Developing Imperfection

Nestle Health Science Yesterday, I visited Kaiser Pemanente's Clairemont Mesa site for an orientation meeting regarding the "full fast" option for the Optifast® VLCD. This diet has a limited caloric intake in order to put the body into ketosis (my laymen's definition - cannibalism).  By doing so, the body still gets the nutrients that it needs, while using fat storage to "power" the body.  So in effect, the body doesn't operate off the ingested shake, it taps into the stored energy, therefore causing weight loss. According to the NHS website, the Optifast ®  VLCD™ program is a nutritionally complete very low calorie diet for the management of people who are obese or severely overweight. To assist with compliance the product range comes in a variety of products including: Milkshakes – Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Coffee (Banana coming soon) Desserts - Chocolate and Lemon Crème Soups – Mixed Vegetable and Chicken flavour Bars...

Aloha! I've been a little absent due to the three day holiday and generally trying to keep my cantankerous ways to myself.  No sense in bringing anyone else down to my level of funk, but rather recoup and trudge on! So, as a way to escape the doldrums and let loose - my hubby planned a trip to the desert with our quads. The dry desert air evaporated my clouds of depression and left a sunny trace upon my heart. I am every grateful that I married my Scottish warrior. Source I've also signed up for a Virtual 5K organized by Katie at Runs for Cookies .  The link will take you directly to the details and such, but you will still need to sign up on her blog if interested in joining.  She is celebrating her 31st birthday with a 3.1 mile virtual run. So, cheers to Katie and to a better week! L

I've been experiencing a lot of dis-ease and disgruntlement this weekend. You see, I am disappointed and angry just in general. I am upset with friends that are looking at blessings and at gift horses in the mouth. I am upset with friends bragging about their accomplishments. I am upset that my husband would like to be "closer." Why? Because I am unhappy with my life...I feel like I am on the other side of the looking glass staring in.  I don't feel like I am interacting with anyone, that I'm just the observer.  When I found out I was going to have a child, I was excited.  I felt that it was my opportunity to show a new life the "ins and outs" while seeing everyday objects from a new perspective.  I had something to look forward to besides the droll work days and so-so weekends. And then, I miscarry.  I lose the window of "newness."  Instead, I get to bleed for two months straight, lose hair, have acne, spend lots of money of fem...

Hmmm.... Rewards for a job well done. Rewards for following through. Rewards for surviving.... Do you make the rewards food oriented or not? I think this depends on your goals and action plans.  For me, I am not making the rewards food oriented.  They are experiential, for example a massage, a pedicure, a new swimsuit, a new pair of shoes, a beer, a travel back to Ireland....  ya get my drift, right? It's late and this feeble brain is done for the day.  Slainte! Cheers, L.

Well, resolutions are: Bargained Broken Forgotten Halfway met; or (Insert operative word/phrase here) I've discovered I do better with focusing on "Objectives."  Objectives have action plans, benchmarks, and deadlines.  They also have contingency plans for "just in case" situations or when outside influences derail and expected outcome. There are a few items that have been on my "To Do List" for a few years.  For example: Finish my wedding quilt. Convert all old pictures, negatives, slides, and movies to a digital format.  Disseminate to the rest of the family and extended family members. Pay off student loans (at least two per year). Clean up credit reports to prepare for purchasing a home. The few I will achieve this year are: Lose 122 pounds to get down to a healthy weight. Participate in a foot race each month (4 5Ks, 8K, 10K 4 obstacle runs, and 2 half marathons) Have "Auntie time" with all of my nieces and n...