To myself

First of all I would like to apologize to myself. I am sorry.

I am sorry for not using this blog to help myself through so many things I have been going through over the past months. Although I still cannot thoroughly share all at this point -for so many other things I can. By not doing so I have deprived only myself.

Blogging is such an easy and amazing way to journal. A way to share, a way to record life's journeys as we travel along the pathway God has prepared for us....

Low Carb Veggies

Here is a list of low carb veggies that are good to me:

• Greens – lettuces, spinach, chard, etc.
• Hearty Greens - collards, mustard greens, kale, etc.
• Herbs - parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, thyme, etc.
• Cabbage (or sauerkraut)
• Mushrooms
• Avocado
• Cucumbers (or pickles without added sugars)
• Asparagus
• Green Beans and Wax Beans
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Peppers
  • Green Bell Peppers
  • Red Bell Peppers
  • Jalapeno Peppers
• Summer Squash (including Zuchinni)
• Scallions or green onions
• Bamboo Shoots
• Snow Peas (pods)
• Tomatoes
• Eggplant
• Artichoke Hearts
• Onions
• Okra
• Spaghetti Squash
• Celery Root (Celeriac)
• Carrots
• Water Chestnuts
• Pumpkin

Eating

Trying to get back on track is never just as easy as....well, getting back on track. There is so much more behind those words to ensure that you can even find a track. For a while now that is what I have been is off track. Oh, from time to time I think about my eating and the health plan that I need to have back in place and then I give into the comforting temptations. You know the ones I am talking about, the King Size Hersey's with Almonds in the snack machine, Doritos, and those wonderful sugary items all around us. Calling our names ever so sweetly and there I am giving in!

First things first. I must get my liquid intake back. Anyone that has read here in the past knows I do not like plain old water. So, I normally add lemon and splenda to my water or add the packets or Crystal Light. Then there is always my unsweetened tea with splenda. Anyway, earlier this week I committed to getting my liquid (good liquids that is) back up to at least 32oz this week and then 64oz next week.

Second, I have got to think about what I am putting in my mouth before I actually let it enter my mouth! That is what it is all about. If I don't think about what I am eating before I do it -then next thing I know I have eaten so much that I cannot recall what the crap I have eaten in just that one day!!!

Third, I have got to start planning my meals and snacks again.

These three things for me at least, are very much the key to my success.

Today --- I ate no breakfast which was not good.
Lunch -I had a cup of creamy tomato basil soup, a turkey sandwich, and unsweetened tea.
large Sonic diet cherry coke (the cherry part, well I need to work on that)
Snack -Quaker baked snack mix
Supper -have not had that yet.

I am going into work tomorrow and I am cooking tonight so that I can take my lunch with me...whole wheat spaghetti, diced tomatoes, mushrooms. Wish me luck:)

I came across this link today on Yahoo and like the popcorn snack idea. I will need to purchase a hot air popping popcorn machine though. Which led me to eatingwell.com which looks pretty interesting. I am headed over there to look around and I am going to look up what Oprah is up to while she is getting back on track herself either today or tomorrow.

But I am going to make sure that I make my way around tonight to do some commenting -which I have fallen behind on!

~hope

my greatest hope
is to laugh as much as I cry,
to get my work done,
and to try to love somebody
and have courage to accept
their love in return.
~maya angelou

"Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage.
Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are." – St. Augustine

Hope abides; therefore I abide.
Countless frustrations have not cowed me.
I am still alive, vibrant with life.
The black cloud will disappear,
The morning sun will appear once again
In all its supernal glory.
-Sri Chinmoy

What hope means Hope is bright shining light which keeps darkness at the bay Hope is gentle cold breeze on a hot summer day Hope is to remain positive when going gets tough hope is seeking more when others think u had enough What hope means Hope is dreaming of tommorow Hope is simmering under sorrow Hope is sparkles when tears in our eyes Hope is a beautiful thing & beutiful things never dies What hope means Hope is as light as a feather Hope keeps all of us together Hope is ubiquitous and free of cost Hope is the last thing ever lost..... -Vineet Bansal

Hope...in 2009

As I sit thinking back a little on 2008 a few things come to mind....

my dad's heart attack back in March and the gratefulness to God that he gave my dad more time here on earth with us. Thank you God, you know so many of us in our family still need his strong presence here with us.

