LA Weight Loss - Friends and Losers thread April 14th-20th

Heres to a great week everybody! Keep up the good work!

Is this thread just for people to keep caught up and encourage? I am so thrilled to found you all as this board is SUPER motivational. I have a weigh in tonight and have been POP as you say. Have a great Monday.. a start to a new week! Oh and Kim.. I took a peek at your pics.. you must feel like a new person! WOW!
*hugs*

Hey there Kim and everyone else. I am back and am recommiting myself. I weighed myself this morning and was 179.8. So I am here to ask for your help. So I need a little bit of will power dust from my fellow dieters. I have really lost the will on this thing. Dan noticed it and now I am noticing it. Now that my mom is back home, the junk food won't be coming in the house anymore and eating lunch out will now be cut back. So I am going to give this another go and hopefully see some success.

Thanks all
Liz

Good morning Ladies and Dan,

Hi Kim and Liz- good to see you.

4princesses- Welcome. What's your name? Yes, to your question, this thread is for general chatter, venting and encouragement.

Long time no "see" huh? I guess it's been about 3 months since I've been on here. Life has been one whirlwind after another since Christmas.

I went into the center and joined the 6 week challenge. I was doing really good on getting over 10,000 steps in every day until I jumped out of the back of the truck on Saturday and twisted my knee really bad, so I am kind of hobbling along right now.

I have been just maintaining since Jan., but vacation is 2 months away, so I am going to buckle down and get myself ready for that. I have 8 weeks of weight loss left at the center, so that will be just enough time to get it done. Then I am going on maintenance no matter where I am at.

Lot's of newbies I see, welcome to all of you, this is a wonderful place to be. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Have a great day everybody!

Hey Deb!!! Great to see you!

Hey!

Does anyone know what a Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich counts as?

THANKS!
Kelly

Hi Katie!! I read about your dog, I'm sorry. The new puppy is just precious!

Morning everyone

Ugh i'm up this morning. I need to go change my ticker. I'm up .8lbs which isnt bad but its being up so thats no good. I'm hoping i'm just retaining some water from an unexpected salty dinner on saturday night & my very late dinner lastnight. We got invited to a friends house and we werent planning on going but went & it was loads of salt i'm sure. My munchkin got his 1st tooth lastnight and yesterday in the evening he was very fussy so i napped with him and didnt get up until after 9pm and had my dinner then. Not smart but i was starving.

Liz - :dust: I'm with you, i've been slacking a little and really need to get serious again before i really fall off. Hope to see you around more.

Deb - Welcome back, we miss you around here.

4princesses - Welcome!!

Hope everyone has a good day, i'm off to change my ticker :(.

Kelly - I would think maybe they would be 2 starches. On the colored plans ice cream is a starch and the wafers I would think would be another starch. I could be wrong on this (wouldn't be the first time) but thta is how I've been counting them.

:welcome:Princess-Nice to meet you and thank you for the compliment. I haven’t felt this good in probably 20 years. Somebody told my hubby he got a new wife I said nope actually he just got the one he started with! LOL Good luck on your weight loss journey and just yell if you have any questions or just need some encouragement!

Liz-I’ve been where you are. I haven’t been to weigh in 3 weeks, just told them I was tired of it. I’ve been on maintenance for 6 months now and I’m tired of weighing, tired of worrying about the scale etc. I’m going to WI this week if it kills me! I paid extra for a year of maintenance and I’m sticking with it dangit! LOL so heres you some:dust: , you can do this!!

DEB!!! Wow you’ve been missed, welcome back chickie! Sorry about your hurt knee, that stinks! Hope you’re all better soon!:getwell:

Debbie-I can eat something salty and weigh 5 pounds more the next day, guzzling water always helps me!

:wave:Hiya Katie and Kelly!!!!

I had a little tummy bug yesterday so food definitely isnt a problem for me today! :barf:

My Name is Elizabeth, I have yet to figure out how to post a signature. I am LOVING this LAWL Diet. down to 168 today! YIPPIE! And I have not felt this good in years!

Elizabeth- You cant have a weight tracker until you've been a member for 30 days and have 30 posts so keep posting and hang in there! LOL

Hello everyone.
Wanted to wish you all a really good week! Kim, I looked at the picture link too, your new tummy looks fabulous!!!!! If my tummy looked like that I'd be stuck in front of the mirror for days. ha ha.

hello everyone :) Deb......so good to see you!!! I hope you are all having a good day :)
XOXO

Afternoon ladies!!!

Been busy doing little things today.. "clear the desk" kind of stuff.. Too bad my desk is still cluttered...

Welcome Elizabeth!! Congrats on the loss so far!! Don't hesitate to share concerns or pass along advice...

Liz.. Welcome back.. Even though I see you every day. :lol:

Wish me luck.. I have my "pack test" today.. Three miles with a 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes or less... I have new shoes, my MP3 player and the will to beat last year's time...

Have a great day all!!!

Hi stopping by real quick to say hi! I actually had a wonderful WI on sat! Does anyone ever feel like when you have a good WI you tend to go off plan like to celebrate? It seems ridiculous! But I seem to do that. Frustrating. So we will see tomorrow if kept it off? Hopefully! I am out of the 170's and it feels great! I hope you all have a great POP day!

Oh, I got distracted during my other post (shocking, I know.....)....welcome back, Liz!!! :)
XOXO

Good luck Dan! That sounds tough!

Dan...........did you just change your avatar? I think you are nuts by the way........the pack test sounds like a nightmare :lol:. Good for though!

GL Dan!!! I wish i was able to do things like that to get some exercise in. Does sound hard to to be carrying 45lbs. Hope you beat last years time.

Thanks all..

Debbie.. 45lbs DOES sound like a lot, but think about it.. I've dropped 110 lbs... That's more than two packs worth of weight.. So all things considered it would be like walking 3 miles with two packs on my shoulders.. I like to think about it that way.. At least mentally, it makes it easier..

Nicole.. No.. I've had my "no salt" AV on for a while... but thanks for noticing... :p:D

Dan~I guess it is less lbs than you used to carry all the time! That is amazing! Sounds like it would be a great experience! WTG!

Good Afternoon, my people!

Yeah....Liz and Deb are back!!!

Dan - you go man...I'm doing good to walk 2 miles carrying nothing in 45 minutes.

My WI this morning wasn't good...up 1 lb. I think it's sodium (sorry, Dan)...not intentionally, but went camping this weekend and we all share in the food prep...I'm sure my Mom overdoes the salt. I tried to fix my own food as much as possible. Also, I drank way more diet sodas than usual.

Oh well, it's a new week...here we go again.

Oh, yeah....and welcome to our group Elizabeth!!

hey everyone. just thought i'd check in for the day.
hope everyone is well!

by the way,(not sure if it's allowed to post this on here or not) but I participate in a walk every year for an organization called NAMI. it stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. it's something that's very important to me and i wanted to pass it along to all of you, maybe there's a walk near you that you can participate in!

i posted a link to my personal page, if you'd like to check it out! :)

Dan that is true. I dont know how we carry around all the extra weight and thinking about it, it must take a major toll on our bodies. My heaviest not pregnant was 185, i lost that 45lb pack before and i'm close to doing it again. Yes i got up to about 190 right before i had the baby.

Hiya pals!

Deb- SO good to see you. Sorry to hear about your leg. Congrats on maintaining while away from us--good luck on the next 2 months. Where are you vacationing again?

Katie- love the doggie!!! He is so cute.

Liz- I HEAR you completely. I feel the exact same way. My DF just asked me this weekend if I was still "watching what I was eating"- my jeans are fitting PRETTY tight and I don't like it. I'm getting back to basics this week and trying to get my head back in it. You CAN do this!!

Welcome ELIZABETH!

Hi Kim!

Hi Jillian! I have a lot of friends and family that work for NAMI-it is a great organization. Your av looks great!

Hi Debbie! Sorry to hear about your gain-but I highly doubt it's permanent.

Hi Paula!

Hi Cecil-I definitely know what you are talking about with the celebration thing. My weight got down to 233 w/o me being POP 2 weeks ago-so what do I do-continue to NOT be POP! Argh! So now my scale is now cooperating of course!

