I'm sitting here at 10:30 at night typing this entry after having stuff the bottom of the tree with all of Abigail's gifts and all of Harold's mom's gifts. I didn't wrap any of Abigail's gifts. It was a dilemma for me. I wanted her to be able to open a gift but I also thought it was an awful waste to wrap ALL her gifts, there are sooo many of them:
1. Roller Skates
2. Mouse House
3. Race track with car
4. 7 Curious George books
5. A Madeline compendium
I rationalized my actions with the fact that Harold's mom went OVER the top with gifts and wrapped everything.
It has been a tiring day. I first went to the mall first thing after dropping Abigail off at school. It was manageable at the beginning but since I didn't have breakfast, I succumbed to Chik Fila knowing that Harold wouldn't want to fight the traffic to eat with me at any restaurant at the mall. He is sick, after a week of me being sick and also shoveling snow with wet feet. My cold is almost gone but I had a really bad bout of face tenderness and thought I had a sinus infection. After the mall, I went to Linda's with Abigail, played with Shane and then went for a quick tour around the Chestnut Hill mall so that we wouldn't have to make the stop on Friday. So after all that activity, gift wrapping didn't seem so much fun.
Plus I had already wrapped all the teacher gifts and Harold's co-worker gifts. The baking turned out to be anti-climatic and I have to figure out a way to make it more manageable. It cannot be the marathon that it was on Saturday and Sunday of last week.
So I hope that Abigail won't mind that all the gifts from Santa aren't wrapped. Maybe she won't notice. But she was thrilled to give Wong Auntie her gifts and I was so proud of her.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Musings
The Tree
We bought our standard tree at Mahoney's this year. Still $60 and it is a beauty. I used my first tree skirt that I bought last year at Macy's Christmas sale in South Coast Plaza. I spent 4 hours getting the lights and ornaments on the tree. Harold said to me that after factoring in my labor and the total cost of the ornaments, the tree probably cost more than $1000. I had to admit that he might be correct.
Cards
No handmade cards this year and an annual letter. I really like our letter this year and may post it on this site along with a photo of the card.
We bought our standard tree at Mahoney's this year. Still $60 and it is a beauty. I used my first tree skirt that I bought last year at Macy's Christmas sale in South Coast Plaza. I spent 4 hours getting the lights and ornaments on the tree. Harold said to me that after factoring in my labor and the total cost of the ornaments, the tree probably cost more than $1000. I had to admit that he might be correct.
Cards
No handmade cards this year and an annual letter. I really like our letter this year and may post it on this site along with a photo of the card.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
December and the Holidays
It is now mid-December and I just read my latest blog. What happened between the adventure at Chinese school and now? Let's see, about 3.5 weeks of Abigail sickness. I think Abigail was only sick 2 weeks but between Harold and myself, we were sick most of November. I don't think we recovered until right before Harold's mom and nephew and niece came for Thanksgiving.
So being ill took the sails right out of my baking extravaganza and then the cooking marathon that was Thanksgiving also exhausted me in ways that I am only now recovering from. And then also on top of all that was the big lay-offs. Michael is now gone and the power vacuum and imminent organizational changes have left me with some sleepness nights. But I now more or less reconciled with all things. I wanted to be cautious, political and self-preserving.
My current thoughts are on how to enjoy the holidays without exhausting myself and keeping on plan. I spent 4 hours decorating the tree and it left me drained. I swore while putting up the lights and thought that it was definitely not fun. But as Harold pointed out, after all the work, the lights and ornaments look lovely.
Keeping on plan is proving to be harder. I tired of salads and my Middle Easter mixes into my salad. So I'm trying to stay with the trusted and true veggie soup. But it is still difficult to stay on plan with all the wonderful desserts and all my wonderful stress. A double whammy for me. Also the knee is still sore and I haven't been organized enough to get the bicycle contraption purchased and set up.
I had thought of giving myself a break for Christmas but I reconsidered and thought if I were at least conscious of any weight gain, I would at least not be in denial.
Let's see how I fare.
So being ill took the sails right out of my baking extravaganza and then the cooking marathon that was Thanksgiving also exhausted me in ways that I am only now recovering from. And then also on top of all that was the big lay-offs. Michael is now gone and the power vacuum and imminent organizational changes have left me with some sleepness nights. But I now more or less reconciled with all things. I wanted to be cautious, political and self-preserving.
My current thoughts are on how to enjoy the holidays without exhausting myself and keeping on plan. I spent 4 hours decorating the tree and it left me drained. I swore while putting up the lights and thought that it was definitely not fun. But as Harold pointed out, after all the work, the lights and ornaments look lovely.
Keeping on plan is proving to be harder. I tired of salads and my Middle Easter mixes into my salad. So I'm trying to stay with the trusted and true veggie soup. But it is still difficult to stay on plan with all the wonderful desserts and all my wonderful stress. A double whammy for me. Also the knee is still sore and I haven't been organized enough to get the bicycle contraption purchased and set up.
I had thought of giving myself a break for Christmas but I reconsidered and thought if I were at least conscious of any weight gain, I would at least not be in denial.
Let's see how I fare.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Chinese School
After going to Winchester's Chinese School on Sunday, I now have misgivings about signing up Abigail.
First, it was SO Chinese. Not just a get to know Chinese but a "you-must-already-speak-Chinese" class. It was freezing and I didn't like the teacher. What was so amazing was that the kids were able to recognize Chinese characters! I was personally at a loss.
