My Mom had good health reports today! Hard to believe a doctor's visit could make one person so happy! But I was absolutely elated when I heard she was doing well and she was cancer-free! In January four years will have passed since she was first diagnosed with lung-cancer. She lost an entire lung, but since then she has had no other signs of cancer! She even gained three pounds since her last visit! This was the best news all year! Losing Dad earlier this year to abdominal cancer has been tough on all of us, but I know he would have been so happy if he'd been there to hear she is still okay.
Aside from that happy news, I have lost nearly twenty pounds on Weight Watchers so far. I really like the Weight Watchers program because it is so easy to follow and I can still have all of the foods I enjoy. I just have to make sure I stay within my point range every week. I am learning most of the things I ate were actually not all that bad for me, I just needed to watch my portions a little more closely.
If anyone has a good recipe to pass along- please post and share with everyone! Or tell me how your diet program is working! What do you do for exercise? Do you have a fun way to exercise that makes it seem like it is not exercise? Share it here! We can all use pointers and fun tips!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Country Strong
Well if you haven't seen Country Strong with Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund, and Leighton Meester, then you are missing out. While the movie may not have received rave reviews from critics, I'm always game when it comes to hearing a good story! So, as you can imagine, I really didn't agree with most of the reviews I read about the movie. To be honest, at first I found difficulty trying to imagine Gwyneth Paltrow in a country singer role, but to my surprise she didn't do half bad. She brought an interesting mix to the character and her struggles. She had to give her character a bit of a bad-girl/ party girl twist, but with Gwyneth, and her quiet, shy demeanor, she brought a natural elegance, charm, wisdom, and grace -reminiscent of Loretta Lynn and Emmy Lou to her character. Okay, so not when she was drunkenly romping in the sack with one of her financial investors, or when she was having her extramarital fling with rising-star Bo, but as with most problem drinkers and drug addicts, her character wasn't too concerned with morality issues while under the influence. She was drinking to forget, to cope and deal with the shit-life she was living. And well- let's face it, the oldies , but goodies like Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, are no strangers to the hardships and struggles in life. Tim McGraw, by the way, did an outstanding job playing the role of her supportive, yet blindly naive husband. His character stayed true to real life and how we sometime throw ourselves into work to over compensate those areas that are too painful to deal with. I also found his character believable because while a spouse can be supportive, he or she can fail to hear what the other person is trying to tell them. I am not sure if people do this to avoid uncertainty and truth or because many are clinging to the false hope that tomorrow will bring a brighter and better day. Bo, played by Garrett Hedlund, was also a very believable character. He offered salt-of-the-earth, down home charm and gave the audience a bit of stability necessary in any bad situation. He was a vision of strength and the best friend we all crave when things go wrong. And Leighton Meester's character as the wide-eyed, innocent yearning for fame and stardom, struck a chord in every little girl's heart who ever had a dream that she could taste so badly her stomach hurt. While this cast of character were an unlike group of individuals that I would have ever imagined in a film together, they added an interesting blend of heart and soulful appeal that worked quite well in this particular drama. So, simply ignore the critics, and take out some time to watch Country Strong. You'll enjoy it. Frankly speaking, when a critic gives a movie like Country Strong a bad review, I think it tells a little more about the critic and what values they place on mainstream popularity than taking the time out to stop and think about all of the hidden truths that lie inside the actions and script- you know- the bigger picture that tells a not so glorified story of human nature, of weakness and strength, of rejoice and regret and staying true to oneself. I hope you will give the movie a chance. Watch it more than once if you have to, but give it the time and attention it so richly deserves.
You can check out one of the movie trailers here if you like or
You can check out one of the movie trailers here if you like or
find Country Strong on Amazon today!
While you're at it, hunt ole' Tim McGraw up on Amazon too! And just or the record- I think Garrett Hedlund did an awesome job on his vocals and to be honest I'm going to purchase the soundtrack or well- CD. But until then, I'll enjoy some of the small videos with Garrett Hedlund here!
