Health Check-In 12.29.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

11/2019 loss:   6.9              (TOTAL -34.0)

12/2019 loss:  4.3               (TOTAL - 38.3)

12/09/19 loss:  -1.3             (TOTAL -35.3)

12/16/19 gain:  +0.1           (TOTAL - 35.2)

12/22/19 loss:  -3.1             (TOTAL -38.3)

12/29/19 loss:  0.0              (TOTAL -38.3)

TOTAL 2019 WEIGHT LOSS:  38.3

Not surprising.  I didn't track very well this week and was exceptionally hungry it seemed like.  So I count not gaining as a win!!

I also count my 4.3 loss in December as a win, even though it's far less than previous months.  We traveled, I also had a lot of solo time (sometimes it's easier to 'cheat' when you're alone), and there were lots of temptations at work this month.  So I'm happy with the 4.3!

More thoughts later on this year.

Health Check-In 12.22.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

11/2019 loss:   6.9              (TOTAL -34.0)

12/09/19 loss:  -1.3             (TOTAL -35.3)

12/16/19 gain:  +0.1           (TOTAL - 35.2)

12/22/19 loss:  -3.1             (TOTAL -38.3)

I'm back on Sunday weigh-ins.  I'm not exactly sure how this loss was possible, but I think it has a LOT to do with still being dehydrated.  And not exercising (muscles retain water).

Anyways, sorry to run but I have to run....

What I Bought

Shopping in California is always nice.  There always seems to be just the stores I want all at the same place.  I went to an outlet mall in Petaluma and they had GREAT stores.

I ended up buying 2 things at the Michael Kors outlet:

I’ve wanted another MK bag for a while (I have one, but it’s about 13 years old).  But I will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER pay full price for designer handbags.

I mean, come on:

$400???  Seriously?  No way.  I will however pay $75.  Which is what it was marked down to.  It’s all leather, the lining is great, it has shape and look at the color!!!

Same with the wallet.  

$168??  NO. WAY.  It was on clearance and I paid $35 for it.  Again, all leather, and it will last forever.

I am not into designer clothes, shoes, makeup, hair, nails, etc.  But I do love a good handbag.  And I use them all.  I am constantly switching them out (sometimes daily).  I carry my planner, my pouch that holds various things, and my wallet.  So it’s not like I’m transferring a ton of stuff each time.  I LOVE my new bag.  I’ve gotten so many compliments on it already.  😊

At Hamilton, I bought a mug that says ‘Wait For It’.  I love it.  And it has the words on the box!!  It doesn’t take much to make me happy ha ha.

And I bought a hoodie and a t-shirt from Bergin University.  All of the proceeds go to raising and training those amazing puppies.

And that’s it!  Oh, I did buy one other thing….a tie on clearance at Old Navy for .97.  Worth it.  😊 

Las Vegas

On our way home from California, we stopped in Las Vegas for the night.  It’s about the halfway point, so we figured why not. 

Oh my.  I’m glad we went….but I have no desire to ever go there again.  EVER.  So. Many. People.  I mean, I guess I showed have known, staying on the strip on a Saturday night was probably not the best idea.  It was convenient once we got there.  But again…so many people.  

We got to see the fountains at the Bellagio which were super pretty.  We ate some amazing food.  And then got the heck out of there the next morning ha ha.

Again, I’m glad we went, but I’ll be perfectly fine if we never go again ha ha.

Hamilton

When hubs was in San Francisco before I got there, I got a text from him that said ‘Hamilton is here in San Francisco’.  They’re doing a run in SF, and it’s been there almost a year. 

We’ve been wanting to see Hamilton for YEARS, but it was no where near us and the tickets are outrageously expensive.  The price range for Hamilton tickets are $300 - $900.  Each.  I’m not kidding.  And not only that, tickets are incredibly hard to get.  It’s always sold out.  I mean, it won 11 Tonys.  And a Pulitzer Prize.

So he decided to call, just for kicks.  Just to see if they had any tickets, and if they did, how much they were.  And THEN he was going to see if they had any tickets in the disabled seating section because of Xylo.

A short while later, I got a text from him that said ‘so…we have Hamilton tickets.’    WHHHHAAATTTT?!?!?

