Wednesday Weigh-In

This week's goal - 235.5

Weight this morning - 234.5

I hope you don't mind that I didn't put the newspaper in the picture. I've been up since 4am, and it's now 6:05. No paper delivered yet, and I'm HUNGRY and want to eat! I also need my coffee.

Desperately.

As expected, the 'honeymoon' phase of this weight loss journey is coming to an end.

Do you know what the next phase is?

I call it the 'Conniption Fit' phase.

We've all seen perfect examples of this numerous times in grocery store check out aisles. A toddler reaches for a candy bar, is told 'no', and proceeds to have a conniption fit.

Of course, on the outside for the most part, I remained calm and collected. On the inside I was on the floor, limbs flailing and being a real brat.

This week was harder.

I'm so thankful I've done this here, cause if I hadn't I might have just decided to 'do it later'.

For those of us who fight this beast, we know the pain of another false start.

Girls....it's 'Doin' Time'. It is so Doin' Time now.

If you need this, don't keep putting it off.

In the coming weeks, I'll be talking about this more, in detail, what I'm doing, etc. I just figured two days before Christmas isn't really the time to delve into it!

I'm missing sugar terribly.

I find myself wistfully fantasizing about having tea and scones.

Oh what a comfort sugar has been to me.

It's been my little 'take a break from reality' drug.

I know it's as much a physical addiction as a psychological one.

Cookies soothed me. What I needed soothing over, is still not clear.

Cupcakes tucked me into bed at night, and cheesecake told me bedtime stories.

Candy...well candy was a secret lover that no one knew about.

It sent me risque text messages.

This week, my goal is just to stay the same, not to lose, or gain.

Several of you have made comments and sent emails saying that you don't want to take my money if I fail! That is so incredibly sweet, but for right now, I need the accountability. I need it to hurt here with embarrassment and hurt in my pocket book too.

So...again...a $50 Amazon.com gift card to be offered next week if I gain any weight.

If you've read this far into the post....thank you! I plan on tempering this Wednesday Weigh-In post with a Pioneer Woman Wednesday recipe review from Aaron in the upcoming weeks. You know...the yin and the yang. I'm sure you're all not interested in my weight loss musings.

Wintertime is Here

It finally officially happened.

It's Winter.

There's snow.

My restless soul feels quieted.

I really don't like the 'feels like winter, but it's not' thing that we've had going on.

I gotta know....what is your Christmas Eve and Day like?

Ours is pretty serene.

We've already had the 'big family thing' this past Sunday.

Christmas Eve will be a simple dinner, "It's A Wonderful Life", opening presents and a Live Nativity.

Christmas Day will be Chinese food and a movie.

It's our tradition.

It's a day I lie around and read all the magazines I've not had time to.

It's the day I scheme all the things I'd like to accomplish in this season they call Winter.

There's going to be a LOT of scheming going on.

Christmas Confessions

It's Sunday morning.

I just finished reading the obituaries.

I do that every Sunday.

I can't stop for some reason.

I've a confession.

Yes, there's more. Above my obsession with bacon, and fear of mustard, I have many confessions.

Today's confession - I don't have a Christmas tree this year.

I can hear you gasping.

I know!

I kinda feel like Bunbun, half hiding, even telling you this.

I have a small artificial one in the kitchen, filled with cooking, baking and coffee related ornaments.

I have the antique silver one in the bedroom.

I have a wee one in my bathroom.

But I don't have a REAL one.

Every year, we get a real Frasier Fir.

We put the old big Charlie Brown lights on it.

It's full of Shiny Bright antique ornaments.

I string popcorn and cranberries.

We use tinsel.

Sigh.

And you know why I don't have a tree?

It's this minx.

The cat I rescued, that I swore I wasn't keeping.

The cat that wreaks havoc on my Friday stitching group.

The cat that wormed it's way into my heart like no other.

Jinksy.

Brat cat.

I just didn't trust him this year with my Shiny Brights.

There, now you know.

I feel cleansed.

The Temptation of Jayme

I went to a Cookie Exchange today.

I've never been to one before.

My Cooking Club buddy Mari hosts a ginormous cookie exchange every year.

We were to bring 8 dozen cookies to the exchange.

One dozen for people to taste right away.

One dozen was going to the St. Jude House in Crown Point for Abused Women.

