Odds and Ends

So, when I first started Trim Healthy Mama, I hoped to reach 20 pounds by Christmas.  The beautiful thing is that I actually should be down a full 30 pounds by then. The loss has slowed, but that's okay. I've been a bit sloppy in following the routine. If I can be sloppy and still be losing, this is a miracle.  

I've discovered that I am allergic to stevia which is a sadness. I haven't figured out how I'm going to replace it exactly. Erythritol is expensive. I could use xylitol, but it is also expensive and it requires a lot to reach desired sweetness.  I can occasionally substitute some coconut sugar, but that's higher carb, so I have to be careful.

I am fitting comfortably in size 12s. I think I've cleaned out my last size 16s. My rings fit again and I zipped a pair of regular calf boots over my jeans. Me. I did that. 

I frequently read A Tale of Two Cities. Why have I  never owned my own copy before last night? The excitement I felt knowing a copy was finally going to be mine was nearly overwhelming. I was vaguely disappointed to find there were no hardback copies but I decided to ask. He led me to one in the bargain section. To complete my joy, I purchased a Doctor Who bookmark. 

Becca got an official job offer from Master Marius. He's going to give her four hours a week through December to see how it's going to work out. She's over the moon. So am I. I think it's rare to have jobs land in your lap and in my house, it's happened twice. Unfortunately, Hannah has to go searching. 

I'm certain there are a lot of other little things that no one cares about, but tomorrow is Thanksgiving and food must be prepared. 

Some children's books we like

We discovered Epossumondas several years ago when the kids were small.  We had forgotten about them until today's trip to the library.  We picked up three more stories of our funny little critter.  Epossumondas is really a lot of fun.  If you can add some Cajun accents to the story you will have more fun.

Along those same lines, we found Gator Gumbo today.  It's very much like The Little Red Hen story where no one will help her plant her garden.  I would say, though, that this twist adds some fun to it.