My first thought was oh my, do I need to get a second job to pay for them?  And then his next text was ‘they were $75 each’.  ?!?!?!?!?.  I was actually speechless.  Apparently he called the Orpheum theater directly, asked them about disabled seating, told them about our service dog and that we would need some extra space, and they said they had 2 tickets available with plenty of extra space.  For $75 each.  I am still shocked.  I’m wondering if they give discounts on the disabled seats???  Because these were GOOD seats.  We were on the aisle.  We had one ‘attached’ seat (like a regular seat), and then right next to that was like a nice chair that could be moved to give Xylo space to lay on the carpeted floor between us.  I couldn’t believe it.  I still can’t believe it!

Taken from our seats:

Anyways.  Back to Hamilton.  We got there, got some drinks (theaters now allow you to have drinks in the auditorium, they sell them in sippy cups), and got settled.

The show was amazing.  I found myself leaning forward and holding my breath almost the whole time.  And I even knew what to expect as far as the songs and the order of the songs.  I’ve been listening to the soundtrack since 2016.  It’s the story of Alexander Hamilton’s entire life.  And the cast of historical characters:  Aaron Burr, a politician, army officer, and vice president to Thomas Jefferson (oh, and the guy that killed Hamilton).  General George Washington, before and during his presidency.  Thomas Jefferson, before and during his presidency.  James Madison, before his presidency.  Hercules Mulligan, the tailor/spy.  Marquis de Lafayette, the French aristocrat and military officer.  King George.   The Schuyler Sisters:  Angelica, Eliza, Peggy.  And Maria Reynolds.

Hamilton the musical is such a big deal because it is unlike anything you’ve ever seen in a live Broadway production.  This is why:

1. It’s the historical account of the founding fathers, a bunch of white men, performed by a completely diverse cast of people of all races. 
2. The cast doubles up on parts.  One actor plays Thomas Jefferson AND Lafayette.  One actor plays James Madison AND Hercules Mulligan.  One actor plays John Laurens AND Phillip Schuyler.  One actress plays Peggy Schuyler AND Maria Reynolds.  Brilliant.
3. The music is all hip-hop/R&B/pop/jazz.

It is extremely fast paced but it doesn’t feel rushed.  The 2^nd half is pretty emotional, (Hamilton’s affair, and the death of his son).  When Eliza finds out about his affair and sings ‘Burn’, her voice cracked a few times and she was singing her heart out as she was literally burning his letters up on stage.  I teared up a few times.

I’ve listened to the soundtrack so many times, but it has so much more meaning now that I’ve seen it:

*Before it starts, King George makes the announcement about turning off all cell phones, and then says ‘thank you for coming to watch MY show’.  Ha ha.

*There’s a part in ‘It’s Quiet Uptown’, the song right after Hamilton and Eliza’s son is killed.  Eliza hasn’t forgiven Hamilton for his affair AND his dueling advice to his son Phillip that ultimately got him killed.  They are walking around, Hamilton grieving and begging for Eliza’s forgiveness.  She finally takes his hand.  And his reaction to that is about what did me in.

*King George plopping down in his chair on the side of the stage in GLEE so he can watch the mess that is the Adams Administration.

*King George asking the audience to sing along with him (la da da da da, ya da da da da ya da da, etc.)

*Hamilton getting all worked up, then turning to the audience and saying ‘Oh I’m sorry am I talking too loud?  Sometimes I get overexcited and shoot off at the mouth.’

*Hercules Mulligan throwing flowers at Alexander and Eliza’s wedding.

*Thanking the audience for coming to the Cabinet meeting, and then the use of rapping microphones during Cabinet Battle #1.

*The attitude and flamboyance of Thomas Jefferson.

*The amazing stage presence of Hercules Mulligan.

There were just so many moments!

The choreography is amazing.  Part of the stage is circular and in constant motion for most songs.  Which means not only is the cast moving, but the stage is moving as well.  And there are no ‘prop’ people.  The cast moves the props off and on the stage.  But they do it so subtly (yet quick) that it just seems natural.

