My Journey to a Better Me

What a difference a year makes. You know the saying, “A year from now you’ll wish you’d started today”? Well, I’m thankful that, for the first time in years, I don’t have to look back wishing. This time last year, I was in a worried place. My step-dad was diagnosed with cancer in September, and it opened my eyes to what my own health looked like. I had struggled for years with migraines, gut health, and my weight. After exploratory surgery years ago came back with no answers, I threw my hands up in defeat thinking I was doomed to feel crummy for the rest of my life. I gave up trying. But, there was something about seeing a family member in pain that finally gave me a sense of urgency in getting my own health in check. I started researching what I could do to help myself get in a better place. I started drinking a green smoothie every day, which seemed to really help… at first. My body just didn’t seem to want to adapt. I reached out to friends who had recently worked hard to get to a positive place to see what changes they’d made. I can honestly say I was skeptical anything would work for me. I was at the end of my rope with my migraines and GI issues. Years of struggle had caused me to feel like I had no control over my body. What I found last year is that being at the end of your rope will cause you to take a leap of faith sometimes. After a couple of months of research and many emails, I bit the bullet and ordered the Advocare 24-day challenge. Why did I choose Advocare? First, the challenge was a catalyst to a lifestyle change. I needed to make changes in my life, and I knew I couldn’t do it on my own. I’d tried before. I needed a support system, and I needed something I could continue long term. So, I took a chance. And, for me, it was the best chance I could have ever taken. When I finally decided I was ready, I knew I didn’t want to wait until the new year to make changes. The time was now, and honestly, I was afraid I’d chicken out if I waited. So, I started the challenge on December 7, the day after my company holiday party, and I have not looked back since. Over the next three months, I lost 20 pounds, could get through an entire meal without feeling sick, and very rarely got the migraines that used to plague me. After yet another family member was struck with cancer, I decided to do something absolutely out of my comfort zone and signed up to run the NYC Marathon for charity. And, on November 2^nd, I completed that marathon with the biggest smile on my face. I can honestly say I could not have gone on that journey without Advocare. After months of eating clean 80% of the time, I was the healthiest I had been in years and in the best possible place I could be to begin training. Adding the performance elite products to my regimen just upped the ante. So I’m sure many of you are wondering… Why am I just sharing my story with you now? As I approach the one-year mark of my journey with Advocare, I am reflecting on what this past year has brought to my life. And, I’ve come to realize that what I needed most last year was a sense of hope. I just needed the hope that life could be better. And I am beyond thankful that my friend, Lauren, gave me that hope a year ago, and now I feel the need to share it with you. I couldn’t think of a better gift to give someone this holiday season. I'd love to chat with you more about my journey this past year and what I have planned for next year. I think I just may have found my voice again. XO

Catching Up

I figured now was as good a time as any to squeeze a post in... considering I've been lying awake for the past 3 1/2 hours.  Funny how you can be exhausted and still not able to sleep.

Things have been quite busy around our house.  With J working crazy hours, I haven't had much time to jump on the computer... and I crash and burn as soon as Finley does lately.  One exciting tidbit-- J and I went on a date night last Saturday!  Okay, so maybe that's just exciting for us.  Seriously.  It was huge.  We got a sitter for the third time ever and went out to celebrate my birthday.  It's been eons since we've really celebrated any birthdays, and since it fell on a weekend this year, I was not passing up the opportunity!  I can see why we don't do it often (as in 3 times in 2 years often!).  The sitter alone cost us $75.  We've decided that we need to make an effort to do it at least once a quarter in order to keep our sanity... or maybe I decided that.  Either way, I'm going to make it happen.

I didn't ask for much for my birthday.  Actually, I only asked for a date night and a new iPod.  I blaze through iPods like they're candy.  After running my last half marathon with my iPhone, I knew it was time to break down and buy something smaller.  Today, my brand new Nano arrived.  I can't wait to start using it.  I had planned to get a Shuffle because it clips on, but I couldn't pass up the (three times as expensive) Nano when I realized it clips on, too, and has radio capability.  Plus, I like being able to have multiple playlists that I can choose from.  If you order from Apple, you can have it engraved.  My first choice was deemed inappropriate.  Oops.  (For inquiring minds, it was the blunt message, "Get off your ***.")  I settled for "Shake your booty".  Which leads me to...