While you're at it, hunt ole' Tim McGraw up on Amazon too! And just or the record- I think Garrett Hedlund did an awesome job on his vocals and to be honest I'm going to purchase the soundtrack or well- CD. But until then, I'll enjoy some of the small videos with Garrett Hedlund here!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mexican Chicken Casserole Weight Watcher Point Friendly
Mexican Chicken Casserole
In skillet, braise chicken, then shred, return shredded meat to skillet, add chopped onion and taco seasoning. Braise with a little water or chicken broth until onion is tender. Crush Doritos in 13x9pan, drain red beans and rinse, layer over dorito chips, add chicken mixture, mix 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and Campbellls 98% fat free mushroom soup together, pour over top, top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes. Cut in whatever portion size you might enjoy- I cut in 6 pieces which comes out to almost 10 points per serving Cut in 8 portions and enjoy a 7 point meal. The entire recipe has 57 points, so divide by portions and enjoy!
| 2 breast(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, boil and shred | |
| 2 tsp Taco Bell Home Originals Taco Seasoning Mix, add to chicken | |
| 1 small raw onion, chopped fine | |
| 2 cup(s) shredded fat-free cheddar cheese | |
| 2 cup(s) canned tomatoes with green chilis | |
| 2 cup(s) canned low-fat cream of mushroom soup, made with low-fat milk | |
| 2 cup(s) Bush's Red Beans, rinsed and drained | |
| 48 piece(s) Doritos Taco flavored tortilla chips, crushed |
Instructions
In skillet, braise chicken, then shred, return shredded meat to skillet, add chopped onion and taco seasoning. Braise with a little water or chicken broth until onion is tender. Crush Doritos in 13x9pan, drain red beans and rinse, layer over dorito chips, add chicken mixture, mix 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and Campbellls 98% fat free mushroom soup together, pour over top, top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes. Let cool for 3-5 minutes. Cut in whatever portion size you might enjoy- I cut in 6 pieces which comes out to almost 10 points per serving Cut in 8 portions and enjoy a 7 point meal. The entire recipe has 57 points, so divide by portions and enjoy!
Weight Watchers Works
Well, I've lost twelve pounds in fourteen days...guess Weight Watchers really does work! I am over forty and I feel great! The Points Plus plan is easy to follow and easy to keep track of! I purchased a cookbook today also. I like Weight Watchers because it is easier for me to stay on track and I can enjoy all of the foods I did before, just prepared a little differently and in smaller portions. If you want to lose weight and feel good again, give it a try- don't keep putting it off until tomorrow! Take control of your life today!
If you are on weight watchers and would like to share your stories- post a reply and inspire others! Have recipes to share? Share them here to help others stay on track!
I will be blogging more on the subject! So check back for more information and tips and tricks. Let's lose weight together!
If you are on weight watchers and would like to share your stories- post a reply and inspire others! Have recipes to share? Share them here to help others stay on track!
I will be blogging more on the subject! So check back for more information and tips and tricks. Let's lose weight together!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
My Dad's Obituary
Earl Fleetwood
DRURY, Mo. -- Earl Fleetwood, 79, son of the late William Mack and Lola Pearl (Rackley) Fleetwood, was born on April 6, 1931, in Ozark County, Mo., and departed this life on Feb. 4, 2011, in the St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, Mo.
Earl grew up and attended school in Douglas County and was united in marriage to Doris Riley on Nov. 15, 1955, in Buckhart, Mo. Nine children were born to this union. The family moved to New Bavaria, Ohio, where Earl was employed by the Campbell Soup Company as a Double A maintenance/mechanic for over 33 years. He and Doris moved back to Douglas County in 1993, following his retirement.
Earl enjoyed being outdoors, especially when tending to his cattle, fishing and gardening. He also liked to watch sports on TV, play the fiddle and visit with his many friends and neighbors.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons-in-law, Archie Burns, Nick Contreras and Thomas Spence; five brothers, Jim, Walt, John, Mack and Fred; and two sisters, Verna and Beulah.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Fleetwood of their home; five sons, John Fleetwood and his wife, Bonnie, of Holgate, Ohio, Joe Fleetwood of Mountain Grove, Lonnie Fleetwood and his wife, Jessica, of Defiance, Ohio, Jim Fleetwood of Drury, Mo., and Randy Fleetwood and his wife, Tracey, of Norwood, Mo.; four daughters, Eva Peabody and her husband, Darrell, of Sherwood, Ohio, Lola Mathieu and her husband, John, of Willow Springs, Mo., Lila Spence of Mountain Grove and Tammy Moody and her husband, Steve, also of Mountain Grove; one brother, Bill Fleetwood, of Bedford, Iowa; two sisters, Hazel Moss of Brixey, Mo., and Julia Glenn and her husband, Jack, of Wellington, Kan.; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Feb. 8 at Craig-Hurtt Chapel in Mountain Grove, Mo.
Condolences may be sent to Doris Fleetwood, HC 73 Box 53, Drury, Mo. 65638.
DRURY, Mo. -- Earl Fleetwood, 79, son of the late William Mack and Lola Pearl (Rackley) Fleetwood, was born on April 6, 1931, in Ozark County, Mo., and departed this life on Feb. 4, 2011, in the St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, Mo.
