Its been awhile, last one for this year methinks peeps

    Hey all, I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season no matter what you celebrate.  Its been more hectic than I would like at work this week, I know that's silly but we are short staffed and its a bit crazy.
    We visited NY and PA  this holiday season, Separately of course. NY is always great, Dad bless him is going to be 89 years old tomorrow. The man is a rock star!! Everyone loves him, the mailman was telling me that he listens to make sure the mail falls on the floor and not on top of other mail. This way he knows that dad is getting the mail and he is okay.  Wow, I mean really now?? Thats awesome of him.
     Now as for PA, my hubs is from there and we had stopped at a Turkey Hill gas station, which is their equivalent of a 7-11 or Quickie Mart. As I watched from the car, the realization that my hubby really fits in there hit me. He looked cute  LOL  he had on his new work Ballcap (its actually very nice, all cloth and stitching, nothing plastic) his shirt and jeans, along with the style jacket he had was like so many of the guys in there. He fit in, I can't explain it any other way.  I could live there, I like PA.
     Christmas came and went and to be honest it didn't feel like it.  Im hoping that next year is better for everyone. I have friends with personal issues that seem ti be going okay but I wish that they all come to good ends. I hope that we finally can sell our home, pay what we owe and start again ourselves. That's my personal goal along with being a size 14 by next Christmas. To be honest this is the first time in truth that I feel it will happen. I lose but its happening in earnest now. One thing I am not pleased about is that I am seeing my fae change and right now i'm not liking it  LOL   I dont want to have a face that will end up looking like a melted candle  HAHAHA  Few other things but that's my concern so not sharing.

Well peeps, I want to wish you all a fabulous new year and may it find you healthy and happy, or at least get you that way before the year is out
So Ciao for now and will see you in 2017  xx

Hello

Yep just me, hello, Happy Holidays LMAO        Hope I didn't scare ya ;-)

So Here I Am In NYC ...(WAS in NYC)

     ...and I have a fucking stuffy head. UGH!!   I canceled my nail appointment as I just couldn't think of sitting there for the better part of an hour sniffling and hoping I don't sneeze on the nail tech  LOL I am seeing Sis later though, she is cooking for us and I want to see her, its been too long. We are going to the mall if I can and if not I will have her go then I will meet her later. I still have to color my hair also. What? yes i alter my shade. I was blonde for many years and now i needed a change again. So dark auburn it is. I like it and I can do it myself, unlike the blonde that in my opinion needs to be done professionally or you get brassy. My girl still cuts my hair, so no 1980's rocker girl look anymore. I may go back to blonde in the summer, who knows :-D
     I had a very smooth trip up from VA, only little burp was in Staten Island but that nothing new. LOL Oh man, about a year ago they were widening the roadway and getting across S.I. was such a clusterfuck. If you didnt get there by midnight they closed the entire roadway and you had to go on the side road. So the entire Staten island expressway was guided onto a two lane access road. NOT FUN!! They are still putting final touches on but for the most part its complete and much better. There was construction on the New Jersey Turnpike also but on a Thursday night it wasn't an issue and as we drove past the construction workers I felt bad for them. its was very cold and you could see their breath hanging in the air and few of them were blowing into their hands to warm them up. Little safety vested oompa loompas paving and smoothing the roads. HEHE Better men than I Gunga Din, or something akin to that. :-D
     So had tea with my Da when I got there, and he wanted to carry my duffel bag upstairs but no, wouldn't allow it. It was way too heavy.
     So the rest of the weekend was great. Saw Sis on Friday and she made the most delicious chicken stoop.  So yummy then we played with make up. She gave me so many cool things to play with, Lots of make up and clothes and cooking spices.
     The trip home was great as well, took Dad to church then this lady that helped him out of the car had just missed her bus so I drove her the 5 blocks to her destination and she offered to buy me a coffee in return, I declined as I had to get gong but to make a long story short, 45 minutes later we were still talking. She was very nice and perhaps about 10 years older than myself.  She said she will look for my dad when she goes to the noon mass and then maybe they could go for coffee as she said he seems like he likes to have fun.  Told my dad and he was like, maybe I can ask her out for coffee. I don't know WHAT I was thinking  lol   oh boy, go dad.  LOL
   So as far as VA is concerned all is good. Out new phones came and I love it, the screen is bigger for one, LOL    The main thing is that it costs just about half of what we were paying. I can still facetime and all using my old phone as an Ipod but it has to be on a wifi.  But facebook messenger has its own version of facetime plus there is google duo that's the same and that ole standby  Skype  LOL   So my friends can still see me if they want to :-D      I do like seeing them as we speak, its a great feature  lol
     Well other than that its been peaceful, to day is the anniversary of my MIL passing, its been 7 years already, time flies bioy. Hubs is sad but okay. Love him and hate seeing him upset. I know how he feels so I understand his emotions today.   So to stay out of the way tonight I will be finally writing out my christmas cards.  I hope my overseas friends get them in time.  But what I was saying is that hubs will need some alone time tonight. Shrimp scampi is on the menu for dinner and I will be here if he needs me but I will also let him do his own thing. Talk, or stay alone, its all his call tonight.
    Well break is almost over and I want to get some tea so ciao for now peeps  x

Hi All, Yes I'm Still Here, and Still Fat & Fabulous!

     As we roll on into December (no pun intended) I'm finally starting to get into a Christmas mood.  I think it started on Sunday when I went to get our Christmas cards and saw all the fun things they had. There was a little girl with her Mom in the store and she was talking up a storm abut how Santa was coming to their new house and I hope he knew that she moved, It was so sweet and that's what I love. With all the shit going on in this world the simple innocent joy of waiting for Santa is still alive and well.  Of course I find the oddest things. They had beer bottle openers in the shape of a smashed flat beer cap and had names n them. I found one that had the name Jesus, of course my sarcasm was instantly activated.  I put a pic on facebook saying I'm sure Jesus would love one but I think he's more into wine. LOL  Im seeing Sis this weekend and of course my dad so that always makes me feel good.   I'm going to put up the ceramic tree for Dad. Made it in the 70's and so many people had them. I think the pottery stores had a special as you see them all over. I will post a pic when I put it up. This reminds me I need to get the little plastic bulbs as there are quite a few missing. 

I have to get it down as its way up in Dad's closet next to the porcelain Infant of Prague that my Uncle brought me from Italy. I am not religious but it does have a very pretty face. The features are so perfectly painted. Its about 20" tall and has velvet robes with lace.  I should donate it in my mothers name, to dad's church. 

     A good friend is having surgery this Thursday and Sis and I may be visiting her on Saturday. She is a lovely woman and I haven't seen her in a while.  Oddly enough years ago (okay decades ) her husband and I actually dated. LOL  Theater groups, very close knit people  LOL He dated several others as did I. 

    OMG my co-workers crack me up, just now one of the women walked over and said very loudly to another "Why are you using a blackberry?!"  We all laughed too as we had teased him. His phone is getting repaired and this is an older phone his cousin lent him to use in the meantime. LOL  I remember when they were all the rage. Hubs and I are getting new phones this weekend. I am ordering them online Friday.  We are using phones from Google Fi, cool plan so bye - bye verizon. LOL 

    Oh man I so wish I had all the money I wanted to get peeps the coolest things for Christmas, they know I love them and i am here so I guess that will have to do this year, and truly its enough for me too. There is a post going around facebook that goes something like you Christmas list gets smaller as you realize the things you want can't be bought and its so true.  I'm feeling the love for my dearest and my family. So muah,  you all know who you are!!  You better!!! LMAO 

    Okay my friend I am out of her so herself wishes you a great evening and here I am.

