Damage Control

Today, I decided to get on the scale. I've been enjoying the holiday fare and haven't been exercising very much at all. Over Thanksgiving I managed to gain 7 lbs by eating whatever I wanted, so today I wasn't surprised to see I'd gained 6 more. Now, I have to change my stats over there on the side bar! Darn, I hate that. But, I knew it was going to happen. I'm accepting it and now, without beating myself up and getting depressed, I'm going to work on making better choices and getting in some exercise to get back on track. I know what works. I did manage to lose quite a bit of weight this year and next year I'm planning to lose more.

I've been thinking about riding my bike to work once in a while and since I'm off work this week, I decided to go for it today. We had a beautiful day with sun and temps in the 50's. I took off from home around 2:30pm and got to the school in about 35 minutes. I took my time since it was the first time I'd taken that route and even had to stop at a little park to use the potty. That is the only problem I ever have riding distances. My bladder is the size of a walnut, lol. Anyway, it was fun and I'm so glad I got off my butt and just did it. I think I doubted that I could actually do it. I've done that my whole life, doubted myself right out of trying things. This year, I want to stop doubting and start doing!

Anyway, here are some pictures of my ride today.

Narly tree.

Bike trail by a park.

Nellie in the school courtyard. It was fun riding around campus :)

Bike trail along the bayou.

Total miles, round trip: 11.72 miles

Total actual riding time: One hour and 15 minutes!

Hope your holiday was full of peace and love. And don't forget to drink your water!

Oh, we gave Sydney some special cookies for Christmas. They were homemade from a specialty dog shop - with yogurt icing! She loved them! Silly, girl..

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays, to all!

I wish you all the very best this holiday season. 

Joyeux Noel!

Happy Holidays!

Ahhhhhh. Sun!

Houston, we have SUN! And glorious cool, with a touch of chilly in the air. Could it be more perfect? Ummm, nope. I think today was just about as perfect as they come. I've never given much thought to how much the dreary, rainy, cold weather affects me, but I know now that I don't handle it as well as I used to. Maybe it's age, but these last few weeks of bad weather really took a toll on me.

So, today, I took Nellie (my bike) out for a ride in the SUN! It was awesome. And, I'm off work for two weeks for the holiday break!! Yay! While out riding, I could feel the tension letting up in my neck. I took my time and stopped to take a few pictures, too. It was sooooooo pretty out. I hope it stays this way for a few more days.

Usually, in our part of the world, we don't see the colors of the seasons. But this year I've noticed more color and it's so beautiful. I can only imagine what a whole forest must look like in reds, oranges, and yellows. Here is a little color I saw today while out riding.

I think this is a Maple tree.

I don't know the name of this tree, but I want one in my yard. The shape is awesome.

Since the beginning of this month, I've pretty much abandoned my diet. I'm just trying to maintain right now and make somewhat of an attempt to make some healthy choices. I'm also making sure to get some kind of exercise in every day, even if it's just taking Sydney for a walk. I've come a long way from the me that used to lay around and watch tv and stuff myself. I don't overeat any more and I crave exercise. Those two things alone are making the difference for me this holiday season. Come January, it's back to getting the next 50 lbs off. I think I'm going to join the Y for a few months so the cold weather won't keep me from working out.

Hope you are having (or had) a wonderful weekend. And don't forget to drink your water! I'm drinking mine :)

Wordless Wednesday - too tired to speak

'Tis the Season

I miss the Christmas we used to have when my kiddo was young. It was exciting and we couldn't wait to put up the tree and decorate. Where ever we lived our home always reflected how we felt about the Christmas season - bright and cheery.

Now that my son is an adult, there seems to be no interest in putting up a tree or decorating. I'm feeling the "bah-humbugs" setting in. I don't understand how a kid who used to get so excited can now act as if the holiday isn't a holiday at all. The way I feel right now, I'd like to spend my christmas money on a plane ticket to some place I want to go. By myself. With nobody to spread a lack of holiday cheer.

I havent' exercised this week. More wintery weather here in Houston has me down, too. I used to be able to tolerate a little cold weather but lately, I just don' like it. Of course, I've been coming down with something all week. A sinus/cold kind of something that makes my head hurt and I've been sneezing and feeling chilled. My temp yesterday was 94.5! I'm running an anti-fever, lol. I usually have a temp of 97.something, a side effect of a blown out thyroid. Apparently, when your temp is low it feels just like a fever - chills, hot - repeat.

