the little things

and we were sober!

Tricia, Mindy & I were long overdue for a girls night, so we finally got to get together last night & had a BLAST!  After some dinner, we came back to my house, where Wii was played for quite some time. In all of the excitement, video was shot of our playing & goofiness on Tricia's camera.

Resulting in absolute craziness acting so silly as reporters, murderers, famous athletes & last but not least, rock stars!

You had to be there to fully get this-

insane hair, wild makeup, singing into wooden spoons & my lovely, lovely black mole (thanks to mascara)!

all a result of lack of sleep, I think. Oh, who am I kidding? We are ALWAYS this weird!

we put on some Cindy Laupper (or is only 1 p, I don't know!), Backstreet Boys, etc. & got down with our bad selves!  I have not laughed so hard in...well, probably ever!

We took videos for hours. All the way up until Nate got home from work at 12:20 this morning!  It took me back to when we do silly things like this when we were like 10! LOL.  I think it's awesome to still be able to "break free" of the adult world & just let loose & have fun, if only for a few hours!

I have more photos to show...today's lunch that failed miserably! haha...my new library table in the dining room...etc...but I am so sleepy & am really wanting to get to the scrap table & see what happens!

I stopped by Megan's new place this afternoon. It's adorable! I still worry about her, but have realized that this is what she (thinks) she wants right now, so I have to just go with it & be happy for her. I can't believe she will be 19 tomorrow! The time just flies!

I owe people emails, I am so lazy lately!  I apologize & will be getting back with you soon! (love you, K! hehe)...I also have to go pack..we leave for Findlay tomorrow a.m. I am excited to get away, too bad it's only to Findlay tho! lol

Hope your weekend is going great!

Steps

 tonig So, today was Weigh In Thursday.

Unfortunately, there will be no celebrating today.

I was up .2

Blech!

But, I won't be all down & out about it, instead I am making a list of things I want to improve on for this coming week.

So, here goes...

1. Move more. This was last weeks goal too & I admit, I failed miserably! It's a new week & I want to walk 5 days out of the 7. I KNOW this can be done! Especially since I have my new pedometer thanks to dear, sweet April! (thanks again, April-you're the greatest!)

2. East out less. Wayyy less. I (we) out way, way too much. It's sooo a convenience thing more than anything. I don't get home til after 6 each night, when I walk it means I eat even later & I really don't want to cook...so I make something quick or sometimes Nate makes it during the day. But, the weekends when we are together, we don't want to spend our limited time in the kitchen, so we go to a restaurant. Ack! Well, I have to work on this like crazy.  Not only will it help with the weight, but our budget as well, on top of now it's not special to us...if we only go once a week I think it will be more like a "treat" & really something we look forward to! We'll see how this goes. Anyone have any pointers for this?

3. Plan ahead. Oh goodness I'm failing miserably at this! I need to make a menu or something for the week...I usually just chuck whatever in my lunch box (lately, it's been a tuna salad sandwich on pumpernickel-LOVE! an apple or banana, baked doritos, a WW cookie)...lunch/work day isn't so bad...it's when I'm home at night by myself, expecially the weekend nights that really get me. I'm loving WW online for their recipe search, etc...super great tool! I just notice we always eat chicken. haha. It's getting kind of boring!

Those are my 3 big ones this week. I have much more I want to improve on, but I must take it slow.

I just want this off! I want to be healthy so bad.

Tuesday night Nate had off & we were catching up on some shows & such & I decided to watch a Baby Story I've recorded forever. Big mistake. I am such a sap. I have been really good controlling my emotions about certain things, but sometimes they definitely get the best of me...and Tuesday night was one of them! I just sobbed & sobbed. The lady in the episode was very similar to me (PCOS, etc) & I just lost it. Poor Nate...he just held me. I am so blessed to have such a caring & supportive husband. He wants this as bad as I do, I only wish I could "control" it all like he does. But, I'm a woman & I am wired differently, thus I cry about all kinds of stuff! haha!

Sometimes I feel like I will never be healthy enough to have a child. Sometimes I feel like I will never be given the chance to be a mom. My heart breaks at the thought of not being able to give Nate a child. Breaks.

He tells me all the time that no matter what happens (weight loss, healthy or not) he will love me & be there for me & will be just as happy adopting a child as he would if we had our own.

