Road Trip

Wednesday February 11, 2009 Phase Two Day 296:
Let’s see, what did I do today? I started by walking with friends then home for a bowl of cereal before pickling up Mom for swimming. After that I stayed home to do laundry and get things ready for our trip. By 10:30 I snatched a granola bar and was out the door to run a few errands before work. I finally got free for lunch at 1:30 so I ordered a chicken salad from Zorba’s. Employee Wellness was today making it a late day. Didn’t land at home until about 5:00. Stephen had recently arrived so I fixed him a loaded ham & Swiss sandwich, cottage cheese with tomatoes and an orange. As for me – I choose to have a bowl of cereal. Because it was dinner I treated myself to a 2 cup bowl! Man was it good.

After dinner Stephen & I headed out to the church. The Monica ward choir was asked to sing for the Saturday evening session of Stake Conference in a week and a half – that’s right all seven of us. I sure hope the angels show up. Tonight we had an extra practice because I will be out of town this Sunday. Also it was our turn to clean the building. I had a little 100 calorie snack from Stephen’s desk in the Bishops office. They were chocolate covered soy nuts. They are pretty good. Now we are home again and I have just finished packing. Here we go on our road trip – I am very excited. I will try to eat half way decient.

Thursday February 19, 2009 Phase Two Day 304:
Wow, I cannot believe I have been tracking my eating for over 300 days! That’s a first. So we are back from our wonderful road trip. It was great adventure and especially lovely seeing the kids and grandkids. Stephen & I enjoyed the time away from phones and demands. We listened to a couple books on CD while we were on the road as well as music, talking and just plain quiet. As far as eating goes, here are the notes I took along the way.

Thursday – Alarm went off @ 1:50am. Stephen hopped in the shower and I got up about 5 minutes later. We were out the door by 2:20 and on our way. At LAX I ate a yogurt and fruit cup. On the plane I had a small bag of pretzels. For lunch we stopped at Crackle Barrel. They serve a wonderful steak salad. I had one of Stephen’s biscuits – the best biscuit I have ever tasted. Driving all afternoon, I snacked on a granola bar and an orange. When we arrived at Thad & Angela’s they fed us tacos and chips. So wonderful to see the kids.



Friday –T & A had work and the girls had school so we had the house to ourselves and we made good use of it – we slept. Getting up around 2:00am the previous day as well as traveling all day left us ready for a sleep in. Slept in until 9:30 – heavenly. Had a bowl of Cheerios then headed to Branson. We were to meet Thad for lunch at a favorite local hamburger shop. I had a salad – good for me. Stephen & I shopped @ Branson Landing, a very picturesque shopping strip along the lake. Later I had a snack of chicken wrap and a granola bar. For dinner we ate at the ‘Fish Shack’ which is anything but a shack. It is the Bass-Pro restaurant situated right on the lake.


