Hello, It's me again!

Staycation

2009-03-24T21:51:00.004-06:00

SMy daughter was on spring break last week. Since Obamas bailouts did not help me with my current economic crisis, I was unable to go anywhere for spring break. We decided to have a "stay"cation. It was fun...sort of. Seem's like everyone else in Texas decided the same thing. First we went to Waco, TX to visit my parents. We visited the Mayborn museum on the Baylor University campus. It was fairly crowded, we had a nice afternoon of looking at dinosaur bones, fossils and natural exhibits (taxidermy, lots of it!). There was even a little town with historical buildings. Since it was a beautiful day it was nice to walk through the little town, which was outside.
The next day we rested and shopped a little.
The third day, I took my daughter to Glenrose to visit Dinosaur World and Dinosaur Valley State Park . Dinosaur world was a typical tourist trap. It was so very crowded, I couldn't believe it. We walked through a little path with large dinos of every kind behind fences, sort of like a mini Jurassic park! It was also very hot. My daughter did not enjoy this as much as I thought she would, but she did like the cool t-shirt I got her. It changes color in the sun :)
After the dinosaur world we went to The State Park. This proved to also be very crowded but fun. We had a picnic lunch and then Hiked a little ways to the river, You can actually see dinosaur prints in the river bed...very cool. You can also walk across the shallow part of the river on stepping stones. This proved to be somewhat difficult due to the number of people trying to cross in both directions at the same time. I let my daughter play in the river for about 2-3 hours then it was time to head home. The park is about 1 hour from my home. We went to Church after we got home.
The next day we went to Six Flags over TX. Well let's just say there were record breaking crowds at the park. My Daughter didn't seem to mind that we walked all day, waited in line and only rode about 4 rides! She had fun and that's all that matters!
Friday, We went to a bounce house with some friends and the kids bounced for hours.
Saturday we went to eat lunch with my parents at a steak house for their birthdays. It was about 1 hour from home. Sunday church, buffet and a visit from my older daughter.

And that folks is how you do a "staycation"...By the way did I mention I was worn out!

My web store

2009-03-04T09:09:00.002-06:00

Today I am going to work on my web store. I am hoping to get some products up for sale. And then see where it leads. If you want to take a look I have a link now. Trendy Threads Embroidery.

Starting an internet business...what was I thinking?

2009-03-03T23:21:00.005-06:00

OK so I had this great Idea. I would start an Internet business and work from home. Happily sewing and embroidering baby items and selling them at a wonderful profit. wow...I must have been dreaming. It is so hard to get a web site up and running. I have been working hours and hours on it this week. Then I found out about the CPSIA law. Alas, it is going to be very difficult to sell infant products now. Thankfully I do not have a whole lot of inventory yet. So I am going to have to think of a whole line of other things to sell that are not for anyone under the age of 12.
Big brother is watching. For more information check out the web site http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/legislation.html

Add to that I received my statement for my so called retirement fund. I have lost 1/2 of my money. I guess I will not be retiring anytime soon or even ever at this rate. I am so worried and discouraged. Seems like there is no way for Americans to get ahead. I have trusted the so called financial experts with my hard earned money and now it is gone. I wish I would have stored it under my mattress. At least I would still have it!!

On a brighter note, I am not sick anymore. My cough actually went away on its own. That is a first.

It's time for bed. Hopefully I can still sleep! LOL

2009-02-24T19:10:00.002-06:00

I made homemade pizza for dinner. It was ok I guess. The recipe was for wholewheat pizza crust. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, the crust was very doughy and bread like. The recipe follows if you would like to try it. We put pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni on ours.

I have been working on a web site for my embroidery business. It is really hard to get things the way you want them on web sites. When I finish I hope you will check it out.

I had a pretty good day. I am still sick though. Mostly just the cough that won't give up! I have to work tomorrow, too bad I can't miss work. I am sure the patients won't love me coughing all over them, but the job penalizes you for missing work. So I will go in and if they don't want me to work they can send me home. Too bad it's like that.

