Heather Shrinks in Houston!

[Houston Heather]

167!

What a nice surprise, and good motivation to stay away from evil fattening sugar on my trip!

I ate a low carb bar, AND had a heavy whipping cream thing (12 ounces) at Starbucks too. I don't plan to repeat either but I feel like I'm doing a better job of getting a feel for my end game carb levels.

Off to shop. Ron wants hot dogs, I want Bibles and soda.

[skeopple]

167 is soooooooo awesome, Heather! Yes, a very great motivation to stay on plan while you're cruising. Oh my gosh; what if you weigh even less when you come back home??!!
If my math is correct, you've forever lost 61 pounds. Never to be seen again! KUTGW

[Houston Heather]

Yup!

I didn't get sodas but boy I scored on the Bibles. I went to a local Christian book store, me and my rolling cart. It was hot and I felt it..

I hit up the tract area first, and got some Footprints bookmarks and various tracts. Then I went over to the Bible section.

WOW. I found whole Bibles for a dollar! I couldn't believe it! But they were big... so I kept looking. I found "My" ESV New Testaments. I picked one up FIFTY CENTS.

As I was unloading the entire shelf into a small handbasket, someone came along (employee) and got me a cart. I told him I'd like to talk about ordering cases in about a week. Not only that, I found the nice Spanish New Testaments, I got all 7 off the shelf.

So, I got 38 NT, 7 Spanish NT, 10 entire NLV Bibles (good for second language folks), 50 Footprints bookmarks for the Bibles, 25 "You're Special" tracts, 25 "Ticket to Heaven" Spanish tracts, and a nice devotional book for me.

When I got home, my entire cart loaded up with Bibles and some various fried takeout items for Ron, he paid me for most of it.

I managed to squash 20 of the ESV New Testaments and 7 Spanish New Testaments into my backpack. I also crammed some yarn and a circular knitting needle in there, too. I've got our "Have to" stuff like medication, my Bible, and other stuff.

All I need to do is figure out where Ron hid all his socks AGH and I'm ready to go.

[Houston Heather]

I handed out a couple of Bibles today on the way to and from work. They're the NLV translation, good for people who know English as a second language. They're big enough that I will keep them at home, to hand out on trips.

We went to work and did EVERYTHING. I even took out the coffee grounds and the rolling dumpster. I expect someone will go into the stockroom (PO has a key) while we're gone so I planned for it. No surprises.

Then we came home, I did virtually all the packing, and took a nap. A good nap.

[Houston Heather]

I forgot to mention I am down another half pound, to 167.2.

It's nice to get on the scale and see 1-6-X. So much better than a year and a half ago! I'll be popping in today, and post tomorrow. I'm not sure when I'll put up my photos but check the link I'll put up.

Here is the link:
Picasa Web Albums - Heather - June 2009

[dee730]

heather hope you have a wonderful cruise and enjoy the time with your family
cant wait for the new pics

[Houston Heather]

I set up mobile blogging on my cell phone, too, so I can do my other blog as well:

Heather knits, the junk food queen

But photos will go to the other link.

Mom said I'm the only woman in the family who isn't screaming about her weight. That is awesome to hear.

[Snowman]

[COLOR="DeepSkyBlue"]BON VOYAGE,[/COLOR] HEATHER & RON!!!

Hope you have an awesome time on your cruise!! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!!!

167.2, GREAT JOB, Heather!!!

[Houston Heather]

I'm thrilled. I really doubted I could get down this far, taking my medication!

I plan to write down what I ate, too, just so you have an idea how I did it (right or wrong, only the scale and measuring tape will tell!). I like to incorporate a lot of exercise into my vacations, so I'll be using the gym and walking a couple times a day (gym once, walking once I think).

I have heard the low carb cheesecake is delicious! I plan to try it if it doesn't have any nuts involved.

I plan to do a walk, omlette in the morning, gym, reasonable lunch, relax, dinner, fun activities, bed. I only have my Walmart 10's - I know they are not universally sized, they're a little big compared to some other brands, but still, I'm putting on something with a 10!

