I need to attend a conference EVERY week!

Kari, Esther, and I attended the TLA conference in Dallas this past week for 3 full days---lots and lots of walking and lugging around sacks and bags of books....so many freebies!!! If a person is willing to spend the time going through all the vendors, you can get so many free books, posters, and bookmarks to take back to school! It's crazy great! Esther left a sack for me to mail home to her (she's not going to be back home until May 8ish). Kari left half the back seat of my car filled with things to ship to her....and the trunk of my car is filled!

The good news is that I'm down a few more pounds! And I'll be working really hard to get the next 3 lbs. off!!

Eat This NotThat

I kept seeing the title of this book in the news, on Amazon, etc....but hadn't been curious enough to explore further until this past week when "the book people" left their lot of discounted books at school for us to purchase--and there was the book. I "borrowed" it overnight to peruse it and find out what all the talk is about. I was impressed that the information given cites specific studies, gives brief explanations of what is specifically in a certain food that is healthy, and overall enlightens about the restaurant/fast food/food industry---it's enough to make a person go organic all the way!! It certainly makes me very thankful that I was raised on homegrown foods out of the garden and homegrown beef. We had fresh milk and fresh eggs too, but I drank as little milk as possible and would only eat an egg if it was scrambled. I was a very picky eater---until I "got out in the world" and was willing to try new things! Although, I have to say, I've just never been able to cultivate my palate to like the taste of liver or English peas! ugh I would not eat cheese of any kind except as a grilled cheese sandwich (although, American was the only cheese I was exposed to). I would eat salads dry--no salad dressing. I would only eat vanilla ice cream (and thought it came in only 3 flavors--vanilla, chocolate, and neopolitan).

Here are some facts from the book:

• 2/3 of U.S. adults are overweight.
• Food industry spends $30 billion annually on advertising (70% on convenience food, candy, soda, and desserts).
• The standard pizza in Italy contains 500-800 calories, while the same Pizza Hut one can top 2,100 calories.
• At Chick-Fil-A, not a single sandwich tops 500 calories.
• Popeyes' mashed potatoes and gravy only has 120 calories, 4 g. fat, 570 mg.sodium (this is a fav. comfort food for Lisa)

Restaurant Report Cards (based on the overall nutrition):

Arby’s C
Bob Evans A-
Boston Market A-
Burger King C-
Chick-Fil-A A+
Chili’s C-
Denny’s B
Domino’s C-
Fazoli’s B+
KFC C+
Macaroni Grill F
McDonald’s B-
On the Border F
P.F. Chang D
Panera D (I'm so sad to find this out!)
Pizza Hut D-
Ruby Tuesday B-
Subway A
Taco Bell B+
Uno Chicago Grill C
Wendy’s B

8 Foods You Should Eat Every Day
spinach
yogurt
tomatoes
carrots
blueberries
black beans
walnuts
oats

15 Foods that Cure

Best blood stabilizer: Raspberries
Contains anthocyanins, which boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels, providing a strong defense against diabetes

Best colon cancer guard: Green or white tea
Just one c a day may cut your risk of colon cancer in half. Antioxidants in the tea, called catechins, inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Best skin saver: Carrots
NCI researchers found that people with the highest intake of carotenoids were six times less likely to develop skin cancer than those with the lowest intakes.

Best heart protector: Salmon
A diet of heart-healthy fats, like those found in salmon and olive oil, raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Best breast cancer beater: Whole-grain cereal
Women who get at least 30 g. fiber daily are half as likely to develop breast cancer.

Best bone protector: Shrimp
Shrimp is high in Vit B12 which aids bone density and is crucial to the generation of new cells. It’s also a good source of Vit D, an essential ingredient for bone strength.

Best vision defender: Spinach or Romaine lettuce
People who consume the most lutein—found in leafy greens—are 43% less likely to develop macular degeneration.

Best anti-aging elixir: Red wine
Oxidative stress plays a major role in aging, and an antioxidant in red wine called resveratrol may help extend life by neutralizing disease-causing free radicals. A Pinot Noir packs the most per glass.

Best lung cancer fighter: Grapefruit
A grapefruit a day can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by up to 50%. Grapefruit contains naringin, which may help lower levels of cancer-causing enzymes.

Best prostate protector: Garlic
Compounds in garlic have been shown to reduce risk of prostate cancer by up to 50%.

Best cavity killer: Monterey Jack Cheese
Eating less than a quarter ounce of Jack, Cheddar, Goud, or mozzarella cheese will boost pH levels to protects your pearly whites from cavities.

Best blood pressure reducer: Baked Potato
Increasing the amount of potassium in your diet (a baked potato will boost your intake by about 400 mg, but be sure to eat the skin!) will significantly lower your blood pressure.

Best hair rejuvenator: Beef
Iron in the meat stimulates hair turnover and replenishment. Beef is also rich in zinc, which helps guard against hair loss.

Best cholesterol reducer: Olive oil
Antioxidants found in olives have been shown both to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, making olive oil a doubly potent protector against cardiovascular disease.