Here is the recipe:

Whole Wheat and Honey Pizza Dough

Rated:
Submitted By: brookes
Photo By: cookink8e
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 20 Minutes
Servings: 12
"Want to make your pizza dough, but don't have time for it to rise? This is a quick and easy recipe for you! Just combine whole wheat flour, yeast, wheat germ, salt and honey, bake, and then top with your favorite toppings."
Ingredients:
1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
3.
In a large bowl combine flour, wheat germ and salt. Make a well in the middle and add honey and yeast mixture. Stir well to combine. Cover and set in a warm place to rise for a few minutes.
4.
Roll dough on a floured pizza pan and poke a few holes in it with a fork.
5.
Bake in preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until desired crispiness is achieved.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 www.Allrecipes.com

A nice day

2009-02-22T20:44:00.002-06:00

Other than my relentless cough...which is evil...and kept me up all night...
I had a nice day. I went to pick up my daughter (8yo) from my parents house. About 1 hour from my house. She stayed there since friday night, I worked yesterday.

I first was greeted by my mother, who had prepared a wonderful lunch of mashed potatoes, baked ham, green beans and dinner rolls. Soon after my arrival, my other daughter, (age 21 who attends college in the same town that my parents live) joined us for lunch. We all sat down and had lunch. It was very Norman Rockwell. I really miss that! The family meal.
Now that I am a widow, and it is just me an my little girl our meals are usually spent in front of the TV.

Anyway, it was nice and I felt loved.

Later me and the girls went to a ceramic place where you pick out your piece, and paint it. It was a nice activity for us. I painted a plate and wrote Cherish Family on it. I will put up a picture of it when I get it back. It has to be glazed and fired.

After that we had ice cream, then back to my parents house.

Came home around 8:00 pm just in time for the Oscars. Yes it was a nice day. I am thankful for it.

Wow I may never eat nachos again...

2009-02-20T16:45:00.005-06:00

Seriously, I didn't eat all day. This is what contributes to my sluggish metabolism and stretched out stomach. Then after picking up my dd from school, I went to my local TACO establishment to get my regular. (sad, I do have a regular order from a taco joint! My, now former trainer, would cringe!) Anyway, took dd to the park...rather watched her from the car while I ate my nachos. Now these are not the regular cheese and chips. This is a conglomeration of fried tortilla chips, re fried beans, processed cheese, taco meat, guacamole, tomatoes, green onions and a extra heaping spoon of jalapeno peppers!

Even as I eat I am saying to myself..Why are you eating this?!?!? Why am I sitting in the car stuffing food in my face while dd plays?

Well to make a long story short, as soon as I got home. I got sick. The kind of sick you don't like to talk about in a blog. The kind of sick that makes you clean up lots of mess! I hope I have learned my lesson. My body is rebelling and I better listen. So that is why I am not going near that place again!!

I have been sick all week, I should have known better than to eat something like that.

I weighed in this morning. Sad to report I weigh 241.4....Let the games begin!!

I'm back

2009-02-19T18:41:00.002-06:00

Well I missed blogging and all of my blog buddies. I guess 2008 was the year of tears for me. I was very depressed all year. Trying now to get out of the depressed state I've been in.
I am still fat. Even all the workouts did not work. I like to eat! I have been trying weight watchers, and I have been working out with the trainer. But still I have not lost any weight. My trainer recently quit, so I have to get a new one. I am not sure how many sessions I have left, but when they are over I am quitting!

hello

2008-03-15T09:14:00.000-06:00

Hi all, I am doing well. I am still working out with my trainer, but I am not seeing the results I had hoped for, I am getting very strong however. I have 24 more sessions with him. I train 3 times a week, and do cardio 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I weigh 223.4. I think I started 2008 at 230.4. So I am down a few pounds.

My business is not going too well/ I need to start advertising myself more. Anyway I am doing pretty well. I still have quite a bit of depression, but I am working on having a positive attitude.

Still no prospects for dating. Guess those days are over for me. But I am doing more fun activities alone. I am still riding horses, and that is a lot of fun. I want to go white water rafting this summer too!