My favorite song of the musical is Wait For It, sung by Aaron Burr.  He is singing about his determination, despite Hamilton’s rise to power.  Burr is convinced that his time to shine is coming, so he’s hanging on and waiting.  Wikipedia worded it so great “the song finds sympathy for Burr’s chronic caution; with a legacy and reputation to protect, he can’t risk as much as the ambitious Hamilton, and what will become a murderous rage begins here as mournful jealousy over his rival’s ability to openly work for what he wants and believes in”.  After this song you kind of feel yourself rooting for Burr (briefly).  Google this song…it is amazing. 

Lin Manual-Miranda was quoted saying that Wait for It and The Room Where it Happens are two of the best songs he’s ever written.  The lyrics are what make this entire musical.  They are amazing.  If all history could be taught in this fashion, we would all learn (and retain) a lot more. 

It was hands down the best musical I’ve ever seen.

California

Ah California.  We had a great time, although it was exhausting.  I ADORE California.  But you could not pay me enough money in the world to live there.  😊  There were sooooo many times when we just said ‘how do people live like this?!?’ (traffic, crowds, cost of living, gas prices, etc.).

I flew into San Francisco on Wednesday night.  Hubs came and got me at the airport and I met Xylo for the first time.  We made our way back to Santa Rosa, and got in around midnight.

On Thursday, I dropped hubs and Xylo off at the training center, and then I worked.  I hired an assistant!!  Woo hoo!!!  So Thursday morning was nothing but back and forth between HR and my new employee. 

And then I went shopping.  California always has GREAT shopping.  There was an outlet mall not far from the training center.  They had a gigantic Coach Outlet (which I skipped because we have one of those here), a Kate Spade outlet (which I went into but was underwhelmed), and a Michael Kors outlet.  Where I made 2 purchases (another blog for another time).

I met Josh, Xylo, and 2 of his trainers for lunch.  Then I picked up Josh and Xylo when they were done, and we headed south to San Francisco because WE GOT TICKETS TO SEE HAMILTON.  And again…another blog for another time.  It deserves its own blog post.

On the way to San Francisco, there was a ginormous traffic jam (of course).  Our GPS had us take a detour, so we listened to her.  And I’m SO GLAD we did, because she directed us through Sausalito.  What a charming place!  We didn’t have loads of extra time, but we stopped, parked, and took Xylo down to the little beach area for a while.  It was beautiful!

And then we went to Hamilton!!!!! (more to come)

It was another late night.

On Friday, I dropped off hubs and Xylo again, then I drove to the coast (Muir Beach specifically).  I didn’t go down to the beach, I drove up in the cliffs which was terrifying actually.  It was extremely foggy and I was soooo high up.  And no guard rails!!  Yikes.  It kind of freaked me out.  I wasn’t worried about my driving, I was worried about other peoples driving.  On the way back I opted to take the more inland route.  It was a bit further, but I had the time.

I’m glad I went because the coast was beautiful.  And terrifying ha ha.

I picked up hubs and Xylo and we went out for a drink.  And then it was time to party!

We attended the graduation for Xylo and another dog.  It was so nice.  They had it catered and had an open bar.  The instructors had a speech for each dog/client, and also a slide show of pictures throughout the 2 weeks.  I got a little teary.  It was wonderful to see how much love and time and energy is put into these amazing dogs.

We got home around 8:30 or so and started packing up and even loaded up the car for our first leg of our trip home.

It was fun.  San Francisco (and the Bay area) is now my 2^nd favorite place in California (San Diego will always be #1).  But San Francisco is beautiful, as is the surrounding areas (wine country).

Until next time California!

Another Dog

So we got another dog. 

Watson, our service dog, is 7.  There are many service dog programs around the nation, but you really have to do your research to weed out the ‘legit’ ones from the others.  We started this process about 6 months ago, because the typical time that you’re on the wait list from the time you apply is 2-5 years.  In 5 years, Watson will be 12!  Well past retirement age.  So we started the process thinking it would take at least 2 years, and 6 months later we got a call.

VERY long story short….we just got back from California picking up Xylo, our new dog.  He’s a lab (100% lab).  2 years old.  They actually used him as a stud because he was SO well-tempered and (in their words) the smartest dog they ever trained.  This program specifically breeds super smart labs and they start training them at 5 weeks old, and train them until they’re 2 years old.  He fathered a few litters, and then they had him fixed so he could be a service dog.