Hi Nicole! Only 41 more days?! Does she have a name yet- I can't remember?

I have done really well today after a horrible non OP weekend. We went camping up near Mendocino and unfortunately I sent my DF grocery shopping for the trip....BIG mistake. While he got the stuff I had asked him to, turkey for sandwiches, eggs, salad....he also bought the most fattening hotdogs, three bags of chips, potato salad, gummi bears, popcorn, pancakes (from a whipped cream bottle-I guess they are new and BOY were they good-and actually not THAT bad calorie/fat wise)

anyway...you get the point. So I ate horribly. Camping was a blast but the whole "calories don't count when you're camping thing" knocked me totally off plan and made me feel so yucky. At least we did take a nice hike through some redwoods and got some exercise.

Alright, I hope you all have a GREAT week!

Hey crew!

My week (last week) was AMAZING! Well... on the diet and exercise front that is! I made it into the gym everyday of the week and also started doing my TBL Power Sculpt DVD again. It felt soooooooo good! I ate POP and no cheats! I started the C25K... this is my 3rd week now and man does it hurt good! It's not really showing up on the scale too much, but I expected that with the changes my body is getting used to. I am just happy to be motivated and moving again.

Deb- Long time no see! Glad to hear you have been well... until the knee thing.. maybe try swimming??? Good luck on the 6 week challenge! I'm doing it at my COD too!

Debbie- I'm sure you'll be back down in no time... just keep it up because you know that you're doing awesome!

Liz- I too couldn't focus on the program for quite a while... just try not to be too discouraged. As easy as it is to say, you have to give yourself a chance to succeed. You can do this and we're here to support you all the way! (Oh and I guess Dan is there to support you too.. :p)

Kelly- I wish I knew what to count those things as... I usually count them as a cheat and move on. (Sooooooooooooooo BAD!)

Dan- Hope the pack test went well! Sound intense!

Cecilia- Congrats on breaking the 170's! You go girl! LoL! Drink lots of water and stay POP! You will be at goal in no time!

Amy- Camping! No fair! I really really wanna go camping and become one with the out of doors! Ha! I am going to look up those pancakes in a bottle... sounds like fun!

Hello Paula, Kim, Jillian, Katie, Elizabeth (WELCOME!!!), and anyone else who is lurking! Stay POP and be good! You can all do this!

Hi Friends!

A quick hello and I'm off to count sheep. I had a busy but good weekend. I'd like to know who the genius was that came up with the 2-day weekend and 5-day work week! The weekends go so FAST!

Got some painting done for the art show entry, but I'm not happy with it. I'll probably just enter the one I already have finished and take the pressure off myself.

Well, it's G'nite from me! Have a great day tomorrow...Tami

Hello, everybody. Holding on strong in this front. we have had the nicest weather for the last three days. I took my 1964 Triumph out of moth balls and blew off the cobwebs (literal and figurative).
Something about the wind and sun makes me smile.
I am so happy to see new people joining. I love this forum so much I want to share it with the world.
You have come to a good, safe and caring place for advise, venting, and guidance. We are as much about feeling good about yourself as feeling good about your body. So keep on coming!

Good morning all,

I just wanted to say hey. I had a great WI in yesterday. I was down 2.5lbs. I have reached the halfway point. I am hoping to be at 159 before I get on the plane Monday but we'll have to see.

I hope everyone has a terrific and POP day.

Hey guys! GOod morning!

Just stopping by to say hey. School is totally out of hand the next few weeks, so I will probably be just lurking!

Have a great day!

Dionne!!! Way to go chickie!!

Hiya Amy and Amy and Michie!!!!

Morning everyone.

I'm starting to get motivated again. I really need to get these last 11lbs off, ugh the hardest ones. I'm hoping it doesnt give me too much trouble since i have breastfeeding to help me out a bit (well its supposed to anyway). I'm looking forward to another POP day today.

Michie - nice to see you and WTG on exercising, i really need to start but my poor excuse is that i cant find the time. I know i did say it was a poor one. :lol: Oh and you look great, love the new avatar.

Dionne - Congrats on the WL. You will be lookin hot for your trip.

Amylou - sounds like you had a great trip, sounds very fun to go camping. I never been but then again i dont know how comfortable i would be sleeping out and all.

Thanks everyone for the encouraging words.

:wave: everyone else, Tami, Tuesday, Cecilia

Good Morning Fellow Losers. Not too much new on this front. Just checking in. Did a TO Sunday and Monday. Seems I gained like 4 pounds today. Not sure what that's all about. Oh well, could be water or the fact that I've changed my workout routine or something. I'm sure it will come off again with a little diligence on my part.

Anyway, have a great day everyone. I'll check back in later.

Good morning all,

Thank you all for the support. I knew you wouldn't let me down.

So I weighed myself this morning and guess what? I was down to 176. :carrot: I had some green tea yesterday that seemed to clear my system. I was happy and well on my way back down to the 160's where I was before slacking off.

Glad to see everyone, and so far I am POP. I will have a salad for lunch to take care of most of my veggies and my orange to finish off my fruit. I am also logging what I eat here at work. So I am getting back into the swing of things.

Well, I best get back to work. Talk at you all later. Have a great POP day everyone.

Miche..........wow, you are kicking a$$ and taking names. Keep it up....maybe we will all catch it :)

Amylou.......I'm happy now......I was getting worried. DGD's name is Maria for now. It is subject to change.....we will see once she is born :) Thanks for asking about her.

Tuesday....you are like a breath of fresh air lately :) I just love your positive vibe.

Katie........how you doin'?

Ok, so I suck.....that's all I can remember right now. I have been online wayyy tooo long today.......so I am really making this brief. I will try to check in later :)
XOXO

Hooray for Liz. I am proud of you for taking some time in your busy life for you. I know how hard it is to remember about you..........but a healthy you is such an asset to your family and career :) Practice makes perfect :)
XOXO

Hey gang...

Well, the pack test went well and I shaved a bit of time off last year.. It would have been much better, but the fun run I did on Saturday and the intense couple of games of raquetball on Sunday left my legs tired.. Plus, my left foot got a HUGE blister about halfway through the walk... But I made it and I'm good to go...

So far today, I'm POP.. Had cereal for breakfast and a salad for lunch.. Going out for dinner tonight for my YMCA board meeting and am thinking about having a "Budda Bowl", which is basically just a glorified name for a teriaki chicken bowl.. The nice thing is that it's made with brown rice, has lots of veggies and is very light on the sauce... Or maybe I'll just have another chicken salad..

Dionne - WAY TO GO!!!!

Hey. Checking in this afternoon...still confused as to what I did that made me gain a lb, as it is still here today. Oh well, I'll just get rid of it again.

Amylou – Don’t ya love camping…we do. We go about every 2-3 weeks from March until July 4th, when it gets too hot here so we slow down until September. I didn’t do well with my food during our camping trips for a long time, but lately I’ve been much better. Everyone we go with knows to just let me fix my own meals.

Dionne – Great loss!! :carrot:

Michie – I like your new avatar…cute!

Nicole – Your challenge ticker is really moving…you go girl! :dancer:

Dan – Love that new avatar…glad you came out from behind your sign, not that I want you to stop being the salt police...we need you to keep us in line.

HI...Jillian, Debbie, Tami, Tuesday, NJ Amy, Laurie, Liz, and everybody else!!! :hug:

Liz, I always found that green tea was good for clearing out any water retention. I happen to really like it. I need to cut down on coffee and the green tea helps me do that.

Dan, Congrats on the pack test. The budda bowl sounds pretty healthy.

Paula, Diet soda always makes me retain a little weight too. Perhaps you should switch to green tea? I buy the iced unsweatened ones at Starbucks.
That way I can go with everyone else to starbucks (we walk down there almost every day) and not feel bad about it.

Nicole, I don't think you suck at all, I always enjoy what you write to us. I would miss you if you didn't do it, so think of the service you are doing for all of us stuck at our desks at work.

