Sugar Shakers - Sugar Busters Weekly Support Board 3/11-3/17

This is the SUGAR BUSTERS WEEKLY SUPPORT BOARD where all of you who are following this WOE, or are thinking about doing so, are welcome to come join in and be a part of our wonderful group.

Other than finding support and friendship on this board, we also try to do something during the the week to add a little difference to our board.

MONDAY-MOTIVIATIONAL MONDAY
TUESDAY-TUESDAYS TIPS & FACTS & CHAT AT 9:15PM EST
WEDNESDAY-WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY-THURSDAY RECIPE DAY
FRIDAY-FRIDAY FUNNIES

Please visit our NEW 2002 BIO BOARD where you can learn more about everyone who is on this board:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=3773

Please make sure you post your BIO on the LATEST VERSION of our BIO BOARD everyone!!!!

Our JANAURY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2002-FIRST QUARTER RECIPE BOARD can be located at the link below:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?postid=141648&t=910#post141648

We have NINE INFORMATIVE BOARDS!!!! Please take a few minutes to visit them! New information is continually being posted, so please make sure you visit them often!!!

THE RECOMMENDED READING BOARD:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2342

THE TOOLS & TIPS BOARD:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2344

THE FOOD INFORMATION BOARD:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2365

MOTIVATIONAL & INSPIRING THOUGHTS BOARD

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2359

and our newest board MY FAVORITE SB LEGAL FOODS

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=5005

Want to post your weigh in results, we have a MONTHLY WEIGH IN BOARD at the link below:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=13952

We also now have a SB WEEKLY EXERCISE BOARD that you can log your daily/weekly exercises on:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=13951

DO YOU HAVE A MONTHLY GOAL? Post your End of Month Goal on our new GOAL BOARD at the link below:

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=12045

VISIT OUR NEW SUGAR BUSTERS 2001/2002 PICTURE GALLERY at the link below. You can upload pictures or post links to pictures on this board:)

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=7954

Visit our monthly FOOD FOR THOUGHT BOARD were you can post a daily menu and see other board members menus!

http://64.119.161.199/forum/showthread.php?threadid=13953

NEWBIES! (aka new members) If you would like to REPLY to any of our threads, please hit POST REPLY not NEW THREAD, then type your message in and hit SUBMIT REPLY. If you need to edit your reply, just click on edit located in the body of your post and make changes as you need to, then hit SUBMIT NOW.


WELCOME! :D

http://members.aol.com/debelli/welcome_bear.gif

GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!

Will post my usual morning post sometime later, but wanted to make sure I got our
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY done early in the morning, so here's my contribution for MM, I do think it's a keeper:D

http://members.aol.com/debelli/monday_morning_thought.jpg

FINDING A WAY


Things which now come easily and naturally to you, at one time seemed difficult and even impossible. You found a way around those obstacles which once were so daunting. You found a way because you had enough desire to find it. You found a way because you had the commitment to find it and to make it work.

When you need to, or want to, or must, you can find a way to move past whatever is blocking your path, toward whatever you desire. The difficulty of the challenge is not nearly as important as the strength of your commitment.

What do you sincerely intend to do, and what do you truly expect to do? These are the things that will get done, because you will find a way. The efforts probably won't be comfortable, convenient or easy, but then nothing of value ever is. That's why commitment is so crucial, because it will get you through what you must get through.

You're going to get knocked down. With enough commitment you'll get back up. You're going to become sidetracked and blown off course. With enough commitment you'll quickly get back on track.

Your previous priorities and commitments have brought you to where you are right now. Commit to the best, the brightest, the most positive future you can sincerely imagine. Make the commitment, and you'll find the way.

-- Ralph Marston

**************
Have a wonderful day, a fabulous week!!!!!

Debbie
194/12?/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Good morning all!!

I have decided to join the other BFLifers here and start Day 1 today! After I get all kids off to school it's off to the gym for an upper body workout.

Meliris was kind enough to talk to me on the phone last night (in the middle of her dinner) and reassure me that BFL was possible. I have worked with weight machines for years but never with free weights, so my first few sessions should be interesting, to say the least.

I plan to adapt the BFL eating to SB; it should be pretty easy, just leaving out corn and potatoes mainly.

Will let you all know as the week progresses!

Laura

Hello all Sugar Busters,
Yes, I have been MIA for several weeks. I have been very busy with LIFE, and when I do get to the board, there are so many people and pages that I'm finding it nearly impossible to keep up with what is going on. One Monday early afternoon I logged on to find 2 pages already posted. I can barely keep up with the last page posted and have really been out of the loop. Don't misunderstand; I'm not complaining and am happy to see all the interest and support for this SB board, but just explaining why I have not posted in a while. I have been lurking a little, reading at least the last page posted. Usually, though, that is page 9...or 10... or 11!!

Fruitloupe, I was happy to see that you are still posting. I saw your pix on the photo board. You're cute! Was that a beer in your hand!! :s: And hello to my board friend from Auburn Tiger land--Fillise. We still have good memories of our trip there, parking in your church parking lot.

I missed the Orlando get together this weekend because I had an all day meeting on Saturday. I thought of everyone boating on our beautiful chain of lakes, going through the narrow canals connecting them, while I was giving a talk to the group where I was. The weather was beautiful here on Saturday, so they had a perfect day. I was beat by the time I finished, so I just hightailed it home. Perhaps Sol and Vesnoid and I could get together some day for a leisurely lunch. I'd love to see SolShine since she has started preparing for the half-marathon. Debbie, have you registered?

I finally have to start getting in shape for a hiking vacation we have planned for the end of Sept. and first of Oct. in Vermont. We will be with a small group, hiking for 5 days and staying at B & B's each night. The shortest hikes are about 3 miles, with the longer ones about 7 miles. So, I guess I will have to start wallking. Oh no!!! :)

I have been losing slowly, but I think it is the synthroid that has been helping. I'm taking a pretty low dosage, but my latest blood work shows that it is the right dose. I hopped on the scale yesterday to see that I was up 2 pounds after being really good, and I was so upset about it that I went out and had an ice cream cone!!! That'll show'em.

Does anyone remember SparkleSkamp? She was such a good writer on this board. Can anyone remember the URL for her web site. I thought it was SugarShakers.com. Debbie, can you confirm this? Anyone--do you remember? Anyway, I've missed her and so I thought I'd check out her web site, but found that Sugar Shakers was now no longer in existance and the domain name was up for sale. I hope Sparkle--**** on Wheels--is OK.

We will be going to Cuba the middle of April. Still haven't heard many details about that trip, but am looking forward to it. Have to get one more Hepatitis shot before we leave.

And BOB--sorry I missed you when you were here on Saturday. Hope you got lots of good shopping done. I'm not much of a shopper, myself. It wears me out. So I'm always amused and interested in hearing about your latest shopping victories. I did read your post about how you still pulled for all the SEC teams except UF. I thought you said it was just SOS that you did not like, but I see that all those years of us beating UT's b*tt during the Peyton Manning years plus more just got to ya, huh! LOL Now all you other gals, just keep calm here. BOB and I are just doing a little SEC trash talkin'. BOB, I really would have loved to see you again this weekend. Sorry I was unable to come, and hope to see you the next time. I've appreciated all the e-mails.

I notice that the board no longer will take gifs or jpg's or whatever attached to the end of a post. I looked for a notice about that from Suzanne, but never noticed it. I found out the hard way when I was rudely "zapped" when I tried to post one. Consequencely, I lost my whole post. I hate that, and I normally just don't repost anything. That was yesterday (actually, Friday), so I'm typing this (Sunday night) on my word processing application, and will copy and paste it in tomorrow morning when I hope the board will still be at page one!!

BTW, there is something weird going on when I copy and paste. I use Helvetica font, which is really common, and when I past onto the respond page, everything looks normal. But when my page is actually posted, all the apostrophe’s look weird. Like this: i’ve you’re there’s etc. ‘ ‘ ‘
Now, since I’m trying to get this to mess up and am typing it and then pasting it, it probably won’t mess up. But if it does, what’s up, Debbie. This has only been happening for the past month for me, and at first I thought I just mistyped.

Have a great week, all.

Happy Monday all.

Well, it's Spring Break here and what a delight not to have to make sure the little darlin's were up and ready to go to school this morning before I left for work.

Had an interesting week-end. I went to a family reunion on Saturday in East Texas (4 hour drive). Saw people I hadn't seen in about 30 years. Just my mother and I went (along with my 10 y/o son). I think it meant a lot to her to see some of these people. Unfortunately, the food got the better of me. I felt so awful driving home (physically). When we got up yesterday morning, I told my husband we needed to get out of the house and do something. We ended up driving to a State Park and going on a 4 mile hike. We had a great time and I felt so much better. I really was re-energized and realize the importance of jumping immediately right back on that old wagon and not getting run over by the wagon.

I hope all of you guys had fun in Orlando for your SB week-end. Gotta run now. It's definately going to be a Monday.

Trish

Hi,

I decided that today I'm going to re-focus my attention on losing the pounds! The last couple weeks have been OK (in that I didn't cheat) but I have had too many starchy carbs, coffee, and not enough water! So, I'm going to really start trying to improve my water intake! Also, I want to start working out again. I injured my leg about 4-6 weeks ago, and I have yet to resume my treadmill workout. *sigh* This week is spring break, so I will have more time to keep up with the boards. :) I was supposed to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled this week, but, uhhh.... I decided to wait a bit. I have never had a tooth pulled much less 4 at once! Duh! Oh, and I hit my short-term goal of getting under 200 pounds the other day, so I'm happy!!!

224/198/160

Good Morning everyone!

It sounds like some of you had a great get together this weekend. Wish I was in Florida so I could have met everyone.

Daramus--Glad to see you back with us. I have never had my wisdom teeth removed. I have plenty of room for them and they don't give me any problems. Does that mean I have a big mouth:lol:

Fruitloupe: We must be twins. You said that you are a portrait painter. Well, I am by no means an ARTIST, but I really enjoy painting landscapes. I am still feeling crappy with the cold. I can breath a little bit better though. Hope that you feel better soon.

The wind was really howling here in Michigan the past few days as well. We have some roofs damaged and some signs down. Our electric went off and on but thankfully we didn't lose power for long.

Hope everyone has a great Monday.

Sheann
287/272.5/150

Good morning everyone! It is gorgeous here is Auburn, though a bit cool. The bradford pears are in full bloom and the azealas will be popping out soon. I think we are due for some storms tonight, but for today it is beautiful and I am thankful!

Scale has crept back up two pounds, but that is water retention due to delayed TOM. I've been like clockwork for the past few months--but for some reason it is taking it's sweet time this month. Scale will go right back down a couple of days later, my eating is good, so I'm not worried.

Darimus--sorry about the female talk, I hope we don't gross you out. Sorry about the leg injury--I've had two injuries this year that have kept me out of the gym--one to my knee last summer and now my neck. I have a followup for the next in the next two weeks, so I'm hoping to get the all clear to go back.

Trish--enjoy spring break! It's good that you got right back OP after a slip. You will probably not notice much effect if you keep right to the program. Way to go with the hike!

Gator--It's great to hear from you!!!!! I've been wondering where you had gotten to. It sounds like you have been busy and doing well. I know what you mean about the busy, busy board--if I miss a day, I feel that there is no way to catch up!

Laura--good luck with the BFL! You and Melf and FRog will be our advertisements for pumping iron!

Deb--I hope you get rested from your trip--it sounds wonderful. Same for BOB, and SOL, and BK's mamma, and vesnia, etc.

Have a good week everyone!

Susan
300/240/150

--ps, if you get a chance check out the black bean soup recipe I posted on the rescipe board last night. It is a good protein source without a lot of fat. Oh yes--it tastes good too!

Sheann - Well I don't know that anything is wrong with my teeth, per se, it's just that dentist nowadays are trained to recommend wisdom teeth removal right after they are taught to say, "Now this might sting a little." I understand why they recommend it and all, but that still doesn't make me want to have teeth ripped out of my mouth, especially when they are not causing any pain, coming in crooked, etc.

Fillise - Female talk doesn't bother me at all. It's just that I can't really contribute or personally relate to some of the conversations, especially when TOM is an issue. :)

Good Monday Morning Everyone!:wave:

I've been having trouble getting on the site and was happy after shuting the computer down twice that I somehow was able to get on here.

I'M BAAAACK!! What a weekend! I've said it before and I'll say it again, we have a wonderful bunch of women on this board. I so enjoy each time we get together, whether it be a one-on-one meeting, a small group or a bigger gathering, it's always surrounded by a positive feeling during and after the time we spend together.