This is us inside the restaurant. I had a southwest chicken salad. After dinner we walked around Branson Landing then visited a place called ‘Andy’s’ for ice cream. Alexis was very proud to give the daily password at the order window. It seems there is a daily password and anyone that mentions it gets free ice cream. That’s right. We all got free ice cream – super. Actually, it is not called ice cream it is called custard because it is mostly egg with only a little dairy. It is the smoothest, creamiest ice cream type dessert I have ever eaten. Fabulous!
Saturday – we said our goodbyes early and were out the door and on the road by 6:30. About an hour down the road we stopped for egg McMuffins. I know, I know McDonalds again. I only had one muffin and no hash browns or OJ. The night before we left I packed a cooler for the car filled with apples, pickles, bananas, carrots & celery, tuna mix and bread. We hope to snack on those things today and only stop for gas, bathroom and stretches. That is of course, unless I see something or some shop I can’t pass up. Stephen is the best travel companion for me. Although he is cognizant of road conditions weather and destination timelines; he is very accommodating to a spur of the moment whim. I am very spoiled. Traveling went smoothly today – dry roads. We decided to stop at Crackle Barrel for an early dinner and am I glad we did. We pulled in about 4:00 and by the time we left the place was crowded with waiting patrons. It was Valentines Day and everyone was out in force. Crackle Barrel is a delightful restaurant chain throughout the mid-west and south. It has down home cookin’ at low-down prices. The best part is the extensive gift shop. Beautiful things at reasonable prices. I found some Valentines Day salt and pepper shakers – just what I have been looking for. I had another steak salad and two biscuits. When we pulled off the highway for the night there was a DQ right by the hotel. I decided against getting a treat because I did not want it bad enough. I think that is a basic concept of good eating maintenance. That is, having something outside of smart eating on occasion or when you really desire, yet being able to let a treat pass when it is no big deal. Good for me!
Sunday – We slept so great. Upon check in we had the option of a regular room or, for only $20 dollars more, a huge room with Jacuzzi. There are some things in life that are no-brainers. We had a wonderful soak in a hot Jacuzzi. The King size bed was about two-thirds too big as we sleep pretty cuddled up, but we felt awfully pampered. Not a lot of churches around here so we just got on the road, read from the Ensign and ate from our car stash. We pulled into Reisterstown about 4:00. Although we ate good food on the drive, once we arrived @ Tiff’s it was a different story. A couple of cookies and a banana began the snacking. Dinner was a pulled pork hogi sandwich, salad, and baked potato. We finished off dinner with a dessert of - what else – ice cream and hot fudge.



Later as we played Canasta, peanut M&M’s were consumed in large quantities. Not a very good end to an otherwise good eating day. I must admit I am glad to be out of the car and hope to be able to take a power walk tomorrow. Two days of sitting is foreign to me and I feel the need to move!

That is the end of the record. Can’t really remember the eating details of Monday or Tuesday. It was more of the same – pretty good with an occasional goodie. Now that I am home it has been back to my exercise schedule. I walked with friends yesterday as well as swam with my Mom. Today I went to step class and plan to meet Sonnet at the gym this evening for our 24Camp class. Not sure what to have for dinner. Won’t get much of a chance to fix anything anyway because I have a boy scout coming at 4:30 and gym class at 5:30. That means it will be after 6:30 before I get home. I might make a sandwich and heat some soup for Steph but if I know me I will reach for mixed berries or cereal.

Skinny Cow

Wednesday February 4, 2009 Phase Two Day 290:
Today I walked with friends then came home and ate cereal with strawberries. Picked up Mom for swimming then came home and got ready for work. Ate a granola bar on my way in. Had a good productive morning at the office. I ended up ordering a chicken salad from Zorba’s for lunch. On the way home I ran to the store to pick up a few last minute things for dinner with the missionaries. It sure was yummy. We had salad, rolls, roast, potatoes, celery, onions, carrots and gravy. Of course I served a jello mold with yogurt. I was good and only had one roll. I served Skinny Cow for dessert. I know, I know, I just finished the box I had. My plan was to but the Skinny Cow ice cream cones because they come in a box of four but then Sonnet decided to join us so I had to get an additional box. Now I have extra Skinny Cow again. After dinner I cut up all the leftovers into a pot, added two cans of stewed tomatoes and some vegetable broth. Now we have delicious stew and for the next couple days I don’t have to cook! I am so lucky my husband loves soups and stews. He is happy if there is a pot full of something or another. Oh, before the missionaries arrived, Sonnet & I went for a half hour power walk – good job.

Thursday February 5, 2009 Phase Two Day 291:
Started my day with step class – always good. Came home and had cereal before getting out the door to work. I packed some tuna & crackers, an apple, a granola bar and leftover jello all of which I enjoyed very much. Now back home it is early afternoon and I have the munchies. I ate lunch early so I guess I will have a cup of stew for dinner early as well. Ummm that was warm and cozy on this rainy day. A Skinny Cow should top it off nicely. Now I want to get packages for the grandkids all ready to take to the post office. I think I’ll have time to mail them before Sonnet gets here. She & I are trying a new exercise class at the gym later this evening…..OK, so we tried this new class called Camp24, oh my, it was fun and hard. Back home I had a banana but I kind of want something else. Not sure what I’ll do…..So I ended up having the last tiny bit of leftover salad, a granola bar (not the usual one – more like nuts and fruit smashed together.) and a cup of hot chocolate.

