My lack of posts does not mean I have fallen off the wagon. On the contrary, everything is really falling into place. This week I have even started to get some exercise. Nothing too strenuous, but three days in a row I have gotten in a 30 minute walk on my lunch hour. My eating has been good. I haven’t been doing the diet doc program. I have just been sticking to the WW points. Getting back on track was my priority and when I would think of following Diet Doc, I would feel much too restricted and I thought it was better to just get my intake under control and then morph back into the Diet Doc program later.
I find that my mood has improved and the time that I was spending on the road commuting to work, I am now spending training dogs and actually cleaning my house. The dogs all love getting their individual time with me working on their programs. Ruby is working on her 2nd obedience title which is called the “Open” or “CDX” title. Cruise and Morgan haven’t done any obedience so they are training for their “Novice” or “CD” title. It’s nice for all of us to have purpose again. In later posts I’ll bore you with all our training foibles.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Dog Treats
Seashore asked for my dog treat recipe so I thought I would share it with all of you. First the disclaimer: I am neither a vet nor a dog nutritionist. I would not feed my dogs these treats instead of their daily ration of kibble. These are simply a tasty treat that my dogs enjoy. Your dog may have allergies and/or not like these treats. Use your own judgment.
Mind you, I don’t measure anything I just eyeball it. I use the same base mixture and then just change out the “yummy” ingredient for variety. Here are a few of the different things I have used as the “yummy” ingredient. 1 can of mackerel or salmon, 1 ½ cups pureed boiled liver, 1 ½ cups browned ground meat (I’ve used venison, ground beef and ground turkey). I’ve pressure cooked freezer burnt steaks and roasts to add too. Your only limit is your imagination and your dog’s taste buds.
3 cups Flour (I use Whole Wheat and Graham flour)
1 cup corn meal
½ cup powdered milk
3 eggs
¼ cup flax meal
“yummy ingredient”
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
I mix all this together in a large bowl to a thick cookie dough consistency. I often have to add more of the flour to get it right. I roll the mixture out on a cookie sheet lined with foil. Before I bake them I use my pizza cutter to cut them into bite sized training bits.
I bake the mixture in an oven at 300 degrees for about an hour. The result is a soft chewy treat. If you wanted to make crunchy treats I would suggest almost doubling the baking time although I have never done this.
These treats have no preservatives so they will mold in a couple of days. I keep them in the freezer until I am ready to use them.
Mind you, I don’t measure anything I just eyeball it. I use the same base mixture and then just change out the “yummy” ingredient for variety. Here are a few of the different things I have used as the “yummy” ingredient. 1 can of mackerel or salmon, 1 ½ cups pureed boiled liver, 1 ½ cups browned ground meat (I’ve used venison, ground beef and ground turkey). I’ve pressure cooked freezer burnt steaks and roasts to add too. Your only limit is your imagination and your dog’s taste buds.
3 cups Flour (I use Whole Wheat and Graham flour)
1 cup corn meal
½ cup powdered milk
3 eggs
¼ cup flax meal
“yummy ingredient”
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
I mix all this together in a large bowl to a thick cookie dough consistency. I often have to add more of the flour to get it right. I roll the mixture out on a cookie sheet lined with foil. Before I bake them I use my pizza cutter to cut them into bite sized training bits.
I bake the mixture in an oven at 300 degrees for about an hour. The result is a soft chewy treat. If you wanted to make crunchy treats I would suggest almost doubling the baking time although I have never done this.
These treats have no preservatives so they will mold in a couple of days. I keep them in the freezer until I am ready to use them.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I'm back Baby!
Down 2.2 pounds today. Only need to lose another 1.4 to get back down to my lowest. I am very pleased. I really didn't get back on track until Tuesday of this week. I feel like I am back in control of my emotional eating.This week went much better for me. I think I am finally hitting my stride at the new job (I've stopped being so homesick for my old job) and understanding how the new boss likes things. Fortunately, she is very clear about how she likes her office to run. Once, I understand the rules and what to do, I will feel much more comfortable.
Today it is dreary and raining so I am baking dog treats all day. Ruby and I are going to start training tomorrow for her next obedience title so I need some good reinforcement treats for her. I like to make all my own dog treats. I do it because it is cheaper and this way I know what ingredients are in them.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
On Track
Saturday at WW my leader asked us these questions. I think having them knocking around in the back of my mind has helped this week.
Why did you first come to WW?
Why is losing weight so important to you?
What benefits can you gain by losing weight?
How does investing in your health save money?
Two days in a row back on track. I haven't exercised in forever, but I have had two days in a row back on eating plan. Which is a start in the right direction. I feel like the light bulb is turning back on again.
Each day is getting better and I'm feeling more comfortable in the new job. Today I had a lot more work to do and the busier the better for me.