Have a good weekend, Barbara

wow time flies

2008-02-10T22:24:00.000-06:00

wow sorry blogger buds. I just dont have time to blog these days. I am trying to start a new business, plus work full time, plus now the working out really takes a lot of my time. Anyway, I missed you all. I am getting much stronger, but have only lost 4 pounds. A guess I will be blogging twice a month now. That is until I find some more time. I have been going to bed early every night because I am so tired. I will be back in a week or so.

Let the pain begin

2008-01-10T23:11:00.000-06:00

I exercised with the trainer on Wednesday. My little girl was feeling sick, so I had to bring her with me. With all that was going on I forgot to get my measurements from him. My trainer is an interesting fellow. He has been training for over 18 years. His degree in in nutrition. Well, bummer, I didn't get a hot guy to train me!! LOL Just kidding. I think this guy will work out fine. I did a workout and boy am I sore today. I am not looking forward to my second workout tomorrow. Makes me wonder how those people on the biggest loser do it?? My legs hurt so much I am walking a little funny. I didn't even do all that much. He had me do 15 reps on about 6 machines. I think the thing that is hurting me the most was the squats. I didn't think I could do 15 of them, but I did :)

I will be back tomorrow with a report.

I hired a trainer

2008-01-08T08:16:00.000-06:00

I hired a trainer yesterday. I will meet him on Wednesday. I can't say that I am excited about working out, but I am looking forward to the results. I am working on my new business. I have my first job! I am going to embroider 25 shirts for a church. wow! I am excited. Anyway, I will post my starting stats here on wednesday.

Roll call

2007-12-30T20:36:00.000-06:00

Hey all, I would like for everyone that reads my blog, and esp those people that know I read your blogs to check in for me. My computer crashed and I lost all my favorite places. This included my blogger buddies! So if you would just leave a comment so I can find you again! I hope you are all doing well.

I will blog more tomorrow. I am off work and I hope I will have some computer time, in between cleaning house and looking for a car!

Not having the best time lately

2007-12-27T19:07:00.000-06:00

Just a note to say things havent been going great for me. My daughter totaled out her car, thank goodness she is ok! But now comes the frustration of buying another car and our insurance going up. Then today she put a big dent in my car! I am so frustrated.

My internet was down, but now its ok. I gained 8 pounds. I have beed depressed all week and feeling sorry for my self. I am just a mess.

But I am going to try to keep it positive. I took my Christmas tree down. I am glad that Christmas is over. It doesn't seem to bring me joy anymore. My little girl was happy with her nintendo DS. My older daughter was also happy with her $.

I am looking forward to the new year. I always feel like there is a possiblity that things will be better in a new year. So this year I still feel some hope.

I am ready to go back on my ww diet plan. I am going to start on Monday Dec. 31st. Back to counting points and all! I am also planning to start my exercise program. This is the year to become strong and fit...lookin great in 2008!! That's going to be my motto this year :)

Santa Baby!

2007-12-19T11:27:00.000-06:00

Dear Santa,
I reallly hope you come and see me for Christmas! I have been a really good girl! All I want for Christmas is a tall, handsome, brown eyed man! He should be sweet, and like to cook! It would be good if he loved children too :)
Merry Christmas
Barbara LOL

Shop Till you drop!

2007-12-13T11:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am off of work. Only problem is that I have to shop today. I have no Christmas presents under my tree! Oh MY!! Wish me luck as I brave the crowds and the mall...I don't even know what to buy....LOL

I got my hot water heater fixed this morning. I am really happy about that.

Parties

2007-12-11T08:51:00.000-06:00

I have been sooo busy! I went to a Christmas party last saturday. Wow, it was weird. It was with my sorority. About 12 couples. I of course am the only one single. First we went out to eat at a resturant. Then over to a friends house to have a gift exchange and desserts. Can you believe it was over at 9pm! I was sort of flabergasted. I guess they are getting old. Well I am refusing to go with the crowd. I really need to meet some younger people to hang out with! I had my hair done and I was looking very good that night, ha ha, but there was no place to go after the party. It felt like a big let down.... This same group of folks have invited me to a new years party. I am not sure if I will go or not because I have to work the next day, but anyway the new years party is over at 11 pm! That isn't even the new year?!?! So is this how old folks party? Most of the people in the group are over 50. There is one lady younger than me. Where do you think I could meet some younger friends?

