On Monday night, we got together with a bunch of friends and carved our pumpkins. Here are some highlights.

I did the bat, John and Jennifer did the mummy, which is very, very cool.

This would be Nate’s pumpkin. Look familiar? What a sweet guy!

I did this one from a pattern. I cheated. Both of mine were from patterns, actually. I wasn’t feeling creative that night.

And there’s a group shot of all our family pumpkins. Jennifer and Kirstin helped (as in did) the little ones from the pumpkin patch. Thanks, ladies!

Click the link if you want to see more.

Good morning!

I was 221.5 again this morning, which is the lowest official weight I’ve hit so far. I’ve been eating sugar cookies much of the week, so I’ve got to knock that off. Which brings me to my big news of the day. I’m going to go off of sugar from November 1st to Thanksgiving. I did it two years ago, and actually enjoyed it. Then I woke up on Thanksgiving sick as a dog and was mad for four months. But I’ve moved on…..

SO, no sugar or refined carbs, which to me means white flour and white rice, for 25 days. Aside from the obvious health benefits, the reason I like to do this is because this is the time of year when bad eating can easily get out of control. Going on a purge restores self control. When I did this two years ago, it was not out of a desire to lose weight, it was because I was having a hard time moderating my sugar intake, and my body felt out of balance. I had to cleanse for awhile. During that time, I felt great, had more energy, and once it was over, I had the ability to eat holiday yummies in moderation without feeling (or behaving) like the tasmanian devil, devouring everything in sight and then hunting for more.

I have a couple of personal exceptions. Firstly, Nate’s birthday is November 2nd. I will probably cheat that day. Second, I will still eat my homemade bread which is 100% whole wheat, but is made with honey. I am allowing myself the honey that is in my bread. That’s it. Please note- this is not a low carb thing. I am going to be eating plenty of whole grains. I personally feel that the human body is supposed to eat grains. It’s the refined, processed crap that messes us up. And there’s my soap box.

Anyone want to join me?

And now, for the breakdown…

Monday, I didn’t exercise.
Tuesday, I did treadmill and weights. It felt really good, too.
Wednesday, treadmill and weights.
Thursday, treadmill.
Friday, I didn’t exercise because I was running around like a monkey doing Halloween things with the girls at school, then hauling off to Finchy Friday for what was a GREAT time! I met a woman named Kit who is hysterical, and conversation never lulled. My neighbor Julie was there, who is doing amazing things with her scarf (good job!), and there was Lisa, who is very fun as well.

Aside from the sugar cookies, I’ve been eating pretty good. How is it going for you?

Have a great Saturday. The sun is out, I’m a happy girl.