Why did you first come to WW?
Why is losing weight so important to you?
What benefits can you gain by losing weight?
How does investing in your health save money?
Two days in a row back on track. I haven't exercised in forever, but I have had two days in a row back on eating plan. Which is a start in the right direction. I feel like the light bulb is turning back on again.
Each day is getting better and I'm feeling more comfortable in the new job. Today I had a lot more work to do and the busier the better for me.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I'm here
I’m here. Sorry for lack of posts. I’ll catch you all up. First things first. Weigh in report for this past Saturday. I was up 3.6 lbs. I just wasn’t able to undo all the damage I had done the week before. This week is going better. I didn’t say perfect, but better.
The new job is coming along. I’m a bit distraught daily wondering if I did the right thing making the change. It is just so much more restrictive than I ever thought it would be. Now we are not allowed to use the computers or internet for personal use EVEN on our lunch hours or breaks. None, Nada, Never. What the f^ck is up with that? So, now I only have a few minutes in the morning before I leave for work and in the evening to catch up on email, and all things internet related. It is hard to be on the computer when you have seven dogs around you wanting attention and they usually win over the computer.
Today the boss says she is going to have a staff meeting tomorrow morning to talk about dress code. Evidently, the dress code is not set by the county; rather it is set by each department head. So while the office next to ours wears colored jeans and polo shirts with the county logo on them, my boss feels that is too casual (I agree on the colored jeans) and she wants us to dress more professional. I’m anxious to hear what she has to say tomorrow.It just all feels so controlling to me. I swear I catch myself on the verge of tears a few times a day. (Okay, more than a few….)
Tonight my mom reminded me that when I took my last job I did the same thing for more than a month. Crying, questioning if I had done the right thing, wanting to go back to what was easy and familiar. It really helped me when she told me that tonight. I don’t remember hating my last job when I went. My friend said it’s like childbirth; you forget the rough parts during the birth and just remember how it ends.
On a good note, I do think my boss is nice, and I like the other three girls in the office. Once I have a firmer grip on how to do my job, I think it will be varied and interesting enough to keep me awake each day.
So, I’m hanging on, my eating isn’t perfect, but I am praying to at least stay the same on Saturday, and that is all I can muster right now.
The new job is coming along. I’m a bit distraught daily wondering if I did the right thing making the change. It is just so much more restrictive than I ever thought it would be. Now we are not allowed to use the computers or internet for personal use EVEN on our lunch hours or breaks. None, Nada, Never. What the f^ck is up with that? So, now I only have a few minutes in the morning before I leave for work and in the evening to catch up on email, and all things internet related. It is hard to be on the computer when you have seven dogs around you wanting attention and they usually win over the computer.
Today the boss says she is going to have a staff meeting tomorrow morning to talk about dress code. Evidently, the dress code is not set by the county; rather it is set by each department head. So while the office next to ours wears colored jeans and polo shirts with the county logo on them, my boss feels that is too casual (I agree on the colored jeans) and she wants us to dress more professional. I’m anxious to hear what she has to say tomorrow.It just all feels so controlling to me. I swear I catch myself on the verge of tears a few times a day. (Okay, more than a few….)
Tonight my mom reminded me that when I took my last job I did the same thing for more than a month. Crying, questioning if I had done the right thing, wanting to go back to what was easy and familiar. It really helped me when she told me that tonight. I don’t remember hating my last job when I went. My friend said it’s like childbirth; you forget the rough parts during the birth and just remember how it ends.
On a good note, I do think my boss is nice, and I like the other three girls in the office. Once I have a firmer grip on how to do my job, I think it will be varied and interesting enough to keep me awake each day.
So, I’m hanging on, my eating isn’t perfect, but I am praying to at least stay the same on Saturday, and that is all I can muster right now.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Internet withdrawl
OMG! It is so tough not being able to check in on all my favorite blogs each day at work. I'm actually having to use my free time at home to write this! Oh the insanity of being expected to be productive at work!
I have been successful at resisting the stupid candy bowl. I even brought in a bag of apples and put them beside it. Eating has been good, although not on time. This is a much busier job than the old one and there just isn't the time to eat at my desk (which is a really good thing). I am also moving more. At my old job I would sit in my little cave and not move all day. This job has me zipping all over the office. Tomorrow I'm going to wear my pedometer just so I can see just how much walking I'm doing.
Tomorrow is the farmers market so I am going to plan a walk down there at lunch.
I have been successful at resisting the stupid candy bowl. I even brought in a bag of apples and put them beside it. Eating has been good, although not on time. This is a much busier job than the old one and there just isn't the time to eat at my desk (which is a really good thing). I am also moving more. At my old job I would sit in my little cave and not move all day. This job has me zipping all over the office. Tomorrow I'm going to wear my pedometer just so I can see just how much walking I'm doing.
