See what happens when you go off the Weight Watchers plan?

So this morning I decide I'm going to make some waffles for breakfast with my awesome new waffle maker. (Ed.'s note: These waffles are not WW friendly waffles, but I don't care. It's the perfect way to end my bender of a week before weigh in tomorrow.)

I plug in the waffle maker so it can heat up. I measure out the Bisquick (heart healthy Bisquick at least), put in the oil and the egg. Now I need to add some milk. I have a little bit of milk left in my container, so I use that and then I go to open my new container of milk. It's got the little ring that you have to pull off so you can twist open the lid. I grab a knife (just a plain butter knife) and start to use it to dig in......

..... (are you already getting an idea of where this is going?)... my hand slips (I blame the eggs and oil) and the knife makes a swift deep cut across my middle finger and my pointer finger on my left hand. At first, you can't even see the cut.... then all of the sudden.... it's like a CSI crime scene.....

Blood squirts (seriously, squirts) from the cut.... on the counter, on my shirt, in the waffle mix.... all over the place. I start to get queasy as I don't do blood... I put my hand under the water in the sink and all it does is HURT!!

Okay, what am I supposed to do? I can't think, so I grab a towel, wrap my hand and hold it above my head. Pretty quick the towel is soaking through. I'm thinking do I need to go to the ER for stitches? (It's prolly too early for the quack shacks to be open! I also start to panic, I'm in my blood spattered nightgown, with no makeup, no bra, and my hair is sticking up every which way. How can I shower and get ready to go to the ER if I'm bleeding everywhere?)

I sit down, remove the bloody towel, and use damp paper towels.... the bleeding starts to slow down and I try to find band aids....... I eventually learn that the bleeding will stop as long as I don't bend my finger - do you realize how often you bend your fingers unknowingly?? Let me tell you.... A LOT!!

I'm sitting at the table, trying to think. I need to make a splint - that will keep my fingers from bending. I need sticks or something...... what can I use? A genius idea comes to me!! Weight Watchers Ice Cream sticks!!! For only 2 points, I can have two sticks that I can tape around my fingers so I don't bend. I hold my arm above my head while I eat the two ice cream treats (in lieu of my waffles) and fashion myself a splint. (Ed.'s note: Not once did I ever think about just getting the sticks and trashing the ice cream - what a waste of ice cream treats!?!?!)

It works!! As long as I don't bend my fingers, no bleeding!!

And instead of using a glutton of points for waffles and syrup, I had two 1 point ice creams for breakfast.....

What lesson did I learn? Cooking sucks..... let's eat ice cream for breakfast!!

Phantom of the Opera

I'm so excited - my Dallas Summer Musicals season has begun. Granted, it was a little funny that it began in February... on a day where it snowed in the DFW metroplex, but my season has begun nonetheless.

I started off by meetins Sarah at PF Changs for dinner - yummo!! You know what irritates me? It's cold as all get out, so PF Changs has complimentary valet (which isn't really complimentary because you have to tip), but they take the 8-10 spots right in front of the restaurant. So the valet is only going like 15-20 feet with the car. Leave the spots closest to the restaurant for people who are parking their own cars!! But the Beef Lo Mein and Kung Pao Chicken made up for my frustration.

I headed down to Fair Park. Last season, I had someone to go with, but this season, I'm going at it alone. Again. I get to Fair Park, park and go in. I was sad to see Roland and Sylvia weren't there, but they often trade tickets, so maybe they weren't able to go last night.

This is the last time Phantom will be touring in Dallas, so it was great to get the opportunity to see it. It was a fabulous show - the set and special effects were awesome. The actors were fabulous - the Phantom had the best voice. I really, really enjoyed it and was so glad that I got to see it!!

I can't wait... next up is Xanadu in April!! Let the Dallas Summer Musicals season begin!!

Me and My Big Mouth.......

I'm hoping I don't regret that I told my good friend to make sure no one does anything for my 40th birthday. I hate surprises and get really embarrassed. I need a head's up. The absolute worst thing that could happen is me showing up somewhere and everyone is there to surprise me. I wouldn't like it and I'd act like an ass about it. (How do I know? I've done it before!) We are doing a girls trip to NYC, which I cannot wait for.... June 16th can't get here quick enough!

