I was able to get to a doctor yesterday for my knee. Since driving my car doesn't really work, mom had to take me. Mom, Grandma, Rich and I all use GPs out of the same office. This is one of those times it came in handy. Grandma had Dr appointments in the afternoon. I explained this to the scheduler and she worked to get me in.

 

I ended up with a 4:15 appointment, but I had to get there by 2:30 or so because of Grandmas appointments. Mom then took Carl home with her and Grandma. Carl was so good in the waiting room. He ran around a little bit when no one was in our area, then calmed down after a little bit and was happy to sing or listen to a story.

 

The doctors office was great - they got me seen about 20 minutes early - about three minutes after Mom, Grandma and Carl left. I was out of the appointment before Mom got everyone to her house. Naturally. So then I waited about an hour for Rich to come get me.

 

The Doctor checked out my knee and didn't think anything was broken but thought I should go to an orthapedist and use crutches and ibuprofen.

 

One evening of using crutches had me pretty down. This morning, trying to make a doctors appointment and involve my mother had me in tears. Fortunately I received an email from my friend Susan in Colorado, which really lifted my spirits on the injury and the weight loss.

 

So I am still hurt, but I am ok.

My weigh in didn't go as well as I thought. I was still down - .6 lbs. I think the Mexican dinner last night bloated me...

 

Driving a stick to the meeting wasn't a good plan at all. I am on my way to the docs later today.

Cycles Gladiator 2005 Syrah - this is a great buy out there, its about $8 a bottle. Rich's picky tastebuds like it a lot.

 

Domaine Serene 2004 Pinot Noir Fleur de Lis Vineyard - if I remember, this was only available as futures and we took a chance on it. It is a tasty wine.

 

The last is an Italian wine, and I not that great at deciphering the labels. Here is what I think it is:

Borgogno 1993 Barolo - I was a little bummed by this one - we bought it about 2 years ago and should have drank it then. I think we bought it at a tasting at Vinos, I am sure it was wonderful then...

 

 

 

Things aren't as bleak as I thought yesterday. I changed my daily point allowance to reflect my immobility. I was able to get a little activity in too. I stretched out my upper body and practiced the upper body isolations and movements for belly dancing. Things are better than I thought.

 

Carl is being pretty helpful. He has been picking up things for me and doing a bit more for himself.

 

 

I hurt my knee yesterday. It is not doing better today.

 

Carl had said it was time to sit on the toilet. I zoomed him to the toilet and got him on it. He asked me read to him. We keep books in the bathroom for this purpose. I was on my knees going through the books when something happened. It hurt and I took it easy the rest of the day. It was swollen by late afternoon.

 

This morning it is a little more swoller and still hurts. This whole event naturally occurs on a Friday so I have to go through the weekend like this.

 

What has me so discouraged besides the pain is I was really starting to get into the activity mode - walking the zoo, roller skating and belly dancing. I am going to work on the arm, shoulder and ribcage movements for bellydancing. I also think I will need to reevaluated my daily points until I am more active.

 

I think I am going to go back to bed a while this morning.

I've posted some photos from Sports Class - Carl is really loving it. Rich is getting SOME exercise by participating. It still surprises us how skilled Carl is at soccer. The only thing he dislikes is the slow controlled dribble after a fast dribble. Usually they do a controlled dribble then a fast dribble then a controlled dribble. He doesn't like doing the second controlled exercise.

 

With his recent dentist appointments and his upcoming dental work, he is very interested in dentistry. I bought two teeth and dental oriented books during the recent Scholastic book sale through Parks and Rec. He is loving them - they have become his most requested reading. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up he says, "a dentist." I am not holding my breath but it would be nice...

 

Besides classes and the zoo, we tried roller skating this week - Oaks Park has a preschooler program. It was too much fun. Fortunately I went with some new friends. Carl was pretty unsure of himself - fortunately I had help since it was my first time rollerskating in 4 years.

 

Carl's language continues to improve. He now uses "me" and "my" correctly. It is no longer "baball" but "basketball." While "tuitar" has gone away, guitars are "lectiwic" or "atoostic." The picture of mommy has worn off his monster truck - I didn't do it honest - so it is no longer the monster truck with the picture of mommy, but the white monster truck. Anthony Geary still looks like grandpa - this isn't as funny as I was mistaken for his grandma by a saleswoman. My friend said I showed remarkable restraint in not slapping the woman.

 

I am working on a email to my niece. I haven't written her since before Christmas. This is the niece who had the little girl this summer. Around the time I lost the baby, she chose to give up custody of her girl to the baby's father. I want to let her know I still love her. I can't imagine having to be in her position. She is a teenager who comes from generations of teenage moms. It is a choice I can't imagine having to make, the timing is just incredibly painful.

