Ashar Edith

Todo lo Puedo... I CAN do all

2011-03-17T23:15:00.001-04:00

Por muchos años traté de vencer la obesidad; pero yo misma había construido una pared de pensamientos limitantes que me impedían llegar a donde deseaba llegar… “Ya tienes mas de treinta años, no lo vas a lograr.” ; “Tu genética es mala.” ; “Nunca serás delgada.” ; “Cuando uno se casa engorda.” ; “Los cristianos comen mucho.” ; “Ocuparse del cuerpo es de gente poco espiritual.” fueron creencias que dominaron mi voluntad mucho tiempo. Pero hoy puedo decir con certeza que ya no vivo conforme a esas mentiras. Por años luché diciendo: “¿Cómo es que si “todo lo puedo en Cristo, no logro rebajar?” “Si Dios me dio poder, amor y dominio propio, ¿Por qué no logro controlar lo que me llevo a la boca?” En ocasiones tome una actitud conformista pensando que ya no había nada que hacer y que jamás lograría mi anhelo de tener un peso saludable. Pero hoy puedo decir con certeza que TODO LO PUEDO EN CRISTO porque El es mi fortaleza. Con el puedo alcanzar el sueño que veía como imposible.

Hace un año pesaba cerca de 50 libras más… Me sentía frustrada e insegura de mi misma. Se me hacia difícil aceptar y amar a la persona que veía en el espejo. Pero hoy la historia es otra. Hoy las mentiras ya no dominan mi voluntad y camino firme sin mirar ni a derecha ni a izquierda. Se que un largo camino me resta, pero con Cristo TODO ME ES POSIBLE.

No hay palabras que puedan expresar lo que se siente al estar camino a lograr algo que tanto se ha anhelado. La mayoría del tiempo río a carcajadas mientras recuerdo todas las libras y pulgadas dejadas atrás. Realmente no conozco palabra en el diccionario que pueda describir el gozo que siento. Cada día veo como me acerco cada vez más a una versión más excelente de mi misma y eso añade más gozo a mi gozo.

Una mejor versión de mi misma… eso es lo que quiero ser. No quiero ser como Salma Hayek, Catherine Z. Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Miss Universe o Angelina Jolie. Quiero llegar a ser todo lo que puedo ser. QUIERO SER LA MEJOR VERSION DE MI MISMA… En esta ocasión no estoy perdiendo peso porque quiero ser igual a las demás, porque mi esposo quiera un “trophy-wife”, para callarle la boca a alguien, o porque me sienta llena de dolor. Estoy perdiendo peso porque me amo lo suficiente como para esforzarme minuto a minuto, aunque me duela y a veces sienta que me falta el aliento. Hoy me amo lo suficiente como para empujar mi cuerpo a limites que nunca antes había imaginado. Hoy camino firme hacia el propósito que Dios me dio y según dejo atrás libras y pulgadas, también dejo la frustración, la tristeza, la inseguridad, la falta de amor, el enojo, la rebeldía, el carácter blando y el miedo. HOY CAMINO FIRME HACIA UN FUTURO GLORIOSO QUE DIOS MISMO PLANIFICO PARA MI. Hoy estoy a la mitad del camino y les digo de corazón que nada tiene mejor sabor que el sabor de sentirse en control, victorioso y firme en lo que se quiere.

Gracias por su apoyo incondicional y por motivarme a seguir adelante.

Les amo, Edith

********************************************************************

For many years I tried to overcome obesity; but I had constructed a wall of thoughts that prevented me to arrive where I wished to arrive… “You already have thirty years, you are not going to reach your goal.” ; “Your genetics are bad.” ; “You will never be thin.” ; “When you marry, you gain weight.” ; “Christians eat much.” ; “People who takes care of the body are less spiritual people.” Those were beliefs that dominated my will for a long time. But today I can say with certainty that no longer I live according to those lies. For many years I fought saying: “How it is that if “I can do all things in Christ, I can not lose weight?” “If God gave me power, love and self-control, Why can’t I control what I take to the mouth?” Sometimes I took conformist attitude thinking that there was nothing to do and that I would never have a healthful weight. But today I can say with certainty that I CAN DO ALL THINGS IN CHRIST because He is my strength. I can reach the dream that I thought like impossible.

A year ago it weighed more than 50 pounds… I felt frustrated and insecure of myself. It was difficult to accept and love the person who I saw in the mirror. But today the history is different. Today the lies no longer dominate my will and I walk looking forward, not looking neither right nor left. There’s a long way ahead of me, but with Christ ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

There are no words that can express the way it feels when you’re on your way to obtain something that you yearned for so long. Most of the times outbursts of laughter feel me while I remember all the pounds and inches left behind. I really do not know a word in the dictionary that can describe the joy that I feel. Every I see myself approaching a more excellent version of myself, and that adds more joy to my joy.

One better version of my myself… that’s what I want to be. I do not want to be like Salma Hayek, Catherine Z. Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Miss Universe or Angelina Jolie. I want to be everything that I can be. I WANT TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF MYSELF… This time I am not losing weight because I want to be equal to others, because my husband wants a “trophy-wife”, to shut up the mouth to somebody, or because it feels like pain flood me. I am losing weight because I love myself enough to make my best effort of losing weight. Today I love myself enough to push my body to the limit, although it hurts and sometimes it feels like I’m about to die. I’m pushing myself to do things that I thought I’d never do. Today I walk firmly towards the intention that God gave me; and as I leave back pounds and inches, I also leave all frustration, sadness, insecurity, lack of love, anger, revolt, soft character and fear. TODAY I WALK TOWARDS A GLORIOUS FUTURE THAT GOD I PLANNED FOR ME. Today I am in the middle of the way and I can say with certainty that nothing tastes better than the flavor to feel in control, victorious and resolved in what you want.

Thanks for your unconditional support and to motivate to me to follow ahead.

Love you all,

Edith

Weight Loss Rewards

2009-07-03T12:18:00.008-04:00

I'm working hard to reach my Weight Loss Goal... I figured I deserve to get a price each time I reach a milestone. So I created a new "Prizes Chart". Prizes courtesy of MyLovelyHusband.

MINI GOALS AND PRIZES
Weight	Loss	Prize 2 B Given	Achieved
300	-00		May '07
275	-25	Cruise Vacation	May '09
260	-40	Algae Body Wrap	June '09
250	-50	Relaxing Facial	June '09
240	-60	Body Moulding Massage
220	-80	Romantic Dinner
200	-100	Full Day SPA
190	-110	Relaxing Facial
180	-120	Total Body Exfoliation
170	-130	Laser Hair Removal
160	-140	Cruise Vacation
150	-150	Cartier's Trinity Ring
"I CAN DO EVERYTHING WITH THE LORD"

THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES.

THANKS TO YOU I BECAME MR. BEAUTY & FITNESS

Edith Tapia - Mrs. Beauty and Fitness

2009-06-26T10:11:00.002-04:00

Soy una de las aspirantes al título de Mrs. Beauty and Fitness 2009. Tengo 100 dias para provocar el cambio físico más drástico posible. ¡¡¡YO VOY A MI!!! "Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece." Vota por mi todos los dias!!! www.BeautyandFitnessExpo.com AÑADEME EN TUS FRIENDS DE FACEBOOK Y MYSPACE... Buscame por ASHAREDITH @ GMAIL.COM NECESITO 1000 FRIENDS!!! ------------ I'm a candidate in the Beauty and Fitness Competition 2009. All the participants of these competition are PLUS Size. The goal is to lose weight and change physically as much as possible in just 100 days. Part of the voting process will be via internet so, please invite others to add me as their friend in Facebook and Myspace... and tell them to vote for me. VOTE EVERYDAY!!! www.BeautyandFitnessExpo.com PARA VOTO DIRECTO SIN SEGUIR EL MENU HAZ CLICK SOBRE LA IMAGEN:

My favorite exercise is DDR...

Woooohoooooo!!!!

2006-02-13T14:30:00.000-04:00

I have my very own domain name!

You will be redirected in about 7 seconds.

So, please update your links, and add my new address to your favorites. Here it is so you don't forget it!

www.asharedith.com www.asharedith.com

Spending time away from the computer is GOOD!!!

2006-02-09T10:18:00.000-04:00

The best is yet to come guys! I'm just spending some time away from the computer. Fresh Air IS Good! Don't want to spend time away of the PC? Then go visit The Domestic Diva she posted some nice links to FREE STUFF! Now... Who doesn't like freebees?

The End?

2006-01-31T10:09:00.000-04:00

I will not post here any more... Nor on my other blogs. When ever I start blogging again I'll let you know. But I know this will be a very long hiatus. Bye

Just For Fun?

2006-01-29T01:35:00.001-04:00

I received this chain-letter more than ten times while I was on vacation... Instead of sending a block email I'll answer it here because I DON'T LIKE CHAIN-EMAILS. That said. Here it goes... Read through the comments below about your friend and then make sure you hit forward [remember this was an email] delete my answers and writes yours. Then send it to a whole bunch of people you know, including the person who send it to you. You will learn a lot of little things about those who know you. Remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you. Please don't spoil the fun! [Sorry guys! I already spoiled it by answering here instead of forwarding this email to all my contacts. But I trully HATE spam and chain-emails.]

1. What time is it? 2:45 AM 2. What is your full name? Ok guys. Are you out of your mind? Sorry but I won't answer that question. It's just too private. *Ü* 3. What are you most afraid of? Suffocation... heights... close places, and snakes.

4. What is the most recent movie that you saw in the theater? We stopped going to the movies when DH received his 50" plasma TV from Santa BUT the last week we just HAD to go see Underworld 2: Evolution...

5. Place of birth? Bayamón, Puerto Rico

6. Favorite food? Lasagna... Aaaaaah! Anything italian will do. 7. What's your natural hair color? Blond but when it makes contact with the light it turns black... Weird ha'! ;0P 8: Ever been to Alaska? Nope... Why? Are you inviting on a cruise there? 9. Ever been toilet paper rolling? Ok... What the heck is that? You guys ask some strange questions. Is this a gringo thing? 10. Love someone so much it made you cry? Yes... Who haven't? 11. Been in a car accident? Yes... In 1990 a drunk driver hit me at 6:00 AM while I was driving to school... In 1995 a moron drop his cell phone while driving and paid more attention to it than to the road and hit me hard on the back. Crap! He destroyed my Accura! In 2004 I was the one distracted be the cell phone... I smashed a 1995 red Accura =0( 12. Croutons or bacon bits? Both!!! 13. Favorite day of week? It depends on the time of the year... Lately it's Tuesdays and Wednesdays 'cause I get to watch American Idol *Ü*

14. Favorite restaurant? It depends on what city am I... In Las Vegas- Fiamma (Italian). In Guaynabo- Ikebana (Sushi Bar). In Isabela- Las Mañanitas (Mexican), Il Pomodoro (Italian), Luna Marina (Caribbean)... Sorry! Can't have just one. 15. Favorite flowers? yellow with red border roses 16. Favorite sport to watch? NONE... Do I look like a sport person? Well I DO enjoy figure skating... and cheerleading, dance, and aerobics competitions... See a patterns. It's all about the music.

17. Favorite drink? Figi or Dasani bottled water... If is alcohol what I want then let it be a B52 or a White Russian. 18. Favorite ice cream? Maui Browny Madness from Basking Robins and Chocolate Chip Coockie Dough from Benn and Jerry's 19. Disney or Warner Brothers? Disney 20. Favorite fast food restaurant? None... I prefer to pay a bit more for something nice and more appealing.

21. What color is your bedroom carpet? Don't have carpet. 22. How many times you failed your drivers test? None

23. Before this one, from whom did you get your last email? Haloscan... You've got comments. hehehe

24. What do you do when you are bored? Blog ;0P 25. Bedtime? 2:00 AM on the weekends... 11:30 the other days. 26. Who will respond to this email the quickest? None 'cause I'm NOT forwarding it to anyone...

27. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond? I didn't sent it. Sorry for being a party poopper. 28. Who is the person that you are most curious to see their response? I would love to see what Shery from DollyHouse.net answers... Would you answer this questions? Pleeeeeease. 29. Favorite TV shows? American Idol, House & a local soap opera... I won't tell you which one.

30. What are you currently reading? Lots of Puerto Rican Blogs... The Conspiracy Theory by Dan Brown, The Bible (I've been reading it regularly since I was a child), Hinds Feets in High Places. 31. Ford or Chevy? Sorry, but I prefer European cars. 32. What are you listening right now? The typical sounds of a puerto rican night. 33. What are your favorite colors? all shades of blue 34. How many tatoos do you have? NONE!!! Are you crazy? It hurts... I'm not into hurting myself for sake of art.

35. How many pets do you have? None... They all died last year... I'm on the process of finding a new cat, a beagle, and a red betta. 36. Which came first the chicken or the egg? mmmm... Is this a tricky question? ;0P

37. What would you like to accomplish before you die? Have my very own business. Thinness!!! My 101 in 1001 list.

38. How many people are you sending this email to? NONE!!! I don't like chain-emails... please, please, please don't fill my email with this kind of stuff. Deal? Thanks to all the NutriFriends who show interest on learning more about me.

hab.it

2006-01-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

regularly repeated behavior pattern: an action or pattern of behavior that is repeated so often that it becomes typical of somebody, although he or she may be unaware of it. attitude: somebody's attitude or general disposition addiction: an addiction to a drug ( slang )
Encarta MSN Dictionary

Hey guys! I'm baaaaack! Did you missed me or what? I sure hope you miss me because I truly did... Well not THAT much. But I missed my daily talk to all my NutriFriends & PuertoFriends... Now I'm on the process of regaining the habit of cleaning my house, exercising, eating healthy, and drinking water... I gained a bit of weight during my time off... But I don't regret it at all. Oh God! We had So much fun! Maybe I'll post few pictures later during the next week. And speaking about habits... Ivy tagged me to post My Five Weirdest Habits... I know I've done this before... But I don't remember when... So, here it goes.

Blog Hopper - I visit every blog on my blogrolls at least ones a day. I just have to do it. I do not comment all the time though.
Nose Picker - My nose is extremely small so I go to the bathroom more than eight times a day to check if there is something blocking my nostrils. I also trim the hair to keep the airway clear. Hey! At least I do it in the bathroom and NOT while I 'm driving. *Ü*
Meeeeeeeeaw! - Whenever I see a cat on the street I stop to talk to him/her... If it's a homeless cat I feel the urge to take it home... But DH doesn't allow me to. I LOVE cats! Can't help it. My heart beats harder every time I see one.
Obssesive Kisser - When my husband leaves to work in the morning he HAVE to give me four kisses or I'm not happy... One on each cheek, one on the lips and one on my forehead. When he arrives he give me four more kisses... AND I go hug him and kiss him few times a day as well. DH give the most awesome kisses and bearhugs!
WaterHolic - I ALWAYS have a gallon of water with me... Just in case I go thirsty and someone want some of my water... Hey! Have you ever been on a traffic jam for hours AND thirsty? It is not happening to me ever again! I'm obssesed with water. *Ü*

This meme calls me to tag five more people to it... But I think everyone already did it. SO instead of tagging five bloggers, I tag everyone who haven't done it to do it as soon as you can. *Ü* No pressure on my part.