I have 2 parties to go to this saturday. One of them is for my little girl. It is from 6-9:30 (see even little kids party longer!). Then there is a party at a Drs house. I will probably get there around 9:00 (leaving the kids party early). That will be a good party because she always has lots of wonderful food and drinks.

On sunday, I have a party at work. It is a family affair, and Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there. Should be fun for my daughter.

I haven't bought any gifts yet! And my hot water heater is still not fixed! I am tired of cleaning up with a bowl of water. I would not make a good pioneer woman!

Hope you are all getting in the Christmas spirit. I have been sort of sad and in a bad mood, but I am trying not to show it to people. You know but on your fake face sort of stuff. I still miss my husband. I did get a tree and it looks ok. I got a live tree this year. Oh and I am not dieting, but thank goodness no weight gain yet!

Have a great day and leave me a cyber gift! (see above) I am opening them on Christmas day :)

TTFN

My Hectic life

2007-12-04T19:18:00.000-06:00

I do not have time to blog or do anything! I feel like I have no free time. I haven't even been able to work on the new business yet.
My niece is better. She still has a long way to go for recovery. She is having a problem in her back where they placed a catheter. She is having an MRI tomorrow. I just pray she won't have to have another surgery. She is very dizzy when she tries to walk or do anything. She sleeps a lot.
My job has been very demanding lately. I even worked a night shift on Sunday night. I am not complaining too much as they paid me a $250.00 bonus to work it. So that was nice. But I am tired.
My house is a mess, My hot water heater is broken! It's always something. I tried to get it repaired and yest. when the repair men came they wanted to charge me another $150.00 . I had already been told the job would be 775.00!! So anyway I got mad and sent them away. Sooo still no hot water :(

I am having another plumber come on Friday to look at it. Hopefully it won't cost as much.

I haven't lost anymore weight.

The Holidays are coming and other news

2007-11-19T09:19:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, I sure have missed ya! My niece is home and doing better. I think she will recover well. Thanks for all the prayers.

I have been practicing my embroidery. It is so fun! Its like magic to see the embroidery get stitched out. I think I will embroidery all my gifts for Christmas presents this year.

The holidays are coming and I was feeling really down all week. I even started to wake up in the morning and crying. Guess I just miss my husband more during this time of year, plus he died in Dec. But, I am overall feeling better about my life.

I had a big thanksgiving meal yesterday. I cooked, Turkey, Ham, Sweet potato casserole, Mashed potatoes, Corn casserole,Green bean casserole, Herbed biscuits,Dressing, Gravy,Relish tray, and for dessert my friend brought Cherry Pie, Pumpkin pie and Brownies. Wow~ we had a feast. ( Are you hungry yet?) I had invited my two friends that care for my daughter before and after school and their families. There were 13 people all together. My daughter even came home from college for the day. It was very nice. That was my Thanksgiving because I have to work on Thanksgiving this year.

Today I am going to visit a friend of mine, she lives about 1.2 hours from here. I am going to spend the night there. It is going to be fun to spend some time with her. She is a great person.

I have missed all of you, but I am working so much, and there are way too many things to do with my new business...but know that I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings!

bad news

2007-11-07T08:09:00.000-06:00

I miss everyone! I am unable to blog much right now. My neice had a brain tumor. She is 25 years old. Yesterday she had it removed and I have been driving back and forth from the hospital which is 1 hour away from here. Anyway they think the tumor was benign and that they got all of it. Bad news is that she is now deaf in one ear. She is doing well but still in ICU.

I got my embroidery machine yesterday, however I will not be able to use it for a while due to all the above.

Hope you are all well.
Barbara

Skipping school.

2007-10-29T07:47:00.000-06:00

My daughter had a hard time sleeping last night. I thought she had fever. Anyway this morning when we woke up it was 8:00 but the clock said 7:00. We woke up one hour late! I am so confused. Every clock in my house has a different time right now. Even my atomic clock is off by one hour. I looked at my watch and it said 8:00 and I confirmed it with the computer time 8:00. Anyway to make a long story short, she is skipping school today. I was going to get her out of school one hour early today anyway to go to visit my parents about 1 hour drive from here.

