GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE.

1. Thankful that there is power in the name of Jesus.

2. Thank God today was my last work day for the week!

3. Thank you Lord today is payday.

4. Thankful for a warm bed tonight.

5. Thankful for life! 

GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE!

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

1. Health and Strength

2. Another day!(hump day)

3. Quality time with my Mom

4. Peace and Understanding

5.  Tonight's hot meal on this cold night

What are you thankful for?

GIVE THANKS. GIVE ME FIVE!

I AM THANKFUL FOR: 

1.  Thankful for my job.

2.  Thankful for being in my right mind.

3.  Thankful for my Molly.

4.  Thankful for loyal friends.

5.  Thankful for tonight's spaghetti dinner.

What are you thankful for?

THANKFUL: GIVE ME FIVE.

Last year a friend of mine was doing a series of stating five things to be thankful for throughout the month of November. I thought it was such a good idea and I did the same thing she did. I decided to do it again this year. Let's Gooo....

Here We Go:
1. Waking up this morning
2. Genuine Friendship
3.  Loving Parents
4.  Breath of Life
5. Knowing God is truly in Control

What are you thankful for?

I NEED FIVE DOWN.

It's a new week! I am still trying to remain healthy, with a few cheats here and there, but I don't ever, ever plan to be the weight I use to be. I still have about 13 pounds to get to my 1st goal. It's been a long process but I plan to stick it out.

Any who, I want to lose weight and I want to get vacation ready!(later post) This week I decided to go meatless. This is going to be sooooo hard!  I love meat! We do a lot of chicken and turkey. Occasionally, we will have beef. I mostly do beef because I am anemic and when I was going "through"  the doctor wanted me to eat beef at least 3x a week. But now, I don't eat that much beef.  And Pork, well, every now and then I need to have me a pork chop sandwich or a chopped bbq sandwich. But trust me, those days are very far apart!

I am hoping the no meat will help take off some pounds this week. Praying!! 

Today I did very well! I did mess up and had a handful of chips and a handful of candy corn. Trying to lay off the sweets too! But I will give myself a pat on the back with not having the delicious baked chicken that I made for Sunday dinner yesterday. Plus, when I came in from work, my mother saved me two wings to go with my dinner. I said, Nope! No meat for me! She was shocked. I tried to get her to join me when I told her what I was thinking about yesterday while we were cooking but she said, Uhhh, all week? She maybe I will do two or three nights. lol  I will take that! It's a process but I am sticking to it!

Stay tuned!

PRESSURE UPDATE.

Today I went back to the dr for lab work and  for her my blood pressure to be checked. Of course, the higher dosage of water pill keeps me in the bathroom. Oh Great! Believe me it is definitely working!!! Well, I began taking the pill last week when she gave me the prescription. She wanted to see if my pressure would come down from the water pill instead of increasing the blood pressure pill. 

I arrive at the dr and of course my pressure is 132/96. Huh??  Can't be... The top number decreased and the bottom number went up 2 points. I am really confused. Since I had lad work done, I am going to wait until next week to find out my results and then I can talk to her about my blood pressure. I thought maybe the medicine wasn't in my system long enough. I shall keep you posted. I had some blood work to figure out my allergies. I am trying to eliminate as much intake of medicine as possible. Hopefully, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel!       

POST-IT TUESDAY/RANDOM.

CHECK UP.

Tuesday I had a dr appointment.  This appointment was with my general practitioner. I FINALLY found one that I liked, so I am sticking with her. Actually, the last time I went to see my Oncologist my blood pressure was higher than it normally is. I know I have stated this over and over but every time I go to the dr my pressure is ALWAYS high. Not extremely high, but not where it should be.(142/94) That's not good! The nurse told me that I should check with my doctor because maybe they need to increase my high blood pressure medicine. Ugghh...I'm trying to get off the medicine NOT increase it!

She told me that she would not increase the blood pressure meds but she would increase my water pill. I hope and pray that works! I hate taking medicine. I have been trying to eat better and continuing to lose weight. Next Thursday she is going to do labs and to check the things out that the oncologist doesn't look at.

Oh yea...hate needles too!   wish me luck!! 

WHITE.

Last Thursday was the new season of Scandal. Yaaaaay!!!  Well, from previous post you know that I caught up on season 1 and 2 when I was in ATL in August. Then, my mother wanted to jump on the Gladiator fix so I ordered the seasons so my mom could catch up too. So I got a double dose, Anyway, I LOVE the way they dress Kerry Washington. I know that they dress her a lot in white but last nights outfit......FIRE!!!! 