 

Something similiar occured many years ago. I was pregnant in my early thirties. I didn't want to be with the father, but I planned on having the baby. I then miscarried. The doctor thought I might not be able to carry a baby to term (they were wrong, yeah!) About the same time a coworker terminated a pregnancy. I never showed it to her, but it was really painful also.

 

Why do things work out like this?

 

Feisty Goddess (http://feistygoddess.spaces.live.com/) had a link to the following blog:

Post partum is rough - even if you are worth millions.

 

I made these many years ago for a murder/mystery dinner. The recipe was a bit more elaborate, I modified it for Weight Watchers (as usual.)

 

1 LaTortilla Factory Whole Wheat low-Carb/Low Fat Tortilla (small sized)

1/2 Teaspoon olive oil

1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese

 

Spread oil over tortilla, then sprinkle with cheese. Cut tortilla into wedges. Cook at 350 for 10 minutes.

 

1 point

 

The tortilla is the trick - the first one is a freebie with 8 grams of fiber, 50 calories and 2 grams of fat.

 

 

 

---

Addedum - try lowering the temp and cooking longer... 325 15-20 min

I had a much better weigh in this week! My weight was down 2.8 lbs. Hurrah! My weight was 148 - 11 lbs from goal.

 

Carl has made three friends at the meeting. Being boys they can get noisy - so a lot of my time is spent quieting them down.

 

So sticking to my daily points (no weekly) and getting some activity points in each day seems to work. Yeah!

I roasted some Cauliflower last night - I heard of this at my Weight Watchers meeting and wanted to give it a try.

I researched how to cook it on Epicurious
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/105730
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/recipe_views/views/237336

and the Food Network
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_24907,00.html?rsrc=search

The recipes had some great ideas, but with Weight Watchers I wanted to use less oil than listed.

 

1 cup Cauliflower flourets
Olive Oil (in my Pampered Chef sprayer)
salt
lemon pepper
6 garlic cloves
fat free chicken broth (just a few ounces)
1/4 lime

Preheat oven to 400°.

 

I used a ceramic pie plate. First I poured some broth into the pie plate, just enough to cover the bottom. I added the cauliflower and the whole cloves of garlic. I sprayed them with olive oil and then sprinkled a little salt and lemon pepper. I then squeezed the lime juice on the vegetables.

 

45 minutes in the oven.

 

I served this with Pierogies in Mushroom Sauce, baked chicken breast with cajun spices and a stuffed tomato.

 

I counted 2 points for the cauliflower dish because of the oil.

One thing I have had trouble with was getting the activiites back into my schedule after my miscarrige. Earlier in the program I found it so easy to get my point in each day, but since I started again, I found I was having trouble getting activiities in. I discovered it is very weather related.

 

I was getting a lot of my activity time in the garden - and I am not that motivated to work in crummy weather.  I can walk the zoo in the rain, but working, yuck.

 

I guess I will need to practice the belly dancing (stop laughing) to get my activiites in...

I found a good website that explains more about fiber, including soluble vs insoluble fiber.

 

Carl and I met Rich for lunch today at Popeyes. The chain just opened a restaurant near our home. I checked the website and discovered that the Naked Chicken Strips and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy made for a reasonably point-priced lunch. (4 for the chicken, 2 for the potatoes and gravy.)

 

 

I had been eating really well this week, until yesterday at my dad's. They had potato chips out. I resisted for a while, but they kept calling me. I then got home and had to make dinner for myself (Carl wanted Mac and Cheese and Rich was at school). I made nachos with lots of cheese. I really dreaded trying to add it up. It wasn't too bad. I still am within the plan for the week - it was the only day I used weekly points. I also have three days to work it off.

St. Valentine's Day sure isn't romantic with busy schedules. It was nice thought because Rich did make some sweet gestures.

 

I woke up early as usually and went downstairs to make coffee. Rich had a bouquet of red roses and a card waiting for me. He also came home early before I went to class so we could talk for a few minutes. Those little things really made it nice.

 

I had Carl get his grandparents and great grandparents cards. We also decorated Peep Hearts (found kits at Michaels) and gave them out. Carl also made some valnetines in art class, those are getting mailed to the out of town grandparents with some photos.

 

We stopped in to visit my grandma. I knew my mom was going to be gone in the afternoon, and I like to try to visit her especially on those das so she isn't so lonely. Carl had picked out a treat to give her (a Dove Rose) and I found a jigsaw puzzle that might be good. She was really happy to see us and started tearing into the jigsaw puzzle.

