Although my old e-mail is still good, you can also find me at PreciousOne77@hotmail.com which I'll eventually be using more often, now that AOL is slowly kicking us out.

I'm thinking that maybe AOL won't be around too much longer. Now they're getting rid of AOL Pictures. So save your pics onto photobucket or whatever other program you use.

Joann

YES, I CAN!!!!!

One thing I've looked for and haven't found here, is how to make the font bigger. I'd like everyone to read my blog comfortably without eyestrain... LOL!! Besides bigger is just better, it's expressive, like me!! = )

Well, I'm in my 12th day of the 14-day Phase 1 of the South Beach eating plan. I've done very well, have lost 10 pounds at last check (yesterday morning). And am very encouraged to go on to Phase 2, to keep the control I've gained over my snacking.

One change I will make though, is sugar. I know that's the main key here, but I really am not convinced that any of the artificial sweeteners out there are good for you. So I will continue to have sugar free gelatin snacks (and SF pudding snacks in phase 2) but I will allow myself a very small amount of sugar when I absolutely must (i.e., in coffee - I love the flavored creamers, but not the artificially sweetened ones.), however I am very determined to opt for NO sugar at all in most things. I think I've learned to do ok without any sweetener at all.

Phase 2 allows fruit, so I'm sure that I can substitute an apple or some melon for that fantastic looking chocolate cake someone will SURELY take into work next week, and that will take care of the sweet for me. I CAN BE STRONG!!

Phase 2 is designed to keep me on track until I reach my goal weight, which I think is quite possible, now... if I start falling again, I will start the 14 days of Phase 1 again, to gain the control.

I'm pretty comfortable that this is the plan that will work for me, because sugar is my weakness.... I do eat well, I mean, my main meals are healthful foods. I don't eat fried foods normally, and I don't put salad dressing on my salads, and I never use gravies, thick sauces, or sweets on my food.

It's the snacking and junk food that cause me grief. If I could just stay strong enough to ignore all the goodies around me like I have the last two weeks, I'd be ok... and I CAN!!

I HAVE to have that control... Have to just say NO!! Phase 1 of South Beach has helped me with that these past two weeks, and (say prayers that) I'll be just as successful on Phase 2 which is for an unspecified amount of time.... but it's ok, I CAN DO THIS!!!

I know the holidays will be harder, but I CAN DO IT!!

Today, I met a friend for and early morning walk and breakfast, I did very well.

This evening I'm going to a friend's birthday party... I know I'll have a glass of wine, but not sure what will be served yet, but I will stay in control... because I CAN!!!

Tomorrow, I'm going to a Tea, but I will fill up on soup, salad, and quiche (without the crust), and leave the goodies alone.... because I CAN!!!

Thanks for all the encouragement I've been getting from you... and know that YOU CAN TOO!!!!

Joann

Right on track!!

I'm really trying to get around to some blogs, if I haven't made it to yours in the next few days, send me a link, please!?? I may have lost it.

I'm doing very well on South Beach, I'm finishing up my 7th day today!! I haven't cheated ONCE, not ONCE... although, I HAVE forgotten a few times... the first night (Monday) I drank a cup of Kool-Aid that my son made and served me, I downed it without thinking. Then Friday at the football game, someone gave me a bite sized 3 musketeers, so I opened it and took ONE bite and swallowed it before it clicked (actually someone reminded me)... I threw the rest away. I also went to a mexican restaurant over this past weekend in San Diego, THAT WAS HARD!!!! The ladies hand make the tortillas right in front of you... BUT I did NOT even taste one, however, I was SO focused on that and what I was going to order, that I instictively grabbed a chip loaded it with salsa and threw it in my mouth without thinking... oh well... it was the only one that got into my mouth... my order: a Chicken fajita salad... it's exactly what it sounds like... chicken fajitas, grilled onion, bell peppers, and mushrooms, thrown onto a bed of lettuce... it was really pretty good, too!! I WAS thinking for a short minute to share a margarita with a friend, but didn't. I did however, have a glass of wine later that evening.... darn, I guess I DID cheat... that one was totally intentional!! Well, it's the only time the whole week.

This past week was sure not easy... at work, people brought in a total of FOUR pies; a tub of cookies; bagels; muffins and danishes; and brownies!! Can you believe that... that's just ONE week!! NO WONDER it's so hard for me to lose!!

This week will be better, and after this week, I will have completed phase 1 of the South Beach eating plan... and on to phase 2.

However, I have to say life is very BLAND right now... NOTHING to look forward to... LOL!!!

Take Care,and Have a great week!!

Joann

I'll be back!!

Hey all, sorry I haven't been around much, but don't give up on me... I'll be back soon!! I miss reading all your journals... hope to catch up real soon. Lots going on... working two jobs again (seasonal), and getting my mom's kitchen remodeled, and trying to keep spirits up for an elderly friend whose getting put into a convalescent home... very sad!! Wish I could take him in.

We were away this weekend house and dog sitting.... we love dogs.

Anyway, don't think I mentioned that my mom was ripped off from the first person she got to remodel her kitchen... the pig took off with her $$, we're suing of course, but had trouble finding him... THINK WE HAVE, NOW, THOUGH!!! WOO HOO!! Wish us luck!! Now, it's not just small claims though, we're pressing CRIMINAL charges, as he INTENDED to rip her off with all the fake info he gave us!! It's a really long story, but it'll all turn out ok.

See you soon,

Joann

I met LINDA, today!!!!

Linda and I spent a nice afternoon talking over an In-N-Out burger and a nice breeze.

I got to know alot more about who this beautiful lady is!! I also got to meet Bob and his daughter, very nice people, too. I have pics to share, but don't know how to do that here yet and the 'other place' isn't cooperating.

The first thing I noticed about Linda is her friendly smile... she's very warm, and we talked comfortably about our lives, past and present.

I think I forgot to tell Linda how beautiful both hers and Bob's eyes were.... eyes are not usually among the first things I notice, but it's hard NOT to see that they both have very nice smiling blue eyes.

I look forward to meeting her again soon... maybe after her cruise.

Joann

I'm still having a REAL hard time.... I know, it's pretty simple... but I'm not used to it yet, I can not even find my new e-mail box to read my e-mail.... LOL!!!

Anyway, I'm hoping to get to meet Linda from Washington, tomorrow.... I just spoke to her on the phone.

Well, hope you are all having a great weekend.... and if you get the chance, there's a new movie out for a very limited time at theaters called "Fireproof".... please go watch it, it's a FANTASTIC Christian movie, all engaged and married couples should watch it!!!

Joann

I THINK I DID IT!!!

OK, I'm STILL not confident this is going to work, it kinda seemed too easy to be true. I created a new e-mail, because I'm not trusting AOL a whole lot right now.... so I'll keep that one for the time being, but I also have PreciousOne77@hotmail.com

Thanks to everyone for sending me your links... I'll soon send you mine too, but I have to make sure this all works.

Joann