Y'all... I have been to the gym four times this week.  I mean, sweating so hard my vision is blurry.  This is a miracle.  Why am I telling you this?  Because I think that hearing someone else is doing something to get in shape is motivating.  My friend, Cyndi, set a walking goal for August.  She posted pics on Instagram and updates on Facebook.  Every time I saw her posts, I thought, "Why am I not doing something too?"  Goals are good!  So, if you think it's weird that I posted a view of me doing crunches on Instagram, too bad.  It motivates me, and who knows, maybe it motivates someone else, too.  Having someone to be accountable to makes me want to keep it up.  Anyone want to join me in a shape up challenge?  I'm not talking The Biggest Loser-- I'm talking accountability partners.  Who's in?  If you want, check out my workout board on Pinterest.  I also have one for healthy eating. (Don't confuse it with the yum, cake, cookie and dessert boards.  Those are deadly.)  Do any of you have Pinterest boards related to healthy living?  I'd love to know about them!  Do you have songs you love to hear while working out?  I need some new ones and am not up on all of the new stuff.  Leave a comment with your favorites!

Next week, little man and I are traveling to visit my little brother in his new town-- Houston.  Any readers from that area?  I'm very excited for the trip.  Since he graduated, he scored an engineering job there (making more than me straight out of gate!) and just made the move from AR last week.  He asked me to come down to help him pick out furniture.  Decorating with someone else's money-- how could I pass that up?  My mom and step-dad are going to drive down for the visit, as well.  I miss my family so much and cannot wait for this trip!

A couple of days ago, I finally made the effort to start listing some things on Ebay.  This task has been on my list for a year now!  I don't have everything up, but it's a good start.  I have a few West Elm pillows to list still, my huge rubber stamp collection and more shoes.  You'll notice the theme is never worn/used or used once or twice.  Sad, but I'm finally letting go!  I'm even parting ways with three pair of cowboy boots in awesome shape.  If you're a reader and you bid on something, let me know!  I'd love to hear from you.  As I post more items, I'll drop a note here to give you a heads up first.

Now that the sun is up, I'm going to sign off.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho... It's Back to Work I Go!

I certainly didn't intend to leave you hanging for nearly a month.  Once the holidays were over, I realized how little time I had left before going back to work and sending Finley to daycare.  My mom came to visit for about a week, and I've been completely unplugged.  I haven't read any blog posts since the 7th!  Yikes. 

Finley started daycare on Monday as a trial day while I set up my desk and ran errands.  Needless to say, it was a lot harder on me than it was on him.  I cried and cried and cried.  It was ridiculous.  My stint back at work was short-lived, though.  On Thursday, the daycare called to have me pick him up due to a fever.  After a doctor's visit, we found out he had a fever of 103 caused by a double ear infection.  Poor little guy!  You could see how horrible he felt.  It broke my heart.  We stayed home yesterday, and he's feeling much better today with the help of Augmentin.  Yay. 

Here are a couple of pictures we've taken in the past couple of weeks.  It's crazy to think he's already four months old.  Time flies!

I wish I could check in more, but right now, I am concentrating on getting back in the swing of things... so posting will probably be hit or miss for the next month, too.  Thanks for checking in! 

More Super Bowl Munchies...

Just in case you still haven't decided what to make this Super Bowl Sunday (or any day for that matter), here's a great link to some healthier recipes!

Here'a a great spinach dip recipe that has been adapted in a "lite" way:
2 packages (10 oz each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1 cup finely chopped green onions (with tops)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed

Mix all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate 1 hr. Makes about 4 1/2 cups of dip.

We're watching the game at our friends' house, and I only have to bring an app... now, I just need to decide what to bring!

Super Bowl Munchies on the Slim

With the new year bringing many slimming down goals, Super Bowl weekend can be an eating nightmare. Here are a few Weight Watcher recipes that will keep everyone fed, with none the wiser that it's actually somewhat healthy! You can search the site for many more.

Fresh Corn Salsa, Pepper Swiss Mango Quesadillas, Chocolate-Chile Cookies
Beef Nachos
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Bites
Hot Fiesta Dip
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa

Are you serving burgers but don't want the huge buns? I found these amazing buns from Earth Grains that you can sub instead. (The site has a 75 cent coupon!)

