What's for Dinner Pt. 2

The Italian Stew was wonderful. The vegetables were nice and tender and the herbs cooked throughout everything made it unlike anything I'd had before. I will definately make it again. The only problem I had with it was the time it took to make it. From start to finish was 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was a good Sunday meal to make since I don't have much time on weeknights to make something like this. I would like to try to make it in the crockpot sometime and see if it turns out the same. Take the time to try it, it's worth the time.

DaniLynn

What's for Dinner?

My Mom found this recipe in one of my new cookbooks. It is cooking right now and smells very good. Here is it:

Italian Sausage Stew
From: Taste of Home Dinner on a Dime

1-1/2 lbs Italian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces (I used Jenni-O)
3 cups water
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 medium carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery ribs, cut into chunks
2 small onions, cut into wedges
1/4 cup Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. each dried basil, thyme and rosemary, crushed
1 bay leaf
Salt & Pepper to taste
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 large green or sweet red pepper, cut into chunks (I used red)
1 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley, or 1 tsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 Tbsp. cold water

In a Dutch over over medium heat, brown sausage; drain. Add water, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, Worchestershire sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook over low heat for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.

Add ketchup, green/red pepper and parsley; cook 12-15 minutes longer or until pepper is tender. Discard bay leaf

Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Yield: 6 servings.

I'll let you know how it tastes later. It's time for me to go add the rest of the ingredients and make some garlic bread to go with it! Have a great evening!

DaniLynn

Five ? Friday

1. If you had the opportunity to bungee jump, would you? Never!!!

2. Would you rather go to the movie theater or to the drive-in? I love the drive-in, but I haven't been to either in years!

3. Do you have your groceries delivered? We don't have delivery service where I live... besides what would I do with myself if I couldn't hit people with my cart!

4. Eyebrows: Do you wax, thread, pluck, or stay au naturel? I pluck the strays to keep myself from getting the dreaded uni-brow!

5. Would the people you went to high school with be surprised by your life today? Hard to say. I know I'm not where I planned to be, but I'm happy and I think that's all people will see.

And a new journey begins....

Some of you may know that I have been struggling with my weight my whole life. Add arthritis, limited mobility and food addiction and you have a deadly combination. Back when I was working (up until 1999), I was 125 pounds lighter than I am now. Since I quit working and smoking, it seems the pounds just continue to add on. I try to be as active as I can, but I'm still limited in how far I can push myself. At home, my workout might include a half mile walk or 5 minutes on the elliptical trainer, but then I'm down and in pain for 2 days. Chuck bought me a Wii and the games I asked for to go with it. Progress was still slow because of the pain. Since the weather turned warmer, the pain has eased a bit and I am able to walk more often without so much pain, but of course the rain has to come along and mess with me! Then there is the food addiction... I will do go for a long time with eating the right things and the right amounts, the I will have a dish of ice cream or a piece of cake and it's all over. That's all I want to eat! Yesterday for lunch I had some chips with dip and a bowl of ice cream... no substance, just junk... and for a snack later, I had a rice krispie treat. Sad, I know.... Don't get me wrong, I love love love fresh fruits and veggies and I could eat them all day, but nothing beats Triple Peanut Butter ice cream!

So here's where the new journey begins. We are officially members of a fitness club. We have access to all the equipment 24 hours a day. I don't intend on going to the gym at 3am, but at least I know I can go when it is convenient for me. I'm a bit scared about the unknown... the pain, the new environment, the pain.... but it's time I do this for myself. Taking the weight off would help ease the pain in my joints and keep me around to watch my nieces grow up and spend time with my family. Wish me luck on this new phase in my life!

Danilynn

Five ? Friday

1. What is your favorite summer time activity?
Bonfires... I love the smell and the quietness of it.

2. Do you have one laundry soap you stick to, or do you buy whatever's on sale?
I like the Purex 3-in-1 Sheets. The smell is awesome and it's easier for me to put in the wash. I have a hard time holding onto a large bottle because of my arthritis, so these sheets are perfect. I also like the All Small and Mighty because it is concentratedand comes in a smaller bottle.