Sunday February 8, 2009 Phase Two Day 293:
It is Sunday, let’s catch up. Movie Day! Friday was Walkie Talkie movie day. We walked as usual then I came home and had cereal. I made a pan of cranberry muffin mix and topped it with a blend of cream cheese frosting and cranberries. It was pretty good. I took that with me to Gaye’s fro movie day. Gaye made scrambled eggs and Rinez brought nectarines. It was all yummy but I ate too much. Gaye had some leftover brownies that I polished off – that was not good. Stephen called and we were able to get away to the coast a little early than we expected. We picked up McDonalds on the way out of town. Crazy I know- that does not happen often. We left for Cayucos in the rain, arrived in the rain and stayed in the rain for a couple hours. I really did not mind because it was such a treat to be on the coast. Luckily it stopped before all the kids arrived. Before they got there we visited our friends the Gabbitas who were at heir beach house. It was a gathering and they invited us to dinner but we left to make final preparations for the youth conference and went out to dinner alone. We sampled a variety of delicious breads that came in the bread basket and both had delicious meals. The conference began when the YM/YW pulled in. The leaders served popcorn and hot chocolate. They did not have any Styrofoam cups so I ran quickly to the corner liquor store. Yea – I picked up cups for them and a chicostick plus chocolate chip cookies for me.

I was not involved in with the youth conference so I did not stay the whole time Friday night. Saturday morning after straightening up the beach house I dropped in at the conference and ate leftover scrambled eggs and pancakes. I ran errands all morning then Stephen called to say they were eating lunch. By the time I got there the taco salad was all put away. Monya sent the best cookies over and I had some of those. Later we all went to the Sea Shanty and I ordered a steak salad and of course if you are at the Sea shanty you have to get an outrageous dessert (their specialty). I decided on a Shanty Pie which is mint chip ice cream on a chocolate crust smothered in hot fudge and whipped cream. The kids left for home and Stephen & I shopped a little and were about an hour behind them. In Paso Robles, don’t ask me why, but we stopped in at McDonalds again. That’s twice in a two day span. I bet I could count the times I have been to McDonalds over the last two years on one hand. Anyway it was not one of our finer moments.

It is good to be home. I began my day with cereal then church. At home again Stephen polished off the last of the stew. That means I had to punt. I was all over the board. I had the last of my cranberry muffin cake from Friday; I had a piece of peanut butter toast, a Skinny cow and an orange…weird. Tonight we put on ‘One Night with the King’, the story of Esther. I had been thinking about that movie for a couple days and was glad to get a chance to see it. Anyway I ate one bowl of cereal and a bag of popcorn while I watched. Tomorrow I need to get back to some semblance of order.

Monday February 9, 2009 Phase Two Day 294:
It is a holiday so the Walkie Talkies decided to walk @ 7:00 instead of 6:000 this morning. I came home and had cereal. I think I will go into the office today. Steph has to work and rather than stay home I want to get some things done at work. I like going in when no one else is there – I am much more productive. It is raining outside. I do love the rain and we sure need it. If I stay at work all morning I will probably pick up a Zorba’s salad for lunch. I need to commit not to have any candy that is always around the office – OK, I will not eat any pieces while I am there today – done!

So I left for the office before 10:00. I ate a granola bar on the way and boy am I glad I did. True to my word I did not have any snacks at work, only a glass of water, some gum and a few almonds in my desk. I finally left after 3:00 and stopped by the store on my way home. By the time I was through shopping and putting away groceries it was 3:45 and I was hungry. Sonnet & I had a weight lift class coming up at 4:30 so I ate a quick bowl of cereal. I did not want to go to class on an empty stomach. Class was great. I think we should see marked improvement by the end of this month if we keep up the classes. Weight work is what really takes the inches off.