I'm sure I will reiterate much of what was said, so bear with me through this. BOB and I met up at our hotel around 4pm, we arrived within minutes of each other-good timing. Anyone who's met BOB in the past can tell you she's a HOOT and just fun to be around!! It was just the beginning of enjoying the weekend together! Never a dull moment when BOB'S around.

After getting settled in we scooted over to ITALIANNI'S to meet SOL & VES, who were already there hitting the booze, I mean the wine:) Dinner was delicious, though the service sorta sucked, the waiter we had was not good and I think he knew afterwards that we didn't think that much of his waitering skills.

SOL looked like her radiant fun self. For those of you who've met SOL, you will understand when I tell others that she has an infectious smile that lights up an entire room, a great voice that holds so much enthusiasim when she speaks and just a great all around person to be around.

VES, oh my, this girl is a doll! I so enjoyed finally meeting her. She's so cute! When you meet her you feel like you've known her forever, just like the rest of the group. Of course, my first impression of her was that she was very pretty, second was, what weight is she wanting to lose, she looks great! Nice and tall, lucky booger!

BOB intruduced us to what the DIRTY MARTINI was. I'm not a drinker at all, so I didn't try it, but it had green olives stuffed with feta or blue cheese and THOSE were delicious! So when SOL decided to order one, we asked for extra olives-YUMMY!!

After dinner, VES and SOL went their seperate ways to prepare for our get together on Saturday morning. BOB dragged me shopping, her favorite past time. She was so thrilled with some new sneakers she found at the REEBOK OUTLET STORE, she was floating on air. After the outlet mall we strolled around DISNEY MARKETPLACE until about 11pm when I started to feel the fatigue hitting me from being up since 5:30am and having run that day as well, so we headed back to the hotel to try and get some rest.

I had to thank BOB'S Mom out loud for having her make sure that BOB packed her FART SPRAY as BOB NEEDED IT!!! Sure wasn't me this weekend that was blowing in the wind. Luckily, the ear plugs I brought didn't have to be converted to nose plugs, though I didn't think up until now, I could of used them as butt plugs for her! :lol: BOB & I figured we can easily travel together, as long as she carries her fart spray and I my ear plugs. I didn't even miss Eli, I thought he was snoring in the next bed!:eek:

Next morning we went to check out the breakfast buffet that came with our room. Boy, what a spread. Not your typical Breakfast Buffet! I wasn't going to eat anything but ended up having some bacon, a tiny piece of fish and tea-did I forget anything BOB?

We headed off to go pick up ROSALIE at her hotel. She was waiting outside with her daughter who wanted to make sure we weren't serial killers or some oddities. ROSALIE is a doll, and once again I'm here thinking, how can this woman weigh nearly 200lbs! She doesn't look it at all and carries her weight wonderfully! She has such a nice British accent, though I have to admit sometimes I had a hard time understanding what she would say, so I had to listen carefully to make sure I didn't miss a word.

So, off to SOL'S we headed, and we headed right into bumper-to-bumper traffic!:eek: Here it is, Saturday morning and there's traffic?!? After 45 minutes of not going all that far, the gals can tell you I was getting really pissed. We called SOL and VINCE gave us alternate directions to get to their house. Felt like it took forever, well, it did, almost 2 hours! I was ready to bite someone's head off. I don't like being late anywhere and we were late. Luckily, only VES had showed up thus far.

Our HOST & HOSTESS had everything set up and ready to go-gosh how I wish they'd come my way so I had a good reason to clean up my house-theirs looks immaculate! Shortly afterwards BIGK arrived along with the family who were dropping her off for the day. As it's been mentioned, her son is definitely a BIG BOY and she's mentioned him and posted pictures of him in the past-but not until you get to meet him in person do you see the magnitude of his size. He had to bend his head down to get into SOL'S doorway. He's definitely a gentle giant though, you can see that. SARAH is a cutie too, a very sweet littl girl. We got to meet BIGK'S hubby too-the entire family!!!! HAPPY & her friend Anita arrived last and it was nice to finally be able to put a face to her name. I didn't know what to expect, so of course, when the two of them walked in I didn't know who was who. It was nice to meet them both, definitely partners in crime:s: Hopefully meeting the rest of us, ANITA will take some time and join us on the board.

All the foods looked wonderful-of course, there was just way too much food! SOL & VINCE must be in heaven not having to cook for a while-no wonder she loves having it at her house-look at all the wonderful SB BENEFITS she gets!!;) The table looked like a feast ready for a King & Queen. The foods were delicious and I made sure to try each and every dish. Of course, you all know that DESSERT is my favorite, so I made SURE to leave room for that. Actually, being the glutton I am, I took one of VES'S chocolate almond candys and ate that before anything else. She made them with bakers chocolate and agave for the sweetener-she'll have to post a recipe, very yummy!!!
Anyhow, I think I was the first to dive into dessert. I'm surprised that no one already said what a pig I made of myself with the cheesecake I brought! You are all too kind! It may of not looked pretty with the cracks, but damn, it was GOOD! I ate more than anyone else, that's a given! The zuchinni loaf cake that BIGK made minus the oil was delicious and ANITA made a apple crisp type of dish that was very good as well. I don't know about everyone else, but I ate waaaay too much, but yes, it was all SB LEGAL:D Oh, I think it was BIGK (if not, it was HAPPY) that brought some of these new SNYDER brand OAT BRAN PRETZELS as I had. When I stopped in Port St. Lucie looking for a urination stations I went to Publix and found them there (mine doesn't carry them), so I brought some-they are delicious ladies!!!!! They taste a little like graham crackers-will make a GREAT CRUST!!!!

We went for the boat ride, which I think we all enjoyed-I surely did, very relaxing and nice to see homes I can only dream about living in! As you all heard, VES sure can whistle and those peacocks would of loved getting a hold of her if they could of!!!

Shopping in Winter Park was nice-VES pulled me into an ice cream shop where they make their own without presevatives. Of course, after making a huge pig of myself at SOL'S one would think I wouldn't have room for ice cream! LOL, yeah, right! I got a coffee ice cream. I haven't bought real ice cream anywhere while being out since starting SB-it did feel odd, but tasted great! Wish we had more time to spend down there, it was just pleasurable to be walking with friends and shopping.

A trip to WHOLE FOODS was next and as it was mentioned, we scattered in all different directions. Of course, I was sniffing out the chocolate that no one else noticed in the corner of the store, some CHOCOLOVE 77%. There were others, good prices, even better than my WHOLE FOODS down here, so of course, I made some purchases!

Dinner was at OUTBACK, it's just a good place that pleases everyone. VES & I split the salmon plate-yummy!

We all disbursed and went our seperate ways from there. We took ROSALIE back to the hotel, but making some stops along the way.

Sunday morning BOB & I got our crap together, headed to the breakfast buffet where I had taken my cottage cheese and raspberries down with me and had some bacon again-delicious!

We met up with VES at a flea market a bit north of where we were staying. Of course, stopping at STARBUCKS along the way and passing the FRESH MARKET that was not yet open for the day. Strolled around with VES as well as her boyfriend TOM who we got to meet. Yes, the place was enormous and we didn't have enough time to get through even a small portion of it. We all made a purchase or two.

As the day was getting on we finally had to go. We said our goodbyes to VES & TOM and BOB & I heade back over to the FRESH MARKET and then off to lunch-back to ITALIANNI'S before we left-it's that good! I spoke to the Mgr. just to express my disappointment of our service, not the actual meal, on Friday evening. She said the food was on her-boy, BOB & I sure were happy! We left the gal a really nice tip and I'm sure we were all happy afterwards.

BOB & I parted ways, hmmm, around 5ish or so, BOB, can't remember! Anyhow, I took a roundabout way home instead of spending $10 on the turnpike. I went through towns that are so small they aren't even listed on a map. At one point I see a man in the road and cars stopped, two-lane road in the middle of nowhere a car much of flipped and landed upside down in the middle of the two lanes-luckily no one was hurt and there was enough of a shoulder that we could go around them. As I continued on I see a police car coming, mind you, that was abouat 15 minutes away from the scene-I think the closest town was about 40 miles away from there. Boring drive, but I made it how, a little after 9pm.

The weekend was wonderful and I loved getting to see everyone and having the opportunity to meet VES< ROSALIE & HAPPY in person after all this time. You guys CAN NOT MISS THE NORTH CAROLINA TRIP, you just have no clue how much fun it is to meet others, and this is going to be the best get together we will ever have!!!

So, that's my take on this past weekend. I'm sure I've forgotten things I want to tell you that I will hopefully remember later. Of course, lots of pictures were taken and I have my roll almost done, maybe 4 pics to go, and I'll get those posted once I have them processed.

I don't have time to address all the old posts, heck, I don't even have time to answer all the e-mails in my mailbox!! Please bear with me while I get back into the groove again.

I was able to get in my walk this morning, not sure how, feeling as pooped as I am, but I did get in my 4.5 miles in 44:50 and jogging almost the entire length at that! I figured with all I ate this past weekend, I really NEEDED to get back on track. Oh, I'm at 122 today, so up from the other day, not surprisingly.

SEMMENS, good luck with BFL. I'm sure MEL & FROG will be good role models to look at and get info on it!!!

GATOR, sorry you weren't able to make it this past Saturay, it was fun and you would of loved meeting the new gals and seeing the old ones. I can't tell you about the trouble with the fonts, but you could e-mail SUZANNE if you continue to have trouble.

TRISH, glad to see you are right back on track after the weekend, like myself. I have a friend that lives in what I think it considered SE TEXAS, a tiny town called ZAVALLA, about 30 minutes from LUFKIN I believe. Do you know of it??

DARAMUS, congrats on meeting your mini goal!! Glad to see you are going to work on the water, it definitely helps!!!

SHEANN, sorry to hear you are still feeling under the weather-hope you feel better soon!!!

FILLISE, trying to get a little rest after I post. I will definitely check out your recipe later, I do like black beans!!

Okay, this is it for me, for now. Going to go lie down for a little bit, I'm just wiped out!

Oops, forgot to mention, Saturday marked 9 months since I met my goal weight:spin:

I'll check in with you all later.

Toodles

Debbie
194/122/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

It's been a full week end for me, starting with an Associational Mission's Banquet Friday night with several others from our church. Food was good too, they served chicken breasts in a mushroom sauce that was soooo delicous, green beans with almonds, & green salad. Passed up the wonderful looking desserts.

Saturday, went to a Mary Kay party & had a really nice time.

Sunday, we had a full church with CMA, Christian Motorcycle Association members from all over the state show up for a special service along with some local bikers. Our pastor is a CMA member & it was part of our Mission's Emphasis program. Then they had Blessing of the bikes, dinner, which almost EVERYONE stayed & ate with us, then Biker Games which was fun to watch. They also gave rides to those that wanted a spin around the block on the bikes. Our pastor, however took a spill on the wet driveway Saturday & was on crushes. He already needs surgery for his knee & this really put him in alot of pain. Thank goodness it was hsi bad side he fell on & not his good one, which would have really put him in more pain.

Anyway, we had lots of food for all. I made the carob cake with cream cheese icing, then grated some carob chips on top. Was reallly good. I also made the lemon jello cheesecake cups They were awefully good. Got some good compliments on them. Made a casserole with turkey ground meat & eggplant which also turned out well. I managed to eat OP, but tooooo much... :lol:

Debeli I really like your motivational message this morning. Soooo true! Reminds me of sometime I read last week & jotted down. EVERY STORM WEATHERED WITH DETERMINATION BRINGS US CLOSER TO SUCCESS You are so right about the degree of committment we have making all the difference in our winning or loosing the race, or in our case, the weight lose.

Sounds like all you FLA ladies had a great time. Debbie, you are so right about SolShine's smile being radiant. She is such a doll & really knows how to make everyone feel special.

GatorGal, sorry you had to miss the gathering, but it does sound as though you are really busy with some fun things. The hiking sounds like it's going to be lots of fun, as does the trip to Cuba! I know what you mean about being overwhelmed with the posts lately. I can't keep up either, so just trying to post when I can which has not been too often lately.

Well ya'll, I've got to get going. Have a jury summons for 1:30 & need to get there early to find a parking space. Bringing a book to read to keep me from going to sleep. Had not had a chance to finish reading Desecration so I'm taking this time to read it before the next book comes out in July! :lol: Have a few days off, so if I'm not choosen for jury duty, which I'm praying that I'm not!!! then I'll be checking in again tonight or tomorrow. Have a sugar free day all! :wave:

Testing to see if I can get the apostropheÕs to goof up. HiÕs youÕre itÕs Ô nowÕs yearÕs

Yep!! Debbie! That's how it looks. Bad, huh! How do I get Suzanne to see what it looks like?
BTW, do you remember what SparkleScamp's website was? Sugarshakers.com?