And we TOTALLY won the jackpot by getting him.

He is goofy, playful, and a genius.  He actually doesn’t like doing the ‘easy’ commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ because they’re TOO easy.  But you tell him to turn off a light and he’ll do it immediately.  Or you drop something, point to it and tell him to get it and he retrieves it and brings it with you (anything from shoes to cell phones to keys).  Anything.  When my husbands leg starts bouncing from anxiety, Xylo immediately puts his head on his leg to distract him and lower his heart rate.

He can read about 20 different words.  I thought my husband was joking when he told me this.  There are about 20 different words that if you write them down on a sheet of paper and hold it up, he will do that command.  Like ‘Sit’.  Or ‘Down’.  HE KNOWS THOSE WORDS ON PAPER.  I mean…it’s just incredible.

But, don’t think he’s a robot or anything.  He is DEFINITELY still a dog.  He got in trouble for the first time last night when we got him rooting around the cat box.  Yep.  And any food that happens to end up on the floor (or ground) is fair game.  Hubby is constantly fishing things out of his mouth.  Not that we have food on our floors, but it happens sometimes.  And there’s always food outside in the ground and in restaurants.  Restaurants are the worst.    

We love him.  Abby loves him.  Hannah tolerates him.  Watson…tolerates him.  And honestly I don’t think Macy realizes he’s new.  I think she thinks he’s Watson lol.  She is unfazed.  He sniffed her the other day and she just laid there and looked at him.  She’s always gotten along with Watson so I knew there wouldn’t be a problem with Xylo.

He’s fitting in nicely. 

Although I think we need a bigger bed.  Do they make anything bigger than a king?  Ha ha. 

My Brother

This just shows how incredibly behind I am about blogging about the 'big' stuff.

My brother came to visit in October!  Just him, no kids.  We wanted him to have a little getaway where he could relax, catch up on some sleep, and spend some time in the great outdoors.

The weather was pretty nice.  We did some hiking!  Our first hike was Sandia Man Cave.  It was an easy hike leading to an actual cave (we didn't go in).  But the hike was really pretty:

The next day we drove about an hour and a half north and hiked to Jemez Springs.  It was chilly and even snowed.  But it was a short hike and totally worth it.

The next day was our hardest hike.  It was just my brother and I.  We hiked 6 miles at 10,000 feet.  I had to stop a few times to catch my breath.  It was so pretty though, especially at the crest.

Our final day we spent at home.  We ate burritos, watched football and movies and just relaxed.  It was so nice to spend some one-on-one time with him.  It was a great few days and I hope we can make it a yearly tradition!

Health Check-In 12.16.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

11/2019 loss:   6.9              (TOTAL -34.0)

12/09/19 loss:  -1.3             (TOTAL -35.3)

12/16/19 gain:  +0.1           (TOTAL - 35.2)

This is beyond shocking.  That's a GOOD shocking.  We traveled this week.  I started off okay....but then everything sort of went downhill ha ha.  

Things I enjoyed this week:
6 drinks (4 Cali & 2 Vegas) - all 'social'. 2 @ Hamilton, 2 @ graduation, 2 @ Vegas dinner w/ hubby
BBQ (Cali)
Mac & Cheese (Cali)
A cheeseburger from In & Out (Cali)
A sub from Jersey Mike's (Arizona)
1/2 of a cheeseburger (Vegas)
Cheesy fries w/ pork nuggets (Vegas)
Ice cream & macaroons (Vegas)
Chocolate & taffy
Peanut M&Ms
Breakfast bars (did you know those things are like 6 points a pop??) Like the  Nutrigrain ones (only the Trader Joe's brand) 
Road trip food: gummy bears, Doritos, reeces, etc.

Pretty bad right???  But...we did some walking in Vegas.  And I didn't finish anything.  I think that was the key.  I didn't finish my burger.  I didn't finish my sub.  I didn't finish the cheesy fries.  I didn't eat an ENTIRE bag of anything (gummy bears, Doritos, etc.).  I stopped when I was satisfied.  I did however finish my drinks ha ha.

