100 lb. Club - Weekly Chit Chat April 30 - May 6

We spend so much time supporting each other with our exercise and our calories and what the scale said, that it's sometimes nice to talk about what else is going on in our lives and get to know each other more. You can talk about weight here too!!

Last weekend Jacob stood up in a wedding. He was the ring bearer...so cute! Here are some pics!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/kahuna23/DSCN3218.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/kahuna23/DSCN3235.jpg

Tomorrow I am taking a few days off and we are going to Indy. We will spend the day at the Children's museum and then go stay at our hotel that has an indoor water park!! Jacob is sooo excited. We weren't able to do anything during spring break, so I wanted to do something!!

It'll be nice to have a few days off work...I really need a break!

How is everyone doing???

Oh my goodness, Sandi, what a cutie he is!! A little heartbreaker! :) And it's great that you're going to have a few days off!

This is a great idea for a thread -- we really should get to know each other better! We spend so much time talking, but we focus on our weight loss struggles and celebrations and don't always get a chance to talk about other things.

As for me, I'm just looking forward to the end of the school year. Busy time. This week, I'm unfortunately dealing with a difficult situation with my brother-in-law and his wife, who are very close friends to me and my husband. Their dog suddenly had an embolism or something this past weekend, and was paralyzed from the middle of his back down. He was in an animal hospital for a few days but didn't respond to medication, so they had to make the very painful decision to have him put to sleep last night. We were with him for a couple of hours last night before they decided. They just couldn't commit to taking care of him in that condition because it would be a full-time job, and they didn't want him to suffer the problems it would cause. It was so tough, though, because from the waist up, he was the same lively, wonderful dog.

They're bringing him to our house tonight to bury him next to our beloved Cody, who was hit by a car a year and a half ago. They were buddies, so we like to imagine they'll be running and playing in Doggie Heaven now. :(

I honestly don't think I can handle getting another dog. Too painful.

Sorry to be depressing! That's just what's on my mind. Usually I'm pretty happy! I promise to come back to this thread with something pleasant!

Jacob is sooo adorable!! You all will have a great time!

Here are a couple of pics of what I love to do in my spare time.....the first one is me dropping into the washout, the 2nd is me climbing the bank on the other side! The guys were there to spot us.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f263/Quadcrew/CIMG7738.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f263/Quadcrew/CIMG7739.jpg

Lisa ~ :hug: putting a beloved furry family member down is one of the most difficult things one ever has to do. Hugs to all of you.

Mrs Quadcrew, that looks like fun. Are you ever afraid of getting hurt?
Lisa - I have three dogs, but my oldest is my baby. He is now 14 years old and is deaf and almost blind and he moves very slowly. He was my first baby, even before my daughters were born and I will be heartbroken when he passes. I can only imagine how difficult it will be. My heart is with you and your family.
Sandi - Jacob is a real cutie! My oldest daughter was a bridesmaid when she was 5 and she still remember's the ring bearers name and remembers dancing with him at the reception...she is now 11. I hope it was as enjoyable an event for your son.

As many of you know, we are attempting to sell our house so we can move to Georgia. This is not the best market right now....the market has really tanked. Last week, we had 5 showings then nothing on Sat and Sun. Last night we had a showing during dinner time...had to go out to eat. This morning we had a showing so hubby and I went to work out. And...we have another showing at dinner time today....all of this eating out is so very very difficult for my weight loss efforts! I am staying on-plan, but the temptation is incredible...and you never know what they've hidden in their recipes. But, all is good as we got an offer today...and our realtor said that this mornings' house hunters are talking about making an offer. So, we may have two offers on the table tomorrow morning! :carrot:

Sandi how fun for your son. I bet you were a proud Mom.

Lisamarie that must of been very heartbreaking. We have a cocker who is 9 and I know when he goes I don't want another dog. It is too hard.

Mrs Quadrew, I think I'm going to get a ATV for my DH birthday. He doesn't like it when I spend that kind of money without consulting him. But too bad he'll get over it.

Rhonda good luck with the house sales. Good for you sticking to your plan even though you are eating out.

Well, we have owned a campground for over 18 yrs. We are probably going to sell and watch our baby grow up. We will be the only parents of a kindergartner that is retired. It will be kind of strange but we have worked hard. We have also enjoyed it alot. My DH isn't getting any younger and he wants to slow down. If you guys would like to see my campground visit
http://www.campingfriend.com/deertrailpark/
I hope I'm allowed to say that. I am not trying to get business. None of you live close enough to come and visit.





I hope I'm

Rhonda - there is always a chance one can get hurt, but I wear my helmet and I am a very careful rider. You can see in that pic the man holding my back rack? He is making sure I drop down into the ravine safely. The other 2 (the one in blue is my DH) are making sure I get out of it ok. Just taking our time and having fun with friends is what it is all about! I've been riding since '02 and I just truely LOVE it. I am on my 5th ATV now!:D We go to W.V. a lot and there are 30 of us going to Utah in August.