 Oh you know I took a selfie today, new blouse!  No make -up BOO!! hahahahahaha,

 need tea - Ciao for now 

Christmas Comes To Sterling VA

     So it's Friday and thats always a good day but my manager was in a very chipper mood today. Maybe he got laid who knows , who cares. he's quite funny really. We have a new acquisition coming in and I was on a 2 1/2 hour conference call yesterday afternoon in regards to it. The new people all got an email that they all had to do drug test within the next week. We were laughing wondering how many for these new people would be gone now  LOL   
getting back to my original statement.  manager decided to go through all the christmas boxes and found the top half of the office tree. So  he starts taking everything out and putting it all on the empty desk in front of mine. I feel like I'm in a friggin forrest. HAHA   he went put an bought a new 6ft tree for the office. I told him I hope he doesn't expect me to put lights on it as its a foot taller than I  am .  he was amused.  I have my tree that i need to put up also.  Plus I have a huge christmas bulb that hubs got me to hang on my wall. Its awesome looking. I may come in on Sunday to "festive up" my desk

SEE - a forest  LMAO   

     Day is pleasant enough, and I am wearing a blouse i usually wear with my dress slacks but today I wore it with my jeans. I usually don't as well since Im fat I have a tummy and i like it to be covered. I dotn like things hanging out  LOL  So this blouse is shorter than I usually wear so today someone told me how good I looked and so I went into the ladies room and well i will say that I can finally wear most of my blouses now with jeans as yes even I will admit my tummy is flatter. Now don't get me wrong, I am still the round chick but not as bulbous as before  hehehe . It was nice to hear on Friday  
     I am looking forward to seeing Sis next weekend, I need to empty the hatch on my car to bring home the haul of goodies she has for me.  My Sis-In-Law is going to hem all the jeans I am getting. whoot whoot. 
Well I have go tot go, lunchtime is over and I need to get on phones until 1:30 then emails again until I go home, so ciao for now and if I dotn come back on , have a great weekend. 

     

So Bring It On Life

As my last blog stated, I got a shock in the mail but, it is what it is right? All Good. LOL Moving on........

I was turned onto a new show on Netflix called Black Mirror. I had never heard of it and I find that its been on like 3 years already and let me tell you , it's bizarre BUT GOOD!! I'm really enjoying it and it says a lot with out saying much.  I know kind of how you all wish I would be LMAO  Ain't happening HA!!

So I was online and I found a group on line doing this keto diet, OMG all the fatty food they eat, I see then dropping so much weight but they eat like 3 eggs and 4 strips of bacon and full fat cheese and dairy. Granted there is no carbs in these and Crabs are like velcro with me but how are they losing?? I am on South Beach which is low carb and I've dropped 40 lbs, but part of me is tempted to try this. Funny thing is I'm not a huge bacon fan. I use olive oil , what little I use. I don't know. I know my cholesterol is low and I don't have to worry, NOW, but what about in the future. I can't figure how clogging arteries is good.  Its all so confusing. I'm getting impatient and that's the worse thing to be, that's when you start to make excuses. I wont do it, I will be strong. hey got through one of the biggest eating holidays of the year.  I had a low fat dessert using 2% ricotta cheese last night, (1/2 cup mixed with a scant teaspoon of dark cocoa powder and a packet of stevia) tasted really nice but looked unappetizing  LOL I enjoyed it though. I'm really not craving huge sweets or even carbs really.  Although pizza will forever be my kryptonite. But I can deal.


Just remeber:

Ciao for now

Oh for FUCK"s Sake

I could scream

Sometimes

Sometimes Christmas songs make you cry

Sometimes you wish you could take all the hurt away from those you love and care about

Sometimes you get surprise cheer ups from total strangers

Sometimes you just need to sleep a little longer

Sometimes you want to turn off the world

Sometimes you want to hug everyone you know really tight

Sometimes you love too much and cant help it

Sometimes you want to call your mother (but you can't anymore )

Sometimes you wish you could go back a few years and do things slightly differently (even though they were great)

Sometimes you wish you could gift those you love with their hearts desires

Sometimes you wish you could swim

Sometimes you wish you looked better

Sometimes you wish you knew where you will end up in a year or two

Sometimes you realize life is how it is and you need to live it to the fullest, love those you care about with all your heart, embrace what you have and don't worry about the sometimes, stay focused on the now AND trust in tomorrow

:-D

Not The Best Way To Start A Week

So this morning I leave to go to the office and low and behold it seems that someone smacked into my passenger side door. Luckily there is no dent but it does a lovely dark blue scratch across the middle. Its about 2.5" wide but of course to me it seems much larger. Such a pain in the ass. My car is not even 2 1/2 years old yet.  I know it could be worse, much worse, but it irks me. I am very careful when i open my door if I'm near another car. Especially if its windy. This just shows to me that people can indeed be selfish and it makes me sad. I will get some rubbing compound and if the weather is decent enough see if I (or hubs) can rub out the mark.  I still have that scratch on the drivers side from when somebody was walking through the hotel parking lot I was staying at during snow team 2 years ago. Its also annoying but its a slight scratch and its not BLUE!!! lol  On a white car it really shows up
I know bitch bitch bitch... but I'm mad, lol

A friend of mine's mother passed away on Thanksgiving and I am not sure if I will be heading up to NY for the funeral. I may, not sure yet. All depends on the funds. I most likely will, he is a sweet man and I liked his mom quite a lot.

Okay peeps that's it for now, ciao for now

Thanksgiving Survival or "How We Beat The Turkey"

    Well peeps, this round chick can say she officially beat the gluttony that so many American households  took part in yesterday as we celebrated Thanksgiving. To me it seemed a bit hypocritical as those original inhabitants of this country are now being attacked as they are trying to protect sacred burial ground so a oil pipeline wont run through ti. Thi si land that they WERE GIVEN. So wrong, in my opinion anyway.
     Personally for me, on this day I give thanks for my family and friends and to the good things that have happened and the ability of us to surpass the bad.  There have been such a mix of both. My battles with food were victorious as I had not one bite (nor 5 or 6 either LOL) of carbs, no stuffing, no potatoes, no dinner rolls, no desserts. I had meat and veg, (turkey, asparagus and green beans) I was sated and I am looking to enjoying a mini version of this meal with hubby that will include a crustless pumpkin pie. Low fat and no carbs.    Our night was very pleasant, it was good to see them and my niece introduced me to the world of Snapchat. LOL  Wanna see? (and even if you dont LOL)

I call this fairy mary  LMAO  hehehehe
     So all in all yesterday was great, hope your weekend is going to be great. Ciao for now

Nice Day? Yep!

    Hubs is feeling better so that was a good start and traffic was light. Got to work and I'm logging in to my computer, when I get a text from a friend who was transferred to the government side of the company I worked for. They have since become their own company merging with yet another one so we do not see each other often anymore. But she was thinking of me and just dropped a line to say she misses me and loves me to bits. Wants to get together for a holiday meet up. Then one of the ladies who sits behind me told me that she loves that she sits there as I have such a bubbly personality its nice to hear how I speak with people om the phone.   She also said the days I was out it was so quiet,  now THAT I believe.  hehehe
    I've been feeling weird, not bad but off for me. I seem to be throwing out lots, and really concentrating on myself. I still annoy people, wouldn't want to disappoint, but I'm focused on me, hubs, my home and Dad and Sis mainly. Some dear friends are going through things and as much as I want to be part of their lives I'm stepping back a little so they can do what they need to. I see glimpses of fun they are having on social media of course and in time we will have good chats but for now I am secure that they know I am here if they need me for anything, and I love them to bits. I do text occasionally though to be fair, just miss them so much.   Sis will be seeing me shortly (yeah yeah only way anyone can see me, funny funny  LMAO) I'm so looking forward to seeing her. I need the fun break. Maybe we can go to a movie, that would be cool.  No NY food this trip, meaning bagels or pizza. But that okay, I'm not starving, so Im not even going for sympathy points as I don't need them.
     UH-OH just sneezed again and now my nose is all stuffy.  Tis the season. It wont last, it was like this this morning too then it went away. It is cold out though, was 32 degreesF when I woke up and now its a balmy 46degreesF, heatwave!!! LOL
  Well it just got really busy again so I am off to be bubbly  :-D   Cia For Now