I think that is a great idea.

The other six dozen cookies each of us brought were divvied out amongst us.

Oh, this is what Aaron busied himself doing while I was baking cookies today.

This is our cat Boo.

She is evil.

Her nick name is Death Stub.

Steven King has called several times wanting to do a movie about her.

Here are the cookies I brought. Giada's Dried Cherry and Almond Cookies with Vanilla Icing. I heard they were good....I don't know first hand.

Mari awards gift cards to the 'best recipe' and the 'best presentation'

Can you stand it!? Those little snowmen having a camp fire? These were smores cookies.

Too stinking cute.

Hands down the 'presentation' winner.

I've never seen so many cookies in my life.

I didn't even touch one!

I have no idea where this resolve is coming from.

It didn't bother me one bit to be in this room.

This is what I'm talking about.

Freedom.

A fun, talented, generous bunch of gals.

Thanks for a fun afternoon Mari!

I had quite a few errands to run after the cookie exchange. One of them was to get gas.

Notice the sign on the door.

"Now hiring cashier"

Notice the bullet hole on the door.

Is that why they are hiring a new cashier!?

That's a little scary isn't it?

The following four photos are a game for you. Actually, two games.

The first game is 'Find the Inflatables'

and the second...

Do you remember Sesame Street?

Do you remember the game "Three of these things belong together, three of these things are kinda the same.....

Can you guess which one just doesn't belong here?

Now it's time to play our game...time to play our game!

Did you guess?

Wednesday Weigh-In

It's Wednesday already.

It's been a week of blood, sweat, and tears.

Mainly sweat.

My start weight: 242

My goal: 239

My weight this morning: 237

Can you say "YAY!"?

You were really wanting the gift certificate weren't you?

I'm sorry.

Goal for next Wednesday: 235.5

If I don't make it...a $50 Amazon.com gift card to the first commenter.

I am on day 8 of sugar-freeness.

The cupcakes were a challenge, but I'm happy to report that I didn't have nary a one.

Today I'm baking all my Christmas cookies.

Going to a Cookie Exchange on Thursday.

Aaron's birthday request is a Heath Bar Cheesecake for Saturday.

I'm crazy aren't I?

My resolve right now is iron-clad. I know I won't eat a single cookie, or a slice of cheesecake.

My energy level is back up, I feel great. Fruit is ridiculously sweet to me right now.

I don't want to just 'abstain' from sugar. I want to be sugar FREE. As in, I don't almost cry at the sight of a cupcake. I want to have it in the house, make it, give it to friends, and not feel any emotional pain in the process. Call me crazy, but I think I can do it.

Will I do this forever?

I don't know.

But I'm going to do it again today.

My next demon is Diet Coke. I have about 8 cans left in the house, and then it's bye bye to that.

Pray for me.

I am preparing a separate post to thank you all so much for your incredible support.

I'm still shaking my head at all the comments and emails.

You are the reason I was so successful this week.

Before I leave you, I wanted to share a scrumptious recipe with you.

Scrumptious is a very underused word if you ask me.

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

1 # of ground turkey BREAST

6 T rolled oats

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 egg whites

4 T fresh parsley

1 t fresh sage

1/2 t salt

1/2 t pepper

dash of red pepper

Mix the above well. Form into 8 - 2 oz patties. Cook in a skillet sprayed with Pam.

2 patties are a serving.

(I use half the amount of dried spices when I don't have fresh available).

Today I get a splurge meal. One meal of whatever the heck I want.

I think I'm going to have deep fried bacon, wrapped in bacon, with a side order of bacon.

And a Diet Coke.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes

White Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes

I LOVE cupcakes.

I like to look at them.

I like to smell them.

(that's all I can do right now)

They make me happy.

Cupcakes are a reflection of all that is good in the world.

I know that's a bit dramatic, but it's true.

That's all I'm sayin'.

I wish I could give you a first hand review of these cupcakes, but I can't, since I'm sugar-free.

I will tell you that after I made them, I teared up a little that I couldn't eat one.

Aaron moaned when he ate his.

Even Glenco mentioned how good they were, and he's not like that about sweets.

I smelled them. A lot.

I went to bed last night dreaming of floating on magic carpets of bacon, and sleeping on cupcake pillows in a land where it snowed powdered sugar.

Sigh.

