[Terri in MO]

Hi gals,

I hate that I can't lurk at work anymore. I miss ya'll during the day.

Lilion - You are too funny about killing them. The great thing about being "Aunt T" is that I don't have to be nice. When the two girls were really young and staying the weekend with me, they wanted to eat cereal and watch some goofy cartoon on TV. I was going to take a shower so I told them that they could, however, if I got out of the shower and found out that they had spilled the cereal & milk on my carpet, they would have to lick it up with their tongues. Then a year ago, I told the 18yo that if I ever heard her cuss at or about her dad again, I would knock her on her a$$, pick her up and do it again. She still remembers that and remembers to treat her dad much better than she used to. This one would probably call the cops though.

to everyone. I've just realized that I am LATE! Have a great OP day!

[Lilion]

Sic 'em Aunt Terri! You remind me so much of my mother! I remember as a kid my cousins (older with kids of their own) telling each other that if their kids acted up just send them to live with Aunt Louella for a while and she'd staighten them out! (After all, she'd done it to them!)

I guess I picked up on that. When I was about 15 I went to church camp with an aunt, who had her about 8 yr old grandson with her. She was one of those types who didn't disipline AT ALL! My little cousin did the "I hate you" thing to her and ran off. I chased his little butt down and literally dragged him back to the camper, screaming at the top of his lungs through all these nice church folks camps, all the while telling him what a rotten little BRAT he was and if I ever heard him speak to his grandma that way again I'd beat him within an inch of his life! I guess he believed me. He was still a terror, but not around me!

[Breathless in NJ]

Good afternoon all. I've think I've had a pretty level week as far as eating and exercise. Going through some potentially serious personal issues that I am trying to maintain some sort of balance with. I should know in a day or two how serious it is. As of right now, just sort of numb. But, I'll be o.k.

Terri, sounds like your gonna have your hands full! One kid can sometimes wreak as much havoc as a hord! If she is smart, she will actually learn something from you called "respect", right? I guess I thought I knew everything when I was teen, too, though. But I was never disrespectful to adults, especially my parents. I knew better, I learned that real quick! Sorry your company has blocked us, that's gotta suck.

Bootales, Happy to hear your getting back some energy. I have wanted to try yoga too, but wasn't really sure if I should try it at this weight. I do Richard Simmons once in a while, too! He is a goofball, but a super kind heart.

Rosebud, happy to see your knee is on the mend! You sound positive. Good job!

Wyllen, That must have been super frustrating, being shorted by your pedometer! Imagine exercising and not getting the credit for it!! Must be how I feel when I accidentally hit the "reset" button on mine before I should! OOOPS!!

Lilion, glad to see your back and on track! To bad that exercise "gig" didn't work out for you. Does your friend still need help with her move? Maybe you can tack it on to next weeks exercise time?

Angela, Keep up the good work!

[Terri in MO]

Morning ladies,

Mercy, its very humid in the house. Its way too early to have this humidity. Its only March, not July. It would also help if we'd had some windows open last night. I didn't realize that DH had shut them all. GEEZ.

I did 35 minutes on the stationary bike this morning. Not very enthuiastically but I did them.

I guess I'm a little over stressed about the impending total disruption to our lives plus this is the week that three people from our department lose their jobs due to integration. This is the first "wave". One of my best friends at work will more than likely be on one of the future waves later this summer. I will lose several more employees. Morale is really low and people just are not committed to getting work done. Can't really blame them. However, the demands are still there. To end that on a positive note, I haven't gotten anything out of the vending machine nor anyone's candy jar for two weeks now. AND at night, I haven't been having anything after dinner unless its fruit.

I called my podiatrist friend on Tuesday night and gave him all the details about my foot, the doc visit and how I'm still in a lot of pain. I was mainly just wanting advice like go get a second opinion and what I should expect them to do. He lives in Boston after all. I love that guy. He is sooo nice. He was the boyfriend to one of DH's cousins. She passed away two years ago and he's latched onto me as a female friend. He said that if it were him, immobilization would be the next step and that it is very possible to have a bone injury that doesn't show up on x-rays. Since I have the boot cast anyway, he said to put it on for two-three weeks and see if that helps. I told him that I had been wearing my arch supports like she had suggested so now I have pain in my heel and in the tendons under my toes and across the ball of my foot. He didn't like the sound of that. I wore the boot to work yesterday and my foot felt much better last night. Maybe this will heal this time.