 

I made a pork roast, rosemary potatoes and asparagus for dinner. I ate my veggies before class and my meat and potatoes after class (they weren't ready before class.) Rich liked the meal too - too bad we couldn't eat it together.

 

Yesterday we went to visit my dad and stepmom. Carl had a card for them and Peeps. Judi made heart shaped Gelatin Blocks for Carl, plus they put together a little gift bag for Carl. They also had some new books there - which Carl loved.

 

Rich received the set of files from Costco, which he had pointed out every time we went there. I also picked up a big bag of his favofite potato chips. He was happy.

 

Though I would have loved a big romantic dinner out baby free, I really enjoyed this low key Valentines Day.

Well this weigh in didn't go too well - I was up .8 lbs. I had a feeling my weight would be up a little (it is at least under a pound!) There were three bad days this week. I can usually loose with one bad day but not three.

 

I had started thinking about my three bad days. One was a trip to Leonardo's for pizza, one was a party at Carmen's and the third was a dinner at a Mexican resturaunt. I also started thinking about what I did wrong and what I could do right.

 

When I ate at Leonardo's instead of eating part of Carl's Mac and Cheese triangles and french fries, I should order a salad.

 

I started out good at the party. Carmen had healthy foods out. I took a bottle of water. Then I had a glass of wine then lots of cheese and chocolate. So instead of drinking wine I should take a couple of bottles of water when I go to parties. That will probably keep me from eating chocolate and cheese.

 

Our favorite Mexican restaurant doesn't have a website, so I can't plan ahead very well. Things that will help: order milk or drink water instead of a marg (:( sniff. Instead of my favorite chimichanga or other fried thing look at fish tacos or the light menu. Eat a salad instead of chips (another sniff, I will miss these...)

 

At our weight watchers meeting we were asked for three achievements, three problems and three tips. We never got to the tips in the discussion.

 

My acheivements I listed were loosing over 36 pounds, fitting into my pre-pregnancy clothing and being able to carry my son on the beach and up to the bridge at Multnomah Falls.

 

My problems were the three I listed above.

 

My three tips are:

1. Take 0 point items and develop recipes around them. This is how I came up with many of the sauces like mustard sauce, lime sauce, stuffed tomatoes and the carrot bundles.

2. Drink water before eating. If you stomach rumbles or even if you think you want something to eat, drink a pint of water first.

3. Plan ahead with snacks. I usually pack 10 carrots and a bottle of water before I leave for anywhere.

 

So I need to think a bit more before we go out to eat or to parties. I also need to get more activities in.

We had two bottles of wine this week. Ok we had some others at Carmen's party, but I don't remember the names.

 

White Rose Wines 2003 Pinot Noir Michelle

 

Archery Summit 2004 Pinot Noir Reneade Ridge Estate

 

We took a bottle of Pinot Noir from Beaux Freres to the party. I had a merlot... and others...

 

 

Carole Billingham published some great thoughts in her newsletter this week. Here are her thoughts:

 

Monday Morning Coach

"All the answers to life's questions reside within you." - Carole
 
February 12, 2007 - A publication of The WisdomCoach - www.wisdomcoach.com
 
Monday Morning Coach
Written weekly by
Carole L. Billingham, MCC

Spiritual and Business Coach

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this Issue:
Quote of the Week
What People Are Saying
NEW! Ask Coach Carole
Carole's Newest Article
Carole in the News
February Specials!
NEW! Recommended Book
Contact Carole

 
Good Morning!
 

Until I had a child, Valentine’s Day was just another holiday to me. Now though, I get to enjoy reading children’s stories about the many ways we can show people how much we love them by decorating the house with red and pink hearts and baking heart-shaped cookies with lots of frosting and sprinkles. Doing this, has blessed me with a new appreciation for Valentine’s Day and the idea of sharing love with one another.

My 6-year-old daughter enjoys writing little notes covered with tiny hearts that say “I love you.”  A day rarely goes by where I don’t find one of her notes on my bedroom altar or on the sink in the bathroom. She dearly loves to draw and share her feelings of love to those around her.

Imagine what our world would be like if adults were truly comfortable in sharing their feelings of love and appreciation? How wonderful that would be. Imagine sitting down at your desk each Monday morning and finding a note of appreciation from your boss saying how much he/she values you. Or crawling into bed at night and finding a love note from your mate tucked under your pillow.

Although receiving notes is not in the realm of your control, giving them is. How about taking a little time this week to tell people how much you appreciate them?  As you do, stop and notice what a difference it makes in their day and in yours.

Have a giving week!