My original goal was a Walmart 12!

Probably one more post before I go... but I'm going to shower and go to bed now.

[skeopple]

Heather, You and Ron have a wonderful time and a safe trip! I, for one, can't wait to hear all kinds of fun happenings. Enjoy!

[Houston Heather]

Well, I'm up. I had my low carb instant shake and a sausage patty.

I have plenty of yummies in my backpack so I won't be tempted. Ron's taking a bath, cutting it a little close in my opinion.

At any rate, almost ready to go!

We decided to leave Bubba with open cat door access. I don't want him to be stuck either in OR out. We just shut the bedroom doors so the "prey" can't get in there if he brings something home.

[Snowman]

Hope your having a FANTASTIC time on your cruise!! Can't wait to hear all about it.

[skeopple]

Hope you're slathering on the sunscreen! Waiting to hear your joy and see your pictures.

[Houston Heather]

Home now...beat.

Photos! I love you all so much I'm doing this before bed... Picasa Web Albums - Heather - June 2009

I have lots to tell you.... It was a good time, but I'm tired!

[Houston Heather]

While I'm uploading video I'll let you know about the trip.

Monday morning, up at the crack of dawn. Ron took a bath, I finished packing the last minute stuff like our medication. I had a couple of diet Dr Peppers and put them up in my bag.

I drank one while waiting on Ron and the shuttle. The shuttle came early, Ron ran around cursing, but we got out the door. The shuttle driver used to work for Metrolift.

We got to the airport, did curbside check in. The skycap was so wonderful I tipped him out of my own money, and Ron also gave him a $5. Nice guy, worth it.

Say bye bye to the big red duffel bag and garment bag. Now it's me, backpack, half a bottle of diet dr pepper by now, Ron, and the wheelchair. Also purse.

Security. Take off Ron's belt, shoes, coat. Show passports. Show boarding passes.

[brief break to freak out over where I put my passport when i got home, found it, happy now]

Through security! Yay! Buy some Diet Coke... the first of many..and wait on plane.

The wheelchair goes away after Ron stands up and staggers onto the plane, and into the cargo hold. We're first on. I sit by the window as Ron whines about never getting the window seat, I'm mean. I watch our luggage come up the conveyor belt. Good.

Then the usual plane stuff. We get to LA. Everyone gets off. Some poor guy has to haul the wheelchair out and bring it to us. Ron sits down and I push him up the ramp, that is an EXCELLENT butt workout! I hit the elevator button and I swear the elevator is possessed. it won't go to the baggage claim floor. I'm almost in tears by the time they get it fixed.

Then i go to the wrong claim area, and have a heart attack over where's my bags. Then i see them rotating on the other belt. Right about the time I curse myself, and pick them up, a lady comes over.. you must be the "B's!". I asked her how she guessed and she looked embarrassed. Sorry! He's in a wheelchair, that's how.

Anyway, Ron staggers out of the wheelchair again as the shuttle driver shoves it underneath the bus. He got a tip, too. The driver.

So, now we're at the terminal. I start pushing.... and pushing.... and pushing. I ask Ron if he thought he could walk it, and he agreed. He said up to that point he thought the wheelchair wasn't necessary. Lots of pushing.

We check in and they let us go on the ship after waiting a while. They have a lunch buffet. I ate roast beef, a lot of it, and some chicken.

At 1:30 they let us in our rooms. It was nice. 2 twin beds, very practical for us. Plenty of room for a visit.

We walk around, plenty of elevators, and have a good time exploring. We sign up for the fountain drink plan. HOWEVER... you have to get the soda from a bar, the iced tea is absolutely GHASTLY, and no Diet Dr Pepper.

Needless to say, I ended up drinking a lot fewer sodas than normal.

Eventually we met up with Mom and Dad and the gang, they all loved Ron, I ate very wisely...