Since I've been feeling under the weather (and grinch-like) I've been eating poorly, not drinking enough water (I KNOW. ME?!!), and just plain not motivated to do anything about it. Sorry to blog such a downer post, but it is what it is. I hope to climb out of this hole soon. Two years ago we had a very bad family-drama-crap-out at christmas and now every year is a reminder that people may not be who you think they are. They have the ability to change into greedy @$$ selfish types. They can walk out on you and never look back.

I'm dreaming of a christmas, just like the ones we used to have.  This, too, shall pass. I'm just in a little funk. I'm going to rent a movie. A funny one. Take care.

Slippery Slope

I have had a tough time with food this last week. Since our weather here has been rainy and cold and we even had snow on Friday, I haven't been able to ride my bike. I'm freaking out, too, because I've been craving carbs like there's no tomorrow. I hate this thing I have with food. Not getting enough sleep isn't helping either. Staying up late is a bad habit of mine and since I'm not exercising, I've got too much anxiety to just go to bed. I got on the scale last week and was already up 4 pounds. Yea, I'm freaking out cause I can gain it back way faster than I can take it off.

Today, is not looking much better for exercise outdoors. It's drizzling outside and still in the 50's. Come on Sun!

Here is a shot of the tiny bit of snow that was still on the ground Saturday morning. I was taking Sydney for a walk and it was really cold but sunny. I should have braved it and gone for a ride.

I rented Biggest Loser Fitness game for the Wii. It's okay, but I still don't care for indoor exercise. Maybe I'll look into finding a class somewhere like the Y. I appreciate all the great tips and ideas that you all left me. You guys really come through when advice is needed. I love that about blogging! I'm thinking of giving the hula hoop and "just dancing" a try!

Have a great Sunday, and don't forget to slurp up some water!

Plan B?

I don't really have a "plan b" for exercise when it's cold and yucky outside. We are actually having winter-type weather here in Houston! And Friday, they say it might snow. Whaaaa? Are you serious? I do not know how to dress to ride in this kind of weather. I need better gloves and something to keep my toes warm. Plastic bags, maybe?! A ski mask?

Exercising inside is not something I enjoy nor feel motivated to do. I know, people do it everyday, but I feel weird when I'm jumping around all by myself to a dvd with someone telling me what to do. And have you ever paid much attention to the idle chit-chat that goes on in these things? After a few times of hearing the same stupid remarks over and over I start making comments - like they can hear me. I do the same when I'm in traffic! It's a good thing they can't hear me :)

Anyway, I need to come up with an alternate way to get my exercise in when the weather is nasty. I don't have a gym membership, nor does it fit in my budget. I was going to the gym at the school for awhile, but 6am in the morning felt like punishment, lol. My son's elliptical hurts my knees. Walking outside hurts my knees if I walk too fast or too long. I have the Wii Fit, and it's good for yoga, but the stepping around part just makes my knees, well, you know. So, if you have a suggestion, let's hear it. Worked out to any good dvd's lately? Know of any good gear to ride in to stay toasty? I need some ideas here, folks. I've got pounds to lose and time's awastin'.

Are you drinking your water? Well, are you?

Just get back to it!

I have really enjoyed Thanksgiving this year. Even though I did indulge in foods laced with butter and loaded with sugar, it has been a great holiday. For the most part, I thought I was doing pretty good diet-wise. Being off work all week allowed me to ride my bike almost everyday. As a result, I was able to pedal over 50 miles!

Yesterday, mom and I drove to Livingston to meet a friend for lunch. We hadn't seen her in over a year and it was great to catch up. We ate at a place called Shrimp Boat Manny's. The food was great. I only wish I hadn't chosen the fried catfish. It was awesome, but since I don't eat like "that" anymore, my gut was not happy. Today, I felt like I had a hangover. My head hurt, my mouth was dry, and my joints ached. When will I ever learn?

I'm feeling much better tonight. I've had lots of water and I'm back to eating clean. My bike ride today was great. Tomorrow, is another day. All is not lost. I'm not stepping on the scale until Tuesday, though. I'm afraid of what it'll say, so not knowing is better for now, lol. Whatever, I don't need the scale to tell me I abused my body.

Have a great week and don't forget to drink your water!

A Day of Thanksgiving

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today, I am thankful to spend time with family and friends.