Best brain booster: Coffee
Beyond boosting alertness for up to 90 minutes, that morning cup is the number one source of antioxidants in the American diet, and can help decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 60%.

Foods to Eat When....

You’re Stressed:
1 c. low-fat yogurt
2 T. mixed nuts
half a red bell pepper—sliced –add to a salad or sandwich
1 c.peppermint tea
handful of sesame seeds

You’re Sad:
Arugula or spinach salad
Tuna sashimi or grilled salmon
1 T. ground flaxseed daily—sprinkle on salads or mix in smoothie/shake

You’re Feeling Fat:
Grilled chicken breast
Grapefruit (Note: people taking Lipitor can't eat grapefruit)
A small scoop of tuna salad

You’re Low on Energy:
Handful of trail mix
Bowl of cereal
High-protein salad with vinaigrette

You Need a Brain Boost:
Blueberries—wild if you can find them
Coffee
Salmon or mackerel

You Want to Increase Metabolism:
Green tea
Steak & eggs
Physical activity

You Need to Get Some Sleep:
Nonfat popcorn (who knew, huh, D?)
Oatmeal with sliced banana and walnuts
A handful of sesame seeds

You Need to Wake Up and Go:
Eggs and Whole Wheat Toast
Cottage Cheese topped with Berries
Post Original Shredded Wheat

You’re Hung Over:
Orange juice
Cold water or Gatorade
Toast with preserves or berries

You’re Under the Weather:
Ginseng tea, hot or iced
Green tea
Oranges
Olive oil and avocados

You Want to Get “In the Mood”:
Dark Chocolate
6 oz. sirloin steak
vanilla ice cream

You Want a Baby:
Brazil nuts
Liver
Frozen peaches

You Want to Look and Feel Younger:
Sunflower seeds
Spinach and beans
Red wine and grape juice
Sweet potatoes
Coffee

You Want the Most from Your Workout:
PB & J or Pasta
Pork Tenderloin
Pineapple and Papaya
Milk
Coffee

All About Kids

To Spur Growth:
Whole grain cereal with Vit D Milk

To Feed Developing Brain:
Roast Beef

To Promote Better Behavior:
Legumes, fruits, vegetables

To Boost Energy:
All-natural peanut butter on whole wheat bread

Nutrition Kids Need(with examples of some foods with highest content):

Calcium (milk, calcium-enhanced o.j., yogurt, string cheese)
Fiber (raspberries, banana, sliced apple)
Vitamin A (carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach)
Iron (beans, fortified cereals, spinach)
Vitamin C (kiwi, orange juice, strawberries)

5 Hidden Nutriton Dangers for Kids (this is because of additives and sugar content):

Cereal
Juice
Lunch snacks
Bread
Vegetables (cheez whiz, ranch dressing)



Overall, I found the book to be a pretty amazing source of information with lots of fact sidebars....amazing enough that I've ordered one for myself, one for Lisa and Lori, and one for Kari & Warren.

What a difference 1 lb. makes!

I finally got back on the scale today....and had lost a pound. But this is a momentous pound for me.....after "confession" I worked hard to not just mentally re-group, but to also get in more exercise. It was also momentous because I just looked straight down at the scales---I didn't have to suck anything in, move anything out of the way, or bend over to see what the numbers were.

I'm down 2 sizes in clothes....My goal is to lose 4-5 more sizes. It may take a while--like another year, but I'm ok with that.

Jake and I went to Ft. Washita yesterday and the walk (not to mention the weather) was absolutely great!

This 1 pound also made a difference in my social life. Friday night I met with Vickie and Kristi at a scrapbooking session in Denison. Big hugs! I cannot tell you the last time I've done anything socially. In fact, Kristi even commented about how long it had been since we'd done anything and I told her, "I was just too fat to socialize." Seriously. It was sucking the oxygen out of my brain cells and sucking the life right out of me at the same time. I've really missed Vickie and Kristi being in my life on a regular basis.

So Saturday I squeezed in a lot of socializing to make up for lost time! lol Saw Sharla at Ft. Washita--didn't get to talk to her long, but it was great to see her andgive each other a hug...especially in a setting that we both love and share fond memories of. Saw Chuck and Sheila and their whole family--more hugs (Lori's brother and sister-in-law)--was great to see them, too, with their girls and grandkids and one soon to arrive. Stopped at Kinfolk's in Durant to see Carla and Heather---big hugs. They are two special people that I just love to be around....and never get to see often enough...and never have enough time to do all talking we could do. Stopped to see Debbie--big hug--in Achille and admire who beautifully remodeled kitchen...I so miss having frequent literary discussions with her and talking to her and working with her. I hope we get an opportunity to work together again some day. Then Donnas called me and said she and DeWayne would be down Sunday night, which just would have capped off my social weekend, but, unfortunately, her mom became sick and they had to cancel those plans this morning. We'll get together soon.

A pound has really made a difference for me mentally.....and socially!

So I've roasted a turkey loin, made some red beans, rice, and hamburger, cut up a watermelon, cut up 2 mangoes and am ready to go for the next week!