Katie, I did that cleanse Friday night, well I took one dose, and I think I should have eaten less and lower fat before I started it as it made me spend the next 24 hours+ in close proximity to a bathroom. I do feel like it did me a lot of good, and I broke the cycle of eating junk and feeling stressed, which was good. Work has been so bad lately as far as stress goes, and I had a couple of days of eating poorly, but I'm back on track now. So I still feel much lighter, and got brave and put on my size 6 pencil skirt today, and it fit just fine.. So that made me feel like maybe my weight is not spiraling horribly out of control again.

Just wanted to say that my DD is at the doctor right now....with her DBF. This is the first time I have not gone with her........and I would be just fine with it if her DBF was a bit more dependable. As soon as the appointment is over, he is bringing her home and then he is off to his friends girlfriend's soccer game, and then to a little get together with friends........and he didn't invite DD to go with him. This is why I hesitate........

Hiya all! POP today other than an extra handful of celery that I grabbed on the way out the door to pick up the kids at school. (don't think that is too big of a deal as it was plain..) I hope tonight is as easy to stay on track as today was (I always find it harder with DH home... although he is pretty close to plan, I need to break old habits still).

Nicole.. sorry your daughters baby's father is not dependable, sounds like she has a super supportive mom though! ;)

Barbra.. how long did it take you to meet your goal? Have you enjoyed LAWL? Congrats!

Have a super good night y'all!

Hello all of you wonderful people!

I had a great day...ever have one of those days that everything just fell into place? well...today was one of those days. I actually 'felt' like I'd lost some weight and so...I stepped on the scale and the grand total thus far (2 weeks today) is 9.5lbs.! I'm so psyched! I'm doing better this time then the first time I was on LAWL. Not sure why...but whatever it is I plan to keep it up! I looked back at my diaries from last time and realized that I did better when I had cantalope and yogurt for breakfast...not sure why that is, but why fix what isn't broke, right? It's real weightloss, I can already feel the difference in my body.

Dan - you are always such an inspiration and always have little tidbit of knowlege to share that sticks with me.

Nicole - I just bet that you've taught your daughter well. She will feel the bumps in the road, but will realize that it's all part of the game. She will make the right decisions when it counts.

To everyone else....hello!

...have a wonderful day tomorrow!

Tami

Barbara- I am glad that it helped. I was going to do it again last weekend, but I did not get it done. Maybe I can do it Friday this week. I was really suprised by how many stones I had, and I am interested to see what round 2 does.

Nicole- Yeah, I can see why you hesitate.

Liza- How you doin girl?

We have had a tough week. We have some good friends who have a son who was diagnosed with a inoperable brain tumor in November. She asked me to bring the puppy over for the little boy to see on Saturday. On Saturday night, we went over to visit. The pup was so sweet, licking his face, and tunneling under his blankets to cuddle. It was so nice to be able to do something for him. He has been totally paralyzed except for his eyes since the new year. His moms have had such a rough time. Anyways, she called Sunday morning to say that he had slipped into a coma and the hospice nurse said he would not wake up. He died late Sunday night. We just got home from the viewing, and the funeral is in the morning. Man, it was hard to see him like that. It is so hard to know what to say, you know? Every parents worst nightmare. So, send some love to my friends, won't you? Anyways, hopefully I can be back with you all tomorrow after this week slows down. I am starting a different diet plan on Monday. I will share more details later.

Have a good night you all!

Hi Amy- We are going to spend a week down in Yellowstone. Down in Katie's stomping grounds. We chose a spot somewhat halfway for the families to get together for some fun. It will be almost a year since we have seen any of the family. I'm glad that you had fun camping.

Michie- HI! Wow! I love your new avatar. You are looking HAWT there lady!! Big congrats on the POP and working out!!

Dionne-Great job on the 2.5 lbs. gone.

Tami- 9.5 lbs. in 2 weeks is fabulous!! WTG

Katie- So sorry for you and your friends for the loss of the young boy. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers tonight.

So did any of you watch The Biggest Loser finale? I was so psyched that Ali won, it's about time a woman kicked some butt on there.

Hi friends!

I have been in a good mood so far this week about the W/L. I've been pretty close to POP so far-there were a couple things outside of my control (catered dinner at my meeting) but I made the best choices possible and talked myself out of some bad decisions. Felt great to have the inner-fat girl shut up for a while!

Nicole- I hope DD is ok. Sounds like DBF is completely immature. I know you've also said that his parents are a little off. I'm so sorry DD isn't getting the support she needs from him and his family. I hope she was ok after she got home from her appt. I can't imagine how emotional this is for her and your family. I love the name Maria by the way. I've run it by DF a few times when the topic of future baby names has come up....keep us updated!

Great job Tami! Wow you are doing awesome!

Yeah Dionne!

Liz- SO good to hear your success. I haven't gotten back on the scale in a while. You are back on track girl!

Dan-love the new headshot! Glad you did well on your test!

Michie-WOW girl! I wish I still lived in SD so you could drag me to the gym! Congrats on a great week! Keep it up!

Deb-sounds like it will be a great trip! GL getting back into WL. I KNOW you can do it!

Debbie-I hadn't been camping since I was VERY young. It was a true adventure and I love doing anything different, especially with my fiance! I'm not sure I could do it for a whole week, but 2 nights was just right.

Wow Paula-you are quite the camper! So fun.

Katie-wow, what a sad, sad story. I'm glad your pup was able to bring some light into his life, if even for a moment.

I'm catching up on TBL via TIVO. I saw that Ali won but I wanted to see how all of the at home people looked. Wow! Did you see Ali's waist?!?

Morning everyone.

I'm really starting to get my head back on straight. I'm so happy about it. TBL is definitely motivating.

Katie - so sorry to hear about the little boy. I just cant imagine losing a child.

Tami - WTG on 9+lbs lost. Thats great! Keep it up hun.

Dan - love the new avatar, you look great & congrats on beating last years time.

Amylou - Maybe one day we'll go camping, i bet it would be fun to take the boys. My middle child would probably really enjoy that. He seems like a real outdoorsman already.

TBL - OMG i'm so glad that Ali won but i would have loved to see Mark win. I guess they all really did because even tho they didnt win the $ they all got healthy and thats the point right? I cant believe how small Ali is, geez to be 122lbs . She looks great & she deserves the win. Bernie really shocked me with how he looks. Its amazing.

Well hope everyone has a good day, i'll try to check back in later on. The baby is teething and its horrible. My older boys never had any trouble while teething and it seems like the baby got all the pains they should have had. I feel so sorry for him.

Morning all..

Tami - Thanks for the kind words.. You're doing great, so keep it up!!

Thanks all, for the comments on the head shot.. I had it taken last week, so the media could use it when I do phone interviews about fires... The Albuquerque ABC affiliate did a phone interview with me last week during a fire and little did I know but they put up a picture of me from a couple years ago when my face was considerably fatter.. I got all kinds of comments from people in the office, so I figured I'd better provide them with a new shot.. They usually just capture a frame of video and use that when doing a "phoner", but for some reason they didn't update it with a more recent shot..

I felt embarassed to ask them to use the new shot, as it made me feel rather self-aggrandizing, but seeing that old picture made me want to hurl...

Katie.. How sweet of you to bring your pup to visit the little boy.. I can't imagine what he and his family are going through, so even the small joy a puppy can bring is really significant. Dogs have a second nature that makes them so valuable to provide comfort.. They seem to know that something's wrong and their instinct is to show affection..

Wow! It busy here today and yesterday! That's what I like to see!

Michie, sounds like you have been busy! I was just thinking about posting something asking where you were? I am glad you were busy being good to your self. I like the new pic! You look happy!

Hi to everyone else I don't have much time to post!

Dan congrats on getting a faster time! Sounds like you are being very active!

Welcome back Liz! Here's to recommiting!

Amylou! Good to see you! Hope to see you more often I missed you!

Nicole, I get so frustrated when I hear what is going on with your DD. It reminds me of my self. My mom was supportive but not to the point you are and I think that is great! Just keep being there for her! When I got preganant me and my mom got really close! So it nothing but smooth sailing for your relationship form here on out!

Hi, Paula, Nicole, Debbie, Deb, Katie!

Stay POP!

Katie - I'm so sorry to hear about that little boy. Losing a child has got to be one of the hardest things for a parent to go through. I hope & pray I never have to experience that.

Hello Fellow Losers! Just checking in. Of course I have been lurking, but not posting.

