Hijacked from Facebook: My Nephew Lucas

Reading Update

I have finished several books while I've been on holiday. 

I read Obese from the Heart: A Fat Psychologist Discloses.  I did not care for this book at all.  Everyone has their own personal journey, so I won't discount Ms. Steins.  There was a statement early in the book about how fat people are some of the most angry people she knows.  She verifies this by saying she should know, she is fat herself.  I wasn't always on cloud nine as a SSMO person, but not every area of my life was miserable either.  I was very successful at my career, had a close relationship with my family, and was involved in many church activities.

I am currently reading, Designated Fat Girl: A Memoir.  I purchased this on Kindle as soon as I learned about it because it was the first memoir from a person who had WLS that I knew of.  Ms. Joyner had gastric bypass in 2008, after a struggle of sixteen years with her weight.  She addressed the frequent line of "taking the easy way out" and "doing it on your own" in her book....

"It finally occurred to me that my choosing to have weight-loss surgery was doing it "on my own."  I was making the only choice I had in order to improve my health, in order to be around to watch my children grow up.  By having gastric bypass, I wasn't giving up and my weight loss wouldn't be a less-than effort.  I was finally choosing to do what was best for me, no matter what anyone else thought.  And that made me feel incredibly free."

Recap from Yesterday

Reed was having a laughter fit after we picked him up from his half day of school.

We are the cool aunt and uncle....taking him to see Megamind in 3D.  He had to listen to us jam to various songs on XM Radio on the way over though!

We had dinner at the Mexican restaurant when HH's brother Webb arrived.

HH's dinner:  (I think I'll pass)

HH got a haircut yesterday.  His hair has been thinning considerably, and we were debating the whole "shave it off" topic.  The stylist cut more hair off than he has ever had cut before, yet it actually looks like he has more hair.  I really like the new cut.

Yesterday in the shower, I started to get some anxiety thinking about all I had to do next week at work.  I had to pull myself out of thinking about it.  I only have two plannings next week, and have almost 10 hours of meetings outside of school time.  I don't want what I have to encounter next week to ruin the remainder of my vacation this week.

Best part of yesterday:  I'm an aunt again!  My SIL went into labor last night, and Lucas Elijah was born at 6 lbs and 14 oz. (19 inches long).  They didn't find out whether or not they were having a boy or girl.  I am hoping for a picture message on my phone sometime today!

So Much for Trying to be Proactive...

I called yesterday to set up an appointment with a Registered Dietitian.  I saw that it was covered under my health plan, and I thought it would be excellent to have a few consult appointments.

The receptionist asked me if I had diabetes, and then if I was overweight.  I said no to both, and she asks me why I wanted an appointment with the RD.  I said, "I just wanted to get tips on looking at my diet, and learning how to eat better."  In the insurance world you get no points for being proactive.  That's right...it would be covered if I had diabetes or was overweight, but since I don't have either of those I don't have a "billable diagnosis."  If I want to see an RD, it would be on my own dime at $64 an hour (the self pay rate).

So much for being proactive....

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob

Stovetop Stuffing

Layered Meatball Bake

* 1 package (6 oz.) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
* 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 pkg (1 lb.) frozen meatballs
* 2 cups frozen peas
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

1. Prepare stuffing as directed on package.
2. Mix soup and milk in 13 by 9 inch baking dish.  Stir in meatballs and peas; top with cheese and stuffing.
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.

Variation:
Prepare as directed, substituting 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes for the soup, omitting milk and using Italian-flavored meatballs and Mozzarella Cheese.

Cooking....

Ready for the table....

HH loved this dish.  He loves Stovetop so much.  I am debating making something from the Stove Top Recipe book again tonight for dinner.  I'll be back later with more!

We played UNO last night.  We played the best out of three.  HH beat me twice!

Links Worth Checking Out....

How Poverty Promotes Obesity in India (I'm interested in this because of the area that I teach in.)

Are Normal Weight Americans Over-Fat?

WLS Vitagarden: Lab Tracker Workbook

Prison Powered Electricity?

Weight Watchers Points Plan Stretching to Help Splurgers

Should We Accept Our Size and Forget All This?

Don't Listen to the Critics

Happy Reading!

Photo Fun

Here are a few picture of us before leaving the hotel on Sunday:

I made white chili and mexican cornbread for dinner last night.  The fresh oregano from my MIL's garden made all the difference in the world!  I have thought about growing some on my own, and this experience certainly is pushing me in that direction.  My proudest moment was that Reed (my seven year old nephew) ate his entire bowl!  I was completely expecting him to take one bite and ask for a sandwich.  I would like to do something to add some color to it next time.

John was not a fan of the soup, but he loved the cornbread!

HH and Reed together.  Reed loves spending time with his uncle!

John using the leaf blower.  He also made sure to evenly distribute the dust and dog hair in the house with the blower.

I was really tacky about these nesting dolls.  They were on display on top of my MIL's cabinet.  I asked her if I could have them whenever she didn't want them anymore.  (I have really been wanting a set for the last few months.  I vividly remember playing with them at one of my mom's friends every time we went there.)  She said that I could have them now!  :)  They were HH's grandmothers, so they are at least fifty years old.

I am doing these Thanksgiving Love Notes for HH from the Happy Home Fairy's blog.

I am all set to cook dinner again tonight.  I'll be back with pictures and a recipe later.

Some encouragement for you today.  This post really spoke to me.

From Fooducate...

Tim Hawkins on Bad Candy...