Weeeeeee

2006-01-16T02:44:00.000-04:00

I'm busy gettinga nice tan and snorkeling at Culebra Island... I have no internet connection. Nor I intend to look for an Internet Cafe... SO... If you miss me, deal with it 'cause I won't be back until January 26... Well maybe I come to post ones... But not more! As for my weight... I'm going downhill again. Wooohooo! Bravo! I loss 2.5 lbs. Can you do a happy dance for me? Come on! Ok... Off I go back to the beach. See Ya! Oh! One more thing... I just finished revamping Roe's Blog. So, go check it out! Here's the before and after... Happy Weight Loss!!!

254

2006-01-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

Still 254... *silence* I signed up for Sophia's 100% NS for 100 days challenge but... It's being hard to follow it. I'll keep trying to be 100% though. Rome wasn't built in one day. I CAN'T pretend to be this huge fitness (lean-fit) guru in just a few days. It's just doesn't work that way. *silence* Ok... I'll admit it. I suck at Nutrisystem right now!!! My life sucks as well. My marriage is a bomb waiting to explode. And I hate life... I hate Isabela. And I hate being overweight. Oh! I also HATE being a stay at home wife. *silence* Does this proves that bloggers are a bunch of psychos in need of psychiatric treatment? NO! It just proves that I MOST get a job ASAP or I will go crazy! Yesterday I went to two job interviews... Arg! I don't know how people think that one will work for only $5 an hour. HeellllllllOoooo! Are you out of your freaking mind or what? Pleeeeeasee! GIVE ME A HOLY BREAK! I mean that's just wrong. Plain wrong. I'm not a high school graduate... I'm a professional! I don't care if your business just started... If you can't pay for my services, then don't even bother to call me for an iterview. Plain and simple. JUST DON'T CALL. Save your time! Gasoline is too expensive to drive miles away just to hear a crappy offer. My time is valuable too. Haven't you heard the saying 'Time is Gold'? *note to all the HS representatives* Don't call someone to a job interview if your offer is bad!!! Anyone who have some sort of self respect just won't accept a bad job offer. It just doesn't work that way! *inhale peace, exhale stress* I've been thinking... Yes! I like to use my brain every now and then. I've been giving serious thought to start my own business. Indeed, I think that's the only choice I have right now. It won't be easy, but I know I'll feel really proud of myself ones I make it. I would tell you all about it right now but... I don't want to. Nor I have time. So, you have to wait until I have the chance. For now, just wish me luck and send all your good vibes my way. Deal? Now changing topics like crazy people... Our las NS Blogger Challenge ended last December 31 and the winner was announced few days ago but I didn't had the chance to congratulated her until now. Bob didn't won the challenge. Neither did I. But I feel really happy because a girl won the challenge. *Ü* Please go visit Roe C. and congratulate her! As a gift a for winning the challenge I'll revamp her blog. Or should I say wreck? LOL I most thank Pam for coming up with the idea, and to everyone who participated in it. You are quite a group! This challenge helped me A LOT to keep losing even during the holidays. And THAT my friends, is a HUGE Scale Victory for me. 'Cause I am known to gain up to ten pounds each year during the holidays. But thanks to you guys, this season was different. *smile* Now I'm trying to put myself together... to continue FLYing to ONEderland no matter what life throws my way. We started a new Blogger's Challenge where you don't have to be using NS to participate. I most say we have quite a nice group already... We even created a new blog for everyone to post in it!

We started using the plain Minima White Blogger Template but then I insisted on revamping it SO they let me create a New Template. I think it turned out really nice. No, no one pay me for doing it. I did it out of love & friendship. *Ü* Don't know why but writing here helps me to relax and focus... I feel less frustrated already. And I didn't had to go to the Psychiatrist! Isn't blogging nice?

¡¡¡Feliz Día de Reyes!!!

2006-01-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Woooohooo! My very favorite day of Christmas is here... THREE KINGS DAY... No! Christmas isn't over here in Puerto Rico. We still have today, and eight days more... (Las Octavitas)

Why do I prefer them over Saint Nick? Because the Three Wise Men always bring the BEST gifts. *Ü* See, in my family, Saint Nicholas is cheap and doesn't have enough money to buy gifts for everyone. BUT the Three Kings... They are RICH... They bring the best of your Christmas Wish-List. SO, hopefully, today I'll have a SONY MVC-FD200 still digital camera, my Eye Toy Kinetic, a pair of Ryka Tri-Trainer, some jewerly and makeup. Weeeee! I'm SO happy! I LOVE to receive gifts. *Ü* PLUS... Chuqui arrives from Vegas in about six hours... and today is the Big Family "Día de Reyes" Party... When I say big... IS BIG. About 200 people, music, gifts for everyone... Given by the Three Kings themselves! And of course food. LOTS OF FOOD... What leads me to my weight loss journey. Haven't gained... Haven't loss. Just the same boring number (254) for few days now. Hopefully I won't report a weight gain on Monday's Weigh In. Until then... HAPPY THREE KING DAY!

Víspera de Reyes (King's Eve)

2006-01-05T23:53:00.000-04:00

On January 5th, the feast of Epiphany's Eve, children place water and grass under their beds for the three wise men's (or the Three Kings, as they are better known locally) camels, and in return, the Three King's brings presents, which they leave under the bed, after the camels eat the grass. Children wake up early on January 6 ("Dia de Reyes") to check out what Baltazar, Melchor, and Gaspar left them. Epiphany commemorates the day in which the three wise men arrived bearing gifts for the Christ child. On this day, the Governor's Mansion in the capital of San Juan is opened to large crowds of wellwishers who are treated to toys, refreshments, and musical entertainment. Puerto Rico's Culture: Folklore

2006 Bloggie Awards...

2006-01-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

It's now the sixth year of the world's most established weblog awards, the Bloggies™. Personal Web publishing never stops growing, and that means this year the public will have more contenders than ever to select from when choosing the year's best weblogs.

The annual Bloggie nominations are open. Please take a moment to go and nominate me your favorite blogs. The Bloggies run on reader-participation, so you need to go and do your bit! Why are you still ready? Go Now! Psssss... hey Bob, I nominated you for "Best Writing of a Weblog" *Ü* I also nominated few other Puerto Rican bloggers and Nutri Friends... Hope you don't mind.

On your mark... Get Set... GO!!!

2006-01-04T06:10:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of our 100 days 100% NS Challenge... I MOST admit I'm a bit nervous about this... 'cause I want to lose weight SO badly that I would feel REALLY bad if I 'fail'... On the other side, that nervousness leads me to REALLY focus on my goal of reaching ONEderland by December 31, 2006. Since I'm in the middle of my 101 in 1001 mission I don't NEED to make any resolutions for this new year... I just have to continue completing the tasks on my 101 in 1001 list. BUT my MAIN GOAL in 2006 is hitting ONEderland. For those who doesn't have a clue of what ONEderland is... By December 31, 2006 I want to weigh in less than 200 lbs... I want my weight number to start with ONE... not TWO. You are in ONEDERLAND when you weigh in the 100's... Is my only goal doable? Yes it is! Let's do the math.

Today's Weigh In 252.5 New Years Eve weigh in + 1.5 Gained during the weekend... Yes, I know. My bad! = 254 Today's weigh in

I most lose 254 Today's weigh in - 198 My goal = 56 Pounds I most lose to hit onederland 56 / 52 = 1.0769230

I just have to lose 1.077 pound weekly... to hit ONEderland! As part of the 100 days 100% NS challenge. I will...

Eat all 4 Nutrisystem items (or comparable items)

Eat all my servings of proteins, vegetables and fruits.

Drink all 8 glasses of water (at a minimum)

Exercise at SOMETHING at least 3 times per week for 60 minutes

Not eat foods that are not on Nutrisystem's food program/plan. *fingers crosed*

What happens if I slip?
I'll get a hug from my Nutri Friends. Plain and simple!
What happens if I jump off the wagon and run screaming in the other direction? My Nutri Brothers and Sisters will welcome me back with a hug and LOTS of support- as long as I work to get back to 100% AND support others who are doing 100%.

And last... but NOT least. All members of the 100 days 100% NS challenge recognize God (specifically the Christian Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit) as THE solution to our emotional and spiritual needs. We, freely and openly, credit HIM for our successes and request help when we fail. We wholeheartedly recognize that it is the spiritual and emotional health that we have reached through the past years that is allowing us to at last work on the physical manifestation of our problems that showed up as excess weight. Because the Lord is by my side and I am commited to succed, I WILL REACH ONEDERLAND IN 2006.

...

2006-01-02T21:28:00.000-04:00

Enought of my self pity party! Here's something funny to cheer us all up! *Ü*

Happy New Year!

2005-12-31T06:49:00.000-04:00

"Happy New Year" by Abba click for lyrics

OK... I have to admit I'm a bit blue today. Weight In for today? 252.5 lbs. Crap! At least it's less than last year's weight in. Putting things into perspective... I started my weight loss journey on February 15 of this year... and boy it was hard... I loss almost 25 lbs. in just four months BUT I re-gained 23 over the depression... and surgery. In October 12 I restarted my journey from zero... Hopping to do better and I DID... I loss 12.5 lbs. in just 12 weeks. This results are NOT what I expected to have, but still is better than weighting more than what I weight last year this same day... For some reason I know 2006 will be better!!! Week Number: 12 out of 64 Initial Weight: 265 lbs Goal: 145 lbs

Last Weight: 252 lbs (12/31/05)You're 11% there!

265 lbs 10/12/05

145 lbs 12/31/06

*water glass up to toast* May you be the Biggest Loser during year 2006! Happy New Year My Blog-Friends! & ... Happy Weigh Loss!

Best of 2005

2005-12-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

My favorite event of 2005 was... going to Culebra Island, Luquillo Beach, and El Yunque during our vacations. And doing internal tourism in Old San Juan. Hopefully we will be able to do it again the next summer.

Stress!!!

2005-12-28T23:52:00.000-04:00

I have to confess I'm in stress over my weight. Why? Because I gained 1.5 lbs. during the last weekend... and I've gained a bit more today... But the worst is that, for me, and many Puerto Ricans, Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is just the beginning of the holidays. Here's a list of the festivities I have on my way... trying to ruin my weight loss journey.

Saturday, December 31 - New Years Eve Party @ Aunt Mary's
Sunday, January 1 - New Year's Brunch @ my Parents
Sunday, January 1 - New Year's 'Caldo Gallego Party' @ Aunt Mary's
Monday, January 2 - New Year's Lunch @ my In-Laws
January 5 - Three Wise Men Eve Party @ Enid's (a cousin)
January 6 - Three Wise Men Day BIG Party @ Mayra's (another cousin)
January 6 to January 14 - 'Las Octavitas' ...last eight days of X-mas in PR.
January 15 - Fiestas de la Novilla @ San Sebastián (Festival of the Yough Cow... We take a baby cow and dress her from head to toe... among other things)... I'll show you photos when I go this year.
January 19-22 - Fiestas de San Sebastián @ Old San Juan

I'll explain this holidays as they come... So, don't worry If didn't understood a bit of what I just wrote.

PLUS! Chuqui (my brother) will be here from January 6 to January 21. What does this means? Since food in the states is SO different to what we eat here, going to retaurants and 'mesones gastronomicos' plays a big part on my brother's visit each year. He usually makes a schedule with all the restaurants and places he wants to visit. And, since I'm not working, I'm the one who goes with him. Resulting in extra pounds each year.

I just don't know how I'm I going to keep losing weight during the next days! Any suggestions?

Treadmill

2005-12-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

We bought a new 20" TV to use it when we are using our home gym... One thing we have to keep in mind when using the Treadmill is safety. Watch this...

ROFLOL! Cool 'ha!

Arg!!!

2005-12-26T23:56:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I ate like a freaking pig during the whole weekend. I'm not even going to describe it to you 'cause IT was bad... Indeed it was SO bad that I most be glad for just gaining 1.5 lbs... But NO... I'm NOT HAPPY AT ALL!!! I'm piss at myself right now. Because I know what it takes to lose weight, and still I screw things up again and again. Arg! I can't let Bob win this! Damn! Am I a moron or what?! I didn't drink water at all... I started eating on Friday night... And haven't stop yet... =0( The only thing I'm I did right was exercise... Here's a picture I took from my Treo 600... Just for evidence.

Arg!!! 251.5... again. =0(

*sight* God!!! It is hard to confess...

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T15:33:00.000-04:00

He won!!!

2005-12-22T12:26:00.000-04:00

He won! He won! OMG... Guys I'm SO freaking happy! *inhale... exhale* My brother called me yesterday to tell me that his team won the Iron Chef Las Vegas Competition. Isn't it neat? Ooow! This is way cool! Wooooooohoooooo! I'm SO happy for him! This proves that good things happen to good people. He doesn't know yet when it will be televise on the Food Network. But, as soon as he knows he will tell me. And I will let you know. Go here to see more photos. Ok, I MOST leave now 'cause I have A LOT to do before Christmas Eve.

Late!!!

2005-12-21T09:36:00.000-04:00

Why Puerto Ricans HAVE to leave everything to the very last minute? Arg! ...Two things. (1) In October I asked my husband to send me an email telling me what he wanted for Christmas... But he waited until the very last week before Christmas to send it. Therefore now I'm screwed going to overpopulated stores trying to find his presents. Yikes! I already bought the biggest one at Cotsco, but the other things... That's another story. (2) During Thanksgiving Dinner everyone said they where spending Christmas Eve in Bayamón (at my In-Laws)... Just yesterday they decided that they want to spend Christmas Eve here because they LOVED how everything turned out last Thanksgiving Dinner... So now I'm like Luther and Nora in Christmas with the Kranks. Trying to fix everything in time for the party. It will be a small group though. Just my in-laws, my parents, And my husband's sister. They will arrive Friday afternoon, and stay until Sunday. Here's our schedule: Friday, December 23 7:00 pm - Go bowling Saturday, December 24 6:00 am - Girls 30min. Morning Walk 7:00 am - Breakfast 8:00 am - Go to the beach 1:00 pm - Lunch 2:00 pm - Go Shopping (My sister-in-law's idea) 7:00 pm - Christmas Eve Dinner 9:00 pm - Play (DDR, Scrabble, Dominoes) Sunday, December 25 Midnight - Open presents After Midnight - Play until we drop. *Ü* 10:00 am - Brunch 11:00 am - More relatives are coming. So, we will be just having fun for the rest of the day..Untilil everyone leaves. The menu?

Few Nancy's appetizers
Few dipping sauces for chips and crackers
Butter & Garlic Bread (Pan con Ajo)
Roast Turkey (Pavo asado)
Roast Pork (Pernil)
Pineapple Ham (Jamón con Piña)
Pigeon Pea Yellow Rice (Arroz con Gandules)
Pasteles
Green Salad (Ensalada Verde)
Carrot Cake (Bizcocho de Zanahoria)
Tierrita Dessert (Tierritas)
Three Milks Cake (Bizcocho Tres Leches)
Sweet Rice (Arroz con Dulce)
Majarete
Coconut Custard (Flan de Coco)
Tembleque
Soft Drinks
Sparkling Grape Juices
Margaritas
Strawberry Daiquiris
Piña Colada

[Click on the links to see recipes.]