We'll keep our fingers crossed a good offer comes on your home soon too.

sharon - what a cool place to work! I am sure you're ready to retire, but for those that have worked in offices or the like their whole lives, you sure have a great job!;) If we were closer, we would come and stay with you all!

Ok, this thread seem like too much fun! :D

Yea, Rhonda on the offer(s)! That's so exciting!
Mrs Q - You look great out there!
Sandi - Cute wedding pics. He looks like he loves to be dressed up!
Lisa - Sorry about your sad situation. My husband is the real animal softie in our family....I'm more pragmatic than he. hahaha We had a kitten swallow my cross-stitching needle a few weeks ago. We spent $1600 on the surgery/hospital stay/medication/etc....I was like "You're SURE you want to spend all that on a barn cat?" There was no question in his mind!

I'm a SAHM mom of 4 so I get busy once evening rolls around. My days are pretty free once the housework is finished. Gotta say I love it! I was a chemist before we got married and I moved down to TN and quit working. My biggest news is that I'm getting ready to go to seminary! Can't wait! I've got a few classes to take prior....but should be enrolling in about a year.

Looking forward to learning the other sides of my 3fc friends!

Hi Ladies,

I thought I would join you all for this. I am teacher in South Korea. Nect year I will be a ed technologist for my school and I am VERY excited about my new job! I have lived here in Seoul for 4 years now and really enjoy living overseas. The thing is this time of year I just want to go home and see my family. I get really homesick for them and miss them. Next school year I am going to try to go home for Xmas so maybe it won't seem so bad. I am also staying a lot longer this summer with my sister. 1 month and 15 days until I hit the US again and I have to tell you I get a little teary eyed when the immigration guy tells me Welcome Home or Welcome to the US.

Rhonda - Good luck with the sale of the house. I keep reading about how tough it is to sell right now. I was thinking about looking this summer for a place of my own but I am not sure if it is a buyers market as well where I am going to look.

Sandi - Your little guy looks really cute! Sometimes I wish I had a child of my own.

Sharon - Was it / Is it fun running a campground? I have never been camping in my entire life....

Mrs. Q - The 4 Wheeling looks like a lot of fun. I think it would be something I would really enjoy.

Thanks for letting me join in!

Looks to be a good thread going on here. It's really fun to hear what others are doing.

Lisa: Sorry about the dog. It is tough to see things like that happen. You get so attached to the little furballs!

Rhonda: let me send my good luck and wishes to you on selling the house. I'm sure you'll be glad when you get all of that done!

Mrs Q: Looks like a good time for you! Can't say that I'd want to get an ATV for me because I have horses and would rather ride through the forests, but you look like you have great adventures! And you don't have to feed your ATV every day!! ha!

Sandi: What a handsome boy you have!

Sharon: Wisconsin looks beautiful. I'm sure that you'll enjoy moving away from the hectic schedule of running a campground. You can move on to the hectic schedule of raising your child! ha!

Darlene: You have a very important job and I have always admired educators. Unfortunately, you can't just run back to the US for the weekend!!

Tricia: Good luck with seminary. What an opportunity for you!


As for me, I work full time outside the home. But, what keeps me really busy are my two kids who are very much involved in sports and everything else! That's been a lot of fun being at these events. I even took a class so that I could volunteer as a referee for volleyball. And I do the scorekeeping for baseball. That way, I keep my mouth shut and let the coaches do the coaching!! We have horses and live out in the country. Love to fish, hunt, and camp.

As a new visitor to this site, I am really enjoying reading this thread to get to know everyone. A little about me...I am married with one wonderful daughter, Olivia, who will turn 5 next month (her picture is my avatar). I work part time as a school psychologist and work primarily with kids in grades 7-12 (believe it or not, middle schoolers are my favorite!). In my free time, I love spending time with my family, reading, knitting and going to the pool. Summers are usually spent between the Outer Banks, NC and the NJ shore - anywhere there is a beach!

My husband and I are coming up on our ninth wedding anniversary, and I would like to do something really special for him. We are definitely on a tight budget right now, but I am searching for something to let him know how much I appreciate him. Any suggestions?

LWM, I'll have to think more about suggestions for something for your husband. It always takes me ages to think of good gifts. Is there something that's special to just the two of you -- the place where you met, or something like that? I always wanted to take my husband back to the place we met and do something there, but they turned it into a discount clothing store the last I heard. :p

Sharon, I'm jealous that you get to run a campground -- sounds lovely! I've never actually been camping, but I really want to and will eventually get around to it, I hope.

Dolly, I bet it's tough being overseas and missing family. I remember when I got sick on a trip to Italy and it felt so weird to be that far from my mom, even though I'm an adult who doesn't live near her anyway! Something about being SO far away just made me feel helpless, but that was because I'd never been overseas before, I guess. It's very cool that you've had this experience, though. I've always thought it would be nice to live overseas for a while but my husband would never agree to it!