I went to a maintenance level, and ate some fresh fruit for dessert, or a little with breakfast. I didn't eat any sugar. I ate one piece of sugarfree cake, it wasn't that wonderful. Thursday they had something called Chocolate diet cake. No sugar, only splenda, heavy whipping cream, and nice cake. I had a couple (small, like 2 inch square) pieces of that. Other than that, eggs, meat, veggies, fats, and a little fruit. I felt fine, satisfied.

I wasn't like OMG the food is SO WONDERFUL every day, but I felt like Dad got his money's worth (he bought everyone tickets). I ate a lot of meat! I decided I'd rather have some fresh grapefruit than just about any sugary item they had. As I passed the brownies, I'd say "Fresh grapefruit tomorrow for breakfast!"

Ron loved the Mongolian Grill. I'd make a bowl of veggies for him, he'd get it sauteed with meat and sauce, and gobble it up.

I walked every day! I exercised for at least an hour daily, and got plenty of exercise pushing Ron in his chair. I loved the Sun Deck the top deck on the ship. It had a path for walking/running, seats, and a mini golf course in the middle. LOTS of photos of said deck in the link.

The first night, I wore my bra with the strap extender, it was too small otherwise.

The second night, I didn't need it, or any night following. I wore the strapless bra every night. I wore size 10 shorts every day. I wore glamourous dresses every night - Mom got so many photos I didn't really agitate for any on my camera, but I did get some.

A very funny vignette: Ron was sitting by the pool. I came over to him with some food from his favorite - Mongolian Grill. My older sister, Cindy, is sitting next to him in a tiny bikini. She looks pretty hot. Ron is totally oblivious. He has no idea! It was hysterical.

One night, the other "kids" took Ron drinking while Dad and I went to a show. Mom wanted some grandbaby time. I came back to the room an hour and a half later, no Ron. I took the wheelchair - figuring after an hour and a half of booze, he'll need it, but Bill brought him back right about then.

The next day, and all day today, it was "Oh, Heather, we just love Ron, Ron is great. Ron is wonderful! We love Ron!" I don't know what they expected, but Ron blew them away.

OK, videos are done, so I'm off. More later.

[skeopple]

Welcome home, Heather and Ron! It sounds like you both had a wonderful time. And I should be in bed but when I saw you had posted, I had to see the pictures too. They are beautiful. Where would I find the video? I can't remember your blog site name. Is that where it is?
Thought I'd write to you tonight cuz we'll be gone all day tomorrow until very late.
Great to see ya, I missed you.

How's Bubba? Any treasures from him?

[Houston Heather]

Bubba was a GOOD BOY!

I gave him hugs and kisses and he didn't even struggle. No gifts.

I'll get the blog link... Heather knits, the junk food queen. First one, is dolphins. You can see them if you look closely, one pops up very clearly. Second video is me feeding seagulls.

After drinking all diet cokes and not very good ones at that, I literally embraced the Dr Pepper vending machine when I got back to Houston. Right before I put $6 in it and bought 3 bottles of soda.

[Snowman]

LOVED your pictures, Heather!! YOU looked great and Ron looks good too! It sounds like you guys had a good time, I'm glad! Your parents are a sweet looking couple! Your nephew is so cute!

Glad your home safe and sound!

Glad Bubba was good while you were gone!

[Houston Heather]

I'm a little incoherent today.

We had so much fun Ron's already planning the NEXT trip. Kind of hard to entertain a guy like him, blind and in a wheelchair, a little deaf too, if HE had a good time they did their job.

The steward loved Ron, Ron is so tidy and organized. He kept giving Ron an extra pillow every night (which I stole, because he didn't want it). I gave the room chocolate to my 9 and 10 year old nephews, they always said thank you. They are really good kids.

The waiter did everything he could to spoil Ron. If Ron liked a particular dish, he'd bring another portion for Ron! Ron ended up eating TWO lobster tails!