Happy eating!

Where Are Your Jazz Hands?

I just realized that I practically abandoned "real" posting in January. Oops! The month just flew by before I had a chance to look up!

Part of my goal to being a better me involved exercising a bit more. I renewed my gym membership at the beginning of the year and, at first, had a hard time getting motivated. I'm not a free-weight kind of girl, so I usually found myself on the treadmill. Everyone knows that you'll get bored out of your mind before you know it if you don't mix it up a bit. So, I took a look at the class calendar one day after work and realized a new class was starting... might as well give it a try. And that's how I found myself three weeks into Jazzercise. You heard me. Dancing around, arms swinging, grapevining, leg kicking... with jazz hands. I'm loving it. At first, I felt like a big goob, but I quickly got over it. Who cares what I look like... I'm sweating like crazy! I haven't lost any weight, but my heart rate monitor no longer fits around my chest-- a sign that inches are melting away. Also, my heart rate isn't sky-rocketing like it was during the first few classes, so I can tell that I'm getting in better shape. The music is really fun and new, so you'll find yourself doing eight counts in your head when you hear the song outside of class. They change it up every few classes, so you don't get too comfortable doing the same thing every time. I ran into my pharmacist after class, and she died laughing when I told her what I'd been doing because she'd done it back in the late 70s-early 80s. I think something must be right if it's still around, right?

I don't have a picture for this post, so I'll leave you with this...

She's Alive!

The title is very Frankenstein-esque, isn't it? Just wanted to stop by to let you know I'm safe and sound... no closer to a healthy resolution, but safe and sound is okay with me. Still a little out of it, so I'll be back later with more coherent posts. Thanks for your well wishes. They are greatly appreciated!

Update

For those of you who have wonderfully sent me "get well" messages-- here's a little update on my "condition". I have completed three physical therapy sessions so far, with another scheduled for tomorrow. To give you an idea of what takes place during my therapy, I thought I'd give you a quick recap:
-First up, I receive ultrasounds in my wrists. The waves almost feel like magnets pulling at the inside of my wrist. It's such a bizarre feeling. (I'm sure those of you who've been pregnant know what I'm talking about!) The other day it was set up too high, so the waves bounced off the back of my wrist and hurt like a mother. It can be pretty painful.
-Next, I get a deep tissue massage, aka torture. I have bruises all over my arms. Yesterday, I left with fingerprint marks. I usually feel like I've been beat up afterward.
-Finally, I get a dose of some uber-fun meds called Dexamethasone. The bandage looks like this:
(Yes, that's me after my first session. I HAD to take a pic for the blog!) The Dexamethasone is put in the - pocket with saline in the + pocket. See that thing in the middle? It's a battery pack! A triangular object attaches to the battery pack. Once it's turned on, it pulsates for three minutes, sending a sharp, stinging pins and needles feeling up my arms. If you've ever had an Imitrex shot for a migraine, then you would find the feeling similar with the addition of stinging. It's a blast. I have to keep these on for 2 hours once they've been "turned on". I've been dubbed Terminator, Bionic Woman and Robot by my coworkers. I've developed a beautiful red rash on my arms from the meds. FUN!

I still have to wear my splints. Actually, I have to wear them all the time-- on both wrists-- even to sleep in. I was officially diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel. Needless to say, they drive me crazy at this point. But, I'm keeping the big picture in mind and doing what I can to keep surgery as far from anyone's mind as possible!

I've also been limited to four hours of typing a day... SO, you may not be surprised to hear that all my posts for the past two weeks have been written in bulk and were scheduled! It's quite a bit easier for me to sit and write everything up in advance when I am feeling better on the weekend than to try to put everything together after I've been typing at work.

I appreciate all the love and support you've shown me during this difficult period. It's helping me keep my chin up! Thank you, my blogging buddies!!

Good News

I do have good news (or at least I'm trying to convince myself that it's good). I don't have to have surgery at this point. I do have to go through six weeks of physical therapy and am not allowed to type, mouse, or carry more than 10 pounds with my right hand. So... that means I'm typing each post with just my left hand-- i.e. it takes me eons. That's okay because they didn't tell me I couldn't type at all! :) Blogging will be a bit slower than normal, but I'm going to try my best to keep up the posting. Have an amazing weekend!

