Dieting

So after a brief hiatus (okay, 6 months) from my diet, I started back on it.  God, it is so boring.

One of the things about dieting that I resent is that I have to constantly think about food!  Friends want to go out to dinner and ask where we want to go.  I then immediately try and think of places that - not taste terrific, but - have low calorie options.  And I believe everyone who's ever read this blog knows how daddy likes him a Cosmo now and then.  Well, alcohol is a definite no-no when you're dieting.

The diet that makes the most sense for me is Weight Watchers.  It forces you to convert food into points and then not exceed the points that match your weight.  It works.  A few years ago I lost 40 lbs on Weight Watchers.  But I guess I'm lazy and I just get so damn tired of constantly watching what I eat and having to think about food.

One of the 'tricks' I've used with success is drinking water.  Its no secret - every diet tells you to drink lots of water.  But sometimes I get so hungry that I feel sick to my stomach.  I don't want to eat something if its not 'meal time', so I will drink water.  That will often quiet down my stomach and carry me over until its time to eat a meal.  And I TOTALLY make use of those chemical-laden, artificially flavored water enhancers because they give water flavor.  I don't care if they contain red dye #5, if they make water taste like a virgin cocktail, I'm in!!

Weekend recap

As a real estate agent, I typically work on Saturdays, and sometimes on Sundays too.  Now that we have another agent on our team we are rotating so that each agent gets a weekend off each month.  This means they aren't scheduled for sales duty (responding to phone and internet inquiries) but may still need to show property to visiting potential buyers.

This weekend was my weekend off, I had no visiting buyers in town, and Spouse & I had no plans that would take us out of town.  So it felt almost odd that I was home with Spouse all weekend.

Click to enlarge

We decided to make good use of this time off together and took down and packed up our Christmas tree and all our Christmas decorations.  It was less laborious than usual since Spouse & I worked together on this.  Just removing and packing up the tree ornaments is a big job since we like our tree to be heavy with ornaments.  I've never counted them but I'm guessing there are 300-400 ornaments on our tree.  And unlike some people who can barely wait until Christmas to take down their tree, we usually leave ours up through mid-Jan.  We only did it this weekend because we both had the time.  Our tree and decorations are so pretty I just don't get tired of seeing them.  In fact, its always a little melancholy for the 1st few days after taking them down.

Sat night we had dinner with Steven & Thad at Miltonian Pizzeria & Wing House.  Spouse & I shared our favorite: the buffalo chicken pizza.  Sun night we had dinner at Steven & Thad's house, as Steven made pot roast, herb roasted potatoes and corn and we brought biscuits and a coconut cream pie for dessert.  Both meals were sort of our "swan song", as all 4 of us were planning to go on diets starting today.

Spouse & I are following Weight Watchers because Spouse feels it is the best way to lose weight.  He lost about 80 lbs about 2 years ago, although he has not kept all of it off.  We aren't going to the meetings but will follow the point system.  To make it easier to calculate the point value of most foods (rather than having to look up everything in a book) he discovered you can take the calorie count and divide it by 40 to quickly get the point value.

Also in preparation for our diets starting today, yesterday Spouse & I organized the frozen food in our chest freezer in the garage.  This helped us not to buy duplicates of things we already had when we went to the grocery store yesterday.  And while in the organizing mood, we bought a plastic shelving unit to put next to the freezer to store extra can foods and such.  We often 'stock up' when we are able to shop at a Trader Joe's, since we love their food but don't have a store near us.  The shopping bags of Trader Joe's foods were quickly organized onto the new shelving unit.

It was a fun weekend that included productivity, time with friends, good food, and preparations for a healthier new year.

Battle of the bulge

As I mentioned in Monday's post, I am now on a weight loss plan.

The problem started sometime in Nov. As "the holidays" approached I began allowing myself to over-indulge in every kind of delicious and fattening recipe with the excuse that "its the holidays".

Apparently no one told my pants that holiday calories don't count, because my waistband is screaming!