Quote of the Week
 
 
Quote of the Week:  "Pretend that everyone you meet today has a sign around their neck that says, 'Make me feel important'."
- Mary Kay Ash
 
Question:  How could you start to acknowledge people more and make them feel more important? Notice what happens to both of you when you do.

Affirmation:  "I feel great as I acknowledge others for the things that make them special."
 
Copyright 2007, Carole L. Billingham, MCC  All rights reserved.

What People are Saying about Coach Carole...
 
"Monday Morning Coach is such a welcome reminder to me to continue to center myself in the flow of abundance and possibility. Thank you, Carole, for such a wonderful tool!"
- Pamela C., Hypnotherapist, Dunnellon, FL

Read other testimonials about Carole.
http://www.wisdomcoach.com/testimonials.html

 
 
NEW! Ask Coach Carole...
 
One of the most gratifying parts of writing Monday Morning Coach is hearing from you. Knowing that my writing resonates with you and addressing things that matter most to you is what inspires me to keep writing.

I'd like to request your input. What topics would you like to see addressed in upcoming issues of Monday Morning Coach? Do you have a specific question that you'd like to ask?

Don’t be shy. Are you pondering a question that you think may be unique to you? I assure you, there are others asking the same question.
carole @ wisdomcoach.com
Subject: [Ask Carole] Here is my question Carole

 
Read the Newest Article written by Coach Carole...
http://www.wisdomcoach.com/articles.html
 

Click HERE to read Carole's newest featured writings.
http://www.wisdomcoach.com/articles.html
 
 
Carole in the News
Carole would love to share her news articles with you.
http://www.wisdomcoach.com/news.html
 

Carole's Latest Book Recommendation

Homeland and Other Stories (Paperback)
by Barbara Kingsolver
Kingsolver manages to capture much of the very essence of the human existence in our culturally and socially backward world (and country).

This is a collection of short stories that each deal with the frustrations that average people face in their desire to lead normal, quiet, decent lives. Frequently, her personages are 'different' in some way and their frustrations are compounded in economic, social, cultural and sometimes just personal ways. And the power of persistence, love, and respect is frequently what combats those frustrations. None of these stories are loud and angry, none are suspenseful or thrilling, but each is softly, powerfully moving and thought provoking.

Kingsolver presents her characters in ways that pull in the reader, leaving the reader as an ally, quietly rooting for the protagonist. I always recommend Kingsolver to other readers because she can enlighten you without you even knowing it!

Click to view or purchase this book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=homeland%20barbara%20kingsolver&tag=wisdomcoachco-20&index=books&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

February Specials!

The 10 Principles of Attraction audio book only $14.99!

Are you wondering if there is more to your life? Maybe you're searching for deeper meaning or wondering what your purpose is. Do you want to find inner peace and fulfillment while balancing the demands of today's chaotic lifestyle? If so, my audio tape, "The 10 Principles of Attraction" will lead you on an incredible journey of self-exploration and discovery of your authentic self! Through the gentle lessons in The 10 Principles of Attraction, you'll easily learn how to tap into your own power and turn your every day struggles into inspirational avenues of growth and inner development.

Begin today to live a happier, healthier life that is a true expression of Who You Really Are!

Click HERE to order your very own copy of The 10 Principles of Attraction!
http://www.wisdomcoach.com/attractionform.html

Gift Certificates
Change someone's life today! Give the ultimate gift of personal success...a gift certificate for coaching or audio products.
Click HERE to order a Gift Certificate!

Contact Carole

Speaker, Author and Spiritual and Business Coach, Carole L. Billingham, MCC
Inspires high achievers to create a life of balance, passion and purpose
and invites you to be among them!

Contact Carole at:

WisdomCoach
P. O. Box 3186
Estes Park, CO 80517
303-403-4003
Toll free: 1-800-442-9480
carole@wisdomcoach.com
www.wisdomcoach.com

Copyright © 2007 Carole L. Billingham, MCC

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. I would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to forward this Newsletter in it's entirety to friends. family and business associates -- any friend of yours is a friend of mine!

To subscribe, send an email to MondayMorningCoach-On@lists.webvalence.com

I have added this week's artwork to photos. The self portrait was created at home - the others in classes. The projects involved pasting differnt media to construction paper and running toy cars through paint then running them across the paper. Carl still prefers the PlayDoh and sliding and climbing on the little indoor equipment at the room.

 

This week has been a new experience for both Carl and me. Carl had his first dentist appointment. It did not go well. We were refered to a pediatric dentist. We were able to get an appointment this week also. This time we talked a little about what would be expected and what he would earn by letting the dentist brush his teeth with the special toothbrush and look and his teeth with special tools. Yes I bribed him this time - this one wasn't cheap - it was a Cranky for his Thomas set.