Not Quite A Short Week

.   I say that as Thanksgiving is upon us, what used to be the "start" of the holidays. But when Christmas trees are side by side with Jack O'Lanterns it gets a bit muddled. I was at Home Depot yesterday and I will admit the trees really did look so pretty, with all the lights twinkling.  But as I was saying Thanksgiving is here, the grocery stores are having turkey sales and cranberry sauce and canned pumpkin for pies are right up front, along with the spices, and the pans to cook all these delicacies in.  For hubs and myself it's just us and the cat. I'm preparing a turkey breast, lots of veg, and as a treat I will be making a crust less sugar free pumpkin pie.  Stevia will be the sweetener for our feast. I know in my last blog I mentioned many things mom used to make, but we are focusing on the actual wording of this holiday.  The country is a bit crazed right now, and I personally feel, I need to put my focus on things and people who matter in my life. My dad, who's right up on that list, is having his dinner at the neighbors. I'm thrilled for this. They treat him like family, and I am very thankful for them. I love my Dad and miss him terribly, but truth, if he moved her, that would be the end of him. He has his routines that keep him active. I'll see him in several weeks time. Of course my hubby is my focus, poor dear us feeling a bit rough. Bit of stuffiness, it will pass but I don't like seeing him uncomfortable. Of course Sis, and my couple of dearest friends. I'll have more about them as we get closer to Thursday. Ooooh you're bursting at the seams in anticipation I bet. Hahahaha
     Moving on, it's almost 11 and I should be getting ready to sleep, especially as I was up at 5am this morning. What the hell got me up at that hour I'll never know. Hubs was awake as well. So we had a very lovely extended cuddle session, then we went downstairs and had breakfast. As we say their, the wind was literally howling around the house.  Yesterday was a high of 70, today it got up to 42. Same for tomorrow. My Uncle &Aunt upstate NY, got a decent amount of snow. First one of the season. I have a feeling, here in VA we are going to see some decent snowfalls as well. I think I need some additional blankets. Lol Even the cat has crawled under hub's blanket tonight. I see the little bump down by his feet. I put a video of her snoring on Facebook this evening, I love my little kitty.
      Well I am going to try and sleep, half 5 will be here soon enough. So until next time, ciao for now

Recipe Saturday

So the "holidays" are coming, and growing up in an Italian family that meant food!! Omg, my mother bless her, along with grandma went all out. Thanksgiving there was hardly room on the table for the plates to hold the bounty that showed up. Of course there was turkey, with all the trimmings i.e.: stuffing and candied yams, veggie casseroles, salad. Now add it the Italian vibe and there was also a course of some kind of pasta ( lasagne, ravioli, stuffed shells) sausage, pork, and meatballs. And I was the baker, for Thanksgiving I always made an Italian cheesecake. So good, made with ricotta cheese, 3lbs of it, but it was lighter than NY style and went very well with cappuccino and espresso.  Let's just say everyone went home with enough food for a few days. It worked out well as it gave mom a cooking break also. Then she started planning Christmas. She loved hosting the parties, her, myself and grandma were the kitchen crew, if course clean up also had aunts and cousins joining in.  Lol Christmas dinner was another food feast, special foods, even homemade raviolis and veal cutlet parmigiana. Veal was a holiday meat lol  Anyway,  it's no wonder I'm on a constant diet. But that being said here are some recipes that you won't need to open the top button on your pants or wear stretchy pants.  But go ahead if you want, I won't judge you. Hehehe

- Let's start with dessert LMAO: peanut butter chocolate "ice cream"
Take a sugar free frozen fudge pop, put it in the microwave for about 20 seconds until almost melted. Add about 1 1/2 teaspoons peanut natural butter and about a tablespoon of light cool whip. Mix it all up. You have a peanut butter chocolate mousse. Eat it like that but I like to pop it in the freezer and make a no carb ice cream out of it.   You can alter the amounts of PB and cool whip to taste ( and your plan) of course.
- Snack time: crunchy chickpeas ( or as I call them Chichi's)
I am a snacker on occasion, at work often around 3 in the afternoon. I found this recipe years ago and it's a perfect low carb snack, crispy and great to annoy people as its damn crunchy.  Lol
Take a large can of chickpeas, drain & rinse. Spread them out in a single layer on a sheet tray. Bake about 30 minutes in a moderate oven, 350 for us here in US. I'm guessing about gas4 in Europe ( sorry don't know other settings) then take them out and put in a bowl, drizzle (operative word there) a touch of good olive oil, then add seasonings, I like garlic and Italian herbs but you can add sprinkles or Parmesan also.  Then lay them out on the tray and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until nice and golden brown. Sis is giving me this sweet curry spice mix and I can't wait to use in this recipe. Yummy
- Main  Course   Loin Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto
MINT PESTO
⅔ cup packed fresh mint leaves
¼ cup packed fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts or chopped walnuts
1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
LAMB CHOPS 8 loin lamb chops (each about 1 inch thick), well trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat the broiler.
For the pesto: In a blender or food processor, process the mint, parsley, nuts, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the oil and process until almost smooth.
For the lamb: Place the chops on a broiler pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Broil the chops for 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.  Spoon pesto over the meat, 2 chops per serving.
- Breakfasttime.
Brekkie is easy peezy. One of my favorites is scramble some eggs, add chopped veg (your choice) bit of s&p, spice it as you like it. Pour into a non stick muffin tin And bake at 350 for about 14 minutes or until your eggs are cooked. Put them in a zip bag and take to the office. Or freeze them for later munching.
Another one I love is just take plain Greek yogurt, add some fruit and a touch of vanilla extract, mix it up and eat. You can add some sweetness also (raw honey, stevia, whatever your choice is.
     So there you have a day of food. No one would ever think you're dieting, and your not. You're just eating better. That's what I tell myself.
Be inventive, try new foods, lots of good stuff out there and so much of it is healthy. Yeah it may take time and a bit more cash at the grocery but I'm worth it.
WELL THAT WAS DIFFERENT hahahaha
Ciao for now peeps, catch ya later.

Here Comes The Weekend

     And the weather is going to be a big stretch, tomorrow it goes up to a high of almost 70 degrees F and Sunday it's only a high of 49 degreesF and windy. I can tell you right now, Sunday will be a day for cooking meals for the week ahead. I am getting a bit tired of chicken. And I really enjoy chicken. But I want some salmon, I love salmon. So I went through my south beach diet cookbook ,( yes I have one from a long time ago, it's an actual book! Lol ) to get a few ideas. I have some now. Since we can now have high complex carbs in moderation, I'm going to get some pork, buffalo and yes salmon. Will make a sweet potato mash, and a brown rice pilaf. Asparagus is on sale so yes please. Brussels of course too. I'll be busy but my plan us to have at least a full week and a half of meals to put in the freezer. Hubs gets home at about 6:15 so this way, a quick pop in the microwave (after thawing in fridge during the day) and dinner is ready. Like I told Sis, sometime around the Spring she may need to help me stay away from the NY goodies when I visit. I love her to bits.
     Right now both hubby and the cat are snoring.  It's one after the other, and the cat is pretty loud. It's not even half past 10, such party animals.  After this I'm settling in myself, yay tomorrow is Friday. It's been a stressful week, remnants of Colitus are still present but the cramping and, let's say need, to stay near home is past. Thankfully.  Sunday through Tuesday I was so drained. I felt like I ran a marathon. Dr said once there it's always there. Goes dormant, then BAM! It hits. Stress is a huge cause so there's been a lot cumulatively over the year ( or even two). My system went, fuck this, I'm out! Plus I'm eating more dairy, not the best thing to do with this. Lol But all good now.
     Coming home tonight, I was driving through an older historic section of town and of course lights are on, as it's dark by 5:30 now. So being me, (nosy) I look in the homes. Really nice Craftsman style and a few beautiful Victorians. And low and behold, I see a Christmas tree. All lit up and sparkling.  It looked beautiful but, but, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Come on guys, really. I miss the old days when you didn't decorate until it was December. It was usually the end of the first week in December for us. Mom always had lots of relatives over for Thanksgiving so one holiday at a time. Both were huge cooking/baking holidays so they each shined in their own time. It was nice to see but this holiday season is low key. Not even sure if there will be a big tree, but we have a little one that goes on the credenza. It's only 4' so I can even but the topper on it. Hahaha.
      Well peeps this was just a little blog tonight, more to come. So until next time, ciao for now

So Happy Its Thursday

    Trying to write today and nothing is coming to me. Odd as I have lots in my head but nothing is coming out so its picture day - WOOHOO

Some of these mean a lot as they are memories from my England trip (with a little Paris added in) and others that just make sense today and make me smile LOL 

So I Found Out

    I finally spoke with the nurse and it seems my test results are almost 100% fab, sugar levels are great and liver, kidney functions are tip top, Cholesterol is good and in the right order, BUT my magnesium is low. So I now have to take supplements, 400IU's worth every day. I'm already taking vitamin D supplements that I will have to take forever. I swear I'm going to rattle. LOL  Could be worse though so I'll take it. But don't they scare you leaving messages like that. So that proves it, Im just fat! I'll take it! LOL Ciao for now.