Sounds like you all had an excellent weekend! Noticing many of you are starting Spring break, something those of us on the west coast won't see until the 1st week of April.

Deb, this week's MM is just perfect! Reworking daily life to incorporate the things I need to be doing. I may even do a little "chore" schedule until I get things rolling more smoothly. Went to make the oatbran muffins last night and discoved the box with the recipe on it had been ditched - yikes! I'll be doing some web surfing today, trying to find a new one.

Daramus, Congrats on meeting your mini-goal. We will be re-focusing together my friend. This week's goal is to stay out of Starbucks until the weekend or at the very soonest Friday when I'm off with my son for his medical appts. I have expresso roast at home, it's just a matter of learning how to make it right. If I can reduce my visits there the caffeine, fat, and chance of cheating with those darn muffins goes down.

I hope everyone's Monday is the wonderful beginning to a terriffic week!

OMIGOSH! I'm soooo tired! And I missed out on HALF the festivities and SHOPPING! Must be all that food we ate weighing me down…..it HAS to be that 'cause I'm not gonna admit to being too old in the bones to keep up with VESNA, DEB and BOB and MARIE!

If you haven't been to last week's board to read about the escapades it's well worth the time.….okay, maybe not, but I'd show you my home movies too, if you'd let me!

Thanks to everyone for the compliments - you sure know how to make a girl's head swell. I have a few compliments of my own, but, of course, these are food-based compliments….I'm sitting here munching on BOB's AWESOME GREEN BEANS!! OMG, they are sooooo good!! I had DEBBIE's AWESOME QUICHE for breakfast and a piece of VESNA's AWESOME BREAD. Last night for supper we had SLAPHAPPY's AWESOME NACHO SPREAD with some of BKM's AWESOME BREADSTICKS. (Do you get the picture???) Tonight I'll enjoy some of MARIE's WINE - yum, yum! Vince and I will not be going to the grunchy store for quite a few days. :lol: Even if these women weren't as wonderful as they are it would be worth it just for all the goodies we end up with out of the deal. (Did I mention I also had a cup of STARBUCKS COFFEE with my QUICHE and thanked DEBBIE out loud as I put our weekly schedule up on the fridge with my STARBUCKS MAGNET.)

Did I also mention how absolutely wonderful everyone is? A true joy to be around. I'm tellin' ya - THINK NC IN OCTOBER!! And O-TOWN IN JANUARY!!

Sunday was an equally busy and exciting day. We got up bright and early to go meet some Border Terriers. We got there right on time and when we rang the doorbell you should've heard the barking going on! We came in and said HI and promptly hit the floor playing with the dogs - poor breeder was completely ignored for a little while. They gave us lots of kisses! :D We were there for 2 hours talking and playing. The breeder won't know if her gal is preggers for a couple of weeks, but said to e-mail her then and she'd let us know. Meister wants to meet a couple of other breeders who are in the area just for fun. So we'll line up those meetings. The dogs are exactly what we expected and now we're even more excited about getting one.

We got home in time to eat and run back out the door for a meeting. When we got home we both booked it into our spandex - Vince for the bike ride and me for my walk. I took my cell phone as promised in case I couldn't make it home. Meister planned his ride to pass me a couple of times and make sure I was hanging in there. He rode beside me for a little while - it was so sweet. He went home and I kept on truckin and made the whole 7 miles in 2 hours 12 minutes and 37 seconds - AND that's with making a potty stop behind the electrical box and palmetto trees with less than a mile to go! (The dogs are gonna wonder about THAT one!) :eek: I just couldn't wait any longer and it was dark outside - don't know what I would have done if it had been daylight. I normally walk the 3.5 mile loop in 1 hour 3 min to 1 hour 6 min. I'm sure paying for it today, though. My ankle is KILLING me! Gonna head toward home and see if I can find some dress shoes that will be comfy and fit with my inserts in them.
MELF, so glad to see your post! I miss you when you're not here! You would LOVE BOB's beans! They are soooo yummy!

GATORGAL, we missed you this week-end! You sound very busy and the hike sounds like lots of fun! Shapeshakers.com is SPARKLE's website, but it appears to be down. I e-mailed her, but haven't heard from her in a while. Her profile is still on this board, I believe.

Okay, time to go! I'll try to get "more personal" with eveyrone later. :wave:

Hi All!

Looks like I have a lot of catching up to do! I've not been able to get on the board for nearly 24 hours! I was having withdrawl! I even had time this morning that I was going to have my morning coffee with you all and make some replies. I emailed DEBELLI to see if it was just me. She was having problems too. I was so desparate that I emailed my cousin to have him try to get in to the site. He called a few minutes ago to say he was in and while I still had him on the line I tried AND GOT IN!!!

I'm a happy camper now:D

Unfortunately, I have to start thinking about dinner and such, so I might not get to reply till tomorrow.

I am SOOOOOO glad I can get on now! I felt so lost not being able to read from you guys--especially about the weekend in Orlando! Having the board is so important to me and you guys are like extended family.

Gonna scoot now! I promise to get back ASAP

Good day all!!!
Sounds like your get together was a blast! You guys are so lucky to have been able to meet!

I had a busy weekend and a busy Monday. I have lots to do but wanted to say hello. My 2 y/o and 4 y/o are sleeping, my 14 y/o is at school and my 8 & 10 y/o are playing with friends...so it is peaceful here!:lol:

Debbie had mentioned something about BFL....what is that? It sounds interesting.

That is it for now....

TTYL
;) ;)
Kimmy

just wanted to say I found this misterious food item in my Publix ( I had two guys searching for it!) and am planning to spread the addiction around!

Toodles

Vesna

Hi Everyone,

My thoughts this morning are on my daughter and her husband. The good news is they are vacationing in Hawaii.
The bad news is that they have no luggage.(It’s been since Saturday) This is a trip that has been anticipated for
years. My daughter has been the sole source of support in order for my son in law to get a degree in Physical
Therapy. He just made it though this month and this was a much needed trip for the two of them. The airlines do
not have a clue where the luggage is at this time. DD and SIL are not appreciating the time they are spending in
Wal-Mart trying to just obtain the essentials. They are trying not to let this spoil their trip but they say it is always
on their minds. It is hard to replace hiking boots that are comfortable, for instance.
I am going to be out of pocket until at least Friday since I am taking that trip to Natchitoches, LA I was telling you
about. I will post my Thursday recipe early. These Pizza Muffins are great.

Quilter: Thank you for the feed back concerning my portion control. I use a program called DietPower (I think
Monet uses it also) that will track calories, protein, carbs, fats, etc. The problem is, one must input the data. I
have been lax with that and will start up again tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder. After my talk to myself,
which I also related to all of you, I did get myself out and go for a nice walk. It felt good, like I did control
something. I also controlled my eating by thinking through what I was about to do and had an apple instead. It
worked for one day, anyway.

Deb: What a great motivational Monday quote! The weekend sounded marvelous. It was so nice of you and the
other ladies to let us live the experience from afar.

Gator Gal: I was happy to see your post this morning. Please tell us more about the walk you will be taking this
fall. It sounds like hard work but with a nice B&B award at the end of the day.

Fillise: The Black Bean Soup recipe sounds good. Thanks for posting it. I guess my craft right now is knitting. I
am just learning but am enjoying it a lot. My daughter does cross stitch and really likes it. A close friend does
needlepoint and we visit while I do the knitting.

Melf: I love anything with eggplant. Would you please post your recipe or tell me if it is on the recipe board?

Talk to you soon.

Well, I sat in the courtroom awhile & they pulled 30 names out of the box, then dismissed the rest of us, but with instructions to call in tomorrow afternoon after 4:30 cause we may have to report back Wednesday morning for another civil suit. Just my luck cause I'm scheduled to work Wednesday. Oh well! :dizzy:

I didn't get much reading done, but after I left the courthouse, I went shopping at WalMart. They have alot of new clothes in that I had seen a few days ago, so I went back to check them out & OMG!! DH has been warned. :o I came out with a really cute beige skirt & Jacket, size 8-10, a long black skirt, size 8, a really cute green floral skirt & blouse set, & some capri's, size 6!!! :D Then of course I needed a new purse with all that new clothes! LOL

Then as I was thinking about supper, I went through the fresh produce dept & got some fresh mushrooms & some salad fixings. Right next to that I found a new item I had not seen before, some Red Pepper Hummus It is delicious!!! Had some with celery sticks as a snack when I got home.

But now it's time to get ready to start supper for DH. Need to be really nice to him when he gets home because of my shopping spree!!! :s: :lol:

See you'll later! :wave:

Hey Chics!

I'm so happy to hear all of the details from this weekends meeting..y'all had a blast no doubt! I can't wait to meet all of you!

Went to the doctor today cause I've been hoarse for months and he passed a light through my nose and down into my throat...the verdict...I have a huge polyp on my right side and a huge nodule on my left side! :eek: So, now I have to have surgery for that during the summer! More medical bills for me! UGH! Also - I have to go to speech therapy!! Whatever! I told y'all this class has been the worst yet - I've been fussing so much this year - look what happened!

GATOR: I'm sooooo happy to see your post!! Yes - that is a beer in my hand in that picture but it was Mardi Gras!! You know me....I fall off plan very easily - it doesn't take much!! All of your trips that you have planned sound fantastic! Why are you going to cuba? You have some family there? I know how hard it is to keep up in here but please don't go MIA for that long again - I missed you so much!!!

SHEANN: OK - post a pic on the board so we can compare what we look like - this is starting to get spooky!!!

MELF: Great to hear about the new clothes and the small sizes!! woo hoo! You know you HAD to have that new purse girl! Got to have new stuff all the way around! HAHA!

Well, let me run - I'm going walk with my friend!

See you ladies later!

Missy
284/268.5/170

Here's my little contribution for the days motivation



Life's Struggles


A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.


The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled. The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.


Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.


~~~~~~~~


BOB

What wonderful posts you all have done and how inspiring. I loved your stories. They made me so excited about joining this board and so hopeful. The trip together sounded wonderful and Debbie your post made me feel like I was right there. For you that don't know me I've been on 3FatChicks for quite awhile only in the Low Carb board. Some how I got off of it and gained allot more weight. I had read the SB book and then my beautician has been doing it for ages and looks wonderful so I decieded to give this a try. I started last Thurs. and doing good I think. It will take me a bit to get all tuned in... but I'm off and running... Thank you to the person that suggested Fitday I love it... Thank you all.

Hi Everyone! Boy, there are so many new names here I'm really having trouble keeping everyone straight. Sure keeps me busy reading, too. It's great to have such a sisterhood (and Daramus!) for support!

I was at another website when I found this link: http://www.86sugar.com/index.html. I was exploring in there and was impressed with the products that I have never seen before - and they are sugarfree. DEB - have you ever heard of wondercocoa or Slimsweet? These both sound like really terrific items, but just wanted to see if anyone has tried them. Let me know if you have, 'cause I have found some recipes that use one or both. Thanks!

What a good time the Florida SBers must have had! Makes me jealous! I'm sure all your enthusiasm will transfer into your posts and thus to the rest of us :)

Has anyone heard from Rhoo?

Gator - wasn't Sparkleskamp's web page Shapeshakers? I tried looking for it, too, and thought I had bookmarked it, but I can't find it. I'm sure Deb will know. I'm surprised she hasn't checked in at all.

Time to fly! Have a great week everyone!

Karen

HiedieHo All!!!

You Florida gals are great reporteres!!!! Made us all wish we could have been there too!!!

Last night I had a lovely time with Habitat. We have some students from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio who are spending a few days here in a Collegiate Challenge. They will be working the next few days on a house we are building. We didn't know what time they would be getting here last night, so we put on a little (are you kidding?) spread for them. There are about 11 of them and an advisor. They drove in. You never hear about good kids, just the bad apples. These kids were so great to talk to. One of our members regaled them with tales of her childhood, she was very poor and lived off the land, hunting, fishing and trapping. From turtles, squirrels, nutria, gar fish, the works. They will certainly have tales to tell when they get back to school. This Challenge is how they are spending their spring break. Fortunately there were things I could eat. Just an enjoyable evening. One nice thing I got out of cleaning up as I basically can only work with one hand. Did carry some things to the kitchen but that was it!! Everyone wanted to pamper me, especially as I got hurt in the line of duty!!! Thursday night we are having a potluck supper for them. They will be given some time to go to N.O.

Hand continues to improve.

Supper was so good tonight, I made Mexican Chicken, I posted the recipe quite a while ago. Basically, plop chicken breasts in baking pan, top with some salsa, top with drained black beans or red kidney beans, cover pan with foil, bake at 450' (pre-heat is best) about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top immediately, re-cover and let sit a few minutes until cheese melts. A meal in itself or serve over brown rice, yummy!!

Take car all, shirley

Hi y'all. First day of spring break.:smug: Already the kids are driving me nuts. I took all three for dentist appts today. I'll never do all three at once again. Everythings went pretty well. We're taking the kids to my mom's tomorrow to visit for a couple of days. That means two nights that I get to sleep in my own bed all night long. I usually rotate from bed to bed during the night depending on who has had a bad dream. We're planning on getting work done in the yard while they're gone. We have some trees we need to cut down. I've managed to stay OP today. While everyone else had burgers for lunch I had a salad. Then they wanted tacos for supper so I had taco salad.:) Hopefully I can be good this week while we're out of school.

DARAMUS: Glad to hear from you again. WTG on meeting you mini goal.

TRISH: Where in ET was your reunion? I'm originally from the Tyler area.

Sounds like you FLA girls had a great time.

168/152/140 since June, 2001

Hey!

I must say the board is kinda slow so far this week! I expected to wake up and see 2 more pages of posts to catch up on! ARE YOU GIRLS & GUY SLEEPING OUT THERE?!?

Went for my walk last night but I'm still not feeling up to par - lots of snot moving around my head! UGH! The doctor gave me some meds so hopefully I'll clear up soon!

SEF: That chicken sounds yummy - minus the beans cause my DH doesn't like the beans - I'll have to try that next week. Thanks for the idea!

Ok well I'm off to get ready for another day of work - see y'all tonight!

Missy
284/267.5/170

Good Tuesday Morning all... it's the second day of the week, and my second day OFF work. :( I have strep throat and pinkeye!! I'm on a ZPak and a Medrol Pack which is steroids for the swelling in my throat, that was so bad I couldn't even swallow spit! Well, now I have the 'trots' and I'm bloated from TOM supposed to be here any minute PLUS steroids and I'm feeling like CRAP! My boss is not too happy about having to cover my shift, but I can't go to work with PinkEye, it's a daycare and I'd give it to all those kids!

Still haven't weighed in since 3/1 so I have no idea what's going on. I've had a few of those 'eat everything in the house' days, but kept it all legal... just ate way toooooo much. I'm hoping TOM would just visit and get it over with! I've never been very regular, so since last month was the 11th, it could be anytime this week.

Well... I'm half blind without my contacts, and my glasses are giving me a major headache (no contacts with pinkeye!!) so I'm gonna go get some sleep... both kids home with it too, so we're one big miserable family. Only they feel fine, just can't go to school with it, so they're running around the house cause it's raining and they can't go out! UGH!

Hope everyone is having a better week than we've started...

Oh yeah, the houseguest signed for an apartment and will be moving in on Thursday... I found this out secondhand since she hasn't called or come back since Thursday night... all of her things are still here and I wrote her a letter telling her I felt very taken advantage of, and that I was upset at how she had treated us... and so she calls me yesterday and says she wants to talk to me... yeah. Just get your stuff and get out sweetie..LOL.

Bye All :) :wave:

Really beautiful and sunny here! Wonder how cold it is outside. It was 65 degrees on Saturday and then a big windstorm came in and it went down to about 10 degrees with the windchill. This winter has been so unpredictable--every day is an adventure!

Well, the jeans-o-meter is telling me I've lost some. Jeans that would fit, but could only be worn for a couple of hours a couple of weeks ago, are now able to be worn ALL day! :D :smug: And I realized in the shower that there's a lot LESS of me to wash! PLUS I just had to jump on the scale to check and I've hit a LOW! I just hope it keeps till tomorrow for WIW!

I guess having a sore mouth and not being able to eat much helped a little. I found myself making very good food choices since every mouthful was painful, I wanted to make the most of what I ate. As the mouth is healing, I'm still trying to be very conscious of my choices. So I guess I found some good in a bad situation. :)

I've had time to catch up with ONLY this week's posts! Sorry to those I've missed from last week.

SEMMENS How was your first BFL day? I'm just starting on week 6 (already:eek: ) I'm gonna have to increase the weights again, cause almost all my exercises felt too easy.

GATOR I know what you mean about keeping up with the posts! I too take synthroid and was upset when they found the correct dosage and I stopped losing. But too much synthroid greatly increases the chances of osteoperosis. Where in Cuba are you going? I've been twice to Cuba, but it was never suggested I take hepatitis shots.

TRISHALOO WTG in getting right back on the wagon. A 4 mile hike is quite a workout!

SHEANN Hope you feel better soon!

DARAMUS Glad to see you post! Sorry to hear you hurt your leg. Hope you're better soon. It's wonderful that you made your short term goal!

FILLISE You've got a great attitude. I'm sure you'll be back down soon.

DEBELLI Sounds like you all had a great time in Orlando! You are so descriptive, I felt like I was there. I had the same impression when I met ROSALIE. I thought I had been reading the weight she posted wrong. MARIE must have heavy bones.

MELF Sounds like you had a fun Sunday. Hope your Pastor feels better soon. WTG for keeping OP. Sorry you have to sit in a courtroom for a 2nd time. How wonderful that you could buy small sizes on your shopping spree.

IDBLOND Just take one day at a time and you'll make your goal of staying away from Starbucks. You CAN do it!

SOLSHINE WTG with the walk. What a great pace you kept up! Hope your ankle is better real soon. I could just picture you and DH rolling around with the doggies LOL

KIMMYTHEKID BFL Body for Life is an exercise/eating plan developed by Bill Phillips. He wrote a book with the same title and has a website too (www.bodyforlife.com) . I'm doing the exercise part (I've started the 6th week) and love it. I've never kept up with an exercise plan for so long. I'm still working on the food part but gradually getting there. I think MELIRIS and FROGLOVER are doing it too and following it a lot better than me.

YELLOWROSE I hope your DD and SIL have their luggage soon. Real drag having to shop for the essentials and trying to replace favorite clothing. BUT they are in Hawaii and it's so beautiful there. Hopefully the good will outweigh the bad. The pizza muffin recipe sounds yummy.

FRUITLOUPE How terrible--more surgery. Good for you in getting out to walk when you're sick. Hope you feel better soon.

BOB So true. Our struggles are what make us stronger.

TONI48 Welcome to the board!

KAREN3000 I have a hard time keeping everyone straight too!

SEF Hope you're healing from your tumble. Sounds like you had a great time with your Habitat group. Your mexican chicken sounds yummy. I'll have to try it sometime.

MUSICTEACH HOORAY for staying OP. Enjoy your time with DH while the kids enjoy being with their grandparents.

BETH Oh dear! A double wammy! Hope you're better soon. Hope the kids pinkeye clears up and your houseguest leaves soon so that you can get your sanity back

FROGLOVER Hope you're doing ok. Haven't seen you post for a bit.

HELLO to anyone I've missed!

I think spring must be just around the corner. The sun is so bright and I can hear the wee birdies chirping away!

Have a great OP day everyone!
:wave:

Hi there! Sounds like that FL gathering was a blast! I'm trying to talk DH into NC, but as that is the middle of football season, we'll have to see ;)

I think I'm going to have to get a new scale. Mine is showing that I have gained 17 lbs in the past 5 days. I somehow don't believe that at all........

I don't feel like I'm getting any smaller, but I think that is due to the fat roll over my jeans getting smaller, and by contrast making my waist appear larger. I have noticed that my shirts are getting slightly longer, and that my jeans are fitting straight out of the wash instead of a fter wearing them for a while. We'll see!

I am trying to get motivated to go to the gym - DH bowls on Tuesday nights, so I can't go to water aerobics then, and Thursday is aboput our only night at home every week. Then the Saturday am class is usually less important than whatever else I have to do that day. I need to discipline myself to go no matter what. DH has been going almost every morning, and is losing weight rapidly. He lost 5 lbs in 4 days last week - and he didn't want to try this WOE :lol: Needless to say he is now sold on it, and is putting up no fuss!

Gotta run - my 7 year old is screaming bloody murder for unknown reasons.........

I was out of commission for Sunday and Monday because poor dh had an attack of what we think was kidney stones. I have heard and read that it is the most painful experience a man can go through and have also heard women say it was worse than childbirth. Needless to say, he was not feeling too good. I rushed him to the hospital on Sunday afternoon and he was vomiting from the pain when we got there. They put an IV in him, some painkillers too, but it was not enough. They gave him demerol and it finally settled down a bit. Xrays and a special thing called IVP and they could not see any stones on the xrays. The radiologist was not available but they said he was a textbook case. He was eventually sent home in the evening but on Monday morning the severe pain struck again. He has not passed anything so we are hoping he does soon…otherwise why is he having this pain?!

I am still at my low of 165 with 11 pounds to go. I have added some weight training to my usual exercises in hopes of toning and getting rid of some of the flab. I am a decent enough size, it is more the flab that I have to contend with…I hate jiggling!

Melf-I had to laugh at your post when you said you must go and make dh something good for dinner because of your shopping spree. You sound like I do! Food always appeases dh in my home. Yesterday, I scraped the entire length of our 1 year old Windstar against the mail box . I was too lazy to get out and just drove up too close beside it. Needless to say, hubby was not amused. He told me I would have to make him something really good for dinner as penance!

Debelli-Lindt doesn’t seem to want to get back to me. I have emailed 3 times..Canada and the USA. If you get the nutritional information on those 85% Cocoa Dark Excellence bars, I would really appreciate it.
I was also having trouble getting to this site..it happened a few times..guess it is fixed now!

Greetings to everyone else. There was a lot of reading to catch up on and it sure sounds like the girls had a great time in Orlando.

Hello!

Yesterday at home I got cake crazed. So I made carob cookies. Well, of course they couldn't go down with water, milk was the right way to go. Anyway, I ate way too much carbs yesterday (even though it was all legal), so I went for a run at night. I ran .5 mile straight (as much as I could with that crazed dog of mine stopping and running wild :D ). This morning I weighed and I was 160 or 160.5. Couldn't tell. I guess this is still good considering this weekend....
Today I am really, really concentrating on the protein intake and low fat. I got turkey breast yesterday, and with the pita Debbie brought to ORlando, it really makes for an awesome lunch, snack, or whatever.

To All I have nagged about my puppy turmoils - the little darling is back with his loving family and doing great! It had to be me. My next project will be making my back yard dog& people friendly, so I will be able to truly enjoy how cute they are and not bore everyone to death with my lamentations. Thanks for putting up with me!