I don't like to think negative...or even "ahead of the game" but sometimes that just happens, whether I like it or not. I think it's okay to be sad about it sometimes. I think it's okay to worry a little bit & cry...even a lot sometimes.  I won't let it consume me, but I also won't be ashamed to be real about it.

This whole weight loss thing is just step one.

Step one of many more.

I am so happy to be feeling this way & getting results (even on a day like today where I gained!)..I am even happier to think of how great I'm going to look this time next year! hehe! ;)

Anyways, I am thankful tomorrow is Friday & I get a 4 day weekend. We're taking a trip to Findlay early Sunday for Nate's cousins baby shower & to his mom & step dad's new home.  We'll be there a couple of days...please pray I stay strong with WW while we're away! :)

Hope it's lovely where you are!

Finally!

 

 

 I have been itching to create for weeks. Late last night I was finally able to put glue to paper. And it felt great!

My mojo has been missing for forever, and I think some freshly printed photos was just what I needed! (First one for the new weight loss book!)

 

I even did a 12x12!

I really miss being able to use my printer at home, but I am LOVING the mini prints you can do at Wal-Mart! (yeah, I went to Wal-Mart, but only out of pure desperation of printing new photos! lol).  I seemed to go the more simple route this time.  I kinda like it.

Tonight, I did these 2 pages. See what I mean? Simple. :)

We have been having such beautiful weather this weekend! God sure creates beautiful springtime’s in Ohio! (well, most of the time! Hehe) One of my favorite spots in our house is our sunroom.  Yesterday I opened up all the windows & let the fresh air sweep through-it was wonderful!

Nate doesn’t have to work tomorrow or Tuesday, so we’re hoping to get some much needed downtime in with a game of bowling or boxing in too, I’m sure! He’s making cheeseburgers on the grill & I plan on making brownies! Don’t worry, I’ve planned for these treats, so I should be good to go in the WW area!  Just us two tomorrow, and I can’t wait! No bbq’s or grad parties…this will be our “break” between such busy weekends.  Next weekend we’ll be in Findlay. Fun! ;)

This morning’s church service was so empowering.  Pastor Jim preached on freedom not being FREE.  It was wonderful!  At the end he went in order asking those who have served to stand up front in front of the congregation. I tried really hard to hold back the tears, but when my step dad, Phil made his way down to the front I lost it.  What these men have done so we can be where we are, have the things we have & do the things we do…it’s incredible.  They were so selfless in their service.  I am so grateful for great patriots like Phil!  After service the men stayed up front while the congregation stood in line to shake hands with them. I made sure to thank each & every one of them for their services & bravery, and gave Phil a big hug & a thank you, I love you! These men are HEROES, not someone who can sing a ballad or slam a ball into a hoop. REAL LIFE heroes!  I am humbled by their selfless acts!

A little later as Nate & I were driving home from some quick shopping, the sun was shining so bright, I couldn’t help but smile & praise Him for all He has given us!  Such an awesome feeling to be touched like that!

Thank you for the encouraging comments the last few posts!  I am so thankful for my blog.  It truly is my journal. Sharing the good, the bad & all the in betweens!

Anyway, I’m rambling! Have a beautiful Memorial Day!  Remember to thank our veterans & those currently serving this great nation! Have a Blessed start to the week!

Ooops, I forgot!

I completely forgot to post last night after weigh in!

I was nervous…I hate the scale! lol

I stepped on & was down another 2.2!!

Total of 9.4! :)

 

Sooo happy about that!

I do have some weekly goals tho-

-walk more

-eat out less

-get my 10 lb. sticker next week!

 

I’m on lunch right now, so not much time to post.  Noth much else going on with the Duenke’s this week!

 

What are your plans for Memorial Day?!

Oh, and Happy Friday!!

 

busy!!

I meant to get here a long time ago, but my days turned into being completey packed!

Nate was supposed to work his “weekends” (Monday & Tuesday) this week, like he has for the past few weeks, but was lucky enough to get called off for both!

It was wonderful having him home & being able to get lots done without rushing all around! Monday, we did some running around, my new buffet/library table for the dining room

came in from Audrey’s! SO excited for that!  We picked it up, put it in the dining room & I haven’t had the time to do anything with it since! I can’t wait to put some things in & on it! :)

Monday night we decided to have a much needed date night.  We went to Canton to see The Chronicles of Narnia. It was soo good! We really liked it.  After the movies, we ventured over to Babies R Us for his cousin’s baby shower gift.  I love that store!  I can’t lie though, I do get a little emotional shopping around & being around all that good stuff.  So cheesy I know, but it’s hard sometimes.  But, I got thru & we had a ton of fun picking out things for her!  We had a yummy dinner at Chik-fil-a (one of my faves!). I had a grilled chicken breast sandwich & some sips of Nate’s ‘nilla shake! Sooo stinkin’ good!