Thanks for all the nice comments about the doggie. We'll bury him tonight but I'm not home yet (at the gym waiting on my husband and wishing I didn't have this tendonitis thing going on). They're bringing over pizza and red wine tonight (not so great for the diet) so we can toast our doggies.

I realized I didn't really say much about myself in the other post, so in case you don't know...I'm a 35 year old high school English teacher, and I live in Virginia. I've been married for nearly 14 years to a wonderful man who teaches math at the same school where I teach. We did boring, icky corporate things for years, and we in recent years we decided on a career change. Despite its stresses and disappointments, I do love teaching. I'm worried about the state of public education, goodness knows, but I still love it. In my free time (which is lacking during the school year), I read, play the piano, watch lots of movies, and post on this message board (I often do that when I should be grading or planning...)

Sandi - How adorable!! Whenever I see your avatar I marvel over how cute your son is. Definitely a heartbreaker!

Lisa - I'm so sorry about your in-law's dog. My pets are definitely my children...I know how devastating it is to lose them. I like your image of Cody and your BIL's dog running together in dog heaven. :hug:

MrsQuadcrew - Awesome ATV's!! Looks like tons of fun!

Rhonda - Congrats on getting an offer!! Hope everything goes through without a hitch!

Tricia - Wow that's cool about you going to seminary! What a big decision. Congrats!

DollyR - I can understand homesickness - although I've never been as far from home as you or for as long! I can imagine how much you're looking forward to getting home! There ain't no place like it. :D

Slashnl - Cool about the horses!! My reward for weight loss is to start riding. I am going to be taking some adult classes (I rode a bit when I was younger, but only a bit). I am SO looking forward to it!

LWM - Welcome to 3FC! Congrats on your anniversary!! Sorry, I'm really bad at that kind of thing (figuring out what to do). Hope someone else with more imagination can chime in! :)

As for me, I work a full time job in consumer financing as well as a part time job helping out at a hot tub store. Keeps me busy! I've been married 5 years to my fabulous DH. We are getting excited about an upcoming trip to Boston at the end of May - a little worried about staying OP but I'm sure it'll work out!

I always wanted to take my husband back to the place we met and do something there, but they turned it into a discount clothing store the last I heard. :p

Despite its stresses and disappointments, I do love teaching. I'm worried about the state of public education, goodness knows, but I still love it. In my free time (which is lacking during the school year), I read, play the piano, watch lots of movies, and post on this message board (I often do that when I should be grading or planning...)


I agree that a hot date at a discout clothing store is not a very romantic anniversary destination....hilarious!! It's always nice to hear someone say "I love teaching" - especially this time of year! I taught for years before my daughter was born, and I miss it every day. I am lucky to be able to still be in touch with the kids in my new position. As for state of public education, I agree that we have a long way to go. Maybe things will look up after November 2008...

Lisa and LVM....I'm so glad to know when people share my love of and concern for public education! We live in a neighborhood where most kids attend the local "academy" but I just canNOT do that. I wholeheartedly support our education system and the best way to do that is to be INVOLVED! Thanks to you both. And Lisa, a special thanks to you for your career change to serve in the schools. KUDOS lady!

Sandi ~ You're son is just too cute!

Lisa ~ Sorry about your doggie and your in-law's doggie. I have a new puppy and I can't imagine. And I applaud teacher's like you. :)

Mrs. Q ~ Looks like you had a blast!

Rhonda ~ Hang in there! I know you don't want to hear this, but it took my coworker 6 months to sell her house. Yeah, she danced for days after she closed!

LWM ~ Sorry I don't have any suggestions. I'm horrible with romance. I'm interested to see what is going to be said.

As for me, I work for a global chemical company as an IT analyst. I've been at it for a year, coming from a background in finance, so it has been interesting. I recently found out that I may have to go to Europe this summer, so I'm a little torn. I don't really like to fly, but I would love to see another country. I'll just have to suck it up and get on the plane.

Oh, and here's a pic of our new puppy, Tango. He's 5 months old. :)

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8114/img1661kw1.jpg

Hello! I too am new to this-just found it last week and am trying to figure everything out. Reading your notes to each other warms my heart. I can tell that you all truely care for one another.
I am a 3rd grade teacher who's battled my whole life with my weight-since 8 or 9. I have also been married for nearly 10 years. May 25 will be 10! We have 3 beautiful daughters, ages 7 and twins that are 3 1/2. We have a chocolate lab- daddy's only other male in the house. :)
I'm looking forward to joining this thread and getting to know y'all a bit better.
Charise

I recently found out that I may have to go to Europe this summer, so I'm a little torn. I don't really like to fly, but I would love to see another country. I'll just have to suck it up and get on the plane.


