First Blog Entry - First Week's Menu

Where do I start? Oh man...I thought I would post this first blog by describing how my life has changed over the past 6 months and continue from there. Those that know me are aware of the changes in my life over the past 4 years but let's face it, that would take FAAAAR too long to post!

These past 6 months have rendered a lot of changes and a lot of inner evaluations. I got engaged on 4/27 to the most wonderful man in the world - caring, considerate, always wanting to let me grow, admiring of my Venus penchants, adoring of my body no matter how dissatisfied I might be at the time...I could go on and on....but wouldn't want to make anyone jealous.... Needless to say, I consider myself one of the luckiest women on earth.

Alan and I have been been dating long distance for over 3 years between East Texas and Jersey City, NJ and due to a lot of communication and trust and love, we've made it work.

I moved from Texas to NJ on 5/17 and my Dad died on the 18th while I was in the midst of the move (not unexpected but hard nonetheless). Since I've always been a Daddy's Girl it's been hard on me but I'm coping. I'm the Executrix of his Estate so a journey to Texas will once again take place mid-July.

After the upheaval of the "getting the house in Texas ready for sale", "packing up for the move", :"THE MOVE", Dad's death, the Service, and what have you, I have not stayed on Plan or, as I refer to it "OP" and I"m aching to be back on again so this Blog is to make me adhere to the WOE that I know makes me feel better about myself, gives me more confidence in myself.

Anyway, I want to get back on track. Alan is willing to try a new WOE, and doesn't mind me cooking, so I'm giving myself no excuses and will start cooking and in my spare time, in between the gym and job search, looking for recipes and planning menus that are conducive to the LC lifestyle., This is my own research and I will share what I find and my thoughts and feelings on this last part of my weight loss journey and into maintenance. I have a wonderful Support Group that I've known for 4+ years, so there is no reason to put off this final loss any longer. The last time I got close to GOAL was for the July 4th weekend in 2007, and I lapsed after that, and let my life's challenges dictate my eating habits (i.e. stress-eating, my weakness).

I will be upfront, however, my menu includes tomorrow's night dinner which is NOT LC...Alan (I refer to him as DA, short for "Darling Alan" ) and I have agreed upon having one last night and starting anew on Monday so this weekend, my friends, is my "Last Hurrah". If, in these postings, I inspire, or someone can relate to one of my stories, I encourage replies and thoughts, as they contribute to my "New Journey". After all, what is a Journey without New Friends, New Places and New Experiences?

When I have time, I’ll update these posts to include the nutritional contents of the meals and/or dishes including recipes as posted.

Alan Sunday ( He wants to cook and I’ll do more domestic stuff!) : Cornish game hens with stuffing, roasted potatoes, peas and canned corn

Monday: Back on Plan! Woohoo! Meat Lasagna with mesclun salad and homemade Italian dressing.

Tuesday: Hot Beef Entrée Nite: Marinated London broil with caulimash & green beans.

Wednesday: Leftover lasagna topped with Cabot sharp cheddar and lemony mesclun salad.

Thursday: Cold Beef Entrée Nite: Sliced cold leftover London broil with Dreamfield’s rotini pasta salad & Cauli salad.

Friday: Dinner out. Low carb of course! Maybe a steak salad from Dorrian’s (beefsteak tomatoes topped with slices of red onion, covered in mesclun salad, freshly sliced mushrooms, crumbled gorgonzola cheese and topped with slices of thinly sliced sirloin steak, raspberry vinaigrette on the side). Alan said he wants to go out on the party boat that we’ve been eyeing and it will be our first night out since I’ve moved here. So it depends upon where we’re going to be for the dinner time.

Saturday: Brunch – fried eggs, sautéed tomato, zucchini latkes, bacon and low carb toast. Dinner - Roasted Chicken thighs seasoned with garlic and onion powders and Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, with leftover cold salads.

Will check back later and post more as I have to finalize my grocery list for my week's menu. I'm still feeling my way through this process. I hope you enjoy participating in my journey.