We both complimented the waiter and steward in our surveys. Hopefully they will get a little cash or something (in addition to the tips).

Breakfast and lunch were a tasty buffet style deal. We didn't wait long. I found it odd that the hamburger/hot dog line was the most popular. I tried sauteed squid on Thursday, with non-starchy veggies. It was good. They always had at least one massive chunk of meat; I'd have them slice some off and give it to me. Then I'd make myself a salad (mainly greens and olive oil) and have fruit for dessert. Small fruit portions, about half a cup of melon generally.

2 days I had SUGAR FREE dessert - Tuesday I had some pumpkin cake... not that great, but the icing was good. If I had been honest I would have just eaten the icing. I wasn't honest, but I did walk a lot so hopefully it didn't stick.

Thursday I had Chocolate Diet cake. It mainly seemed to be

FOOD WARNING AHEAD DESCRIBING CARBY FOOD!





Mainly seemed to be layers of s/f devil's food cake, with layers of decadent chocolatey whipped cream in between. Very, very good.

That was it for desserts. Other than that I had fresh fruit, small amounts, about what I intend to eat when I'm at maintenance.

I only ate meat, veggies, cheese, fruit. I ate a little bit of cream cheese at breakfast, and I fell in love with grapefruit. The portions I had, about a quarter cup, are only about 4 carbs each. That's doable now!

I said no to all other things. The poor bread lady kept having fits over my bread refusal. The last night she put some on my plate when I was talking to Ron, and I laughed and gave it to my nephew.

The baby was precious, very well behaved for a baby. He loves Mom (all the grandkids call her Mimi) so lots of clamoring for MIMI! with little upreached arms... MIMI! UP! If he was grown I would have called him a stalker. So Mom had a little appendage in her arms for the whole trip - his Mom and Dad live in Detroit so it's great for her. She says all the grandbabies adored her from the start. Good. Can you imagine how awful it would be if they cried every time you touched them? Or ran AWAY?

Dad had a good time. His idea of a good time was smiling indulgently at the kids in the pool. He got sunburned, even his eyelids! They did an outing in Catalina, but I was pretty medicated so I stuck with a walk in the morning, breakfast, Ron time for an hour or two, lunch, another walk, nap.

Mom and Dad, in particular, could literally see me crash every night. It was kind of funny, one night I was so goofy and unsteady Dad walked me back to the room. The "kids" and even Mom and Dad aren't afraid of liquour, but I can't won't touch it. The last time I did it was a very bad scary, hallucinating trip. I told them that and the question was never raised again.

Ron had some margararitas and stuff. He was happy.

After dinner, except for the time he went drinking with the sibs, Ron went to bed. I went to the show with Dad and usually Mom too (the others passed) and then to bed after.

I dressed up every night. I felt very comfortable and had a good time. Everything fit great.

I'm up to 170 this morning, but I ate a lot of frankenfoods yesterday, not much water, sleep deprived all week (I kept waking up about 5-6 every morning there), "sluggish", etc. I'm not going to go get a flogger. Either it'll come off or not.

I can drop to an induction level if needed to get back down. I didn't eat anything I don't plan to in maintenance, so I'm not worried.

Oh, some more notes:
The beds are excellent, perfectly comfy. Nice nice bedding, says the girl who worked at a luxury linen store. Fantastic pillows. We dropped off with no problem every night. Beds get an A+

Shower rocked: it had a hand-held unit and fold-down shower bench. Nice hot water and plenty of water pressure. They left a sample of a fancy razor which I liked and used. They had dispensers on the wall, body wash and shampoo. A little awkward but OK. Showers get an A.

It was easy to get around and find things. I was comfortable my first day on the ship. It was easy to get Ron around in the wheelchair. Everywhere! Layout gets an A.

The shops were interesting, but I didn't buy anything. The inch of gold special was interesting, but where am I going to wear gold chains? Nowhere, that's where. So I passed.

It was easy to get food to take my meds. Anytime. Low carb, even. I even had access to hot water so I could make my digestive tea. One day my stomach had an attitude after dinner.