I was a kid who worked hard to find out what I was getting for Christmas. I could act excited and surprised, but I never had to worry that my face would give away my disdain like I did if I didn't know what it was. You can tell what I'm thinking and feeling by taking one look at me - I don't hide my feelings well. So I told this friend to just make the day go away.

But then if no one don't do anything, will I be sad? I'll already be alone - how alone will I really feel if the day goes by with no acknowledgement? Am I setting myself up for disappointment?

Which is more important - get over my control issues and just go with it? Or just accept the day is gonna come and go without a big deal because I asked for it.....?

Hit me with your best shot.......

I'm Gonna Try It ONE More Time.....

Oprah has reservations open for this week. I put in a request and copied my last Oprah blog, Oprah, Why You Do Me Like That?

Let's see what happens......

I sure could use something good to lift me out of my funk.........

Pre-Alzheimer's Girls Night Out

So, tonight I decide to go to dinner and to go see "Valentine's Day" the movie with Heidi and Caren. Heidi picks me up and we head to the mall. We decide that dinner at The Cheesecake Factory will be awesome. Since we are eating there, we decide to use the valet because it's free with your receipt. I run up and get us on the waiting list..... Heidi and Caren get the car parked.

We wait an HOUR to eat, by then we are so famished, it's like an afterschool special for eating disorders. She brings the basket of bread, then in the time it would take to snap fingers, all you see are crumbs. Wow......

We get done eating, pay our bill, and leave. (Ed.'s note: We forgot to get the receipt so we could have free valet, but don't realize this until we are settled in the theatre.)

We start watching the opening previews, which are stupid movies to which I make a fake laugh at the conclusion. Heidi tells me I'm being an ass. (Ed.'s note: I'm okay with being an ass. I'm often accused of much worse.)

We are plugging along with the movie, when I look at my phone (Facebook addiction) and realize it's 10:55. The valet closes at 11. The movie isn't over. We've just gotten to the part where Shirley MacLaine comes to the cemetary to look for Hector Elizondo.

What do we do? We have to leave. We have no choice. We have no car otherwise.

10:56: Take the escalator down from the theatre to the second floor of the mall. See the escalators are closed and blocked off to get to the first floor. Run to elevator and hit button.

10:57: Elevator car passes us by. We panic and start running for the door. I have a moment of brillance and cut through Barnes & Noble so my fat ass can ride the escalator down. Caren and Heidi head out the door to go outside to take the stairs down. (Ed.'s note: I should get points for having such clarity...... I'm just saying....)

10:58: I run through Barnes and Noble like a madwoman, calmly ride down the escalator, then run out the door. I swear they thought I was trying to shoplift something......

10:59: I run outside, and am the first one there. I yell at the valet guy, Caren comes running over, then Heidi trails. We pay too much for the valet because everyone is throwing money at them.

11:00: We are safely in Heidi's car heading home. Due to my large salad and my burst of athletic activity, I'm a bit gassy. I need to get home FAST.

Needless to say, we were cliffhung at the movie. Do Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo find each other? Does the little boy give his flowers to the girl? Do Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher get together? Do Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx get together? Does Eric Dane get some gay action? Do the teenagers do it or not? And is Julia Roberts the little boy's mother? Does Anne Hathaway keep doing phone sex?

So many unanswered questions, please share what you know so I can have some closer for this movie.

Mo's Review:
Valentine's Day (2010): unable to rate due to missing the ending

Things I Wish For....

• Peace.
• That I could be given the same patience, understanding and benefit of the doubt that I'm expected to give at all times.
• A pedicure - my feet are a hot mess!
• An occasional heartfelt "Thank You." Again, I'm expected to make all feel appreciated, but instead of being appreciated, I get laundry listed with all the things I DON'T do or things that people want to complain about.
• Someone I could come home to and process my day with. (And who could tell me that you don't end sentences with prepositions.)
• A red velvet cupcake from The Cupcakery.
• Someone ask me, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Someone asked me the other day, and it was music to my ears! I didn't need any help, but just to know that was available was heartwarming!
• An iPhone. But I got to get to my WW 10% goal, then I can have one. I'm trying to remind myself of this as I try not to stress eat today away. Which do I want more, the cupcake or the iPhone? (Today it may be the cupcake.)
• To not be such a perfectionist. It's such a hard thing when others don't share that same view, it ends up frustrating everyone.
• Patience.
• One of those laughs that almost make you hurt, I don't even know the last time I truly laughed (and it wasn't a fake courtesy laugh).