FRUIT - I feel so terrible for you! You poor girl:( ! Did they tell you about any particular reason, why would the polips grow there? I have been reading your posts, but can't remember why you needed the speech therapy. At any rate, I thought those were supposed to be helpful? I really hope you feel better soon. As far as the medical bills go (yuck) can you find a better insurance? I know it is tough, just from trying to find some better dental care.

BETH - Strap throat, pink eye, AND sick children...! You really have it going, huh? I really hope the payoff will be a blissfull year from now on (or as soon as your pink eye clears). I know you probably can't bearstaying with the computer for long, but what can you do except sleeping, when you are this sick? Have you tried plantain drops or tea for your throat? Also, Propolis is the best for strep (in my experience). Though I will admit, that Robotussin Honey + sth feels good when it goes down burning the throat! Get well soon, kick that illness in its candy as*! Cudos for writing that letter. You are such a sport!

SEF - Mexican chicken sounds yummy. It just might find its way to my hungry tummy! :dizzy:

MUSIC TEACH - I am sure your kids appreciate you comforting during the night, I usually just crawled in between my parents, sticking my cold and clammy limbs anywhere that was warm!:lol: Are you sure, you won't miss those night trips? I can't believe you rotate between the three of them. What a mom!

B O Babe - Thanks for the inspirational thoughts. Have you broken into your skyline chilli yet? I am not quite clear on what is the difference between the can and the Publix frozen variety!

SOL - Way to go on your long walk! You neighborhood must really be safe that you feel comfortable walking in the dark. I only dare going around my block and don't venture far. Do you know when you're getting the pup yet?

DEB - You must be having trouble signing on again - I am really admiring your jogging for 5 miles. After 1/2, I was ready to lie down and die :lol: !

MELF - My DBF had jury duty next week as well. He is pretty bummed out about it, because it means leaving his classroom. I hope you won't have to do it, though, you would probably make a good jurer!

To all I've missed- have it the best and the way you want it! Let's be really good today, so that WIW will be kind (please, please, please, WIW, be nice!)

Vesna

It is a yucky day here in Ohio. Raining and so gloomy. I am the type who gets depressed with this kind of weather. :( But I will not today. I have been doing well on my butt machine and on my hip machhine. I was doing sit ups but I now have an area on my stomache that kills every time I do one, so I have to wait for it to "heal" before I start those again. I HATE TO EXERCISE!!!! I will have to say that my 2 machines are pretty good and fun.:strong:

BFL...
Is there a certain thing you do on certain days? Sounds pretty neat, but I do not go to a gym and don't plan on joining one any time soon...so is it something you can do w/o a gym?

Gracious...
As a nurse, I had seen my share of men w/ kidney stones. My dad also had them. Very painful for men, not as painful for women, due to our bodies being different, but it is still painful. Compared to child birth for men is what I have always heard....but how would they know???:shrug: I just remember hearing the men cry out at all hours. When my dad got his attack, it was about 20 years ago and the options back then was wait for it to pass. Now they can do so much more. I hope he gets better soon!

Ardonsgirl...
I highly doubt you gained that much in such a short time. Scales......our worst enemy!!! I am addicted to mine. I actually "gained" a pound last night sleeping.....go figure. Congrats on the jeans fitting better. That is the worst thing...getting them out of the dryer and they feel too tight!!! I hate that! And if they are stiff at all:eek: I hate that feeling.

Have a good day everyone...my 2 y/o is crying...better go be a mom.:o

Good Morning All:

What a wonderful morning here in Central Texas. The sun is shining and it's supposed to be in the 70's today. I feel wonderful!

OK all you basketball fans out there: March Madness is HERE!!! Sol, have you seen a bracket yet? If Texas and Miss. St. both win their first round games, they'll have to play each other this week-end. Sorry, but until Texas loses, I'll have to keep rooting for my 'Horns. Gee BOB, have I overlooked Tennessee in the tournament? Didn't see them on my bracket, LOL. Sorry, trash talk is not limited to the SEC.

I got so excited last night. I found La Tortilla brand tortillas in my local HEB supermarket. I had never tried them before, a little pricey, but really great, I thought.

Music Teach: The family reunion was at Whispering Pines RV park just north of Tyler State Park. The cousin that organized the event is a big RV'er and this was kind of a central location for everyone to meet. The kids really enjoyed the Tiger Refuge, even saw Michael Jackson's tigers.

To all the sickies out there: Feel better soon.

To everyone: Have a GREAT day!!

Trish

Good Morning everyone! Here I am in gloomy Missouri hopeing the sun will peak out and dry the wet off. This first week is hard I'm having to keep my eye on the slim prize. And sometime its just an hour at a time.... My body wants sweets, snacks etc. But I can do it.... :D

So sorry for all that are sick and hope you all feel soon...

Sounds like everyone is busy busy here.

I'm 53 with two grown sons and one step daughter. I have 3 grandsons. But all my children live away from me. Sure would like them close. So its pretty boreing here..LOL.. just DH and I, 2 cats and 3 dogs. We live outside a rural town in the Ozarks right by the river. Its beautiful and quiet where we are. Lots of trees and wildlife and good fresh air. I guess you could call me a hillbilly.
Hope everyone has a good sugar free day......
213/??/130

Good Tuesday Morning!:wave:

Hope you will all bear with me this week with my less than stellar and direct posts. I have a bunch of phone work to get done, trying to find volunteers to work the NASDAQ 100 TENNIS TOURNAMENT as a fundraiser for the school as well as finding proctors for the IB Oral Exams.

I got in my walk this morning, times are getting slower as it gets hotter, but I did the usual 4.5 miles. I think I really need to start looking into some other exercise alternatives or making my lengths longer, just can't figure out what I want to do.

Last night ELI had a coffee seminar at his store. They have a local TV show called DECO DRIVE come and film as well as a report from one of those underground type newspapers called STREET. The show won't air til next week. Took lots of pictures of course!

Felt icky yesterday, headache and barfy, usually a good day on the scale after a day like that-was back down to 120 today:D

OPINIONS PLEASE! What do you all think about taking our really important threads, like last years recipe boards, FOOD INFORMATION BOARDS, etc. etc. and having me post them as a STICKY THREAD? What this means is these threads will always stay at the top of the boards, on the first page and won't keep getting knocked down and have to be bumped up with a post. I can actually even make the SB WEEKLY SUPPORT BOARD a sticky thread as well and once the week is over I can unstick it so it will fall back down. Any thoughts?????

Today is TUESDAY TIPS and will all the talk about the WDW MARATHON next year I thought this would be appropriate, it's about training for a half-marathon, just click on the link:


http://walking.about.com/library/how/blhowhalfmarathon.htm

Gals, please forgive me for not replying individually to each and everyone who's posted since my last post, it's already 10am here and I haven't even gotten half the calls I need to get done. If you've e-mailed me recently, please know that I will definitely reply soon-those e-mails are backing up big time on me!!! I promise, tomorrow I should be somewhat back to "normal" (no response needed on this one).

Please remember, TONIGHT IS CHAT AT 9:15PM I hope to be home on time, I have a board meeting at 7:00pm and I pray it doesn't last all THAT long!

Of course, I do have to remind everyone that TOMORROW IS WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY!!!! I wish everyone good luck with the metal monster tomorrow!!!

I'll check in later this afternoon/before I go to the meeting.

Toodles

Debbie
194/120/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Morning all!

Last night I was so tired that I put some rice in the microwave to cook, fell asleep and didn't wake up until this morning. I guess it is a good thing I had the rice in the microwave and not on the stovetop! I don't know what got into me--I feel fine this morning so I don't think I'm getting sick.

Today and tomorrow will be cramp days and then I can relax for another month. I'm living for menapause!

I just realized that it has now been a year since I joined this board. Everyone on this board has been great support and I feel like I have a wonderful set of cyber friends! There have been times this year when I was ready to give up--and the support here has helped keep me commtted to the low glycemic lifestyle. Thank you for all your support and friendship over the last year. I really enjoyed meeting Frog last spring (and hope you will call the next time you are in Columbus). I'm going to try to make it to Orlando in January to meet as many other folks as possible!

Deb--I enjoyed reading about your adventures in O-town. Try the BB soup. It would also be good over some brown or converted rice--which is what I had intended to eat last night!

Toni--Welcome! It is good to have you on this board.

Trish--I've got my brackets next to my computer. I'm rooting for NC State. They have Michigan state on Friday and if they win that they will probably play U Conn on Sunday. I don't recall seeing Tenessee in the men's bracket either--and the UT women are only a #2 seed--oh my!

Beth--Pinkeye is the worst! You have my most profound sympathy and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Ok time to go to work! Talk to you tomorrow!

Susan
300/240/150

Where are you, Monet?? :?: I noticed you missing here and the cafe. I am concerned and need to hear from you pronto. I hope everything is fine and that you are still on plan....if you aren't, fess up and you know we will all be here to urge you on.

Missing ya!:^:

I've been meaning to ask this on the board for some time now.
I love walking, running, and all that stuff. The only reason why I don't do it, is because I don't know what to do with myself for that length of time. I like the exercise, but I get bored!
SOL - do you think books on tape would help?
DEB - what do you DO for 45 or 47 min? Count clouds? Write a new book in your head? Talk on the phone?

Please, I need suggestions.

Thanks

Vesna

I have a jar of

President's Choice Low Fat Great Northern Beans

1 cup has :
1.2 grams of fat
13 grams of protein
26 grams ECC (42-16fibre)

Do beans count as a protein or a starchy carb?

Just got back from my family doc... she gave me some stronger drops for the eyes, and some allergy medicine. Zyrtec D. I used to take Seldane, and it worked WONDERS for my allergies, then they took it off the market... figures.
She also said no work till Thursday, so my paycheck for this last pay period which I will get Friday will be nonexistant!! UGH!!!! Youngest is better, Oldest is doing better and will go to school tomorrow... DH is still whining but is better... I'm the only one who's eyes look like I've been to my best friend's funeral!

I did get a weight while I was there, and was disappointed sort of.. :( My weight on her scale on 1/23 was 205, and today was at 191. That's 1.5 pounds higher than my MIL's scale said almost 2 weeks ago... so either mom's scale is light... or it's because TOM isn't here yet and I've got a couple pounds of fluid hanging around.. the jeans are a little snug today!

Oh well... I'm cutting the cereals and triscuits and most of the fruit for a while to see if that works any faster. I'll do mostly beans, veggies, and meats. I have GOT to get better about my water. I was doing SO well for a while, and then got lazy. I bought more bottles today, and will FORCE myself to drink water!!!!


Thanks for the well wishes everyone!! Going shopping tomorrow with my mom while I'm on my last sick day :)

[b]Bumper Stickers for Ladies
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COFFEE, CHOCOLATE, MEN ... SOME THINGS ARE JUST BETTER RICH.

DON'T TREAT ME ANY DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU WOULD THE QUEEN.



I'M ALL OUT OF ESTROGEN AND I HAVE A GUN.

WARNING: I HAVE AN ATTITUDE AND I KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY...I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

DO NOT START WITH ME. YOU WILL NOT WIN.

ALL STRESSED OUT AND NO ONE TO CHOKE.

HOW CAN I MISS YOU IF YOU WON'T GO AWAY?

DON'T UPSET ME! I'M RUNNING OUT OF PLACES TO HIDE THE BODIES.

IF YOU WANT BREAKFAST IN BED, SLEEP IN THE KITCHEN.

Send this to 10 Bright Women to make their day!!!!!


BOB[b]

Hi everyone

It just seeems like I keep running out of day to get things done - like I'm on this nonstop roller coaster.

I was at a meeting last night and one of the girls knows I'm SBing - I've been trying to get her to read the book and do it with me. Anyway, she came in and looked at me and said she needs to start after seing me - made me feel great!!!

I don't expect much weight loss tomorrow for WIW - it seems like I have been hungry for days and I've noticed I am taking bigger portions. Now that I'm aware of my behavior I can try harder - as Scarlet said tomorrow is another day.

Sorry to hear so many of you are so sick - yuk!! I'm sure our freaky weather last week didn't help any of you. I wish you all good health :)

See you all tomorrow (maybe tonight for chat if I remember)
TTFN
Denise

Just wondering is there a name brand mayo that tastes good but has no sugar. I got something strange at the health food store but I wish it had Kraft or Hellman's on it.... I'd feel allot better about opening that lid....

Hey everyone- just got back from the gym and a wiped out- it's either take a nap or sit at the computer. Since ds in doing some diorama project involving the glue gun, I'd better stay awake and nearby!

Beth- hope your new meds are helping. Life sounds dreadful at your house, but at least everyone else is on the mend. I take it your "friend" didn't stick around to get sick with you all? Don't sweat the 1.5 lb- geez, for me that really is one good sweat! Sounds like fluid retention to me.

Vesna- I try to turn off my brain when I'm walking or running, but some times it doesn't work and I spend the 45 minutes thinking of those snappy come-backs I should have said, or mentally criticizing neighbors' landscaping, house maintenance or choice of exterior paint colors, or planning sumptuous feasts, or thinking about how comfortable my next pair of running shoes will be...that's when I know it's time to shut my brain up and notice nature or just zone out. Course I usually run with a large dog and we have some ridiculous conversations. I run in a very hilly area and (don't tell anyone) also try to visualize myself running along side Lance Armstrong cycling up a mountain, or running next to Marion Jones or Cathy Freeman in the Olympic stadium. If you meet me, you'll understand how ludicrous this is:o I used to run with a walkman, but found it really annoying. But technology has gotten smaller again, so I may ask for a tiny mp3 thing for mothers day.