Oh, I envy you! Jump on that plane and enjoy Europe, girl! I'm lucky in that I've never really minded flying, so if I EVER get a chance to go back to Europe I won't hesitate. We're trying to plan a trip to Italy for next summer, but money is scarce! You'll have such a good time, though, and you'll regret it if you don't go. My mom was always afraid of flying, and she said she had a chance to go to China when she was young but didn't go and she has always regretted it. Where in Europe will you be going? Seriously, if I had the money all I would do is travel constantly. I love the idea of seeing as much of the world as I can while I'm on the planet! As a teacher, I have summers off to travel but I don't make enough money to do it! :lol:

And welcome, Charise! It's good to have you here!
:)

OMG Tiffany, i am in love with your dog!!!!!!!! AAAW!!!

LisaMarie - One thing is for sure if you are a teacher for the US military you make good money and get to travel quite often....something to think about in a year if you are the adventurous type. I know I taught in SC for 11 years and am STILL paying off all the debt I had from robbing Peter to pay Paul. We don't get paid enough for what we do.

I found out that the doctor wants to put me on BP meds so I created a new thread on the main board for help, answers and suggestions. I hope I can get it down but he scared me when he said I would be dea in ten years if I let it go.

I hope all is well with the rest of you ladies this week so far...it is half way over!

:welcome2: Charise!

I love teachers! I've often thought about becoming one. I might still do that one day. Darlene....DOD teachers have a very special place in my heart. My Dad was career Air Force and I went to DOD schools up until 9th grade.

Tiffany....Tango looks so cute! I just want to scoop him up and snuggle.
I also wanted to tell you...I'm afraid of flying...specifically the take off. But, I hang on and pray. The chance to see other countries is so awesome...you really don't want to miss out on this chance. Go for it!

Charise ~ Welcome!

Lisa and Rhonda ~ Thanks for the encouragement. I don't know where in Europe yet. We have offices in almost every country there. The main location is Paris so I'm crossing my fingers. I would love to see Paris. The flying would be worth it. ;)

Darlene ~ I'm sorry about your diagnosis. Hopefully the ladies can offer you some advice. :hug:

Welcome Charise! You'll love it here.

Darlene, sorry to hear about your BP. I hope you can get it all under control. That is just no fun at all.

I'm feeling really down today. I hurt my back over the weekend and it has kept me from doing much at all for the past few days. The trouble is that I feel like I'm going backwards and losing ground. I was doing really great and now I feel like I'm slipping. I know I can get back in it, but I was feeling so good with all my exercise and everything going so well and now I feel icky. Sorry for the downer post. I'll be bouncing back soon.... I hope!

Neat thread! I enjoy getting to know others as well. Every post has been very interesting and enjoyable to read. Thanks for contributing your personal info here. Makes it have an even more personal touch.

As for me, I'm a medical transcriptionist who works at home. I absolutely love it - the challenge and the chance to be at home. I also home school my 2 boys (ages 14 and 12) and so the MT job really makes it possible for me to do have the invaluable opportunity to teach my kids at home - a little safer and I know they are getting taught according to our principles and standards. We have 2 poodles, a toy and a mini. They are both so cute, but I find it amazing how they have such detectible attitudes! LOL! When I do something they don't like or approve of, their eyes and their expressions along with the half-turned head tell it all! LOL!! We really enjoy them. My husband (the BEST on the planet - sorry ladies, but it's true! ;) ) is my very best friend, and we love to get away by ourselves. We have enjoyed things such as Eureka Springs, AR, Branson, MO, cabins in the pines, etc. We have also just gone off to a nice quiet, romantic restaurant and enjoyed the quiet away from the kids and dogs and absorbed every minute of having each other all to ourselves again. We are currently planning a log house that DH will build. We want to find the "just right" spot for it (waterfalls, creek, trees, etc). It will be even more special because DH is truly my best friend; how many people get a house built by such a special person? ;)

Thanks for letting me share a little about us. I look forward to reading more about my 3FC friends!! :hug:

Ritzy, I love reading that you and your husband are best friends -- I feel that way about my husband too. And I'm sorry to tell you...MY husband is the best one in the world! ;)

I've always been a little interested in the medical transcription thing because I love the idea of working from home. I do love teaching but sometimes I think the stress is too much for me to do it until retirement. I want to write as well, and I feel like if I worked from home I could rearrange my schedule so I had time to do it. With teaching, you do get summers off and you get out at 3:15, but you do so much work outside of school that your hours end up being longer than in many other jobs (and I know, because I did other stuff for years and years...) Anyway, I've never really known how to get started in something like medical transcription. Any advice, in case I decide to do it someday down the road?

Ritzy, I love reading that you and your husband are best friends -- I feel that way about my husband too. And I'm sorry to tell you...MY husband is the best one in the world! ;)

This could become contentious now, couldn't it? :lol: I would love it if EVERY woman could feel this way. I know it isn't possible because I have met some first-class bimbos who wore the title "husband." :lol: But, for those of us who can call our DH "friend" or "the best" we are TRULY blessed. ;)

Anyway, I've never really known how to get started in something like medical transcription. Any advice, in case I decide to do it someday down the road?