3. What is your favorite dinner to make in the summer?
Anything on the grill!

4. Do you have any talents?
I am very humble about this... but I sing pretty good. I've been singing in the Church Choir and solos in Church. Recently, I have been singing the National Anthem for the Skee Town Skirtz Roller Derby.

5. If you could instantly be an expert in something, what would it be? Why?
hmmm..... hard to say. I think it would have something to do with music, like playing the piano or guitar so I can play along when I'm singing. Of course, I'd have to know how to read music first!

What's for Dinner?

This is a good one! We have had this before and loved it. It's easy to make and very good.

Beefy Shells & Cheese
(Taste of Home Quick Cooking 2008)

1 lb. ground beef
1 (12 oz) package shells and cheese dinner mix
2 cups water
1-1/4 cups salsa
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 to 2 tsp. chili powder
1/8 tsp. salt

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Set aside cheese sauce packet from dinner mix. Add shells and water to skillet. Bring to a boil; cover and simmer 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir in the salsa, beans, chili powder, salt and contents of cheese sauce packet. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 mintues. Makes 6 servings.

What was for Dinner?

I planned on posting this last night, but didn't get around to it, so here goes!

Summertime means grilling and we try to make as much as we can out on our grill. Last night we tried "Pizza Turnovers". Here is the recipe:

Pizza Turnovers
(Betty Crocker's Great Grilling)

1 can (10 oz) refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/4 cup spaghetti sauce (I used Italian Sausage and Garlic)
6 oz sliced smoked turkey (I used Amour Turkey Pepperoni)
1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh or 2 tsp dried basil leaves
2 tsp. olive or vegetable oil
3/4 cup spaghetti sauce

Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat.

Roll pizza crust dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch square. Cut dough into four 6-inch squares. Brush half of each square with 1 tablespoon of the 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with turkey, cheese, onions and basil. Fold each square in half over filling; press edges to seal. Brush both sides with oil. Place turnovers on double thickness piece of heavy duty aluminum foil. Do not wrap foil around turnovers.

Cover and grill turnovers 4-6 inches from MEDIUM heat about 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Place spaghetti sauce in small pan and heat during last 10 minutes of grilling.

Serve turnovers with 3/4 cup spaghetti sauce.

The verdict: Very easy to make, needed more filling for my taste. You may want to adjust your heat to low. After about 5 minutes on medium, I could smell them starting to burn so I went out to flip them, they were ready! But problems always arise when trying new things... the neighbor girl wiped out on her bike right in front of my house so I ran to her aid (I wanted to get her out of the road). I hollered for Chuck to flip the turnovers, but by the time he did, they were burnt. I patched up the kid and sent her on her way. Chuck pulled the turnovers off the grill before the other side burned. After smothering them with sauce they were okay, but I think we need a do-over to truly appreciate them. This is a nice light meal that would be great paired with a tossed salad.

DaniLynn

Five Question Fridays

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now? Waaaaay off! I wanted to be a teacher for a while when I was really young, then I wanted to be a Nanny. Today, I'm a disabled stay-at-home "wife".... keeper of the dog. Don't get me wrong, I don't think I would trade my life. I've learned a lot in my life and learned from my successes and failures.

2. What is one must have item for the summer? Air Conditioning! After the two 90+ degree days we had around here this past week, I don't know how I ever lived without it.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?) I don't see anything wrong with keeping a mind sharp during the summer. When I was growing up, my parents encouraged us to read for a half hour before lights out. I still do that today!

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce? ummm... no... that would take ambition and patience that I do not have....

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning? Sometimes... depends on if I'm leaving the house or not. If I'm home for the day, I just put on something comfy and go about my day. If I'm going out for an appointment or to babysit, I'm showered, dressed and out the door in a half hour.

What's for Dinner/Hot Rod Power Tour

The Pronto Pork Fajitas were awesome! I would highly recommend trying them. They were so easy to make and it was a nice change of pace.

Tonight's dinner is being postponed. We are going to have leftovers and clean out the fridge tonight after we get home from the Hot Rod Power Tour that is visiting Downtown Muskegon. I'm not what you'd call a car enthusiast, I just appreciate a nice looking automobile. I'm not looking forward to all of the walking, but I'm sure I can find a place to sit if Chuck wants to wander on his own. I like to people watch, so sitting on a bench is never a bad thing for me.