Ponder

     I'm home today, my colitis is hitting me, damn thing was dormant for years and in the last few years it's been back. So be it, I've been changing my diet and perhaps too much cheese, oh I have no idea why. Lol so I've been binge watching The Crown, it's very good and now I must wait for season 2.  If accurate, I feel bad for Philip and admire the Queen for what she had to do, and sacrifice.
     so here I am waiting on a call back from my doctors office. A call came in yesterday but I missed it. My blood work came back and they want to go over certain issues. Of course they don't say what this issues is  but I must speak with a dr or nurse so I have no idea. I'll let ya know.  Very curious, I admit. I'm tired, feel a bit drained as colitis can do that. :-). So I'm going to make tea and relax, ciao for now

Well Isn't This Nice

     As the people voted in a new president, riots broke out in protest, the Canadian immigration website crashed and people have unfriended people on Facebook. Again I am not happy with the outcome but I'm not going to riot!!  I really am afraid for my country, people are in pain for so many different reasons and they are lashing out. Its scary times here and will be more come January 20th when Trump gets sworn in.  ACK!!!!
   

Yes I was A Bit Shocked - But This Is All I'm Going To Say

If you feel you won - Don't gloat

if you feel you lost - Don't despair

Seriously I am seeing so much hate from both sides. Including attacks and comparisons that are hurtful to so many.

Grow up people!!! If you were able to vote, then you are an ADULT, its done, so be it, act like an adult. It's not the 'END OF THE WORLD", nor is it TRUMPAMERICA NOW"

It's the United States of America, we have been through hard times before and we will again I'm sure.

But from what I can see if we get any more divided we will no longer exist as a nation.

Rhetorical Question I suppose LOL

Why is it the more I'm doing to get myself healthy, there are days I feel like total shite!!?  Today started great, my new hair shade is pleasing to me, I look good if i do say so myself, clothes look good . I've gotten 3 compliments on my weight loss today, and yet I get up to get tea or run to the toilet and my legs are cramping up like a someone is twisting them. Something akin to how one would wring out a towel after you've washed it. Its no pleasant. Its two weeks now that Ive been back to the gym and since ive started South Beach Im eating less than 900 calories a day. My doctor said she doesn't think its anything too serious, more like my muscles are saying you plumper, you've been nice and quiet for a year and you decide to move?? We will make you suffer, well fuck you muscles, youu will do as I say. LOL  My doctor took blood my last visit and told me I must take vitamins, something i hadn't been doing. I do take magnesium tablets when this happens during the night. Poor cat, happend last night and she was sleeping between my legs, and I got a cramp and almost tossed her across the room I threw the covers off so fast. Hopefully between more stretching said muscles and taking vitamins this will subside. She is also checking my triglycerides as I may have kidney stones and it will show there. But BP and sugar levels are great. Knock wood. Ugh, getting healthy is fucking hard but so worth it, I'm liking how I look again. Back to the me from a few years ago. Im not alone in my journey and that helps tons.

Okay my rant is over but i need to go stretch my muscles, needy bastards  LOL     Ciao for now

Song Lyrics

They make you feel, fortunately not like they used to which is good , we move on through life, accepting and understanding things change, but occasionally you just remember:

I miss the sound of your voice
And I miss the rush of your skin
And I miss the still of the silence
As you breathe out and I breathe in

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love
So come on, get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard
And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice
Loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember
All the violent, sweet
Perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water
If I could tell you what's next
I'd make you believe
I'd make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Good times will never be forgotten and always remembered with a smile. No matter who we are I think everyone can identify with these words.  As I have said, our past has made us who we are today and today is making us stronger to face tomorrow! 

Ciao for now 

Okay It Is Difficult

For me to stay away from carbs.  So I've lost weight and today I logged in 100 days in a row on My Fitness Pal.  I've not done that in like ever! I've been honest. Most times I was under my calorie goal but I felt it was a bit high at 1400 calories. But then again there were days I wS over. Not by a huge amount but those days some pizza or French fries found there way onto my plate. The fries were rRd as I really don't eat fried foods much anymore. Don't get me wrong I had me some mighty good fish and chips in England and I do love them. With all kinds of sauces bad for me and malt vinegar of course. But bubs and I decided to step it up a notch and do south beach diet. No carbs for 2 weeks. Maybe 4 if I stay in phase 1 longer. I may. And this is dsy  2 so those past few days no problem. My calorie count yesterday was 633 and today I come in at 810. Tonight though I'm craving carbs. Bread, garlic bread to be exact. I won't have it. But it's day by day right.  I'm having a weak moment but it will pass.  As Sis and her friend like to say, I fought the carbs and the carbs won.  But this time I WON. I'm preparing foods, and although limited once I go on Phase 2 I can have whole grains, sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole grain crabs, limited of course but yes. Real food, real cooking, healthy so the occasional wild or special days can occur.
    I will not go on and on, not right now anyway.  Lol.   Ciao For Now

Yesterday's Short Blog, Allow me To Clarify

   In a perfect world, when a transition comes to your company, all will be set up and run smooth. As usual this was not the case and of course we here at the helpdesk are the ones under fire. Im just tired of being yelled at for something nit my fault. Its just enough is enough, but at least personal life is fine, knock wood.  Doctor on Thursday to check these pains in my left side (possible kidney stones) so otherwise all is status quo.  I'll be back peeps.  Ciao for now

You Know That Proverbial Straw

Well I'm The Camel , I'm done!

OH Matron, A New Blog

     Not really sure how that phrase even reads to a proper Englishman. But I like it so fuck it I'm using it.  With all the craziness at work of the will we or won't we have jobs, our manager sends out a group chat on our Skype for business. Asks up to say yes if we can see it. Then - nothing. So of course there's nervous laughter, we are all getting fired. Or getting a two week notice. Finally he comes on to say there will be a 15 question Halloween quiz, winner gets to go home early.  Lots of real laughter at that point. It was actually kind of fun, and I give him kudos for trying to bring a little light into a dark room so to speak. We had lots of laughs, one question was name the girl who was possesessed in The Exorcist , one of the guys puts my name on the group portion, of course every one, even me, laughs. We had to give the answers to his account only not the group.  Monday the spirit squad I'd having a breakfast bash, with bagels, scones, breakfast pastries, coffe, tea, juices. And I will be full on point with my South Beach Diet. Lo. It's okay, it's nice they are trying. Some folks here are very nice, it's the big wigs above who don't care. We've started calling ourselves the Expendibles. Of course we are needed, but they don't see that. They're in a huge high rise, brand new building, where as we are in a mid century building that needs a bit of love. Think Charlie Browns Christmas tree, it needs a little live, it's not a bad building.  Just needs to get its tits perked up a bit. 