My little family...you know -me, the hubby and the kids. How wonderful to have such a family. I am very thankful for us.

Personal growth....you know -being more comfy in my own skin. There is still so much growth that needs to take place but baby steps.

E....God has blessed us with even being able to get to know her precious little heart.
___________________________________________

2009..
I had not given any real thought to resolutions and changes I wanted to make until recently. I have been searching for a word lately. A word with real meaning and that could apply to some very deep heartfelt situations that are going on with our family right now. The word came to me a couple of days ago and I was not really sure of its purpose until this evening.

"Hope" -that was the word that after thinking for the past five months that finally came to me.

Then, as I was at my in laws today eating the usually black eyed peas, cabbage, etc, etc New Year's meal, a few family members started talking about making sure they ate the dish that would bring you money in the coming year. I said well give me the dish that gives you a smooth, comforting, trouble free, well.....hopeful year. As others around me are trying to make lists of resolutions and goals for 2009 - my list lies within just one word...."Hope".

This evening, driving home from eating dinner at my family's Kenny and Hunter fell asleep leaving me with my thoughts. I then began to put it all together. If I return to spending time with God and reading his word all of the things I mentioned about the New Years meal will be mine.

Then traveling around the net within minutes I stumbled upon a blog I had never read before and the blogger stated that every year God gives her a word for the year and her word for 2008 was "Hope". Well, God knowing me as he does knows that he must hit me in the head many times to make his point clear to me...

For 2009, I "Hope" to be more diligent in reading God's word, spending time with him, and trusting in the Lord.

I "Hope" each of you find your way for 2009 and what "Hope" there is for you. God Bless...

Merry Day after Christmas!

I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and took a moment to give thanks. I hope to post more about our family Christmas later....but I have to do a couple hours of work first

Hey! I'm back:) Well, we spent Christmas Eve at my in laws house as we have done every year since I met my husband. We had a really nice time. E was there and this was the first year she has had Christmas in LA with this side of the family. She had great time opening all of her gifts.

We then went to my parents and spent the night as we have done since we have been married. My brother and his family also spend the night every year. We then got up to Santa on Christmas Day and spent the day together....we had a little wine and played Pictionary.

All in all it was a great Christmas. The kids got great gifts and most of all we all spent time together. I am very glad that I had another Christmas with my husband too!

I am really kinda down tonight -again about things that I just can't bring myself to blog about here. Not until it is all settled and done. Why is it so hard to try to do good for others? Why is it so hard to try to do the right thing?

Enough of that! I also made five fleece blankets for people for Christmas. Once I made the first one I was able to make each of the other in about an hour each. I would still like to learn to knit. A friend of mine gave me some quilting and knitting stuff of her grandmothers -think I will surf around and see if I can find some info about learning.

Have a great weekend:)

I can control some of it!

My life that is. Sometimes lifes seems to just happen to us and we find ourselves going through the motions of just making it through the day. Letting other effect our mindset and our mood. Well, sometimes it takes finding what brings you back to the center of it all and realizing that we can indeed control how we react to the happenings in life!

To start my day off, I went into work earlier than I usually do. Usually do? Oh, you all know that I work mostly from home -so should I say- I went to work today and I went to work early! Arrived about 6:15am and left at 6:00pm. I had a lot to get done and actually walked out of the building having made some accomplishments today! Thank goodness, because the day started off with not one computer problem but two problems. Then several voicemails were left that did not have.... well let's just say these people were not feeling the joy of the season but the stress of the season!

It was at the moment that the first computer problem was encountered that I looked that screen right in the -screeen- and demanded that I would not have this kind of day and I meant it! I then ran into the second problem within not to many minutes and I stated once again that I refused to have a bad day and that the Lord had given me this day and it was mine to enjoy!!! Then came the voicemails and well, I decided to be politely firm when I returned the calls and that worked itself out to! I did not worry, I did not dwell, I did not stress, I was not snappy, I was not moody....I was me ~Laura~ and I had such a good - productive day.