 

At the first dentist, he wouldn't open his mouth except at the end for the dentist. He wouldn't let anyone put anything in his mouth save a regular toothbrush. It didn't go well, I started to bribe and threaten - bribe of the new toy and grounding existing toys if he didn't do it. It was not me, but I also didn't have problems like this before. After it was all done I was mad at myself and him. I went over to moms. She took Carl for a walk and I talked to Grandma to get focused again.

 

When I got home, I made the appointment for Carl with the new place. They got the information they needed and were able to get us in quickly. This time we talked about what would happen and what Carl would need to do to earn his Cranky. In preparing for the appointment, I let Carl take two toys we talk again about what would be happening and how he can earn his Cranky. We get there and the waiting room is totally kid friendly. Carl takes to everything there. Unfortunately I get more and more stressed waiting. The receptionist apologizes for the wait - there is a girl in there having trouble and they didn't want Carl to see it and get worried. They then bring the girl through the waiting room for something - so I try to block Carl from seeing her. He is so entranced by the rocket game he barely notices her.

 

The dentist comes out and talkes to me. We talk about how to handle Carl if he won't cooperate and various options available. We finally get in and he is great. He is nervous about being in the chair by himself so I sit in the chair and he sits on my lap. They have a TV in ceiling so we watch Higglytown Heroes. He is a trooper. We then have to take xrays. He sits in the chair by himself and holds still. Ok still for a 3 year old. We made it through unscathed hurrah! Both of us are happy. Carl will get his Cranky and I get to find out how much damage is already in his mouth.

 

The dentist came out and says he has three cavities- there was one in the back of a front tooth that we couldn't see. The one he is most concerned about is the same one I was most concerned about - it will need a lot of work. They said they would usually do these in two sessions, but because of his age they want to do them in one.

 

We went to Michaes for Carl's Cranky (yes the craft store). Michaels has a 40% off coupon in the Sunday papers and the one near us stocks the Learning Curve Thomas products. When we get there I discover the Cranky is one of the more spendy items in the Thomas collection - that 40% off really helped.

 

Now my worries are on the upcoming fillings. I am very worried about the process - partially because I personally am not very familiar with the process and partially because they will be putting my precious son under for the process. Rich is going with me for the next appointment (they recommend two adults be present for this one to get the child home.) I am working hard to conquer my anxiety - it can only make Carl anxious too.

 

To end this on a not so sad note, I do have so comments on Cranky the Crane. This is the Learning Curve Cranky the Crane LC99327. When I got it out of the box the top section (with the face on it) was loose from the rest of the body. It appeared they should fit together easily, but it wasn't easy. I called Learning Curve and they told me to line up the pieces and to push very hard - there would NOT be a click but they would go together. It took quite a bit of muscle, but it did work.

I was shown this website today with some sitting exercises. I am marking this here to investigate further.

 

Carl and I once again went to the Mommy and Me Weight Watchers meeting. I really appreciate them accomodating Moms, but I will be happy going to the regular meeting once again. I always have to keep an eye on Carl so I feel I am not getting as much out of the meeting. Carl is starting to play with the other kids a bit.

 

Anyway, the results: I am down .6 lbs to an even 150. The weight loss seems to be slowing. I know what I need to do, work more activity into my day. I am still thrilled that I am loosing weight though, I will take that over an even or gain.

 

At the meeting we talked about chocolate fixes and how to handle them within reason. It is one of my weaknesses. That and cheese. And good bread. And Mexican food. And Italian food. All right, I have a lot of weaknesses....

Actually I will start with Friday. Carl and I along with some new friends went to the Northwest Family and Kids Festival. The boys loved it. There was a blow up castle to climb on. Hillsboro Soccer had a small field set up - Carl would have spent the entire day there. There were animals exhibits and lots of vendors. Just Me Music had an exhibit - I bought Carl another personalized CD. It was a lot of fun.

 

One thing that made me realize how old I am - someone thought I was the boys GRANDMOTHER. My ego still smarts from that. That got me masking and moisturizing for the rest of the weekend.

 

Carl also had Sports Class with Daddy. This week was soccer. He loves it. The one problem we are having is he doesn't like the slow controlled walking with the ball. He likes to run and dribble and kick the goal, but he sure doesn't like learning the control.

 

We celebrated the January/Februrary birthdays in my family. I posted my stepmother's chocolate cake recipe. I couldn't resist. It was so good. We will see how much damage it did at my weigh-in. I had been careful all week, but I don't know how much care can make up for chocolate cake, turkey pot pie and a mayonaise/sour cream salad.  It was good....