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

I guess one good thing that can be said about this weekend locked indoors with myself, lamenting Valentine's Day, is that I'm getting some reading done. I finished Brad Cohen's book last night, started this one last night, and just finished it. Not too shabby.

Of course, when the book is written for a teen audience, it goes down pretty smooth.

I LOVED the Hills. When LC left, I chose to grow up, act my age, and quit watching it. I'm glad it did, because I felt like I left the show on an upbeat note. Reading this book made me realize how much I do miss LC. And how frickin' jealous that I am that this 20-something can write a New York Best Times Seller and I can't.

This is a story about Jane, who becomes the star of a "reality" show on PopTV, along with her best friend Scarlett. She navigates love, work, and being a grown up in the big city. Amazingly, some people aren't who they seem to be and she finds that she can be a bit too trusting......

That wasn't a stretch for Lauren to write, was it? But it's a fun, fast, easy read.... and makes me sad that my 20's were very different. Actually, it doesn't make me sad. It makes me relieved.

Mo's Review:
"L.A. Candy" by Lauren Conrad, (2009, 324 pages): 4 out of 5 Stars

How I Love to Hate Valentine's Day!!

So it's my favorite day of the year..... the day where retailers take a hit at my self-esteem..... the day where I can't stand being alone (even though I didn't mind it yesterday or will mind it again tomorrow)...... it's Valentine's Day.

So I was gonna craft a rant, but I read what I wrote last year and frankly, it stands the test of time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Here's an oldy by a goody from 2009: Happy Valentine's Day!!

Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen

Each summer, I go to Austin as school gets out for my summer convention. It's a chance to hang out with the other principals, make new friends, and learn some new ideas that I can take back to my school with me. I look forward to it. It's a great break once we lose the teachers and students, and it means I only have a few more weeks until my summer vacation!

TEPSA has a Facebook page (who doesn't?) and there was a reminder to see the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie called "Front of the Class" about a teacher who has Tourette Syndrome. So I Tivoed it and watched it the next morning. What a great movie - I cried, it was funny, sad, so many different emotions......

Of course, I had to get on Amazon.com and get the book. I started it last night and finished it today. It was an easy read, evoking the same emotions in me that the movie did. Brad Cohen wanted to be a teacher, the kind he never had as a student who had trouble in school. This book was inspirational, funny, and thoughtprovoking. A great read! A must read!!

And the good news is that I'm going to get to hear Brad speak this June at our TEPSA conference. I can't wait! I've got my book, I'll bring it with me, and hopefully I can get him to sign it!

Mo's Review:
"Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had" by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky, (2005, 243 pages): 5 out of 5 Stars

Snow Day!

Earlier this week, we kept hearing about the "winter mix/snow" that was coming. Half the time, I don't even listen to it because it usually is nothing. So yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment scheduled (which is a whole other blog entry itself) for 7:15 AM in Carrollton. I get up at 5 to let Maude out and there's no precip anywhere.... I hope in the shower and start getting ready and it's coming down. My Dad calls and tells me he's on his way to airport and it's bad out there. They start to close a few schools, but nothing in my area.

So I hop in the car at 6:30 and head toward Carrollton (normally a 15 minute drive), giving myself plenty of time. The roads are fine. They are slushy and wet, but fine. There is a lot of snow coming down, but it's not bad. I make it to the office building, park...... my phone rings. It's 6:50 AM, the doctor's office is closed since they just closed the school district the office is located in. Well, hell...... I turn around and drive home again. The roads are fine. I come home, put on some work clothes, eat some breakfast, take my meds, then hop into the car and head on into work. I leave my house by 7:20 and I was at work by 7:45. Again, the roads weren't bad, but by now, the snow is starting to pile up.

I was proud of my staff, almost all of them came in despite the weather. One who e-mailed that she turned around after an hour was suprising to me - since I drove past her neighborhood 3 times in an hour with no problem!!

All day it snows. It's gorgeous. I wish my back didn't face my windows so I could have watched it just snow and snow. Parents pick up their kids early, some of the kids go out into the snow and take pictures. We dismiss at the regular time, get all of the kids loaded up, then head home ourselves. Again, the roads were just fine.