I must say that I did enjoy over-indulging during the holidays. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast followed by several re-runs until the left-overs were gone. Then we had lots of yummy stuff in early Dec for our Christmas tree trimming party. Then there was all the food at my office! Several of my colleagues brought in cookies, several of our clients sent us boxes, baskets, and barrels of goodies, and even some of our vendors sent us platters of positively perfect confections. Then there were the multiple holiday parties, Spouse's mom's birthday party on Christmas eve, and the expected feast for Christmas dinner. Oh, and did I mention the decadent 4-cheese macaroni & cheese Spouse made for Steven & Thad's New Year's Eve party?

I've never met a mayonnaise-based dip I didn't like.
Needless to say, I ate a lot.

But now its time to "pay the piper", as they say, so Mon I started to diet. Not the old-fashioned fad diets like the grapefruit diet or South Beach diet. My form of dieting is really more of a sensible and healthy eating plan with inspirations from Weight Watchers and common sense.

To begin with, I'm cutting out snacking. Unlike Spouse I'm not much of a snacker to begin with, so this doesn't have a huge impact on me. But sometimes I'll come home from work and have a little something to eat because I'm not sure when we'll eat dinner. I'm not really "hungry" per se, its more of a preventative thing. No more.

Another successful technique is portion control. I serve myself the amount of food I imagine an elegant, 110 lb. woman would eat, and that's it. No seconds; no "Hungry-Man" portions.

If by chance I begin to feel full before I've finished my womanly portion, I stop eating immediately. Even if there are only 3 bites left on my plate, I stop eating as soon as I begin to feel full. I'm not a child so there is no need to strive to be in the 'clean plate club' anymore.

I also substitute some higher fat/higher calorie items with lower fat/lower calorie ones. For instance, I used to make sandwiches every day with Arnold Double Protein Multi Grain bread. The slices are large but the 'multi grain' aspect seemed like a healthy choice. That bread is 110 calories per slice. Now I eat Pepperidge Farm Light Style whole wheat bread at 45 calories per slice - less than 1/2 the calories!

But I still struggle with diet soda. I like all the different flavors and real hunger pangs can be temporarily quelled with a zero calorie diet soda! But some studies suggest that despite the absence of calories, diet soda can cause people to gain weight. Then there's the reality of diet soda being made up of chemicals rather than natural ingredients, which makes me think about alternatives. Obviously water is the best thing to drink, but I quickly get bored with the lack of flavor. So an alternative I like is to pour 1/2 a glass of 100% fruit juice (NOT a fruit-flavored drink) and fill the other 1/2 of the glass with water. At first it seems like watered down juice, which it is, but at least it enables me to drink 1/2 a glass of water with some flavor, and I eventually get used to to the taste.

So this is my plan to eat less, eat better, and lose weight. Stay tuned for updates.

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too important to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Here's a funny rendition of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, courtesty of my friend Alan.

Did you hear about the woman who attacked her roomate over a box of Thin Mints Girl Scout cookies? Now, I could see it if they were Do Si Dos, but Thin Mints?? Really???

My friend and frequent funny foto contributor Jared sent me this.

Its really heartwarming, isn't it? The knowledge that chili cheese fries are always there for you...

Now, for the opposite of heartwarming, here's something REALLY depressing: I was 11 years old when Justin Bieber's FATHER was born. Sweet baby Jesus...

Jared also sent me this crazy 'ad'. Click to enlarge it and read the text.

Oddly enough, I've owned 4 Hondas in the last 25 years.

Watch this hilarious video and then do your part!! I did, and it felt great!

This coming weekend is my last weekend of real estate classes! I'll take my math and law finals this weekend, and then provided I pass them both, I'll get my certificate on the following Sat, March 5. (I present the certificate when I sit for the state and national board exam.) But I'm nervous about the math and law finals. There's so much info that could be on them; its hard to know what to study.

One of my facebook friends posted this and I just had to swipe it. Love that hair!!

Spouse had a slight set back at his Weight Watchers weigh-in last night. He gained a 1/2 pound. I suggested he not worry over it since he already knew the reasons for the gain. He spent a day and a 1/2 with his family last weekend and didn't stick to his program, and he only worked out once that week. I'm sure he'll lose that 1/2 pound plus some next week.