I took time this morning when I first sat down in my chair at work and read some scripture, the one posted in the blog below.

That was the difference...
I started my day right today. With my eyes on him...God.
Thank you father for this day:)
Love, Laura

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

Cookbook

I am currently working on putting together a cookbook to give out for Christmas. Basically a cookie, dessert type Christmas cookbook with a Gingerbread theme. Wish me luck!

Do you have a favorite recipe to share with me?

Stuff

Well, just been taking care of stuff around here lately. I have been trying to catch up on laundry, ugh. Working and holding Mary Kay facial classes. I had two parties last week and two this week. Going pretty good so far.

We went to the LA state fair yesterday. Lots of fun, but very tiring. Hope you are all having a good weekend. Guess I will also clean house so more...oh the joys.

On the diet front I am doing ok. I have gotten of the couple pounds I had gained and have discovered once again that I don't know when to stop when it come to cereal. Thanks for all of your meal ideas in the last post.

Meal planning....

As I am getting myself lined out with meals for next week in attempt to lose some pounds in the month on November and December I wanted to ask each of you to share some meal ideas with me.

Naturally we all seem to be so incredibly busy in our lives and many times attributes to our putting the wrong things in our mouths......and our hips. I would like to hear some ideas of foods that you each regularly and find to be easy when your lives are busy. Help me here.....I need ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I need to get my healthy eating mojo back again!!! Can you believe that, I just feel like I know what foods to eat but cannot pull them together because of time restraints.

So, whatca got for me????

Food for thought...

So my buddie Shelli (there she is over there on the side as Shelli's Sentiments) posted this and I borrowed from her, so I must give her credit:) Thanks Shelli!
I for one really need to put some thought into this... And I am starting tomorrow with number 24! That will be my first step. Which one are you staring with to make an impact in your life?

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________.’

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

14. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You’ll be smiling before you know it.

Pups, Pups, and Pups!

As of today three of Daisy Ann's puppies are sold! YAY:) Another person came today and put down a deposit. They are getting so big and cute. Hope you all have a good week.

The Weight

ugh.
Why do I always have to talk about this subject?
Why do I always have to be concerned with this subject?
Why do I always let my thoughts revolve around this subject?
Why do I always get off track?
Why do I always let my weight effect me?
Why, Why, Why, the weight?

To be honest with you I have been really off track now for about two weeks. Or maybe a little more. I keep thinking I will get myself straightened back out and then here I go craving the sweets again day after day. rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I called the weight loss clinic and I asked to refill my Adipex prescription again. I have been out and a few pounds have made their way back to my hips. My prescription will be refilled next week and I WILL get back on track.

A good week, a bad week, & what the crap am I thinking?

This week has had some ups and some downs....

First of all my Mary Kay Debut party went over great. I sold about $1250.00 and my profit is 50% of that. Of course, I bought myself and girls some makeup, cleanser, and then I purchased more supplies. Needless to say, I spend most of it! I did earn about $130.00 in free product. This has been so much fun -doing the facials and helping people feel good about themselves:) I have 2 parties scheduled for next week and 2 parties scheduled for the week after that.


The bad part, is that I have this stinking cold and congestion that has worsen throughout the day. My chest is beginning to hurt now along with the cough. I am going to fight and shake this thing though!
There were also a few work related issues that got under my skin this week. I vented, I vented and now I have to just deal with the situation. Because I do not see change in the future and to be honest it is a problem that I can just live with and know it is what it is.

What the crap am I thinking, I took two days vacation today and tomorrow to clean the freakin house!!! I worked on it alot today but it is far from complete. pooey. I am so freakin tired and I wanted to get the carpets cleaned to. I may just have to accept that it I may just have to take this time to get it back in order and then do the carpets next weekend!!!!!LOL This is ridiculous!

On a sad note, I mailed a card, a letter and some pictures of the kids to a older couple friend of ours. He is not doing well and they have had to move with their daughter right outside of Houston. I really wish I could go visit them and I am really trying to think of how I can make that happen while he is still here with us. I really think the world of him and her. Sad:(

It's a Pink Party

So I have decided to through a Pink Blog Party!!