After dinner, we stopped by Toys R Us to get Nate’s little sister a gift card for her birthday. We did the usual: first stop: Hotwheels. Second stop: Electronics. We made our rounds and were starting to head out for the checkout, when Nate stopped dead in his tracks, pointed at something & said, “honey…” I said, “what?” Never even looking at me he said, “honey…come here!” By this point I just wanted to get out of the store & head home, but I walked over & saw the best unexpected thing ever!

 

A Wii!!! IN STOCK!

 

Nate (finally!) looked at me & said, “don’t make me beg!”  LOL

We were a little excited.  I was hesitant though just because we’re trying to save for vacation &  a new computer & this would slow us down a bit…

But, I couldn’t say no.  He’s (eh hem…WE’ve!) wanted one for so long!

So, we’re now with the times & own a Wii & I must say, I LOVE it! Who knew you  could get such a great workout playing a video game?!  We wanted Mario Kart, but they were sold out, but we’re just enjoying playing the sports.  Love the bowling, tennis & I think the boxing might just be my favorite!

Anywhoo, yesterday after work & a yummy chicken soft taco dinner, we went for icecream (I had saved points for this!) with some friends to celebrate a birthday!  We had a blast! But, the evening sure does go by fast!  I was so tired!

Came home, cleaned up a bit & HAD to play some Wii! Burnt some calories boxing & I’m paying for it today! Haha!  My back & arm are SO sore!

It’s been a busy few days, but wonderful! I have a couple recipes I want to share, but must go have some fun with the new toy! ….I mean, burn calories!! ;) hehe.

 

Tomorrow is weigh in Thursday. I’m nervous again!  I think that’s a normal feeling though, right?! See you tomorrow! (no matter what the scale says!)

It's amazing

…how one can feel starting the day with a walk!

…how kind people can be. Thank you for such kind words on my loss!

…that 2 people can become incredible friends after 6 years of not seeing each other! (me + my old friend, Steph Barnes-Wheeler from high school definitely spent 6 hrs tonight chatting, catching up & reminiscing on old times! What an absolute blessing! We were at the restaurant 2 hrs before we even looked at the menu! Haha!)

…running into family members who you haven’t seen in some time & one of them being 60 lbs lighter from doing WW!!!

…how bird poop on your mom’s shirt can make you die laughing. Seriously, laughed so hard, I couldn’t breathe! (and I’m still laughing!)

…how great of a grill cook my hubby is! Chicken/mushroom/shrimp kabobs for lunch today! YUM!

…that a trip to Bath & Body Works can result in finding THE comfiest pair of pink slippers on sale & my favorite shampoo 2/$10! Love that!

…that my food “preferences” are changing already. Today, at my soon-to-be sister in law’s bridal shower, instead of having nachos & cheese, chips & dip or CAKE, I opted for some green peppers, broccoli & cauliflower, along with one of the yummiest fruit cups ever! And the best part?  I was stuffed!

…all in a days work. Hehe. I love my life! Really, I do! I just can’t wait to be healthy! :)

Your prayers worked!!

I was completely nervous, so I said a little prayer, (okay, a BIG one!) on my way (both to work this morning & on my way to WW!). I thank you for praying because tonight’s weigh in was MUCH better than last week!

I lost…

7.2!!!!

So, so exciting & absolutely what I needed to keep pushing through!

A guy I went to high school with is at the meetings too, I sat beside him, we caught up, shared some stories, he’s totally hilarious & he only lives like 6 houses down from me! Crazy small world! It’s good knowing someone at the meetings, it just helps, ya know?

In tonight's meeting we discussed exercise. Just what I needed. I have been walking every other night on average, but I want to do more (write that down! haha)  I came home, Megan met me, we walked 30 minutes down the street & back. IT FELT GREAT!  The conversation was wonderful, too!  She told me all about her apartment & how excited she is. She understands why none of us can be too happy…yet, anyways.  It’s all good.