Sun evening we're going to an Oscars party at Steven & Thad's. Spouse & I never used to watch awards shows, but now we attend or host awards parties for nearly all of them. Its fun! I don't know why we didn't do it before.

Here's wishing everyone a GREAT weekend!

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

My friend (and frequent comedic contributor) Jared sent me this wacky photo!

This coming weekend at real estate school I'll take the 1st of 3 finals. This 1st one is on real estate sales principles, which will be the easiest of the 3 finals for me. The real estate law and real estate math finals will require a LOT more studying.

Here's another gem from Jared:

After a not-so-good weigh in last week, Spouse got back on the loosing track this week at Weight Watchers. I think this is the longest he's ever stuck with a diet/exercise plan.

My friend Bob sent me this, ummm... exciting photo.

Well, don't mind if I do!!

The Grammies are on this Sunday night. Will YOU be watching?

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget yet too small to be their own post.

My pal Jared sent me this wacky photo.

Wed I picked up Big Ella from the garage, but also had to drop off Spouse's PT Cruiser. When it rains (and you're unemployed), it pours. Big Ella passed the safety inspection this time and I was in and out of the DMV in under 10 minutes with a 2-year renewal. The reason I left Spouse's car at the garage is because it recently developed a wicked wobble in the rear end. Turned out that 1 of the rear tires had a huge bulge (and not the good kind). We wound up having to get 2 new rear tires.

My friend Mike sent me this video. This guy's upper body strength is amazing!

Spouse didn't have the best Weight Watchers week; he gained 1/2 of lb. But he wasn't crushed by it. He knew that he over-indulged a few times and then tried to make up for it by starving himself, which doesn't work. Fortunately he kept this in context and continues to look at the bigger picture.

Here's wishing everyone a great weekend!

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget yet too small to be their own post.

My friend and frequent contributor Jared sent me this, which gave me a chuckle. Spouse has reached another Weight Watchers milestone: 75 lbs lost. Even after some splurging on our cruise and Thanksgiving in Nov, and multiple parties and Christmas and New Years Even in Dec, he's continuing to work the program and lose weight. He looks terrific and I'm very proud of him!

Its been over a week since I dropped off Big Ella at the garage and I'd not heard anything from them so I called today. I took it in because the brake lights weren't working and I heard an odd whirring sound whenever I press the gas pedal. They said the lights were fixed (loose wiring again) and the whirring sound was the generator which has gone bad again. Fortunately the generator installed a year ago carried a 3-year warranty so I won't have to pay for it. They've ordered a new one and will let me know next week when Big Ella is ready to be picked up.

My friend Jared sent me this as well, entitled Chicken Barbie. I'm not sure I get it, but think its funny anyway.

Have you heard about the new sign they're trying to add to the zodiac? Apparently all the existing dates are being shortened and a new sign Ophiuchus is being added. Since my birthday is Dec 7 I am in the new sign. I thought this article offered a comical explanation.

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

We had a slight dusting of snow overnight. Fortunately the temperature rose above freezing and the sun came out this morning so it all melted away already.

Sometimes there are 2 TV shows I'm interested in watching on at the same time. I'll watch 1 and then switch to the other during the commercial breaks. I hate it when BOTH shows run commercial breaks at the same time! Anyone else?

I came across this photo and burst out laughing. I can't even IMAGINE how this happened!!

Spouse & I have joined a gym. Since we had to give up our pricey personal training sessions neither of us has felt good about not exercising. And with Spouse's weight loss goal he really has to exercise in combination with proper diet. The new gym is located inside a community center. I don't like it very much because its cramped, has very poor lighting, and just has a general dreary feeling about it. But its close to our house (convenient) and is the least expensive around so I will tolerate its depressing atmosphere for a few months. But once I'm working and making money again we want to go back to our personal training sessions.

Spouse went back to Weight Watchers last night for the 1st time in almost a month. He'd missed 2 sessions in a row because of Christmas and New Year's Eve and skipped one session because he was busy. The good news is despite all of the holiday parties/food/goodies/etc. he only gained 1/2 a lb. I think that is amazing, and he was rather pleased about it too. So now that the holidays are over he is back on the Weight Watchers wagon and will resume losing weight. His total weight loss since July is 74 lbs.