To enjoy food and not feel as though I have no control over what I choose to eat today.

To all my American friends, and to those outside the US, I hope you had the kind of day that put a smile on your face and warm fuzzies in your heart.

Pants that Fit

Need motivation to keep chasing that healthy number on the scale? Buy some pants that fit. I mean REALLY fit, and wear them all day. Today, I wore my new pants that fit, and after a few hours I realized why I hadn't bought any new pants in awhile. My other pants were all baggy and loose and everyday that they got baggier, the happier I got. Baggy pants means all the riding, dieting, and passing up desserts is paying off.

These new pants fit like a glove and my bum isn't used to that anymore. The tight fit is a good reminder that I am not where I want to be yet. I don't want to get too comfortable and forget my goal of getting healthy and being the person I see myself being. I feel so much better now that I've lost 55 lbs and am excited to see the next 55 lbs bite the dust.

Take care, and drink that water!

Weekend Update + Sunday Snapshots

I have fallen by the blogging wayside. Thank you to all for missing me. I have been checking on most of you. So even if I didn't leave a comment, I tried to keep up with you. Last week and this week I haven't felt like I had much to say. I've been overwhelmed by some events over the last few weeks that don't even involve me. But sometimes when things happen to people that you hold dear, it's like you feel their pain and so it indirectly affects you. Does that make sense? My heart has been heavy for some of my coworkers. One lost their dad after a long illness. One lost a son due to an act of violence. One made a very bad mistake that has changed his life forever. When I think of the pain and grief these people are facing, my weightloss battle seems so trivial. I just didn't want to blab on about dieting or anything else.

That doesn't mean I haven't been dieting, I have. And, I've now lost a total of 55 lbs! WooHoo! It's just coming off so slowly. But this time around it doesn't seem to bother me how slow, just so long as it comes off. I've been riding my bike and today I got on my son's elliptical trainer and did half a mile. Now, that thing'll kill ya. I think I'll incorporate that into my weekly routine on days when it's too cold or rainy (the cold part still not a problem here in H-town, dammit).

Went shopping yesterday for some new pants. My size 22's have been really baggy in the seat (yay!) so I felt it was time for some pants that fit. I don't want to invest too much in new clothes right now so a 50% off sale got me three new pairs of nice fitting pants (size 20W) to wear for awhile. Most of the 1X tops are too big in the store where I was shopping! Of course, this shop is for plus sized girls so they are more generous with the fabric so in other stores a 1X might be just right. But it was nice to try on something that a few months ago was too tight and now is too big.  I also had to get a sweater that called my name when I walked in the store. I feel very Cindy Crawford-ish in it with my new brown slacks, lol. Well, I can dream, can't I?

Now for some snapshots! This first picture is of my make-shift pantry. Karen wanted a peek! It's not much, but it's making life in the kitchen much easier.

These next pics are for Roxie. I thought of you when I rode past this beauty!

The guy that took my picture put his finger over the lense. My iPhone made him nervous!

November Sunset

Love you guys! Have a great week and be good to yourself. And don't forget to drink your water! I'm just sayin'!

Sunday Snapshots - Belated Happy Halloween!

I spent all day yesterday "creating" a pantry in my kitchen. My house was built in '57, which is a very good year, mind you, but back then they must not have needed a pantry since my house doesn't have one. So, I took my little "breakfast area" and made my own pantry. It's nothing showy, just a couple of wire shelf units. But, it is nice to have a place for things where they can be seen instead of crammed into a dark cabinet that is much deeper than anyone would ever need.

We didn't do trick or treat at our house this year. There are not many kids on the block anymore. When my son was young we always had such fun. I am glad that we didn't have candy in the house, though. No temptation there. Since I've been back to eating clean and avoiding bready stuff the weight is coming off again. (well, last week I had 2 mini tootsie rolls, what can I say, I needed chocolate and they are only 11 cals each)

Had a great bike ride today. Cool, crisp, Texas Fall weather! Awesome.

Sunset on the Mediterranean Sea

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Make it a good week!

Sunday Snapshots

I love the coolness of Fall in Texas. Here's what I saw while taking Sydney for a walk.

Banana Tree

My favorite tree, basking in the sunset.

Fall color, Texas style!

Have a wonderful week!

And drink plenty of water :)

Is this a test?