Photo source: http://www.civilwaralbum.com/washita/nov04_4.htm

God sends secret messages in conversations...

I had two unexpected conversations this past week on different days with total strangers. They were reassuring messages from God --reassurance that I've taken the right path with the lapband surgery....and that I was prepared for it.

Conversation #1: This person knew I'd had lapband surgery. She'd also had it around the same time I did and wanted to know "how I am doing." She was frustrated that she had not lost any weight since the surgery and 3 fills. She wanted to know if the 45+ lbs. I'd lost so far was "from the surgery or from me." She said she has a compulsion to eat and did not want to change what she eats or her eating habits, but wanted to surgery to work and make her lose weight. I suggested she get some behavioral therapy or psychiatric counseling. She told me she had lied during the psychiatric evaluation pre-surgery.

Conversation #2: This person's sister-in-law had lapband surgery and weighed 420+ lbs. She also did not want to change any eating habits and has totally abandoned any pretense of trying to lose weight. She said she enjoys eating and food is her life. When she fixes pot roast for her family, she fixes a pot roast for each person to eat!!! When offering ice cream for desert, she offers each person a pint or half gallon each!!! She eats whole bags of cookies for a snack.

Needless to say, both conversations within 2 days of each other just helped me feel more determied to get back on a more narrow path.....and it makes me thankful that I have the continued support of family and co-workers who make comments of encouragement and compliments to me.....andthat I am making progress....

I can honestly say that I was mentally prepared for this surgery. I never thought it would be a miracle surgery and that I would instantly lose 150 pounds. I was so sick of being an out-of-control eater. I was tired of constantly thinking about food from the minute I woke up until I fell asleep. I was tired of being so lazy that I practically relied on nothing but take-out, fast food, and restaurant food for meals. Being out of control was wearing me out....and making me very unhealthy.

I went in to the surgery knowing that I had to change my way of thinking, my way of shopping, my way of eating, my way of cooking. I knew I had to start planning ahead for meals, exercise, get more sleep, learn to say no to some foods, and learn to eat realistic portion sizes. This was a life-style change for me....for the rest of my life because I have a daughter and son-in-law and future grandkids and nieces and a nephew and the rest of my family who I want to be able to spend as much time as I can with for as many years as I can. Thank you, God. Amen.

Beeswax ATC created by moi.

Leopard print covers a multitude of sins...

Within 15 minutes after arriving at school, I had received comments from at least 4 people "You can really tell you are losing weight!" "You are looking fine, Ms. Fine" "You are really looking skinny!" "You are looking good!"

I wore a pair of black jersey pants (that I hadn't worn in about 3 years) along with a leopard print t-shirt (that I hadn't worn in about 4 years--) with a pair of black sequined sandal slides. That last roll around my waist is starting to shrink....and even though the leopard print was a bit form-fitting, with all those spots you can't even tell if there is a roll or not! lol It is my Librarian in Leopard Print Look---a walk on the wild side! Seriously, at an AASL conference (in KC?), three of us dressed this way for a presentation! We were memorable! LOL

I actually "dressed up" that day because there was an intern workshop (what we used to call "student teachers") held in the library with staff from A & M Commerce directing the workshop. Well, all those comments made me just prance around like I was something and after listening to the first professor directing the interns about making lesson plans and gathering materials and starting to build their "bag of tricks," I felt compelled to tell her (in a professional manner, of course!) that I wish she'd also encourage them to start thinking about how to integrate technology in to their lessons and start making ppts, bookmarking websites, etc. Naturally, she thought that was a marvelous idea! (Esther & Kari are rolling their eyes at this point, aren't you?) I printed the homepage I've created for Carver and a research guide that I'd put together for a 3rd grade bi-lingual class that was researching animals and pointed out to her that she really needed to encourage the interns to make friends with the librarian and ask questions about finding materials in the library as well as online. And then, I asked her if she had a memory stick with her and she did, so I loaded some of the ppts I've made (hey, making GOOD ppts takes talent!) and told her to share with them. Later the interns were discussing where to buy books on the cheap, so I asked if anyone had ever been to a Scholastic Warehouse sale--none had, so I quickly put together a 1 pg. document that had the info for all the warehouse sales within driving distance. Needless to say, the information that I kept interjecting was gratefully received and I was properly thanked by college staff and interns at the end of the day. For those of you who know me well, you know that I was mentally wearing my tiara! LOL

My point in telling this story is this: Last year when they held this same workshop, I never said a word. Now I know you will find this next statement shocking (unless you were shocked that I didn't say a word!), but....I was just too fat to want to participate. Those compliments at the beginning of the day was like throwing oil on the fire! lol With the combination of my Clinque Bamboo Lipstick and leopard print, I was quite the showout! lol Truthfully, I stepped in to the Edison role I played for so many years with Esther---with our natural give and take when doing team teaching/training. It felt so good to be able to do that and do it with confidence knowing that all that leopard print was covering a multitude of sins....shrinking sins that is!