Dan and Liz the new pics are great. You both look great.

Tami - I would like to see your menu for those two weeks that you lost 9 pounds. Maybe you can teach us something. LOL - Congrats

Good to see you Debster & AmyLou

Katie - I am so sorry for the lose of your friends little boy. That is so sad. I am praying for the family. I am glad that you were able to spread a little sunshine before he passed.

I actually wanted to go camping for our anniversary this month, but DH didn't want to. My mother has a cabin on the lake so he says why not use that. Plus it is a lot of work for us women. But I think the campfire would be fun. I may still try to do something like that soon though.

Well I have a foundation with Blocks on it. Whooo Hooo. It will be the middle of next month before we get to do anything else. But we are just happy to see some progress. DH just stood out there for about 1.5 hours yesterday looking.

I haven't weighed in over a week. I can't stay focused for more than a few days at at time. I have got to get a grip, but this cold weather is just killing me. Excuses, Excuses, Excuses.

Hi friends :) Thank you all for your kind words. I want to thank you each personally, but I HAVE to conquer my laundry today. I am giving myself a little treat if I get it done........one can of paint. I know.....some treat, right......but I LOVE painting......and since I am still walking on plywood floors in my kithcen, dining, and living rooms.........I figured why not make them red. At least I will feel happy when I vacuum them :)

Katie......your friend is so lucky to have you :) I cannot imagine what they or you are going through. You are exactly right......it is every parent's worst nightmare. God will get them through this.....and remember.....there is one more perfect angel in heaven now, who never, ever, ever, has to suffer again :hug:.

So, DD's appointment went fine. She is measuring at 34 cm, and she is 34 weeks along. Baby's heartbeat sounds great, and DD's BP was good. For this, I am thankful. I still cannot get over the fact that my baby is going to give birth. I wish I could do it for her.

I have to ask you, Cecilia.....since you have been down this road from my DD's perspective......how do you feel about DH and I asking for gaurdianship? DD is all for it........but she is young and inexperienced in life. I am just curious what your opinion on it is. I want to be sure we are making the right decision. The paralegal we saw was all for it, and thought it was a very good thing to do......but he was never a teen mom, you know. We have an appointment with the lawyer today at 4:00 to get everything set up. We cannot file until the baby has a SSN, but everything will be ready to go when we get it. Oh, so many many decisions......

Ok, I am going to be strict with myself today......I am going to get some work done right now :)

Oh, by the way......I got my hair chopped off yesterday. I am still adjusting, but when I feel a bit more brave, I will document it with a picture and share it with all of you :)
XOXO

Nicole, I am sure your DD is under a lot of stress right now. I can't remember if you said she was in school right now or not but I was and you guys offering to take a bit of the stress off of her shoulders I am sure is a huge relief. Especially since she doesn't have the support of her ex-DBF. My Ex and I were not together for much of the pregnancy period and I was very emotional. Stressed with school my emotions, feeling overwhelmed. Wondering why the dad didn't want to be with me or help me. So many things we did end up getting back together and I think that was probably even more stressful! HA! But I think what you guys are doing is great and it's not like it's forever... it's still her baby and I am sure she knows that and appreciates all of your help and support! ; )

Good morning! Just checking in before classes start.

Nicole- I really think what you are doing is for the best-for both DD and the baby. I'm sure it's a tough decision. I can't wait to see your hair! And your red plywood floors!! That just makes me laugh-you have to post a pic!

hi Amy! I haven't been on the scale in a while either. It's funny how I used to be obssessed and now I keep forgettingn to w/i before I eat my bfast.

Hi Cecilia!

Alright-like Nicole I have to be good today! Between this board and all of the new wedding sties I've found I seem to waste hours on this thing!

Have a great Wednesday all!

Happy Wednesday all... another week half gone. How do your weekend plans look? Were going to a parent/kids fair with Dora there so that should be fun. I also went to the mall today to meet a friend and stayed away from the foods that I used to enjoy... After a good weigh in this am, I didn't want to spoil a good thing with a teen burger..lol! Hope you enjoy your day!

My name is Kim and I've been an LAWL slacker!! I need a swift kick to the tushie. I havent been eating all that bad but I havent been to WI in over 3 weeks. Last time I was there I told the assistant manager that I was tired of having to come and WI. I've been doing maintenance for 6 months and I'm just over it! LOL I've made an appointment with her for Friday so I'll make sure and go! I know I NEED to keep going but its just wearing me out. I come home and see their number on my caller ID and I just want to yell, LEAVE me alone! I know they're doing their job and I should be grateful that they've missed me but UGH! I know I need the accountability of going to WI and that ticks me off too that I feel like I cant do this on my own after a year and a half.

Thanks for letting me whine! All boots to the butt appreciated! LOL

Hope everybody is having an amazing day!!! :hug:

Kim - I know what you mean about them calling. I'm not entitled to a refund so I just told them I am not a 2 year old. I'm a grown woman. I travel, I will come in when I can and then I stopped going. LOL

Heres you kick: :kickbutt: and an extra for good measure :frypan:

We can do this.

Amy- the refund is the only reason I am still going or I would just quit. I worked too hard to lose the weight to NOT get my refund back so I cant give up now! I'll just keep telling myself how much fun I'm going to have shopping when I get my check! Maybe that will help! LOL And thanks for the kick!!!

hey everyone. just checking in for the day. not too much going on with me..just the same stuff.

kim--i quite going to my center because it was just a hassle for me to drive all the way on the other side of the city (where i rarely need to go) and i've been doing so well on my own and they really weren't doing anything for me but inconviencing me..so i stopped going. they've called many times and sent letters, etc. i've just ignored them and have been doing pretty great by myself. i guess i know in my mind/heart that i've made this a permanent lifestyle change..so i know i won't be going back to my old self. (sorry to ramble!)

dan--love the new pic!

I just want to say that I am AMAZED at how much food my body needs... It is such a nice change going from eating barely anything.. then sneaking in a few treats.. to having all this yummy fresh food!

Kim, I also stopped going to the center after about 6 months of maintenance. I had skipped a weigh in or two, so the rebate became null and void.... They never called me even once to ask where I was. I think I got a letter offering me a "deal" on more weeks, which I thought, WTF, I still have many weeks left that I paid for. I got a lot out of stabilization and the first few month of maintenance, but then... well after a over a year on the plan, I kind of knew what to do.

Barbra & Jillian.. seems like the plan worked amazing for you both!

I just want to say that I am AMAZED at how much food my body needs... It is such a nice change going from eating barely anything.. then sneaking in a few treats.. to having all this yummy fresh food!

Oh, girl....check you out......you are changing your mind!!! You are so going to do this :) WTG!!!
XOXO

Kim........you know, I still want to call you Kim#2......but all of our other Kims have left us. :lol:. You better get your a$$ in gear. You don't want to mess up that beautiful tummy now, do you? The money.......that's your bonus..........but your health.....girl.......you KNOW it is priceless!!!! (Man.......why don't I listen to myself??? :lol:.) It is just a matter of habit........so wake up tomorrow, and start anew :) You can do this, you can do this, you can do this :)
XOXO

Hello! I'm dog tired and think I'll hit the sack early! I hate to do that...I have an aversion to sleeping away my time off! Call me crazy, but when I don't get home until after 7...it just seems a waste of free time to go to bed before 11...lol

Amy - Nothing special (menu) I stayed strictly on plan and just had a lot of fish and chicken, salads and I think there must be something to the cantalope angle...lol...

Katie - my prayers go out to your friends and their unthinkable loss. It's such a tragedy to lose a child. There's nothing that can be said to soothe...I'm at a loss for words.