Ok... I most leave now 'cause I have a ton of things to do before my relatives arrive. Happy Holidays!

Four more gone baby!!!

2005-12-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

Well kind of...

After I reported a three pounds gain last week I gained three more the next day. On Wednesday I was 254 lbs... Yikes!!! I got really scared when I saw that number on my scale SO I tried to do my best on losing all that weight again, and I did. Here are my stats for today's weigh in:

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 250 lbs. Lost These Week: -1 lbs. Percentage Lost: 0.40%

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 250 lbs. Total Lost From Start: -15 lbs. Percentage Lost: 5.66%

Nice and steady... I know I'll get there. It's just a mater of discipline and commitment. [Update: 2:00pm] I'm still Beating Bob's Butt by 0.063%... Weeeeeeeeeee!

Iron Chef Las Vegas

2005-12-16T00:07:00.000-04:00

When I was seven years old my brother was born. I most admit that I wasn't happy about what happened next. From the moment my parents put their eyes on him, he became their favorite child... At least for Mom. No matter if he messed up things in school. He was 'special'... & everyone loved him. When he was in Secondary he dropped out of school and mom still loved him even more. My parents never knew how to make us be closer... And we never try. Seven days after my wedding he left to Vermont to study Culinary Arts... And after he graduated he moved to Las Vegas. It took many miles to make us realize how much we love each other! Now, just like mom, I LOVE HIM to death and I've missed him everyday since we went our separate ways. My brother Chuqui is one of the MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. Since Fall he have been competing against other departments at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. So far he have won 3 contests. His last contest will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December, 20 2005. Please send all your good thoughts towards his way. It will be presented on the Food Network. I will let you know when.

Best Blog Contest 2005

2005-12-15T09:57:00.000-04:00

OMG! OMG! OMG! I can not believe this! I WON GUYS! I WON THE BEST BLOG CONTEST 2005! Woooohooo! I just received the email from them. Can you believe it? It's not like I won the LOTO... but hey I am $50 richer than yesterday. ROFLOL *Ü* Go check it out here. But before post some really nice comment. OK? BooooHaaaaa!

Too bad the button isn't pink! Best Blog of 2005 Winner

Describe Me... in ONE word.

2005-12-13T12:58:00.000-04:00

I saw this game at Tressa's Blog. I think this is an interesting way to see what people think of me. SO, please post a comment, and don't be shy. I want to know what you REALLY think of me!!! But remember, ONLY ONE WORD!!!

Remember Trolls...

"No one can make me feel inferior without my consent."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Keep it Fun Guys!

Kick Butt

2005-12-12T11:34:00.000-04:00

My plan worked!!! I kicked SAD's butt during this weekend. hehehe I'm feeling WAY better than last week. My thanks to everyone who sent an email or comment to cheer me up. That's what make you SO special in my book, guys! If there is anyone fighting the holiday blues PLEASE:

Go to the beauty salon.
Spend some time outdoors for your 'Light Therapy'.
Go shopping to buy what you are wearing for Christmas/New Years Eve.
Clean your house... Listening to loudest music you can find.
Decorate for the season everywhere... Even your blog!

Speaking about that... Did you see my new banner?

THERE IS LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!!!

Now, changing topics like crazy people... I'm a bit disappointed on myself because I gained three pounds last week. Thanks to the dreaded diet killer combo: SAD, Tom ("la regla", as we call the period in Puerto Rico), and Bob. Damn! I gained the same three pounds Bob loss. I KNOW he sent those my way. But don't be to happy, Bob. 'Cause I know I CAN still get back on the wagon, and kick your butt on the NS Bloggers Challenge. See ya later guys! I'm playing some DDR now.

Buttons

2005-12-12T09:17:00.000-04:00

This are my buttons. Use them to link me.

www.AsharEdith.Blogspot.com

www.NaughtyBoricua.Blogspot.com

If you don't know how to steal this, just email me. Take Care!

SAD

2005-12-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

Seasonal depression, often called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall or winter and ending in spring or early summer. It is more than just "the winter blues" or "cabin fever." What is SAD?

Apparently I'm not the only one trying to survive the season... These is weird 'cause Christmas IS my very favorite holiday. But from few years now I've had this ghost following me every winter. What is even more weird is that the weather in Puerto Rico doesn't change THAT much. Well... It rains. The sun goes down earlier. And we go from the 90 degrees to the 70s. It isn't THAT bad. Indeed the weather is kind of nice. It isn't like we have snow all over and we can't go out! Apparently I'm officially part of that 6% who suffer from this Affective disorder. I don't want to go to the psychologist for this. 'Cause I don't want to go back on Wellbutrin. But I'm going to try fix things my way. Here's what I'm doing during the weekend:

Cut the time I spend on the computer.
Go to the beauty salon to have my hair done.
Go shopping to buy what I'm wearing tomorrow on CIE's X-mas Party.
Spend some time outdoors doing some gardening for my 'Light Therapy'.
Decorate for the season... I'm putting lights all over the place.
Clean my house... Listening to loudest music I can find.

Hopefully I'll feel better after all this. I'll keep you posted on this matter.

As for the weight loss journey... I gained three pounds. Guess Bob sent them my way. What a crafty guy he is. Ahrg! But don't feel so happy Bob 'cause I KNOW I'M KICKING YOUR BUTT IN THIS CHALLENGE. Depression and all I CAN WIN THIS!!! Time is up... I MOST get off the computer now... Until later guys!

=0(

2005-12-06T23:46:00.000-04:00

I don't feel like posting. Indeed I'm kind off sad. Don't know why. Don't have any particular reason for it. I'm just sad... Maybe it's seasonal depression. Don't know. Yikes!!! Hate the way I feel! I hope to write something else before the week ends.

Portion Control

2005-11-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

Health professionals tend to agree that a key element on losing weight and keeping it off is PORTION CONTROL. But what does it means? For me it means:

Eating slowly and stopping when the plate is half empty to check if I'm already full.
Asking for a doggie bag even before I touch the plate to put apart half of my dinner. That way I won't be tempted.
Saying NO to buffets - Even if it's a 'salad' buffet!
Downsizing - Kids meals are not just for kids anymore. Those are for 'calorie-conscious' people like you and me. *wink* Plus! You get a prize for being good. LOL
No mega-super-biggie anything! - Do I have to explain this?
Remembering that "Good portions comes in small packages." - Shall we built an altar for the person who invented 100 calories packages? That was So smart of him/her!
Counting my cookies, pretzels, and grapes BEFORE I start eating.
Reading labels even if I think that I know what it says.
Training my eyes to recognize what is the correct portion of things.

Are your eyes trained? Let's see... 1 & 2 How many servings from the Carbohidrate Group is this foods? 3 & 4 How many servings from the Fruit Group is this foods?

5. Do you trully think this is ment to be eaten by just one person? How many carbohidrate, protein, salas, and veggies serving is this plate? Portion Control, Portion Control, Portion Control... It most be our mantra if we want to lose weight and keep it off. Today I'm really happy. Thanksgiving weekend came and left and I LOST WEIGHT WHILE EATING holiday food. Isn't it awesome! Apparently I have mastered the art of exercising 'portion control'... I'm SO focused on what I want! Here are my stats for today's weigh in:

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 248.5 lbs. Lost These Week: -1 lbs. Percentage Lost: 0.40%
*Check the side-bar for cumulative stats

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 248.5 lbs. Total Lost From Start: -16.5 lbs. Percentage Lost: 6.22%

Oh, I'm SO happy!!! Here are the answers for the quiz: (1) The 8-inch plate contains 3 cups of pasta, which is 6 servings from the Bread Group. One serving equals Â½ cup pasta. (2) The bagel is 4 ounces, which is 4 servings from the Bread Group. One serving equals 1 ounce of a bagel. (3) The serving of fresh fruits depends on the type of fruit. There is just one serving in a cup of fresh fruits. (4) The glass contains 3 ounces of juice. One serving from the Fruit Group equals ¾ cup (6oz.) of juice. (5) There is 8 carbohidrates servings, 5 protein servings, 1 salad serving and 1 veggies serving. Enough food for three people. Now, be a good cheerleader and post a comment!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-23T07:33:00.000-04:00

Today I'm WAY busy. These is the first time Thanksgiving Dinner is on me. Argh! I didn't knew how much work this is. Why did I opened my mouth!?

Reality check:

The Turkey is already seasoned.
I have all my groceries... Garlic Bread & Ice.
The house is already clean... I have to vacuum & clean the bathrooms again.
Rental tables, chairs and awning comes today.
Desserts & Salads will be done tonight.
There's NO time to fix the Xmas tree before Thanksgiving Dinner. =0(
TRY NOT TO THINK ABOUT TOMORROW *inhale peace, exhale stress*

What's on our menu?

Few appetizer... Don't know what yet. hehehe (Picadera... No se.)

Butter & Garlic Bread (Pan con Ajo)
Mashed Plaintain Stuffed Turkey (Pavo relleno de Mofongo)
Coca Cola Ribs ( Costillas a la Coca Cola)
Pigeon Pea Yellow Rice (Arroz con Gandules)
Potatoes Salad (Ensalada de Papa)
Macaroni Salad (Ensalada de Coditos)
Garlic Butter Asparagus (Espárragos con Mantequilla y Ajo)
Green Salad (Ensalada Verde)
Carrot Cake (Bizcocho de Zanahoria)
Cheese Custard (Flan de Queso)
Three Milks Cake (Tres Leches)

ROFLOL... If these recipe names don't make sense to you. Don't worry it's just me and my bad translations. hehehe Mmmmmmmmm Can't wait until tomorrow. It's going to be SO yummmy! I'll do my best on not ruinning my diet. I plan on eating NS for breakfast and lunch to keep the calories low for the day. SO I think I'll be fine. I can't afford to gain weight, nor stay the same. I want to lose at least one pound for my next weight in on Monday. I think that's doable.

My next post will be on Sunday night. Take care my friends and...

Pimp Your Desktop

2005-11-22T09:29:00.000-04:00

I've been tagged by Shery. She asked me to post a 'print screen' of my desktop.

As you can see I like organized spaces and peaceful colors. BUT, since I'm into the Chrismas Spirit already, I pimped it a bit to a match the season.

Wich theme you like most? Just to keep traditions... I tag Julizzette, Madeline Elif, JannyAnne, Tina & Bob. You better do your homework 'cause I'll grade you for it! hehehe... Hhhhnnnn! Have anyone seen my cat around? He is hidden somewhere in this blog. Can you help me look for him? Scroll up and down until you find him.

I'm losing it baby!!!

2005-11-21T09:51:00.000-04:00

I'm SO freaking happy!!! I can't stand still. I'm just dancing like crazy with Madonna's new master piece. And singing of joy for a wonderful day. Why I'm happy? Because:

The Lord have given me a brand new day to live.
The sun is shining but not burning. (Perfect weather!)
MY SCALES LOVES ME.
I LOVE MY SCALE.
I LOST 3 FREAKING POUND MORE!!!!

WOOOOHOOOOO!!! *child singing* I'm getting thinner. I'm getting thinner. nana.nana.naaa.na' I'm just hoping I beat Bob on the NS Bloggers Challenge. Nah! I KNOW I'LL BEAT BOB's ASS IN THIS CHALLENGE... and, since he won't reach his goal, we gonna see him 'naked' hehehehehe!!!

My Stats For Today's Weigh In:

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 249.5 lbs. Lost These Week: -3 lbs. Percentage Lost: 1.18%
*Check the side-bar for cumulative stats

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 249.5 lbs. Total Lost From Start: -15.5 lbs. Percentage Lost: 5.84%

[Update 12:20 pm] This is for you Bob. I'm losing weight. nana.nana.na.na *child song*

With All Due Respect

2005-11-17T06:54:00.000-04:00

I officially started creating blogger designs other people. Yesterday I created and installed this for Julizzette. I love the way it turned out. Doesn't it looks awesome? Visit her and write some compliment of her new design!

...

2005-11-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

Hi there! Did you missed me? I hope so, 'cause I missed you guys! I've been REALLY busy during the weekend and today doing a lot of things. Chrismas is around the corner and I need to do so many things! Plus I'm starting my own home base business... Well kind of. I'll tell you later about it. Here's today's weigh in:

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 252.5 lbs. Lost These Week: -0.5 lbs. Percentage Lost: 0.19%
*Check the side-bar for cumulative stats

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 252.5 lbs. Total Lost From Start: -12.5 lbs. Percentage Lost: 4.71%

I'm not going to try to justify myself for only losing .5 lbs. The truth is that I was really lazy the last week and I didn't went to the gym as I should. Plus, I've been dealing with womanly issues for the past days... I bloated as hell. Ups! I told you I wasn't giving excuses and I did. LOL

Illustration Friday: "Strenght"

2005-11-11T17:40:00.000-04:00

Top: My first drawing using my Wacom Graphire, Corel Painter Essentials and Adobe Photoshop Elements... To be my first one, it turn out quite nice.

Bottom: I draw this during "Art Summer Camp" when I was 12 years old. It's PrismaColor Pencils Over CardBoard... I didn't had the actual drawing to be scanned and published today, so scanned a photo I had of it. Hope you like it!

Studio Friday

2005-11-11T13:01:00.000-04:00

Studio Friday is a weekly creative challenge to show little glimpses of our studio.

Every Monday a new topic is announced which gives the participants a new challenge to explore their studio space. An adventurous treasure hunt discovering our creative space is unleashed allowing us to see it with new perspective.

The topic can be captured and illustrate it in whichever artistic medium we like to... Photograph, drawing, sketch, carvings, quilt, felt, puttering, ...You are the artist. You choose your medium of expression.

The topics are such a way that you will never show your whole space all at once but only little pieces and partial views of it... The only condition being that it has to be in your studio space.

These week's topic was: "round" Here's a glimpse of my creative space: my office.

Yogurt Parfait

2005-11-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

One of my favorites snacks on my errands days is the Yogurt Parfait from McDonald... Boy it's SO yummy! But the truth is that I CAN'T afford to go to MickeyDee every time I want to 'cause I know I'll be tempted to eat other stuff there... And I don't know what they put into it. SO I made my mind to create my own recipe of that wonderful snack I love .

Ingredients: 2/3 cup - Non Sugar Added Frozen Strawberries 1/4 cup - Non Sugar Added Frozen Bleuberries 6 oz. - Vanilla Fat Free / Sugar Free Yogurt 1 spoon - Granola Process: [Click over image to see it bigger] Doesn't it looks delish? Let me tell you it taste better than it looks. PLUS it's REALLY HEALTHY... NS Servings: 1 Fruit Serving 1 Dairy (Protein) Serving 1 Free Calories: 55 - Strawberries 30 - Bleuberries 90 - Yogurt 25 - Granola 200 - Total What is your favorite snack? Can you share the recipe?

