Lone Black Spider

Went up to Alta today. It was SO nice to get back up there. I spent two years of my life up there as a Ski bum and I loved every second of it! Now however, I could use some of those best diet pills to get back in shape. ugh.
Today they were having a Coat Drive; donate good warm coats (2 max) and get free all day lift tickets. Wow. TONS of people arrived! Little did we know, there was a limit of 500. and needless to say, there were a tad more people than that in line. We were pretty much at the end of the line, and knew we were not going to make it, so we left. But thats okay, cuz the drive was great, the air was fresh and it pretty much rejuvenated me, put me in a good mood, and ready to SKI SKI SKI ! !

Today I am home, took the day off work. I have opened all the windows to air out the place. However, it is still very cold outside, but right now I need the fresh air more than I need warmth.
We have been so busy this week; yesterday was our only night home and then the kiddo and I did gobbs of homework. Tonight we are off again, this time for a Eagle Scout Mentoring meeting.
I personaly, want out of this BSA troop we are in. I am fed up w/all the parents. I dont fit in with them and I dont like most of them! But I am staying involved because of my son, he really likes some of the kids there. The kids in the Troop are great and I love every one of them; its just their parents that I dont care for. So yesterday I resigned as Treasurer. I cannot take it anymore. They spend money like it grows on trees and I want no part of it anymore. Okay, so its not MY money, its the Troops money, but I dont like to associate w/people that manage their funds that way. It drives me crazy, which I know I should not care a whit! but I do care, and the only way to get away from it all (cuz talking about it with the committee didnt work) and start Not Caring, is to quit. So I did! and ya know, I have no more stress! it is very nice. This week has been too stressfull all around and this will just make it better.
I need to take better care of myself anyways. So I am. Starting Today. so HA !

Well today I am not happy. This is the first time I have been down in a long while. I seemed to have woke up this way too. Something just wasnt right this morning. After cleaning the litter box, feeding the now 2, cats, feeding and re-arranging the gerbil cage, feeding the fish and making the beds (all at 530AM!) I went to work and found out why I am so down. I got some sad info regarding my Uncle back in Chicagoland. He is not doing well; he has stomach cancer.
I now understand why I woke up rather down; somehow sad vibes got to me early early this morning. yeah, I am wierd that way - I believe feelings, emotions and vibes, transend thru the air and we pick up on these things and they effect our feelings. Total Bummer.
Good think today is my short day here at work and I can go home, open the windows, let in the rain and air out my head and my house.

Well I am like totally running behind! This week is extremely busy for us, which is good, cuz than I dont eat much! I can only hope to loose more this week as well. I just have to keep telling myself that the Holiday season is usually the best time for me too loose. Really! I am very strange that way. Congrats to all you ladies as well! !

This week’s prize is brought to us by Julie. She is offering a variety of 100 calorie snacks which is sure to help in the weight loss effort. I’ve had some 100 calorie snacks, and let me just say, they are delicious. They are also just the right amount when you need a little something to hold you over. Ever see The Biggest Loser? That show uses those babies all the time!

Keeping Leigh’s tradition of putting names in the cup, the winner this week is Leigh!

This week’s biggest loser is Leigh with a loss of 4 pounds! So stop by her blog to congratulate her.

Here are this week’s results:

Chris - 3.2 LOSS
Tammy - 1.0 GAIN
Life With Hashi-Thyroid Blog - No Change
Grace - 0.4 GAIN
Leigh - 4 LOSS
Clara - 0.4 GAIN
Julie - No Change
Cheryl - no report
Audrey - 2.0 GAIN
Christy - 1.0 GAIN
Tina - 2.0 LOSS
Danielle - No Change
Jessie - no report
Steph - no report
CYN - no report
Despite the gains and the no changes, as a whole we are down: -4.8 LOSS Not too bad.

Wow. This weekend just flew on by; why IS that ! ?
I do actually have a reason this time. We are fostering a Cat until March of next year and we spent all weekend introducing her to our cat Rosey and getting her adjusted to our house. She is a cutie-pie for sure. However she has very long hair and I happen to be allergic to cats, especially long haired ones. Not a good combo, but the only reason we are keeping her (till March) is that she is sleeping w/my son. She is not allowed on the couch, or any furniture for that matter. She is only allowed to sleep w/my son and sit on our Cat Tower (see pic). My son has agreed to do all the ‘cat stuff’. Yeah, I know, Mean Mom. But thats the rules cuz I dont want to be miserable, sneezing, running eyes, stuffy nose, etc etc etc.

Yes, I must admit, I have been thinking about Thanksgiving, and Christmas, a lot these days. I love Turkey and all the sides that go with it! I could eat a meal like that every day I swear! However, I am doing very well on my diet since Monday, so I dont want to blow it. I have been searching my WeightWatchers website for low cal Turkey foods and they have a lot of tastey dishes (see prev post for one of them).
As for Christmas, this year will be tight. I would love to get Gift Cards for Grocery stores and some for Gas. I dont really need sports gifts, but my son has been wanting Ice Skates . . .
I guess if we just stay happy as a family (and friends!), stay healthy and keep our jobs, things will be just perfect for me; cant really ask for anything more than that!

I seem to be into tasty receipes these days. I do love Brussel Sprouts and this one sounds very good! 3 WW points per serving (aka 150 calories)

1 1/2 pound(s) Brussels sprouts, tough outer leaves trimmed, cut in half lengthwise
4 slice(s) uncooked turkey bacon
1 tbsp butter, divided
3 medium leek(s), thinly sliced (white and light green parts only; about 1 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup(s) water, divided
1/4 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
8 oz roasted european chestnuts, peeled, quartered (fresh or jarred)

Steam Brussels sprouts until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes; place on paper towels to drain.
Melt 2 teaspoons of butter in same skillet. Add leeks and 3 tablespoons of water; toss to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 6 minutes.
Meanwhile, crumble bacon or cut into strips.
Add remaining teaspoon of butter to skillet; stir until melted. Add Brussels sprouts, remaining 1 tablespoon of water, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until Brussels sprouts are hot and coated, about 3 minutes.
Stir in syrup and vinegar; toss to coat. Add chestnuts and bacon; toss over low heat until well-mixed and heated through. Spoon into a serving bowl. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Well I dug out my winter shoes yesterday and have decided that I could use some more, heeheehee. I really love shoes and love shoe shopping. It’s about the only shopping that I really like to do. I did purchase a pair of winter boots a couple weeks ago, however, they have a 3.5 inch heel and after wearing them all day Wednesday I have decided they are a bit to high for winter boots. I could use some work boots cuz when I shoveled snow the other day, my feet got all wet. WorkBootsUsa.com has lots of boots there and of course, I love shopping for shoes and looking at boot pictures on line too. Gotta get in the spirit of Winter!