Earl grew up and attended school in Douglas County and was united in marriage to Doris Riley on Nov. 15, 1955, in Buckhart, Mo. Nine children were born to this union. The family moved to New Bavaria, Ohio, where Earl was employed by the Campbell Soup Company as a Double A maintenance/mechanic for over 33 years. He and Doris moved back to Douglas County in 1993, following his retirement.
Earl enjoyed being outdoors, especially when tending to his cattle, fishing and gardening. He also liked to watch sports on TV, play the fiddle and visit with his many friends and neighbors.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be truly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons-in-law, Archie Burns, Nick Contreras and Thomas Spence; five brothers, Jim, Walt, John, Mack and Fred; and two sisters, Verna and Beulah.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Doris Fleetwood of their home; five sons, John Fleetwood and his wife, Bonnie, of Holgate, Ohio, Joe Fleetwood of Mountain Grove, Lonnie Fleetwood and his wife, Jessica, of Defiance, Ohio, Jim Fleetwood of Drury, Mo., and Randy Fleetwood and his wife, Tracey, of Norwood, Mo.; four daughters, Eva Peabody and her husband, Darrell, of Sherwood, Ohio, Lola Mathieu and her husband, John, of Willow Springs, Mo., Lila Spence of Mountain Grove and Tammy Moody and her husband, Steve, also of Mountain Grove; one brother, Bill Fleetwood, of Bedford, Iowa; two sisters, Hazel Moss of Brixey, Mo., and Julia Glenn and her husband, Jack, of Wellington, Kan.; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Feb. 8 at Craig-Hurtt Chapel in Mountain Grove, Mo.
Condolences may be sent to Doris Fleetwood, HC 73 Box 53, Drury, Mo. 65638.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
In Loving Memory of my Dad
I have often heard the old saying, “Adversity is what introduces a man to himself. “ And my Dad was no exception to the rule. He had many amazing qualities. Most of which could be found in his work ethics. He worked hard for everything he had and he never complained. He took pride in a job well-done and he taught us all to have pride in ourselves. He often said,” It doesn’t matter what you do, just do your best and no one can ask any more of you.” His logic was plain, and simple, yet honest and true. He was a self-made man, who learned early on, life was not for the faint-hearted, or the weary. One had to be a willing participant and one had to be quick on his feet in order to survive. While he never had the same advantages many people take for granted, he was mindful and resourceful with all he had and he had great admiration and respect for others who did the same. He was wistful, knowledgeable, noble, and wise.
But his most redeeming qualities did not stop there. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Life’s many struggles taught my Dad to abide by the Golden Rule. And that was a lesson he taught us all. He wanted us to treat others the way we’d like to be treated and he led by example. My Dad never knew a stranger. He befriended many people in his lifetime. A trip to the grocery store, the catfish pond, a bluegrass festival, or a picnic, was merely an opportunity to visit with friends or meet new people. And my Dad found value in all those he met. He knew sometimes you had to look beyond the surface to find the worth of a man. I remember a story my Dad once told me about an old man who passed on the gentle knowledge that if a man’s wealth could be judged by his love for his family, then he’d be considered one of the richest men alive. And that was a philosophy my Dad respected, often recalled, and adopted himself. He loved each one of us unconditionally. And he was always in our corner. If we had a problem, we knew he would be the first one to help in any way he could. He was kind, caring, considerate, and compassionate. He shared many stories, many jokes, and a lifetime of laughter and love. He touched us all with his unique wit and sincerity. He was our friend, our rock, and our hero. And we know there will never be another quite like him. He was one of the best parts in all of us and he’ll be missed more than words can ever say.
But his most redeeming qualities did not stop there. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Life’s many struggles taught my Dad to abide by the Golden Rule. And that was a lesson he taught us all. He wanted us to treat others the way we’d like to be treated and he led by example. My Dad never knew a stranger. He befriended many people in his lifetime. A trip to the grocery store, the catfish pond, a bluegrass festival, or a picnic, was merely an opportunity to visit with friends or meet new people. And my Dad found value in all those he met. He knew sometimes you had to look beyond the surface to find the worth of a man. I remember a story my Dad once told me about an old man who passed on the gentle knowledge that if a man’s wealth could be judged by his love for his family, then he’d be considered one of the richest men alive. And that was a philosophy my Dad respected, often recalled, and adopted himself. He loved each one of us unconditionally. And he was always in our corner. If we had a problem, we knew he would be the first one to help in any way he could. He was kind, caring, considerate, and compassionate. He shared many stories, many jokes, and a lifetime of laughter and love. He touched us all with his unique wit and sincerity. He was our friend, our rock, and our hero. And we know there will never be another quite like him. He was one of the best parts in all of us and he’ll be missed more than words can ever say.
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