Tonight I made delicious fajitas. Nice and light. I had a Skinny Cow for dessert.

Tuesday February 10, 2009 Phase Two Day 295:
Weigh in day. All I have to say is what I expect to happen when I stop into McDonalds twice in one weekend. Actually it is not that bad but I did not go down any. I started my day with step class, cereal then off to work. I took and orange and a granola bar to snack on. Back home I had left over Fajitas and a Skinny Cow as a late lunch. Now I need to clear out the closet in Blake’s room and pull up the old carpet. Then I want to get outside and do a little pruning. Sonnet will come over sometime this afternoon to measure. For dinner I want to make yummy salads. Maybe Sonnet & I will walk tonight.

I am a little nervous about the road trip Stephen & I are taking. Not the trip itself but the eating on the trip. We have two full days of driving and he mentioned that he does not want to have fast food the whole way. I couldn’t agree more. Normally we could take an ice chest and pack good stuff but we are flying into Missouri then driving from there. I guess we could stop by a store and put a little set up together. Well, we will figure something out. Also, not sure how much fit day journaling will happen. Stephen is not taking his computer so it will be up to me to record on paper then transfer when we get back home. We’ll see.

OK, so tonight there was a RS ‘make and take’ thing at the church. I went and made my stuff and visited a while then an amazing thing happened, I did not, I repeat, did not have the offered cupcakes, pizza or chocolate suckers. Good for me! I must admit, as I was driving to the church I anticipated there might be treats and I really could not decide whether to commit myself to abstain. I mean if I decide ahead of time I will stick to it which is why I wasn’t sure if I wanted to commit or not. I thought to myself, ‘wouldn’t you like to be able to write a success instead of yet another moment of gluttony?’ Then I answered, ‘It all depends on what they are offering?’ I think that is when I got disgusted with myself and stopped talking to me. I just went and did my thing and when the time came for treats I really did not want to partake. It was easy to let them pass. Yea! Oh, we ended up having Huevos Rancheros and salad tonight, very tasty.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Thursday January 29, 2009 Phase Two Day 284:
Yesterday was so weird I never made it to the computer. I walked with friends, ate cereal and decided to stay home. I don’t know why but I just didn’t want to go into the office. First thing I puttered around the house putting away the January snowmen motif and replacing it with Valentines Day loveliness. It was fun to decorate. The previous day I purchased new garden flags for the front and was anxious to see how they looked. Next I got out the quilt fabric I am using for Tiffany’s forthcoming baby girl and started to work. That’s when things began to fall apart. I thought I’d have a lunch before getting started and planned to have leftover taco soup but reached for the tuna & crackers instead. I followed that with a granola bar then heated a big bowl of taco soup. While the soup was warming I ate chips that were meant for the soup. I loaded the soup with more of the chips and added cheese. Wow- what a huge lunch! That did not stop me from having a Skinny Cow. If I would have just got started on the quilt I would have been OK. Finally I made myself begin and then I was on a roll. Later that afternoon and into the evening, if I stopped for a phone call or some other distraction, I would grab a granola bar or Skinny Cow – crazy day!

Today I went to step class then home for cereal. It is my hair day so I left the house and headed across town. Sonnet had a dental procedure that required a driver so I picked her up and got her settled before going to work. I ate a granola bar on the way to work about 11:00. I find that when I eat my cereal early around 7:00, I get hungry earlier. Wanda & I had a date for lunch today – steak salad at the Sugar Mill! It was fabulous! Back home I went to work on the quilt. It is Ladies Night Out tonight. There were tons of sisters from the ward at Frugattii’s. I was not hungry so I just flitted around visiting until people started getting their food then I left. The evening was fun. All I had was a roll and water.

