12/1- I can see me now on Christmas morning creeping down the stairs

Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs

 School was so short this week! One and a half days- I just had my kids do presentations because I figured starting a new unit would not work well with that kind of time. The presentations were good, my students amaze me with their abilities all the time. It also helped keep the kids focused as we headed to Thanksgiving break. We were all pretty ready for it by the time we got out on Tuesday. 

I have had a nice break. I have gotten extra work outs in, and I was actually down about half a pound until a few days ago. Then, I kept going out with friends and indulging. Bad decision. My stomach is still upset with me.  I will be staying hardcore on track now to keep it settled. It's crazy how much worse it is for stomach now when I splurge. The tasty food/drinks aren't even remotely worth the pain. Water has been a good friend to me during all of this though.

Thanksgiving was really nice and laidback this year. I went to my mom's with Memaw and Conor. I made Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping. It's always so tasty :)  We had plenty of good, homemade food. We played some Apples to Apples. And we started making plans for the Christmas holiday.  I am so glad it's time for Christmas! I have already decorated my apartment, done my Christmas shopping, and started my Christmas baking.  I am doing my best to stay on top of everything this year. I swear, time just flies, and if I don't have a to-do list going, I wind up staying up late to do baking and shopping, and it just stresses me out beyond belief.

Oh, I joined a gym a few days ago! My mom and I toured it on Friday, then I joined. I have gone a few times now, and I really like it. I have a few friends who are members, and we are setting up times to meet for work outs and classes. I think this will be really good for me, especially with the holiday season in full swing now. It's pretty close to where I live, so I can swing by pretty easily after work, on the weekends, and just whenever. I need this now that it's getting dark so early- not to mention cold!

                                            Thanksgiving Dinner

                                         Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping

                                          Family Photo!

                                         Nativity from my Mom

 

Christmas Tree

Now, time to get ready for the last big push of the semester!

Tip of the Week: It doesn't always work out, and that's okay.

Recipe of the Week:

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE WITH PRALINE TOPPING   The streusel is both stirred into the casserole and sprinkled on top.

1 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1/4 cup stick margarine, melted 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and halved (about 2-1/2 pounds) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 large egg white 1 (5-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring to form a streusel. Set aside.

Place potatoes in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until very tender. Drain well; mash in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup streusel, granulated sugar, vanilla, egg white, and milk. Spoon into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray; top with remaining streusel. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.  Makes 10 servings at 8pts apiece.