Second, the stories they told were kind of disturbing. Death or killing was in both of them and I thought the morals were a little too advanced for preschoolers.
There is the Lexington Chinese School and that might be more our speed, but we are in the middle of the semester. I am seriously thinking that I will start Abigail next year. But that this year, Wong Auntie can work with her with books etc.
Going to a Sunday class would mean yet another activity on the weekend that I would have to bring Abigail to and I am kind of thinking that just spending time doing activities or going to puppet shows might be more enjoyable for her and myself.
First, it was SO Chinese. Not just a get to know Chinese but a "you-must-already-speak-Chinese" class. It was freezing and I didn't like the teacher. What was so amazing was that the kids were able to recognize Chinese characters! I was personally at a loss.
Second, the stories they told were kind of disturbing. Death or killing was in both of them and I thought the morals were a little too advanced for preschoolers.
There is the Lexington Chinese School and that might be more our speed, but we are in the middle of the semester. I am seriously thinking that I will start Abigail next year. But that this year, Wong Auntie can work with her with books etc.
Going to a Sunday class would mean yet another activity on the weekend that I would have to bring Abigail to and I am kind of thinking that just spending time doing activities or going to puppet shows might be more enjoyable for her and myself.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Before I Forget
There is story that Harold told me about Abigail a few weeks ago. They had gone to the market together on a Sunday. Harold was worried about dealing with Abigail and sticking to the list of items that I put down. He picked up a pear and asked her what it was and she didn't know so he told her it was a pear. Harold then continued purchasing fruit and Abigail picked up a fig and asked him what it was. He didn't answer right away and Abigail said, "baby pear"; Harold was so struck by it that he told me when they returned. It is a great story and I didn't want to forget about it.
I think I am getting sick AGAIN. Abigail has conjunctivitis.
I think I am getting sick AGAIN. Abigail has conjunctivitis.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Halloween Post
2008 Reflections
I wanted to get down my impressions of this year's Halloween before I forgot.
As a backdrop:
1. Missing owls--no where to be found in the basement, MIA or potentially thrown away in the summer basement cleaning. The possibility is killing me.
2. No fog machine--had to time to figure out whether just the cheap styrofoam cooler would work and am just plain frustrated that chilling fog is so challenging.
3. No bat mobiles this year--everyone seems to hit their head with them
Existing decorations:
1. Crows/ravens--3 in total and most starting to lose their feathers
2. Flicker lights--love my pottery barn kids purchase to this day
3. Big spider web--looks great
Modifications
1. Plastic pumpkins were not hanging on the front tree but I wired them to the front fence and put in tea candles. I had fears of melting but my approach seemed to work.
2. Pumpkins--we went with a super cool cyclops with a glass ramekin as an eye with a cookie as its iris, looked neat and was easy from a carving stand point.
3. Fake carve able pumpkin--super cheap in the last minute sales at Michael's (I so prefer AC Moore) but unless I use a non-candle type of light, doesn't give the lighting effects I would like.
4. Feather wreath with googly eyes--I made it and loved it but it is kind of small.
Candy
1. Same Costco full size bars and one kid said we had the best candy
2. Bones in a coffin but they looked tiny!
3. Some non-candy give aways but they looked so cheap. The ducks were ridiculously tiny. Abigail loved them though.
I have to say that I didn't have quite the enthusiasm this year. I don't know if it was because I am sick with the final remnants of a cold or what. Also, though it was warm, the night chilled quite a bit and the trick-a-treaters stopped coming around 7:30. Rita observed that we didn't have as many last year as in past years and I would say that I would echo her observations for this year.
Abigail made it to only one house and the Erskines made their house so scary that she refused to go to any other houses, though both HKB and I gave it more than a few tries. We will have to see if it gets better next year.
I wanted to get down my impressions of this year's Halloween before I forgot.
As a backdrop:
1. Missing owls--no where to be found in the basement, MIA or potentially thrown away in the summer basement cleaning. The possibility is killing me.
2. No fog machine--had to time to figure out whether just the cheap styrofoam cooler would work and am just plain frustrated that chilling fog is so challenging.
3. No bat mobiles this year--everyone seems to hit their head with them
Existing decorations:
1. Crows/ravens--3 in total and most starting to lose their feathers
2. Flicker lights--love my pottery barn kids purchase to this day
3. Big spider web--looks great
Modifications
1. Plastic pumpkins were not hanging on the front tree but I wired them to the front fence and put in tea candles. I had fears of melting but my approach seemed to work.
2. Pumpkins--we went with a super cool cyclops with a glass ramekin as an eye with a cookie as its iris, looked neat and was easy from a carving stand point.
3. Fake carve able pumpkin--super cheap in the last minute sales at Michael's (I so prefer AC Moore) but unless I use a non-candle type of light, doesn't give the lighting effects I would like.
4. Feather wreath with googly eyes--I made it and loved it but it is kind of small.
Candy
1. Same Costco full size bars and one kid said we had the best candy
2. Bones in a coffin but they looked tiny!
3. Some non-candy give aways but they looked so cheap. The ducks were ridiculously tiny. Abigail loved them though.
I have to say that I didn't have quite the enthusiasm this year. I don't know if it was because I am sick with the final remnants of a cold or what. Also, though it was warm, the night chilled quite a bit and the trick-a-treaters stopped coming around 7:30. Rita observed that we didn't have as many last year as in past years and I would say that I would echo her observations for this year.
