Results

I keep meaning to post an update with the Biggest Loser contest at work....it ended on March 11th and I didn't win but I did lose almost 25 lbs in about 2 months. I hope this friendly contest at work will help me continue with this journey. We are starting a second leg this week so I think the competition will help keep me motivated. Stay tuned. :)

Snow Bird

My sister is in Kansas this weekend for a bachelorette party in Lawrence. And she apparently brought snow with her. Whenever she is here for the most part....it snows! Glad to see you Meg, but next time leave the snow in Texas!

Hard to believe this is my backyard on the first day of spring!

A beautiful thing

I was off work today. Well, I was off from my full-time job today but worked a little bit of PRN work at a nursing home. Point being, I really enjoyed being off work on a weekday. I felt like I was much more productive.....I made dinner for friends for tonight, ran errands, got my teeth cleaned, worked out. Now, of course I am off today because I am working this Saturday, but it was a really relaxing enjoyable Monday! I would be okay with more workdays like today!

I might be becoming my uncle...

....and not like in a way of liking KU and living in Colorado. However, since starting the Biggest Loser competition at work and actively trying to make healthier choices with eating, I find myself following my Uncle Roger. He started following Weight Watchers several years ago and lost quite a bit of weight and he has done it by sticking with a routine. Everyday he has a turkey sandwich, carrot sticks, pretzels and some almonds for lunch (or something like this). And so...I have started my own routine lunch that seems to be working for me.

Most lunch days I have been taking to work cottage cheese and peaches, some baked chips and a mini bagel with a bit of cream cheese and turkey on it. Sometimes I had a piece of fruit too This combination really seems to fill me up and I like when I am rushing around in the morning to not have to think about what to pack. For breakfast I am doing a similar routine meal of english muffin with an egg beater and cheese on it, with maybe sausage. Anyway, hopefully I can stick with this; although I am still not "winning" the contest, I have lost 21.5 lbs since January 7th (2 more weeks to go). On the right track! Thanks for the inspiration Uncle Roger! I think of you whenever I am counting out my pretzel sticks or baked chips. :) I may never cheer for the red and blue but I think you're on to something here.

Come out, come out wherever you are....

Yesterday we got another round of snow.....probably 3-6 inches (I am horrible at guessing). I am SO over winter! The cold, the snow, the slush, the extra layers of clothes....etc, etc.

To entice spring out, I have put away all winter decorations and put out my centerpiece for spring and bought a basket with flowers for the front door. This ought to bring the temperature up, right?!

Ash Wednesday....

I am actually going to address two topics- 1) recycling 2) Lent. These go together because I recently set-up my "recycling center," aka- I bought a new trash can to recycle cans in after my friends Lindsay and Kylie visited last month. Well, it's been going really well and I have recycled oodles of cans....but today I decided to give up Diet Coke for Lent. I'm already anticipating the withdrawls. The headaches, oh the headaches! So, will keep you posted on that front. Maybe it will help with the Biggest Loser contest at work....one lady is plowing ahead and doing well each week and I think as of last week I am in second place. Anyway, really random post but that's the latest "news" here!

For the Love!

As I mentioned in my last post; I made dinner for two of my good friends here in Topeka. My friend Amanda actually lives in Lawrence but the weather was bad here so I invited her to stay in my guest bedroom Sunday night, especially since her husband is in Colorado for work (where she will be moving soon- sad face). My friend Sarah also came over for a nice evening of food and talk. They are two of the kindest and most genuine people I have met since moving here and I really enjoy spending time with them.

A few weeks ago, I saw a recipe for "Creamy Tomato Soup" in the newspaper. Crazy enough, I have never had any tomato soup (yes, even Campbell's) but I was inspired to try and make this. As a bonus, I got to blend everything with my hand mixer I got for Christmas and I have a mild obsession with....don't tell anyone. Anyway, they braved the snow and cold to come over for some soup and they brought some tasty rolls and wine. My mom had made some chocolate-covered strawberries for church and gave me some of the leftovers to share (yum!) and I used a heart-shaped pan to make some brownies to go with a scoop of ice cream. A great evening shared with friends! Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day with some sweet people!

Some craft action to make the party more festive!