Once I get home, I get Maude settled and I'm loving the snow. My worry is all the slush will freeze overnight, but the temperature is just hovering at freezing. They end up calling school off at 7:20 last night, which was awesome. No getting up early, starting to get ready, getting the call and then trying to go back to sleep...... you could just go ahead and sleep on in! Woo hoo!!

Today's been a great lazy day. Maude doesn't know what to think of the snow. She won't pee in it, just on the edge of the parking lot. But then she'll jump in it full force and play around - it's fun to watch. I wish I knew what she was thinking!

I'm trying to make the most of this day so on the Friday before Memorial Day, when I'm tired and stressed out and I remember that we have lost this day, I can think about this restful, wonderful snow day.

Extraordinary Measures (2010)

To round out my movie weekend, in lieu of the Super Bowl, Heidi and I went to see "Extraordinary Measures, " starring Brendan Fraser, Keri Russell and Harrison Ford. Brendan and Keri play John and Aileen Crowley, parents of 3 children, two of whom are stricken with Pompe disease. Pompe disease gives children a life expectancy of about 9 years without any kind of treatment.

In searching for help, John Crowley encounters Dr. Robert Stonehill (aka Harrison Ford), an University of Nebraska professor who seems to be on to creating an enzyme that can help Pompe children. John pleads his case and they go into business together, eventually merging with a larger company to help finance the research and testing for this drug.

You'll have to watch to see if they get the drug developed and if they are able to help the Crowley kids (and others) with Pompe.

It was pretty predictable - you knew how it was going to end. Harrison Ford seemed like he was trying to be like Clint Eastwood in "Gran Torino," all tough and gruff. Overall, I liked the movie and would recommend it.

Mo's Review:
Extraordinary Measures (2010): 4 out of 5 stars

Daddy Daughter Dance - seriously?

So last night, I ate at my neighborhood Red Lobster with my friends Heidi and Sara. I have serious mad love for the cheddar biscuits (4 point each people!) and the seafood stuffed flounder. We met at 5:30, which is way early for a Saturday and we had to wait for almost 20 minutes to get seated.

Then they started to come. Dads with their daughters. Which I have no problem with - I think the dance is a sweet idea. I wish they had something like that when I was a kid - I think my Dad would have taken my sister and me and we would have had a lot of fun. So don't think I'm so jaded that I don't see the sweetness of the activity. I think it's darling when the Dads buy their daughters the cute little wrist corsages.

But......

C'mon, moms. Five year old little girls with makeup? Hair professionally done with glitter? Manicures? I mean, they are LITTLE GIRLS. They should be little girls for as long as possible. I can't stand when they try to push them into being grown before their time. If you are taking the kids to the salon for hair, makeup and nails at 5, what do they have to look forward to as they get older? And we complain about children being ungrateful; well, when you give them everything too early, they just expect more and more.

As we were leaving, we saw one dad come in with his daughter. She was wearing a gorgeous party dress with tights and Mary Janes. Her hair was curled (not professionally, prolly with Mom and a curling iron) and she had a rose corsage on her wrist. She looked like a little girl. She looked excited to be having some time with her Dad. Isn't that what it's about?

Dear John (2010)

I spent the afternoon curled up on my bed, napping away the cold winter afternoon. I met up with Heidi and Sara for dinner at Red Lobster (cheddar biscuits are only 4 pts.!!) and then we went to see "Dear John," the newest movie based on Nicholas Sparks's book.

**SPOILER ALERT** (Ed.'s Note: Actually, all of his movies are the same, so if you've seen even one Nicholas Sparks movie (Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk To Remember), then you've already been spoiled.)

Back in October 2008, I blogged about my Nicholas Sparks Movie Formula. I can recap it here fairly simply:
1. Takes place in North Carolina - No, they did change it up...... to SOUTH Carolina. Apparently people in the other 48 states don't do love like those in the Carolinas....
2. Someone has died, is dying, or dies dead during the film - Check
3. People fall in love - Check
4. Shit happens that keeps them from being in love (ie. death, mentioned above) - Check
5. Women in the theatre cry at this crap - Check

I will say that this movie has a happy ending, whereas most of his other movies the dead/dying person ruins the ending of the movie. This movie also has Channing Tatum, who is hella-hot.