Abigail made it to only one house and the Erskines made their house so scary that she refused to go to any other houses, though both HKB and I gave it more than a few tries. We will have to see if it gets better next year.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday and Sick
I haven't been sick since last winter and haven't been really really sick in a while--maybe when I was pregnant with AWB. In any case, I got AWB and HKB's colds, wasn't able to sleep a full night and basically have been a congested pile of uselessness for the entire work week. I can hardly plan anything and today I managed to get a few items ready for Halloween but that took most everything out of me. Exhausted physically and not having much energy since I am not eating much. The only upside is that I have managed to lose weight!
AWB
I am not sure if she is getting sick AGAIN because she was really tough this morning. HKB had committed to taking her to ballet every Saturday but she put up such a fight that he was defeated. I feel so bad for both of them. I had to take her, drop her off, go back home, get her fairy wings, my coffee and a change of clothes. She panicked like this one other time when I was home and did not take her to school. She fought Wong Auntie the whole way up Harlow and didn't stop until they got on the bus. She is being a really tough kid today. Obstinate and defiant on things that we want her to do.
AWB
I am not sure if she is getting sick AGAIN because she was really tough this morning. HKB had committed to taking her to ballet every Saturday but she put up such a fight that he was defeated. I feel so bad for both of them. I had to take her, drop her off, go back home, get her fairy wings, my coffee and a change of clothes. She panicked like this one other time when I was home and did not take her to school. She fought Wong Auntie the whole way up Harlow and didn't stop until they got on the bus. She is being a really tough kid today. Obstinate and defiant on things that we want her to do.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Fall Update
Health Front
It is now October and I have been plugging away at the weight loss for a while. I think I peaked in July though I reached my 2nd 10% weight loss some time in late August. Almost 40 llbs!!!! But now more like 37ish pounds.
AWB
Is now going to Arlington's special ed program in the morning, all mornings and then to LTG 3 afternoons. Wong Auntie responsible for picking up and dropping off.
HKB
HKB is now department chair and is busy. We have had continuing issues with eating dinner together.
It is now October and I have been plugging away at the weight loss for a while. I think I peaked in July though I reached my 2nd 10% weight loss some time in late August. Almost 40 llbs!!!! But now more like 37ish pounds.
AWB
Is now going to Arlington's special ed program in the morning, all mornings and then to LTG 3 afternoons. Wong Auntie responsible for picking up and dropping off.
HKB
HKB is now department chair and is busy. We have had continuing issues with eating dinner together.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Updates All Around
On the Health Front
I finally made the transition with Judith where I don't feel like dying after a session with her. I think that was shortly after my last post in April.
I have lost roughly 10 lbs (!!!) and it is all due to exercise this month. I can eat more if I run on the treadmill and I was running on the treadmill to make sure I didn't suck when I saw Judith. And then I ran on the treadmill to manage the points I over ate on. And then I also ran on the treadmill to see if I could run for more than 30 minutes. And yes, I did but it wasn't easy. And then I ran on the treadmill to finish a good DVD. All the treadmilling as coalescing a bit and feeling challenging but also enjoyable. The last few times, the running was at night with everyone asleep.
But I had to actually do something else this week because of scheduling conflicts. So I went to power yoga at the new studio in Winchester. I had to take an Advil tonight because my arms were so sore. I was so light headed last night, I was sure if I could drive home. I was going to try again tonight but I don't think I could have managed it. Turns out Abigail was asleep and then Harold conked out so timing-wise it would have been doable. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough energy to manage it and had barely the ability to do my job today. I should just go to sleep!
I finally made the transition with Judith where I don't feel like dying after a session with her. I think that was shortly after my last post in April.
I have lost roughly 10 lbs (!!!) and it is all due to exercise this month. I can eat more if I run on the treadmill and I was running on the treadmill to make sure I didn't suck when I saw Judith. And then I ran on the treadmill to manage the points I over ate on. And then I also ran on the treadmill to see if I could run for more than 30 minutes. And yes, I did but it wasn't easy. And then I ran on the treadmill to finish a good DVD. All the treadmilling as coalescing a bit and feeling challenging but also enjoyable. The last few times, the running was at night with everyone asleep.
But I had to actually do something else this week because of scheduling conflicts. So I went to power yoga at the new studio in Winchester. I had to take an Advil tonight because my arms were so sore. I was so light headed last night, I was sure if I could drive home. I was going to try again tonight but I don't think I could have managed it. Turns out Abigail was asleep and then Harold conked out so timing-wise it would have been doable. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough energy to manage it and had barely the ability to do my job today. I should just go to sleep!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Feeling Good
The WL Front
I worked out consistently last week and ate very little a few nights in a row. And one night, I passed up the chance to dine with Linda and Jocelyn because I was worried about Abigail. It had been a tremendously long day for her and after a few hours of shopping, I was ready to get home and give her a bath. It turned out to be the best decision. 3.4 lbs lost at Sunday's WI. I think it was the combo of the workout and the careful eating.
There were a few boca burger nights, even after dining at fancy smancy Papparazzi. So I think that with the treadmill worked helped quite a bit. Also last week was the very first week that working out with Judith didn't kill me for the rest of the day.
Unfortunately, all the working out is making me late for work. I cannot continue to roll into the office by 9:30. But it is a struggle to wake up early. By the time I convince myself to run, it is always 6:30 and not 5:30.