All I did was go to my local tech school and take their course. Medical terminology comes first and then medical transcription (two separate classes). I was out in 5 months and had a job with a local prominent cardiology clinic before I was even done with the classes! I really enjoyed the classes (which I took at night while working full time at a school). I do understand the issue of working at a school (as I have done it myself) and getting the summer off and getting off at 3:15. However, being an MT, I set my own schedule (at least this is what my company allows), and when I need to lie down to rest, change over the laundry, put supper in the crockpot, take the dogs out, etc. I can do it all. This is something that cannot be done when working a public job. My husband has a very good job; but at this point I make more than he does, all the while working in my GOWN! :rofl: I encourage ladies to try it. It has been a godsend for me and my family. Now, I have 2 friends who tried it and either were bored to tears because they don't enjoy typing or they just didn't "get it." But, I say - try it. You can't go wrong for giving it a try. You just might find it is a perfect fit for you just as I have (along with the thousand others who have as well). Keep me posted! I would love to know if you pursue it and if you do or don't like it. :)

Well ladies, I guess we are really going to sell the campground. We are going to finance part of it and he will do the rest. He said what is the worst that can happen. I said I'll get it back and I'll be running it again. I truthfully wouldn't mind that. My DH would not be too thrilled. Even though it has been a great way to raise our oldest and I would love for our youngest to grow up the same way. My husband is getting tired of the people constantly. He is a people person only in the sense he likes to talk to them. He does not try to please them if they have a problem. He always tells everyone to go to the store and talk to me. It is quiet around here right now. We only have about 10 campers. When the summer gets going we will have hundreds. We still will probably be here till the middle of July because we need to teach the new owner lots of stuff. It will be an interesting summer.
All you ladies have a terrific Wednesday. It is my WI day at TOPS. I'm sure I'll be in ONEderland. I can't wait.

Heh, I should apologize, I got so excited by the picture of Tiffany's cute dog on the second page that I didn't go back and read everyone's updates! Shame on me.. oh well, I'll chalk it up to it being late last night.

Sandi, Jacob is just too cute! An indoor pool? He MUST Be excited: :lol: Gosh, it seems like yesterday that that was such a big deal. I cant believe how much he's grown up! Look at him in that little tux... aaaaaaaaaw.

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about the doggy. Losing a pet is such a hard thing- they really ARE in our families..but your BIL and his wife did the right thing. It's so tempting to think about things in our terms, we're not ready to let go, etc... but they did the best thing for him. That's so sweet that you're burying him with Cody! Feel better. :hug: Sometimes you just can't be all sunshine and light, especially when something like this is weighing on you, so no apologizing! :)


Mrs. Quad, call me a wimp but that looks scary as ****! :lol: Looks like fun though, what a cool hobby!


Rhonda, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and hubby! Let us know how it goes! Two offers... heck, I know absolutely nothing about real estate, but that sounds like a VERY good thing! :) Must be a real weight off your shoulders!

Sharon, do you live on the campground too? I love the pictures! I've never been to WI but it looks really pretty. You must have a lot of interesting stories to tell! Nothing wrong with retiring "early," it's your decision and your life.. that must be a ton of work running a place like that.

Tricia, wow, you were a chemist? I'm from a family of scientists and that gene sure skipped right over me. Good luck with the seminary, that's really great!

LVM/Lisa, I understand what you mean about public school.. it hasn't been too long since I've been in one (graduated 5 years ago but it feels like a lifetime). Next year I'm going to graduate school and I'm thinking about concentrating on education policy (i'm going for a public policy/administration degree). Kudos to both of you for sticking with it! I know there's a lot of public school employee angst around these days, but there are always a handful of faculty/staff who make the whole experience worthwhile. And LVM, your daughter is a cutie!

Tiffany, I already commented on your dog but I also wanted to say to take that opportunity to go to Europe if you can! If I ever get on a plane again I'm going to need some serious drugs, but I think it's worth it. :lol: Do you know where in Europe yet?

Dolly, I hope everything with the new meds is going okay! I'm crossing my fingers for your health! I'm sure plenty of people can give you good advice.

Ritzy, thanks for your intro! I remember looking at your posts once to see if it had anything about your background but I couldn't find much.. heh, guess I'm nosy! Well anyway, thanks for sharing!

Good luck with your weigh-in, sharon, and report back on your results! :)

Ritzy, I really may look into that medical transcription thing. If I weren't doing a writing program this summer, I could possibly take the classes while I'm off work for the summer or something. I don't know of a delicate way to ask what the salary range is, but I would like to know if it would be workable. Could you give me a ballpark range for what the salaries for that kind of work would be, or am I horribly rude for asking?

This is a cool post - getting to know everyone a little better! I guess I didn't go into a lot of detail about our family. I've been married to my grade school sweetheart for going on 31 years now. We have 3 daughters (31,26, 18) We have one Grandson We raised English Bulldogs for years, but now have Hope the rescued Pitbull mix (who is wonderful), and a cat (Sig) who thinks he is a bulldog. I also teach cake decorating and have a home day care here. We love to travel - not over seas yet though. (unless you count the Dry Tortugas as over seas!;) )

I think this is really great, too!