;0(

2005-11-09T22:16:00.000-04:00

Today I didn't went to the gym in the morning because I was planning on going to the Aerobics Marathon from 6 to 8 pm in my gym. I planned all my day based on that... But, just when I was on my way to Aguadilla, DH called telling me that he got out early because of a power failure. I asked if the problem was all over Aguadilla. He didn't knew SO I kept driving to the gym... When I got there people were leaving because there was NO power. ;0( So I drove back home and eat my dinner. What's the lesson here?

"Don't leave for later what you can do now" Me

Oh well... Oh well. Tomorrow will be a brand new day.

Toddler Tuesday!

2005-11-08T23:26:00.000-04:00

Since I was mom's first baby, she used to take me to the photo studio every six months... Here's a sequence of professional photos taken to me from 2-4 years old. Enjoy!

2 1/2

3 1/2

Oh! I was So pretty. What the heck happened to me? Nah! I know I'm still pretty... At least from the inside! hehehe!

Impossible

2005-11-07T09:21:00.000-04:00

Who said it wasn't possible? ...I'm doing it! I'm losing weight! Someone said it better than me before... "Just because something is difficult, doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It means you should just try harder." I'm doing my best and the scale is rewarding me with good news. I'm So happy! Wanna dance The Macarena with me? See my stats!

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 253 lbs. Lost These Week: -4 lbs. Percentage Lost: 1.55%
*Check the side-bar for cumulative stats

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 253 lbs. Total Lost From Start: -12 lbs. Percentage Lost: 4.52%

It's SO good to see the scale moving down! ...I think I deserve a price for losing my first 10 pounds... Can you suggest something? Ok! Forget about the reward... Just drop me some nice comments to cheer me up a bit more!

True Motivation

2005-11-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

"...Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him..."

1 Samuel 17:49-50 (NIV)

Have you ever heard about the story of the boy who killed a giant?

...When I was a child that was one if my favorites stories on Sunday school. It made me feel SO powerful to read how strong this simple boy became because the Lord was on his side!!! I was empowered each time I read it. Still as an adult, when things go wrong, I meditate on that story and the powerful lesson that it delivers. I know that, just like David, I CAN DO EVERYTHING because the Lord is by my side... Even losing weight! When the giant of failure and depression comes to try to make me believe that I won't reach my goal, I say out loud:

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13

If a child killed a giant with just one stone, definitely I can beat the Giant of Obesity. The Lord is on my side. Just like when David fought with Goliath... I most not fear failure. It won't happen. I will NOT fail!

Every night, before I go to bed, I pray asking the Lord to help me on my journey. I know he listens to my prayers... Just like a father listen to his kids.

"Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks. Suppose your son asks for bread. Which of you will give him a stone? Or suppose he asks for a fish. Which of you will give him a snake? Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Mathew 7:7-12

This journey of mine isn't easy at all. I have my ups and down. But I know the Lord have a wonderful plan. He wants good for me and not bad. He is the one who truly keeps me motivated each day.

Illustration Friday

2005-11-04T23:37:00.000-04:00

Illustration Friday is a weekly illustration meme. Meant to challenge participants creatively.

A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation. It's a chance to experiment, explore, and play with visual arts.

I found it a while ago while blog hopping. But didn't had the chance to play it until now... Hopefully I'll post my Illustration Friday every Friday.

These week's topic is "night" Since I love "Starry Night" from Vincent Van Gogh, I created my own version of it. Hope you like it! "Starry Night"... Color Chalks over Black cardboard.

Never even picked up a colored pencil? Why not now? Just have time for a doodle? That's okay, we'd love to see it. You don't have to be an illustrator or an artist to participate. Just pick up a pencil... Or whatever art medium you like, and start!!!

Alert!

2005-11-03T23:38:00.000-04:00

"The Surgeon General has determined that lacks of physical activity is detrimental to your health."

The Surgeon General of the United States, 7/11/1996

It is old news that lacking exercise in our lives is really bad for us. But why we tend to put it in ~~second, third...~~ last place in our lives? Maybe because we don't fully understand how beneficial it is to us. Regular physical activity reduces the risks of

premature death
dying from heart desease
developing diabetes
developing colon cancer

Anyway, you know what exercise does to your body. Get moving!!! Start exercising today!

To Show or Not to Show?

2005-11-02T17:36:00.000-04:00

THAT is the question my dears!

As I was talking to DH last night, he asked me

Why you posted that "Pudgy Photo" for everyone to see on your blog?

I answered that I need it to ~~have more traffic on this blog~~ remember that I most exercise more and eat less... Instead of being blogging & goofing around all day long.

But it wouldn't be the same to put it on the fridge?

No! I said... 'Cause I spend more time on the computer than on the kitchen. Doesn't it makes sense?

No... To me NO... I don't want people to see you THAT close!

It's not THAT close as you say! ...Let's see... Is this too close?

. . .

It is close... But you know what? I don't care if it is too close 'cause it is helping me to stay focus on my journey to ONEderland. And that's all that matters to me right now. Plus! It won't be there long. I'll replace it as I change sizes.

BUT... Now I ask... Would it matter if I show my lean, toned, and "sexy" body to the whole world? ... It is hard to be a plus size in a world full of anorexic people. You know what? REAL WOMAN HAVE CURVES!!!

I'm not saying that I want to stay overweight! But that these society is wrong! You don't have to be on your bones and skin to be considered beautiful! That's a double standard my people. That's NOT good! THAT'S WRONG!!!

The thing is that I don't mind people to see my pudginess... 'Cause it IS keeping me motivated to go to the gym daily... And I'll do ANYTHING that works for me. Oh well... Not anything. But you know what I mean by that!

*Inhale peace... Exhale anger* Shall we change the topic?

...Today was my Anti-Procrastination Day. As part of it I cleaned my home office. It's looking beautiful. Still, I have a few details to fix and clean. But it's looking WAY better. Just getting ready to have the thanksgiving Dinner here at my home this year. Everything got to be squeaky clean!

...While I was cleaning I found few toddler photos... SO I scanned them. Wanna see my Toddler Tuesday on Wednesday? Want to or not, here it is. But let's start from the beginning! *Background Music*

DM & DD met when they were 14 years old. They were the classic high school sweet hearts. Back then... Oh! Let's skip that part of the story...

DM & DD married on July 3, 1971.

I was grew pretty fast in my mom's belly... By July 18... I was born.

Hey!!! Not the Same Year... The next (1972). After I was born... I kept growing.... I grew . . . and I grew . . . I grew until I was 9 month old... . . . . . I grew to ten months.

. . .

My parents took good care of me really well. I was a HAPPY growing GIRL...

2 1/2 Years Old

Too sexy for you!

Photos

2005-11-01T06:37:00.000-04:00

I'm supposed to post my Toddler Tuesday's Photos today, but I have none because all my baby photos are at Mom's... Therefore I'll do my own thing today. It has to do with photos as well Janny Anne! I want everyone to click on these button to pin my map AND upload a really nice photo of yourself. Deal? ...or at least just pin the freaking map! PLEASE! I promise next week I'll post some beautiful baby pictures of myself. Hey! It got to be pretty if it's me!

257

2005-10-31T08:34:00.000-04:00

BoooHaa! The scale is moving. Wooohooo! My effort is paying off REALLY GOOD. I mean. 5 pounds in just one week!!! Helloooooooo, this is good. I mean this is REALLY GOOD! Bob, I think I'm kicking your butt in this NS Bloggers Challenge. Ha!!! I'm gonna win this! But even, if I don't win it, I'd feel like a winner because I'm losing... hehehe! WANNA SEE MY STATS?

NS Bloggers Challenge Start Weight: 262 lbs. Today's Weight: 257 lbs. Total Lost These Week: -5 lbs. Percentage Lost: 1.90%

Since I Started Start Weight: 265 lbs. Today's Weight: 257 lbs. Total Lost from Start: -8 lbs. Percentage Lost: 3.01%

Now be good cheerleaders and drop me a nice comment!

New Beginning

2005-10-31T00:12:00.000-04:00

"Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?" He asked. "Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end: then stop."
Alice in Wonderland

I've been overweight all my life. But it got way worst when I married. My husband isn't very happy about that fact, nor my parents and other family members. Indeed I'm not happy with it either. Specially since last year, when I 'felt the need' of getting pregnant and my doctor opposed to it because:

"You weight the double of what you're supposed to weight."

A mother of quintuplet. That's what I wanted to be. I even had their names! Ashar Edith, Anna Sophia, Edith Jarmarie, Miguel Angel, Angel Javier, and Aser Miguel... Oh that's six! LOL... I would give ANYTHING to conceive five babies at the same time... Or maybe a six-pack. I've been dreaming about it since childhood. Can you believe that!? DH still doesn't believe it either. LOL... Anyhow, since my motherhood dreams where shattered by my GYN, I'm on a quest of losing almost 100 pounds by December 2006 to finally make my dream come true. In the beginning of this journey I wanted to lose weight to make others happy. But now it's all about me. I'm losing weight because I WANT to lose weight! You know what? I know I CAN do it! I've done it before. Why can't I do it now? There's no reason to fail my mission. And I won't!!! I have been dieting all my life. Because I wanted to...

Find a boyfriend... Make people jealous... Rock at Chrismas parties... Make mom proud... Keep friends happy... Make men want me... Impress others... Win a beauty pageant...

Ones I reached what I wanted I'd stop dieting and exercising... I was lacking PASSION... And COMMITMENT to myself. I didn't knew how to Love Myself. I had no self esteem. I had many reasons to lose weight. But all of them were wrong; because they focused on others and not on myself. This a NEW BEGINNING. I'm losing weight because...

I Finally Know How to Love Myself... I know that I can have more out of life... I want to live longer... I want to be healthy... I want to show to myself that I CAN do it!!!

I no longer have the wrong reasons for losing weight... Instead I'm looking forward to a bright new future. Full of Come True Dreams.

Behold!!!

2005-10-29T00:54:00.000-04:00

My new blog design. Well... I'm still working on the header. Any suggestions on fonts that I might use... Or any other graphic that you like best. See you later!!! I MOST keep "working" on this. BTW... You guys on dial-up, Is this blog opening fine?

New Challenge!!!

2005-10-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

I joined the NS Bloggers challenge today. I LOVE Monday weigh-ins because they keep me accountable!!! It affects my eating habits during the weekends. Good luck to everyone!!! Are you ready to lose? I mean the challenge. 'Cause I'm winning this one! ...Most go now. I'm working on a new blog design.

Naughty But Nice

2005-10-20T09:29:00.000-04:00

My PhotosGalore blog is no more... Well not under the same address. It is now under www.naughtyboricua.blogspot.com What NaughtyBoricua means? Well boricua comes from the original name given to these island by the indians: Boriquen. A "boricua" is someone who lives in "Boriquen"...You already know what naughty means, so I don't have to explain that one. Now go check it out!

Fat Fighter Blogs

2005-10-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

"Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." Mary Kay Ash

Theoretically I'm not supposed to lose 30 lbs. by New Years Eve... BUT since I'm like the bumblebee I'll FLY to my goal and hit 232 lbs. by that day... Two months and a half is enough time to shed that weight off my body. I know I can do it! I'll challenge myself to the maximum. And I won't stop even if it hurts because I want to (and I will) see results. Here's My Fat Fighting Plan: Mondays- LB Weight Routine, Pilates Class, One Hour Cardio Machines (8:00 - 11:30 am) Tuesdays- UB Weight Routine, KickBoxing, Aerobics, 20 min. Elliptical (5:30 - 9:00 pm) Wednesdays- Steps Aerobics (7:00 pm - 8:00 pm) ... Or Rest If Needed Thursdays- LB Weight Routine, Aerobics Class, One Hour Cardio Machines (8:00 - 11:30 am) Fridays- UB Weight Routine, Yoga Class, One Hour Cardio Machines (8:00 - 11:30 am) Saturdays- One Hour Cardio Machines (9:30 - 10:30 am) Sundays- Feed My Spirit If I want extreme results I most use extreme methods to Fight my Fat. Right? And talking about Fighting Fat. There's a new Blog Directory called FatFighterBlogs ... Yes I know, they stole my challenge name. But, What can I do? Anyhow! If you are running a weight loss, healthy eating, diet, exercise freak, etc. blog go check it out and sign in. Just click on the bumblebee button to get there. Ok? And talking about stealing ideas... Yesterday I read a really neat Meme on Sue's blog. SO neat I've stolen it. Here I go... 1. First Name? Edith 2. Were you named after anyone? No 3. Do you wish on stars? Yes! That's cool. 4. When did you last cry? Yesterday when I saw a Lifetime Movie about cancer awareness. The thought of losing either of my parents just scares me to death. 5. Do you like your handwriting? Yes 6. Any bad habits? Peaking into my nose. Grose! I know. 7. What is your most embarrassing CD on the shelf? Azul Azul A really bad latin band. 8. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you? Yes. I am a REALLY good friend... Just don't get me pissed. 9. Are you a daredevil? No! 10. Do looks matter? If I say No I'm lying. Off course it matters. Why do you think I'm losing weight? It isn't for my health. It's for my looks! 11. Where is your second home? Guynabo, Puerto Rico 12. Do you trust others easily? Yes... And people get advantage of me as well. *puppy eyes* 13. What was your favorite toy as a child? Teddy Bear 14. What class in school do you think is totally useless? Chemistry 15. Do you have a journal? Yes - this blog. 16. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes 17. Have you ever been in a mosh pit? No 18. What are your nicknames? AsharEdith (In the cyberworld)... Jary (For my family)... Bolita (For my mother) I trully HATE the last one because it means little ball in Spanish, and I'm NOT a ball. I'm a person. Read that mom? 19. Would you bungee jump? Never! Are out of your mind or what? 20. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No... Too tire for that. 21. Do you think that you are strong willed? Yes! Just ask my husband. 22. What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Mawi Brownie Chocolate Madness fron Basking Robins, and Coockie Dough from Ben and Jerry 23. Shoe Size? 10... 10 1/2 - if I need socks with them. 24. What are your favorite colors? All shades of bleu and purple... But if it is in clothing it would be black, navy bleu, brown, gray, and pink. 25. What is your least favorite thing? Broom & mope my house. 26. How many wisdom teeth do you have? None 27. How many people have a crush on you right now? I like to think that my husband have a crush on me. 28. What do you miss most right now? Being a perfect size 6 29. What color pants are you wearing? Gray shorts 30. What are you listening to right now? The birds singing outside my house... 31. Last thing you ate? A Taco Maker's Papasote with Nachos and Soda... Yeah... I know, I'm sorry! It's just being hard to eat right doing so much exercise. But I'm trying my best to stay on track. 32. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red 33. What is the weather like right now? Beautiful sunny day 34. Last person you talked to on the phone? My hubby 35. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Their butt 36. How are you today? Even my hair hurts! But I don't mind because I know I will see results pretty fast. 37. Favorite drink? Water! thanks to Nutri System, and all my Nutri Friends. 38. Favorite alcoholic drink? White Zynfandel Wine 39. Favorite Sport? None! I HATE to watch sports on TV... I liked baseball when my brother used to play... If you like to seenise asses... Just watch baseball. hehehe 40. Hair color? Natural color: Black; Dyed: Readish Brown... I'm planing on dying it pretty soon. I'll show you when I do it. 41. Eye color? Dark brown... Almost Black... (They say Black eyes doesn't exist... Too bad.) 42. Do you wear contacts? No 43. Siblings? 1 brother... He is a Chef in Las Vegas. Hi Chuqui! 44. Favorite month? December - Chrismas in Puerto Rico are the best in the whole world. 45. Favorite food? Puerto Ricos basic lunch- White Rice, Red Beans, Fried Pork, a piece of Avocado, and few pieces of Fried Plaintain. Oooh yes! Now I'm hungry! Damn! Or... Anything Italian. 46. Last movie you watched? Into the Blue 47. Summer or winter? Winter... We just have a perfect weather during winter here in Puerto Rico... (Between the low 80's and 70's) 48. Hugs or kisses? Bear Hugs 49. Living Arrangements? Me and my Hubby... Mishu (the cat) died in March '05, and Victor (the Beta fish) died in November '04... Can we have a minute of silence? 50. What book/magazine are you reading? The Conspiracy by Dan Brown, Hinds' Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard, and Sink Refletions by Marla Cilley aka The FlyLady 51. What's on your mouse pad? I'm not using a Mouse Pad. My Office is a mess and I lost it. Wanna send me one? 52. Last thing you watched on TV? Girls Next Door... On E! Channel.