Last Thursday"Liv" had on a fierce white trench coat. OMGGGGG!!!! It was bad. Of course that was the talk all over my Facebook news feed. It looks like the coat is from Burberry costing $1500.00.  HUH?
Yes, for a coat! Well, I love the coat but not that much. The coat had so many views and likes that its currently sold out.

Before I saw her coat, I decided that I was going to look for a white coat for the winter months. Even though here in the SC it doesn't get that cold but those early mornings when I go to church I will need a coat. So I am on the hunt for a white coat! But here is "Liv's" coat!

SHE DID THAT!!!

THINK PINK!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS! 

DON'T FORGET TO GET CHECKED!

MEN AND WOMEN....

FIX YOUR MIND - SENT BY JOYCE

Fix Your Mind TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind, if there is any virtue, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria What you think about determines the quality and direction of your life. Naturally, people who think positive, uplifting thoughts have happier, healthier, longer lives. They are less stressed, more vibrant and enjoy better sleep. That’s why the scripture encourages us to think on good things — things that are true, noble and lovely. Some translations say to “fix your mind” on them. When you fix your mind on noble things, you close the door to the negative voices and open your heart to allow God to work in your life. Choose today to fix your mind on good things. Do whatever you need to in order to keep those good thoughts before you. Write them on note cards and put them in a place where you can see them. Confess God’s promises over your life and declare His blessing on a daily basis. As you fix your mind on the goodness of God, you will rise higher in every area of your life. You will be filled with His peace and victory, and you’ll see every dream and desire in your heart come to pass. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, I choose to fix my mind on noble things. I choose thoughts of peace and victory. Fill my heart with Your goodness that I may glorify You in everything I do in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

DR. OZ

The other day I turned to Dr. Oz. I don't watch all the time but when I do remember to watch he always has something on his show that I can benefit from. On his show, it seems like they had a recipe for slimming down smoothie. They said go to his pinterest page but I couldn't find it BUT I did come across something else.

I found a slimming down swimsuit drink. I know, I know summer and swimsuit season is over BUT I guess I could still try and slim down no matter what season. Right? Well, the recipe is suppose to cut fat. I need a whole lot cut! hahahaha You drink this before every meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Once I saw it, I ran to the kitchen to make it. It worked out well because I was about to have dinner before I headed to the gym.

Here's the drink!

1 cup of orange, grapefruit or pineapple juice

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp of honey

DRINK UP!    

DINNER TONIGHT

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Since I didn't have to work today I decided to cook dinner. Woo Hoo...I am still trying to drop pounds and I still have about 15-20 pounds to go before I reach my 1st goal. Lord, it is so hard. PS. I love to eat! But anyway, I thought I would go healthy. Well, I thought it was healthy. If it wasn't then it was close.

My dad bought me this healthy chef baking mat to cook on.(see below) It is suppose to drain the grease from your food. Tonight I decided to use it. I made two types of chicken. I made mom and dad just a basic bake chicken and for myself, I made jerk chicken. Mmmmm...I love a little spice to my food. They don't. For my dad, who loves rice, I prepared him chicken and rice. I used some of the chicken and cooked in on top of the stove and added rice to eat and he had that with sweet peas.  

For mom and myself, I decided to roast some red potatoes, which I used a recipe from pinterest.. I cut the potatoes in chunks and I put a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I put them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Then I prepared some(skinny) string beans. I tossed them as well in the oil, added a little salt and some red pepper flakes. I poured them on top of the red potatoes and turned to heat up from 400 to 450 degrees for about 20-25 more minutes. 

Dinner was delish! The mat is a good investment and it cleans great too! I guess I was too hungry to snap a quick picture. I hope everyone had a great and day and it continues to a better evening!    

   

FORGETTING WHAT IS BEHIND - SENT BY JOYCE

Forgetting What Is Behind TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” (Philippians 3:13, NKJV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria We all go through disappointments, setbacks and things that we don’t understand. Maybe you prayed for a loved one, but they didn’t get well. Or maybe you worked hard for a promotion, but you didn’t get it. You stood in faith for a relationship, but it didn’t work out. One of the best things you can do is release it. Let it go. Don’t dwell on it anymore. If you go around wondering why things didn’t work out, all that will do is lead to bitterness, resentment and self-pity. Before long, you’ll be blaming others, blaming yourself, or even God. You may not understand what happened. It may not have been fair. But when you release it, it’s an act of your faith. You’re saying, “God, I trust You. I know You’re in control. And even though it didn’t work out my way, You said, ‘All things are going to work together for my good.’ So I believe You still have something good in my future.” There is power in letting go of the past and the frustration of trying to figure everything out. When you release your questions, you are saying, “God, You are in control. I trust You.” And when you put your hope in God, that’s when He can heal your heart and lead you forward into victory. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, I come to You today giving You my hurts and questions. Help me to forgive and release the past. Heal my heart and restore my soul. Show me the good plan You have for my future as I keep my mind stayed on You in Jesus’ name. Amen. — Joel & Victoria Osteen

12 YEARS

DOUBLE DOSE

It's Monday and I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend! I didn't have much planned for the weekend but I did a double dose at the gym. NOT ME?? Well, yes...There is a certain instructor that I like at the gym for the Zumba class and she only teaches on Monday and Saturday. Since being in ATL, I had to get back into the flow up the gym. I noticed that for the new gym schedule there were more classes added, which one of the classes added was Yoga. Oh Yea!! I have been wanting to try Yoga for the longest!