     So speaking of South Beach Diet, I've been losing, just eating better but yes I do enjoy my bagel Wednesday at work, but no more. I've lost almost 30 pounds and now, along with my hubs, I'm going back to the no carb, then low carb life.  I'm ready, I'm pumped and Sis is starting her plan, my friend in England has been losing, the time is right.  Tenacity has kick in, and I will get there.  One of the women who works on the same floor as me was walking behind me as I went to my car. Didn't know she was there. When I turned around she came over and said she really could see how much weight I'd lost, especially from the back. (My tummy has always been my problem) but she said it again, I looked flatter. Was glad when she added that my stomach was what looked flatter. I'd hate to think my boobs  got even smaller. Lol. It was so sweet of her and it felt really good to hear and I admit added to my resolve.  Will keep you gently  posted as no one likes a lecture on how to lose weight every time they read a blog entry.    

     Tomorrow will be sad for me, my mom died 19 years ago on the 29th.  It's not really easier. I mean I don't weep my eyes out but there are tears. I now can focus on the fun times more. Which is good.  I had a true friend in my mother, oh my god I'll never forget the first time she realized I had had sex. She asked with who, I told her and she was like reall? Then she asked about one boyfriend she particularly liked and I said yes. She then she asked if it was nice. Nice?  Needless to say I stopped the conversation right there and we laughed. 

      Ah peeps, I'll be back, probably Sinday. Have a few more things to post.  But ciao for now

Let The Games Begin

First two lay-offs happened this morning. One was a friend of mine. She was crying as I hugged her. She asked me to pray that she gets a job. There are going to be more coming, needless to say that office is not very calm. LOL

Ah well, that and the fact that my back is killing me, I have to go for a CT scan soon as the man I saw said it may well be kidney stones. Never had them and I drink water. I see my doctor in a week and a half and am having blood taken again so they can tell that way also.  Hey in the grand scheme i can deal with these if i have to.

Oops phones ringing, ciao for now

Just Thoughts From Last night and Today

     I'm watching Scorpion with hubby, it's a great show, I recommend it. Thing is my mind often goes in many directions. I'm on Pinterest on my iPad, I'm watching the TV, and petting the cat.  So a commercial comes on and it's for a new men's cologne. Makes me think of someone, he wore amazing cologne. I'd never smelled a scent like it. I mean, I was used to Polo, Drakkar or even the occasional Armani but this was designer I had not known before. I think of him whenever I smell the scent.  Then a commercial came on saying how a poor 81 year old man was killed while riding his bicycle. I almost cried, it made me think of my Dad. That poor dear man, I hope he went fast. My dad walks every day, I worry about a car driving too fast, or punk kids trying to rob him.  He's a trusting guy, but who knows, he was in the Navy, he's from Hells Kitchen NYC, he's probably tougher than I think, but he's getting frailer.   Then hubs said something and it made me laugh, I feel better. Man sometimes I think I'm going bonkers.  I care so much about my friends who are going through shit right now. I want to give them all the space they need, but they need to know I'm there, I don't have money but I've got ears to listen to them. A heart that wants the best for them. I've been blessed. I felt the love of true friendship and non blood family and I just want them to know I am here.
      Wow, good morning. Happy Tuesday. Its going to be a high of 84 degrees F today and I hate that. I mean nice temp but not for mid October. Im ready for falling leaves with bursts of colors and pumpkins and fall spices and boots and sweaters.  LOL  I am such an October baby. I adore the autumn season.   I hope you all have a great day and I will be back later   Ciao for now

When Does Old Enough To Know Better Start

     Thats not totally a true question, I do know better and let me tell you. In the last 4 days I have been careless with my food intake. careless may not be the right word, I've eaten things I stay away from, but NYC bagels, and pizza and the rolls for the bacon, egg and cheese are truly special to NY/NJ  Ive never had them anywhere else. But as I sit here in my chair I feel like a very full bubble. Made Dad pancakes for breakfast, he enjoys them and its been awhile. Have had no lunch, didnt need it, and tonight is soup and the beer bread I made. Definitely filling but not over filling. Enjoying a cup of black current black tea. Very nice and relaxing. My colitis is acting up a bit and its all the rich food. I brought it on myself, so I can't complain. But it was worth it, I am looking very forward to my own bed tomorrow night.
     Okay I;m on my second cuppa, this time its my Yorkie Gold. My neighbor came in to chat and he is just so nice. But now I need to get my bags packed
and get everything i order so i can leave early tomorrow. it sucks as i need to time myself to the end of morning rush hour here and get to VA before afternoon rush hour starts there. It gives me a close window but its okay Im used to it. As long as i get past Kennedy Airport and the Belt Parkway Im good, I HATE that road. Hopefully Staten Island will be easy going also. 
    I bought some more jeans, fat girl for the win!! Size 22 and just over 2 years ago i was wearing a 30. Huge indeed and a 22/24 is still big, but Im doing it. I put weight on when I got back from England and Im now around the same if not a bit smaller. Please dont be shocked at my jeans or clothing size, I told you I was fat. But Im not ugly, Im kind, I try to be a decent person but if someone dosnt like me because im fat well fuck 'em! :-D
    I am so grateful to my friends and family, when I go I will miss my Sis and my dad of course. I also miss my hubs. And i miss my bed.  I just ordered new pillows that should be arriving soon too. I just want to get naked and lay down on freshly laundered sheets and sleep. LOL Easily satisfied i guess. LMAO   So Here is a sampling of the foods I ate this week:

Called an Emereld Isle and tea of course THEN...

The pub and a pint , onion soup and shepards pie   (burp)  didnt finish the shepards pie  lol and THEN...............................

We went German with assorted salads and jaegerscnitzel but wait there's more
and lastly

PIZZA   and thats not to mention breakfasts of bacon, egg, cheese on a roll

and the pancakes I made for Dad

Honestly Im surprised I fit behind my steering wheel LMFAO   I mean it wasnt all in one day but i do hear my grilled chicken and salads calling my name for next week 
It was a fun birthday time, Sis is a doll, I love my Dad, spoke to my dear friend over seas and got to have lovely talks with two other ladies I havent spoken to in a long time   so until next time  Ciao For Now

Day 2 Of The Birthday Holiday

   So it seems that i am sampling foods from all over on this trip. Started with a lovely brunch at the quaint tea parlor where as I had not quite a full English, but a modified scaled down version. There was the eggs, sausage, English bacon, black pudding, tomato, and potatoes.  No white sausage, no beans , and the rashers of bacon & the sausages were a much more normal quantity, I only took a bite of the bacon and gave Sis my sausage to go with her eggs benedict. A huge pot of tea and some brown bread split between us made for a very filling brunch, then it was off to shop and yay I got jeans, but boo they are way too big. Yay I know but I now need to exchange them.
    Spoke with my dear friend overseas, was wonderful to have a real nice chat and that we know we are there for each other, its so important to know that people care about you. i have him, my hubby of course, my Sis, Dad and just a handful of people that I truly care about but thats to my core and I don't take that love and trust lightly. Im a nutter and I like i can be that way with all of these people, even had dad laughing a lot today.  Brought him home some Shepards Pie for tomorrow nights dinner. Sis took my leftovers and between here and mine she has another meal. I didnt want to take them as when I get back to VA i go back to 800 calories days and shepards pie is not on that.  of course as it seems to be the norm its more a cottage pie as the meat is ground beef, or minced if you prefer that term. Real shepards pie is made with mutton. So English Sunday, Irish tonight. Tomorrow night we head off to the Oak Chalet for German cuisine. Its Oktoberfest time so Im sure there will be some extra choices. And Wednesday Sis is bring pizza and hero sandwiches to the house so we round this out with Italian.  Gluttony at its finest, but not really, breakfast with dad then nothing else until dinner so its not as bad as it seems. But I can tell you I needed some Alka seltzer tonight. My system is not used to rich food
anymore, not this much of it all at once anyway.  That is a good thing but Ive also learned that I can indulge and still be good too. Ive learned balance. Hubs being out of work has taught me how to budget and i mean in cooking also. Stretching the meal with more veg has made me need to eat vegetables more often and thats  a good thing. Although I admit tomorrow, I may indulge in a favorite, apple strudel. They do it well here.
     Hubs was upset tonight, I dont know if its because Im not there but the cat wont leave him alone. Wasnt bad last night as Monday was a holiday for him at work but he has to go in today (its past midnight) and if he doesnt get sleep, oh boy. Not pleasent.
     Im still wired so what do I do, take a few shameful selfies. I really try not to but my make up turned out well tonight and my face is a bit thinner and well I was alone and unsupervised  LMAO   So I tried to be artsy, heres how that turned out hehehehehe