My 1st day of real estate school is tomorrow! I'll be going from 9am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays for 6 weekends in a row, so 5 weeks from now I expect to have passed the pre-licensing course and be ready to sit for the state/national licensing exam a few days later. However, most likely the hardest part for me will be deciding on an agency with whom to associate myself. Unlike traditional jobs where compensation and benefit packages are quite similar, realtor compensation and agency perks vary quite a bit. I will likely have to 'interview' the agencies and use a spreadsheet to compare the compensation percentages and agency perks. I'll need to add to that my general comfort level with the principals of the agencies in order to make the right choice for me. In general I've been very encouraged by the feelers I've put out there.

Sometimes I wonder if making such a huge career change should make me more nervous than I am. I hope I'm not that nervous about it because I truly feel its the right direction in which I should be moving.

My friend Lisa sent me this funny video. Quite clever!

Last night Spouse & I watched a really cute film called 50 Ways of Saying Fabulous. It takes place in beautiful New Zealand. We really liked it! It was cute, touching, and the end wasn't predictable. Stream it or check it out on Netflix!

Here's wishing everyone a terrific weekend!

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of items too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Big Ella & I participated in 3 local Christmas parades and received trophies for our participation. Here is the trophy from the Milton Christmas parade.

I'm thinking about using some of the leftover wood from the addition to make a shelf in the garage to display Big Ella's trophies and plaques.

Today I cleaned the entire house again. Man, do I miss having a housekeeper! But after 4 hours the house is clean and tidy. We're having company on Sun, and we'll be gone alot tomorrow so I decided to tackle the housecleaning today.

I got this from my friend Jared, who always supplies me with funny stuff.
I got this from my good friend Kathryn, and it made me laugh out loud!
Spouse went for his weigh in last night and lost 1 lb. Considering all the food-related holidays and events this time of year, I'm proud that he's still losing weight and not gaining. His total weight loss now is 72 lbs. He says "none of my clothes fit anymore".

I got my hair cut yesterday. I told the guy to cut it 'pretty short' because I like how low-maintenance short hair is, and because the last time I got my hair cut really short, I received lots of compliments on it.And truth be told, shorter hair also takes a few years off most people, and since I had a birthday this week, I thought I could stand to lose a few years.

My friend Wendy sent me the following photo, which I found to be sweet. An abandoned dog took shelter in a nativity scene with the baby Jesus.

How funny is it that the dog is a German 'Shepherd'. (Giggles)

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own blog posts.

Last night we attended Lewes Hospitality Night. This is where the Second St merchants who normally close up shop at 5:00 stay open until 9:00 for holiday shoppers. Many merchants give away free snacks and samples. The local high school jazz band performed, and there was a DJ playing music while the band took breaks. It was only in the low 30s so Spouse & I bundled up. We never buy anything at this event but always go each year because its a nice way to see friends and neighbors and wish them happy holidays.

My friend Dick sent me this, which gave me a chuckle.

I went to Social Media seminar today in upstate DE with my friends Deb & Greer. It was supposed to be a free seminar on using Social Media as a Marketing Tool, geared toward small business owners and non-profits. It was free and Deb offered to drive, so that was great. The seminar itself was less than great. The presenters were all volunteers who need to spend less time playing with social media and more time practicing their presentation skills. They had no idea how long they'd been talking or how much they had left to cover. One woman was all over the place like a child with ADHD. We actually left before the seminar was over because we just weren't getting enough out of it. But we had a great lunch at Border Cafe and have a terrific time talking in the car for the 90 minutes up there and 90 minutes back.

Spouse & I are not going to the Manassas Christmas parade tomorrow at our friends Kerry & Hugh's. We were just in VA last weekend, and going for that parade means missing the local parade, tree lighting, and caroling. We've been to the one in Manassas for the last 7 years so we've earned the right to stay home this year and enjoy the local happenings. Big Ella is excited about being in the Lewes Christmas parade tomorrow!

My friend Jared sent me this funny little ditty.