Speaking of pets...we have 3 cats. Kasey (named for Kasey Kellar of the USA National soccer team) is a 3 yr old male. Alley and Patches are 1 yr old females that my husband's boss rescued from his barn last summer. Patches is a bobtail and we all get a kick out of that!

Dana - I was fortunate to be a chemist in the biodiesel-alternafuel industry and I loved it! However, I also love being a mom at home! Who knew!?

I keep myself very busy around here. I'm online quite a bit (I'm sure you all have noticed), I read tons, keep house, scrapbook, cook (I LOVE to cook...LOVE it!), cross-stitch, and volunteering at the kids' schools and locally at a soup kitchen and a donation shop. We're also very active in our church and in a local mission/retreat program called "The Great Banquet".

I am getting ready to start a new hobby...running! I am going to finish May on the elliptical - 40 minutes a day - and then beginning June 1 I'm going to take it on the road! hahaha I told my son and step daughter (who both run track) that I'd like to run with them this summer and maybe together we could train for some 5K or 10K races. I'm really excited about that!

I am enjoying this thread. I like getting to know each of you and it is really a lot of fun reading all the stories.
I was thinkng over the BP stuff and I going to switch to decaf coffee again. I was off of it around Dec. but have gotten back on the wagon again because I was not sleeping with the back pain I was experiencing. I needed something to pick me up before I saw my middle schoolers each day.

Tricia - The running program sounds like a great idea and I know I would be right there with you if I could run. ( I have an old achilles injury.) I enjoy walking outside. Several of my friends are runners and they swear by it. They say it makes them feel great!

Sharon - The idea of owning a campgroud really intrigues me. I feel like I need to try the camping thing sometime because I have never tried it as I think I have told you earlier.

Mrs. Q - I love bulldogs. I would love to have one but I think apartment life is nust not fair to dog like that. They are so cute but I think they need a yard.

:hug: To All - :hug: Thanks for the responses on the BP. I am going to talk to my home physician this summer and see what he thinks in regard to it. Maybe I should be on meds and then wean myself off of them?

Have a great evening all! It is 6 AM here and I am about to get ready for the day!

Ritzy - Hubby and I both work from home for our company. Some people wonder how we can spend pretty much 24 hours a day together, and not kill each other. We just get along so well...he is truly my best friend. We work for a "major healthcare administrator." I welcomed the opportunity to work from home while the kids were young as I do have flexible hours. I have to work 40 hours a week, but I'm always here if the kids get sick or I need to schedule appointments. Also, Hubby and I break for lunch and go to the 'Y' to work out. My DDs arent home schooled....I really admire you for doing that....I don't think I could. All they want to do is argue...:crazy: Personally, now that the kids are older, working from home is just not for me. I miss interaction with people. I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up :) but I will be looking into my options.

Mrs. Quadcrew - Hubby and I want to travel more. I'd love to take him to Germany on a castle tour. Maybe I will surprise him one day. One good thing about Georgia is that they have the Hope Scholarship program that can pay for college for my girls. Then, Mommy and Daddy can use the college fund for some fun! :D

Sharon - My family loves to camp...and your camp looks beautiful! We do the whole tent/campfire thing. I'm sorry that your hubby has had enough...it sounds like you really don't want to sell.

Tricia - Have you ever been a runner? You will love it! I used to run...about 20 years ago...and I miss it. Sometimes, I literally have dreams that I'm running! That was one of my resolutions for this year...to run 5 miles again. I just want to take off a little bit more weight because I'm concerned about my knees. I strained one of my knees and this is what made me stop running...and I never started up again.

Don't get me started on running!! I love it so much. I recommend it to everyone. You've all probably seen me talk about it on other threads. I never in a million years thought I would be a runner, but I'm completely addicted now. I haven't been able to run since Saturday because of tendonitis in my foot, and it's driving me insane!!

Since this is just a non-topic "chit chat" thread I'm going to go on with this running thing for a bit. I have a couple of questions and I know there are some of you with JUST the answers! :)

First - I've heard of that couch potato 5k thingy but can't remember the website. Anyone?

Second - Once I hit the 50 pound mark I'm going to treat myself with a pair of NICE running shoes. I've had friends mention several brands that I've never heard of before. They said for serious running Nike and Reebok just won't cut it for everyone. Any thoughts, comments, suggestions, endorsements?

Third - How do you go about finding races to enter. Also, are the people friendly to novices or do they feel like you're in the way of their seriousness?

Rhonda - I ran track in high school but hated it. I think, though, that the reason I hated it was because of my reasoning for doing it in the first place. See, I had been in choir and so I had a "letter" for that. However, I didn't want to be the "nerd" wearing a choir letter around...so I joined the track team so I could letter in that as well. Ridiculous, huh? Anyway, I'm pretty slow so I never won anything and that wasn't so great for my competitve nature. I was a consistent 3rd-4th placer. All that to say, yes, I've run...but no, it wasn't the best experience for me. That's why it is so wierd that I'm so excited about it now!