AWB
Our little Miss is quite the face drawer. She can even draw pupils in eyes, hair and ears. It is almost too funny the faces she can draw. I am concerned that her desire for sugar is starting to take on a habit that we most likely do not want to support. I think that cutting back on DVD watching is also good for her. She loves to dance now and mimic Zoe's comments of "Don't joke me". We cannot put her in the ballet 3 class because it ends in May. We will have to pick up in September. We went to a puppet show that she sat through in its entirety. I need to figure out if going to the Sesame Street Live show is worth it.
I worked out consistently last week and ate very little a few nights in a row. And one night, I passed up the chance to dine with Linda and Jocelyn because I was worried about Abigail. It had been a tremendously long day for her and after a few hours of shopping, I was ready to get home and give her a bath. It turned out to be the best decision. 3.4 lbs lost at Sunday's WI. I think it was the combo of the workout and the careful eating.
There were a few boca burger nights, even after dining at fancy smancy Papparazzi. So I think that with the treadmill worked helped quite a bit. Also last week was the very first week that working out with Judith didn't kill me for the rest of the day.
Unfortunately, all the working out is making me late for work. I cannot continue to roll into the office by 9:30. But it is a struggle to wake up early. By the time I convince myself to run, it is always 6:30 and not 5:30.
AWB
Our little Miss is quite the face drawer. She can even draw pupils in eyes, hair and ears. It is almost too funny the faces she can draw. I am concerned that her desire for sugar is starting to take on a habit that we most likely do not want to support. I think that cutting back on DVD watching is also good for her. She loves to dance now and mimic Zoe's comments of "Don't joke me". We cannot put her in the ballet 3 class because it ends in May. We will have to pick up in September. We went to a puppet show that she sat through in its entirety. I need to figure out if going to the Sesame Street Live show is worth it.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Already
It is April and time for the spring cleaning--doctor appointments, spa treatments, car detailing and Abigail's 3rd birthday. No spring is complete without HKB going to some European trip. My mom is coming for all the kids' birthdays and it is only a few weeks away that we are leaving for Kingston. I have to remind my mom to bring her passport.
The Weight Loss Front
I was on a really good roll for the past 2 weeks. Then I thought I was having my period and didn't get it. I gained a total of .7 lbs over the last two weeks and I am sure it is because I didn't exercise and ate chocolate, drank wine and generally indulged on stuff I haven't had in a while. I was dreading the arrival of Judith, my personal trainer today but it ended up being completely fine. I didn't have the headache from hell and no ability to move without wincing. What a difference a few weeks makes! I did eat a lot of food before I left for work though and I think that also helped. The chocolate bunny though was not a good choice overall.
AWB
There is a pot luck dinner tomorrow night and we are all set. I made a baked pasta dish and Wong Auntie will make egg rolls. I think it is a nice way for all of us to see Abigail, her teachers and her classmates. HKB is not into it at all, no big surprise there.
I thought we had broken the dvd player but it was just set up incorrectly, a setting button was pushed over when it shouldn't have been. We can return the one I just bought but I'm not sure if her current dvd is long for this world. It was an open box and we got a discount but when I opened it all up, there was no ac adapter.
We haven't been reading books lately and I really miss that. Abigail is really into dancing lately. We cannot go to ballet for 3 year olds because it ends in May. I will have to investigate what would be a good place for her in the summer or fall.
The Weight Loss Front
I was on a really good roll for the past 2 weeks. Then I thought I was having my period and didn't get it. I gained a total of .7 lbs over the last two weeks and I am sure it is because I didn't exercise and ate chocolate, drank wine and generally indulged on stuff I haven't had in a while. I was dreading the arrival of Judith, my personal trainer today but it ended up being completely fine. I didn't have the headache from hell and no ability to move without wincing. What a difference a few weeks makes! I did eat a lot of food before I left for work though and I think that also helped. The chocolate bunny though was not a good choice overall.
AWB
There is a pot luck dinner tomorrow night and we are all set. I made a baked pasta dish and Wong Auntie will make egg rolls. I think it is a nice way for all of us to see Abigail, her teachers and her classmates. HKB is not into it at all, no big surprise there.
I thought we had broken the dvd player but it was just set up incorrectly, a setting button was pushed over when it shouldn't have been. We can return the one I just bought but I'm not sure if her current dvd is long for this world. It was an open box and we got a discount but when I opened it all up, there was no ac adapter.
We haven't been reading books lately and I really miss that. Abigail is really into dancing lately. We cannot go to ballet for 3 year olds because it ends in May. I will have to investigate what would be a good place for her in the summer or fall.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
My Girl is Growing Up!
I watched Abigail come down the stairs this morning and I realized that she is quickly moving out of being a toddler to being a girl. She was talking in her nonsensical language and taking each stair lazily. She was wearing some cords and socks and she no longer looked like a baby. I'm shocked at how the time goes!
Abigail is making great progress with potty training! If we time things right, she will go in the potty about every 1.5 hours. We did end up having a diaherria blow out this evening and I am not quite sure why. Could it be the tremendous amounts of candy this child has had today?
The Weight Loss Front
I didn't exercise much this week--I am so tired. But I did manage to use the treadmill three times this week. One day I just walked but today I ran for about 10 minutes out of the 30. I have also resigned myself to not eating anything interesting when we go out. I am in awe of myself becuase I actually didn't think I could do such a thing. Making a healthy choice at a restaurant isn't really my thing, but I have managed to surprise myself.