I came home to the aroma of baking bread. Whaaaa. My mom was baking bread. Yesterday, we discussed how important it is for family to be supportive of those that are trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

Hello? Did we not just talk about being supportive? My mom doesn't even care for bread that much. At least, that what she says. So why, pray tell, is there bread baking in our kitchen?

Then she says, well, you have try just a bite! You have to know how GOOD this bread tastes. *blink*blink*excuuuuse me?*

I just politely said, no thanks. One bite would just make me KNOW it was good and then I'd want more. Honestly, it wouldn't even have to taste that good. I'd just want to eat it because it's bread. Pathetic, huh?

Well, ya know what? I felt just fine about NOT eating a single crumb. I've made it through today without one bite of refined carbs or whole grains, for that matter. I need to avoid them for a few days to give my body a chance to get over them. Then, I can face whole grains and stay in control. They have a power over me like nothing else.

The weather here has turned fall-ish. It rained buckets this morning but after the rain left town, we had clear skies and cool temps. Perfect.

Have a wonderful Friday. Take care and don't forget to drink your water!

Munch. Munch. Munch.

I don't know what the deal is. I just want to eat. I wish I could find something with zero calories that I could just stuff in my mouth, all day long. Munch, munch, munch. That's what I want to do. A bag of Lays is sounding mighty good and I don't even like potato chips. I think I'm having hot flashes. All of a sudden I'll feel like the room is on fire. Oh, isn't this fun?!

I've strayed from the clean eating regime and I think that's were the problem lies. Too many processed things have passed these lips lately.

We had our blood tested at work yesterday. It's something our insurance company offers us so we can have our pharmacy deductible waived. I was hoping for better numbers but compared to last years numbers, yesterday's report was much better in a few areas:


Last year:
Weight: 285
BMI: 43.1
Total Chol: 158
HDL (good chol): 34
Triglycerides: 182
LDL (bad chol): 88
Blood Sugar: 119

This year:
Weight: 236
BMI: 37
Total Chol: 183
HDL (good chol): 25
Triglycerides: 146
LDL (bad chol): 129
Blood Sugar: 94

I don't understand the whole cholesterol thing. I don't eat fried foods and I rarely use butter or the dreaded margerine. I am happy to see my blood sugar is much lower. I'm going to my doctor on Monday and will have to see what his report says. My thyroid was low last month when he did bloodwork and that may account for the elevated cholesterol. Before I was diagnosed with hypothyroid, my cholesterol was 320! Then after I started the medication, it dropped to 149.

Anyway, sorry if this bored you. I'm just trying to get healthy and it seems like it's not happening fast enough for me. So, I'm having a few special dark Hershey's Kisses right now because, well, because I want them.

Maybe I need to drink more water :D It's raining here today so no bike ride :( I hate it when that happens. I NEED to ride. I NEED to find something else to when I can't ride. Nothing else quite hits the mark.

Slideshow: 10 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Slideshow: 10 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

As always, pay special attention to the slide about drinking water :D

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Instant Karma

Today I changed my attitude at work. I have decided to embrace the difficulty of it and move on. Life is too short to get bogged down in muckity-muck. And it always seems that when I change my attitude, things roll a little smoother, for everyone. It's not what I want, but it's what is best so I can keep my sanity. I need peace and acceptance and if I harbor ill feelings, there is no peace.

Karma, baby. Anyhoo...

Here it is the middle of October and I have not been focused on losing weight. I've been munching on Goldfish Graham Crackers and a few other munchie type foods that are easy to binge on. It's time to stop screwing around and get back to business.

Focus. Focus. Focus. See it and want it. Know it and do it. And don't forget to drink your water :p

Ahoy! Happy Columbus Day!

Thank you, Mr. Columbus, for sailing the ocean blue to give us a holiday full of sales and time off. :D

It rained cats and dogs today but we got out anyway. Ran an errand, went to Whole Foods. I managed to get out of the store without a loaf of bread. I'm not sayin' I didn't sample the bread, I just didn't buy a loaf. I've been known to eat an entire loaf of their bread, any luscious loaf the sell, in a matter of hours. There's just nothing like a good loaf of bread. *sigh*

To keep me motivated to exercise, I signed up for another bike ride that takes place on November 7th. It's the NovemberFest Metric Century. I signed up for the 40 mile route, woo hoo! I don't have to raise money for this one, I just pay my entrance fee and that money benefits The Center, Serving Persons with Mental Retardation. They have a festival after the ride and it sounds like a fun day. Gotta keep moving!