Thanks! :hug:

Here are my answers to your questions, Tricia, but you can also learn a lot from the folks in the "Cool Runners" thread in the Exercise forum. Some very inspiring runners there.

1. The C25K program is on www.coolrunning.com. I did my own version of that and it worked wonders.

2. I started with Brooks running shoes, which my husband swears by as well. They were wonderful for my first months as a runner (and I used them for walking before I switched to mostly running). I chose the Brooks Addiction shoes. Unfortunately, I bought a second pair of the exact same shoe and they're giving me problems. Maybe it's because my body has changed, I'm not sure, but I think they're part of the reason I now have this painful tendonitis. Eek! The important thing is to try to go to a store that specializes in running. They can watch you walk or run and fit you with something that works for YOUR feet.

3. I was lucky with finding races because my husband is already an avid runner and running coach so he knows about the local stuff anyway and I'd been cheering him on for years. We have a website that lists major local races, and I'd bet your town or city might have one as well. Do you know any local runners who could point you in the right direction? As for people being friendly, I've found that runners are the friendliest people in the world! They really do cheer you on no matter WHAT level you are, and they welcome you with open arms. The only time you might get on their nerves is if you mess up and start in a faster wave in a race and end up walking in front of them when they're trying to beat their PR! Even I got a bit annoyed by people walking in large groups when I couldn't get around them. :lol: Really, though, in my experience so far, every runner I've met has been EXTREMELY supportive of me as a beginner.

It's so addictive and really exciting -- I know you'll love it. I've only run one 10k and one 5k so far (I have another next weekend) and I'll be training for a half marathon soon. I hope we can compare notes soon after you've started running!!

I can't wait to start running! I've started jogging for a minute a couple of times during my walks, and it really does get your heartrate up. I'm going to try that C25K program soon. Like Rhonda, I'm concerned about my knees too, so I definitely want to drop some pounds first.

There is a big race in Philadelphia each year called the Broad Street Run, every May. It's 10 miles. Do you think I could aim for that next year? That would be awesome!

Lisa ~ I hope you get back up and running soon!

A friend of mine at work has been trying to get me to add jogging to my own program. He thinks that it makes a world of difference for him. Sounds good, but then I look at him with his much younger, much more fit, male body. The last time I tried running at all, I had stuff bouncing and shaking all over the place (TMI, I know). I'm going to try it again soon, but would like to see a few pounds come off first.

Hi Lisa,

Some questions for you....may I ask, how much did you weigh when you started running? Were you working out for a while before you started? Did you do any strength training on your thighs...I know that strong quads and hammies can protect the knees? Hubby and I were doing our walks on the treadmill yesterday when ....all of a sudden..he breaks into a run!...runs for about three minutes then walks....then he does it all again! He's never done that before. I'm so jealous! I want to do that too! And...one other question for you....did your weight start dropping faster when you started running? Thanks for indulging me with all of the questions!

Okay...everyone else not interested in the running talk....how are things in your world today?

Ok, all this talk of running. Here is a stupid question....do you have to lose the 'stomach' before you run? I cannot imagine how bad that would feel (and sound) bouncing up and down. Sorry to be disgusting, but I had tried to run and quit about 5 steps into it.

The thread is great fun. I am still struggling to learn eveyone and this will help. The pictures make it interesting and I'm gonna try that soon!

Lisa ~ I understand the heartbreak of losing an animal also. My son's dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer last week. He's been given 3-6 months. This will be the 2nd lab he's lost in the past 4 years. The whole family's heartbroken, but we are spoiling Lucky as much as we can!

I've loved reading about everyone thats running! I walked last spring at least 5 miles a day. It took me over an hour! A lot of time and effort for very little return. I would watch the runners, especially as they would lap me and be done before I was halfway. As I strenghten my legs, I'd love to start running. My sister ran a 5k lastfall, and as her baby sister I feel it is my duty to copy her!

I am a single mom. Been on my own for about 5 1/2 years. Not dating anyone, haven't met one that I want to spend time with. I have a son, 13 and a daughter, 9. My best friend moved to Colorado in January and I miss her terrribly. I work 40 hours a week, mostly sitting behind a desk. I am a Girl Scout leader and a member of my son's Boy Scout troop. He wants to earn his Eagle, and I am committed to helping him. I cross stitch or read when I have time. Lately I have been spending a lot of time online. :D

Rhonda, I started incorporating very short jogging intervals into my walks back in September, and I weighed about 250 at the time. My knees did hurt a little at first because of the excess weight, but I iced them and I had been doing some squats and stuff that helped to strengthen my legs. I mostly just did the jogging once or twice a week at first, though, so it didn't put much pressure on my legs. I started very slowly, but when I got to running 5 minutes at a time it seemed like I progressed quickly after that.