Have a great Thursday!

DaniLynn

What's for Dinner?

Let's try another recipe. Hopefully this one isn't as bad as the last. Tonight on the menu is: Pronto Pork Fajitas

Pronto Pork Fajitas
(From Southern Living 2005 Annual Recipes)

1lb. boneless pork chops
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro, divided
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tsp. fajita seasoning
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, cut into strips
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 (10.75 oz) can Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
Warm corn tortillas
Toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Slice pork diagonally across the grain into 1/4-inch strips; toss with 1 Tbsp cilantro, garlic, and fajita seasoning. Let stand 15 minutes.

Saute' pork, bell pepper and onion in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 4-5 minutes or until done. Add soup, lime juice and remaining cilantro, and cook until thoroughly heated. Serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings.

Makes 4-6 servings

I will be back tomorrow with my thoughts on this recipe. We've had a different variation of Pork Tacos before, but didn't care much for them.

DaniLynn

Five ? Friday

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?

Definitly lanscaping! A pool would be nice but not practical for us.


2. Death penalty, yay or nay?

YAY!!!

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?

My 'kid" (yes, the beagle) likes to get into things that don't belong to him and tear them up when I'm busy doing something else besides paying attention to him. When he's left home alone, he doesn't do these things. Of course, when he was a puppy he did major damage to our house when we weren't home. January 2010 we went to and ice racing event at the local arena and came home to find the dog in the back yard then noticed that he had chewed through the back door... yes you read that right! We live in a double-wide mobile home so the door was foam core with a fiberglass covering. Needless to say we had a large hole in our door in the middle of a cold Michigan winter. We rigged it so it was at least covered until we could order a new door (and wait 6 weeks for delivery) and have it installed.

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?

Not often enough... don't have insurance to go either...

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?

I LOVE DOGS!!! Always have and always will.

What's For Dinner Pt. 2

Well, dinner last night didn't turn out so well. It smelled so good and I was so proud of my easy meal. It cooked in the slow cooker for 7.5 hours. The rice and carrots were mushy and the taste east bland to me. I couldn't get past the texture of it... maybe if it was cooked less it might have made a difference. Chuck suffered through it and kept assuring me it was ok, but I gave up and made myself a couple of hot dogs.

So what's for dinner tonight? ... leftovers ... I know we have a lot of different things in the fridge and would love to have it cleaned out for the weekend.

Tomorrow we are having a cookout at my brother's house for his birthday and being the grillmaster that he is, he plans to make a pork loin, some burgers and hot dogs for the kids. Should be a great time!

DaniLynn

What's for Dinner?

Since the beginning of the year, I have made it a point to make a menu of our meals two weeks in advance so there was no standing in the freezer door everyday wondering what to make. This has worked out wonderfully! My grocery bill has dropped also! So what's on the menu for today?

Beef and Mushroom Hot Pot
(from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Slow Cooker Recipes 2)

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and Pepper
2 packages (8 ounces each) sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups frozen sliced carrots
1 box (6-ounces) long-grain and wild rice blend (I used Uncle Ben's)
2 cans (14 ounces each) low-sodium beef broth

Season stew meat with salt and pepper and place in a 5-quart slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients and stir thoroughly. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours.

It smells great! I'll let you all know how it tastes!!!

DaniLynn

Five Question Fridays

1. Do you and your spouse go to bed at the same time? Let's put it this way... we go into the bedroom at the same time. While I do all my nightly ritual things, he reads a magazine or book. Once I finally lay down, I watch TV to put myself into that coma state until he says "Hey, listen to this!" After I smack him in the leg and/or arm, I go back to my TV coma. After he turns off his light, he's out. I watch TV until I find myself dozing in and out, which is usually a matter of minutes. Off goes the TV and out goes me!

2. A question for the ladies...What kind of facial hair do you like on your man? The whole time I've known Chuck, he's had a mustache. He said he's had it since he could grow facial hair. I've also seen him in full beard during hunting season and I hate it. I prefer the clean-shaven face that is soft to the touch.