Work
Huge changes at work and JV got layered so I am not sure what that means for us. I really need to stay in one place for now. Travel has just been curtailed for Legal too and so things are now very much different and I have no idea when I will be in New York next.
Abigail is making great progress with potty training! If we time things right, she will go in the potty about every 1.5 hours. We did end up having a diaherria blow out this evening and I am not quite sure why. Could it be the tremendous amounts of candy this child has had today?
The Weight Loss Front
I didn't exercise much this week--I am so tired. But I did manage to use the treadmill three times this week. One day I just walked but today I ran for about 10 minutes out of the 30. I have also resigned myself to not eating anything interesting when we go out. I am in awe of myself becuase I actually didn't think I could do such a thing. Making a healthy choice at a restaurant isn't really my thing, but I have managed to surprise myself.
Work
Huge changes at work and JV got layered so I am not sure what that means for us. I really need to stay in one place for now. Travel has just been curtailed for Legal too and so things are now very much different and I have no idea when I will be in New York next.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Catching Up
I'm sitting here in a quiet house with Harold and Abigail fast asleep. I got it in my crazy head to take a quilt class at the little shop on Blanchard Road and the amount of detail work is mind boogling. Measuring on the 1/4 inch to ensure that my little square was exactly 2.5 inches. Oh my!
The Weight Loss Scene
A much better day today. It is always an OP day when I just sit at my desk. Not too much walking around, no catered lunches, etc. So whew. And the Turkey Chili I made was pretty good. Shocking! I don't think I would have even considered Turkey Chili in the past. There was nothing to recommend in Turkey Chili. But stir in some jalapenos and it becomes tasty. I also added some ff sour cream and ff cheddar cheese.
AWB
Abigail went to her very first birthday party and we had a lovely time. She received the invitation from Annika who did not invite all the students from LTG but only a few. It was held at Dance Place and it was fabulous. Abigail didn't play with the other kids but knew they were there and was really focused on me.
I did notice that Abigail realizes that I am leaving and that Wong Auntie is at the house to make the transition. I know that she likes Wong Auntie but would prefer that she not come.
HKB
I think that Harold is either really dieting or not. I realized that it is a black and white thing for him and not a daily struggle like it is for me. And when he is into it, he is determined but if his resolve is weak, he will have chocolate. WW would never be an option for him because I am not sure I could see him journaling ever.
The Weight Loss Scene
A much better day today. It is always an OP day when I just sit at my desk. Not too much walking around, no catered lunches, etc. So whew. And the Turkey Chili I made was pretty good. Shocking! I don't think I would have even considered Turkey Chili in the past. There was nothing to recommend in Turkey Chili. But stir in some jalapenos and it becomes tasty. I also added some ff sour cream and ff cheddar cheese.
AWB
Abigail went to her very first birthday party and we had a lovely time. She received the invitation from Annika who did not invite all the students from LTG but only a few. It was held at Dance Place and it was fabulous. Abigail didn't play with the other kids but knew they were there and was really focused on me.
I did notice that Abigail realizes that I am leaving and that Wong Auntie is at the house to make the transition. I know that she likes Wong Auntie but would prefer that she not come.
HKB
I think that Harold is either really dieting or not. I realized that it is a black and white thing for him and not a daily struggle like it is for me. And when he is into it, he is determined but if his resolve is weak, he will have chocolate. WW would never be an option for him because I am not sure I could see him journaling ever.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Eating Dilemma--Can I Learn Anything?
5 Points Left for the Week
Killer week at work in terms of lunches. I blame Marty for bailing on me on Monday and starting me on the road to perdition. I twisted Angel's arm to eat at Pressed since Marty canceled on our Monday lunch. I think I was down points-wise from Sunday but continued the dive down with the Turkey Chili. Then an impromptu lunch with Patrice to discuss Eat, Pray, Love at Salvatore's. My only salvation was yesterday when I stayed OP and did not manage to exceed my daily point allowance. But today, I made okay choices and ended up with only 2 AP to spare.
I do have to comment that I didn't buckle to the situation and blow the entire day on something ridiculous. I had a salad with beets and carrots and that managed to fill me up and stay within the 2 APs. The salad was fine too. I didn't mind eating it at all and that kind of surprised me. I had enough points to have a rice cake but I passed or even some ice cream, rock solid resolve. So I am feeling good.
The challenge will be tomorrow when Sam LaGrassa's mongo sandwiches will be the lunch choice. Will it be salad again for dinner? I can handle it. But no more lunches jumping on the bed!
Bum Scratching
Well the verdict is kind of in for Abigail's bum problem. No it most likely isn't pinworms, no rash but some weird soothing thing and the first inklings of no diapers. So relieved that it isn't a parasite issue and I can put her in a onesie without feeling like a torturer. We revisit this issue again in April and figure out if an Occupational Therapist would help. My sincere hope is that we have moved beyond this habit by then.
Abigail is saying some fairly sophisticated turns of phrases that I am not sure she really understands. They are slightly out of context but not entirely. The phrases are also full blown sentences that have a scripted feel--from a television show (Curious George, Angelian Ballerina) or her DVDs (Curious George, Lots to Learn, Richard Scarry). It isn't a big media world for this girl so I want to be able to isolate what she is saying and from what source.
