Happy Birthday to MEEE!!!  Yes, this picture is recent, about a week old actually.  Yesterday was my BIG Birthday, the Big 5-0!!!  I celebrated by going out with a friend of mine for lunch, a former boyfriend who, I'm happy to say, still wants to remain friends!  Alyssa's boyfriend made me a scrumptious chocolate cake, creamy chocolate frosting (as of right now there is one piece left).  The only thing marring the day was the fact that Megan's car broke down, the oil was all out of it, and we had to get it limping back to my house which was 15 minutes and a lot of miles away.  The part has been ordered and hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow, and that what is being replaced was the only issue.  It's a 1998 model, a Bonneville, so it's a little on the older side.

Like I said in my post from the other day, this is the year I begin to focus more on me.  Now, please know that doesn't mean I'm going to be completely self centered and everyone else be darned, but it's time to focus on things I've long put aside.  My most difficult journey will be weight loss, and I know this.  My metabolism is so much slower since I am older AND I've had a hysterectomy.  I did not weigh in this morning, the day after pigging out at lunch and that incredible cake.  I will weigh in tomorrow and will really and truly try to keep a once a week post of how my week has gone.  Next Tuesday I'm going to our local physical therapy/gym and signing up, $25 a month, and I'll get a key pass to go in after hours.  With my work schedule this will be the best route to take.  I know the exercises I have to do.  I'm loading up good music on my phone, have earbuds ready, just need to pay the fee.  I'm not a huge fan of walking on treadmills, I like to see new things as I walk, but I'm great with walking when I have music so, load up those peppy songs!  

I've been going thru some issues with my 19 yr old.  I won't air them on here only to ask for prayer for both of us in how to move forward.  I've given the matter to God, but I will still daily ask him for direction and strength.

I'm also not going to whine about money matters.  My intent is to post positively, yet truthfully, but not dwell.  I'm better at making due anymore.  The other day I had pork chops, and then found a box of Stove Top stuffing on my dwindling pantry shelves.  I put the chops in the crock pot, let them cook for about 4 hours.  I then made up the stuffing, well dumped the contents of the box and the ingredients to prepare all over the top of the pork chops and let them cook another hour.  Oh my GOODNESS were they delicious!  Even my picky eater, Alyssa, loved them!  

I also tried a recipe I found on Facebook.  Chicken breasts, cut in 3rds, slice down the center with a sharp knife and then insert a cube of cheddar cheese, next time I'll use 2 cubes, then roll them in egg, then in panko crumbs seasoned with garlic powder, salt, pepper and accent, fry in oil.  They were absolutely wonderful too.  I have to admit I am excited about a lot of the recipes that are showing up on Facebook these days.  I especially am interested in crock pot recipes.  The girls have, finally, got tired of fast food, not to mention it adds up.  I know it's quick especially when I've worked all day and the last thing I want to do is cook, but it's not good for you, us, me.  

I'm going to call it a night.  I've had a long work day and I'm going to try to catch some sleep.  I pray blessings over you all.

Lisa