Enjoy your week and don't forget to drink your water.

Sunday Snapshots - Fairy Ring

Fairy Ring - a dancing place for fairies

Ewwww. Ahhhhh. Ohhhhh. Whatever.

Ewwww: I've really been depressed this week. It's so amazing how when things go bad at work, it affects every part of your life. I've been angry, sulky, mad, had ugly thoughts about what I'd like to do to (never mind), snappy, pissy, sad, well, I think you get the picture. Just all around sh*tty. Man, I think the onset of pms is in the air or something. And hot flashes have been a daily occurrence or is that just this damn Texas heat.

Ahhhhh: Today, I decided to give it up. The anger and frustration is wearing me down and I'm just done with it. I can only do so much. If my work isn't good enough, then whatever happens, happens. The stress of having to be perfect is making me screw up even more. Today I had to admit to posting an event for the wrong date. One of my many jobs at work is keeper of the calendar. I was given a date over the summer, and I forgot to change it on the website calendar. It was just the date for the end of the first nine-weeks of school so not really a big deal. But to Somebody, it might be a big deal so I just have to pray that things work out for the best. Whatever that is.

Ohhhhh: I've been trying to get these questions answered for the "Your Blog is Over the Top" award that Karen gave me. I have to admit I've had a tough time trying to stick with one word answers. Some of these questions just need more than one word, imho. But here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? near

2. Your hair? natural

3. Your mother? loved

4. Your father? deceased

5. Your favorite food? hummus

6. Your dream last night? can't remember

7. Your favorite drink? coffee (with Splenda & creamer-I know)

8. Your dream/goal? singer, dancer, photographer, travel guide

9. What room are you in? bedroom

10. Your hobby? photography (someday kayaking)

11. Your fear? rejection

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? traveling by bike

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? dependent

15. Muffins? deadly

16. Wish list item? nikon d300

17. Where did you grow up? Texas

18. Last thing you did? biked

19. What are you wearing? shorts

20. Your TV? newfangled

21. Your pets? adored

22. Friends? need one here

23. Your life? what life?

24. Your mood? anxious

25. Missing someone? hellno

26. Vehicle? CRV

27. Something you’re not wearing? lotion

28. Your favorite store? REI

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? yesterday

32. Your best friend? moved :(

33. One place that I go to over and over? bathroom

34. One person who emails me regularly? REI

35. Favorite place to eat? Fadi's (middle eastern food)

Whatever: This weekend is a 3 day weekend for me. We have Columbus Day off - yay! So maybe I can catch up on what's going on in your world. I've missed you all this week! Have a great Friday and don't forget to drink your water.

ps-after I wrote this post, my graphic program acted up so i couldn't add cute pictures and my mouse battery died. i think it's time to go to bed, lol

Sunday Snapshots

Last night, the dinner at the boss's house was good. I spent most of my time chatting with my fav people from work, so that was nice. We had Greek food. I love Greek food and it was very good. The catering company was great. Since I didn't really take any photos today and I'm thinking about Greece, here are some pictures from my trip there (Corfu) several years ago.

Our very cute waiter.

Stressed Me - Maker of Bad Choices

I've made some bad choices over the last few days. It's the stress, I know. The fear and insecurity that takes over when I feel threatened. It drives me right into a bag of cookies, or a loaf of bread. Or dark chocolate covered almonds. Hmmmm. Carb-a-licious. Crap. Who am I? Why do I revert back to that person who didn't give a care about the food she put in her mouth?

Today I have to go to a social event for work. It's be there or be, well, there's just no other choice. It just won't look good if you don't go. We'll make small talk, which is hard for a wallflower like me, and harder when I feel pressured.

I'm going to get a grip and get back to the "eat less and move more" thing that has been working for me. Less carbs, too. They make me feel so good, but it's short lived and then the weight just doesn't budge. I'm going to be 53 in January and I hope to lose at least 25 lbs by then. With the holidays coming soon it will be tough, but I'm done with all this back-sliding stuff.

My goals for the rest of this year:

1. Eat less and make it worth it
2. Exercise 5 days a week
3. Ride in another bike ride before the end of the year
4. Do something artistic every week (for stress relief)

Blog Withdrawal

I am having serious blog withdrawal. Since I can no longer use the internet during working hours (not even on my lunch, which is mostly when I would get online), I can't seem to get around to blogging and reading blogs every day. This just sucks.

