Our JCP Pictures

Pictures

Michael and I went shopping at "Michael's" for some frames and last night he stopped by to help me hang them. Turned out really good. This is the crown jewel. I will have to bring the CD and download the other pictures.

Dieting - Lost 9 pounds

My boss at work did the HCG diet and came in every day and told me about it and how excited he was. I told my mom about it and both she and Michael wanted to do it so naturally I did it too. We started on the 21st. The first two days you eat as much as you can of fats and sugar. I went and had a Big Mac, fries, and chocolate shake. I haven't had that in probably 20 years. Not my favorite but I figured if I was looking for fat, it was a good choice. That evening we went to Red Lobster to celebrate Tyler passing the state written exam of his EMT class. I was so full and was putting the coconut shrimp in my mouth, chewing, and swalling with water. So unenjoyable that I finally just stopped eating. Now of course I wish I could go back and stuff myself. I'm eating apples, chicken, been, and salad mostly. It is only 500 calories a day and I'm adjusting.
Of course imagine my surprise we I got on a scale and realized I had gained 15 pounds over the last couple of years. My big problem - snacking on anything with sugar. We always have meetings or lunches at work. And then there is the snack cabinet filled with sodas (which I didn't drink - no temptation) but candy bars, breakfast bars, cookies, candy, etc. which I devoured on a daily basis. My goal is to get off the sugar and this has really helped. I have not had any sugar for a week, which is a new record for me. The last time I did something like this I lasted four days and the gorged myself on sugar. Then there is the junk drawer at home and in my car (although I rarely eat that). I keep it there for Tyler. I walk in the house and there is a candy bowl full of peanut M&M's.
One of Michael's goals was to stop drinking Diet Coke. He stopped cold and has not had a soda in eight days. We are all doing well and helping to encourage one another. I have to say not always easy but getting easier as time goes by. Yesterday, I made roasted chicken with vegetables and potates, so we could eat the chicken breast and David, Tyler and my father could eat the rest along with a Key Lime Pie from Marie Callendars. We just had our chicken and salad.
As already mentioned I have lost 9 pounds since we started and that is the motivation to keep going. Two more weeks and I can start adding other things. If nothing else it has really helped me to resist my sugar intake and realize I do not need it. Plus, all of my clothes are fitting better.

Onkel Michael

helps take care of everyone. While I was out of town he purchased Tyler a new suit for his mission and also got him a Disney light plaque for his bathroom. Thanks!!

St. George Cont.

We also went to the Temple Saturday morning and to a couple of Farmer's Markets. It was extremely hot and dry. We had thought about going for a walk when planning the trip but there is no way in that heat. Had some yummy sticky rice with Mango.

St. George

I went with a friend down to St. George over the weekend to just get away. It was so wonderful that I didn't want to come back and definately not get up for work today. Of course it didn't help that I had to finish reading "Catching Fire," which is the sequel to the "Hunger Games." The next book does not come out until August - rats! If you haven't read them you should. Totally great. So I was up until 1:00 a.m. reading.
In St. George we spent both afternoon out at the pool reading and taking it easy. Simply the best. Friday night we saw "Tarzan" at the Tuacahn. They did a fantastic job. It was sold out and we were on the front row so not only had a great view but nobody bugging us. The second night we saw "Cats." We were on the second row, again great seats, but there were some people behind us who were so loud and just complaining about the show. I don't know why they didn't just leave. Plus I had bugs flying in front of my face and they would not leave. During intermission we moved to the front row. I have to say that I enjoyed the second half much better than the first as I could concentrate on the dancing and singing.
Thanks Linda for planning it all. We have to do it again some time!

Garden

We have managed to get a few things to grow, especially radishes. Things are still coming up. It is simply hard to be patient and wait for everything to grow. Yesterday we used some of the fresh chives from the garden in our yogurt and sour cream mix for the potatoes (yummy) and mixed some of the lettuce in with the salad.