I did start dropping weight more quickly when I started running more, but for the most part it has been consistent. One to two pounds a week most weeks throughout the whole process, regardless of how much I run or don't run, based mostly on my eating. Running really does blast calories, but it also increases your appetite a bit, I think, when you start to build up your weekly mileage. It balances out, though, and I think it's very difficult to be an avid runner and be fat, so I think it's a great plan for maintenance. I figure if I get addicted to running now (and I have), then when I'm at my goal weight I'll always have that to keep me fit, even when I struggle with the eating at times.

Greeneyz, I did have quite a large stomach when I started but it didn't really flop about or anything. I guess I wore tight enough pants to hold it in? I'm not sure. I certainly do have to wear two bras when I run, however -- a sports bra over a regular one.

Nicki, I'm so sorry about your son's doggie. :( It's good to hear that you're enjoying the time you have with the dog, though.

So how is everyone's day going? My day is going so slow. I wish it were 5:00 and time to go home. :(

So how is everyone's day going? My day is going so slow. I wish it were 5:00 and time to go home. :(

Going fine, except that I'm very sleepy! I start work at 2 a.m. and then home school afterwards, but today I had errands to run after I got off at 10 a.m. and now I'm feeling the sleepiness!! :)

Hope your day goes by a little faster for ya. ;)

Wow, 2 AM? I can't imagine. I'd be like :tantrum: all day. :lol:

I tried to get back to walking today after doing whatever I did to my back, but I just about died after less than 1/4 of a mile. So, I'm heading to the doctor tomorrow. I think I might have aggravated an old horse riding injury. I am very unhappy right now. I felt like I was making so much progress, feeling more fit, losing weight, and generally feeling so good. I know it isn't the end of the world, but I feel like I'm going to have to go back through all of the work again to get to where I can walk without being so breathless. I was getting so strong and now am starting to feel weak again....

Oh and then I got TOM after skipping it last month. Am thinking that my hormones are all wacky now because I am extremely emotional. Don't look at me wrong, I might cry. Or scream. Or hit someone... hard!!!!

Gee, I hope everyone else has happy time going on, because it is nonexistent where I am.

Oh Diane...hang in there, Hon. I know you're discouraged, but don't give up. This is a lifestyle now...remember? And, life will bring these kinds of things. It doesnt mean your journey is over. Keep eating on-plan and you should be just fine. I stopped working out for 5 weeks. It only took a about a week to get back to my previous stamina. You probably will have the same outcome.

Stamina!!! That's the word I was trying to use!!
Thanks for the kind words Rhonda.

Since I have been such a ray of sunshine lately with my back pain, I thought I'd get back in the groove and let you all know that I might live through this! ha! I went to the doctor today and I strained/pulled a ligament in my pelvis. My pelvis?! Anyway, it can happen and that's what I did. I need to take it a little easy, but can do other things, so I'm feeling much better. I was so afraid that I aggravated an old injury that I had from being launched off my horse to flat on my back on the ground. It took awhile to bounce back from that, so I was really discouraged. I'm feeling much more positive now and will be getting back on plan now. The pouting is over for now.... well, pretty much anyway.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Slash, I'm glad you found out everything from the doctor. I tried to make an appointment to see about my foot but I couldn't get in today. I'm going Monday, but unfortunately I'm seeing my old doctor, who spends about 30 seconds with you and barely looks at you. I want to see the nice, attractive, young doctor I saw last time I went there, but he's off Monday. :( He probably has lots of patients switching to him because he's cute and nice. Last time I saw him, he spent AGES talking to me. What doctor does that? He even followed me out into the checkout area and kept talking. I kind of wanted to take him home, but I guess my husband wouldn't like it. :lol:

Anyway, this injury is horribly painful, but I'm hoping it's something I can recover from quickly. I REALLY miss running.

Yay Diane! You'll be back in no time.

Lisa, I'm sorry you are going through this. You'll be back soon too. Good luck with your visit on Monday.

So sorry to hear about that, Lisa. I just think that injuries are the worst. We try so hard to stay on plan with our exercising, we don't need anything that stands in the way of that. Hopefully Monday will give you what you need to get better.

Hi Diane - I too have been suffering from back pain since about December. It hurts to sit after I have been sleeping at night it tightens up. So when I first get up in the morning it is pretty painful but I have been seeing the doctor pretty regularly and he has been doing prolotherapy which seems to help. I am trying to get back to the gym but my energy is very low lately and I am not sure why.

What I am trying to say to you is I know how you feel. I hope you feel better there is nothing worse than chronic pain. :hug:

Just got back from seeing the spring play at the high school where I teach. God, I love those kids. Of course, when Monday rolls around and I'm desperately trying to get them to listen to me, I'll be singing a different tune. The ups and downs of teaching are just crazy. One minute I love the kids so much I can't stand it...the next I want to kill them. More often, I want to kill their parents!

Anyway, they did a really great job and I was soooo proud, so it was a nice evening. Headed to a wine festival tomorrow, which should be fun. :)

What's everyone else doing this weekend?