We'll see how this week goes.  I was back on track as soon as we got home. 

Non-scale victories:
In California hubby had to poke more holes in my belt.  I suppose I could just get a new belt, but I REALLY love my belt (yes, I only have one) and I don't want a new one yet.  

Things to work on:
*Water, water, water.  I pretty much dehydrated myself on Saturday and Sunday (our long car ride days).  So I need to get re-hydrated.  This may show a small loss for the week (or even a gain) but that's okay.

*BARRE.  They're doing a 'Black Barre' challenge next year that runs the entire year so I think that will help kick my butt a little.

Health Check-In 12.09.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

11/2019 loss:   6.9              (TOTAL -34.0)

12/09/19 loss:  -1.3            (TOTAL -35.3)

So this week and next week, Monday will be my official weigh-in day (too long of a story to explain).

1.3 is surprising...I did not have the best week food-wise and didn't drink nearly enough water.

Things I enjoyed this week:
macaroni & cheese
angel food cake
red chile beef brisket quesadilla w/ queso & guac
Chinese food x 2
scalloped potatoes
3 English muffins
2 mixed drinks 

See what I mean when I didn't have a stellar food week?  Ha ha.  Oh well.  And this coming week will be even more difficult because I'm traveling and that ALWAYS is a challenge.  But, I'll do the best I can.

Non-scale victories:
I got rid of about half of my wardrobe.  Skirts, work pants, jeans, shirts, sweaters, everything that I absolutely cannot wear anymore.  I was so disappointed (well, kind of) because when I went to get dressed for meeting on Saturday I grabbed one of my favorite skirts that I haven't worn in a while and it just hung on me...it came down to about my hip bones and there was no belt or anything I could use to make it work.  Again...disappointed but also happy.  

Things to work on:
*More Pure Barre!  Sigh.  I need to stop making excuses.
*More vegetables!
(the same two things as last week)
*Eating well while traveling!!!

Health Check-In 12.01.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

11/2019 loss:   6.9              (TOTAL -34.0)

This past week I lost 1.1 pounds.  I included it in my November weight loss, even though I weighed in on December 1st.  

I am going to stick with the Purple plan.  I really like a little bit more freedom and my body likes the carbs!

Things I enjoyed this week:
2 mixed drinks
Chocolate every night
Pasta (once)
Potatoes almost every morning (1/2 cup serving)
Burrito from Del Taco

Non-scale victories:
I bought some new clothes on black Friday.  I am now wearing size 8 jeans.  !!!  They are slightly snug, but I don't even care.  And I bought 4 sweaters, all Medium.

Things to work on:
*More Pure Barre!  Sigh.  I need to stop making excuses.
*More vegetables!!  

November Reads (4)

One star:           did not like it at all

Two stars:          eh, it was okay

Three stars:       liked it

Four stars:         really, really liked it

Five stars:          absolutely loved it

1-Star (0)

2-Star (1)

**A Touch of Stardust (Fiction, K. Alcott)

Sigh.  Great concept, poor execution.  And an extremely unlikable main character.

3-Star (1)

***Summer of ’69 (Fiction, E. Hillenbrand)

This was a super quick read.  A little too beachy and tidy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it.

4-Star (0)

5-Star (2)

*****The Family Upstairs (Fiction, L. Jewell)

3 dysfunctional families in one household.  This book is suspenseful and creepy but not in way that will give you nightmares.  More in a way that will make you think, and you’ll keep thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.

*****Scythe (Ficion, YA, N. Shusterman)

I have such an appreciation for authors who have the skills and creativity to write a book so completely original and unbelievable (in a good way).  I had a hard time putting this one down.  I loved these imperfect young characters who were forced to grow up way faster than they should have and then trained to do the unimaginable.  Well done.  (This book is pretty dark and disturbing, so if that bothers you, stay away from this one).

Total Books Read: 4 (4 Fiction, 0 Non-Fiction)

DNF (3):

The Invisible Bridge – I gave it 8 chapters (it’s a large book…700+ pages) and I just kept waiting for something to happen!  It’s supposed to be really good.  But I just didn’t have the patience.  I don’t have an issue with long books, as long as something is happening!  