Kimmy- BFL is a very structured eating-excercise program that you do in 12 week "challenges". I'm in week 10 of my first challenge, and have really enjoyed it. It involves very high intensity but short cardio 3X week, and very intense weight lifting 3X a week. You eat 6 small meals per day, balancing protein and carbs. I have (tried) to stay SB legal while doing it, but some BFL foods are not authoried on SB. I just stay away from them. I found I had to join a gym to get the weight intensity I needed, but I've been lifting weights for about 6 years and was pretty fit to start with. I've definitly gotten results, but have not dropped much scale weight, which I attribute to being pretty close to my goal weight when I started it. If you are interested, you REALLY need to read the book. Body for Life by Bill Phillips. I was very skeptical at first, but now I'm a beleiver. FROG is also doing it and I believe Zanne and Semmons are doing a modified version- not recommended!

Fillese- You must have been running yourself ragged to fall asleep like that! I'm real glad you weren't cooking it on a stove-top, but I bet the smell of burning rice would have woken you up in a hurry. Congratulations on 1 year on the board. I agree, the support here, just knowing that youall are out there, has kept me going and accountable when I felt like saying "so what".

Deb- You sound incrediblably busy again! I like your idea of sticky threads, tho I think of sticky buns every time I see it on the screen. Not a good thought for us. Do you have your weeks mixed up or did I give you the wrong dates in the first place? I sure hope it's not a problem to meet, I've really been looking forward to it.:D

Melf- I discovered the only good thing about having fibromyalgia is that it got me permanently off jury duty, fed and local. My rheumatologist wrote a letter saying that I couldn't sit for more than 1/2 hour without being allowed to walk around, do stretching exercises, etc. Guess the thought of a juror running a few laps around the room then getting down on the floor and stretching every 1/2 hour was more than they could handle:lol: . I had to go shopping, too. It better be warm when I go to FLA in 2 weeks, because I discovered that all my shorts and tops from last summer literally fell off me, even zipped up. Never thought I'd have that problem! So I "invested" in some new clothes. Couldn't justify the purse, tho.

Gotta go see what's been glued while my back was turned-

mel

hi girls,

will miss chat unless i get home early tonite from BUNKO.

toni- the mayo i use when i use mayo is called duke's mayo, it is made in richmond, va. i find it at publix next to the kraft and hellman's. i think it is pretty good, i tend to use more mustard now a days but this works, not bad at all.

thanks to all the florida girls for all the kind comments about my family, they clean up pretty well and do behave nicely in public! LOL jeff has been referred to as a gentle giant before, he liked the Grande Knight description too!

jeff is home on spring break and drove his mommy around today as i did my errands. i feel like miss daisy with her chauffer(spelling?) holt from that movie!

bye for now everyone, good luck to all on WIW

chris

Hey girls!

Just checking in after work....before my walk. Glad to see some of you woke up out there!

BETH: Girl I know you are miserable! All of that stuff at one time! That totally sucks! Hope you are feeling better soon!

VES: I need speech therapy to teach me how to use my voice properly. As a teacher I guess I talk to loud and I fuss too much!! So, they have to train me to use it in a way that it won't damage my vocal cords any more. I cracked up when I read your message to Deb about counting clouds! That was hilarious!

GRACIOUS: Hope your hubby is feeling better soon - I've heard that kidney stones are horrible. I had a friend that was pregnant and she had them - she couldn't take any meds - talk about pain!

Well, talk to y'all later tonight!

Missy
284/267.5/170

Mel...

Thanks for the info! Maybe I will get the book. I see that you have fibro. Have you found that being on this diet has helped? My mom has it and really suffers, but takes nothing for it. Did sugar used to give you a major headache? It does to my mom. Any advise would be great.

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!

I really don't know what I can add to the great descriptions that were given by Deb, Ves, SOL, Chris & Sue...we had a WONDERFUL time and I wish I was still there. Debbie and I can never get enough shopping...we may not buy much, but we can sure handle everything we come into contact with!

I hope that EVERYONE can come to NC this fall...you have NO idea how much fun we have until you experience it yourself!
CATHERINE come on over to NC, there will be NO PROBLEM with a good football game...I'm sure we can tune in to a TENNESSEE game with no problem :s:

I'll try to get to chat tonight...NYPD is on at that time and I'm usually glued to the tube...

BOB

How to Poop at Work

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something brew down below.
As much as we try to convince ourselves otherwise, the WORK POOP is inevitable.

For those who hate pooping at work, following is the 2002 Survival Guide for
taking a dump at work. Memorize these definitions and pooping at work will
become a pure pleasure.

ESCAPEE.
Definition: a fart that slips out while taking a leak at the urinal or forcing a poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of panic embarrassment. This is similar to the hot flash you receive when passing an unseen police car and speeding. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are
standing next to the farter in the urinal, pretend you did not hear it. No one likes an
escapee, it is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing makes both parties feel uneasy.

JAILBREAK (Used in conjunction with ESCAPEE).
Definition: When forcing poop, several farts slip out at a machine gun pace.
This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover. If this should happen, do not panic. Remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom so to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.

COURTESY FLUSH.
Definition: The act of flushing the toilet the instant the nose cone of the poop log hits the water and the poop is whisked away to an undisclosed location. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink
up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the WALK OF SHAME.

WALK OF SHAME.
Definition: Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with all farts, it is best to
pretend that the smell does not exist. Can be avoided with the use of the COURTESY FLUSH.

OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER.
Definition: A colleague who poops at work and damn proud of it. You will often see an Out Of The Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under their arm. Always look around the office for the
Out Of The Closet Pooper before entering the bathroom.

THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (PFN).
Definition: A group of coworkers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to
monitor the whereabouts of Out Of The Closet Poopers, and identify SAFE HAVENS.

SAFE HAVENS.
Definition: A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the
bathroom.

TURD BURGLAR:
Definition: A pooper who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that can occur when taking a dump at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the Turd Burglar leaves. This way you will avoid
all uncomfortable eye contact.

CAMO-COUGH.
Definition: A phony cough that alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a WATERMELON, or to alert potential Turd Burglars. Very effective when used in
conjunction with an ASTAIRE.

ASTAIRE.
Definition: A subtle toe-tap that is used to alert potential Turd Burglars that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear an Astaire, leave the bathroom immediately so
the pooper can poop in peace.

WATERMELON.
Definition: A turd that creates a loud splash when hitting the toilet water. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a Watermelon coming on, create a diversion. See CAMO-COUGH.

HAVANA OMELET.
Definition: A load of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water. Often accompanied by an Escapee. Try using a
Camo-Cough with an Astaire.

UNCLE TED.
Definition: A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever. Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An Uncle Ted makes it difficult to relax while on the toilet, as you should always wait to drop your load when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees.

FLY BY.
Definition: The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in and check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. Be careful not to become a FREQUENT FLYER. People maybecome suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

BOB

And we're already on page four!!! Wow, this week is flying!!!

I don't have much time to post, but just wanted to touch base and let you know that everything is going well here. Paul and I are still working hard at keeping to our FitDay limits. This has been a great week. We have stayed well under the calorie limits advised by our wonderful leader, DEB! I am actually excited to see what happens tomorrow with WIW. I sneaked on this a.m. and saw a tiny bit of a loss. Let's hope that needle stays down.

I hope all goes well for each of you when you step on that one-eyed friend.
I'll try to write more later in the week.

Kim

Hi all,

Having a great day here.

My God BOB...I am rolling on the floor and I almost peeed in my underware. I needed that laugh. I am going to have to get my hubby to read that post I know he will write it down and take it to work with him.

I have put myself strickly back on track with my eating today. I've been eating a few things here and there every since I got preg. that I do not need to eat so today I prohibited myself from all of them. And from now on I promise to be a good girl...:lol: My tummy is expanding already now that I am a week away from being 4 months preg. But I feel great and thats all that matters.

Talk to you all later!!!

Started SB July 1, 2001
265/205/155ish

A bit of a whiny post...

Having a difficult time with being so far from my family during a difficult time, as well as several issues with myself right now. Work is unbelievable this month to boot. Don't have the energy or time to post anything remotely chipper lately. I hate that the new folks here are getting me in my usual mode, you newbies must think I'm a real buzz-killer. I'm usually not like this. Just may have to lurk for a while. And with all that is going on with family that live 8 hours away, I can say that I am not that invested in how or what I eat. I am still going to the gym 6 days a week, but not eating as well as I could. Will try not to sabottage myself in addition to all the other stress I am feeling. I need all the support I can get right now.

Glad to hear the O-town get together was fun. Sounded great, thanks for all the details.

GATOR - Chris' place was shapeshakers.com. Good luck.

Hope that everyone has a great WIW tomorrow.

Hope the sick get well.

Promise to get a grip soon!

Peace,
FROG

Looks like I'm up about a pound and a 1/2 to 147.8. NBD! Just gotta try not to lose focus!

Speaking of remaining focused, I'm off to the gym!

Good luck everyone!

Peace,
FROG

Well, I'm back down to my low of 163. I was a couple of pounds lighter earlier in the week, but I'll take this "loss" (every week I seem to play "lost and found") and hope the needle will stay down next week. Why is it that the scale is always lower right before or right after WIW:shrug:

DS has a wee buddy coming this afternoon for a sleepover and Inlaws are arriving this evening from Florida for a week. Still have lots to get ready for both events.

Gonna try the machine WW pizza crust dough that was posted (I think by YELLOWROSE, can't remember) so I'll let you know the results the next time I make it to the board.

Hope everyone has a GREAT WIW!

Talk to y'all later

:wave:

Here's my first WIW report for such a LONG LONG time. I'm down about two pounds from last week. Yippee!!!! I am now officially going in the right direction. So I'll just keep doing what I've been doing. I fight the impatience of wanting to see tons (literally) drop off. But I truly know how dumb that would be and losing weight quickly is NOT the way to go about it.

Congrats to ZANNE for being back at your low. Keep going . . . you are doing well.

THUNDER, BOB is backing up the wagon right now for you. So jump on and we'll all harness you on. You can do this!!!

FROG, I'm so sorry that you feel so far away from your family at such an important time. I'm sure they are all missing you like crazy too. There's not much I can say to make you feel better, so I'll just send you about a ZILLION HUGS and keep you all in my good thoughts circle. Some times it's just no fun being a grown up. Take care, my friend. And don't apologize for not being your usual peppy self. You know we can all come to this board at whatever place we are. So we are ready to support you and hear you even when it's about something other than health and fitness.

I just realized I missed the chat last night. Brain fart!!! I wasn't even doing anything special. Ugh.

Tonight I start tutoring a new man who needs help with his reading. We will meet at one of the neighborhood libraries. I haven't met him before, just talked with him on the phone. A friend of mine has taught him in a class she teaches for adults with reading difficulties. And she's known him for about a year. She says he's a wonderful person. I'm very exciting to get started again. Wish me luck.

Everyone else have a GREAT day. I'll talk to you soon. Remember, giving in to temptation only separates you from you goals!!!!

Kim

Morning!

Just wanted to post for WIW. I'm at 267 this morning which is 4 pounds less than last WIW! :D
It's amazing what eating right and excercise can do for you!

FROG: Sorry you are down in the dumps! Just always remember we love you no matter what mood you are in! Try to keep your spirits up and we don't want you to lurk!! Keep those posts coming - sometimes you feel better if you can just talk about things with anyone! We are your friends and we are here for you at all times!

QUILTER: Way to go on the 2 pounds - keep it up!
Good luck with the tutoring....I've never worked with an adult on reading but reading is my specialty. I tutor every day after school - reading is the main need!

ZANNE: That needle will go down next week too - I'm sure of it!! keep up the good work!

BOB: That is one of my favorite e-mails that I receive periodically - I laugh every time!! That's a riot. OH - and let me tell ya - if I make that NC trip we'll have to watch an LSU game not a TENNESSEE game!! HAHA! Just kidding!!! Maybe we'll luck out and they'll play each other!

OK - gotta scoot and get ready for work!

Missy
284/267/170

LOUPE---I didn't know you were a reading specialist. THAT IS SO GREAT!!!! You and I could sit down and have a real long chat some time. I would love to hear the specifics on what you do and what you think works the best for you. Did you know that's what my job is? I work for a non-profit that promotes literacy in our area and helps all the adult basic ed agencies. Also, congrats on the FOUR POUND LOSS this morning. Fantastic!!! Just envision that as 16 sticks of butter to realize exactly how much weight that "looks" like.