No Update Post Today

First-- I have to tell you that I did run yesterday! I meant to have J take a pic of me as proof, but I forgot.

Second-- I have a bit of a request from my readers-- if you are willing. My coworker's son is in college in California. He's a great kid that is extremely into music and has won several local battle of the band competitions. He is in an amazing competition out in California-- where his band, One Year Yesterday, could have the opportunity to open for The Black-Eyed Peas if they win!! How cool is that?! They have won three out of the four levels and need the public to vote for them to win the Grand Prize. If you'd like to help, click on this link to vote. They will send you an email confirmation afterward. Normally, I wouldn't pass this on to my readers, but he's such a good Christian kid that just loves music and his band rocks. Enough said... vote only if you'd like. No pressure.

Finally-- I had planned to give you a few more wedding updates... flower trial, welcome bags, etc. BUT-- there's actually another reason I haven't been posting lately. That's right. It's not pretty. I am actually seeing a specialist this afternoon, after seeing a doctor yesterday about the problem. It's torture to type, which I had hoped would subside. When it didn't, I started wearing these on both wrists. Sexy, huh? Paired with my mouth guard and glasses at night*, I'm a hot mess. I have to wear them at night too because my wrists are causing my arms to fall asleep leaving me unable to move. So... no blogging today. It took me ages to even type this post with the impossible guards on. I'm bummed because I really miss blogging and hoped to be back in action. I hope to have a post up tomorrow.
*I was this close to posting a picture of me wearing all this garb then thought better of it.

Where In the World Is Weight Watcher Wednesday?

I guess now is the time to tell you-- I'm the newest receptionist at our local Weight Watcher meetings (which is part of why I am so dang busy lately)! So, I will no longer post my WW-specific posts, but I will occasionally write about healthy living. Honestly, I was struggling under the weight (no pun intended) of expected weekly posts, so this break is a bit of a relief for me.

So, how is my journey going? Yesterday marked the end of my 6-week maintenance period before hitting Lifetime! I am now officially a Lifetime member. WOO-HOO! I am beyond excited. Unfortunately, my workouts have really hit the skids with my packed schedule. With the half marathon in a month and a half, I should really be running. Now that our snow moved through last weekend, we've got sun on the horizon. I'm committing to you that I will run today. I ask that you smack me around a bit if I don't follow through. Danica, Cyndi-- that's you!! Sometimes you need a swift kick...

Weight Watchers Wednesday

I didn't gain or lose at Weight Watchers this week, but I still left with an unsettling feeling in my stomach. After 8 years of "leading", our group leader has given her resignation to Weight Watchers. Her back-up that is replacing her can only hold meetings on Tuesday nights. Because of the schedule change, two of the meeting volunteers had to quit volunteering. Weight Watchers has told the new leader that if she doesn't find 4 volunteers (which have to be at goal AND meet WW "standards"-- whatever that means), then our local Weight Watchers chapter will have to close. I am so bummed. There have been several new members start within the past couple of weeks, and I know that I would be devastated if I just decided to take on this huge challenge to find out that the help I finally asked for was no longer available. It just breaks my heart. I'm thankful that I found WW when I did, but I feel awful for those who are just now trying to fight that battle. I have offered up my time, but I have to hear back from WW about my application. We'll see what happens.

Now... on to this week's recipe:

Classic Shepherd's Pie

Was POINTS® Value: 9 Now POINTS® Value: 5 Servings: 6 Preparation Time: 25 min Cooking Time: 42 min Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Seasoned meat and vegetables are nestled under creamy mashed potatoes and then baked to form a sensational, savory pie.

Ingredients

	2 large potato(es), peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
	1/4 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
	1 tbsp reduced-calorie margarine
	1/8 tsp table salt, or to taste
	2 tsp olive oil
	1 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
	2 medium carrot(s), diced
	2 medium stalk(s) celery, diced
	1 pound(s) uncooked ground turkey breast
	3 tbsp all-purpose flour
	1 tbsp rosemary, fresh, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
	1 tsp dried thyme
	1/2 tsp table salt
	1/4 tsp black pepper
	2 cup(s) canned chicken broth, or beef broth

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400ºF.
  
  
• Place potatoes in a large saucepan and pour in enough water to cover potatoes. Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer 10 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain potatoes, transfer to a large bowl and add sour cream and margarine; mash until smooth, season to taste with salt and set aside.
  