Time to hit a cool shower and stand in front of a fan.

Have a great day ladies!

[Bearcub]

Hi,All
I've been busy working with my teachers this week, and no, I didnt' get the treadmill uncovered like I planned last weekend but today is the day! I've not been weighing myself because I have monthly doctor's appointments and I want to see what his scale says. That will be the 12th of April. Keep your fingers crossed. Of course, the other reason I don't weigh myself is that my home scale doesn't go that high! HOWEVER, i think I am losing because I am feeling better. Does that make sense? I think I'm moving more easily and my clothes seem to fit more comfortably. Am I in delusion? I hope not.
It has turned chilly here again but at least the sun is out and the trees are starting to leaf out. It won't be long till it will be all warm days. Yea!

to all.
Bearcub

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

~ Hi Ladies ~ We've had lovely weather here the last two days; almost all our ice and snow are gone, and we can see the grass just past our back deck. My knee is feeling so much better, so I was able to get some walking in again. Am keeping OP very well this week; glad for that.

LILION ~ glad to see you back. Wanted to suggest you hire a one-day cook or maybe have prepared food delivered to your home. One-day cooks come to your home and prepare homemade meals for your whole week and freeze them (you just heat them up). This is great for busy ladies who work a lot.

TERRI ~ sounds like you have your hands full.
BREATHLESS ~ I'm sorry you are having problems; will pray for you.
BEARCUB ~ I don't have any scales, but I'm seriously thinking of getting one tomorrow, if I can find one for a reasonable price; have only seen one so far that goes up to 350 lbs, but it was $149.00 Cdn (too much).

Then I could weigh myself once a month, instead of having to go to the Docs all the time (was seeing him only every 2-3 months, as that's how we do things here in Canada). Told DH that if I start obsessing, I'll get him to take it out to his shop for safe-keeping ~ LOL.

BOOT-TALES ~ ~ glad to meet you and BEARCUB.

HI TO EVERYONE ELSE too! Hope you all have a good OP week; take care and keep on, keepin' on ~ a fellow encourager ... ROSEBUD.

[Breathless in NJ]

Just wanted to get in a quickie today as I have a bunch of work to get done. The scale says I am down another 2 lbs. YIPPEE FOR ME!! Thats eleven total. I am actually feeling like I have more energy even though things have been emotionally draining lately.

Rosebud, thank you for the prayers, we need them. Good news about your knee, too.


bearcub You are have "non scale victories" sounds like to me! It's great that your clothes are fitting better, no dilusion there my friend!! Keep up the good work!

Have a super day al!!

[Iwillbe]

Hi chickies, I wrote a loooong post this morning telling all of you my woes and why I have been absent so long. It didn't post! I had to log in all over again....so I am all out of steam now. Probably a good thing because I am sure none of you need to hear my pity party stuff. Felt better after I vented though, even if you didn't get to read it LOL!

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting some of you yet, so hello and Welcome to this hen party. I think you will enjoy it here.

I am still dealing with my MOm being in the nursing home....hate that place! I know they try to do well by the patients out there, but it is just so dismal to me. I have been trying to find all of her clothes that they keep losing, honest, I could just scream. We finally told them we would do her laundry and bring them back, but that didn't stop the clothes from diappearing in the meantime. They will all make it back sooner or later I suppose. I hope to heavens I never have to go to a nursing home. As a very overweight person, I can see that happening if something were to get wrong with me. Now wouldn't you think that would scare the munchies right out of me?

I am still not doing my program very well...again, but I haven't gained either. Not exactly what I want to do. A lot of stress lately and no motivation. Ok, Terri and Lilion come on and kick my butt into gear.

To everyone else, I hope you are having an easy time of it. As Thin always said, Love Ya bunches Ruth

[cantforgetthis]

Evening everyone,

Just wanted to check in. Spring Break is almost over and it's back to the books, been nice having it off but it just seems to fly by!