I'm SO tire!!!

2005-10-18T23:31:00.000-04:00

Aaaaaaaaaaaah! ALL my freaking body hurts... Do I like pain? NO! But as they say: "No pain, no gain" Well I don't want to gain. I want to lose. But the more muscle strength I have, the more fat I burn. Right? Here's what I did today: Elliptical Cardio Machine- 20 min. KickBoxing Class - 60 min. Aerobic Class - 60 min. Upper Body Weight Lifting Routine - 90 min. Now you know why my whole body aches... Now I most go take a Tylenol and go to sleep... 'Cause tomorrow I'm hitting the gym early in the morning. See Ya!!!

Body Fitness - Health for Life

2005-10-17T18:48:00.000-04:00

Going back a bit... My first day at the gym (last Wednesday) I did 20 min. on the Bicycle, the Step Aerobic Class, and my personal trainer showed my Lower Body Weight Routine. The hardest part was the Step Aerobics Class. I even sprinted my right ankle. Nevertheless I kept exercising. My second day I went in the morning to do 30 min. of Bicycle and my Upper Body Weight Routine... I was SO soared I couldn't do anything more. Today~ I woke up a bit late but still I got there in time to do my very first Pilates lesson. Aaaah... It was SO hard!!! But I kept trying to do my best all the time. I know I'll be better next time. After we were done with Pilates. My personal trainer lead me on my Lower Body Weigh Lifting Routine... I did 4 sets of twenty on each machine. It took more than an hour to do all of it. Then I spend one full hour doing Cardio Machines (20 min. Bicycle, 20 min. Spinner, and 20 min. Elliptical)... I was 31/2 hours at Body Fitness. Wooohooo!!! I survived my third visit to the Gym... Why I say I survived? Because even my hair hurts!!! I'm SO freaking tire! BUT I'm REALLY motivated as well. Therefore one cancel the other. Right? Tomorrow I'll be back there, because I resolved I'm getting rid of this fat that haunts my life.

I'm back!

2005-10-12T15:49:00.000-04:00

I wanna go back to Vegas! waaaaa =0( That place is SO freaking awesome... And I'm not talking about the touristic area, but the residential one. I'm definately moving there some time soon. Well as soon as I (or Mike) find a full-time job there. While I was there I did some research on job offers for me and Mike. And I was really happy with what I found. Although it is true that I live in "paradise"... it is also true that these paradise is running out of growing opportunities for us... If we want to grow as proffessionals we most move to mainland. Las Vegas, Nevada or Austin, Texas are our options for now... But we are still searching. I'll keep you posted on this matter. As for my weight issues... Between being sick, having surgery, and going on vacation twice... I'm up to 262 lbs. =0( Heah, that sucks! The good news is that I finally enrolled a new upscale Gym I found before leaving to Vegas. I have to drive 30 min. to get there, but it have all that I ask for a gym... even a personal trainer! Who is already working with me... Plus! I'm trying hard to drink a full gallon of water daily and I'm back on Nutri System as well. So, hopefully, I'll be seeing results pretty fast. I know that God is by my side guiding me on every step. See Ya!

and the FFC winner is...

2005-10-11T14:26:00.000-04:00

KAT aka AncientRotaryPhonechick / GonnaBeCanuck. After losing so much weight (26 lbs.) in just 12 weeks she definatelly deserve to be rewarded... SO everyone start sending those great gifts ASAP... jejeje ...AND remember to visit her blog to congratulate her! Ok? She showed us it CAN be done, SO let's get our asses moving, drink all our water, and eat less... 'Cause we CAN do it as well. Right?

Fat Fighter Challenge Final Weigh In

2005-09-30T10:41:00.000-04:00

In the very beginning we were 28 challengers. Twelve weeks have passed and only a few of us are left. Let's post our last weight in to know who will be the first Fat Fighter Winner? Good luck to everyone!!!

I'm in Vegas Baby!!!

2005-09-29T12:48:00.000-04:00

Ah! Feel Envy? This place is So freaking awesome. LOVE this place! We departed from San Juan yesterday at 1:10 pm, and twelve hours later we were in Vegas. Not before paying nine visits to the restroom.. hehehe I was SO nervous I got diarrhea. Yikes!!! After we were already flying to our first connection (Chicago) I took an Imodium with lunch and the ordeal was over. Who would have say that? Ha' The long flight schedule was a real pain in the ass but it was all worth it ones I got to finally hug my DB (Dear Brother)... Today we are going to the strip. Hopefully I'll share few pics as I take 'em. See Yah!

[Remember tomorrow is our final weigh in for FFC!]

Just One Day!

2005-09-27T09:13:00.000-04:00

As I prepare my luggage for my trip to Vegas. I feel way happy. BUT still a bit nervous about flying... It's been a while since the last time I took an airplane... SO, I might need some pill to relax before departure. Please remember to pray for me. I want to have a nice flight to Vegas. If it wasn't that I want to see my brother I wouldn't be flying at all. I'll update my blog from there... That is if I have time you know!

[BTW... Suggetions on how can I keep stress down during flight?]

H is for Hectic, Happy and Hug

2005-09-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

Hectic: full of activity, confusion, or excitement. The last few days have been pretty hectic because I promised DH I was cleaning the house before leaving to Vegas... Plus I am still remodeling the master's bedroom. Yesterday I was still painting... Today I'm cleaning and doing laundry, and going to the Beauty Salon. Tomorrow I'll pack my bags and head to DP home because we are leaving Wednesday morning. Gosh I'm so happy to finally see and hug my brother!!! Can't wait any longer. The happiness of visiting him, clouds my aversion for staying more than six hours in a plane.

[I'll post photos of my vacations in Vegas @ Photos Galore]

Meme

2005-09-24T10:53:00.000-04:00

I was tagged by Tressa... Here's what she asked for: 6 Things I Want To Do: I want to do a whole bunch of things. Just go check ny 101 in 1001 list!!! But the most important things I want to do ASAP are:

Get to ONEderland... That means losing 50 lbs.
Stay in ONEderland, and hit 150 lbs. If possible.
Conceive Quintuplet... maybe a six-pack. Yeap! Having a multiple pregnancy is one of my biggest dreams in life since childhood. First I wantes twins but for few years now I’ve been wanting to have Quintuples. Wich me luck on that one!
Stay in ONEderland while pregnant.
Lose baby weight.
Home school my children

Hey! Already wrote six? =0( Ok another one...

Have my own business.

6 Things I Can Do:

FLY to ONEderland.
Speak in English without thinking in Spanish... (That's hard for Puerto Rican people who haven't lived in the states ever!)
Cook... And boy I'm SO good at it!
Read for hours. I just LOVE to read.
Fake I'm happy when I'm not.
Follow an aerobics lesson without messing steps up.

6 Things I Can't Do: Don't you know I am Wonder-Woman? I CAN do everything! Specially if the Lord is by my side giving me strength. =0) "Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece" Filipenses 4:13 OK here I go...

Speak without moving my hands... Gesturing a lot.
Clean with a smile on my face. But I'm working on it!
Write without typos. Hehehe I'm the Queen of Typos!
Have sex when I'm angry. Did I just used the S word?
Stay in bed if I'm awake.
Eat a banana with a dark spot on it.

6 Things That Make Me Attractive To The Opposite Sex: Do I really have to answer this? I don't know! Definatelly NOT my looks... but

My outgoing personality.
My smile.
My brain... I'm So F#&!ng Smart I amaze myself!
My heart... I'm like a Teddy Bear. I know how to show love, and almost everybody loves me.
Sometimes I do silly fun things.

Ok... I'll fall short on this one 'cause I don't know what else to write. 6 Things I Say All The Time: This one is especially hard for me because I'm home alone all the time. And when Mike is around, he is doing all sorts of things around the house... SO we don't talk much... Sorry guys, I don't have the ability of talking alone!

Entendiste? (You understand?)
Por Favor (Please!)
Gracias (Thanks!)
Michael! (Calling my hubby… hehehe)
Que quieres comer? (What to you want for dinner?)
Que quieres desayunar? (What do you want for breakfast?)

6 Celebrity Crushes: Sorry... I only have one, and is a local.

Chayanne

6 Strangers That I've Tagged:

jd - Abierto al Anochecer
Madeline - Made's Journey... Aprendiendo a Vivir
Tina (RedsGirl) From Fat to Fabulous
Helen (Honey4Ever) - Life in Texas
Megan (Mmatilo) - My Weight Loss Journey
Sheryl (Stb0521)- A day in Sheryl’s Life

FFC Weigh In 11

2005-09-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

Like the banner? I stole it from jd... hehehe I know he don't mind a bit. *wink* Ok, now to what we came for... Post your FFC Weigh Ins as usual. And, please remember to email Megan. *puppy eyes* Sorry for being such a pain in the butt!!! We just want to keep track of who is leading the challenge.

Thanks!

2005-09-22T17:38:00.000-04:00

I already posted something today but... I received this Be-A-U-Ty-FuLL button from jd... He send it with an awesome email to cheer me up a little. I mean... What would I do without my Nutri-Blog-Friends? ...I don't have a clue! You guys are the light at the end of the tunnel. Giving me hope when I had none. Lifting me up when I was low. To each and every one of my Nutri-Blog-Friends... THANKS!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Hug

2005-09-22T08:56:00.000-04:00

Hi guys!!! I've been kind of busy lately but I took a few minutes to send you big cyber hug. I miss you all but there are certain things that I just most do. Like remodeling my bedroom. Yeap! That's what I've been doing this week. It's coming out SO good! By using FlyLady's advises my home is looking way better than before... And, off course, I feel better abut myself because I'm living in a clean house now. LOL Who would have say so?! Oh well Pastor Rosa tried to teach me how to clean many times but nothing clicked in my head until FlyLady brain-washed me with her system. Anyhow... The thing is that I feel better about myself and about this house, witch I used to hate. DH is happier to. Not that I look better for him, but at least the house does. I've been thinking and planning on what I'm going to do after I return from Vegas . That is if I doesn't find a decent job there. I already contacted a Personal Trainer and made arrangements to enroll a new GYM with over the top facilities... I resolved I am to loose 52 lbs. Before February 17 (My wedding anniversary) That will take me to ONEderland. I know that if I have a PT telling me what to do and what to eat I will reach that goal. I know it because I've done it before. And I'm resolved to do it again NO MATTER WHAT. Well I have a whole bunch of things to do. That is if I want to be done by tomorrow with my master bedroom remodeling project. It's looking SO beautiful already!!! See ya later!

FFC Weigh In 10

2005-09-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ok... Go ahead, post today's weigh in and tell us how was your week.

=0(...

2005-09-14T17:02:00.000-04:00

Last Friday my GYN said I am 100% recovered from surgery and I can get back to my rutines. BUT I feel way SAD... I gained A LOT of weigh the last few weeks leading to and after my surgery. As for this morning I'm weigh 250 lbs. I don't feel like talking to anyone. I feel like a BIG failure!!! Am I going to reach onederland ever???

...I also went to the ENT because I've been having difficulties breathing (due to constant allergies). After he checked my ears, nose and throat, he prescribed few meds not before advising me that my biggest problem is my weight... Not my allergies. Argh!!! As if I don't know it!!! He said... "Your problems are NOT related with your nose but with your weight. You are weighting the double of what you are supposted to weight." *sight* "YOU MOST LOSE 125 lbs."

After I got home (Mom's home)... Mom started lecturing me about how I MOST WANT to lose weight not SAY that I want to lose it. She said "Missy ALL your problems revolve around your weight. You MOST lose weight or you will lose Michael."... "You ALWAYS lose 20 lbs. then stop as if it was enough... It isn't enough. YOU HAVE TO LOSE AT LEAST 50 TO 75 lbs." *sight* Then she started the victim/drama queen part... "You are making me suffer. Each night I go to bed really sad because I don't want to lose my daughter" Then I said: "Mom don't start making yourself the victim... And don't say that I'm not trying because you are not with me to see how much I suffer!"... She said: "It's not enough to try. You MOST do it no matter what."... I said: "I'm doing it." She said: "You haven't lose in more than a month." To what I replied that I was sick. Then she did what she always do. She offered me her help (money) so I change diet... again. God, She NEVER try to undertand me. She thinks she is always right.

FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!!!! I'm SO fucking tire of this. I don't like the way I look and nothing seems to work for me. Nutri System did worked but... I'm already tire of NS food SO I'm not eating it... PLUS I always have to cook for Michael witch makes easier for me to cheat. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! *sight*

In fourteen days I'm leaving to Las Vegas to see my brother. Now THAT makes me happy. I MISS CHUCKY!!! As part of that trip I will be job hunting. If I find a job while there, I'll stay there. Yeap! You heard well... If I find a job in Las Vegas I WILL stay there. I'm tire of being a stay at home wife. Since Puerto Rico can't offer me the kind of job I want to have I will start to look for a fresh start in Vegas. Why Vegas? Because my brother is there. Where does my marriage stands now? Well, If I find a steady job, Michael will move to Vegas with me. Or... That's what he say.

Lots to think... Lots to decide... May God Be With Me!!!

Geting Well

2005-09-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

I'm back home from San Juan... =0) Still I can't go to the GYM or lift heavy things. I have to take it easy and rest... Aargh! This sucks!

My top ten reasons to get well soon...
10. Fear of IV needles.
9. Bed sores in bad places.
8. Overdose of crackers and apple juice.
7. Daytime TV sucks.
6. I'm running out of underwear and PJs.
5. I miss my daily walk and Curves.
4. I'm gainning weight.
3. Pale is not my color.
2. I want to blog.
1. I miss my Nutri Friends!!!

Hi There!!!