Take care.
Kim

Good morning.... I feel so out of it. The board is so very busy. Miss a few days and you can get behind fast.

It has been a zoo here. My grandfathers funeral was saturday and this week at work has been crazy. It hasn't given me much time to post.

My scale isn't going the right direction. It isn't going any direction. Just staying in one spot. I guess that is good though.

Zanne - Great news about your WIW numbers. I know what you mean about the scale.

Froglover - I know how you feel but hang in there. My son and his new wife just moved 11 1/2 hour from us. It is very hard for me. We are going to visit in a couple of weeks. I am focusing on that, which makes it easier. They are going to school and will be there for a couple of years. Keep your dates at the gym. The exercise will keep your mind off the other stress' in your life. Keep :)

Everyone have a great day. :)

Cyndi

Well It is another yucky day here in Cinci...but I will not let that have any affect on me:) The one thing that really has me sad is the Andrea Yates case. I know that she did such a unthinkable thing!!! No doubt. But she was not right in the head. I a nurse who has been with the mentally unstable before, it is sad to see that she will not get the help she needs, but will be locked up forever or killed. I read the transcripts of her confession yesterday and balled my eyes out for those kids...at the hands of their mommy. Oh well....enough of that.

WIW...I am happy to say that I am getting closser to my first goal of 130....The scales were gong b/t 132-133. Last week it was a solid 135.
Congrats to Kim, Missy, and Susanne on the loss!!! It really does feel go to see the hard work coming off! And Frog....I am glad to see that you only went up 1/2! You had said you were not eating as well.....but like I said, now is not the time to worry! You have a lot on your plate.
I live away from my family as well, but only 2 hours. It sucks!!!!!!!!!!! I moved to Cinci and left everyone. I had babysitters galore and moved here to be stuck in a house with nobody. It was really hard. I am so very close to my mom and aunts and cousins...ect. I hope you are feeling better. And as for you now being your "normal" self for us newbies....please do NOT worry about that!! You are wonderful just how you are.

the chat was pretty empty last night. Beth and Thunderwoman and I had a good talk about sagging boobs. It was fun!

So Kim...
When are we gonna buddy up? I would love to go to J.J. or anypalce.

Everyone...have a great day. ;)

Good Wednesday Morning Everyone!:wave:

Just a quickie as I have to jump in the shower and get ready to spend the day with the COFFEE MAN!!!!

WIW is the same as last week for me, 120lbs. I'm happy!:D

Before I totally forget, we have TWO BIRTHDAYS TO CELEBRATE THIS FRIDAY!!!!!

POOCH & PRAVDA BOTH HAVE BIRTHDAYS MARCH 15th!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BOTH!!!!


I will be back on before SURVIVOR & AMAZING RACE to get in a post, until then, I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!!

Please remember, TOMORROW IS RECIPE DAY so if you have any good SB LEGAL RECIPES you'd like to share with the board, please, try to post them tomorrow.

Toodles

Debbie
194/120/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Way to go Kim! And all the other losers! :)

OT I know: but I just wonder why more people aren't questioning Russell Yates' role in this tragedy. This man left every day to go off to work, and left a mentally ill woman alone with 5 small children. She homeschooled, and evidently Russell had discouraged social contacts with neighbors who could have helped. They didn't attend church either. He had been told by doctors NOT to have more kids way before this last baby was born. I find the whole thing heartbreaking, but I can't see him as the innocent, supportive spouse.

Off my soapbox now, and off to the gym for UBWO.

Laura

Well... Beth still remains scaleless.. LOL! A friend keeps threatning to give me hers, but I know she can't live without it! ;)

I fell of of my own personal wagon I think. When I started SB, I was VERY diligent about the things I ate, and the easier it got, the easier it was to allow myself to stretch the limits of legal. I gave up the sugar, but over did it with artifical sweetners, I gave up bread, but over did triscuits... I gave up potato, and over did cheese that wasn't lowfat. You see what I mean? For everything I gave up, I've now found a legal substitute that I just eat even MORE of, so my scale isn't moving anymore. I was losing 4 pounds a week when I was doing nothing but WATER and salad and meat and dairy. Now that I've added in legal treats like biscotti, and carbolite, and Fresca, and things like that... It's not moving anymore!

I'm re-committing myself as of this minute! I won't say that I won't have a treat, because that's not reasonable for myself, and I'd be setting myself up to fail. I don't deserve to fail. NONE of us do. I *am* however going to set myself up to SUCCEED! I can do that by drinking my water again... and only allowing myself a 'legal' treat twice a week instead of every day, twice a day. I know myself well enough that if I try to cut it out totally, then one day I'll just explode and binge on it, and I don't want to do that.

It's water for me today, and I'm allowing myself ONE Fresca or diet/cf whatever per day... my choice what time, but only ONE. I'm going to be STRICT with the 2 SERVINGS of legal starchy carbs. I'm eating egg-beaters right now for breakfast, because I'm watching my FAT intake.

I know I can do it... I know we can all do it if we want it... and boy do I want it!!! It felt so great to pull on some size 14's for the first time in 7 years... and I'll be damned if I'm going to sabotage myself back into my 16's!!! I deserve better, and I am GOING to treat myself better!!!

FROG - I don't know what you're going through, and it's not my business... but don't EVER feel like a buzzkill!!! How you feel is important to all of us! If you're not happy, and you pretend you are, then we can't support you like you need it!!!!! You are an amazing person... your before picture and after picture are my motivation most days because I looked a lot like your before picture when I started! And I'd LOVE to look like your recent pics right now! You're a great motivation, and there are many of us looking up to you, and we're here for you, no matter what. That's why we NEED friends, to enjoy the good times, and to lean on when it's hard. Lord knows I've done my leaning on you all :) Perk up Froggy one... this too shall pass :)

OK... I've typed so long the eyes are hurting, so I'm gonna go shower and see if I can't get some rest. DS1 went back to school today and DS2 (the 5 year old) went to work with DADDY!!! (HE drives the Keebler truck, remember?) so I'm going to get a SAMS membership with my mom, she has room on hers for me :)

Prayers for this pink-eye to go away are DESPERATELY needed!!! It's just as bad today as it has been the last 2 days, and I'm supposed to go back to WORK tomorrow :(

Hope the scales are kind to all of you today, and if they're not, maybe you should be joining me on my NEW wagon.. LOLOL!!

Bye ~ :wave:

Congrats to the losers! The scale finally moved a half pound down for me to 136.5. 9 weeks to lose 1/2 pound! Whoo hoo I'm just melting away. But the caliper test shows fat loss, so I'm happy anyway.

I too just forgot about chat :( I could definitly have added to a discussion of sagging boobs, one of my specialties.

Off to get ready for work, will try to get on later,

mel

175/136.5/135 original goal but now 16% body fat goal

SB since 7/24/01 BFL since 1/7/02

Hey there everyone.

Well after 2 weeks of the scale just sitting there, when I weighed this morning, I was at 251. That's a loss of 17 pounds from when I started SB on Jan 1. I know I had lost some before that when I had my shoulder surgery in November but I have no idea how much. At any rate, I'm thrilled.

Congrats to all the other losers out there as well.

Frog: I hope you're feeling better soon. I'm fortunate having my mother live close by now, but for a lot of years she lived about 7 hours away. Your post pointed out to me that sometimes I take her for granted. For that I thank you.

Woohoo! Survivor and Amazing Race tonight. If they don't get rid of Sarah soon, I may just hurl.

This morning, some of the women at work were gushing over how good I looked and how much weight I had lost. I think I've made some SB converts.

Gotta run now. Have a great day everyone.

Well, I made an unfortunate discovery yesterday. Nishiki makes a brown medium grain rice that works very well for sushi. I found this treasure at Harry's, and since I was making sushi for my massage therapist ( we trade...massage for food!) I decided to see if I could make SB legal sushi. With mixed emotions, I would like to report that yes, I can make SB legal sushi. Unfortunately, the amount of sushi one can have does not satisfy the sushi tooth that only gets indulged once in a blue moon. In other words, I ate too much of it! (those of you who like sushi might be surprised to find that one California roll contains 1 1/2 cups of rice....) It sure was good though....

So, having indulged in my brown rice sushi, I can not report the two pound loss I was looking at yesterday, cause it is gone! I sure hope it comes back by Friday, when I have to go to the doctor for a follow up on this glucophage I am taking.

I am one VERY discouraged Monet today. Anyone else have a stall that lasted a month? I have tried to increase my exercise, and lowering my fat intake. Even yesterday, my calorie intake was less than 1600, and it usually is around 1400. Nothing seems to work except taking phentermine, and I would rather not have to.

Good morning everyone.

Well, I'm up 3 pounds this week. But I am retaining water. I was taking this Alka Seltzer Flu medicine and then I read that it has 426mg of sodium. NO WONDER I'M RETAINING WATER :(

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOCH AND PRAVADA!!

Congratulations to everyone who lost this week.

I'll be back later to post, I have some errands to run.

Sheann
287/275.5/150

Good Morning everyone! I lost 7 lbs. this week which is a good jump start for me. Still haven't started on my treadmill yet but maybe I can this week.
Bob- you started my day out with a big laugh, thanks

Sheann-I'll bet also just being sick would bloat you. Next week you should lose..

Monet-There has to be a stall breaker somewhere. Maybe lower the carbs. for a week. Maybe your body is readjusting itself.

Trishaloo-Wowie zowie way to go girl!!

Meliris-I'll have to pop into this chat if you're talking about sagging boobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beth-What a great post. It was really inspiring. Good luck with the pink eye. Rest lots.

Frog- I don't know you yet but going to the gym is sure great when you're down...Hang in there gal....

Laura- You're right. And he's going to have to live with this...

Zanne, the Quilter, Kimmy, fruitloupe, Congradulations!

Red1- Hang in there.

Congradulations all!! You are so inspiring!!!! Can't wait to get to know you all better.... Have a great SB day!!!!!


213/207/130

Sadly I have to report I am up 1/2 pound. I am hoping it is just water or the nasty scale being difficult. I can't complain too much, I am hoping it will be back to 165 tomorrow.

MONET- There you are, woman. I was looking all over for you. Sheesh, you had me worried there for awhile. I just posted an APB for you at the cafe. Glad to hear it was just a sushi scare and not something more serious. :)

DEBELLI-Sorry to pester you, but you are the big cheese around here ;) and you also asked me to remind you after the Orlando thing. The carb/prot/fat counts on the 85% Lindt. No one is helping me out on this one and I really would like to find out. I must say Customer Service at Lindt is lacking!

BEANS-I posted an inquiry regarding beans that I have in my house and was wondering if they are considered a protein or a starchy carb...please answer this for me someone or I am apt to eat too many carbs!

LOSERS-So many of you are doing so well out there. Congrats on the loss, you certainly inspire me to keep going. :smug:

Thanks to all the Happy Birthdays. I am now looking forward to turning 30, a few days ago it was a different story! I was all down and feeling sorry for myself.

I have been trying, with no sucess, to get back op. I have not even weighed myself since the beginning of Feb! I am determined to get back OP, but the chocolate bug keeps calling, then I start on one little piece, then it leads into junka palusa!!!!!!!!

I did try on a new dress, and it was a few sizes smaller, and it fit! I was thrilled, so I bought it! I am now into a 22 instead of a 26! I can tell that I have lost weight in my face and upper chest! But I am still afraid to get on those scales.

Good to see that someone is losing, congrats to all that are.
Sounds like the Florida trip went well, and a lot of fun!

Today, I am sticking to water, and fruit and veggies and no junk or eating out! We will see!

I hope that every one has a great Wednesday!
Pravda
:moo:

I can't vouch for the following, just passing it along........Maybe we all could use a reminder of the importance of water!

This is really an eye opener....* Water or Coke?* We all know that water is important but I've never seen it written down like this before.*

WATER

1- 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.* (Likely applies to half world population)
1.. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
2..*Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.
3.. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a U-Washington study.
4..*Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime; fatigue.
5..*Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of
sufferers.
6..* A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.
7..* Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.* Are you drinking the amount of water you should each day?

COKE (Read on, it's not all bad)

1..* In many states (in the USA) the high way patrol carries two gallons of Coke in the truck to remove blood from the highway after a car accident.
2..* You can put a T-bone steak in a bowl of coke and it will be gone in two days.
3..* To clean a toilet: Pour a can of Coca-Cola into the toilet bowl and let the "real thing" sit for one hour, then flush clean.* The citric acid in Coke removes stains from vitreous china.
4..* To remove rust spots from chrome car bumpers: Rub the bumper with a rumpled-up piece of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil dipped in Coca-Cola.
5..* To clean corrosion from car battery terminals: Pour a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals to bubble away the corrosion.
6..* To loosen a rusted bolt: Applying a cloth soaked in Coca-Cola to the rusted bolt for several minutes.
7..* To bake a moist ham: Empty a can of Coca-Cola into the baking pan,wrap the ham in aluminum foil, and bake.* Thirty minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil, allowing the drippings to mix with the Coke for a sumptuous brown gravy.