My friend Rick sent me this terrific video of an AMAZING ventriloquist. Enjoy!

After a small (1/2 lb) weight gain last week, Spouse rebounded this week at his Weight Watchers weigh-in with a 3 lb loss. Despite the holiday parties and goodies he's staying on track!

My friend Jared sent me this gem too.

This video seen on facebook made me laugh out loud!

Love eggnog but sometimes feel guilty about drinking a glass of it due to the high fat and calorie content? Try adding a tablespoon of eggnog to your cup of coffee... you get the taste of eggnog but a fraction of the fat and calories of a full glass. Mmm - its dee-lish!!

Wishing everyone a terrific weekend! What are your plans?

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own blog post.

My friend Jared is responsible for this hilarious photo.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with Spouse's mom, sister, brother-in-law, niece, 2 nephews, and my aunt Mary. Spouse made the beautiful turkey and dressing.His sister brought the mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, corn casserole, macaroni and cheese, and brownies. Aunt Mary brought sweet potato casserole and hummingbird cake (my all-time favorite cake). Spouse's sister-in-law dropped off pumpkin pies.

Everything tasted wonderful and we all overate hedonistically.

This morning we removed the leaves from the dining table and finished cleaning up, then relaxed as Spouse's mom watched back-to-back episodes of her favorite sitcom: Seinfeld. I sort of 1/2 watched with 1 eye as I read my book "Mary Ann in Autumn". Then we met up with our good friends Kerry & Hugh and Kerry's father George and sister Kelly for a late lunch. It was nice to reconnect with them since we haven't seen them as much this year as usual, and since so much has transpired in their lives and ours. Afterward we tidied up our room, loaded the car and headed home, arriving at 7:00. We'll unpack, relax, watch TV, and check our email until bedtime.

Tomorrow is our tree trimming party! Spouse is in charge of the food while I'm in charge of assembling and lighting the tree.

I just realized I haven't ordered my Christmas return address labels for the holidays cards. Hopefully I can order them tomorrow and they'll arrive before Christmas. I always enjoy having special holiday return address labels on my cards.

Spouse is eagerly awaiting the changes to Weight Watchers. He's done so well (down 70 lbs since July) so he's anxious to find out how the program will change.

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Spouse continues to amaze me with this Weight Watchers determination. Despite having been on the cruise for a week with all that amazing food, Spouse still managed to lose 2.4 lbs when he weighed in last night! Who goes on a cruise and loses weight?!?! I guess it didn't hurt that after returning from the cruise he ate soup for lunch and salad for dinner for 4 days. But still...

I've been missing Pouncer since we returned home. Spouse got rid of his litter box before we left, but his cute little ceramic food bowl (which I washed) is sitting on the counter next to the kitchen sink. At this point I don't have the heart to put it away just yet. He really was a special guy.

Today I learned that our Thanksgiving plans have been turned completely upside down! Spouse's family usually comes here for Thanksgiving, and we do most of the cooking. But due to a couple of extenuating circumstances, they can't come so we are traveling back to VA instead. This could actually turn out much better for us, now that I think of it. Usually I have to clean the house from top to bottom before they arrive, continue cleaning while they're here, and then wash 4 or 5 sets of sheets and 6 sets of towels and clean the house again after they leave. Having Thanksgiving at Spouse's mom's house means I don't have to clean the house or do all that laundry! Score!!! But the best part about it is that my aunt Mary will be able to join us. It will feel more like the Thanksgivings we used to have when we lived in VA with my aunt there.

Back in the spring I pre-ordered Armistead Maupin's new book "Mary Ann in Autumn" from Amazon. Its the latest in his "Tales of the City" series. Unfortunately it didn't arrive prior to our cruise as I had hoped, but it was waiting for me when we returned. I love Maupin's writing and find it very easy to read and get caught up. I really hate to finish his books so I try to ration my reading to prevent me from finishing too quickly. I started reading the newest book this week and have already read 1/2 of it! Yikes - I can't control myself. In case you hadn't guessed, this blog is named after Maupin's famous series.