The other downside is that I saw this in a theatre with 150 teenagers. Who, when Hella-Hot Channing bangs his hand on the steering wheel in lovelorn frustration, laugh. Because they don't get the Carolina-angst ridden love that Channing has. Little shits - they'll be jaded by love soon enough.

If you want to see a love story that will make you feel the gamut of emotions, this is NOT the movie for you. However, if you want to see Channing Tatum shirtless, surfing, and looking hot in military duds, then this might be worth the $9.50 admission.

Mo's Review:
Dear John (2010): 3 out of 5 stars

An Education (2009)

In my efforts to get myself out and about and not be cooped up all weekend long, I decided to treat myself to "An Education" at the Angelika this morning. I had wanted to see it when it was at the theatres before, but it left before I could. Since it's nominated for 3 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress), it's been re-released in theatres, so I was able to get out and see it.

Carey Mulligan is fabulous as Jenny, the schoolgirl with her eyes set on Oxford. She is working hard (but struggling in Latin) and dating the gawky but cute Graham. Suddenly, she meets the much older and charming David (Peter Sarsgaard), who shows her world much different than her own. Jenny then struggles with what is more important, her schooling or pursuing a life with David.

Peter Sarsgaard reminds me of John Malkovich, with a distinctive voice and an ability to be drawn into his character, even when you are doubting his intentions. Emma Thompson plays the headmistress, who frowns upon Jenny's choices, trying to make her see the importance of being self-sufficient. Olivia Williams (I couldn't figure out where I had seen her before, but she was in Rushmore) plays Miss Stubbs, one of Jenny's teachers who understands what Jenny is going through and want to help her, despite the mistakes she may have made.

I really enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to anyone. However, I would not recommend the three elderly ladies who talked throughout the movie and dropped their canes, making a loud crash and scaring the shit out of all of us in the theatre.

Mo's Review:
An Education (2009): 5 out of 5 stars

When In Rome (2010)

I cannot tell you how glad I am that it is Friday..... this week has just been one of those weeks.
So, needless to say, I needed a mindless diversion. I head to Studio Movie Grill to see "When In Rome." I'm hoping that I haven't seen all the funny parts in the trailers and that'll it be cute enough and make me laugh for a bit.

Well...... most of the funny parts were in the trailers. But it was still cute and I did laugh a few times as well. But Josh Duhamel is hot. God, is he hot. Will Arnett and Dax Shepard are funny. The Napoleon Dynamite guy was funny.

One of my favorite characters was NYC. I love NYC, and the Guggenheim is one of my favorite museums. There were great scenes shot in Central Park as well.

This is one of those movies I wouldn't see again on purpose. But if I was having a lazy day around the house and it was on HBO, I'd stop and watch it again. And I'd probably find more things funny to laugh at as well.

Mo's Review:
When In Rome (2010): 3 out of 5 stars

Let's Talk About Weight (Watchers)!!

After doing Weight Watchers for two weeks, here are some of my random thoughts about losing weight:

• So, today was my second weigh-in for WW. This week, I was more consistant on the program and it showed, I lost 3.8 lbs. Last week, I lost 1.8 pounds, which was good because I didn't really start until the weekend, so I'd only been on it a day or two. So my total for the first two weigh-ins is 5.6 lbs!
• I told myself if I lost at least 2 pounds, I could drive through Wendy's and get some french fries to go with my dinner. Aren't I a sick puppy, rewarding myself with food that is counterproductive to my goal? I was pumped about the loss, so no Wendy's for me tonight!!
• Then I look at the weight loss milestones, and some of them have to do with food too!! It's so hard losing weight!! You can't cut it out of your life, you HAVE to eat! But so much of our social time is centered around food.... let's go out to eat, let's grab a bite, girls lunch, etc. It really becomes a challenge.
• What will I do about this? I'm going to redo my milestone treats and take food out of it.
• I wish I had a chef or someone who just put the food in front of me and said this is all I can eat for the meal, day, etc. I think I would do much better. I'm not sure I was every really taught about balanced diet, I just ate what my mom put on my dinner plate.
• I'm doing better with eating, now I need to work on my water, vitamins, and a bit more exercise. One thing at a time!!

I've got to keep telling myself, "This isn't a diet. It's a lifestyle." Albeit a lifestyle without Coldstone Creamery or Wendy's French Fries. :::sigh:::