Im an only child, what??????? LOL yeah I get needy, deal with it! We all need some approval in dark moments. 
As one can tell I am so not a professional photographer, but I do it for fun and not very often anymore. Put one of facebook as my new profile pic. Meh, not that it really matters. I look like me and if people dont like me for whatever reason thats their choice. I like me (mostly lol)
     I am enjoying my NY visit, I love my Dad and the man is a pip I tell you. More on him in a day or so. So its half midnight and I still have to take off my war paint so I bid you all a good night, Ciao for now! xx

Well Hello Again Lovelies NYC is Coming

    Okay I did say I wouldn't be posting everyday, and I haven't.   Not a whole lots going on really, my weight loss is continuing slow and steady, but I am going to NYC next week and I am going ot enjoy myself, I promise you .  I am going to have a slice (or two) or real pizza , a real bagel and oh yes a bacon egg and cheese on a roll. or as we call them a BEC.  LOL   These rolls are also special to the NY/NJ area.  They look like a kaiser roll and are similar but the taste is definitely unique. Unless you have had one you cant understand.
Here is what that lovely breakfast looks like

I tend to get the rolls with no poppy seeds on them as they stuck in my teeth something aweful
And of course a visit to Umbertos is called for, here they are

one word - Delicious.  Ad garlic and peppers or onions or all of them and its just perfect. Dad loves the meatball parm or sausage and pepper heros (subs) they have. The city itself has so many fabulous places to eat and so many great foods from all over.  Sis and I are going to have brunch on Sunday at a place called Swing The Teapot, in Floral Park  Long Island. I see a full english in my future there.  LOL   is it any wonder I am trying to lose weight, I've had years of practice putting it on. :-D haha

But its not just the food, its my family, Sis and Dad, cousins and friends. They are my heart in NYC and I miss them.  It will be great having more than a day to see everyone.
NYC gets in you, if you are from there you never leave, you may live other places but NYC will always be home. Hate it or love it its part of you.
Well I will have more next time.  Ciao for now peeps

Great Pumpkin Is Coming

     I admit it I'm a pumpkin lover, but a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks is 330 calories and 37 grams of sugar!! Whoa, I'll pass. I made coffee this morning and added pumpkin pie spice on top, tastes great and 0 calories!! I'll save those calories as I made a light pumpkin custard for dessert tonight. Can of organic pumpkin, 2 eggs,cinnamon, allspice, cloves, fat free evaporated milk and a little real sugar.(hey it is dessert) Yum lol It can be done folks. 
     I can't believe its almost October, I sense it may be a chilly winter season. Thats what the Farmers Almanac is saying. I love snow, it just keeps me lose to home. The fall is easier to drive to see Dad and Sis. 
     Im going to see Sis in about 2 weeks for our birthdays, I know Ive mentioned it, but really looking forward to it now. 
    Long day, had a nice chat with my friend in England after work. But now dinner is done and Im going to take a bath, relax and make it an early night me thinks. Monday wind down. Chill tomorrow night then, out for Anniversary sushi on Wednesday.  Threat of rain all week, how English LOL   Anyway , untill next time, Ciao for now. 

Happy Fall Ya All

      I'm going to write this blog and I'm doing it while I'm actually talking into my cell phone. So I bought new clothes. I had mentioned that,  well believe it or not everything I bought was too big including the underwear LOL It's all going back - felt good but sad as I wanted to wear the blouse I bought this coming Saturday in NY.
     Looking forward to it. Going to hang with Sis and listen to some good music. Will do live on Facebook if I can.

    Okay that was all don't talk to text, cool. Im at work now and its Thursday now. First day of Fall here in the northern hemisphere. I am seeing my hairdresser tonight to add a little depth to my color. Highlights and lowlights will add a but of umph. LOL I so love this time of year, I am looking forward to cooler temps and crisp air, having my windows open and seeing the leaves change color.  I'm off my birthday week, Sis and I are 2 days apart so we are going to go out for our birthdays and celebrate. Watch out NYC, we are going to party!  lol

Just Got Back From Grocery Shopping

     Little Wins, life has them and of course for me its weight loss and life gains. Two of them today.  Making smart choices by passing on the cookies for dessert. I went straight to the dairy and got strawberry greek yogurt for dessert. Its satisfying and only 80 calories. Second win is when you go into your car ad think your seat has been moved back, just for a moment as you know no one has been in your car. You have room behind your steering wheel again, but your mirrors are correct and your feet reach the pedals, WHOOHOO!! Most take it for granted, but then again its not unusual for most people to do that.  I must say using my fitness pal has helped, I write it all down. Even on days where I go over my calories and I do. LOL In truth though its never really badly over. Ive had a few days ive been about 500 calories over, but never hitting the 2000K mark.  Hey its life and I enjoyed those calories, but I adjusted myself the next few days. I usually come in way under, some days its closer to my allotted amount but still under.  So yeah for the little wins.  It helps ya keep on keeping on.  Ciao For now

OOOH Child

Herself just had a very nice rum and coke with Sailor Jerry.  He treats a gal great. The effects are hitting me, as I have not really drank in a long time. We had a bad diner and by bad I mean not the very healthy type. Mine wasn't bad at all in truth. It was a 6" whole wheat sub with turkey, lettuce and tomato, pickle wedge on the side, cucumbers, onions and cranberry sauce on it. The whole thing was only 495 calories and it was filling. Hubs had a foot long which had more calories Im sure but I want to stay decent but sated.  So tonight this is a very happy bunny signing off yet again   Me and Jerry

I bid you a good evening. Ciao for now.

It Felt REALLY Good

    LOL Now now, that's not what I'm talking about you naughty lovlies.  ;-)   I was just on lunch and one of my coworkers had a guy in the phone who  was arguing that he got his VP to approve an exception to policy for his overdue expenses.  WE have to get a letter from the VP of the business unit to approve expenses that are over 60 days old. Well this guy had sent in 4 emails asking about it, he was told on each email what was needed and basically ignored it. So i had enough, I asked my coworker if he wanted me to get on the phone and he did, so I let the employee know that we need a letter. He said that he sent the attachment , NO , he added a section where it said approved and had the VP's name n it.  I explained that is not what we need, as stated to him several time.  he said the emails were not clear and in my best supervisor voice (which was my old position here) I let him know that the add on to the email is not sufficient as policy states it must be a separate letter.  After about 15 minutes of repeating myself he finally disconnected. I tild him sir I know the email from today are getting worked and if you send this I will make sure it gets sent up to expense today.  Sheesh.  One of the women who work over in AP brought me over a postie with a "gold" star on it. She was saying that she had no idea how I kept my cool and she would have hung up on him  LMAO

I felt good to do that again, I miss my old position, I was a damn good supervisor!!  I need to look for another job like that once hubs is at his new place about 6 months and we can truly breathe easier I will seriously start looking.  