You can order online with me at the address below.

Credit and Debit cards accepted through website (propay).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Order $75.00 and receive two additional items ½ price

Order $100.00 and receive two additional items ½ price and $50.00 FREE!

Contact me to schedule a free facial and color consult:

MARY KAY
Laura Clark
Independent Beauty Consultant
To order:
Email: lauragclark@maykay.com
Online: www.marykay.com/lauragclark

Who Knows?

Who knows when this exhaustion will get better? That is what I would like to know. No matter how many doctors I see and no matter how many meds I take and no matter how much rest I get, making it through the day is miserable.

Yeah, I can put on the face I have to put on to make it through. The doctor is trying me on several new meds and we will see if it helps. I am hopeful -yet again.

On a better note, my Mary Kay starter kit came in the mail today and I am so excited about that! Katelyn and I had a facial and make over last night at my Mary Kay directors home. We had such a good time and loved all the stuff that we tried:) I wanted to share my Mary Kay website with you. By the end of the week you will be able to purchase on this website with a debit or credit card if you would like to place an order. Nothing like using your blog to make a few sale connections! But you know what, it's my blog and this is my new business, my new me time!!! So, I decided to share it with you. At my website you can view the actual catalog and you can even download you own picture and access a virtual make over using your own photo!

Click here to go to my Mary Kay website and take a peek:)

A Good Weekend!

It has been a good weekend so far. Our softball tournament started at 11:30am and we just got home. We won 3 games and have to be back at the fields at 7am in the morning for an 8am game. I am very proud of the way our girls performed today!

Hunter won his football game 31 - 7. He was very excited about that!

Brittany had band competition today and a high school football game.

I was very very tired this morning when I woke up. But had a fairly good day after all. Hopefully some of the med changes the dr made is going to make a difference. More on my dr visits last week later! It is late and I have to leave early in the morning...hope everyone has a restful Sunday:)

Mary Kay

I have this sister in law and this sister in law sells Mary Kay. Many times she has asked me if I would like to become a consultant. Now I have always loved me some Mary Kay and have considered it many times...just have never taken the step to do it.

But I have been thinking, with three females wearing make up in this family, then that fact alone makes the decision to say yes make perfect sense. Whether I decide to do the parties or just sell to family and friends the discounts for us are worth it.

This is one of the subjects I have been thinking on for me time! I think it is something I would enjoy. So, I called up my sister in law tonight and left her a message to call me about getting signed up:) I will let you know how it goes.

My Kids

I took Katelyn to the doctor today for her knee again. Her SI Joint was again out of alignment. We were send the the physical therapist again that is a "SI Joint" specialist. He twisted and adjusted until he got her back into position. The Orthopedic seems to feel that some of the knee pain is still coming from the SI Joint problem, but if the knee problem persists for another four weeks then he may have to scope the knee as the MRI shows she may have a meniscus tear. She will be going to physical therapy again for four weeks.

Brittany on the other hand, or I guess I should say on the same hand is waiting to start physical therapy o Friday. The two bulging herniated discs in her back have not eased up at all. The Orthopedic she saw that specializes in the spine said she should see relief within 2 weeks of therapy and if not we may need to move to cortizone injections at the hospital under xray into the site.

Both girls go to PT at the same time on Friday and will be scheduled to go together. Thank goodness as it is about 20-25 minutes from my home to get to the PT. Brittany will go 3 times per week and Katelyn 2 times per week.

Hunter is doing well. Playing football and no physical problems knock on wood and thank the Lord!

Sweet Mustard Chicken

I found the following recipe while reading a magazine at the doctors office today. Recipe courtesy of "Arthritis Today" magazine. I am cooking it for supper tonight. Yeah, it's in the oven and it is 9:15pm!

~ 6 skinless chicken breast halves
~ salt and pepper to taste
~ 1/2 cup prepared mustard (experiment with different brands and types)
~ 2 Tblsp light brown sugar
~ 1 -1/2 cups bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse chicken and pat dry.
Season with salt and pepper; place on rack in baking pan.
Bake 10-15 min or until brown. Spread chicken with mixture
of mustard and brown sugar; coat with bread crumbs.
Bake for 20 minutes; turn chicken. Bake for 30 minutes
until chicken is cooked through. Serves 6.