To all of you campers - I like the 'Hilton' camping grounds...plush bedding, warm, dry accommodations and room service! ;)

Nicole - You Go Girl! Paint that floor red! I love color! (this, coming from an artist...lol)

To everyone else...have a wonderful, productive POP day tomorrow!
Nite All! Tami

Tami..........I camp....my kids and DH love it.......I am ok with it....it does have it's good points.....but I am so with you.......If they would stick a Hilton in the middle of the forsest........i would LOVE to camp!!!
XOXO

Oh, btw.........we went to see the lawyer.......for an uncontested guardianship case, she charges $1500 plus filing fees of $92. She said it would take about 10 hours of her time. Do you think that seems right? I have no clue, as I have never hired an attorney, except to write my will. She was very nice, but I am wondering if I should shop around or what? Any ideas?

wow..........obviously cannot get my thoughts together today......but wanted to add that I am thinking of you like crazy today, Katie :hug:. I hope you are ok :)
XOXO

Nicole-My tummy is definitely motivation!!! I'm considering bikini shopping this year since I'm all healed!! I'll let ya know how that goes! LOL

Ohhh I got a call today from the assistant manager at LA, thought she was calling to yell at me instead she was calling to see if I wanted to do an ad for LAWL for our local paper sooooo I'm getting my picture made Friday for the paper! NOW hows that for motivation? My picture will be out there for everybody to see and now they'll all know if I gain weight! LOL

Nicole - No idea if $150 per hour is too much for the lawyer but you can always shop around. You dont have to visit them, pick up the yellow pages and call a few. I'm sure they will know exactly what a case like this entails and should be able to give you a price over the phone.

Kim - Thats definitely motivation. Now everyone will be keeping an eye on you :mag:. You should be very proud of yourself. Goodluck at the shoot.

I'm just checking in real quick. I should be in bed since DS#3 will probably have me up 4-5 times tonight with the darn teething pains. Ahh wish me luck.

I was pretty much POP today except for 1 tiny piece of pretzel. Ahh i'm gonna kill my mom for bringing it into the house. I resisted it for a good 7hrs :T

Hope everyone has a good night, i'll see you all in the morning, well later on today.

WOW Kim you are such a celebrity around your area! Radio ads, print ads! You should be SO proud of yourself. I hope it gives you that motivation you've been looking for!

So far POP for me today! I have yet to have a fruit bc I forgot to pack them and was at school til 8pm. But now I get to look forward to a nice big bowl of strawberries as my dessert!

Nicole-10 hours? Wow-I was just at a mini conference about atty billing and the ethical practice of billable hours and such. Don't be afraid to negotiate with her. Also-it may not hurt to do a little research on family law/probate clinics in the area. Check the law schools-most have free clinics that would be able to help. I do not know a whole lot about family law, but an uncontested guardianship should be a matter of filling out the proper paperwork. If you can have someone make sure you are dotting all the i's and crossing all t's then you may be able to do it for the filing fee alone. Also, your courthouse may have someone who is at the probate court who can help you fill out the proper forms. I understand that it can seem intimidating-but I think you will be amazed at how easy it is once you have all the paperwork and are insured that it is all correct. Your atty has to operate at a fee that is profitable for her-but I would either try to negotiate or do it yourself!

Barbara-what cleanse did you do? I think I must have missed your initial post on that?

Alright-better get off the computer! Night night!

Good morning guys!

I've been just reading and lurking as they say. I have been working on papers and projects for the end of the semester. It's fastly approaching! YEY!

I had a second interview this week for a director position at the camp/resort Sandy Cove that I used to work at. I am hoping that's a good thing. It's a teacher's position usually, and I am an accounting and management major, but I am bring my management and business skills to the table. It's a great place in MD... anyone looking for a great summer retreat should look into it.

It's a Christian place and just does wonders for you. Of course I am biased as I met my oney there. We're planning on getting married there too... If you just want to check out hte pics, www.sandycove.org.

Well, off to get dressed and run to school.

Have a great POP day!

Good morning everyone :)


Thank you Debbie and Amylou. DH and I were talking last night, and we are giong to see about doing it ourselves, trying to find someone to do it for less, or talking to the attorney we met yesterday. I realize they do need to make their living, just like we do.........however.......$1500 can buy a lot of diapers......and we are going to be financially supporting 6 children now.........on one income......so we have to be kind of frugal. So, yeah, I think we will do a bit of homework. The baby is due in 38 days, but the papers cannot be filed until after she is born........and well......it's all just details......I think I am just typing as I am trying to figure out what to do :) Thanks so much for all of you guidance and advice lately with my DD and her situation. It helps me sooo much to have a wide variety of people to bounce ideas off of :)

So, today I will be good. I was fine yesterday until I bought some cinnamin almonds from Trader Joes. YUM!!! But I can see it in my attitude as well.......my house isn't as neat......and my attitude is just kind of junk. So, today, I will be good :)

I have to run.......but I hope you all have a super day! And Kim........so glad you found your mojo!!! Please send us a link to the ad when it is done :)
XOXO

Hey Nicole - my DD is a law student at SLU. I'll check with her to see if they ever have any clinics that help with stuff like you need. I'll let you know when I hear back from her.

Hi to everyone else. Hope you all have a POP day. I'll be back later when I have more time.

I hope you all have a super day.. I was not hungry this am so I just grabbed a LA lite drink with milk and some berries. I think my tummy is a bit sick :( Kim.. that is super about the publicity.. congrats!.. Jersey.. good luck with the job... sounds like you are more than qualified. What a great summer job! Debbie.. I am enjoying the night hours with you. My dear daughter has decided to teethe again.. worst one of the bunch. I can't wait for a straight 3 hours! Nicole, good luck with the lawyer stuff.. I am of no help but kudos to you for supporting your daughter. Have a super day everyone.. catch you later!

Morning friends!

It's helping me so much to be posting regularly on here. You guys are great inspiration!

Nicole- I'm glad that you and DH didn't rush to retain that lawyer. What is frustrating is that yes, it's possible that the very first time that she did an unconstested guardianship it took her 10 hours, but more than likely she now has a stock file in her computer that she opens, changes names and dates and addresses, prints and is on her way. It probably takes her less than 5 hours to be in court, file, drive etc but you are still getting stuck with that fee. A lot of people don't believe in that practice-but people are willing to pay so it continues. I know you are so resourceful so let us know how it goes!

Laurie- I didn't know you had a daughter in law school. How does she like it there?

4 princess-what is your name again? It's so hard to remember when you don't have a pic up too! I would love to see your smilin' face on here so I can remember to say hi!


ok-gotta get to work! Wohoo it's Thursday!

AmyDixie-good to see you!

Where are all of our others?

Remember: Felicia? Angie? Lettie? Tina Emmy's Mom? Liza? Joni? I REALLY miss them!! Come back!

I miss them too, Amylou!!! I just heard from Joni, via email, and she is doing well........just busy.....like we all are :) Also, I really appreciate your advice. I know how busy you are, and somedays every second counts...so thanks :)

Laurie.......how wonderful you are :) I didn't realize your DD went to SLU. How did she end up choosing to go there? I am curious because DD will be going to college either next year or the year after, and I am somewhat unfamiliar with the schools around here. Truly...thanks for checking on this for me. It seems kind of messed up that it is difficult for families to do the right thing. We could easily have DD apply for state aid.....and then all the tax payers of Missouri could support her baby....but all we want is the right to support her financially and provide her with medical insurance........and I feel like we are somewhat powerless to do so unless we write a big fat check. Something is definitely a bit warped with the system. We only spoke to one attorney, so I am trying not to use that as my only view on the subject........but I cannot deny the fact that it makes me feel a little defeated. I am sure between DH and we will figure something out......especially with all of the help and support of our friends (you guys) and family :)
XOXO

Amy - DD goes to SLU and has one more year to go. She wants to go into elder law and so far she loves it. She's the one that has a 9 yr old son and then she just had another son in February. She's got her hands full to say the least. She also works in the Graduate Admissions Office down there and really likes that too. She had to take a year off to get her masters since she got a scholarship from the School of Medicine. Otherwise she'd be done with law school this year. Oh well. Such is life. You have to take advantage of things as they come your way.

Katie.......Katie............you doing ok?
XOXO

Nicole - DD said you should contact Legal Service of Eastern Missouri (314-534-4200). She said they then refer cases over to the law school if necessary. I hope that helps.

DD decided to go to SLU because they gave her the most money and because of their reputation. We looked at WashU and also Northern Illinois but she liked SLU the best of all of them. She went to Illinois State on a full scholarship then took a couple of years off to save some money and then decided to go down there. She'd like to stay down there after she graduates next year but wants to raise the kids around their family so has decided to move back this direction next year. Yea for me!!!