Killer week at work in terms of lunches. I blame Marty for bailing on me on Monday and starting me on the road to perdition. I twisted Angel's arm to eat at Pressed since Marty canceled on our Monday lunch. I think I was down points-wise from Sunday but continued the dive down with the Turkey Chili. Then an impromptu lunch with Patrice to discuss Eat, Pray, Love at Salvatore's. My only salvation was yesterday when I stayed OP and did not manage to exceed my daily point allowance. But today, I made okay choices and ended up with only 2 AP to spare.
I do have to comment that I didn't buckle to the situation and blow the entire day on something ridiculous. I had a salad with beets and carrots and that managed to fill me up and stay within the 2 APs. The salad was fine too. I didn't mind eating it at all and that kind of surprised me. I had enough points to have a rice cake but I passed or even some ice cream, rock solid resolve. So I am feeling good.
The challenge will be tomorrow when Sam LaGrassa's mongo sandwiches will be the lunch choice. Will it be salad again for dinner? I can handle it. But no more lunches jumping on the bed!
Bum Scratching
Well the verdict is kind of in for Abigail's bum problem. No it most likely isn't pinworms, no rash but some weird soothing thing and the first inklings of no diapers. So relieved that it isn't a parasite issue and I can put her in a onesie without feeling like a torturer. We revisit this issue again in April and figure out if an Occupational Therapist would help. My sincere hope is that we have moved beyond this habit by then.
Abigail is saying some fairly sophisticated turns of phrases that I am not sure she really understands. They are slightly out of context but not entirely. The phrases are also full blown sentences that have a scripted feel--from a television show (Curious George, Angelian Ballerina) or her DVDs (Curious George, Lots to Learn, Richard Scarry). It isn't a big media world for this girl so I want to be able to isolate what she is saying and from what source.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Sick on Sunday and Saturday
Saturday and Sunday
We are all sick AGAIN!!! For whatever reason, I woke up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because my nose was congested. I took some cold medicine and went back to sleep. Unfortunately, AWB woke up at around 6AM and wanted to play. The pinching, slapping and hair pulling commenced and HKB had to rescue me. From there on out things went down hill for me. I was achy, congested and feeling sick all over. Luckily, I hadn't planned any activity because I thought the snow was continuing for longer than it did.
HKB shoveled around 10AM and we had intermittent sunshine and clouds all day. I couldn't get AWB to take a nap until around 4PM as I dozed in and out of consciousness. She didn't seem to mind at all since we were together. She ate well and played but we never ventured outside.
Sunday WI
I felt much better on Sunday after sleeping soundly on Saturday. I woke up to go to WW and the sun was shining. I took AWB with me to Whole Foods and we tooled around Trader Joe's as well. We all had lunch at home and I had thought AWB would go down for the count but she never did.
Bum Scratching
AWB is having a completely annoying habit of scratching her bum. I'm not sure if she is scratching or just putting her hand down her pants for comfort. HKB thinks it is the latter and we will have to go for overalls and onesies as a means of managing this very strange habit. Hopefully, it will be like the feet in the underwear habit that is currently being cured by wearing footie pajamas.
We are all sick AGAIN!!! For whatever reason, I woke up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because my nose was congested. I took some cold medicine and went back to sleep. Unfortunately, AWB woke up at around 6AM and wanted to play. The pinching, slapping and hair pulling commenced and HKB had to rescue me. From there on out things went down hill for me. I was achy, congested and feeling sick all over. Luckily, I hadn't planned any activity because I thought the snow was continuing for longer than it did.
HKB shoveled around 10AM and we had intermittent sunshine and clouds all day. I couldn't get AWB to take a nap until around 4PM as I dozed in and out of consciousness. She didn't seem to mind at all since we were together. She ate well and played but we never ventured outside.
Sunday WI
I felt much better on Sunday after sleeping soundly on Saturday. I woke up to go to WW and the sun was shining. I took AWB with me to Whole Foods and we tooled around Trader Joe's as well. We all had lunch at home and I had thought AWB would go down for the count but she never did.
Bum Scratching
AWB is having a completely annoying habit of scratching her bum. I'm not sure if she is scratching or just putting her hand down her pants for comfort. HKB thinks it is the latter and we will have to go for overalls and onesies as a means of managing this very strange habit. Hopefully, it will be like the feet in the underwear habit that is currently being cured by wearing footie pajamas.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
February in Massachusetts
It has been a few months since I have posted and the standard set of delays in life have made it hard to be consistent. Work, WW and AWB. It was as if all flood gates held for the holidays were unleashed.
WW
I suppose that is the biggest news. I have been doing fine and I think even better than the last time around. I choose to go to the Cambridge meetings on Sunday morning because I just didn't like the one in Arlington. Plus Mondays were going to be difficult since my quilting class starts in March. The Cambridge meetings are MUCH better. I really like the leader and there is a nice mix of people.
So I had an epiphany at Whole Foods on Day 1 of the Plan. AWB and I were going to have lunch and I choose brown rice California rolls over the standard. And I was preparing myself for the yucky taste only to find none. I was so surprised. And then I think I had a salad and enjoyed it. I remember last time, fighting the food every step of the way. I didn't want to eat veggies, I hated having to buy diet food, etc. But I ate a salad at Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious. I was stunned. So I was encouraged by my reaction to the healthy food. Of course, it isn't just those foods, all veggies which I had previously shunned were now tasting fine to me.
I think the only down side to all the fiber was the gas. The amazing amounts of gas. It is better now but the first week's carrots took a toll on my intestines. And I am a bit mortified that my co-workers were able to hear my farts.