Oh here is my award  hahahahahaha

Well that's it peeps, the round chick is feeling pleased today :-)  Ciao For Now

Harvest Moon

    This Friday, the 16th of September is a full moon. Some call it the corn moon, some the harvest moon. It comes as a precursor to the Autumn Equinox, which arrives on the 22nd of September at 10:21AM EST. I know lots of folks hate that summer is ending. I am not a fan of heat and humidity, mainly because I am at work, not on some island enjoying a fruity rum drink. I could get used to that LOL But perhaps because I am born in the fall I get a sense of rebirth this time of year. As much as I like laying in a fetal position stark naked, I mean I feel it more emotionally. I seem to come alive more this time of year. I adore the tastes and scents of Autumn. I almost get a sense that I want to nest.It makes sense if you think about it. You spend more time at home as the days get brisk. It makes send to want your home comfy and welcoming.  I always have autumnal scented candles going this time of year. Apples and cinnamon, cloves are common. I love the spicy woodsy smells. Makes sense  as I like them in perfumes and colognes also. Smells like hugs. I love to hug.  Humans, we like to think we have come so far but our instincts from years gone by kick in and we have no idea why. LOL I have to laugh, I know why, we didnt have electric heat, electric air conditioners, we lived by the land, the sun and the moon. As much as we have gained, and dont get me wrong, I am a huge fan of modern conveniences, but we have lost something also.  I am trying to regain this.  In my way of course. Marking the moon phases, marking the Equinox, saying thank you before I take a bite of food for the animal that gave its life so I can continue with mine. Its a simple ting I can do in a very un simple world.  A world that scares the hell out of me sometimes.  Our government is going crazy, we are more divided than ever. People want to re write history as not to offend people, NFL player who make millions are protesting because they are oppressed.  How the fuck are they oppressed?? Give some of that money you get for playing a game to those who are oppressed. Put up or shut up, I am glad the are losing their endorsements, they are nothing but asswipes. There are some who go against them and more power to them. It all does you head in really. So yep, let me make my home cozy and warm. I plan to bake, bake some goodies for friends and coworkers, I want my finds to settle their lives. So many , actually I think all of us need to do some house cleaning. Get our heads to  place where we can settle don and be happy for months. As the next season will approach sooner than we think, we need to hunker down, and get our physical and mental selves in a place that we can handle and shape into a pleasing outcome. It aint easy, but deep breaths, phone calls, facetime, basically sharing helps us. Remember our ancestors knew that being in a group or having friends made one stronger. Alone is fine but to be always alone makes you vulnerable, to others and even worse to your own inner voices.
     Did I go off again? LOL   Well I will stop here, and until next time, ciao for now

Food Pics

I was teased by my friend in the England about how us Yanks love to post pics of our food.  I am totally guilty of this. Why do I? Not sure, I like to share what I've had if its good. I like to show others on my Instagram, who like me. are watching what they eat. Or just because I fucking feel like it. ;-D  But I do and since I've kind of geared this blog back to food and life you can bet your boots you are going to see some on here too on occasion.   OOO Wait - OCCASION!! LMFAO

Todays lunch was a whole wheat wrap, filled with laughing cow cheese wedge in french onion flavor spread on it, avocado slices and fresh baby spinach.  It was very good and as you can see a handful of seedless grapes to go with it.  Bloody hell, look at me actually preparing lunch at my desk, even more wow, that I remembered to bring them to work!! All I need is a silver candlestick to set the mood at my desk HAHAHA

There's really not much going on peeps, had some weird dreams over the weekend, I was riding the subways in NY and started downtown then got out uptown and as I turned the corner it turned into my old neighborhood in Brooklyn, then it became way uptown Manhattan. Then and here's the even weirder part, it became London.  No I didn't drink or have any illegal drugs this weekend :-D 

Can you imagine if I had???????? 

ha!!!   Well thats it peeps, Ciao for now

Mercury In Retrograde

    So what's been going on?  I ordered some new clothes from the big girl store. I found some slacks for work that I'm hoping fit well. I am not talking about waist size, I mean length. Yes "Miss 24" inseam of 2016" here always has issues with this. LOL I bought one pair in black and if they are good I plan on getting a few others, in navy, grey and pinstripe for the days I'm feeling saucy. Maybe even a plum or burgundy.  Oh missus please!!  HAHAHA  I am at the point I had too. We shall see. I also gathered up my coat and jacket to take to the dry cleaners to get ready for the cooler and cold weather that, if you believe the Old Farmer's Almanac, we will be getting. 
    Weight is coming off slowly and steadily, its so weird, the scale shows weight loss but these past few days I feel so blobish. LOL  I took a smaller size at the fat girl store which is not always a good monitor as their sizes run differently than other stores. And even other fat girl stores can be different. Grrr Its frustrating so I'll just believe my scale as I'm sure it will register correctly (fingers crossed). I go to the doctor later this month early october anyway and I will check it there. I don't use the scale at the gym as my gym shoes alone are about 2 lbs lol  I make sure I wear light weighing clothes at the dr.s and at home I'm usually coming out of the shower so Im starkers. LOL 
      So mercury In Retrograde  - in case you do not know this means that the planet mercury is now appearing to move backwards causing issues with things like communication and electronics.  I read a good comparison and here it is: 
If you were in a car and another car passed you, you could tell it was going faster than you. But if it slowed down and you then passed it, it would appear that that car was actually going backward. Then when the other car speeds up and passes you again, it kicks up all of the dust in the road. As Mercury speeds by, it is like a train flying past, creating a powerful, turbulent gust of “wind” in its wake. The turbulence and disruption Mercury creates when it retrogrades can affect what we feel on Earth in our everyday lives.
So its only appears to go backwards but I can tell you I have already seen the effects. Now granted it doesn't hit everyone the same, but here at work servers are being a bit wonky and my co-workers car mechanical system is giving him problems all of a sudden.  Coincidence, maybe LOL   
This will continue until the 22nd of September. Good luck  ;-) 
     Okay peeps,  its been a decent retrograde for me, so far, if I'm honest  LOL  I thank the Goddess every day, she watches out. Although Ive used it as an excuse 2x today for brain farts on tickets  hahahahaha
      I still have a gift card for a place here called Bath&Body Works, its a store that carries lotions, candles, body washes. Kind of a trifecta for ladies gifts. They have all the fall scents out, I am going nuts over them. I think I may go after work to smell them in person. I know I will use the card if I do LOL
    So today was like Christmas at work.  We had ordered a few things on Amazon that have long been needed. Nothing really pricey but things like deep bowls (got 4) lightning cables, man's wallet. Then I also order a NARS concealer from Sephora. They all came today, the poor mail room guy, he had 3 big boxes. Wel anyway as Sephora does you get samples and one was a perfume from Balenciaga. Now I love their Paris scent, the one with < of all things> a soccer ball (football) on top  LOL well this one is called B then it says Skin, so Im not sure which it is. I sprayed it on as I had no perfume on today and so far its settling to a really nice scent on me. Bit powdery, floral but a underlying sweetness. Kind of like me  HAHAHAHAHA  but yes I think I know what I want for Christmas now. :-D
     Okay peeps, im out as Im going back in to answering emails soon. So until next time, Ciao for now.

Pissed Off

   I went on Facebook today and every post I see is either about the two idiots running for president (gods help us) or the asshole NFL player who won't stand for the national anthem, but of course the money you make is okay, you over paid talentless jackhole! Sorry dude, you're oppressed in what way? I didn't see you down in LA helping the flood victims. Anyway......it's ridiculas. I really go on now to play Alpha Betty. I just hate the hypocrisy of the people on there, and I'm over it.

I'm stuffed

     Thai food for lunch, chicken pad see ew, very tasty but I ate only half. Im hoping it will keep in the refrigerator at work over the weekend so I have lunch already sorted on Monday.  Got a good deal on Slimfast shakes at Walgreens.  I'm looking forward to the weekend, although the heat is back!! ugh  its going to have a real feel of 110 either today or tomorrow. It definitely gives one initiative to stay in and clean.  LOL
     I will be in cooking for the week on Sunday as hubs has a schedule change, and will be working later hours until they hire a new person on. This new person will take hub's place as the low man on the totem pole so to speak, A senior employee just left and this was his shift, its not bad really, 9:30AM  - 6PM. With the closeness of the company to where we live he will be home by 6:10 lol  its around the corner almost.  I'm going to make a roast, we haven't been eating mucg red meat at all but like I said we will occasionally so a nice roast will give many meals. That and Im thinking some lamb stew.
     So I got to meet our new neighbors yesterday. Nice lady and nice kids. haven't met her husband yet. They actually were renting a home about 5 house up the block and when they saw this house for sale they jumped on it and worked out great for my neighbor. They didn't even have to have an open house.  That's so great, I hope when the time comes I'll be able to sell so quickly.
     Well Peeps I will say ciao for now and I will be home this evening starring at the marshmallow pumpkin my hubby bought me as a treat. deciding if I want it or hang on to it a little longer. I'm leaning to hang on. Ta....