Just know that you are doing what is right for dd and baby and yourselves. Have faith that it will all work out the way it's supposed to and it will.

Hey there..

Just a drive-by hello, as I'm heading out the door.. I'm off to Ruidoso, NM to help out with our "envirothon" competition for high school kids.. Limited to no internet access where I'm going, so I probably won't see y'all at least until Saturday..

Be good and be POP.. And try not to light the curtains on fire while I'm gone, ok? :lol:

Hi Everyone,

Wow, the new avatars are amazing! Jillian, you are half the size you were a year ago!

I keep hoping for things to get back to normal soon. I've had a health scare this week and ended up doing a nose dive at work. After an EKG and being hooked to various other machines the good news is.. my heart is in great shape! Yay for exercise and diet! My glucose and cholesterol levels were also good. Apparently my blood pressure keeps going way low and heart rate way up which is causing me to faint. It is a stress related thing, so until I get through a few things that are going on, it's not going away. I was very happy to hear though that my general health is good.

So for those naysayers... this really is a healthy plan whether or not you lose the weight as quickly as you'd like. I'd rather have a healthy heart and a few extra pounds than a skinny heart attack victim!

Stay POP everyone....

Here I am... ;) not you can put a face to the name.

Elizabeth

*hugs*

have a super POP day!

Hooray..........Elizabeth.......you are adorable!!!! A face with the name is ALWAYS way better!!!

So, all of you who are dragging your feet about a photo for your avatar......get busy!!! We already adore you, a photo will just help us keep track of who you are!

I have come down with a cold. WTF???? I never get sick. Let's just hope I can shake it fast........my cousin and her family are comming here on Tuesday and are staying through Sunday. I'll never have the energy to prepare for them if I am sick.

I hope you are all staying OP so far today. I am, but mostly because I feel icky.

Liza......I am glad you are ok. The thought of being sick is so all consuming and scary!!! It is good to see you again. :)

My dear friend, my only real friend here in Sunny St. Louis, just found out that lymph nodes they removed last week are spotty. She had a malenoma removed, and as a precaution, they took two lymph nodes. One of them has a spot on it......so now she has to go for a CT and more surgery. She is only 36 and has a 2 and 4 year old. The doc says he thinks they caught it way early, and that he expects everything to be ok........but I am sooo nervous for her. They just don't know until they get in there, you know.

Anyway.......I think I am going to go take a tiny nap. I have about 15 minutes before I have to pick up DS.....so I am going to try to get rid of this headache :)
XOXO

HOLY CRAP.......I woke up to an earthquake at about 4:40 this a.m. I am not even kidding. It was in Bellmont Il, which is just east of me. I know for some of you, an earthquake is not super shocking.........but holy crap....the last time there was one with the magnitude of 5.2 eartquake was 1968, and before that in the 1800's. I was freaking out. Did any of you feel it?

hey everyone. just thought i'd check in early today. i have the next 3 days off! :)
i got on the scale today and have lost another pound. :) so that makes me happy and was a great way to start my day.
i made some amazing coffee this morning and am sitting down with a luna bar.
i'll check back in later, gotta do some things around the house.

WTG, Jillian :) Man......you are soooo close!!!

Lettie and Katie.....I am beginning to get very worried..........

Wow Nicole- I just heard about your quake on the news! Must have been such a weird feeling. I was an hour away from the big Northridge quake back in the 90s-and felt a small one while I lived in San Diego. Isn't it such a strange sensation? Did the kids feel it?

Laurie-wow you daughter is going through law school with kids? I'm so amazed by my classmates who can do that! Hope she is going well!

Jillian-WOW girl! So impressed with you and slightly jealous ;)

Thanks Elizabeth! You are adorable-thanks for letting us see your smilin' face!

Have fun Dan!

I'm off to work! Did not have a POP day yesterday...ugh. I keep over doing it on the protein of all things? I think it may be TOM soon...boo.

But- I have taken Katie's advice about thinking positive. I have a few new "signs" posted in my bathroom and in the kitchen reminding me of my graduation goal and reminding me how good it feels to eat healthily....

Happy Friday!

Ah, Amylou.......also....look at that ticker........52.5 lbs lost is AMAZING!!!!

Only my 10 yo felt the quake. It is a strange feeling.
XOXO

Nicole - I thought of you right away this morning when I saw the news reports. I'm glad you're okay...that had to be major scarry...I've never been anywhere near an earthquake. Some people think we're nuts for living where all the hurricanes go, but geez at least we know when they are coming and can prepare.

So...I got rid of that darn pound that bounced back on me last week. Hopefully, I can lose a little more before my official WI on Monday...then I'll change my ticker. :carrot:

Everybody have a great day!!
:dust:

Happy Friday!

Wow Nicole! I've woken up to a few of those but the worst was when I lived in Vancouver.. it was so unexpected! Mini-Me has never felt them. We were sitting in the living room a few months ago when we had a whole slew of earthquakes and I asked her "Ok, NOW do you feel it?" She said no and didn't believe we'd had one. lol.

On top of the fainting spells the other day, looks like I caught a virus too. Weeeee. I feel like crud today but I have a lot to do so on with life we go! Our kitty Oliver who got the spider bite passed away last Friday morning. Two weeks after Buster, at the same exact time of morning. Our remaining pet Champagne has never been without a pet friend in his 12 years and is going a little nutso without someone to play with. I'm taking him to the groomer at Petco today and will see if they have any adoptions going on at the same time. Mini-Me and Champagne need another kitty...

Hi to everyone - Dan, Liz, Joni (where have you been?) Kim, Amy, Jill, Michie, and the new faces that have joined!

Liza, I hope you feel better soon. So sorry about Oliver. I got a second kitty about a month ago from Petsmart. It took longer than I expected for her to settle in (my original kitty was a tad freaked out since he'd never spent time around other cats) but now a month later, Samurai (my original cat) seems happier than ever.

Nicole, I've felt a few eathquakes before. What was the magnitude of the one that you felt? I've actually yelled at the dog to stop scratch and shaking the bed and discovered it was an earth quake. The biggest one I ever felt was 7.2, and that was very scary. It was night and the power lines were swinging so much that they hit together and caused sparks and that is what woke me up. I think I was about 40 miles or so from the center of that one, and some people about 2 miles from where I was died when the highway overpass collapsed. They just drove right into a hole on the freeway. There were aftershocks at about 5.5 for a couple of days.

Jillian, only 10 pounds to goal now! Glad you have a few days off. I need coffee too...

Barbara........ours was only a 5.2. It hasn't done much damage at all, and luckily noone was seriously injured. We have had several aftershocks, and the last one was 4.5.........and the news is making me quite nervous.....talking about filling water bottles and making sure you have batteries and a full tank of gas..........but they news likes to hype everything up. It is just weird, cuz you just dont' think of the midwest having to worry about earthquakes. I cannot even imagine a 7.2. I would be throwing up with fear. I was really jealous of birds today.

hi There
Im not sure if you are all form the states, but we had a centre open here In Prince Edward Island about a year ago, and its doing very well.

I have re started for the last time this week, and was down 1.5 in 2 days, Im feeling pretty good, jsut striggling with the veggies, as the express menu is sooo Limited.

I love the forums and you all seem so nice and helpful.
Thank you so much for the help already.
HUGS
Dee.

WOW! You all seem to keep pretty up to date on here... Hope everyone is POP today... you know how much better summer is going to feel!
Liza.. get better.. *hugs*
Amylou.. your near 53 lbs is inspiring! You are doing superb!
Jillian, enjoy your days off!

Everyone have a super weekend, I have family here for a visit so I won't be on much.. they took us out for dinner and I am so happy I brought my own and never touched a fry! I wanted one SO bad.. my husband was so cute.. he told me this am that he knew I wanted one and If I took any he was gonna kick my butt... after all he is paying for me to do this! LOL. Made me happy to know he was supporting me. anyhow.. the craving passed and I am still kickin'... life went on. Happy Friday!

Elizabeth

Hi guys!

