Trying again...

I'm doing it. I'm trying again. I'm starting over on Weight Watchers. I started on the first day of school. I know, I'm crazy. Going back to school and starting a diet all on the same day? I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. So I'm almost one week in and doing well so far. I've lost almost 3 pounds so far. I haven't starved myself. I have eaten some of the foods that I have tended to gorge myself on, but I've eaten them in moderation and eaten lighter foods for the rest of the day. I have learned that the spray ranch dressing tastes like, well, I won't say what it tastes like, but needless to say it isn't good. The peach Fiber One yogurt, however, is fabulous. It may be the best yogurt I've ever eaten. I know that I can do this. I've done it before. I just need to stick to it and stay focused. I may never be thin but I can be healthier.

My new obsession with orange and my old obsession with fall...

Fall is almost here and I'm feeling very autumny lately. I can't wait for cool crisp days, jeans, sweaters, and jackets. Because of this (I think) I've been drawn to things that are orange lately. It all started with with the Brita water pitcher that Curt gave me for my birthday. Today at Target I bought a bowl with on orange border. You may have also noticed that I changed the template of my blog. I'm feeling very orange lately! I can't wait for fall and my new orange items are helping me feel like it's getting here faster!

Ocracoke

I just wanted to share some pictures from my Ocracoke trip. The island is beautiful and I can't wait to go back. (NCCATs anyone?)

I just wanted to share some pictures from my Ocracoke trip. The island is beautiful and I can't wait to go back. (NCCATs anyone?)

Update: Julia Child

Before leaving for Ocracoke, I made dinner for Steve and me. While the dinner itself wasn't that impressive (bbq chicken & corn on the cob), my dessert was. I made from scratch a chocolate meringue pie. I mixed the chocolate pie filling and even whipped the meringue myself. It turned out wonderfully and was soooooo delicious! I was also quite proud of myself. I like cooking, I really do, I just have to stop being so lazy, get off my ass, into the kitchen, and do it! Look out kitchen, here I come!

Amazed

I'm amazed by how quickly life can change. It seems to happen just when you expect it least, when you're sure that the things you wanted were too much to ask for, that you would never find the things that you were looking for.
Dear God,
Please help me to remember everyday what a lucky girl I am and not to take anything for granted.
A.

Ode to School Supplies

I have to go back to school in one week. My favorite part of going back to work after a 10 week vacation? School supplies!
My school supply shopping list:
colored ink pens
board markers
3 ring binders
paper clips
mechanical pencils
clorox hard surface cleaner
kleenex
colored paper
post-it notes in all shapes, colors, & sizes
hilighters
Is there anything better than going back to school shopping?

I'm Jealous...

Today I went to see Julie & Julia. It was absolutely adorable. I smiled through the entire movie. I left quite jealous, however. I'm jealous that I'm not a good cook. There are several reasons for this. I lack the patience required to cook. I want dinner done now. Also, I'm lazy. This is a fact that I've come to accept about myself. Cooking makes a big mess in the kitchen. There are lots of dishes to clean when the cooking is all done. And buying lots of fresh ingredients is expensive and I'm on a fixed income. I'm also a space cadet. I always come home from the grocery store missing at least one ingredient. These are all reasons I tell myself I can't cook. But the fact is, that I enjoy cooking. The last time I really cooked was when I made chicken marsala and homemade mashed potatoes when Steve came over for dinner for the first time. I had a good time cooking and I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I was so proud of myself for producing this great meal. I will make an effort to cook more, and to experiment with different types of food. I can (and will) become a better cook!