In my first week and at my first weigh-in, I lost over 6 pounds. So thrilled and proud. That didn't last long because the second week, I had gained 0.2 pounds and I was so mad. In any case, it has been a slow process. At today's weigh in, I lost 3 pounds but I was waiting for that.
I also decided to exercise in earnest which is not something I did last time. Well, not very seriously that is; I only took walks. So running is now in the game and hopefully that will help me with some of the food issues. I will be able to swap activity points for food points.
AWB
One of the reasons I haven't posted in a while is that we had a tough time at our interview at Lesley Ellis. AWB threw 3 temper tantrums and I was mortified at her behavior the very first time in my life. I think it took me over 2 weeks to get over my embarrassment and while I was never mad at AWB, I was so disappointed in her. I was upset by this incident and struggled to find what my true feelings were about it and could not put words to them. It is only now that my own reaction has calmed with the passage of time that I am able to note that this happened to us. The letter came on Saturday that we were wait listed but HKB was mean and teased that this may be their way of letting us know that we were not accepted.
AWB's speech is still limited and she does prefer bringing you physically over to a place to show you what she wants rather than just telling us. But her speech ability is improving. Not in the communication manner but in the mimicry. She will repeat turns of phrases to you from her movies and DVDs and also words she has heard. But they are not in any context or of a limited sort. A "where are you going" turns into a "where are you going, Rabbit". I find it strange.
She has also started putting her hands on her chins in another form of mimicry. She sleeps with her hands tucked under her cheeks, like a princess. Another odd thing she is doing these days is to slip her hands into her diapers and scratch. We have gone back to daily baths as a consequence of this act.
HKB
Continues to struggle with the loss of his dad. He told me that images of his dad before they cremated him, crop up at odd moments in his day. I think that his dad's passing will affect him for a long time. I related to him that to this day, when speaking about my dad, I still tear up and feel sad. Even this morning, I was driving to WW and I thought of my dad and felt a longing for him.
WW
I suppose that is the biggest news. I have been doing fine and I think even better than the last time around. I choose to go to the Cambridge meetings on Sunday morning because I just didn't like the one in Arlington. Plus Mondays were going to be difficult since my quilting class starts in March. The Cambridge meetings are MUCH better. I really like the leader and there is a nice mix of people.
So I had an epiphany at Whole Foods on Day 1 of the Plan. AWB and I were going to have lunch and I choose brown rice California rolls over the standard. And I was preparing myself for the yucky taste only to find none. I was so surprised. And then I think I had a salad and enjoyed it. I remember last time, fighting the food every step of the way. I didn't want to eat veggies, I hated having to buy diet food, etc. But I ate a salad at Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious. I was stunned. So I was encouraged by my reaction to the healthy food. Of course, it isn't just those foods, all veggies which I had previously shunned were now tasting fine to me.
I think the only down side to all the fiber was the gas. The amazing amounts of gas. It is better now but the first week's carrots took a toll on my intestines. And I am a bit mortified that my co-workers were able to hear my farts.
In my first week and at my first weigh-in, I lost over 6 pounds. So thrilled and proud. That didn't last long because the second week, I had gained 0.2 pounds and I was so mad. In any case, it has been a slow process. At today's weigh in, I lost 3 pounds but I was waiting for that.
I also decided to exercise in earnest which is not something I did last time. Well, not very seriously that is; I only took walks. So running is now in the game and hopefully that will help me with some of the food issues. I will be able to swap activity points for food points.
AWB
One of the reasons I haven't posted in a while is that we had a tough time at our interview at Lesley Ellis. AWB threw 3 temper tantrums and I was mortified at her behavior the very first time in my life. I think it took me over 2 weeks to get over my embarrassment and while I was never mad at AWB, I was so disappointed in her. I was upset by this incident and struggled to find what my true feelings were about it and could not put words to them. It is only now that my own reaction has calmed with the passage of time that I am able to note that this happened to us. The letter came on Saturday that we were wait listed but HKB was mean and teased that this may be their way of letting us know that we were not accepted.
AWB's speech is still limited and she does prefer bringing you physically over to a place to show you what she wants rather than just telling us. But her speech ability is improving. Not in the communication manner but in the mimicry. She will repeat turns of phrases to you from her movies and DVDs and also words she has heard. But they are not in any context or of a limited sort. A "where are you going" turns into a "where are you going, Rabbit". I find it strange.
She has also started putting her hands on her chins in another form of mimicry. She sleeps with her hands tucked under her cheeks, like a princess. Another odd thing she is doing these days is to slip her hands into her diapers and scratch. We have gone back to daily baths as a consequence of this act.
HKB
Continues to struggle with the loss of his dad. He told me that images of his dad before they cremated him, crop up at odd moments in his day. I think that his dad's passing will affect him for a long time. I related to him that to this day, when speaking about my dad, I still tear up and feel sad. Even this morning, I was driving to WW and I thought of my dad and felt a longing for him.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Organizing
I'm on a huge organizing streak. I call it a streak because I am not sure what has come over me and I am sure I have no idea how long it will last.
I would love a room to my own though. I have to use the dining room table as my craft space and it is tiresome. I move things when we have to eat, just waiting for AWB to move into her own bed and then I have it made.