Well, Saturday I had the opportunity to have Zumba with the instructor I love @10AM then Yoga @130PM. I was excited! I even goggled  what was Yoga and what to wear. I even found a Yoga mat at Walmart for $5.00. Can't beat that right?

Getting back into Zumba since being in ATL was a little rough since I hadn't worked out. It was a good fun. Yoga was phenomenal. I really enjoyed it! The class was very small which was good because I was trying to learn the moves. The instructor was very cool. A little chatty, but she was good. 

Unfortunately, I went home very sore and evidently came down with a little bug. I was thinking it was allergies but it turned out to be a little cold. I got some medicine and I am on the road to recovery! Amen!!! So glad this "bug" didn't last long.       

CHARLOTTE BOUND.

TAKING IN THE SIGHTS ON THE WAY TO CHARLOTTE!  

LOVE BEING A PASSENGER SOMETIMES....

I went to Charlotte, NC on Labor day and loved it!! I just LOVE Charlotte. On my previous post I listed a few things that I was going to do and one of them was to go to Charlotte, which we did. We didn't go for a BBQ but we just ordered food and had a good time laughing and talking. And let's not forget about me going to Pinkberry! Ahhhhh.... 

I did do some baking on Saturday. Actually, I baked two things but one of them didn't come out good so of course I didn't take any pictures. But I did make my granola bars. Mmmmm....I love these things! I have made them before with strawberry jam which came from a recipe of Pioneer Women.(food network) Instead of strawberry, I used blueberries. We picked a lot, I mean a lot of blueberries this year so I wanted to put them to use. I made a blueberry jam first then I continued with the same recipe as before. They are so good! I usually have with coffee. Delish!

GUESS I WILL BE HITTING THE GYM EXTRA HARD, BECAUSE I CAN'T EAT JUST ONE!

I hope everyone had a safe and an enjoyable weekend! Even though we are still having 90 degree weather, Are you ready for fall?      

GOODBYE SUMMER.

This is not so! I can't believe this weekend is Labor day weekend. It seems like every year I let the end of summer sneak up on me and I have no plans. I even tried to get in a mini vacay in the time share to Myrtle Beach before the summer is officially over but Nope! Not a chance...

In order to get to Myrtle Beach you have to almost book it a year in advance. Whhhaaat?? Crazy right?
So we just booked for next summer and that wasn't even a guarantee. We are on a waiting list.

ANY PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND?

Well, I don't have anything really planned but here are some of our(Mom) options for the weekend....

1. Go to Charlotte to my Aunt and Uncle's to put some hot dogs on the grill. And oh yea...a pinkberry trip! 

2. Riding to Columbia for some Roti! Mmmmmm....

3. Going to the movies to see Butler.

4. Watching LMN...

5. Baking

STAY TUNED!!

HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL WEEKEND. ENJOY!!! 

TRUST YOURSELF.

Trust yourself.

I get myself into trouble ALL the time. I have learned to trust and believe that I will learn and become stronger from ALL my mistakes. I have even learned to welcome and enjoy them. CRAZY RIGHT? Mistakes don't create regret for me when I have been courageous enough to go for it, especially Cancer. I have only regretted the moments I was too afraid to go for what I really wanted because of my fear to FAIL. For me, life is about creating an art of how to get out of the holes we fall into, not about creating an art of not falling into them.

A life AIN'T worth living if your not going to live it EVERYDAY. With the quick changes in my life, I had to learn this! 

Trust yourself to fail and to win. Trust yourself EVERYDAY to live the life you truly desire. 

QUIET SUNDAY AND I AM BACK IN THE SC~!

ATL was awesome but it was GREAT to be home! I haven't unpacked anything. I just did NOTHING! 

Well, that is what I thought I was going to do but my mother had other plans....Making a quick dessert! It was quick and easy!

IT'S ALL GOOD! 

PEACH CRUMBLE DUMP CAKE!

Actually, it was pretty good. I used fresh peaches.

The recipe called for 9x13 baking dish but I decided to 

try a cast iron pan. SCORE!