Tomorrow is the farmers market so I am going to plan a walk down there at lunch.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
First Day
Well today was my first day on the new job. My new boss Joyce, brought me three beautiful roses which I thought was amazingly thoughtful. Unfortunately, she also brought two dozen donuts with her! I guess they put out the food bait and send a mass email out to all employees that there is a newbie in the building. I met a lot of new people today, very few of whom I will remember names of for a while. Everyone seems so friendly.
My mom sent me flowers as well along with a gift card for Biggby’s. We went for the first of many lunches at the local café. She couldn’t stop grinning. It was also nice that I bumped into old coworkers and friends there too. It feels nice to be home.
There are landmines in the new office. Just behind my desk, right next to the cold water, is an enormous dish with candy in it. I’m not talking the cheap stuff that nobody wants like Werthers originals, or tootsie rolls…….. I’m talking Snickers and Three Musketeers fun size bars! AAAAAKKKKKKK! I will be bringing in a big dish of fruit to counter act all that nasty sugar. My eating was right on track. I wasn't able to space out my feedings exactly, but I packed all my food and my totals for the day are right in line with where I am supposed to be. Whew, another clean day.
I think the most difficult part of this job is going to be my lack of autonomy and freedom. I am used to goofing off when I feel like it, taking lunch when I feel like it and being on the internet all day. Not going to happen here. My morning break is scheduled at 10am (which is good, I can get a feeding in) and lunch is from 12:30 to 1:30. My computer monitor faces the boss’ office so no more blogging from work. I asked if I could check my email at the tail end of my lunch and she said I could but to not make a habit of it as if the public comes to the window and I am sitting at my desk not helping them, they don’t know I’m on my lunch and may feel that I am misusing tax payer dollars. She also hates the distraction of music (another girl in the office told me that). That I can live without.
Tonight I had to work late as my main job is to be at the Board of Commission meetings and those are held in the evenings. You would think that would be seriously boring but it really wasn’t. It was so interesting to see these commissioners seriously look at ways to save the county money. I learned more about my county government than I ever knew existed to know! Of course one of the commissioners is an old friend so he gave me a great welcome and praised my new boss on her great choice in the new staff which I thought was so sweet of him.
So first day went really well. I’m so glad to get up late and stay up late at night (look at me.... up past 9pm tonight!). I’m sure I’ll get used to the lack of freedom and also finagle a way to get more computer freedom (like rearranging my desk so the boss can’t see my monitor).
I did get a really nice note from the owner of my former company which brought tears to my eyes. Despite having a great first day I really missed my old coworkers (yep tearing up right now.... Tracey).
My mom sent me flowers as well along with a gift card for Biggby’s. We went for the first of many lunches at the local café. She couldn’t stop grinning. It was also nice that I bumped into old coworkers and friends there too. It feels nice to be home.
There are landmines in the new office. Just behind my desk, right next to the cold water, is an enormous dish with candy in it. I’m not talking the cheap stuff that nobody wants like Werthers originals, or tootsie rolls…….. I’m talking Snickers and Three Musketeers fun size bars! AAAAAKKKKKKK! I will be bringing in a big dish of fruit to counter act all that nasty sugar. My eating was right on track. I wasn't able to space out my feedings exactly, but I packed all my food and my totals for the day are right in line with where I am supposed to be. Whew, another clean day.
I think the most difficult part of this job is going to be my lack of autonomy and freedom. I am used to goofing off when I feel like it, taking lunch when I feel like it and being on the internet all day. Not going to happen here. My morning break is scheduled at 10am (which is good, I can get a feeding in) and lunch is from 12:30 to 1:30. My computer monitor faces the boss’ office so no more blogging from work. I asked if I could check my email at the tail end of my lunch and she said I could but to not make a habit of it as if the public comes to the window and I am sitting at my desk not helping them, they don’t know I’m on my lunch and may feel that I am misusing tax payer dollars. She also hates the distraction of music (another girl in the office told me that). That I can live without.
Tonight I had to work late as my main job is to be at the Board of Commission meetings and those are held in the evenings. You would think that would be seriously boring but it really wasn’t. It was so interesting to see these commissioners seriously look at ways to save the county money. I learned more about my county government than I ever knew existed to know! Of course one of the commissioners is an old friend so he gave me a great welcome and praised my new boss on her great choice in the new staff which I thought was so sweet of him.
So first day went really well. I’m so glad to get up late and stay up late at night (look at me.... up past 9pm tonight!). I’m sure I’ll get used to the lack of freedom and also finagle a way to get more computer freedom (like rearranging my desk so the boss can’t see my monitor).
I did get a really nice note from the owner of my former company which brought tears to my eyes. Despite having a great first day I really missed my old coworkers (yep tearing up right now.... Tracey).
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