  
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Add flour, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper; stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a simmer; simmer until mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
  
  
• Transfer turkey mixture to a 9-inch, deep-dish pie plate. Spread mashed potatoes over top and using the back of a spoon, make decorative swirls over the top. Bake until potatoes are golden, about 30 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve.

Enjoy!

Weight Watchers Wednesday

I reached my lifetime goal this week!! YAY! I am overjoyed. Now, I just have to stay within two pounds up or down for six weeks, and then I will no longer have to pay to attend the meetings. Woo-freakin'-hoo!

Okay... on to this week's recipe: Chocolate Mint Brownies

POINTS® Value: 3 Servings: 24 Preparation Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 35 min Level of Difficulty: Easy

Replacing regular butter with apple butter makes these brownies much lower in fat, as well as moist and rich.

Ingredients

	1 cup(s) cake flour, sifted
	1 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa
	1/4 tsp table salt
	1 cup(s) fat-free egg substitute
	1 cup(s) packed brown sugar, dark-variety
	3/4 cup(s) dark corn syrup
	3/4 cup(s) apple butter
	2 tbsp vegetable oil
	1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate square(s), melted
	36 piece(s) Cambridge Brands Junior Mints, candies, chopped (about 6 small boxes)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  
  
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together egg substitute, sugar, corn syrup, apple butter, oil and melted chocolate. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just blended.
  
  
• Pour batter into prepared baking pan and sprinkle with candies. Bake until firm, about 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares. Yields 1 square per serving.

Enjoy!

How I Started My Sunday...

Recently, my face lotion ran out, so I've been on the hunt for the perfect new face lotion. After spending $20 on a new Neutrogena product, my face had a bad reaction. I ended up giving it to J because I couldn't use it. The next product I tried was a (much) cheaper Olay product with SPF in it (because you must have SPF at this altitude!) But, it made my face really oily. So, I was still on the lookout for something new.

J had left for work already, and I was still lazing around. I watched the morning news. When I hopped out of the shower, an infomercial for Meaningful Beauty was on. I have to admit this: I get sucked into infomercials. Meaningful Beauty is sponsored by Cindy Crawford-- who looks nearly the same at 43 as she did at 28! With the big 3-0 coming up this summer, I've been a bit more in tune to the wrinkles that have been showing themselves on my face. Growing up, I should I have worn glasses, but I didn't... so I was always squinting. As a result, I have deepset wrinkles on my forehead. Ugh. I've recently noticed wrinkles around my mouth, as well. Obviously, this new product peaked my interest. I figured it was worth a shot, and I can always cancel if I don't like it. They have a 60-day money back guarantee, which is nice. Here's what I ordered:
Cleanser
Day Moisturizer
Night Fluid (which is supposed to really firm up your face while you sleep)
Eye Cream
Face Mask
Cleavage Cream (that's what I prefer to call it)
Glowing Serum

All of that for only $29.95! I'll do a review once I've had a chance to try it all.

Have any of you started a new beauty regimen lately? It's so expensive to change things up because you never really know whether you'll love the product!

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Apparently my chili-cheese dog Sunday afternoon didn't help my Monday weigh-in! :) I should have known! I'm so close to my lifetime goal that I can taste it, yet I continue to sabotage myself. The goal this week is to add more exercise. I have definitely been slacking in that department. One day a week of skiing isn't getting the job done. Enough griping... here's this week's recipe:

Hungry Girl's Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Ingredients:
1 tray Green Giant Just for One! Broccoli & Cheese Sauce
1/2 cup light (plain) soymilk
1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheese, chopped into pieces
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
To prepare Broccoli & Cheese Sauce, pull film back slightly to vent. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Pull film back all the way (but do not remove), and stir in cheese wedge pieces. Place film b ack over the tray, and microwave for an additional 45 seconds. Mix well, and allow to cool slightly. Place broccoli/cheese mixture in a blender with soymilk. Blend at medium speed until desired consistency is reached (blend very briefly if you like broccoli pieces in your soup -- blend longer for fully pureed soup). Transfer soup to your favorite microwave-safe bowl (or your second-favorite one, if your fave isn't clean). Heat soup in the microwave for 45 seconds, or until hot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then slurp it up! MAKES 1 SERVING

Serving Size: 1 cup (entire recipe)
Calories: 125
Fat: 5.75g
Sodium: 796mg
Carbs: 11.5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4.5g
Protein: 7g

POINTS® value 3

I haven't tried this one yet, but I am dying to. Enjoy!