Had a wonderful date with a very nice guy that I met through an online group. But get this...he said i'm to SMALL for him! He called me average size and was hoping that I was larger. Apparently that's what he prefers. How ironic. A year ago I would have been perfect. I waited all my life for this kind of man and i'm a year to late. This man is 47, tall 6'4, dark, handsome, good family connections, spiritual, down to earth, funny, part time musician that sings to me, great dancer, CEO of a small company here in the area, never been married, no kids, brings me a floral arrangement and teddy bear that was easily $150, my dinner alone was $75 the bottle of wine with dinner $400. He was very much the gentleman opening doors, seating me, holding my hand, did all the talking when I was to shy to say a word. *sigh* We'll be friends. He offered to be escort if I ever needed one. I told him, he'd probably scare off all the other men! I was so sad all day yesterday.

Well, enough of this...have to get going. Have a good night everyone!

[Terri in MO]

Hi ladies,

Not much happening. It was so windy today that it was just unpleasant to be outside. We've had a lot of rain so its too muddy anyway.

I'm doing pretty good dietwise. I met my goal for 3/31 which was to be down to 261.5. Now I'll concentrate on getting to 258.5 by 4/15. Just going to take this on small increments.

It was a very difficult week at work. Friday was the last day for two of my staff. They have been there for so long. We did a reception on Friday. I really struggled with what to do because I didn't want it to seem that we were celebrating their departure and didn't want to ignore that that they were leaving. I had to say something and it was so hard to thank them for their years of service without crying. Had everyone in tears. I was so furious that my boss, the new CFO, called in and took a vacation day and wasn't there. As the leader of the department, he should have there to acknowledge them. I was pissed off just enough to go above his head to the COO and tell him that I had been patient for six months and was no longer patient. Back in September I was asked to take on 2/3's of a peer's function because he wasn't cutting it. He's an AVP and has an office. I was told that I would be on equal grounds and haven't been. They never did come through with the title or the office. So I let him know on Friday that I wanted equality in those two areas and soon. I'm the one that is going to dumped on and I'm the one who won't get offered a package to leave, so its time to live up to their promises. He just sat there with his mouth hanging open. I was nice enough about it but let it be known that I wanted equal office and equal capacity as an officer of the company. We'll see what happens. To end this on a postive note, I did no stress eating this week. I stayed away from the cake at the reception. I did not eat Snicker's from the vending machines.

Karen - That date sounds wonderful. Too bad he is stuck on size and not the person.

Ruth - It is good to see you posting. I'm sorry that you're having such a rough time with the nursing home. It is so hard on everyone involved. You have to take care of you too. Sure do miss seeing you posting. What we have to remember is that there will always be stress of some sort and we have to learn how to keep up our healthy habits and not fall back on old, destructive habits. That was a gentle,

KarenNJ - on your loss. Its great to see that you're feeling the positive benefits of the loss. You go girl!

Bearcub - Just remember, regardless of that stupid number on a scale, you're having the most important benefits and rewards. Just keep focused on those because its so much more rewarding and less frustrating when the number doesn't do what we want. Keep working at it; you're doing great.

to everyone!

[Bearcub]

Hi
Hope you all have had a good weekend. Mine has been better than expected. At the beginning I was worried about my little cat Pawl . He is 20 years old and has been showing signs of downslide lately- nothing serious like disease - just old age - poor appetite, etc. I've decided to make him as comfortable as possible and just let him sleep himself away at home, unless he shows signs of pain or distress. His appetite was better later in the weekend so I think it will be one of those things where he is up for a day or two and then down. I have 5 cats, two of whom are 20 years old, one 15 years old and 2 that are 4 years old. I don't feed any of them any of the recalled cat food thank God. Even so, i've been taking precautions and watching what they eat.

Ruth - I know what you're going through with your mom in the nursing home. My sister and I had to make that decision for Mom several years ago and it's never easy, even when you know it's the only thing to do. We felt Mom was in a pretty good facility (there are no BEST facilities, I'm convinced), but even so, you have to be alert. Make a checklist of her most important clothing and give a copy to the floor nurse and supervisor and keep a copy for yourself. Sometimes other patients will "raid" other closets just because they don't know any better (especially if they have dementia). If you are able to visit at various times of the day you may be able to see what the routine is and find out what's happening. Don't be hesitant to speak up and ask questions. My sister was a powerful advocate for my mom when she was in the home and it made a difference. Just remember, lots of us have gone through this. It's too bad our society doesn't make provisions to support families better during this time.

