflessness that is demonstrated when you WILLINGLY put another's needs above your own is so powerful.

Sometimes I think that what I'm searching for is really so simple. . .it's just time to love. To not be rushed or hurried, to be able to have the time to show others (and myself, for that matter) some TLC--that's what I'd really like, I think. I don't want to wait for retirement for that time to come! Sometimes I feel life zooming past (guess that's how it is when you have a teen) and I realize that the time to love TODAY is what really matters--taking the time to listen, to help, to care and thanking God for all the simple beauties and pleasure that we have and not striving so hard for things that are just things!

Well, I guess I'm going to come to terms with Chapter Five!

Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Wow Erin

That was wonderfully put! Your insight into this chapter is such a blessing to me. Have you ever considered writing a book of your own? I would definitely buy it!

Have a great day, Erin.

Tracy

 

[Princess Michelle]

What book are you guys reading, sounds like a good one!

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!

I'm finally getting caught up on my reading. I finished chapter 8 this morning. I have lots more ideas for how to serve Todd better, which in turn will make our lives happier. I didn't have trouble with these chapters but maybe that's because I've been thinking along the same lines during my entire marriage. I suspect my tough areas are elsewhere in the book.

Time, precious time! When do we ever have enough? I think that my new attitude of prayer (credit the earlier chapters of the book) will help me to listen more closely to God. I'm sure He does not want me to feel frazzled and harried throughout my days so I'll be praying for lots more guidance in this area, especially in simplifying my life and weeding out those things that are not important.

I hope you have a wonderful Saturday, dear Erin! Look for a PM coming your way!

 

[lulu201]

11/20

Update on 11/19

1. Devotions
2. Vitamins
3. Water
4. The only exercise was walking the dog for about 10 minutes--it didn't count
5. I'm ashamed to tell my fellow that I had two cookies at our recital reception last night. I know I'm guilty, but hear me out--it was 8:30 p.m. and I hadn't eaten since lunch! It wasn't a binge! I ignored pecan tarts, brownies, all kinds of cookies, and just had two little wee ones--ok, maybe they weren't "wee."
While I'm not too proud I ate sugar, I AM glad I didn't go overboard. No smilie, but still, I'm satisfied. At today's recital and reception, I'm going to be stronger.
6. I got weighed in yesterday. Same old, same old. I'm satisfied with that, too, strange as it seems.

Went to Kohl's yesterday and found a great skirt on sale, size 12.
I'm OK with it. I've realized that I've basically been at the same weight since September--losing and gaining all around this number.

The book we're reading, Michelle, is "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. This morning I read Chapter Six about submission. I can't believe I'm the only one who's having trouble with this chapter! I found it overly simplistic in many ways. Maybe that says more about me and problems in my personality , but I can only imagine having an ulcer if I said "sure" to everything my husband suggests! I can see why it's a good thing if I don't nag him ceaselessly and if I speak to him and of him with respect, but I know there must be more to all this in the day-to-dayness of her life than she's sharing. I would have liked the chapter more if Elizabeth had spent more time talking about how she and her husband worked through issues while she applied this principle. Maybe it'll come up in other chapters?

All right. I'm at work and have to get some things done before my next student comes. Another recital this p.m. Major crashing this afternoon!

Erin

Doreen, I'll be checking for the PM.

 

[geetey]

Eek! Erin, I think if I were reading the book, I would be having problems with the submission chapter. I was raised with brothers and my dad 'beat' it into me that they were not better than me. I should never let a boy win 'just because'. I drive like a boy, I throw like a boy, I can change my own oil and a tire, etc. I think it would be difficult for me to mentally grasp being submissive. I see myself as equal. (All said without reading the book! Sorry for the commentary!)

Here's to a great week!

 

[Princess Michelle]

Erin, I have heard of the book but have not read it, it actually sounds like one I would like. I may have to check it out.

Terry, I have not read the book either but let me see if I can explain the idea that I know the Author is trying to portray in the book. Godly submission is not about the other person being better than you, stronger than you, in control of you or saying that you aren't capable of doing things yourself. Women most definitely should know how to take care of themselves and be independent. She is speaking from the Biblical aspect that God has placed the Husband and Wife in very distinct rolls. The man is to be the priest of his home, the leader, he is to take care of his family. The woman is to be his help mate, his support system if you will. This doesn't mean the woman is less, if anything I think women really have to be stronger at times to support their husbands in the way that they need. This is all coming from a single woman so I don't have any first hand experience in a marriage relationship but I do know how God has designed it and I think it's a beautiful thing. I just think that submission gets such a bad rap because people think of it in the wrong way. It's not that you are less, it's just that you love another person enough to give your all to them and love them unconditionally and support them to the fullest extent of your being.