How Much Is That Blouse???

    Good grief, I was looking for a few choice pieces of clothing to supplement my slacks for work and also to add to my jeans.  Well I look at Torrid, cool jeans, found a pair, great pair and only $75.00. I look at Catherine's and see a fab blouse for only $64.00.  WTF, why do they feel that by adding a little more fabric they charge designer prices? Fat girl clothes are so fucking expensive. It drives me batty. I finally found a few bits and pieces I got, but jeez.  Sis has given me a few lovely tops. One I can't wait to wear, it's a black crisis cross top that will look fab with my dress.  Why over a dress? Because I do not go sleeveless in public. I have seen women with arms larger than mine but I don't care for it, I also like my tummy covered. My personal taste. Again some women don't care, but I do. Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I have to be slovenly. I say that as there are times I will run out looking like crap, but it's usually to go to the drug store or if it's a quick grocery run I go to a store not in my area. Less chance of seeing someone I know. Hahaha
     Well I've been doing great, but what irks me is that when I go and put in my food and I eat less calories than the website thinks I should they don't log in that I came in under my calories. It counts my day as a log in, almost a month strait and I've lost 11 pounds so far.  I'm not unrealistic, I just want to get to where I was in high school. It's quite achievable. I'm ready. Except. Except well it's coming into Autumn. A weakness will be on the shelves soon. That pure sugar, either love it or hate it candy. Yep I'm talking candy corn. I love the stuff. The good thing though is that even I, Queen of the sweet tooth, find it even a bit too sweet. So I never eat too much in one sitting. Where as you put a Cadbury fruit & nut bar in front of me ( I mean the bigger bar) I will go animal on that thing if I'm in a chocolate mood. Candy is odd with me, I have my moods. I'd rather have some form of baked good.  My mom was just the opposite, she'd pick candy every time. Now Dad, he's not as much a sweet eater, he likes them, he can put a hurtin on a pie but he's one a night. He has a cup of tea and a little something sweet to end his night. A donut or slice of pound cakes a few biscuits or cookies. He's a balanced eater. Yeah, I may look like him but I have my moms eating habits.  Lol. I love cooking though.  So I've been making good dinners, lots of veg. No red meat. But I sense a nice steak is coming. Now, if I will stop thinking of candy corn.  Lmao
     It's interesting, I've noticed it's easier these days to be a bigger gal. More and more people are rooting for a "real woman" body. Which I'm not sure what a real woman means. If your born with a pussy you're a woman. Just be happy in the body you have, change what you want for YOUR READONS whatever they are.
     Oh hey I'm a redhead again. Hubs asked so sure, I am going to go a slight shade darker as I used a similar formula I used to but before I put it on brown hair and this time I put it on blonde so it turned out a bit brighter than I wanted.  If you watch the show Castle, think Castle's daughter Alexis.  It's pretty but I need a bit richer. I also need to get a 30 developer, for the grays. Shhh don't tell. :-D
Well peeps, I'm out so until next time ciao for now

Sucks Big Time

Those who know me know I hate not knowing, today I am not sure if I did something, I don't think so but I was kidding with someone and it ended abruptly. Not bad but emails you can't tell. So I'm here just waiting to hear. And to bring it home, hubs is a bit more than a little tipsy, he's okay but on a tightrope of going off or staying calm. I'm here trying to play nice nice so nothing happens that I'm going to regret, like yelling. I understand he's in pain, I just hate he feels he has to get drunk, then gets stupid. Ugh. I just want today over.  

Ciao for now. 

Feeling Right Now

Apprehensive, nervous, scared, curious oh so curious, hopeful .........

So ....

Now it's time to follow MY DREAMS, and catch one or two of them :-D

Lets Start At The Very Beginning...

     Okay when I started this blog, what seems like eons ago, I was focused on weight loss. I have strayed from this, and it's gone to a daily report of my life, well guess what? I ain't that interesting!! LOL  What??!! You are saying to yourself, why my dear you are enthralling.  Okay, I just made myself chuckle, but really, I was faithfully writing every day, then I skipped a few days and now weeks at a time.  I am not sure why. That's a lie actually, I do know. Life got hard for a year, hubs out of work, me stressing over money and feeling like shit over it. I was lucky to have an amazing support group around me and I saw (and see) things a bit more clearly. I've learned how to budget (who knew), what matters in my life and I am now ready to face my secondary challenges again. So here goes.
     I purged myself of all my old things, clothes, make-up, friends. LOL  That last one was more Facebook than any other. I went through my list and deleted several folks that I had not spoken to in years. They were co-workers who have moved on or old friends from NY and the funny thing is I have not gotten any emails wondering why, so I highly doubt they even noticed.
   I've gone back on my fitness pal and been doing pretty well. There are been a few days I've been over my calories but I'm down 11 pounds. Today I was below my calorie intake until.......da da dum!!! I had 4 tiny peppers and a fiber one bar so let's add an additional 180 calories to my day. I'm over - by 10 calories, but it's still over.  Thing is I ate raw peppers and a low calorie bit of cake. I didn't change the day plan but I know it. I'm not sharing my food diary so it's only me that sees it, I'm not fooling anyone. Lol   I will do it.  I'm changing. I let myself throw a huge pity party this year and I gained weight and lost self esteem. But I'm slowly gaining them back. I dyed my hair red again. It's a bit brighter than I anticipated. I realized my error, last time I dyed my hair I was going from light brown to auburn, and this time I went blonde to auburn. I used the same ratios and well yeah, lighter. It's not horrible but it's not me. I can handle it for now, I'll change it in a few weeks. Have to give my hair time to strengthen a little.  I hope the remainder of this year brings more good things. I hope I get to see my friend from England if he comes to the states. It's 2 years since I went over there. It's time.
     I had to force myself to step on the scale, glad I did and the result was decent.  I have a gal friend who is thinking of getting gastric bypass surgery. The thought scares me, I've thought about it too, but I don't want to lose hundreds of pounds. I'm okay doing it slowly as long as I don't die. Lol it's hard I'm not lying, I'm not as good as I should be but gods I love Chinese food and oh man Thai food like Pad See Ew and Pad Thai just teases me. But I figure every once in a while will be a treat.  Lots of chicken and fish. Not too much red meat. Little by little.
     Well so I will be posting more weight things, aspirations, recipes, poems. More like the old blog complete with my spelling mistakes lol.  So until next time, ciao for now.

So How You All been?

     I've been under the weather as of late, it started Sunday and it continues on.  Its odd, I have great moments and then it hits, I feel the need to get sick so I run to the toilet, then feel better, haven't been eating much, have been home from work all this week and here it is Thursday and its my first day back. I'm freezing to the point my teeth are literally chattering.  I'll live, LOL  I haven't told Sis or my Dad, no need to as I'm on the mend.
     So not much going on since I've done nothing but keep the cat company so far this week. LOL  I think hubs and I are venturing into Lancaster this weekend for a day trip on Saturday. Its about an hour and a half drive for us. We like to go there but haven't in so long, I think its time again.  I need some fresh air :-D
     I'm thinking of going auburn again. Not sure will see. I have to go to the beauty supply store and look at the shades. I like to mix colors. I know the color I want to get to. I will see if I can accomplish it again.  LOL  it's this one

Looking a bit shaggy there but I like the reddish tones, I have no idea what shade (shades) this was but I'll get it one day. I had just discovered the hair straightener when I took this pic. LMAO
so I think its time to go back into the lab and play mad doctor.
     Thats it for now really, I'll be back soon   Ciao for now