2005-08-25T23:09:00.000-04:00

As I write this post I'm preparing to go to San Juan for the third time this week. One of the best GYN in Puerto Rico checked me earlier this week and ordered me A LOT of lab. tests. He was full for few weeks BUT he is a friend of mom SO he just HAD to find space for me in his bussy schedule. I came home yesterday to see DH but I'm leaving again because tomorrow I'm taking the results of the lab. tests to the GYN. No matter what the results are I'm having surgery on Tuesday... yeap. SURGERY =0( I'm a bit scared... Remember I've never got even an IV in my arm. Anyhow... Dr. Montalvo will be doing a "Raspe"... Sorry I don't know how to call that in English. But if I translate "raspe" it would be "scraping"... He will "clean" my uterus and take a sample of different areas to send to pathology to get tested. HOPEFULLY everything will be OK... After he performs the "raspe" he will decide what treatment is better for me... He also talk about giving me some severe diet to make me loose weight faster so I can get pregnant as soon as possible.

I'll keep you posted... As for the Fat Fighter Challenge. I preffer if you go to Amanda's blog and post there your weigh in for today. God Bless You all... And PLEASE keep me on your thoughts!!!

FFC Weigh In 6

2005-08-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

OK...

I'm NOT in the mood for writing about weight loss BUT it is my duty to upload this post every Friday so you can log in your Fat Fighter Challenge's weigh in. Good luck to everyone!!! [Just read the previous posts to understand this.]

ER

2005-08-18T15:28:00.000-04:00

I've NEVER been to an emergency room as a patient... I've always been the helping hand. SO that's a totally new experience for me. Since mom is a RN she NEVER HAD TO take me there when I was a child... Not even as an adult. Mom always took care of everything... Even injections. I've NEVER had an intravenous put into my arm... Nor an enema. I ONLY go to the doctor if it is a life threatening situation or if it is time for my annual check up. My menstrual issues were big, BUT my fear of the unknown was bigger. I was SO scared to be the patient that I didn't went to the ER. Instead I decided to call for advise. Even if I wanted to go to the ER... I was home alone until 10 pm and I was NOT going alone! After I called mom, I took some pain killers I had at home already... Then I searched a bit about endometriosis in one my favorite self help books: "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" ...I started drinking plenty of cranberry juice (the un-sweetened kind), and placed a hot pad on my lumbar area and an iced bag over my forehead. According to natural science, when you apply two different temperatures at the same time you "confuse" your body and you stop feeling pain... Before I knew the pain was diminishing. It wasn't gone completely. But at least it hurt less. After DH arrived home he tried to comfort me with a massage and I fell asleep as he was massaging me. Today I've been feeling much better. Not perfect, but better. Hopefully by tomorrow or Saturday I'll be fine. The bleeding is now fresh... Not stinky dark clots in it. So I guess my own body took care of the situation. Nevertheless, I'm calling the doctor's office everyday to check if there is any cancelled appointment. The secretary told me she will call if someone cancel but I just prefer to call. I can't make an appointment with other doctor because the other choices are worst... Remember I live in the country, So I don't have a wide variety to choose from.

I called mom again and she lectured me for a while. She said I should have called the doctor's office by day 10... Not 20. And she gave me a list of things I should say my doctor when I go there. She was kind of pissed with me. But I know it was out of love.

Sick of being sick.

2005-08-17T13:03:00.000-04:00

I'm sick of being sick!!! Why can't be a normal woman? Argh!

[All girls talk. No men allowed] Yesterday I spend the whole day on the sofa. And I wasn't being lazy. I was sick. I've been more than 20 days menstruating and it's getting worst each day. My lower back hurts SO badly I can barely move around my house without crying of pain. Each time a move, large blood clots and tissue come out of my body. Yikes!!! I've ruined all my underwear... Cause each time I stand up to try do something I'm bleeding heavily. I HATE THIS!!! I called my GYN yesterday and he told me he can't do anything until I stop menstruating. Can you believe that? I told him I felt very weak and that I'm having migraine everyday since this started and he just gave me an appointment. Unbelievable!!! I started researching a bit over "bad menstrual periods" and I think I have PCOS or Endometriosis... *sad look* Can I have both? Don't know. I just hope this ends fast so I can go on with my life.

I'm trying hard to follow my Nutri Routine BUT I most admit that being sick doesn't help a bit... I have NO energy to exercise... And sometimes I don't feel like eating so much or drinking all my water. I'm not a happy right now... I'll keep you posted.

Most Amazing Dessert

2005-08-15T15:36:00.000-04:00

I just had the MOST AMAZING snack I've eaten since I've been in NS!!! I was saving my NS dessert for dinner BUT I just ate it as my 3 PM snack. Oh boy it was SO good! It was way TO GOOD!!! Here's what I did... I took a Granny Smith apple and sliced it into very thin stripes... Then I dunked them into My version of NS Pudding before eating them... Ah... It was delish!!!! There's NO word to describe how GOOD it was... As for my NS day, it's being 100% CHEAT FREE so far... So, I feel really happy about it. PLUS I went to Curves and worked as hard as I could. Although I'm still on my period I decided I was going anyway. I was in pain BUT I went anyway. I think that's a mayor victory for me. Well I most go now. I'm calling my GYN for an appointment, and I'm going to show some love to myself by cleaning my house. *wink*

NS Pudding

2005-08-15T08:52:00.000-04:00

I had few NS Pudding packets in my pantry, because I tried those ones and didn't liked them as they where. Today I want to try one of those again. But I'm preparing it MY way. Here's what I did.

Ingredients: 1 NS Vanilla Pudding packet (100 calories - 8 grams of carbs) 1 tbsp. Cool Whip Free (7.5 calories - 1.5 grams of carbs) 1 tbsp. Skippy Carb Options PB (80 calories - 2.5 grams of carbs)

Empty pudding mix packet into a bowl, add 4 oz. of water, put the bowl's lid on and shake it until it's all well mixed. Place the peanut butter in another small bowl and warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds... Until it melts. Add the Cool Whip Free to the peanut butter and mix. Then add the peanut butter mixture to the pudding mix. Put the lid back on and shake it again. Keep it in the fridge until it is very cold or you are ready to eat it. ...I'm saving this for tonight's dessert after my NS dinner. I know it's going to be yummmy... I'm off to Curves now. See ya!

Hi there!!!

2005-08-12T23:59:00.000-04:00

Wow!

This week was fast... My computer crashed... =0(... DH knows what is BUT he doesn't have time to fix it SO I have NO computer... SAD... But I've used that spare time to clean my house. LOL ...As if blogging was a job... ROFLOL

A very kind person allowed me to use these computer for 10 60 minutes SO I can write a small FFC 5 Weigh In post, a FLYing update post (...is below this post) and check my e-mails. My time is almost up SO I most leave now... 'cause the owner of this computer "needs" it now. See yah later guys!!!

I'm FLYing baby!!!

2005-08-11T22:35:00.000-04:00

Since I have NO computer I don't have other thing to do than cleaning my house. ROFLOL. My house is looking pretty decent after a whole week of cleaning. Who would have said it? 'hah! Remember my old chore list? It's all done now... well, except for the vacuuming and mopping thing. It will be done today. *wink* I promise!

Here's what I've been doing all this week:

Shine my sink. I've done it everyday AM & PM ...Just like FlyLady say it most be done. *smile*
Clean both bathrooms. [08-05-05]
Declutter the dining room. [08-06-05]
Declutter the kitchen countertops. [08-06-05]
Declutter under the kitchen counter. [08-06-05]
60 minutes decluttering session in one of my "disaster zones"
Do my laundry... Including putting it away after it's done. I did it both on Saturday and Tuesday. No more clothing sitting in the basket for few days!!! I finally got the hang of it. Wooohooo!!!
Declutter my spare room... We started piling things up in that room about two years ago SO it had A LOT of junk... I took it one day at the time AND I used a timer just like FlyLady say it most be done... I emptied it in just three days. Now I'm in the process to transform it into a Home Gym. Isn't it neat?
Declutter and clean my home office. That's in progress. I'm taking it one day at the time 'cause I can't go all crazy throwing out stuff and important papers. *sight* ...Few summers ago I went crazy throwing out everything I piled up in my home office during the school year (I was teaching Spanish at that time) ...and I threw away passport accidentaly... It was in a Manila envelope I took with me when I got my Senior Class students to their senior's trip.
After I'm done with cleaning and decluttering my home office, I'm going to remodel it.

After all... having my computer crashed wasn't a real bad thing after all. Right?

FFC Weigh In 4

2005-08-05T08:09:00.000-04:00

In the process to lose weight, motivation is very important. In my case, one of the hardest parts is to fight with the emotional aspect of "wanting more" than with the fact of having to portion control everything I eat. The key elements to succeed in this "fight" is to have a support system witch keeps us going. SO here are some suggestions to keep up and going our willpower and motivation while we fight!

Have Goals - You don't start a journey without knowing where you WANT to go. Right? You MOST have a plan... a road map... And a destination. In the process you most reach some places first in order to reach others. Are you with me? My long term goal is to weight 145 pounds... That's about 100 lbs. Still to loose. Since that is a very BIG goal it MOST be divided into mini goals. That way I trick my mind and make my "impossible" goal into doable one. My long term goal is divided in 10s... Therefore, whenever I reach a 10 lbs. Mini goal... I celebrate like crazy (without food) AND I go out to buy a prize for myself. After all that effort I deserve it!

Have a theme song - There most be some song(s) that motivates and gets you moving. FIND that song that motivates you and make it your theme song. Any song that makes you laugh, dance or that you like the lyrics will do. Have a CD ready to play for the moments when you are down. For me... it never hurts to have music all day long just to keep the spirit up!

Watch Films and TV Programs - Here's where the Oprah Show, Celebrity Fit Club, I Lost It and other "weight loss" programs come handy. There is wide variety of programs witch their main intention is to motivate us to get fit. Check your local listings! LOL Among the movies I like to watch to remotivate myself there is Selena (Movie started by Jennifer Lopez in 1997) Last time I weighted 145 lbs. (1998) people used to say I looked like her... Yes! I had such freaking sexy curvy body! That movie makes me remember how I used to look and how I want to look now. I also like to watch Super Size Me to remember how BAD fast food is for me. THAT with a huge gallon of water curves my appetite and takes my mind out of the food craving.

Have few Photos Handy - Keep a photo your starting weight up on the fridge door. Each time you feel like cheating LOOK at it! You don't want to be all chubby again. Right? Each time you reach a milestone take a picture of yourself. Then compare it with the first one. Seeing the small changes will remotivate you to keep going. Think about the size you want to be, if you have a photo of the last time you was at your goal weight, put it up on your fridge door as well. It will give you something to FLY towards.

Exercise - It is way easier to resist temptation if you exercise because IT creates an implicit commitment. If I already walked half an hour on my treadmill or I went to Curves, I am not going it to fuck everything up by nibbling around. That's for sure!

Talk back to temptations - Although it seems crazy. Whenever something is tempting jd, he takes it on his hands and he say "I am not going to let you win" "You are not going to humiliate me". It makes him feel stronger... It's like taking it personal. A dignity thing.

Have fun - Enjoy yourself with each milestone you reach. Having to go shopping for a smaller outfit it's NOT a torture! Go out and enjoy the new you. BUT don't get too comfortable 'cause you still have MORE to loose. Right Tina?

Buy a Smaller "Fish Tank" - Use Amanda's theory. Buy a pair of jeans, bikini, a pair of shorts, or a cute mini skirt... BUT buy it on the next size you are to hit. It will give you something to work towards.

Believe - You MOST believe you CAN do it!

Put yourself together - Remember that you are just a human being. It is of human nature to fail. Do not beat yourself up each time you fall... Let us (Your Nutri Friends) do that dirty work... Kidding! Seriously... Everyone fails... But it is of brave people to put themselves together and start fighting again. That's what makes this challenge interesting.

Fat Fighter Challengers... Click on the "Had something to say!" link at the end of this post to tell us how great you did this week. Remember you are NOT behind. Just hop into the challenge now. Start to eat right, drink ALL your water and move your ass out of that computer!

Spanish

2005-08-03T19:42:00.000-04:00

I have many friends from Puerto Rico who read this blog BUT doesn't comment on it because it is in English... I'm kind of tire of receiving comments in Spanish by email SO I added a new comment link for Spanish comments right beside our usual comment link at the end of each post.

Se habla ESPANOL... Perdonen el ~

A pesar de que muchos latinos visitan este blog, ninguno se atreve a comentar porque el blog esta escrito en Ingles... Y como ya me canse un poco de atender los emails de estos amigos, anadi un "link" para que puedan comentar en espanol libremente. El mismo esta ubicado al lado del "link" de comentarios en ingles. Justo al final de cada publicacion. ESPERO QUE AHORA SE ANIMEN A COMENTAR. Y claro... disculpen la falta de acentos en este "post" pero es que blogger es una mierda... y escribe otra cosa en lugar de los acentos que yo escribo... Si saben como arreglar este problema, me dicen. Gracias!!!

Anti-Procrastination

2005-08-03T17:25:00.000-04:00

Instead of been doing my house chores I've been on the internet the last 75 minutes... Guess I am not finishing my Anti-Procrastination Day Chore List. I better try harder to finish something 'cause DH will be here in an hour!!! ...It IS official I'm not going to church 'cause I MOST clean now. See you tomorrow!!!

2005-08-03T16:52:00.000-04:00

You Are 40% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird... But too damn weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

pro.cas.tri.nat.ion

2005-08-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

pro.cras.ti.nate (transitive and intransitive verb)

postpone doing something: to postpone doing something, especially as a regular practice [Late 16th century. procrastinat-, past participle of procrastinare "put off until tomorrow" cras- "tomorrow"]

I've been putting things off until "I want" for a long time. SO now my house is a big mess!!! Maybe you already know how BAD things can get when you put things for some other day... And that day never comes.

While I was reviewing my yahoo mail this morning I read a FlyLady's email telling me that today was my Anti-Procrastination Day. SO I planned on cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. It's 1:30 pm and I haven't done ANYTHING to this house... What the hell is wrong with me? Am I too smart to do a simple thing as cleaning a house?! DH is coming back in four hour SO I'm going to start cleaning now (the hottest time on the day) and I'm going to do as much as I can... No more TV or PC for me until I get this house at a "decent" state.

To be accountable to somebody, I'm posting my chore list. I MOST "draw" a line over each item after I finish it. If I finish on time, I'm allowed to go to church tonight... Yes that's a treat for me. If I don't finish I am not allowed to leave my house under ANY concept or circumstance.

Today's Chore List:

~~Shine my sink.~~
~~Clean both bathrooms.~~
Declutter the dining room.
Declutter the kitchen countertop.
Declutter under the kitchen counter.
Vacuum and mop the whole house.
~~Cook a healthy dinner for Dear Husband.~~

I am not behind! I am not going to try to catch up; I'm just going to jump in where FlyBabbies are and do my thing. Right?