Karen - Too bad your date didn't turn out better. He sounds like a nice guy except...I'd be a little concerned about a guy with all those credentials who is 47 and never been married? Hmm. if he's willing to remain 'friends" he might be worth the effort. Maybe he'll wake up and realize what he's missing by being so locked in to some preconceptions. Of course, truth in advertising here ( ) I'm coming up on 60 and never been married so my advice may not be worth much! Good luck!

Take care all. Have a good week.
Bearcub

[Iwillbe]

Hi gang, Just doing a quick fly by this morning. The painters are coming to paint the ceilings so I have to get myself moving. Normally we would do our own painting, but my DH has been having some back problems ever since he picked my Mom up and put her on the talbe to be xrayed. He should have let the staff at the Drs. office do it but Mr. macho man thought he would show his muscle MEN! And don't even tell him he is getting too old to do that. LOL!

Bearcub, The nursing facility my MOm is in is one of the best in this part of our area, but they all have faults don't they? Either my DH or myself go out every day at least once. My DH goes out and feeds her b'fast every day. That way he knows she is eating at least one good meal a day. You probably weren't a member when I first told everyone about my mother. She will be 100 years old on the 22nd of this month. She can't hear diddly and has macular degeneration, so she can't really see. She broke her hip back in Oct. and had hip replacement surgery. That is the reason she is in the nursing home. We just couldn't handle her the way she needed to be 24/7.

Terri, I am trying to get myself straight, thanks for the kick

Sorry guys, got to run now. Take care, Ruth

[Terri in MO]

Hi guys,

Sorry but no time for anything but a flyby. I had a miserable nights sleep so I didn't get up early and exercise. And it means I'm dragging this morning. I need to get out of here earlier than I have been lately.

I'm still happy with where the scale is ths morning. Monday morning and I'm ready to have another great OP week. I see now that I can get this to work and that I wasn't being 100% real to myself or to the plan. That does make a difference.

Got to go. to everyone and catch up with you tonight.

[Bearcub]

Hi,Ruth
You are so lucky to have had your mom for so long. 100 years! That's awesome! I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Have a great week!
Bearcub

[Lilion]

Good Morning Ladies!

I'm here! I'm alive! I'm a terrible poster lately, huh? I've just been so busy and should be working now but had to do a quick post!

Ruth - I'm so glad to see you posting! The place isn't the same without you! I have no words of wisdom, but here's your ! Now come on woman! It's time to get off the pot! I knew your mom was approaching the century mark. Are you having a party for her? I can't imagine being 100 years old.

Terri - Your positive OP post was a delight to read. Maybe those "OP Vibes" : will rub off on me! I can't even imagine having to give a speech to people who are being let go! We have trouble keeping people here. Every time we have a "going away" party I think we should have a party for the people who are staying! This work transition has been really hard on you I know. You've done very well with all that's been going on.

Karen: I'm sorry the date turned out poorly. To not date someone because they are too slim is as bad as not dating them because they are too fat! But I suppose if you liked blonds and didn't find redheads attractive you probably wouldn't date red-heads. Takes all kinds. Still, it sounds like you may have found a good friend.

Bearcub- I'm sorry about your kitty. Sounds like he's had a good, long, well-loved life!

Breathless: on the loss!

Rosebud- I don't need a cook - I need an organizer! Maybe I need that HGTV show about life made simple? I did however hire a drywall contractor to finish the bathroom remodel, so I'll have one less thing to do!

Okay, sorry, that's it for replies, I'm really late!

I got up over an hour late today and didn't get back on the I.M. I did, however, work my large bottom off this weekend helping my friend with her move and doing yard work yesterday! I'm beat and in no small amout of pain! But the yard is mowed, the hostas are thinned and the honeysuckle planted! Now it's work day and I should get to it!

Much love ladies! Hope you all have a wonderful day!