3. What's the worst vacation you've ever taken? I've never had a bad vacation... just bad experiences during vacations. Like camping when it's 40 degrees at night, or hiking around Mackinaw Island in the rain. The worst experience was going to Arkansas a couple of years ago. To begin with, it's a 13 hour drive and Chuck's Dad has to stop at every other rest area. Then about day 3, the water pump went out in our car. Luckily we were in town (an hour from Dad's house in the middle of nowhere) so we found a mechanic to fix it, but we had to rent a car because they said it would take 2 days. So we go to the rental place and they give us a Toyota Yaris, 2 door.... for four people. We still had to get groceries to bring 'home' so we went to Wally World and got what we needed for a couple days. Too bad there is no back to the lovely Yaris! We had to hold groceries on our lap for the hour ride home! It was awful and cramped and I hated that car. Other than that the trip was awesome and I can't wait to go back!

4. What's the first-ever blog you followed? I looked at a few blogs before they were super popular, but the first one I ever followed is Mommy2TwoGirls. I'm a little partial, it belongs to my Sister-in-Law. She does great giveaways and has an awesome insight into life.

5. Do you enjoy amusement parks? Not really. I'm not a 'ride' type of person. Heights scare the crap out of me and I would just rather stay in the shade. I would love it if some parks would have a "no-ride" pass for the day. That way I can at least go and watch the family on the rides.

Five ? Friday

1. Tube socks, crew socks, crew, ankle or none? I prefer ankle socks when I have to wear them. I like to go barefoot at home and in the yard.

2. Was your child's (children's) name a mutual decision or was it a debate? If you don't have children, do you plan on giving your spouse a say, or do you have a name you MUST have, regardless if your other half likes it or not? I do not have any children and don't really plan to have kids. I have always liked the name Xan Avery for a boy. I was looking through a baby name book when my friend was pregnant with her daughter and this name just stuchk with me. I never picked out a girls name.

3. What is your favorite type of weather? The weather today is perfect. About 75 degrees with a slight breeze and no humidity.

4. If left to your own devices, what time would you wake up everyday? I would love to sleep until at least 9 any day of the week, but because of my wonderful 4-legged furry kid, that never happens.

5. Have you bought your cemetary plots yet? No, I haven't. It's not something that I ever gave thought to since I'm only 36 years old.

Five ? Friday

1. Have you ever had roommates? Yes. Just out of High School I moved in with my best friend, her boyfriend and his best friend. Didn't work out for us though and I'm glad we made it past all of our childishness to remain friends today.

2. How many names to you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt) - I don't have any children, but I have 3 names -- First, Middle, Last.

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding? I didn't intend to, but there was nothing else on TV.

4. What is the messiest room in your house? Sadly, it's my spare bedroom. I call it my dungeon room. If it doesn't have a place, it ends up in the dungeon. I plan to get to it soon and take a load to Goodwill because I know a lot of that junk needs to go there!

5. What is your ideal Mother's Day? I'm not a mother myself, but I love that my neices acknowledge how much I love them. Every year for Mother's Day, I have my family over for a Lasagna Dinner. Nothing different this year. I love spending time with my family!

Five Question Fridays

1. If you could buy any car, money not an option, what would it be? 1974 Road Runner... don't know why, just want one!

2. What was your worst first date ever? I used to go out with this guy and all he ever wanted to do is go to hockey games (this was before I was into hockey). I was more into him than the game and he shushed me most of the game. Finally I just quit answering his calls.

3. How old were you when you fell in love for the first time? I thought I was in love when I was 19, but found out years later that it wasn't love, we were better off friends. I guess I was about 22 or 23 when I really fell in love for the first time. It didn't work out, but we are still good friends.

4. When was the last time you reconciled your checkbook? Just a few days ago. I'm a little OCD about it...

5. If you were going to fashion a "Wanted" Ad for a best friend, how would you word it? Wanted: Someone I can laugh with and cry with. Someone that can sit in the same room with me and know my every thought. Someone that knows when I need a hug and when I need to be left alone. Someone I can tell my secrets too and won't judge me for the things I've done. Gender make no difference.

Five Question Fridays

1. What is your favorite sign of spring? Watching the tulips and daffodils popping through the soil after the snow is gone.