Click On FlyLady's Cartoon to visit her web page.

con.fes.sion

2005-08-02T16:09:00.000-04:00

con.fes.sion (plural con.fes.sions) - admission of wrongdoing: an admission of having done something wrong, embarrassing, or humiliating - criminal law admission of guilt: a voluntary written or verbal statement admitting the commission of a crime - open acknowledgment of feelings: a profession of emotions or beliefs such as love, loyalty, faith... or shame - christianity declaration of sins: a formal declaration of sins confidentially to a priest or to God - something admitted: something that is confessed or disclosed *sight* Ok... I have a confesion to make... *sad eyes* I am openly admitting that I did something totally wrong *silence* I've been weak for the past few days... I'm guilty of the punishable crime (sin) of being out of program for the last four days... FF Challenge Day 22 - 26 ~ July 29 'til today where a total desaster! Whole week holidays and long weekends are BAD for dieting. THANKS GOD all holidays (Americans and Puerto Ricans) are over for a while and next birthday is on December. TOMORROW IS A BRAND NEW DAY TO START AGAIN!

*ashamed*

Fat Fighter Challenge Weigh In 3

2005-07-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

Drumroll please!!! Ladies and gentlemen... 21 days have passed and the moment of truth is finally here. Today is Weight In Day! I know everyone have been 101% committed to NS (or some version of it)... SO there shouldn't be a problem to tell everyone your "new" number. Right?

As you already did the two previous weeks: Log on with your username and post your weigh in. You can also post your original weight and total lost so we can all see easier how well you are doing. Remember to email Amanda so she can log in your number in the spreadsheet without having to be coming here to check. Let's get started!

[Although the date say Friday, July 29... It is actually 5:30 PM of Thursday, July 28 LOL... The thing is that I decided to post earlier because I don't want to wait longer... ROFLOL ~~it is already 11:30 AM of Friday on Amanda's side of the globe and I think it isn't fair for her to wait longer to post how she did. Right?~~ You just wait until it is Friday AM on your time zone, weigh in... THEN post. *wink*]

REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN AND TO GIVE A 101% THE NEXT WEEK!!! The pot CAN be won by anyone right now... Don't TRY to do your best, but DO your best. Loosers TRY, winners DO.

Accountability Report

2005-07-28T21:30:00.000-04:00

FF Challenge Day 20 ~ July 27 - Holiday - TOM (period) =0( Food: Breakfast - Spinash Fettuccinni in homemade red meat sauce. Lunch - Chips and Refried Beans with cheese =0( Snack 1 - Bleu Bunny's Chocolate Fudge Low Carb Ice Cream

Snack 2 - Navisco's Oreo 100 cal. snack pack. Dinner - Whopper plain with mayo... 10 fries, and diet soda. Dessert - none Water: only one glass *shame* Exercise: none... TOM

Weight: 243.5 lbs.

FF Challenge Day 21 ~ July 28 - I hate TOM Food: Breakfast - 100% NS Lunch - 100% NS Snack - 100% NS Dinner - 100% NS Dessert - 100% NS Water: 8 glasses Exercise: none... BUSY! ...Having a hair makeover at the beauty salon. *wink*

Finally getting back on track after vacations. Open your eyes and see how me weight melts down... hopefully I'll have a woooosh pretty soon!

NS Accountability Report

2005-07-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

God ist's SO hard to stay on track while on vacations! But I tried my best. Here's how I did:

FF Challenge Day 4 ~ July 11 - FIRST DAY OF VACATION - Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Flammer's veggie burger, salad, french fries ~ fat serving!? =0(

Dessert - 100% NS

Water: Drank about 10 glasses of water... Woohoo!

Exercise: none Weight: 236.5 lbs.

FF Challenge Day 5 ~ July 12 - Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - Steak, white rice (provenzal style), and lettuce.

Snack - ColdStone Cremery... CheeseCake with Strawberries Ice Cream.

Dinner - NS Pasta Faggiolli, no salad or vegestables. =0(

Dessert - 100% NS

Water: More than8 glasses of water...

Exercise: Walked for 90 minutes... shopping ;0)

FF Challenge Day 6 ~ July 13 - Culebra Island

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - 100% NS

Dessert - 100% NS

Water: Only 8 glasses of water.

Exercise: None

FF Challenge Day 7 ~ July 14 - Culebra Island

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Grilled Mahi Mahi with tostones (fried plaintain) and LOTS of salad from the salad bar. SO GOOD

Dessert - 100% NS

Water: More than 8 glasses of water...

Exercise: 60 minutes snorkeling and 30 minutes walk. GOOD!

FF Challenge Day 8 ~ July 15 - Culebra Island / Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Sizzler... Cream of Broccolli, 1 piece of fried chicken, LOTS of salad from the salad bar... Yummy!

Dessert - Ice cream from Sizzler's salad bar... =0

Water: More than 8 glasses of water.

Exercise: 30 minutes snorkeling... GOOD!

FF Challenge Day 9 ~ July 16 - Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Chilli's... Chicken Fajitas... Yummy!

Dessert - Chilli's... Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie =0( Pre-Birthday Party *wink*

Water: 17 glasses of water...

Exercise: 200 minutes walk... Window Shopping!

FF Challenge Day 10 ~ July 17 - Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - NS Ravioli, Salad, Veggies, Fried Casaba (Yuquitas)

Dessert - Pop Corn (movies)

Water: 10 glasses of water...

Exercise: NONE

FF Challenge Day 11 ~ July 18 - MY BIRTHDAY - El Yunque / Luquillo Beach

Food: Breakfast - Subway... Tuna sandwish, diet soda, and a cup of coffee

Lunch - ww crackers, and coconut water staight from the shell with a straw. Yummy!!

Snack/Dinner - Fried Stuff from Luquillo's Kiosks (1 Pionono, 2 Tacos de Jueyes, and 1 Alcapurria) 800 calories approx. =0( It was SO GOOD!!!

Dessert - ColdStone Cremery... Cookies and Cream Ice Cream... Yummy!!!

Water: 15 glasses of water...

Exercise: 120 minutes hike to the top of Mt. Britton at El Yunque.

FF Challenge Day 12 ~ July 19 - San Juan (Puerto Rico's Capital City)

Food: Breakfast - 2 eggs, a slice of mango, and ww bread.

Lunch - Macarroni Grill... LOTS of Foccaccia, Lasagna, and Coffe

Snack - 3 chocolate truffles, 4 sour candy (tonge)

Dinner - 3 small pieces of fried pork meat, mofongo (smashed plaintain), and chicken broth.

Dessert - none

Water: 8 glasses of water...

Exercise: 120 minutes walk... Window shopping again.

FF Challenge Day 13 ~ July 20 - Old San Juan

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - Turkey sandwish in ww loaf bread, cornmeal friters, and french fries.

Snack - cheese stick

Dinner - 2 slices of pizza... SO yummmmmmy!

Dessert - none

Water: more than 12 glasses of water...

Exercise: 350 minutes walk... Doing local tourism at Old San Juan. SO FUN!

FF Challenge Day 14 ~ July 21 - Isabela / Camuy / Utuado / Arecibo

Food: Breakfast - Mc Donalds... Coffee, hashbrown, and a (bacon, cheese and salad) sandwish.

Lunch - white rice, red kidney beans, and chicken breast. (Typical lunch of Puerto Rico)

Snack - Pumpking and Tamarind Ice Cream from Heladería Lares (Very typical place here in Puerto Rico)

Dinner - 4oz. of regular 7up and 1 slice of spanish sausage pizza... SO yummy!!!

Dessert - coffee and 1/2 quesito (puf pastry baked goody filled with cream cheese)

Water: 6 glasses of water... Shame on me!

Exercise: 60 minutes cave hike, 120 minutes walk.

***Trucker's strike... There's no gas in PR because of it.We were forsed to go back home... We NEED gas to do local tourism.HATE THOSE TRUCKERS!***

FF Challenge Day 15 ~ July 22 - Isabela Beach (Villa Pesquera)

Yes... I'm back home... =0( Got to hate those truckers and their freaking union!

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Wendy's... Taco supremo salad

Dessert - 100% NS Water: 10 glasses of water

Exercise: none

FF Challenge Day 16 ~ July 23 - Home... Hating truckers... =0(

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - 100% NS

Dessert - Pop Corn... 2 Navisco's 100 cal. snacks =0( PMS!!!

Water: 10 glasses of water

Exercise: none... Felt sick.

Weight: 240.5 lbs. That's four pounds up since vacations started... BUT one pound less than when the Fat Fighter Challenge started.

FF Challenge Day 17 ~ July 24 - Home... Still hating truckers... =0()

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Golden Crown Chenese Restaurant... Chenese rice, and Orange Tangy Chicken.

Dessert - Flan de Queso (Cheese Custard)

Water: 4 glasses of water... BAD, BAD, BAD!!!

Exercise: House shores... and a 20 minutes walk at Guajataca Lake.

FF Challenge Day 18 ~ July 25 - Holiday - Trucker's strike is over. SO back to local tourism! Woohoo!

Food: Breakfast - 100% NS

Lunch - 100% NS

Snack - 100% NS

Dinner - Chilli's... Bacon cheese burger, french fries... and a Molten (half of it)... It was yummy! Dessert - Pop Corn (movies)

Water: 17 glasses of water...

Exercise: 300 minutes walk (at the zoo) FUN!

FF Challenge Day 19 ~ July 26 - Vacations are over. DH is back to work. *sad*

Food: Breakfast - Chenese LeftOvers... Chenese rice, and Orange Tangy Chicken.

Lunch - 1 Mango

Snack - 5 Tostones

Dinner - Spinash Fettuccinni in homemade red meat sauce. Yummmy! I cook SO GOOD!

Dessert - 1 Navisco's 100 cal. snack

Water: 4 glasses of water... BAD girl!

Exercise: none... I'm having my period.

FF Challenge Day 20 ~ July 27 - Holiday -

Today is holiday again but DH is working already =0( SO I'm home alone as always... There is so much cleaning to do!!! Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!! I'll try my hardest to stay on track... but I make no promises! I'm on my period and it makes me hungry.

In Puerto Rico all weekends of July are long weekends (Monday is off for everyone) and the last week of July is off for almost everybody... Isn't it neat. Yes! But it's bad for my diet efforts. But I'm trying to do my best!

I'm back!

2005-07-22T09:09:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I'm back home, BUT now my cousing is visiting from San Juan until Sunday. Fat Fighter Challengers... PLEASE POST THIS WEEK'S WEIGHT-INS ON AMANDA'S BLOG!!! Hopefully I'll have some time tonight to post a bit and tell you how I did on NS... Ah! It's SO hard to stay focused while on vacations!

VACATIONS

2005-07-12T01:38:00.000-04:00

I'm on vacations until July 21... I have my NS food with me though. Pound and Commitment are with me as well... They are helping me to stay on track to win the Fat Fighter Challenge. I'm making this post from my cellphone. SO, it takes a while to write few sentences... But it's still fun. There won't be more posts on this blog until June 22. I'll be "MoBlogging" in my other blog. www.photogalore.blogspot.com SO go there to see photos of my vacations. I'll post every photo I take... :o) It will be fun! Next weight-ins from the Fat Fighter Challenge (July 15) most be posted in Amanda's blog www.astrauser.blogspot.com If you have any questions, suggestions or worries about the challenge during this week, feel free to email Amanda... I know she will be more than happy to help you. Everyone take care, and Happy Weightloss!

I'm SO focused now!

2005-07-10T12:52:00.000-04:00

Since the Fat Fighter Challenge started I've been REALLY motivated and focused. This is just what I needed to get that scale moving down again! Here's how I'm doing so far: FF Challenge Day 1 ~ July 8 - Food: Breakfast - 100% NS Lunch - 100% NS Snack - 100% NS Dinner - I had a "last supper" (as Tina would say) at Ponderosa. 2 pounds per week is not doable going to food bars and pigging out! Water: Drank only one glass of water... Shame on me! Exercise: Wog (as Tina would say... again) on my treadmill. Only 20 min... Ok it was 15 min. Hey! At least I go off the computer! FF Challenge Day 2 ~ July 9 - Food: Breakfast - 100% NS Lunch - 100% NS Snack - 100% NS Dinner - 100% NS Dessert - 100% NS Water: Drank about 10 glass of water... Woohoo! Exercise: Didn't exercised BUT I did some DIY home project. FF Challenge Day 3 ~ July 10 - Food: Breakfast - 100% NS Lunch - 100% NS ...It's noon here SO that's all I can say about food today. But I KNOW I will be 100% NS... I'm SO pumped up! Water: 4 glass of water down already. Exercise: Haven't exercised jet BUT I think I will on the beach. DH and other family members are waiting for me there. ;0) Weight: THE SCALE IS MOVED DOWN ALREADY!!! Woohoo!

here I come! I am tire of living in ! The Fat Fighter Challenge got me all pumpped up and focused! I hope all my Nutri FFChallengers are as motivated as me! Are you girls? REMEMBER and take ... Love you all!

Blinkies are courtesy of LessLisa.

Chatterbox...

2005-07-09T03:48:00.000-04:00

Sheryl suggested we had a chatroom "meeting" some time soon. We thought about Yahoo and NS chatroom. But then I remembered there's a way to chat "privately"...SO I added a Chatterbox to my right sideboard... It is right under "Get in Touch" ...Here's a brief explanation of how it works:

= Chat, Takes you to Flooble, our chat server. ;0) = PopUp, Will Pop Up the Chatroom so you can keep surfing. = History, Will popup the history of the Chatterbox so you can read old posts. = Refresh, It is located on the upper right corner of the popped up window. It is used to update the catroom window.

You most write your name (or nickname) and the url of your blog (if you have one). Your message will go in the last blue window... Still don't know how many characters it will let you write in. THEN you will click on "post". You can also type smilies if you want to!!!

For type :) , :-) For type :( , :-( For type :| , :-| For type :D, :-D For type ;) , ;-)

Go ahead... Play with it!!! If you want to know if there is someone visiting this blog at the same moment you are, scroll all the way down and look at the left sidebar. It will tell you the online visitors right under "Home for me" ...Maybe we can set up few times a week where few of us come here to chat and motivate each other. Well... have a nice day. I MOST go to sleep now. It's almost 4:30 am... BTW... I already posted "The Official Fight Fighter Challengers List". It's two posts down. Verify if your info is correct and let me know if I need to change something. AND remember to email Amanda about your contribution to the "pot". HAPPY WEIGHT LOSS!!! [September - I deleted this feature from my blog because it had REALLY bad pop ups and made my blog WAY slow.]

Weight In Banner

2005-07-09T02:56:00.000-04:00

I already explained this but... I'm explaining it again to dispel doubts. This is the banner I'll be using to post my weekly weight-in. It was created by my lovely cyber-friend Jose Daniel. Who is loosing weight also, but using a diet he invented. ;0) This system IS different to the one we use on the NSBB. Here's how it works: the first number is the starting point. The orange circle will tell you if I gained, loosed or stayed the same. The middle number will be the current weight. And the last number is the previous week's weight-in number. Since we are on the first week of our challenge, the number on the upper right corner is one. And all weight numbers are the same. After we weigh-in next Friday, the number in the upper right corner will change from one to two and the cero (in the blue circle) will change to one... That way you will always know on what week we are and what was my previous and current weight. Isn't it neat? I already send this banner to many of you with your current weight in. BUT I'm not going to be updating it. You can update it yourself using Photoshop or Macromedia ~~Firefox~~ Fireworks MX (Jose used the second one to make this banner.) There is a free trial download you can use. ;0) If you haven't received this banner jet, feel free to email me. I'll try to send it as soon as possible. DH's vacations stated today and we are leaving for few days. Wooohooo!