The Story that Cannot Be Told – this is a Young Reader, although I think it’s more appropriate for YA.  It just got kind of weird and was VERY long winded (especially for a Young Reader book!).  Apparently I’m definitely the minority here because it currently has a 4.55 rating on Goodreads (which is exceptional).  Oh well.

1^st to Die – This was the first book in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson.  I was not a fan of the main character and figured that I didn’t want to read 20-something more books about her ha ha.

Health Check-In 11.24.19

(Hello old friend)

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

Monday, 11/4/19 -1.6          (TOTAL -28.7)

Monday, 11/11/19  -0.4       (TOTAL - 29.1)

Sunday, 11/17/19 -1.2        (TOTAL -30.3)

Sunday, 11/24/19  -2.6       (TOTAL -32.9)

2.6 is a HUGE loss for me.  As you can see above, I am kind of a slow(ish) loser.  

This was my first week on the Purple plan.  I have to say....this week was really easy.  And I felt better.  My body just likes carbs.  I need carbs with protein to really fill me up.  

There were even two days where I didn't eat all of my 16 points!  

I am going to be better about portions though.  Just because it's zero points doesn't mean I can go nuts.

I made our 3 Home Chef meals today (we eat them for our lunches) and one of them included pasta.  So I switched out the white pasta for whole wheat pasta AND made it into 3 portions instead of 2.  Doing that cut WAY back on the points.

Things I enjoyed this week:
3 drinks (one mixed, two of my spiked seltzer water)
Chocolate every night
PASTA!!!!! (twice)
Potatoes almost every morning (1/2 cup serving)
BBQ pork tacos
Oatmeal (3 times) with caramel almond creamer (it's like dessert....2 points)

Non-scale victories:
I now have 4 pairs of jeans and 2 sweaters that no longer fit.

Things to work on:
More Pure Barre!  I have been a HUGE slacker this month with Barre.  I don't have any good excuses except for being exceptionally tired and drained.  But I need to remember that Barre does HUGE things for my head (mentally).  So I packed my gym bag and am going tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m.

More detailed tracking.  I've been using the 'Quick Add' feature on the app WAY too much.  I really need to track more, especially the zero point foods.  

Health Check-In 11.17.19

08/2019 loss:  11.2             (TOTAL -11.2)

09/2019 loss:   9.1              (TOTAL -20.3)

10/2019 loss:   6.8              (TOTAL -27.1)

Monday, 11/4/19 -1.6          (TOTAL -28.7)

Monday, 11/11/19  -0.4       (TOTAL - 29.1)

Sunday, 11/17/19 -1.2        (TOTAL -30.3)

A few things.  I'm changing my 'official' weigh-in day back to Sunday.  I don't know why, but I REALLY hated Monday weigh-in as my official date.  It just feels better to do it on a Sunday.

Also, I decided to switch plans on WW.  They recently reorganized some things and now have 3 plans to pick from:  blue (the original), green, or purple.  I'm going to try purple for 2 weeks and see how it goes.  Currently, on blue, you get 23 points a day.  With purple, you only get 16 points per day, BUT a lot of grains and starchy vegetables are on the 'free' list - like brown rice and potatoes.  Even whole wheat pasta!  So I'm going to give it 2 weeks and see how it goes.  I do love my carbs.

Things I enjoyed this week:

FOUR pieces of deep dish pizza (not all at once lol)
Chocolate
Lots of cereal (mixed in with yogurt)
Cheeseburger and french fries (split with my husband)
A mixed drink

I eat this almost every morning, whether at home or at work:

It's scrambled eggs, pinto beans, red chile, and cheese.  4 points and it is SUPER filling.  At work I eat it around 8:00 and I usually don't get hungry again until 1:00 or 1:30.

This is also amazing and my stomach appreciates it:

And THESE.  They are 2 points each and worth it.  Even if you don't like dark chocolate....trust me, these are delicious:

I got them at Costco.

I also had to put sizers on my rings.  They were WAY too lose for my comfort.  So I ordered ring sizers on Amazon.  They work perfectly!

I'll keep you posted on plan purple!