Friday January 30, 2009 Phase Two Day 285:
Good Morning! From the church we walked to my house this morning to make an accounting on ‘Friends through Thick & Thin’ (hereafter known as FTT&T). Everyone did pretty well. I think the $ and actual accountability to one another is a huge help. They were all in for another week. I threw in a few mixed berries to my cereal just to add a serving of fruit to my day. Now I am off to work. Not sure what I will take for lunch.

I snatched a granola bar from the cupboard before leaving and had it on the way to work. I stopped first at the farmer’s market at on of our sites. They offered an apple so I ate one – a Pink Lady, my favorite apple. When I got to the office there were a few leftovers in the break room. I ate some tri-tip and green beans. Sitting around chatting I had a roll then a chocolate bar. Very much an impulse munch. I should have brought in the fruit from the farmer’s market I had in the car to nibble as I talked but I didn’t think of it. I worked all afternoon then went home. After visiting with my Mom (no, I did not have ice cream while I was there. I told myself as I drove over there that I would not have anything to eat there but wait until I got home), I made it home and ate the last cup of Taco soup. I wanted something more so I had a bowl of cereal then topped it off with a Skinny Cow. (Don’t worry they are almost gone).

Saturday January 31, 2009 Phase Two Day 286:
What a fun day. I decided to get up and go to the dump this morning. The trailer is getting pretty full from the remodel and Stephen will have to pick up some sheetrock and other supplies soon, so, I thought I’d get the trailer empty for him. Before leaving I ate a bowl of cereal. Steph was up when I returned. I fixed scrambled eggs with salsa, toast and fruit. ( I only had a bit of eggs.) Sonnet came over and we set out on a few errands. When we returned Stephen had finished framing the wall and setting the door. We cleared out the rest of the room and Monday I think I will try and scrap the entire ceiling.

For lunch I had tuna and crackers and a tangelo. We continued working and puttering all afternoon until it was time to get ready for a friend at work’s wedding. I must say it was a beautiful wedding. The bride looked stunning. Talk about weight loss – here is a young person that had been a chunky little girl and heavy all her adult life. (I only know this because she told me) Now a mature woman of 26, she stands about 5 foot 8 or 9 inches. When we hired her two years ago she was large. Over a year ago she decided she’d had enough of being heavy and took control of the contour of her body. She put herself on Weight Watchers on the internet – she never went to meetings. Well, the rest is history. She began to melt before our eyes. She learned weight management and menu planning by the WW point system and followed it. I do not know the total weight loss in pounds but it would be somewhere around 50 pound I would guess. She has probably dropped about 6 dress sizes. Her wedding gown was shapely and elegant. Good for her!

We arrived early at the Petroleum Club for the reception. A full dinner was served. The place settings had a luscious chocolate ball filled with peanut butter at every plate. They were so delectable I was tempted to go around to empty tables and pilfer them before the unknowing occupants arrived – but I restrained myself. While waiting for the bridal party to arrive hor de’ vors were served. I had pulled pork and avocado on a cracker and a cheese brochette. The dinner began with rolls which were quite good and I did have several during the course of the meal. The entrée was delicious baked chicken, green beans and potatoes. For dessert we, of course, had wedding cake. Back at home I had a Skinny Cow before bed.

Sunday February 1, 2009 Phase Two Day 287:
Today is fast Sunday so nothing before choir. Now at home I am going to heat up the two chicken dinners we came home with last night. A couple at our table left early so we had their dinners boxed up to go. Anyway, I think even though I have a roast with veggies all prepared and sitting in a pot in the frig, we will have the chicken.

Stephen mentioned to me that he read last weeks Pigs to Twigs and thought I should read it not just write it. He said he noticed I indulge more than I adhere. I think he thinks that by reading, I would see that when I let up a little, I open a flood gate of poor eating choices that leads to carefree abandon. What – like that would be a revelation? I know this about myself. I write this about myself. To get a real grasp on the situation he would benefit by reading from the beginning. One week is not a microcosm of the total experience. Now, before I go any father – my husband is my biggest fan. He is more complementary and attentive to me than any husband I know of. He does not criticize my weight, in fact, quite the opposite; he praises me for my progress. He always makes me feel beautiful. I had to add that disclaimer lest any reader might misinterpret my sweetie’s comments.