Fat Fighter Challengers (Official List)

2005-07-09T02:20:00.000-04:00

Allykat5150 - Melyssa - 261
AncientRotaryPhoneChick - Katlinel - 209
Ashar Edith - Edith Tapia - 242 (241.5)
Astrauser - Amanda - 154.4
Batlangelina - Tressa - 143
Bhappy1 - May - 229
Dardell - Danielle - 161.6
Ilsa - Ilsa - 184
Itsbecca - Becca - 238.5
Me@40 - Me@40 - 165
Spicecake - Miko - 136.4
Mmangon - Maureen - 245.25
Mmatilo - Megan - 208
MyStarlight2005 - Jenny - 219.5
Onederland - Christine - 209
OverFed&FedUp - Lisa - 261
Pacamom - Trish - 194.1
Redsgirl - Tina - 196
Sandra S - Sandra - 180
Saszygirl33 - Amy - 179.9
Sheryl - Sheryl - 179
Snitchly - NeeNee - 165
Suetay - Sue - 220.5
Tireofthew8 - Kathy - 174
TLCfor4 - Jamie - 247
Trappedinside - Kathy H. - 141
Txbutterflie - Pamela - 183
Voluptua - Anna - 252.5

If you signed up for the challenge, verify if your name is here. We will allow last minute entries until noon. Remember you MOST give me a valid email where I can communicate with you if needed! If you haven't, please do so ASAP. [If there is some error, feel free to tell me. I'm the queen of typos! LOL]

The challenge is on!!!

2005-07-08T09:51:00.000-04:00

The announcement of this personal challenge it's being a riot!!! Thanks to all my Nutri Sisters who have hop into the challenge. Especially to Amanda who immediately started spreading the word out... ;0) and is keeping the "pot" list.

Initially this was a personal challenge SO I didn't had any rules for it. Just the ones I posted yesterday. BUT since now we are having prizes... It is good to have those!

Challenge's Rules: (If you think there is some rule missing just email me.)

The challenge is from July 8 to September 30.
This is open to any female doing Nutri System (with or without food)... Males loose at a different rate SO it isn't fair to have a male in it... (Sorry Bob... we love you anyway.)
Every participant MOST update her weight-in every Friday (starting today) by posting their new weight-in number here in my blog.
The person who looses more lbs. will win the jackpot.
If you want, you can put a banner of this challenge on your NS profile or on your blog. It is not compulsory though.
We suggest that every participant put something in the "pot" for the winner to take all. Maybe something neat you make or from the area you live... It doesn't have to be expensive. After you know what is your contribution to the "pot" e-mail Amanda and tell her. Maybe you can send her a picture for everyone to see... Prizes will keep us motivated.
We're all working on the honor system and you all rock so we know we can trust each other to tell the truth when posting the weight-in number and to come through with the prize!

... You have until today to hop into the challenge. The final list of participants will be posted tonight. Now tell me your starting weight for the challenge!!!

Clean Slate

2005-07-07T13:32:00.000-04:00

I started this weight loss journey on February 15, 2005. Twelve weeks later I was 20.2 lbs. down. Therefore, I assumed that by my birthday I was going to be around 45 lbs. down. Little I knew that I was going to gain weight... then have the longest plateau in weight loss history! Although I'm trying hard to keep it positive, I most admit sometimes I feel like quitting. BUT I AM NOT QUITING... BECAUSE I KNOW I CAN WIN THIS FIGHT!!! To avoid frustration I am starting again. As we say in Puerto Rico "Borron y cuenta nueva" (Erase and start again.) ...For twelve weeks (June 8 to September 30) I will be "Fighting the Bulge" with all my heart, mind, and body. Hopefully I will lose 2 pounds every week, and I will be around 215 lbs. by October first. I KNOW I CAN DO THIS!!! Every Friday I will update the banner you see heading this post. Making our tracking process easier. It will read as follows: the first number is the starting point. The orange circle will tell you if I gained, loosed or stayed the same. The middle number will be the current weight. And the last number is the previous week's weight-in number. As this is my first day, every window has the same number. Also, on the upper right corner, the banner has a box stating the week number I'm in... Isn't it neat? My "Fat Fighter" banner was created by my lovely cyber-friend Jose Daniel... ;0) Who is also "Fighting the Bulge" with me... He is winning by .5 lbs. right now. Thanks 'hun! Anyone want to join our challenge? If you want to join, feel free to do so. It would be nice to have some competition going on! Maybe we can have a prize for the winner... ;0) we will see.

Non Scale Victories Weekend

2005-07-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

When I called DH last Friday, he was really mad about some work issues. Since it was 5:30 PM already I suggested we went somewhere to have dinner and talk. He wasn't hungry and I wanted to stay true to myself SO we both eat only salad and soup... That was my first NSV for a weekend full of NSVs. First thing Saturday morning, I went to a yard sale my church was having. Before I noticed it was noon already SO I eat one chicken pincho (shish-kebab... or skewer) without bread , a NS lunch-bar, and LOTS of water. While I was there more than five people complimented me about my weight loss... I felt SO strong for being able to use some willpower and receiving so many compliments I can't even describe it. I was FLYing on my way home! Before getting home I called DH to see if he had lunch. He hadn't SO I stopped for some Chinese food for him and a veggie soup for me. That was my 3:00 PM snack. Around 4:00 PM we went to my DP new cottage. I brought a small Carvel ice cream cake because it was my DP wedding anniversary. After we sang happy anniversary to them... I got the task of cutting the cake without cheating on my diet. SO to make things easier I cut the cake in eight "pie pieces" and DM handed it out. After DM gave everyone a piece of cake until there was one piece left... DM said: "That piece is for you" I replied: "NO! I'm not going to ruin my diet for a piece of cake!" ...After I spoke everyone stopped eating and applauded. Can you believe that?! I felt SO proud of myself for saying NO. After everyone eat their huge piece of ice cream cake DM invited us to dinner. SO we went to Ponderosa... I had a chicken breast, soup, and salad. I didn't even looked at my baked potato. DH ate it. Most say everyone was amazed that I didn't eat any dessert nor went twice to the salad bar. AND DM said my arms looked "less fat"...That was another great NSV for me. On Sunday morning we woke up early to go to church... Then to the movies... As always! DH couldn't stop to saying how good I looked. That was another NSV! This day was 75% NS though 'cause I had a turkey sandwich in a Whole Wheat loaf bread as lunch. I didn't have popcorn though! On our way home there were selling quenepas (genips) on the street SO we stopped to buy some. Yummy!!! Since I didn't had any fruit for breakfast, nor lunch or snack. That was my fruit serving for the day. We also bought two HUGE mangoes. When we arrived home I measured them. Each measured 9" long by 5.5" ...You could feed few people with those. SO Yummmmmy!!! Yesterday I worked on our current DIY home-project, while DH worked... I think I'm starting to hate my DH's boss... NO! I already hate him! WHO would want their employee to work on July 4th? ...I wanted to go to the beach. BUT NO! ...There I was secluded at home because of DH's mean boss! Around 5:00 PM DH stopped working and we went to play some basketball. Boy we had fun! My day was 100% NS until 8:30 PM... We rented a movie and I ate popcorn =0(... At least it was Fat Free! My weight loss journey is taking longer than expected BUT at least I have few NSVs to be proud and happy about! That keeps me strong on my FLY to ONEderland.

Blog Traffic... Another Nomination... Nutri Update

2005-07-01T07:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday at 23:59:58 FLYing to ONEderland (www.edithtapia.blogspot.com) received its 10,000 hit from someone surfing at Blog Explotion!!! I think that's great for a 'personal diary blog' that have been in the bloghosphere for 15 weeks only! Thanks for your support and your constant encouraging comments. mmmmmmm... I figured out that if everyone had clicked on my google adds I would have earn $1,100.00 dollars. Instead I have $7.45... Oh well!

For those Nutri Friends who are wondering what is my secret... Surf traffic exchange engines! Blog directories!

One more thing... I've been nominated for BEST "A DAY IN MY LIFE" BLOG by RHWD Click on any of these buttons to vote for me. ;0)

Please vote (for ME) every day!

Nutri Friends... Wich button goes better with my blog design?

Back on topic. Yesterday I was ~~100%~~ 90% on NS. I felt really good about it. Didn't drank all my water though but I hope I do better today... and during the weekend. I want to stay loyal to myself... and my dreams of FLYing to ONEderland. I know I CAN DO IT!!! I'm committed 100% to reach my goal. After all... I don't want to ridicule myself in front of so many bloggies! [Girl Talk... No Boys Allowed] TOM is finally here... Not your brother Bob! SO now I know why I was SO moody/sentimental last wednesday! Therefore I don't HAVE to go to the doctor... I hate going to the GYN. Don't you? [Girl Talk Done] I'm really optimistic about this journey. I've had my ups and downs but I KNOW I CAN DO IT! There's no question about it. It's taking longer than I expected, but I KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN.

Important Health Information

2005-06-30T11:45:00.000-04:00

I had few questions SO I went to Live Counseling for help. This is a Copy/Paste from the counseling session. ********************************* Session ID ###### Welcome EDITH TAPIA... Connecting to server. Please wait... Connected to LiveCounseling. ********************************* Counselor: Hi! How Can I help you? Me: I have few questions... Counselor: Please feel free to ask any question you might have. Our goal is to get you the information you need to reach your goal. Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap. Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables? A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable slop. Q: Is beer or wine bad for me? A: Look, it goes to the earlier point about fruits and vegetables. As we all know, scientists divide everything in the world into three categories: animal, mineral, and vegetable. We all know that beer and wine are not animal and they are not on the periodic table of elements, so that only leaves one thing, right? My advice: Have a burger and a beer and enjoy your liquid vegetables. Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc. Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain... Good. Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you? A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you? Q: What's the secret to healthy eating? A: Thicker gravy. Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me? A: Are you crazy? HELLO... Cocoa beans... another vegetable! It's the best feel good food around! Me: Well I think those were all the questions I had! Counselor: I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. Have a cookie... flour is a veggie! One more thing - when life hands you lemons, ask for a bottle of tequila and some salt... ********************************** End of Copy/Paste ********************************** Now everything makes sense! What would I do without my Nutri Counselor?! ROFLOL...

Taken from Joe-ks

Anti-Stress Diet For Women

2005-06-30T11:08:00.000-04:00

This is a specially formulated diet designed to help women cope with stress that builds up during the day. BREAKFAST 1 grapefruit 1 slice whole-wheat toast 1 cup skim milk LUNCH A small portion lean, steamed chicken with a cup of spinach 1 cup herbal tea 1 Hershey kiss AFTERNOON TEA the rest of the kisses in the bag 1 tub of Hagen Daas ice cream with choc-chip topping DINNER 4 bottles of wine (red or white) 2 loaves garlic bread 1 family size supreme pizza 3 Snickers bars LATE NIGHT SNACK whole frozen Sarah Lee cheesecake (eaten directly from the freezer) REMEMBER: STRESSED SPELLED BACKWARDS IS "DESSERTS" Send this to all the women you know or ever knew, and you will immediately lose 10 pounds.

Taken from Joe-ks

I AM HUNGRY!

2005-06-29T09:22:00.000-04:00

Hi! My name is Edith and I am hungry... I have to confess something. And my heart is sinking while I write 'cause I KNOW I AM IN BIG TROUBLE... I've been sneaking food and eating it while no one is watching me. *cry* I don't know what to do to control myself... I just don't! I thought I had it in control but that was a lie. I was closing my eyes to my sad reality... When I'm alone I feel SO hungry I just can't control it. I know it is emotional hunger. But it is there the whole freaking day! I try to fight back reading the NSBB, decluttering, and blogging but it doesn't go away... Sometimes I starve myself the whole day... then I go eat what ever I want. Then I feel betrayed by myself for eating... I'm not happy when I'm hungry... either while I eat... or after eating. =0(... Why I don't know how to FLY? *sob* This feels the same like sex in High School... Back then I felt guilty for doing it before getting married because it wasn't right and it was being in sin... I was always scared to get pregnant. Not to mention: "What if dad knows? ... Will he still love me?" I was sad all the time. Nevertheless, I always relapsed on my bad behavior. Sometimes I tried to substitute my affection thirst with other activities but I always ended up on the arms of this guy who didn't loved me but "took care" of me. Today I FEEL EMPTY... SAD and LONELY... I need help!!! My overeating problem is out of control! What if DH, DM, other family members, and my nutri friends know this? Will they still love me? I'm hungry... hungry of love. Gosh I need a hug! I need someone to say "I LOVE YOU"... *sob*... I think I'm depressed. But I don't want to be on medication again! It numbs my feelings. I want to be able to feel. Even if it hurts!

Busy...

2005-06-28T14:04:00.000-04:00

I've been busy lately. Last Saturday DH and I started to built a hallway closet to try to manage out "clutter issue"... Thanks God we have no children! Just the two of us know how wreck a house in minutes. Since we married four years ago we've been trying hard to have and organized house. But there's always a place to be ashamed about! Hopefully this new closet space will help us to organize our junk. In the meantime the house is a disaster area full of lumber, "construction" equipment and sawdust. The good thing is that it is coming out really nice, and we already feel proud about it. Plus! We haven't argued not ones!!! That wasn't possible two years ago. I think we are finally learning to communicate as people. LOL If everything goes as planned we should finish the closet project during this weekend and continue with the baseboards project as planned. (We already pulled out the tile-baseboards from the hallway before starting the closet.) SO that makes two projects in progress from my 101 in 1001 list (number 94 & 97). Isn't that neat? After we are done I'll post few pictures of it in my 101 in 1001 blog. I also started to learn more about HTML, CSS, and JAVA. (number 38 from my 101 in 1001 list). I learned how to create a FavIcon... I've been wanting to learn how to do that for a while, SO I'm really happy about it. Don't you know what a FavIcon is? Just look up to the browser bar. That's my FavIcon! Isn't it neat? For more info just go here. It is really easy to do. I also placed a No-Right-Click JavaScript on this page so no one can "steal" my design. *wink* I don't remember from who I got that code. SO I have no one to give credit for it. BTW... Tressa you should check your No-Right-Click JavaScript 'cause it isn't working properly. Yours either Helen. E-mail me if you want the script I'm using. [4:00pm update: Since Right-Click is not allowed on this page, I just added a Code-Stealing-Window LOL... Don't know what to call it so I invented that name. LOL... Go ahead steal it. Link to me!] As for the project of loosing weight... I'm deadlocked. *sad* I am tire of eating Nutri System... BUT I'm still trying hard to be on program and eat right. I'm not going to Curves though, because I'm spending a lot of time and effort on decluttering. I have SO much to do to this house I don't know where to start each morning! The good thing is that working keeps me away from the fridge. I guess that's good. Right?