White Chocolate-Cranberry Cupcakes
(adapted from Baker’s Chocolate)
6 (1 ounce) squares white baking chocolate
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
6 tablespoons orange juice, divided
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cupcake tins with liners. Chop 6 of the chocolate squares and set aside. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, orange peel, and 3 tablespoons of the orange juice; mix well. Add flour and baking powder; beat until well blended. Fold in chopped chocolate and the cranberries.Bake approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes to wire rack. Cool completely.

Frosting:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 (1 ounce) squares white baking chocolate, melted
3 tablespoons orange juice
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in white chocolate. Mix in orange juice and powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached. Pipe or smear onto cupcakes.

Store tightly covered in a cool place.

A Whole Lotta Nothin...

It's an incredibly dreary day here in NW Indiana. I thought I'd just give you a few glimpses of Christmas around here.

I have a confession.

I'm still not in the Christmas Spirit.

I don't know why.

Usually I'm obnoxiously so.

The tin in the picture above is one of my favorite things. A dear friend gave it to me years ago, and I treasure it. It brings back so many wonderful, fun memories.

Here's another glimpse of the bedroom. You can see the silver tree that I found in the trash. It's decorated with all silver and pink antique ornaments.

I tuck in Christmas anywhere I can. I like to hang ornaments in with the dishes.

I like to decorate with cookbooks.

This little snowman tucked in my soap basket makes me happy.

This is my new kitchen ornament. Every year I find a coffee or baking themed ornament for my kitchen tree. I love this ornament so much it makes my stomach hurt. Seriously.

It was an incredibly busy weekend here at the Coop Keepers, or the 'Poop Keeper' as Glenco is calling me now.

There is so much poop.

All the time.

Glenco's brother Jim stopped by to help put up the cupola he's been working on. Made it out of curbside garbage. Old saloon doors worked nicely!

Still need a weathervane.

Other random news....

I received so many lovely comments and emails about sweet Helen.

Her eye is looking better, and I don't think it will fully open since the raccoon attack in June, but there is no sign of infection. I held her close up to my ear, and her breathing seems fine.

I cleaned out the coop good and put down all new bedding today.

I also got two heat lamps!

Thank you so much for your concern! I told her about all of your notes, and she was a bit overcome by the outpouring of love and attention.

Further random ramblings...

I went to Chicago to visit my sister last week, and of course had to stop by my old house.

This is where I grew up.

The green house in the middle.

I really hope I don't step on anyone's toes here...but....seriously people...can we stop with the inflatables? I'm going to start a petition for the immediate deflation of all animated air filled Christmas decor.

Stop the insanity.

And now for the finale of randomness....

Back in my kitchen post a few weeks ago, I neglected to tell you that we still have the original wood floor in the kitchen. It was covered with newspaper, linoleum, and glued on carpet.

This is a burn spot right in front of my stove.

About 15 years ago, an old woman stopped by the house and told me that she lived here as a little girl, and would love to see inside again.

I obliged.

She told me she remembered when her mother dropped a hot coal out of the wood stove and it made that mark.

Sigh.

I love old houses.

I hung this number 9 on my kitchen wall Saturday. I almost threw it away..it's a long story, in which I'll spare you the details.

Inspired by the love of numbers and letters that Shannan has, I decided to save it and hang it up.

It bothered me that it had no meaning to me though.

I googled 'the meaning of #9' and found this:

The #9 is associated with tolerance, generosity, forgiveness, creative energy, success, and a deep love of life.

Amen.

Chicken Chili...or Chilly Chickens?

Here's a good example of 'Birds of a Feather Flocking Together'! My poor girls didn't know what to think of the cold.

It was a bit comical.

I've been terribly worried about them since the 'cold snap' we've had here in NW Indiana. I worry about their toes, and their sweet flappies.

Flappies is my word for wattles.

Aaron and I went out to give them some love and encouragement.

I wonder if Stubs feet ache more in this cold weather. I know my hips do.

And then there's Helen. Poor sweet humble Helen. I've noticed her limping more since it's gotten cold. Time for some Chicken Spa therapy.

We promptly brought her into the 'Poultry L'amore' Salon (also known as my kitchen)

Her one bad eye concerns me. It's been looking like this for a while.

I gave her lots of love and cuddling. Chickens love cuddling. It's true. Not many people know this fact, but then again, I am the Chicken Whisperer.