I am going to get weighed today. I am pretty sure I did not reach my goal of 225 by Halloween. Oh well, maybe next week. I haven't been doing too well on the plan lately. Starting today I am going to write things down again. I have found that writing in the food journal really keeps me straight and I eat less. Something about seeing "Cheeseburger and onion rings" in writing I guess!

I have joined a gym. It opens in Jan and is close to my house. I hope I will discipline myself to go there...I really want to get fit.

Well I am off of work today and I have a lot to do. I will post my weight later today.

Addendum: I weighed in and...drum roll please................

I have lost another 3.2 pounds! That brings my total weight loss to 25.2 pounds. I did not reach my 225lb goal that I set for myself on Oct 31 (still have a couple days ;) , but I have lost 10% of my body weight since I started weight watchers.

I weigh 228 lbs now......much better than the 274 I used to weigh when I was at my all time high.

Also, I registered my new business name today...The name of my business will be Trendy Threads Embroidery.....what do you think?

Updates to follow

Thank goodness it's friday!

2007-10-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

All I can say is that it has been a heck of a week! I am getting many things in place for my new business venture. I have ordered a computer, and software. I have ordered my embroidery machine. I still need to register my business name and get a tax ID number and open a bank account>>>so many tasks!
Work has been busy lately too, and I am so tired that I haven't had time to blog, or read any blogs. I am having a 4 day weekend, so I hope to catch up on every one. I am doing well, just way too busy!
I am in a holding pattern with the weight loss. I wasn't able to go and get weighed this week because I had to work on weigh days. I will get weighed on monday. I have been cheating some, but not all the time. I am eating well 75% of the time, so I hope I lose at least a pound!

Have a great friday.

1 pound down

2007-10-16T20:21:00.000-06:00

One pound lost this week! I was happy with the results. I know it isn't a lot but at least it is a loss for the second week in a row. I am hoping I can reach my goal of 225 by Oct 31. I now weigh 231.6. Only have to lose 6.6 more pounds. If I don't reach it at least I will be close!

I didn't have time to work on the blog today like I wanted to. I am working on my new business and it is time intensive! There is a lot to do to get started, for example: buy a computer, software for business bookkeeping, get a name for the business and file it, get a tax ID number, buy embroidery machine, get supplies, etc. I hope it is worth it!

Also, I had to take my daughter to cheer leading practice tonight. I am very busy, but I like it that way. Then I don't feel so depressed.

Hope you are all well!

blog under construction

2007-10-16T09:09:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note, I will post an entry tonight. I am working on my blog today. If you don't see your name on my link list, don't worry...It is a work in progress! Have a good day all!

blogger blunder

2007-10-13T07:55:00.000-06:00

When I made my new template I lost all my sidebar information. My weight loss chart, links, and my stars! So I am going to have to redo all of that. What a bummer, because I don't have the time to do it right now.
This weekend I am going to a conference for the decorated apparel industry. I am getting ready to start my new business. I have a friend that is going to be able to buy me an embroidery machine at a substantial savings! I am so excited to begin this new venture.
Well that's all folks, I am off to the convention. By the way the weight loss is going good this week I think, I will have to get weighed on Tues though because I am working on Monday.

Never give up!

2007-10-10T16:52:00.000-06:00

I have lost another 2.6 pounds last week. I am now at 233. I should be happy about this, but I feel like I am still behind after 2 weeks of gaining. At least it was a loss. I am not going to give up. I went shopping today and bought lots of healthy foods for my new lifestyle. Some of the foods I bought were: Vegan Veggie burgers (boca brand), fruit, Organic whole wheat noodles, Organic Marinara sauce, vegetables, Stevia sweetener. Sort of interesting to see my food choices changing. Also, the water drinking is going well. I have not been able to drink all of the water everyday, but I am doing much better with it.

I have been really busy lately. I went to a college football game on Saturday! It was a lot of fun. And there was a lot of energy in the stands. Then on Monday I went to the state fair of Texas. I must have walked 10 miles! I have been keeping busy, keeps my mind off of my troubles.

I will read your blogs tonight. Hope everyone is doing great.