My new laptop arrived today. For years now I'd been using my work laptop for personal computing, since our dinosaur of a desktop is practically non-functional. But since I have to ship my work laptop back to my former employer, Spouse & I agreed I should get a new laptop. We found a terrific deal on HSN, ordered it on Mon night, and it arrived today. I'm using it right now... can you tell?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

On Wed evening I went to my doctor's office for a physical. It had been 2 1/2 years since my last one (due to a cancellation in Feb when we had the blizzard), but since I am very healthy I don't worry about getting one every year. As I expected, the doc gave me a clean bill of health, but highly recommended a flu shot. Does anyone get flu shots? Why or why not?

Spouse lost another 6 lbs over the last 2 weeks. (Last week he couldn't weigh in because his Weight Watchers meeting was cancelled.) This brings him to a total of 63 lbs lost so far. Everyone continues to compliment him on how great he looks, and those who haven't seen him since he start WW in July are shocked. He went 'shopping' the other day in the closet where he keeps all the clothes he had grown out of, and found a couple pairs of dress pants and dress shirts he can now where to work.

My friend Jared sent me this hilarious card!

I have been simply amazed by support of friends, even those who are readers of this blog whom I've not met in person, related to my being laid off next Fri. Everything from help reviewing my resume, to online articles with interviewing tips, to offers to circulate my resume, to just plain old care and concern for how I'm holding up. Everyone has been so wonderful and I really appreciate the support and encouragement. It really helps!

My friend Jared provided me with this gem as well!

In last night's episode of Project Runway we learned which of the 4 designers was NOT going to show at Fashion Week. I really, really, REALLY wanted it to be Gretchen. I'm not saying she's a bad designer, I just don't feel like she's a fashion designer. Rather, she's a specialty designer for women who like her 'Bohemenian Chic' look. Its a look, but it doesn't say "fashion" to me. Honestly - I can't imagine her clothes on a catwalk. I was really hoping it would be the triple gays: Mondo, Andy, and Michael showing at Fashion Week. But Michael was sent home, which is a shame because I was really looking forward to seeing his collection. My prediction (like everyone else's) is that Mondo will win, which is just fine with me. I love Mondo's use of color and mix of prints.

No big plans for the weekend for us. How about you?

Crush du Jour: Matt Lanter

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.


After last week's .5 lb weight gain, Spouse was back to following Weight Watchers with a vengeance and lost 7.5 lbs this week! In 14 weeks he's now lost a total of 57 lbs. As you can imagine, many of his clothes are just too big now. Fortunately he had some smaller size clothes that he is now able to fit into again. But to treat himself for doing so well he went on a little shopping trip this week and got 5 new shirts and 3 new pairs of pants in his current size.


My friend Jared sent me this:
with the subject line: "You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy a tasty bagel".

My friend Lisa in NY posted this piece about fall decorating with gourds on Facebook and I found it to be hilarious!! Enjoy. (Note: contains profanity.)

Jared also sent me this in reference to that wacky conservative DE senate candidate who is against everything, including masturbation:
We are spending this coming weekend in Philadelphia. Steven & Thad, the Bobs, and Spouse & I are meeting up with Bugs & Roger, Thad's sister Robin, and Thad's friend Alan and going to the Barnes Foundation to view the magnificent art collection and gardens. We also plan to attend a brunch for fellow passengers on our Nov cruise and attend the Outfest street fair. Should be a fun weekend!

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Crush du Jour: Derrek Diamond

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

Despite all the reports of flooding on the east coast, our little coastal town in southern DE has barely gotten any rain over the last few days. I was actually hoping to get rain here while I was gone (in Richmond) because I scattered some grass seed last Sun and wanted Mother Nature to water it for me. Instead, it rained everyday in Richmond and only rained a little here on Sun night and Thurs night.

My friend Jared supplied me with this:

Spouse had a bit of a 'relapse' on his Weight Watchers program this week. Rather than losing, he actually gained a lb. When I asked him what happened, he said he got kind of lax after the online WW program told him he was loosing weight too fast. He didn't stick to his plan and wound up gaining. But he is determined to return to keeping track of his points and continuing to loose more weight. After loosing 50 lbs all of his clothes are too big. Fortunately he's been able to wear some older clothes that used to be too small. He's planning to treat himself to some new clothes when he looses another 10 lbs.