Weight Watchers Wednesday

Weigh in this week went well--surprisingly so. I had hoped that I had maintained and not gained after our trip to Aspen. Instead, I lost 1.8 pounds! I am within 1.4 lbs of my lifetime goal for Weight Watchers (which means if I keep up the good work and stay within 2 lbs of that goal for 6 weeks after I hit it, then I no longer have to pay!) I was within 0.2 before and then gained, so I'm extra determined to hit that goal now to begin the six week period. I need to get back into the exercising mindset that I was in before winter hit. I actually think that getting out and skiing a bit last week helped me lose, so I've asked Jen to go skiing with me again this weekend. Every little bit helps, and it's so much easier to exercise when you have a friend with you! (This is when J would tell that skiing is fun not exercise, but when you're usually skiing alone like me, you can get bored.)

As promised, here's this week's recipe:

Cobb Salad

POINTS® Value: 6 Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 0 min Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

	8 cup(s) romaine lettuce, chopped
	1/2 pound(s) deli-sliced turkey, cut into thin strips
	1/4 pound(s) low-fat Swiss cheese, cut into thin strips
	1 large tomato(es), diced
	8 slice(s) cooked crisp turkey bacon, crumbled
	2 large egg(s), hard-boiled, diced
	1/2 cup(s) fat-free blue cheese dressing

Instructions

• Arrange lettuce in 4 salad bowls. Evenly divide turkey, cheese, tomato, bacon and egg among bowls.
  
  
• Spoon 2 tablespoons of dressing over each salad just before serving. Yields 1 salad per serving.

Weight Watchers Wednesday

J and I were on our way to Aspen during the scheduled Weight Watchers meeting this week, so I don't have a weigh-in update for you. Instead, I'll leave you with another recipe! I picked a sweet one in honor of the upcoming Valentine holiday. Enjoy!

Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes with Cookie Crusts

POINTS® value | 3 Servings | 12 Preparation Time | 15 min Cooking Time | 0 min Level of Difficulty | Moderate

Ingredients

• 12 items chocolate wafer(s), about 2 1/2 oz
• 8 oz Neufchatel cheese, softened
• 1 cup 2% reduced fat milk
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
• 1 cup water, boiling

Instructions

• Line 12 muffin tins with paper muffin liners. Place a wafer in the bottom of each of 12 muffin tins (or custard cups); set aside. (If the wafer doesn't fit in bottom of muffin liners, break into pieces to cover bottom.)
  
  
• Place cheese in bowl of a food processor and process until loose. With food processor running, pour milk down feed tube.
  
  
• In a separate medium bowl, mix together sugar, gelatin and cocoa with a fork or spoon. Slowly add boiling water, mixing as you go; mix quickly until gelatin has completely dissolved.
  
  
• With food processor running, slowly add cocoa mixture through feed tube; process thoroughly, about 1 minute.
  
  
• Fill each muffin liner (or custard cup) with about 1/3 cup of cheese mixture. (Muffin tins will be filled up to the top; custard cups should be about 2/3 full.) Chill for a minimum of 2 hours. Yields 1 per serving.

Notes

These easy-to-make cheesecakes can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If you're a coffee lover, add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the cocoa mixture for an extra kick.

I'm a Weenie

I had mentioned at one point contemplating running a marathon before I turn 30 this year. Well... I bailed, balked, chickened out, ran the other way. Instead, I'm going with what I know and signed up for the half marathon. I've run the Steamboat 1/2 marathon since I moved to town in 2001. I know the course-- in freezing rain and in 80 degree heat. I can do it... and have done it without training. (Don't ask me why I would-- I just do.)

The race has been heralded as one of the most scenic marathons in the US and was voted 2006 Colorado Runner's Best Marathon. You should definitely check it out. If you're not used to elevation, it can be really tough though. So, I guess this could solve my inactivity issues I've been having lately. (The key word was could.)

Just for fun... here is a pic of me just after I finished the race last year and right before I downed a huge breakfast burrito.
Wish me luck! At least I'll be in better shape this year!