After I walked back home & showered I made a YUMMY dinner! Tonight was *pita pizza night!*  The good thing is, we had them before & Nate LOVES them! (whole what pita, some sauce, mushrooms/banana peppers, and some mozzarella pizza-baked on a cookie sheet at 400* for 10 minutes=yummy perfection!) Watched my DVR’d

America

’s Next Top Model finale while I chowed down on my pizza! So good knowing I don’t have to give up on my favorite foods!

I’ve also managed to get in TONS of water this week & today!  I just finished bottle # 7 for the day! I love water. Sooo good! :)

Oh, and I guess I should have left the info on the peanut butter whip stuff last night, huh?! Sorry!  I just mixed 2 servings of the lite cool whip (4 tbsp.=2 pts total) & half a serving of the peanut butter (1 tbsp=2.5 pts, I’m sure there’s PB out there for less pts but it’s worth it to me!) mixed all together & refrigerated it. I had a couple bites of it after I missed it, it was good, but so much better once it’s cold!  The lady at the meeting said she divided the whole container of cool whip into eight little containers, added the peanut butter & hers was like 2 pts per serving or something?  But, I wasn’t sure I’d like it, so I just did it small portion to start off with! It’s really good!  Kind of like having peanut butter pie without all that fat!

Anywhoo, I’m off to check out some schtuff online before bed! Yeyyy for Friday!

Oh, and I have another “good” to add to my list!

This wonderful text from my wonderful husband tonight after I sent him a message on my loss!

“awesome!! I’m SO proud of you!”

THAT makes me smile SO big!

Have a HAPPY Friday!!

and oh yeah, I've been missing some color around here, so it's back on my posts! :) The blog is called, "colorful me" afterall! ;)

Not very clever

I didn’t realize it’s been a few days since I’ve updated! Well, Monday I got good news from my physical therapist-he said I was much improved & he didn’t need to see me anymore unless I was still in pain by the end of the week.

However, I am doing much, much better, I still have a horrible sharp pain from my neck to my shoulder…I think it will be ok, though…at least I hope! I don’t plan on scheduling any more appointments, so it better be! ;)

After my appointment Monday, Nate & I headed to Amish country just to browse around & eat some good food!  I must say I did SO good eating out lunch! I had some chicken salad on rye with one wheat roll & some cottage cheese & LOTS of water & I was stuffed!  That’s saying something too, because if you’ve never had the chance to witness Amish “cuisine” you are missing out!  Complete & utter deliciousness! I’m talkin’ mashed potatoes, gravy, noodles, rolls, PASTRIES...the list goes on & on!

Anywhoo, it was wonderful!

Last night I grabbed the iPod & went for a walk! It felt good, even if I was out of the breath & beat red when I returned home! Haha. I can’t wait to not feel like that!

Tomorrow night is weigh in & I am excited! Pretty nervous, too, but I think that’s to be expected.  After all, it was unofficially my first week on program (I don’t count last week much-since I was pretty much immobile! LOL). All I’m hoping for is a 1 LB loss…that’s it!  Just give me something to be encouraged by for the coming week!

I’ll try to post here tomorrow night…I feel like I’ve done really well…but I know it’s all up in the air.  I remember the anxious/uncertain feeling all to well from the last time in 2003/2004.

My sister dropped a bomb on all of us recently…she’s decided to move out of my mom & Phil’s house.  She says she just wants to be “an adult” Little does she know being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be at times…especially at almost 19. *sigh* My mom is just heartbroken.  She’s completely worried.  Meg’s moving in with her ex boyfriend. How smart is that?! *sigh, again* Enough about that.  I’m getting grumpy just thinking about it! ;)

Oh, and you know what’s good?

-When your mother in law calls you thanking you for the wonderful mother’s day card & ends up chatting with you for 20 minutes! I love when we have lots of things to talk about!

-Lite cool whip & Smucker’s creamy peanut butter-(only Smucker’s, you guys! I mean, I live in the town where Mr. J.M. Smucker himself birthed the wonderful jellies & jams…and peanut butter! hehe) mixed together & refrigerated. Talk about a yummy dessert! (thanks to a lady at my WW meeting last week!)

-Pandora.com (thank, Breanne!! I’m hooked!)

-winning a random prize pack from SIStv on NSD just for telling what I had for dinner that night!

-getting your prize from winning the above…from the lovely Lisa Garay! She stuffed my package with complete goodness!

-overtime checks from the hubs. :)

-eBay package coming in the mail filled with yummy scented cinnamon candles that smelled the entire box up!

-May showers…bringing May flowers?!! Haha.

-sending mail to loved ones.