She loved every minute of her time inside, and drank lots of warm water. I begged Glenco to let me keep her in the house. Well, I begged him to let me keep them all in the house.

He said no.

Stinker.

I can't imagine why he wouldn't want ten fat hens in the house.

I mean, I've been living here for 20 years. What's ten more?

Rejuvenated by her spa experience, Helen lost no time in having a talk with Aaron about puberty, kindness and clean living. That bird doesn't have a selfish bone in her body.

Since I told you about my chilly chickens, I thought it appropriate to share a recipe for...

wait for it.....

wait for it....

Chicken Chili

My wit even surprises me. Seriously.

Here's the first of MANY healthy, absolutely delicious recipes.

The eating plan I'm following (I'll share more in the coming weeks) is a balanced program of protein and carbs, and relatively low fat.

This recipe is perfect.

High in fiber (just for you Joycee!), perfect ratio of carbs and protein, and loaded with FLAVOR.

What could be better than a bowl of this deliciousness on a cold, blustery day such as we've had here in NW Indiana?

Ok, well, hot fudge would be, but we're not goin' there.

Chicken Chili - Makes 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 2 4-ounce cans chopped green chiles
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 15-ounce cans great northern beans, rinsed
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups diced cooked skinless turkey, or chicken
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

PREPARATION

1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in chiles, oregano, cumin and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in beans and broth; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add turkey (or chicken) and vinegar; cook for 5 minutes more. Serve.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 453 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 68 mg cholesterol; 44 g carbohydrates; 44 g protein; 9 g fiber; 213 mg sodium; 965 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Niacin (80% daily value), Fiber (45% dv), Vitamin C (30% dv), Iron (25% dv).

This recipe is from EatingWell.com. It's a wonderful website, chock full of healthy tasty recipes! If you'd like to, you can go HERE and print out the recipe.

Thank You...

It's my bedtime, and I'd hoped to have a post on today, but it's going to have to wait until tomorrow.

I keep reading your wonderful comments.

I can't thank you all enough, I'm quite overwhelmed by all of your support.

I want to respond to each and every comment and email....give me a day or two ok?

Thanks SO much.

The Incredible Pain of Fatness

I really have NO idea how to begin this post.

I know it's the LAST thing you want to read about at this time of the year.

I just couldn't hold it in anymore.

I'm fat.

Again.

It's been a life long struggle.

I've been successful in the past.

In 2005 I joined the Leanness Lifestyle

I lost 80+ pounds.

I was so happy.

I was so healthy.

I really thought I'd never gain it back.

Being fat is painful. Emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.

I'm not going to go into it all today.

All I know is this.

I have a problem.

Guess what?

So does everyone else.

It might not be food.

It might be alcohol.

It might be having too many cats and chickens. Oh wait, I have that one too.

It might be spending too much money.

It might be sexual.

It might be gambling.

Mine just happens to be one that I can't hide.

My adult weight has ranged from 150# to 300#.

It's such a selfish way to live. I see that more clearly now. It's beyond looking good, it's about living, and living well, and living long. It's about not being a burden to my family when I'm older. It's about not putting myself at a higher risk for heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

To say that I will address my weight problem without addressing my sugar addiction is like a gambling addict saying he or she will set up a spending budget without addressing the gambling problem.

Can a crack addict just take a 'little' crack?

Can I just have a 'little' sugar?

I don't know.

I promise not to make this blog all about my weight loss journey.

But I do promise to keep you updated weekly, because I need the public accountability.

I do promise to share healthy, tasty recipes with you.

I do promise to share the funny side of weight loss.

I do promise to succeed.

Every Wednesday morning, by 8am, I will post my weight with a newspaper so you can see how much I weigh, and the date (if you care).

If I do not meet my goal for the week, I will give the first person to leave a comment a $50 Amazon.com gift card.

Is that a good idea? You'll be sending me boxes of cookies won't you!?

My goal for next Wed. is 239.

I had to start this now, because I just can't stand myself anymore.

If I waited til January, like everyone else, I fear I'd gain ten more pounds.

Anyone care to join me? If you are interested in the Leanness Lifestyle, you can check it out at www.leannesslifestyle.com, or you can email me and I can fill you in on the program. It's a very good, sound, balanced program.