Where ya been?

Yea...sorry... I checked out for awhile! I didn't forget about my blogger friends though.

What have I been up to you ask?

Well...

Last time we talked we were beginning to do a major remodel of our home. So we moved out for several months which did not make blogging convenient. Then, about one month after moving back in, a tornado sent some trees through our "new" home. Yes--for real. During the whole redo I was just wiped out! Depressed a bit. I kept telling myself it could have been worse- and oh, I know it could have been. No one was hurt for which I'm so thankful. And, our insurance finally came through for us. In the long run, it was all okay but a tough time for me nevertheless.

 I just didn't feel like communicating.

Now...I'm back and hope to refocus. Not just on weight as I did before. Although I'm at a good place there (more on that later).  I want this to be a place of sharing, reflection, and learning!!! I've changed the blog name and a few other things...

I'm enjoying catching up on all of your blogs.

My wish for you...
Connect with a friend you miss!

Jess

Novel...Forgiveness for cheaters?

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I just finished this book. Have you read it?

Interesting....

(SPOILER ALERT--DON'T READ IF YOU WANT TO READ THE BOOK)

Husband cheats. Wife discovers. To forgive or not?

My sister dealt with this...I know every situation is different. Her husband was a serial cheater. In the book, it was a one time deal.

Does this matter? Or should I say, would it matter to you?

I've always said I would leave no matter what! I don't even want to think about it....ugh.

I have some friends who have left, and some who have stayed. I am also hesitant to admit that a long time ago (before I was married) ...I worked with someone who was "the other woman"....she says it was/is her biggest regret. I really have trouble with dishonesty.

I think I would constantly worry and question.

In the book, it brings up staying for the kids. Is this a good thing?

This book was a great read, but really got me to thinking...maybe b/c my sister has just gone through her horrible ordeal.

What are your thoughts?

The ONE Thing

I am a perfectionist. That is...in all things, but my weight. Please believe me, I am not perfect. But I feel good about my job as a wife, mother, and teacher. Even good about my relationhips with others who are important to me: my role as a daughter, sister, and friend. (Well, maybe I struggle with my MIL, but you know...) My point is that I feel good about everything, BUT MY WEIGHT!

It's my ONE thing. Why is this?

I woke up last night thinking about this. I'm not sure where the moment came from...but I suddenly realized something.

I am successful at things I try to do my best at. I rarely attempt anything that I will fail at. Hence, the perfectionism.

I suddenly realized that my "perfectionist" quality may be holding me back in the weight loss department. I think I'm not trying as hard as I could because I don't feel I can be perfect.

That's when it hit me:
I don't have to be perfect...just better.

Let me repeat that:

I don't have to be perfect...just better.

I can just do better at exercising.

I can just be a better size clothing.

I can be in better shape.

I can eat better.

I can FEEL better.

Not to expect perfection...just be better.

I think this may be KEY for me.

What do you think?

J

Bloggy Bullying

I like to click on the your blogs that I follow and then visit blogs that you follow, too! It is a great way to find new blogs. Sometimes, I also click on the blogs of your commentors if I really like something they said.

The other day, I stumbled onto a blog (who shall remain nameless)...I am pretty certain I discovered some bloggy bullying. This blog was attacking another blogger ferociously...and not being so nice to others! Wow, I was shocked.

I found myself hoping that this never happens to me!

The teacher in me wanted to say things like:

• let's all play nice!"
• live and let live
• don't say anything if you can't say something nice
• reading someone's blog is a choice. if you don't like it, don't read it

Have you ever seen anything like this?
J

Breakfast for a gang

I had my nephews staying with us this morning. I decided to make a breakfast dish my family loves. I forgot to take the picture before they all dug in...so you get the half eaten version!

So easy! (not low fat by any means!!! But you could adjust recipe a little if you want to lessen the calories. I like it b/c it goes a long way when you have to feed the gang! Scamble eggs and put out fresh fruit...waa--lah, breakfast is served!

Ingredients:
2 packages of crescent rolls (8 count)
1 package of cream cheese (8 oz. I think)
1 pound of sausage (I use mild, but you can go as spicey as you need!)

(to make the dish healthier, you could use turkey sausage, lite cream cheese, and low fat crescents)

Directions:
scamble the sausage til cooked, then drain
add in cream cheese
mix cream cheese and sausage well

In a 13x9 greased dish ( I use Pam), put down one package of crescent rolls flat. Pour sausage mixture on top, then lay out the other package of crescent rolls on top. Bake until crescents on top are done.

Yum!

Public vs. Private

Do you eat differently in private than you do in public?

I do. I admit here, on this blog.

I would never eat an entire bag of truffles in public...but I have in private.

I would never eat 5 pieces of pizza in public...but I have in private.

I would never eat 4 waffles in public...but I have in private.

I would never eat and eat and eat and eat until I felt sick in public, but oh, I have in private.

See a pattern here. I think I will try pretending that I am eating with a crowd around me all the time. :)
Maybe that will help!


In other news, I ended my Diet Coke addiction (again) yesterday.
My eating was moderate...not perfect. So I'll start my 14 days over again today. grumph! At least it wasn't as bad as it has been! 

Talk to you later!
J

A New Bathing Suit

I have been on the hunt for the PERFECT Bathing Suit.

Is there such a thing?

I want flattering and inexpensive....

I've worn a tankini for a few years now. The kind that doesn't show the tummy, but I can still tinkle on having to pull down the bottoms...very convenient. I also have a long torso and these just feel better.

I've been having trouble with the halter necklines. It is very hard to find a different neckline...or at least it has been to me.

I also always stick with black, brown, or darker colors...

But the other day, I saw this in Target:

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Sorry the picture is so small, but it was too blurry when I made it bigger. You can click the link to see it larger if you want. This top is so wonderful. It is perfect to wear strapless for no tan lines! I have NEVER worn a strapless top...well since high school maybe. Anyway, I have gotten so many compliments since I've had it. My husband said it is the best fit I've worn in a long time. I'm going to get one in another color...and it was only 20 bucks.

I really want to get a nice suit when I lose weight...hmmm, have we heard that before?

I love suits from Athleta and similar stores, but just don't want to fork out $150 for a swimsuit. Maybe a weight loss treat for goal?

Have you found good bathing suits? Share the details!

J