Last week on my own, before he said anything, I reread week one and two just to remind myself what I was thinking and going through when we began this thing. I wanted to get a bit of strength from earlier days. It was good to relive it. My biggest asset is the exercise component. When I exercise regularly things go better – not perfect but at least I can work off my indulgences so they do not totally derail me. Sonnet is supposed to come over tonight for an evening stroll.

Sure thing we ate the leftover chicken with green beans and potatoes. I fixed a salad to go with. Before it was ready I shared a banana with Stephen. Wonderful dinner.

Monday February 2, 2009 Phase Two Day 288:
What a great day but oh am I pooped. I started today like most Mondays by walking with my friends. Came home and had cereal then I was off to pick up my Mom for swimming. When I got home I grabbed an apple and headed upstairs. For the next few hours I scraped the ceiling and moved furniture from Blake’s room and the new closet. The ceiling chore was very messy but I got the closet done and now have only to finish Blake’s room.

I packed a lunch of salad and tuna & crackers and got to the office just in time to eat it. I worked all afternoon then ran home to change into gym clothes. Sonnet & I planned to try a weight lift class at the 24 hour on this side of town. It was a killer and I know I’ll be sore. Three exercises in one day is more than enough for me. To top it off, when I got home, the last thing to be moved out of Blake’s room was a huge roll of carpet. Stephen & I picked that monster up and hauled it to the balcony. That was the final physical straw for me, I couldn’t believe how pooped I was.

For dinner I made Stephen & I steak salads and they were goooood. Last week when some of the ward girls had a Girl’s Night Out at Frugattii’s, my friend Ann had me try a salad dressing they make there. It was delicious – a subtle blend of creamy Italian and garlic. I bought some and lightly dressed our salads then topped them with steak pieces right from the broiler. I had the last Skinny Cow for dessert. Tomorrow is weigh in day and I am expecting good things. One last thing, today my Blakieboy left for the Army. Wow. I tiered up once when a solder song came on the radio. I sent flowers to Sara. I prayed for them both.

Tuesday February 3, 2009 Phase Two Day 289:
Boy was it hard getting up this morning. Stephen really likes the movie Ground Hog Day and yesterday being Ground Hog Day he wanted to watch it. So, when he finish working on the remodel we started the movie around 9:00. I had a hot chocolate and tried to stay awake, no that is not true. I don’t think I really tried to stay awake. I fell asleep more than half way through. After all the workouts yesterday I was just too tired. I started my period today so that might be another reason for my drained feeling. Anyway, I had a hard time getting up for step class but I sure am glad I did.

Weigh in - Yes, I was down another pound. Slowly but surely wins the race. I just ate cereal and now I need to go in and scrape the rest of the ceiling. Not a fun job but, I just keep thinking of the rooms when they get finished – glorious!

What should I take for lunch today……..the tuna and crackers yesterday was wonderful……maybe. Tonight I will put on the pot roast and veggies that has been waiting in the frig all put together since Saturday night.

.....Here it is 1:30 and I still haven’t had my shower. I have done so much around the house then Stephen came home and we ferried the Jeep into the shop to replace a flat tire. The crossing guard came over last night to let us know the tire was flat. Stephen aired it but it did not hold. Since Steph was in town on business he swung by and together we took care of it. Forget lunch at the office, I had tuna & crackers here but while I was fixing it I had a granola bar. Afterwards I wanted something else, so I treated myself to a banana cut into a bowl of cereal. Yum! Stephen just called to say he will be working a little late so I guess that leaves out the pot roast. I told him I would work late too because I won’t even get there until 2:30 or so. I guess we will be on our own for dinner tonight.

Late afternoon I had an apple and tonight after errands I ended up scrambling some eggs and topped them with salsa and having a tangelo – very good.