-talking to mom

-back rubs from the hubs!

-your bedsheets being the perfect temperature of COOL. Talk about good sleep!

-emails/myspace/blog messages from really great people!

-praying to Jesus every morning on your way to work.

Happy hUmp dAy! Pray for me & my WI tomorrow if you could, pretty please?!

Progress

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there!  We spent most of the afternoon at my mom & Phil’s today.  Had a blast! Nate & I got my mom some new pj’s capri’s & top…they were orange & blue striped & the top was a light blue-as soon as saw them I KNEW they were meant for my mom! Totally her & she totally loved them!  She wasted no time changing into them & lounging around the house for the rest of the day!

Before I forget; here is the apple cinnamon muffin recipe:

1 c. buttermilk baking mix (i wasn't sure what this was, but my gram said it was probably Bisquick, so that's what I used & there was no problems, so I'd say just use Bisquick!)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sugar
t tbsp. reduced calorie margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 med. apple, peeled & chopped (I used a yellow apple, i think it was a yellow delicious?)
2 tsp. unpacked brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine buttermilk mix (Bisquick), egg, milk, sugar & margarine in a bowl, pour into 6 paper-lined muffin cups.
Combine cinnamon, apple & brown sugar in a small bowl, spoon up about 2-3tbsp. of apple mix over each muffin.
Bake until golden (17-20 minutes)
enjoy! :)

Soooo good!

I got some scrapping done the other day. I need to print some new photos, because I hwve no mojo lately! 

Also, I’m making some progress with the Weight Watchers bit: not only is the pantry & fridge stocked with lots of good things, I walked last night AND tonight! It felt SO good!

Tricia & I went walking last night after a small shopping trip (I picked up comfy capri’s & a t-shirt for walking)…as we were walking around the block at about 9 last night, out of nowhere 3 young boys, about 9 yrs old came skateboarding through like we weren’t even on the sidewalk & the one yelled, “porky! porky! porky!” gosh, how nice! Haha. Tricia & I started cracking up & said, “eh, it’s true, but gosh, kids are such brats these days!” LOL it really made me happy that I am doing something about being “porky!” ;)

Anywhoo, it feels good to be this motivated. For real this time.  All the other times I just thought I was ready, but this time I know I AM going to do this! I mean, I have nothing but good things to look forward to, from having a healthier body, to babies, to not dreading the scale at the doctors office anymore, to not being embarrassed of myself, to being able to move, feel & look better, and more!  I have put this off for far too long!

Oh, and I’m LOVING the Weight Watchers online with eTools!  The recipe builder/food lookup is worth it alone!  Totally cool!

My neck felt so good yesterday, but then this morning I woke up to some terrible pain again.  It lasted until this evening & now I feel ok again. Ridiculous! I’m ready for it all to just go away! One more physical therapy appointment tomorrow morning & then hopefully I’m all done!

For now, I’m off to watch the news & wait for Nate to get home.  Here’s to a good week!

Scrumptious find

First, I have to say how GREAT it feels to be 85% pain free for the first time in 8 days!!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you for your prayers & good thoughts-they worked!  After a couple of hours, I managed just fine at work today-there are no words to describe how excited I am to be feeling better!

Anywhoo, after I got home from work tonight, I finally remembered to complete my registration process for Weight Watchers.  I did the monthly membership, so not only is cheaper per week, but you also get everything online free. Cool!

So, I checked it out & found TONS of great stuff!  Why did I wait so long to do this?! The recipes alone are worth the money.

I found some pretty yummy ones!

And since tonight was grocery night, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to actually write down a few (I hate not having a computer compatible with my printer. Argh!). and pick the stuff to make some good meals.

And one just happened to be these:

Apple Cinnamon Muffins.

How good do those sound?!

As soon as I got home, I put the groceries away (so much goodness, I actually can’t wait to eat healthy! Write that down! Haha) I got busy baking thoze apple cinnamon goodness!

So easy & absolutely scrumptious!

4 pt each. Perfect bite of sweetness I have been needing.

I’ll share the recipe if anyone is interested?

I’m hoping to get a walk in tomorrow..excited about that!

But, for now I’m off to read this:

I’m such an old lady at heart! ;)

Here’s to a wonderful weekend & Happy Mother’s day all you mom’s out there!

Ps-check the fruit bowl in the kitchen. Look at all that orange & green goodness! YUM!! (complete with my WW’s journal & a sweet card from my dear friend Kristina!)