When I get home, I have to take the dogs out, go ride, of course, then watch a little TV and eat dinner, and before I know it, it's time to shower and hit the hay. I'm missing some good stuff in blogland, I just know it. I'll just have to work on watching less TV. Blogging means more to me these days and I miss you guys. Thank you, by the way, for the nice compliments and for the supportive comments about what happened at work last week. I felt the love and I know I shouldn't have used my computer at work for my own pleasure, lol. I forgot I'm just another working class stiff.

For some that wanted to know about the popcorn shop in San Antonio, it's Papa Dean's and they have the best popcorn around. Seriously. Check out their website. Check out their store if you live nearby. They are witty and have so much fun. I wish I could work there!

I want to say so much more but it's getting late. I got an award. Then there's the Livestrong thing for Friday. Oh, and some folks are headed for a hot 100 and I want a piece of that, too. I wonder if I could blog in my sleep? When I first started knitting, I wished I could knit in my sleep, lol.

More to come! But in the meantime, are you drinking your water?

Sunday Snapshots - on Monday

I went to San Antonio yesterday to visit family. It was a nice way to spend the day. This caught my eye in a popcorn shop. And the popcorn was mighty tastey!

And me, looking more like me.

Emotional Wreck

Warning:  This is not a feel-good post.

My Wordless Wednesday yesterday must have been an indication of how I'd feel by the end of the day.

Angry
Resentful
Hurt

I give much and ask for little. I never say no and accept that as a fault.
Why do I have to be made to feel afraid?
Afraid that my security is in question.
I do my job. Why isn't that good enough.

I feel alone and yet want to be alone.
I think I've said enough and still there's more to say.

There will be no more enjoyment at work thanks to the authoritarian boss. No more checking my email and reading the happy thoughts of others at lunch or during breaks. Apparently, I've done a bad, bad thing. I've multi-tasked and been creative and efficient, and that is not allowed. Never mind that I don't chit-chat and waste time gossiping with the secretarial sludge.

I hate my job today, and I've hated it all my life. Don't make the mistake of making a career out of a job you hate, even if you're good at it.

Wordless Wednesday

Just ask Cinderella

Shoes make the outfit, right. Cinderella knew that when her Fairy-Godmother handed her those glass slippers. Who knew that those shoes would open up a whole new life for her?! Well, where is my Fairy-Godmother? I need some new shoes.

Since I've lost some weight, my interest in fashion has awakened. I want to wear dresses and cute things and put on my jewelry.  I've gone so many years wearing clothes that helped me blend in to the nothingingness that I felt about myself. Now that I'm more accepting of what I see and am becoming, I want to dress like it. So last week I bought a dress that I thought I couldn't live without. It's in my colors, browns and reds and oranges, and it's dressy or casual, depending on shoes and accessories. I love it and can't wait to wear it. The problem is that I have no shoes to wear with it.

Back in the day, I wore only heels. From 2 to 4 inch, stacked, wedged, and stilletto. I loved wearing them. They made my legs look good and they made me feel sexy. They went with everything, too. But when I started putting on weight, the heels had to go. At 140 lbs, heels are great, at 280+, heels are a death sentence. Seriously, you can hurt yourself in heels if you're a hefty girl. I'm not ready for stilletto's yet (and may not ever wear them again, but we'll see) but something that resembles a heel will be a nice change.

Besides height of the heel, another issue I have with shoes is getting them to fit. My feet are as sensitive as the Princess in the story of the Princess and the Pea. If one little part of my foot gets rubbed too much or gets touched in the wrong spot, there are blisters, redness, and pain beyond belief. And my big toes don't like confinement. They like wide open spaces and fresh air and when they don't get it, they let me know it. But for the sake of fashion, they are going to have to adapt, lol.

Sometime back in a blog post, I listed some things that I wanted to lose weight for and one of those things was to be able to wear sexy shoes. I don't think I'm ready for sexy shoes yet, but a little higher heel will do me for now. The sexy shoes will come later. Oh, yes. We will be having at least one pair of those!

So, I'm in the market for some cute shoes. I really like boots, and when the weather gets a little cooler, I will be shopping for some. My new dress will look great with boots! If you see a pair of shoes that you think might work for me, let me know. The shopping and trying on part is painful for me. I really do wish my Fairy-Godmother would just leave them on my doorstep.

Have a great week, and don't forget to drink your water.