I loved the steam room and sauna. The sun deck was great for walking, and I like lots of fresh air, walks, and views of the water on my vacation. I had that in abundance. They had a nice gym but why go into a box, even one with nice views, and listen to bad music when I could walk in the fresh air, sun, and wind?

I don't think the customers at work even missed us. "You were gone?" being the primary question.

The machines behaved. A vend motor is out on one of our soda machines, so it ripped people off for "coke". I took out the label so they won't use it again. The other columns are fine. I checked, we need a repairman. Our contract with Dr Pepper, I'm drinking a diet Dr right now , covers repairs. They are free, and so are the machines, as long as we put Dr Pepper merchandise into them. We all win.

Snacks were fine, too. A couple of empty coils each but no more than usual. We even had some sandwiches left in the cold food vendors, but the drinks were sold out. Our sandwich guy, I LOVE HIM, told Ron the morning delivery was bad but he'd come at 3.

So, I got to sleep 8 hours before going to work. We went in and filled EVERYTHING up except the gumballs. Metrolift had hired a regular cab to come and get us, so we asked the guy if he'd be interested in taking us home. He was happy to do it.

Ron called him about half an hour early, and he headed over. We went out and he was waiting on us. We went through a drive though (hello, bunless burger) on the way home. Money well spent.

After eating, I took a nap.

Tomorrow is an off day, plan to rest and maybe go to Foodtown. It's going to be very hot and sunny all this week. Eeek.

Oh, and no one burgled our house while we were gone. The store up my treasures in heaven security plan worked.

OK, I'm so medicated I'm having trouble with smilies... time to go!

[Houston Heather]

I sent a fanmail to the people who made Ron's wheelchair.

There's only one Heather B in the world! Who else would do that?

You can check the link above here, to the other blog, if you want to read it.

Ron is really excited about doing another cruise. It was amazingly easy to travel with the wheelchair.

[Houston Heather]

Slept REAL late... going to Foodtown.

Oh, boy, the hottest part of the day. Good planning, Heather.

[Houston Heather]

Yesterday, I was pretty medicated. I couldn't even find my cash when it came time to pay! I used the emergency card, called Ron, located my cash, and it was all OK. I did buy some grapefruit.

I ate a little last night, 1/4 cup, with some meat and cheese. Normally my sugars average about 108-115 first thing in the morning. Today, they were 97. One day on the cruise they were also 96; the day after I ate grapefruit. My body likes grapefruit, it lowers my blood sugar.

Coolness. I'm glad something I ENJOY is so good for me! Now I'm in the high-normal range, instead of topping "prediabetic" levels.

Today we went to work and filled 'em up, it was pretty quiet so not a whole lot to do. We went to Walmart, I bought that smoker I wanted, and now I just need to assemble it.

I'm pretty medicated, so it won't be now... I've got a nap planned.

[Houston Heather]

I had a great nap. When I woke up, I helped Ron with some accounting.

It took over an hour to assemble the smoker. Once I had it prepped, I got out my little BBQ and fired it up. I also fired up the smoker because it needed to be "cured" before using.

It did have a funny aroma as it got hot, so I was glad I didn't have any meat onboard. I made up some cheddar burgers:

Texas Cheddarburgers
1.5 pound ground beef, 27/73 type
1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1 t BBQ seasoning or seasoned salt - I have used everything from Chipolte seasoning to "BBQ Seasoning", plus extra
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Sugar free BBQ sauce

Mix first 2 ingredients, add spices, and sprinkle with garlic and pepper to taste. Form burgers. Fire up the grill. Place burgers on the grill and add wood chips (hickory or mesquite are my favorites). Cook until internal temperature reaches 160, flipping occasionally to brown evenly.

Once internal temperature is reached, brush on BBQ sauce. Cook on both sides, allowing sauce to "cook into" meat.

Serve when ready.