2. What was your best birthday ever? My 30th birthday was the best for me. It was a triumph in ways. I was told when I was twelve, because of my dislocated hip and my weight, I would be wheelchair bound by the time I was thirty. I wasn't and I feel better than ever today... 6 years later!

3. What is your favorite dessert? That's a hard one... I love chocolate, but I guess my favorite dessert is peanut butter pie!

4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket? The only ticket I ever got was for speeding, but I was coming out of a 45mph zone and it suddenly dropped to 30mph and it was downhill. I hadn't quite slowed down yet and the cop got me. I didn't give any excuses, I just paid the ticket.

5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times? When I do use an alarm to get up, I am usually awake before the alarm. I will still lay there and wait for it to go off and it still makes me jump.

Five Question Friday

1. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Where do I start? I wish I was more self confident. I have body issues, food issues, anxiety issues.... etc. Maybe some willpower would help too. Being 150 pounds overweight can put a damper on a lot of things in your life. 2. Write about a time you got lost. My best friend and I went to Grand Rapids to visit a friend in the hospital that had been in a horseback riding accident. When we left, she got on the wrong highway and we ended up in Saugatuck/Douglas area before she realized it. I didn't have any sense of direction so I didn't know it either. Last year on July 4th, Chuck and I decided to go for a drive. I tried getting us lost by deciding which direction to go when we reached a stop sign. Only problem is, he doesn't get lost. He knows so many back roads in Michigan, it's impossible. We did make it to Saginaw Bay for a picnic, but didn't stay long because it was so hot. By then he know exactly which route he wanted to take to get home. 3. Camping or 5 star hotel? Camping, definately. I can't sleep on the ground anymore though. The last time we went camping it got really cold at night and my arthritis got so bad, I was in pain all day long. Then we started the cycle all over again. But it was wonderful spending time with the family! 4. Have you donated blood? Yes, I do, not every 56 days though. The Catholic church in my neighbor open up their fellowship building to the Red Cross and Knights of Columbus 4-5 times a year for a blood drive. It's only 2 blocks from my house so it's very convenient. Plus they serve an awesome lunch too! 5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months? I guess it's a little of both. I have mental knowledge of how much the bills are and when they are due every month, but I have also been known to pay extra if the funds allow. I finally got my grocery spending under control and I'm on a mission to remove somethings from my home in order to save on utilities. DaniLynn

Five Question Fridays

1. Have you ever had surgery? Yes, a few. On this day (April 1) in 1987, I had 3 pins put into my right hip because I dislocated it. I was 12 years old. In December the same year, I had them removed because they were irritating the inside lining of my skin. In January 2001, I had my right hip replaced with a titanium prosthetic. Also, I had my gall bladder removed in 2008.

2. Ever ride in an ambulance? no, and I hope I never have to!

3. How are you in a medical emergency? Panicked? Calm? I've never had to deal with a major emergency, but I'm sure I'll panic. That's my nature. When my Mom went into ER with chest pains, I was panicked on the inside, but calm for her on the outside, but I let her know how scared I was once I knew she was going to be OK.

4. Do you have a garden? Flowers or veggies? Yes, I have a few gardens. All flowers. I don't think I would succeed growing veggies. I can barely keep my flowers alive!

5. When did you move out of your parents house? Initially, I moved from home on prom night 1993. Some friends and I moved into our own apartment, which didn't work out for us. I moved back home by Thanksgiving the same year. I moved out a couple other times to live with a boyfriend (same on both times) but it was never meant to be. I was back home by 1996. Chuck and I moved into this house in January 2000, 4 months after my Dad passed away.

Oh My Aching Head...

I knew it would happen eventually.... I got the cruds. I don't want to admit I'm sick because physically I feel fine. My head aches a bit, my sinuses are blocked and I have a sore throat that I'm sure will develop into a cough. Hopefully it doesn't last a whole week like Mom's did. She was miserable. I've got one more day to shake this thing before I have to be with other people so I'm praying it goes away quickly!