Nicole- Thanks for thinking of me! I am okay, just crazy busy this week. We taught our first Reiki 1 class last weekat our clinic. We had 12 students, and they have been calling a lot this week with questions and cool experiences to share. Also, I am teaching a Chakra Balancing with Crystals class tomorrow at our clinic, and I have 20 students! I am way excited, but I still have to put together a handout and put together their crystal kits. Also, I have been seeing 15 kids a day all week long. The money is good, but holy crap! Oh, my family came over last night and all made their soaps and dryer sheets. They loved it. We made air freshener too, by putting about 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, then filling up with water and adding essential oils. It worked pretty good. I made a chakra balancing one, and it kind of stinks.

Amy- Good for you!!!!

Dan- We will try not to light the curtains on fire, but can we shave the cat?

Liza- I hope you find a kitty. That would do your heart and stress level some good.

My new puppy is so dang cute and funny. He has these little fights with his teddy bear all the time that really make me laugh. He is so talks all sassy and naughty. It is so cute.

Time to make lunch, then nap time! Whohooooo!

Helloooo! How are you all doing?

I am so off track with my diet in this pregnancy! lol. I have gained 10 lbs already! (Mind you I am constantly bloated, dang hormones!) I have been having lots of nausea, so I am not really too sure how I have gained that much. I am hoping my scale is just broken. HA HA! I have given myself a little extra room to gain, which I probably shouldnt have but... ANYWAYS. I am trying to stay motivated, and as long as I can stay under my starting weight when I started losing weight, I will be happy with it! ANother thing, I was being a little conservative with my weight when I got pregnant. I was trying to save myself 5 lbs, and put 235 on all my paperwork when in reality I was at 240!

Hope you are all doing well, and losing weight!

Hey guys!

I thought I heard someone in hte library talking about an earthquake somewhere... wow. I didn't know htey happened in the middle of the country like that!

I was to write a paper this weekend on Veteran benefits, or the lack thereof, but I changed my topic to FLDS. I am sure you've all seen what's going on with the commune in TX...any comments? I think it's so sad. Polygamy is awful. Actually, the 13 year old brides and mothers are worse.

Here's to a great weekend!

Amy- There is quite a bit of polygamy around here, however it is kept really quiet. Most of them live in large groups in tiny communities. My BIL's best friend grew up in with polygamist parents. He wanted to set my little sister up with this friend......yeah, I said no. This thing in Texas is just sickening. I feel so sorry for those kids on so many levels, you know?

Oh yeah Nicole, the earthquake is crazy. Glad everything is okay!

I have an opinion, but I don’t know it this is the best place to voice it. I really don’t want to offend anyone. But I will say that I’m emotional torn over those kids. This lifestyle is all these poor kids know and everyone that’s trying to help them is viewed as the enemy in their minds. I think that whatever happens to these innocent children is going to be emotional scarring on them. I don’t think returning them home to a “locked off” society & to the hands of their abusers is right or ripping them away from their beliefs, family, and culture is right. I don’t agree w/ polygamy or these closed off communities, but at the same time I don’t want to believe that all these people are abusers. It’s a tough situation. I’m glued to the news every time something comes up about this. I really need to read that book Escape about getting out of the FLDS.

Like Katie said, we also have smaller groups of polygamist families in Minnesota. The ones I’m aware of also live in communes, but they don’t close themselves off from the rest of society. Their kids go to public schools and they often times have farmer’s market type sales on their large farms or communes.

Dawn- I feel just like you. How scary and terrible this time must be for all of those kids. Yet, can the state really continue to let them live there? I agree, the whole thing is really tough.

Dawn, I am also of two minds. If consenting adults want to live together in polygamist marriages, well, they are consenting adults. It only seems horribly wrong when girls as young as 13 are "married". That is child abuse, even if the girls are willing. It is still illegal for men in the 40's and 50's to have sex with a 13 year old child. That is what is happening there in those "spiritual marriages".

Hello everyone!

So much is going on here on the board, I hardly know where to start or if I could even comment. :-)

I've been MIA for 2 days and it took me forever to catch up. I don't know how you guys do it! LOL

Anyways...the one subject that stands out to me is the situation with those kids. I have views on the subject, but first I have to tell you that after trying for what seems like forever, I was unable to have children. Having said that, I would have to say that my 3 nephews and niece are the 3 most important people in my life. They range from 18 yrs-8yrs old, my niece being the youngest. (A girly-girl if I ever saw one!!)

Now, having said all of that...it horrifies me to think that adults take advantage of children (boys or girls) in anyway. The whole situation hurts my heart...makes me almost tearful. When something like that happens I think, my God...what if it were one of my 'kids' and I feel sick.

I agree that adults, concenting adults, can do whatever the heck they want to do to their lives, but innocent children...that's something else. :(

Those children will never know the carefree days of childhood...the innocence and imagination that are needed to mold them into productive, well adjusted adults. I grieve for that...the loss of something so special that was taken from every one of those children.

Those men and women that saw those acts as 'normal' and 'moral' should pay for their crimes.

I have to add that I worked in children's services for a while...on the administrative end of things, but knew case histories in most cases... I did a lot of fund raising for the sexual abuse task force. I'm telling you, these things happen more often than most of us realize.

Ok, enough of my rant. I apologize, but it really hits me in the heart.

So, I heard about the earthquake. Glad to know everone is all right. We've only had 2 (in my lifetime) in Central New York that I can remember. Kind of felt like the train was going by, but waaayyyy closer to the house than it usually does. :-)

All righty, no work this weekend! Yahoo!!!!!! tomorrow its yard work, clean the screen porch and relax the best way I can think of...with a big fat book! (Tara Road...Maeve Binchy...awesome story)

Till later...Tami

Just thought I would check in. I have been lurking and I'm glad to see it picking up just a bit again! :)

I have made it - well, just about - to stabilization!! :carrot: I had to make an appointment to get the information, and that is next Thurs, the 24th. So, I have a bit more time to lose a little more weight - I hope anyway. I thought once before I was firmly in the 140's and a few off weeks took care of that! This has taken me almost one full year, but I feel that I will be more apt to keep it all off than I was when I did it with the low-carb.

Liza - :hug: I can't imagine how you must feel.

Nicole - I remember living in Alaska on Adak Island (middle of nowhere) and living next to volcanoes. They told us that if there were earthquakes, the volcanoes wouldn't erupt - don't know how true that was but I then WANTED earthquakes! One day, we had 14 earthquakes. Our houses were on rollers - so the house kept going even when the 'earth' stopped! Yee gads, the first time that happened... One was in the middle of the night and I thought the toilet broke it was sloshing around so much! LOL Glad to be in MT where it doesn't do that but once every 20 years or so!

To everyone - have a great weekend. We are supposed to have heavy snow this weekend, so I am planning in cleaning house and vegging.

WOW Stephanie - that's awesome!!! Congratulations on your weight loss goals, you're a real motivation!

Hi Everyone! A chatty bunch we are today huh? I love it!

On the polygamy thing... This is why I don't think they're going to get away with the "persecution of faith" argument. No one cares how many wives they have. It's the fact that they are sexually and physically abusing children who are not capable of consenting to marriage. The young boys are run out of town as teenagers, after being forced to drop out of school at 13 years old to work manual labor. Suddenly they are teenagers left out on the roadside with no education and no social skills. That makes me sick and I think the majority of the people.

So I didn't get a kitten today. Believe it or not, they are actually hard to find right now. That will change in a few weeks when all of the litters come of age. Right now the rescues are taking reservations on litters. However with all of my searching, I did not come up empty handed for a new friend.

Meet Romeo
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/lizababe/romeo057.jpg

The aussie rescue contacted me a few days ago about him. He was a ranch dog and accused of killing a goat. The owner was going to shoot him and someone intervened. I can't imagine the goat killing scenario because he is the sweetest dog I've ever met. Champagne keeps hissing at him and he just sniffs at him without a single sign of aggression. He's an Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever mix. My Golden Aussie!

Ok, time to get back to lovin' on the new friend. Night night everyone!

Stephanie- Great job!!!! You rock! Snow? WTH? I know, we keep getting it off and on here too. I am so ready for green grass.

Oh Liza, he is darling! Congratulations to you and to Mini Me!!!

Liza - congrats, he is so good lookin'! I am getting puppy fever...