Update----I am sitting here now eating this recipe and I have to say it is delicious! Some may frown on the brown sugar while in weight loss but is it better than regular sugar and gives it a wonderful taste. I did add a lot more brown sugar than the recipe called for in order to suit my family's taste. I also used fresh slices of bread for the bread crumbs! yum:)

Gas

Nope. Not the kind at the pump.

Yep. That's right the other kind of gas.

I have had problems with gas for a couple of years now. Really, I mean a problem. All of my family is aware and it is a real joke that I am the gasser of the family. I can't blame them at all -I have more gas than a woman should have to put up with. Matter of fact my mom and husband have told me nurmerous times that it is just not normal and I need to go to the dr about it again.

I have spoke to the doctor about this before and didn't seem to get anywhere as far as really addressing that I am concerned over the past few years. Other health issues have prevailed and I have put the gas issue on the back burner so to speak.

Then, last week it suddenly became even worse and has remained a constant problem. Really, a larger problem that usual. I have taken so much Gas X, anti gas Rolaids, Maalox and etc that I can barely afford to put the other kind of gas in my car!!! Seriously, my stomach hurts so bad and is so visibly bloated that is ridiculous. One night last week I stayed home when the rest of the family went to softball practice because I was in pain.

I have not talked to my new dr about the gassy issues but I am telling you this almost warrants its own dr's appt. Needing to schedule my yearly wellness (yeah right that's a laugh) check up I just think I am going to have to travel down the road of discussing my gasiness with her -seriously!

So, I really really seriously have a question....Does anyone suffer with extreme gas problems and if so what do you recommend??? HELP!!

Oh and I know. I already thought of it. Too bad I can't use it to gas up my car!!!LOL and I beat you to the punch!

Fall...

It is here!! I can almost tell that the fall season is upon us here in East Texas:) Well, in the morning and late evening anyway. The afternoons are still heating up a bit, although our trusty weather man assured me last night that we are in for a change of tempatures this next week.

I managed to do some fall cleaning around here this morning...not alot, but it is a start.

HAPPY FALL ;-)

Even My Dog Needs A Break...

That's right, even my dog needs a break.

Daisy delivered her babies a little over a week ago. She stays in her dog kennel with her babies who are kept in a rubbermaid container inside the kennel. For several reasons, but mostly it keeps them safe and the area is easier to keep clean. The container fills up most of the kennel although there is a small area at the end. Yesterday I noticed Daisy was lying in that small area outside the rubbermaid container away from her babies. First I thought, look at her taking a little break. Suddenly I realized, this dog knows better when to take a break, walk away from the situation and give herself a little needed space than I do!

I thought about what I witnessed off and on quite a bit last night. I always put myself last in this family as most of us as women and mothers do. Oh sure, I buy myself some clothes and shoes from time to time but when I do they are really only because they are needed. Clothing is a necessity if you are not going overboard with it and shopping all of the time and this I do not do.

When was the last time I did something for myself? Now, I'm sure you remember that Kenny and I did go to New Orleans not to long ago for our annv and it was long over due. But I am talking about something solely for me. I really don't. Everything revolves around my family and especially my children. Do I even know who I am? Could I describe myself as something other than Kenny's wife, Brittany's mom, Katelyn's mom, Hunter's mom, the house maid, the family taxi cab driver, the person who does all the shit around here that no one else wants to do? Sadly, the answer is no. Who am I? Have I really lost my sense of self? Well, it sure seems that way.

I am so busy chasing everyone else's tail that I cannot even catch up with who I really am. Oh sure, I know the things I like and so on my ask me what my hobbies are and the answer will be just to tell you the things I like not anything I actually do.

Now I have myself wondering just how to take a break and find myself again. Do you know what I am talking about? You are so busy with your family you lose who you really are trying to server everyone else. Whether they see it or not.

How do you know when it is time to take a break and do something for yourself? Do you have regular hobbies and if so how do you fit them in? Please share some of the things you do in order to even find just a few minutes for yourself...