This weekend
A busy one. HKB and I disagreed about how I should spend my weekends. I figure if he is going to be home, why not watch AWB? But he disagrees. Saturday I went on the unending search for a free futon and also to an estate sale. The sale was sad because this woman obviously had some very nice things that we were just picking over. And there were some real pros there as well. I did manage to walk away with a vintage Fisher Price school house. AWB loves the alphabet puzzle in it. Then we all were off to the Stella Bella sing along. The performer was really good! Then we ate at the Sandwich Shop and AWB finished all her hot dog and had some fries. No poop today though. We went home, and she fell asleep on her own in the back bedroom. I took off on Harold. First to develop some photos, then to the Quilt Shoppe to sign up for a class and then to the Salvation Army to look at some potential owl material. Another sad venture and I couldn't justify spending $15 on stuff that is sitting in my cabinets waiting for me to thrift them. So I'll have to go through my stuff before trying to spend money on other people's trash. If I would have called it a day, I might not have been so exhausted. But I forged on to Joann Fabric to see if there was any cheap quilting material to purchase. After about an hour there, I couldn't decide on anything. I spent the evening rearranging the photos and hoping that the mirror, now hung, wouldn't come crashing down. I even moved the printer in case, the mirror does come off the wall.
Sunday was first spent by looking for the WW center at the Twin City Plaza. But I joined. I came back and AWB and I went to Target. We then went to Whole Foods and had lunch first. She ate most of the pizza and loved to use the bottle of apple juice. We shopped and went home. As I hauled all things into the car, I also grabbed a frame and took her with me to the frame store. By this time, I'm tired, hungry and we both came home. Me to chat with my mom and AWB to mellow out with some Winne the Pooh DVD. HKB came home with dinner and AWB fell asleep as I chatted with my sister. I finished the 2004 CA taxes and now am catching up on my blogging.
Time to get some rest!
I would love a room to my own though. I have to use the dining room table as my craft space and it is tiresome. I move things when we have to eat, just waiting for AWB to move into her own bed and then I have it made.
This weekend
A busy one. HKB and I disagreed about how I should spend my weekends. I figure if he is going to be home, why not watch AWB? But he disagrees. Saturday I went on the unending search for a free futon and also to an estate sale. The sale was sad because this woman obviously had some very nice things that we were just picking over. And there were some real pros there as well. I did manage to walk away with a vintage Fisher Price school house. AWB loves the alphabet puzzle in it. Then we all were off to the Stella Bella sing along. The performer was really good! Then we ate at the Sandwich Shop and AWB finished all her hot dog and had some fries. No poop today though. We went home, and she fell asleep on her own in the back bedroom. I took off on Harold. First to develop some photos, then to the Quilt Shoppe to sign up for a class and then to the Salvation Army to look at some potential owl material. Another sad venture and I couldn't justify spending $15 on stuff that is sitting in my cabinets waiting for me to thrift them. So I'll have to go through my stuff before trying to spend money on other people's trash. If I would have called it a day, I might not have been so exhausted. But I forged on to Joann Fabric to see if there was any cheap quilting material to purchase. After about an hour there, I couldn't decide on anything. I spent the evening rearranging the photos and hoping that the mirror, now hung, wouldn't come crashing down. I even moved the printer in case, the mirror does come off the wall.
Sunday was first spent by looking for the WW center at the Twin City Plaza. But I joined. I came back and AWB and I went to Target. We then went to Whole Foods and had lunch first. She ate most of the pizza and loved to use the bottle of apple juice. We shopped and went home. As I hauled all things into the car, I also grabbed a frame and took her with me to the frame store. By this time, I'm tired, hungry and we both came home. Me to chat with my mom and AWB to mellow out with some Winne the Pooh DVD. HKB came home with dinner and AWB fell asleep as I chatted with my sister. I finished the 2004 CA taxes and now am catching up on my blogging.
Time to get some rest!
Monday, January 07, 2008
2008 Start
We are now back less than a week from a trip to CA. It was our most ambitious and most satisfying.
I wanted to be home this Christmas because we had such a sad Thanksgiving because of the news of HKB's father. I had visions of sun, children running around, and visits with HKB's mom. And though it was colder than I thought it would be, there was sun, children running around my mom's house and very nice visits at HKB's mom's house.
On top of the standard HB visit, we first went to Kristen's house for her surprise party. She was so pleased we were there and I was so happy to do it for her after a really stinky divorce, sell your house and move into your parents' guest house kind of a year.
To manage the steer chaos that I knew my mom's house would have, we only stayed from Sunday the 23rd to the 27th. We woke up at the crack of dawn, or even before dawn to go to Berkeley. We had breakfast at the Harris Ranch--my first.
I am now too tired to spell out all the activities this holiday. I'll have to post later.
Sleeping noooow....
I wanted to be home this Christmas because we had such a sad Thanksgiving because of the news of HKB's father. I had visions of sun, children running around, and visits with HKB's mom. And though it was colder than I thought it would be, there was sun, children running around my mom's house and very nice visits at HKB's mom's house.
On top of the standard HB visit, we first went to Kristen's house for her surprise party. She was so pleased we were there and I was so happy to do it for her after a really stinky divorce, sell your house and move into your parents' guest house kind of a year.
To manage the steer chaos that I knew my mom's house would have, we only stayed from Sunday the 23rd to the 27th. We woke up at the crack of dawn, or even before dawn to go to Berkeley. We had breakfast at the Harris Ranch--my first.
I am now too tired to spell out all the activities this holiday. I'll have to post later.
Sleeping noooow....
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