Another ditty from Jared:

Why is it that some people insist on wearing too much perfume/cologne? A little smells nice, but there's no need to marinate in it!! A friend posted on Facebook that fragrance should only be smelled when someone is close enough to kiss you. I thought that was cute.

Thanks to the adorable and kind Kevin from The Lisp for providing me with several Crush du Jour suggestions! Its so gratifying when friends (even those I haven't met in person yet) offer assistance. Many, many thanks to you, Kevin!!

Tomorrow morning we're headed back to VA to visit with our family, and will return home Sun afternoon.

Here's wishing everyone a terrific weekend!

Crush du Jour: Landon Conrad

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was a definite 'win'.
Spouse continues to do well on Weight Watchers. He has now lost 50 lbs. in 13 weeks, and is looking great!

My friend Jared sent me this:

So true!!

I'm off work today for the car club's 'cruse-in'. Tomorrow is our big car show event called 'Beach Ball'.

This gave me a chuckle.

I am in desperate need of names for my Crush du Jour blog feature!! The summer has been very busy and I have not been able to surf the web and blogs for worthy candidates. Please send me the names of men you think would make a great Crush du Jour.

Have a terrific weekend!

Crush du Jour: Carlos Melina

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

This was sent to me by my friend and frequent blog contributor Jared:

Love it!!

I forgot to mention last Fri that it was week 11 for Spouse on Weight Watchers. He lost another 2 1/2 lbs last week for a total of 45.8 lbs. This week is week 12 and he lost another 1.2 lbs (despite us eating out several times) for a total for 46.10 lbs. He's doing so great and I am so impressed by his determination.


Jared also sent me this gem which made me laugh out loud!
Tomorrow is the DE Pride Festival. Although most cities have their Pride celebrations in June, here in DE we do it in Sept, after the official summer tourist season is over. We don't have a parade (due to some uncooperative city council members) but we have a Pride Festival with lots of entertainment and food and vendor/information booths. This year's headliner is Kimberley Locke of American Idol fame. It should be a fun day.

Here's wishing all of you a FAB weekend!

Crush du Jour: Carolos Freire

Friday fragments

Welcome to Friday fragments, my weekly recap of topics too big to forget, yet too small to be their own post.

My friend and frequent blog contributor Jared sent me this funny photo: Is it descriptive of the shape or taste? Oh my...

I'm happy to report that my leg pain has subsided for the most part. I think wearing shoes with orthotics all week has really helped. I also noticed that getting up from my chair several times and walking through the house has also helped. Hopefully I won't have anymore issues with this.

A Facebook friend posted this photo which made me laugh out loud! Such dedication!

I recently discovered 'natural' peanut butter and I love it! No sugar, no salt, no ingredients I can't spell or pronounce; just crushed peanuts. I love the taste and prefer not having those other unnecessary ingredients.

Jared sent me this poignant political quip:

Spouse continues his success on Weight Watchers. In week 10 he lost another 5 lbs, bringing his cumulative weight loss to 43 lbs. And he's not starving himself either. We also continue to eat dinner out, but now he makes smaller, healthier choices. I'm so proud of him!

A friend sent me this, which although a little cold, made me laugh out loud. Sometimes people just need to be told to shut up and move on!

Last night we had dinner with our friends John & Marty at Striper Bites. Spouse, Marty and I all had the blackened tuna over penne with fennel cream and tomatoes. Dee-lish!! John had the Asian tuna with noodles. They had not been here since the garage/bath/closet addition and the expansion of the screened porch so they were anxious to check out these updates. We had a great time together, and then decided to go to karaoke! Now THAT'S my idea of a Thurs night.

The remnants of hurricane Earl passed by here today, although you'd never have known it. We had a slight sprinkle of rain and a gentle breeze, despite the recommendations to batten down the hatches. This is Labor Day weekend, a 3-day weekend here in the US, and I am excited! Although we do not have friends staying with us this weekend, the weather is supposed to be fantastic so I am hoping for 3 great beach days.

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Crush du Jour: Matthew Herrick