Hi guys! I wish I could check in more often, I feel like I am always missing things. A quick recap- Friday: DOR, but not OP with a non-Core energy bar and some challah bread; Saturday: 15 miles, felt OK but coughed a little. If you can believe it, did not stay OP even with those activity points due to the buffalo wings, cake, and ice cream at a party (and to think I avoided the alcohol there!). Today: 30 min elliptical, 30 min weights. That buys me 4 APs, and I've used 2 on WW pita. Hoping to squeak by OP today! Next week, I am going to keep a running "points" tally for myself for workouts and OP days.

Dan - my thoughts are definitely with you. I am sure its hard to be so far away right now. But it sounds like she is in good hands.

plugginaway - hope the healing continues, the track does sound like a good idea since it's flat.

Bodacious - look at you, getting your chores done! You've really been doing great, so don't get discouraged if the scale isn't moving faster. That 10k is getting closer and closer...

niccole - you're not lame at all for not looking, you know what you need to do this week to make it better, and that's what's important. Way to advertise the C25K! And great picture of you and DH with the Big Apple in the background.

kathy - so happy that sad person is gone forever and replaced with you! I hate looking at old pictures because they remind me of how I felt. How is pscyh going? This chem class is tough! I feel like I am spending hours on the homework. Good idea on the Starbucks reward system for you - sounds like a good plan.

Denise - keep doing your water reminders, I love them! It seems like the easiest thing to do, except its not for me. I bought some more Crystal light to go packets which help me get more water in.

shannon - glad to have you back! Good for getting the runs in!

rogue - how are things going? Back into some kind of routine? How is your son doing?

melanie - where are you? hope all is well and you're just busy with good stuff.

One more thing - here's the recipe I am making today for lunches this week:

Beef Barley Soup
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic gloves, minced
1 14 1/2-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained (juices reserved), chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1 pkg sliced mushrooms
1 cup pearl barley
1 pkg fresh spinach
1 pkg green beans
1 can beef broth and 1 can vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 cup red wine (optional)

Add beef and cook until brown, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with juices and all remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer until meat is tender, about 1 hour 10 minutes.

Have a super day everyone! Now, I best get myself back to my homework.