Oh, and no snow yet. Figures... And thanks for the congrats. :)

Thanks Katie and Stephanie! He is so darn cute and sweet! There's a little adjustment for him going from ranch dog to house dog. He's got the couch potato thing down. Now he's learning things like car rides are for fun! He just got neutered so no rough playing which is good, since I still have this ick in my chest. It's hard to believe he's still kinda a puppy because he's so totally mellow. Hopefully Champagne will realize soon that he just wants to be friends!

I can't believe you're supposed to have snow Stephanie! It's grey and drizzly here today. Take pics if you get it!

Liz your new dog is Beeeeeutiful!!! I have a soft spot for aussies. I hope he fits right into your home.

Well I was a bit disappointed at the scale this week. After all that exercise I did this week, every day, sweating at least 45 minutes on the treadmill... I followed plan almost to a T. I lost a whopping 1 pound.
I've slowed down the past 2 weeks, I hope this isn't a pattern that it takes me all that energy just to lose one measly pound a week. Anyway, I'm not quitting so I'll just have to hold my chin up and keep going.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Betty, I have a soft spot for Aussies too. Buster was a pure bred tri-color and all Aussie in his personality and drive. This guy (we still haven't 100% decided on his name) has the intelligence of an aussie and the mellow couch potato personality of a golden. He just loves to be hugged and snuggled. His pictures don't do justice to the beautiful colors of his fur.

I surprised Mini-Me with him last night and here's the picture from their first meeting. It was love at first sight!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/lizababe/Alannah_Levi.jpg

oh and I forgot to say, 1lb is a GOOD thing! As long as that scale keeps going DOWN! You'll find yourself in cycles where you lose more quickly during some weeks than others. You don't know why, but your body does. Keep up the GREAT work! Remember, you're doing something very good for your body. I was so relieved after my fainting spell the other day when the doctor said my heart is in great shape. I haven't lost the amount of weight I wanted, but he said everything I was doing was showing in my overall health.

Hey gang..

Back from camp and had a lot of fun.. The kids did a great job with their competition and I think we have the beginning of a great yearly compeitition regarding natural resources..

Great dog Liza!! Everyone here was in full Awwwwwwww" mode with the pictures...

Have a great weekend all!!

liza--the dog is adorable..but not as adorable as mini-me! she's is beautiful!

Good evening all,

Just checking in. It's 18 degrees, snowin and a blowin here. The roads are horrible. They probably put the snow plows up for the year. It's supposed to be like this for the next few days. YAY. Just as my lilac bushes were starting to leaf out. Some of the grass was even turning green too.

Liza- Congrats on the dog, he's a cutie! I hope you are feeling better.

Elizabeth- Nice to "see" you.

Nicole- I hope you get over your cold fast. I'm sending you good vibes for your friend. That stuff is so scary.

Dee- Welcome to the group. Jump in anytime.

Stephanie- Are you staying warm?? Awesome job on being so close to your goal!! I just know you will make it by next Thursday. You have come so far- You Rock!!!

My knee is doing better. It just worries me that when I wake up, there is no swelling and as soon as I start moving around on it, it swells up right around the knee cap. I know there is some fluid around there, I just hope I didn't tear anything. I can't get into my regular doctor until May 1st.

Have a great night and great rest of the weekend.

Deb- Dangit, it really want to come to Crystal Park, MT, but the weather just keeps getting in the way. Grrrrrr.....

Good morning all!

Deb, I can't imagine snow anywhere in the world right now! It was a little grey here yesterday but this morning is absolutely beautiful. I got up and put on some sunglasses and sweats and took the doggy out for a walk right away. What did you do to your knee? That sounds like a sprain. With the cold weather, all of the fluid is going to go straight to that spot. When I sprained my knee they just said to alternate heat and ice and stay off of it as much as possible for two weeks. I think it took about six weeks to heal completely. Hurts like the devil though!

So Mini-Me and I named our new friend Tanis Romeo. He's going to be the baby of the house because all he wants is to be held and loved. We're going to go to the off leash park in a little bit and test him out with the tennis ball. Not too much since he's still recovering from being neutered but let him stretch out those long legs a little. His personality is completely different than Buster and I'm glad for that because I didn't want to feel like I was trying to replace him.

Enjoy the day and stay POP! (It is possible to do on a weekend, just not that likely ;) )

Ok, one more "awwww" picture from this morning.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/lizababe/Photo-0021-1.jpg

Wow, super slow here today huh. We ended up with about 8 inches or so of really wet sticky snow here. The roads were really nasty this morning going into work. I drive the interstate and my usual 15 minute drive ended up taking me almost 40 minutes and that was in 4WD. It's still snowing on and off today.

Liza- Tanis Romeo is so stinkin cute and it looks like he's loving his new home.
I fell off a ladder about 5 years ago and caught my leg in between the steps about 5 foot off the ground. I stretched everything out so bad in my knee that I couldn't put any weight on it without the bone completely sliding out of joint. I was in an immobilizer for a month and a brace for several months afterwards. It has never 100% healed and will still on occasion pop out of joint if I turn just right, even after losing all the weight. So fast forward to Saturday. We went and bought me a new mountain bike and I hopped up in the bed of the truck to lay it down. When I jumped off the tailgate (it hits me about hip high) I landed wrong and it popped out of joint hard. It gets a little better every day, so hopefully that's all it is, is a sprain.

Katie- I think Crystal park is pretty much a summer destination :). They probably have snow up there until late spring. Have you ever been up there? I looked at pictures and it is really pretty. Sounds like a cool place to go for the weekend.

Deb.. hope you get better soon.. I took a look at your photos! Great work! I love the one of you in the pink/black dress.. it suits you. You look superb!! WTG!

Cute pic liz.. He looks so sweet!

Hope you all had a super weekend. My inlaws showed up for a surprise.. that was fun and now I am back into school mode tomorrow. I need to get my laundry done.. a few days off and it sure piles up. Catch you all tomorrow! *hugs*

Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth! I hear ya on the laundry woes. I need to wash all of our bedding tonight plus our clothes and towels for the week. It's 7:30 and I haven't started.. I go to work at 4:30AM so it's going to be a short sleep for me tonight.

Deb, that sounds like a sprain. They hurt like the devil but usually heal without surgery. I did the same sort of thing to my knee. I was riding my bicycle with Buster running alongside on his leash. He came to a dead stop in the middle of an intersection to relieve himself. I brought my foot down to stop and heard my knee snap. A lady who was stopped at the intersection heard it snap too... she was so nice and put my bike in the back of her SUV and drove Buster and I home.

Ok, time to get this laundry going. Mini Me brought out her pile...

Hey there everyone,

Well this is my first day on South Beach diet and so far so good. I can't have starches, fruit, or various vegetables for the first 2 weeks. We will see how it goes.

I also have some great new. I just got a new job. I start on May 6th. I am very excited. It is doing what I do now, but with a different company. I figured it was time to broaden my work experience.

Well, I had better get to work here. I still have 2 weeks.

Liz

Hello everyone!

Busy weekend, no work, but the 'house' work was done for a change. I love spring...I couldn't wait to get outside, get my hands dirty and see those gardens pop! I need to re-do the landscape in the front of my house...I got the old stuff ripped out but I just haven't decided what to put out there. I love flowering shrubs...we'll see.

I did pretty good over the weekend. It seems, that I have a rpoblem on weekends getting all my food in. It's easier during the week 'cause I'm on a better schedule. Still trying to figure that out. I do FEEL better although I've only lost 10 1/2 pounds. I was thinking about it and I'm convinced that it's because I don't eat anything with white flour. Just whole wheat pitas etc. Well, I suppose that less sugar is probably in the mix there too! ;-)

I do hope you all had a great weekend. We had beautiful weather here. It got up to 87* on Saturday...record high. Sunny skies and warm weather really feels good. I'm so sorry to hear of you guys getting snow and cold weather. We get our share here in Syracuse, believe me! Hopefully, that's over for this year!

I'm going to Cleveland on May 1st to see my sister and family...can't wait!
I hope everyone is on the 'up' side of mend...and feeling better.

Liza...that puppy of yours is just darling! What a cutie!

Til tomorrow....fingers crossed we all have a good day! Tami