Ron rated it as an 11 on a 1-10 when I first served them tonight, then upgraded it to a 20. Good. They are good.

My little grill wasn't working very well, and the smoker was nice and hot after 2 hours. I decided to put the burgers on the new smoker to finish them off. It worked great. I can see a lot of happy hours standing over my smoker.

In Texas, traditionally the man is in charge of the BBQ. However, Ron showed me the basics of good BBQ and I took it from there.

One night I woke up to the smell of grilling meat and burnt... something. It was 3 AM. Ron's an insomniac, always has been.

He had woken up and decided to make some hamburgers. He used the oven mitts to move the bowl of hot coals from one level to the next of the smoker. He didn't know the "thumb" was sticking right into a coal!

All of a sudden, it got very WARM in the mitt! He screamed, yanked off the mitt, and dropped it into the "OOOPS!" bucket of water he always had by the grill. Good thing!

The smell of burnt oven mitt woke me up! This happened over 12 years ago.. it would be almost impossible for him to BBQ now.

When I staggered out on the balcony, he presented me with a perfect, juicy, burger. Tasty. And we ate burgers, at 3 AM, on the balcony, the ruins of the oven mitt at our feet!

My adventure was much less dramatic. I cooked the cheddarburgers, Ron loved them, so did I. Bubba begged and I refused.

Bubba, by the way, brought home a mockingbird. I let it out after filming it - well, the door was open so he could go out, but he wanted to hop around on my bookcase. I always wonder if people believe it, so I wanted evidence. I got some great footage but I'll post it tomorrow.

I seasoned the pork riblets I bought with some garlic and pepper. Tomorrow I will smoke them until almost done, then brush sauce on them. I'll also be smoking my pork butt! My user's manual says about 4-5 hours for the pork butt.

Yum. So, tomorrow I'll have some delicious smoked pork roast and Ron will have riblets. I've never been a rib fan, but I'm happy to cook 'em for Ron.

I may even graduate to some brisket eventually.

I am beat. I smell like BBQ hamburgers, which Ron says is lovely. I'm going to take a shower.

[skeopple]

That recipe sounds delicious, Heather! We're going to try that this week. We don't have a smoker but we grill out all year long; rain, sleet, snow. Yup, all year long.
The local grocer has pork ribs on sale so we'll be eating good this week! I make my own sugar-free BBQ sauce and everybody loves it.

You have yourselves a great day in Houston. We got over an inch of rain in 3 days. Greatly needed. Now we need something warmer than 50 degrees to get gardens and crops going.

[Houston Heather]

We need rain too!

I'm running a little depressed today so I wanted to stay busy and engaged in fun activities. I do a lot better if I stay involved, rather than brooding.

I fixed up the pork riblets, and the pork roast. I didn't have room for both of them on the top grill, I had the coals on the bottom of the smoker. I put the riblets on the lower rack, near the coals.

When I went to check on them, the riblets were literally flaming, smoke everywhere, flames licking at the roast... ACK! I got rid of the riblets and I think I salvaged the pork butt. It was crunchy on the outside, kind of a crispy brown, but not up to internal temperature yet.

I had left the meat thermometer outside, on a chair. Just sitting outside, it was almost up to "Rare beef".

[Houston Heather]

The pork butt turned out beautifully:

Picasa Web Albums - Heather

I'm always careful about food safety and use a meat thermometer when cooking any raw meat.

It was moist, tender, and garlicky. Perfect.

It also kept me busy so I didn't brood.

[Houston Heather]

YouTube - Mockingbird in the house

[Snowman]

How did you get the bird outside?!!!

Your pork butt looked beautiful & delicious, Heather!! Next time let me know what time dinner is!!!

[Houston Heather]

I have plenty of leftovers!

I insulted the bird, told it it was stupid, and ignored it. It then flew out the open front door.

[skeopple]

Originally Posted by Houston Heather

I have plenty of leftovers!

I insulted the bird, told it it was stupid, and ignored it. It then flew out the open front door.