Of course, this lovely Michigan weather isn't helping. It's was beautiful last week and into the weekend. We had our first spring thunderstorm last night, on the first day of spring. Now the weatherman is saying snow for Tuesday into Wednesday with possible freezing rain, and then cold for the rest of the week. UGH! I have major spring fever! I can't wait for it to get warm and stay warm so I can air out this stale smelling house. I want to spend an afternoon hanging out on the deck!

Well, laundry duty calls....

DaniLynn

It's a Beautiful Day!

I'm having a great day! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping... what could be better? Buddy and I decided to take a brief walk around the neighborhood to enjoy to fresh air. We didn't go far, but it wore him out. After we got home, I felt revived and did my EA Active 2 workout. That still didn't wear me out, so I started on laundry. I don't have these kinds of days too often so I took advantage of it! This string of warmer weather is going to be great for my arthritis. I have spring fever so bad! I keep looking in the yard waiting for the tulips to pop up. I know it's too early, but I really can't wait!

Slow Journey

Wow... this has been harder than I thought it would be. Winter is such a hard time to try to lose weight. I've been sticking with my workouts, but still only lost 8 pounds total. I started a food journal 2 weeks ago and it puts things into prospective. I am finally getting enough protein, but I have way too many carbs every day. According to all of the research I've done, I should be eating 2000 calories a day and I barely get 1200 a day. Yesterday I had a cinnamon roll for breakfast and a piece of cake for an afternoon snack and just broke the 1200 calorie mark for the day. I definately don't want to get my calories from the wrong sources! So I will continue to tweak my food intake until I get it right, but I really don't think I can eat 2000 calories a day!

The weather is starting to get warmer and I plan to walk every day I can. The roads are so muddy around here, it's hard to get out some days, but I am definately going to give it a try. Buddy needs the exercise too, so it will be good for both of us.

One a brighter note... I am now an official member of Hope Reformed Church. I had my confirmation yesterday. The people at this church are so wonderful! They made me feel welcome from the day I started going there 2 years ago. I feel really bad for my Mom because she is so sick, she had to miss it. It broke her heart, but it was better for her to stay home and get well. The rest of my family was there and my little 2 year old neice even cheered for me. She gets used to seeing me up in front of the church because I have been singing solos quite a bit lately, and now the Lenten choir is singing every week. I love looking out into the congregation and seeing my beautiful neices smiling back at me. Besides singing, I have thrown myself into the Family Meals twice a month and also unofficially taken over the Senior Fellowship group. I feel like I'm part of something again and it's good for my soul. It has helped lift me out of my depression and made me whole again. Life is good!

DaniLynn

New Year, New Me!

Here we go again. That dreaded New Years Resolution has reared its ugly head. As I reflect on the past 12 years since I quit working, I realized how far I have let myself go. I had a great opportunity in 2001 (when I had my hip replaced) to become the active person I always wanted to be. Instead, I used it for an excuse to do less. I have gained 110 pounds and become the person I didn't want to be. I was told at the age of 18 that I would end up in a wheelchair by the time I was 30. On my 30th birthday I celebrated the fact that I was still walking. But I continued to let myself go. For Christmas 2009, Chuck went and bought us a Nintendo Wii along with the Wii Fit and the Biggest Loser Workout. We stuck to that for a few months then when I didn't see any results, I gave up. Totally like me to give up when things get tough.

So the past few months I've done a lot of soul searching and realized I have the potential to do this. I've been through anxiety and depression (which leads to emotional eating and binge eating), unbearable arthritis pain (which leads to depression). It's an endless cycle that I need to break free from. I started going to church with my mom almost 2 years ago and have found my way back to the Lord. I needed to learn to trust Him and look to Him for guidance. Here is what I found: I need to remove all the stresses from my life. I have been slowly elimated clutter from my home that has caused me stress. I began making weekly menu dinner plans so my shopping time and spending are cut in half. No more nights of staring in the freezer wondering what to make for dinner. It's all planned out two weeks in advance. I've started a new workout on the Wii with the EA Sports Active 2. It's absolutely kicking my butt and I love it! I lost 7 pounds in 4 weeks and feel so much better about myself. I feel alive. I am already noticing less pain and more mobility.

Here's to a New Year and a New Me! I hope to continue posting my ups and downs here. I will help me own up to my failures and allow me to celebrate my milestones. Wish me luck!

~DaniLynn