Illustration from the amazing mind of Paula J. Becker

Holy shnikies y’all, I am deep in the throes of clutter.  The last two weeks of my life has been centered around Christmas and New Years.  I have been burried under yards of wrapping paper.  I did a little housework here and there, and did a little laundry too.   The fact that it is (or was) *the holidays* has allowed me to slack off…. err take a break.   But keeping up with the messes of a 5-person household (I am included in the 5), is a feat like no other for sure!  Yesterday marked the final present-opening of the season (thank God)!  So now, I am on a mission to find the room to put the third onslaught of new toys.

I apologize in advance for not writing my way through this.  So much to do!  So much to do!

Here is where I am at:

~  I have been keeping up with Primal Stride’s Five at Five challenge.  It has actually been a treat to get some time to myself.  Even if I have to wake up at 5 to do it.  I chose to walk my 5k every morning.  I can’t wait to see the scales at Weight Watchers on Tuesday!  Though, sadly, I have to admit I am no closer to being a morning person.

~ I convinced my husband to join the YMCA!  This is a huge feat in itself (he who knows the true meaning of being cheap )!  I will now park my get-moving behind in the gym at least 6 out of 7 days a week.  And get this… so will he!  He has actually been inspired by my go-get em’ attitude that he now wants to improve his health.  This is a great thing for the whole family!

~ I was told that my face looks thinner!  YAY!  For all of the chubby girls and chubby guys out there, you know that when someone says your face is looking thinner, it means that whatever you are doing is WORKING!   *doing a happy wiggle around the living room*

~ I have been able to avoid fast food!  Y’all have no idea how much I love McDonald’s McGriddles…BUT I have found a much-healthier option and it is just as yummy!

I have been feeling great!  I have been inspired and motivated and determined.   Eating the right foods and getting some much needed exercise has left me feeling happier and more energetic than I have in a long time.  I did not make any New Years resolutions this year.  Because for me, a New Years resolution is so impermanent.  Probably because I had the wrong attitude going into them.    Plus, I did my *resolving* back in November.  I resolved that the rest of 2009 and beyond would be a time for me to focus on getting healthy and to focus on creating a healthier and happier environment for myself, my husband and my children.

I am also obtaining new knowledge about health everyday.  For instance, did you know that testosterone cream is used to as a therapy to combat the effects of menopause and low-sex drive? The drive to change myself has me looking into all kinds of different health-related issues. All of this new knowledge is exciting!

In the famous words of Ghandi, I am being the change I seek.

My list is fairly simple this year.  I don’t want money.  I don’t need a car.  I have a roof over my head, a family to love, and plenty of necessities.

What I want dear Santa, is for this to be my last fat Christmas.  So if you can throw some inspiration my way every now and then, that would be great.  Maybe even gift me with an old picture of “thin me” for inspiration?  I can’t find any.  It seems the cameras weren’t rolling my way back then.   They sure are rolling now… and that dear Santa, is one of the many reasons why I want this to be my last fat Christmas.

Oh… and if you have time… throw some of these other things my way as well  (below are pictures for your convenience.  I know your eyesight isn’t what it once was):

The things listed above will make me feel pretty.  I like to feel pretty.  And feeling good about myself gives me tons of inspiration all year round! 

So thank you jolly Santa!

Love,

Me

P.S.  I baked you some cookies.

My first recipe comes from the Hungry Girl book: Hungry Girl: 200 Under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories!
This one is called:

Fluffy Speckled Peanut Butter Dip:

1 Jell-O Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding Snack

3/4 cup Cool Whip Free, thawed

1/4 cup Reese’s Puffs cereal (original)

1 tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter, room temperature

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 no-calorie sweetener packet

Place cereal in a sealable plastic bag.  Use a rolling pin or potato masher (or anything heavy) and crush the cereal until crumbs.

In a mixing bowl combine the rest of the ingredients until well mixed.  Stir in cereal crumbs and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Serving Size:  2 heaping tablespoons

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The Math:

49 Calories

1.5g Fat

64mg Sodium

7.5 Carbs

2g Sugars

.5g Protein

WW Points: 1