21 years? Holy Cow that leaves me like 16-17 more! Actually my oldest wants to change from soccer to dance, which is a shame because her game has really gotten much much better in the last 2 seasons, and dance costs $35/month and goes all year, where soccer costs $75 and goes like 4+ months total. The middle child wants to change from soccer to gymnastics, which I think is fine but it costs $90/month whereas soccer only costs $75/year. YIKES!!! I really don't know about the youngest yet, she likes soccer sometimes, other times she'd rather stay home and watch cartoons.

Oh big developments in my house!!! The Easter Bunny has finished her shopping and did really well. There is going to be some candy, but it's 1/2 of what they've gotten in past years, maybe even a little less. Each of the girls is getting a new bike, bike lock, some sort of basket or pack that attaches to the bike, a pack of funky socks, and a couple pairs of white tights (believe me this is easier than trying to find the ones they already own on Easter morning). The oldest is also getting a water bottle that attaches to the bike and the youngest 2 are getting spangles for the bike handles. We're going to put the extra bike stuff in the Easter baskets and hide them, I'm not sure how the bike deal is going down. We might hide them in the shed and put a big fat bow on the shed key? Or maybe we'll hide the bikes in the house near the baskets. But that could be tricky since the oldest one is getting a 26" short frame mountain bike (in bright peacock blue - no less). It's as big as my bike, but the seat goes down pretty far, so she should be able to ride it now and still be riding it when she's done growing. This is going to be one really fun Easter, which will help to offset the fact that the Rabbit is way over her usual budget. We've been planning on this since before Christmas, so I've had some time to save up a bit. I figure it's sort of an investment in the health of our family, and it's going to be a darn site more fun than another trip to the doctor's office. Of course there is no guarantee that it won't land us in the ER!

Cassie I really don't think 2 granola bars are anything to feel guilty over. Sometimes your body needs carbs, and it will get them one way or another. I've often felt like my body shut my brain "off" and turned my stomach to "overdrive".

hi everyone,
yesterday was really great food wise and workout wise. today i think will be good too. had some pizza (3 slices) but I worked it into the plan.

Terri, so cool that you were doing marine bio before! i'm doing some marsh stuff--mainly w/ spartina and cattail competition between diff scenarios of climate change and how that changes their biogeochemistry. but 2/3 of my dissertation is all on freshwater wetlands/streams/ and crazy beeeeavers that alter hydrology! I LOVE IT! (most of the time, unless I feel stupid one day and then wonder if I'm up to the task.) i love meeting w/ perspective profs--usually they are so passionate and inspiring and it's even better if they have broad perspectives and interests for research, rather than narrow. i remember reading that you do research on brains, hence the neuro route! good for you for being able to switch research areas, no reason to limit yourself!

Mern, I hope your having fun with the kiddos!!!

Almeeker, Easter bikes sound like such a great family gift! What a wonderful idea for staying healthy and having fun together!

I agree, bikes are an awesome present. We have an old paved rail trail near us; as soon as my son hits his growth spurt and can get into a bigger bike, we'll get him one, fix my husband's, and hopefully ride into the sunset. I don't envy you on the dance. Both my nieces did it; one through college, and it is time consuming and expensive, though if you are permitted to make your own outfits for recitals, you can probably save some. Great...more work for you!!! Just what every mom needs!

Mern, yes, enjoy those kiddos...good to get out of your routine for a change, but it's always good to get your down time back, too, I'm sure.

Julia, glad you've got the prospective profs rotating through; that's neat. I remember when we did it people got very "attached" to who they thought should fill the positions. It's always awesome to get someone new.

Almeeker, you are exactly right...I shouldn't feel guilty about the bars. I think it's just that it was an old behavior...grabbing something out of frustration, that threw me. They are the homemade kind and so it was a bigger caloric hit than the Quaker or Kashi kind, but I've had my reality check here and moved on.

Another good thing is that I have more support these days; my hubby finally climbed on board and he's down to 196; I'm not sure where he started, but he's been to a high of 238 at 5'11" and tends to hover around 208-213. Yesterday he texted me that he wanted to go for a jog...unheard of, from him. So this is pretty cool.

On the down side, I bought two bags of Jelly Bellys today...I was afraid to put it off any longer. Now I've just got to find those Robins Eggs and I'm done...the boy's getting cash this year because he's at that age and there's too much crap I'm not willing to spend my money on for him!

I did the same as I did last year for the daughter. I stuffed a basket with Clif Bars, Luna Bars, Power Bars, all the bars and a big supply of individual flavors of fruit leather, which she loves. She liked it last year because she used them all when she packed her lunch in the morning.

Not exactly low cal, but at least it's kind of healthy.

Oh, and some malted milk balls 'cause they're just plain good!

Bars are a great idea. I may stick some of them in there as well. I have beef jerky in there; he loves that. I just need to figure out a way to stay away from those Robin's Eggs...they are the malted milk balls with an egg shell and my personal weakness (well, one of many). Thanks for the idea!

Wow, quiet night! Are those crickets I hear? Hope everyone is doing okay.

1. Maintain at least a 250 cal. deficit to get the last 1 1/2 pounds off. Again. 258, but it wasn't easy! 247 (on average, I'm still ok!), 157, gave in to late night snack when hubby had the pretzels out, 562 (thank you, tennis opponent who took me 3 sets & over 2 hours)
2. Weights three times this week instead of two. One down
3. Sleep 7 hours (at least). I keep trying to go 7/7 on this one. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
4. Balance the pie chart. Yes (fair), Yes, Yes, Yes
5. Drink 2-3 sports bottles of water daily. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes
6. Pay attention to posture (I'm a slacker on this). A bit, No-forgot, Forgot again! Erm, forgot AGAIN

7. Put annuals in front flower beds by end of weekend. Not yet
8. Re-do Spring Break at-home pedicure...bright turquoise is not tremendously professional at my age. Done
9. Plan Easter basket with a balance between healthy and treats. Yes
10. Try two new recipes this week. Yes- Stir-fry shrimp and walnuts; it was really good, new applesauce recipe, but not counting it since it was just a side dish, Yes-chicken and cashew stir-fry (what is it with me and stir-fry this week?
11. Plan mini-trip. Again, more thoughts in this direction. I looked up restaurants, lol! Will get it done this weekend

Up kinda late aren't you CJ? Everything OK?
It's 9:30 CA time

Hi Pam! Nice to see you here

I bought 1% organic milk yesterday for the first time in yrs. and it tastes soooo much creamier than reg 1% milk. Just thought I'd share my random morning thought!

Mike, howww are you?!

Pam, I think Cassie's been out partying for spring break.

Julia, I've been good, thanks. My diet has been bad though.

I wish! I was sick for Spring Break and I'm still trying to redeem the rain check . Nope, that's just my normal schedule. I'm a night owl. Thanks for checking, tho .

Mike, you'll get it back. I imagine you've got some wiggle room. Are you still dating the low-carb lifestyle?

Hope you all have a wonderful day!