8..* To remove grease from clothes: Empty a can of coke into a load of greasy clothes, add detergent, and run through a regular cycle.* The Coca-Cola will help loosen grease stains.* It will also clean road haze from your windshield.

For Your Further Information

1..* The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid.* Its pH is 2.8.* It will dissolve a nail in about 4 days.* Phosphoric acid also leaches calcium from bones and is a major contributor to the rising increase in osteoporosis.
2..* To carry Coca-Cola syrup (the concentrate) the commercial truck must use the Hazardous material place cards reserved for Highly corrosive materials.* The distributors of coke have been using it to clean the engines of their trucks for about 20 years!

Now the question is, would you like a glass of water or coke?

Good morning everyone! Hope that all is going well for everyone. I'm refusing to use my scales today- they are soooooooo unreliable! I can't get to the gym until tomorrow, and I'll try to weigh in then. Maybe I should just get scales that work consistently.....

BOB - I'd love to watch a vols game with you! I adore watching them, hoping that every game will be the one they lose ;) But it all depends on when the gathering is. The Tigers play at home the 8th and 19th of October, and Adron NEVER misses a game.

Frog - I haven't noticed you being anything short of chipper! I think you (and everyone else here) is pretty cool, and very warm!

Loupe - I'll route for LSU with ya!

Trishaloo - ugh! I know what you mean about Sarah!!! I love Survivor, and I think that having an attractive cast is fine (it IS tv afterall), but did they have to find one that was so shallow??? Gimme a break!

Monet - that sushi sure sounds good! How big is a California roll to have 1 1/2 c. rice in it? I am used to the little bitty things they have here, and very tame wasabi, too. Don't get discouraged - I have been through periods where I felt I wasn't making progress, but it turns out that I was building muscle which was making me gain back the weight I was losing in fat. It sounds like you are doing a great job of sticking with it!

Toni - 7 lbs this week??? WOW!!!! Congratulations! Wanna share some of that with me? Welcome to the board - I'm a newbie here, too....

Pravda - Happy birthday! I need to remember to call my mom - her's is Friday, too. Way to go on being down TWO dress sizes! I've lost across my shoulders, but that doesn't usually lead to much difference in actual clothing size for me. It just affects how the same size fits....

SEF - I gave up cokes for lent last year, and have never really gotten back to drinking them. So when I started SB, I didn't go through the agony of giving them up. My older daughter has kidney problems (she is 7), so she has trained herself to drink tea or water almost all the time. I am so proud of her for being responsible with her health already, so now I need to work on my little one. Amazing having a child who will drink water before coke almost any day of the week!

Chris - the book Sarah and I talked about is "Diamond in the WIndow" by Jane Langton.

Hi to everyone else! See you later.

Vesna

Hi everyone

WIW for me is down one pound which is amazing considering how bad I've been lately. I sure wish the weather would change and improve my outlook. Its cold, raining and grey outside. Yuk.

Thanks for the birthday wishes - I'm wondering if DH will remember from the the other side of the world (if he doesn't I'm sure the guilt he will feel will help cushion the blow of what my spending spree will do):lol:

I have one son home sick - I feel bad because i thought he was faking it but he has been asleep for 4 hours already. :(

Time for me to kick my butt in gear and go hop on my Gazelle. Congrats to all the loser!!!

TTFN
Denise

Sorry I've been gone so long, but I'm back to report good news. I'm down 1/2 a pound today. It's not much, but i will take it.

Things are going well, but hectic. They will probably be this way until at least June.

Hope that everyone is well. Congrats to the losers, to the rest don't let it get ya down. tomorrow is another day.

Jen

DEB...make the sticky flash or something....maybe it will draw attention and they will read it before doing a STRAY POST


BOB

Weight same--but TOM is here--should see a loss in the next day or two. My rings are tight so I know I'm in the midst of TOM water retention.

The board has been busy yesterday and today--wow! I'm not going to be able to respond to everyone.

I LOVED the post about the coke and the water--I'm trying to push the water today and this post will help motivate and remind me--THANKS!

Congratulations to this weeks losers--some of you had really terrific weeks!

Frog--I'm thinking about you and hoping for the best with the family situation.

Have a good day everyone!

Susan
300/240/150

ummm.. WOW! I miss a day and when I come back there is 6 pages in this thread! Yikes :) I'm enjoying spring break and still trying to get my water intake back to what it once was. Thanks for all the kind words regarding my mini-goal. My church had our annual greek festival, so I had a cheat day of sorts! I didn't go overboard, though. Sure was some good food! I imagine that Filo dough is not legal? *shrugs* Bye for now!

No, regular filo is not legal, but if you like filo stuff, you can get whole wheat filo and whole grain spelt filo! I have some in the freezer I have been itching to try. The ww filo has a bit of enriched flour in it, something I did not notice till after I bought it, but the spelt is 100% whole grain! I am going to make spanikopita one night soon! :T

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!!!


Hope everyone's day was good....at least it's HUMP DAY... :smoking: and only two more to go...these weeks move faster and faster as the years are quicker and quicker

Catherine....We both may have to give in and watch the WOLFPACK ;)

MISSY..wouldn't that be a hoot...but I think we play you all on your turf this year.
Did you get my email?

SUSAN..how's your election progressing?
Miss Belle ok? Haven't heard from her in a while..is she still mad at you?

QUILTER...THUNDER is talking about her growing tummy because she's PREGGO!!!
Any butt crack showing at your house this week? (for those of you who don't know...Kim has the electrician visiting)

I'm making this a short one...I'm going to finish a few things and then get reclined...

FROGGIE... We're here...whatever you need to do..whether it's blow off steam, rant or cry...you can do it her with us..

BOB

Thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement. It was helpful to read what y'all had to say. Thanks to our many newcomers who really don't know me very well yet but don't think I'm a complete wet blanket and still fine my success helpful in their self-improvement journey.

I am tired tonight with a "crick" in my neck (is that a Southern phrase) and a twitching eye, a sure sign of stress that I've had for several weeks now. Sooo... I won't post a response to everyone, although I'd like to.

Work today was h*ll!! BUSY to the 10th power! Tomorrow is a short day for me and my "little Friday" (since I don't work on Fri) so I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As if my week wasn't already interesting enough, a good friend "came out" to me yesterday. It felt great to have him trust me with this private, personal information. I had a friend many years ago who is gay, most new it, but she never chose to share it with me. It always made me sad that she didn't trust me after many years of friendship.

Tomorrow we have a builder/hunting friend of DH's to come talk to us about rennovations to our house in the future. I'm fixing dinner as payment for his time.

Have no real plans for this weekend and I plan to keep it that way! Right now my plan is to get vertical in the living room with a blankie and get ready for Survivor.

Bye for now!

Peace,
FROG

NEWS ALERT!!!!!!!!!

Got a call this evening from a gal named Patti who was calling on behalf of Donna at SWEET CACTUS FARMS. She told me that Donna has been out of the country for the past 2 months, a reason she did not return my phone call that I had placed long ago to her. Anyhow, the latest news that I was given was that Donna's company, SCF made an agreement with one of the largest producers of AGAVE NECTAR and will have new stock in about 2 months time. She told me this would be BLUE AGAVE not the wild. This is better as this one has the lower GI. She also informed me that they will have their own website up and running in a few weeks where you will be able to purchase the agave on line not only in the 8oz bottles, but even 32oz bottles.

Of course, I am thrilled and delighted to hear this news! Even if I do have 72+ bottles in the house already, I'm a happy camper!!!

Anyhow, SURVIVOR is back on and I have to run-will try to get a post in after AMAZING RACE!!!

{{{HUGS}}}

Debbie
194/120/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Evenin!

Hope everyone had a good day today - mine was OK - nothing much to brag about. But, I did have a little excitement in my first grade class. Here's the story.....3 of my students (boys) were caught drawing nudie pictures at little recess - can you believe that? 2 of them drew the butt, balls, bird, hair, pee, pooh, etc. and the other drew a naked lady peeing!:eek: :nono: So, needless to say they got their butts paddled good by the principal! I always enjoy watching them get paddled - such satisfaction for me being that they have put me through such **** this year! They get 3 licks from the principal and I think my smile gets bigger with each lick! I'm sure all of you mothers out there are thinking that I am horrible BUT spend just ONE DAY with the class I have this year and you would totally see why I'm saying that!!!

QUILTER: Yeah - I guess we do have something in common with the reading huh? I tell ya - I'm trained in so many things that I confuse myself sometimes!! HAHA! I've never worked with adults - always the little ones with fluency and comprehension. Right now I'm working with a Sophomore with his spelling and that is really hard. He is very intellegent - scores 2 grades higer on all standardized testing but scored 6th grade in spelling. I'm at the end of my rope here - I don't know how to "fix" him and that frustrates me! Any suggestions? All of the other kids I tutor - I work with reading.

BOB: Hey - yes I got your e-mail - sorry I haven't responded yet I've been trying to keep up with this board!! HAHA! That sounds great - have SOL e-mail me and I'll give her my address! THANKS! You're the best!:D

Not that anybody cares but here's my 2 cents on the woman that murdered her kids:
1) I understand that she has mental problems and if they are as bad as they claim they are she should have never been left alone with those children.
2) She said that she had decided the day before that she was going to kill them and then kill herself. Well, why didn't she kill herself? She followed through with the other plan.
3) I don't feel sorry for her because here I am trying desperately to have a baby, I've had 5 miscarriages, etc. and this crazy loon was given 5 beautiful children and she killed them. It makes me sick. There are so many women like me in this world that want children so desperately and then they have crazy people like her that just kill their kids.
4) I'm not one for the death penalty but I think they ought to drown her just like she did her kids! Let her go through what those 5 innocent children went through just because their mother was a nut bag!

OK - sorry - but since someone brought it up - I just had to vent!

Ok my friends - have a great evening watching Survivor cause I know that's what all of you are doing!!

Missy
284/267/170

AMEN LITTLE SISTER!!!!

I think she knew just exactly what she was doing...and the father is just as much to blame for those babies as she is...HE KNEW how she was....

BOB

Hi Guys!
It's been a **** of a week (can I say that?)! Friday night a friend and coworker was killed with her boyfriend/baby's father in a motorcycle accident. It has been bike week here and thousands of motorcycles in town. They were hit by a woman in an SUV that had been drinking and ran a red light. Grace (my friend) was 35 years old and the boyfriend 32. She leaves 2 children, a 6 year old boy and 7 month old girl. The 7 month old was the also the daughter of the boyfriend. So she has lost both parents. Friday, Grace had the baby at work, and she was standing in the door way saying ma ma ma ma ma ma!! This is so incredibly sad! We went to the wake last night - no exaggeration - there had to have been 600 people there. We had to wait in line to get in. The line was wrapped around the building. Also, they had open casket. It was horrilbe! I have never been to a wake with so many people in attendance. She was a great person and well loved. The boyfriends service is tomorrow. I think I will skip that one. Also my son had some kind of stomach flu and now I've had it since Monday. So I have not been on plan, as I am eating anything that makes me feel better. I've been on antibiotic (Levoquin) for sinus infection and am thinking that is what may be making me sick. Also, my uncle down in South Florida had open heart surgery last week, and had a stroke during surgery. He was non responsive for almost a week. Still waiting for the verdict on whether there's permanent damage or not. They were suppossed to do barium swallow today to check his swallowing but they did not do it yet. They are so hateful in that hospital when you call. If I lived closer I'd go slap those nasty nurses. I am a nurse, and if I ever spoke to family members the way they speak, I would be fired! Guess they think there's a nursing shortage and their irreplaceable. Hope they never have a ***** nurse take care of them!
Anyway- enough of this depression, just wanted to let you all know whats up with me. I've been reading but no time/energy to post! Keep on losing, I'll be on track soon, as soon as my bellie feels better.
Nitey Nite!
:wave:

Sounds like you all had an excellent weekend! Noticing many of you are starting Spring break, something those of us on the west coast won't see until the 1st week of April.
Today is Wed., but all of this was written Monday and Tuesday, I have been having a horrible time trying to get on line. Today I weighed 164. Not bad, not good...it just is. Have to run, but wanted to get a hello out to all of you.

Slaphappy, I can't stay to read all of your email right now, but I caught enough to know that you and yours need extra prayers right now and I'll be adding you to mine.

This is from the inspirational/motivational messages I receive each day. Although it deals with recovery, it carries the same theme as yesterday, Finding A Way and fits with the motivation that we must all carry as we move forward on a path of better nutrition and better health.
Today's thought is:

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed. . .nothing will be impossible for you. --Matt. 17:20

When we repeat the message, "nothing will be impossible for you," we offer ourselves hope and power for the future. We can also change that message to the present tense: nothing is impossible.

Recovery has opened the doors and windows of our lives. We are starting to realize that we can be all we want to be. Today, we enjoy the pleasures involved in getting to know a new self. We practice believing in ourselves today. We are full of life and positive energy. Today we know that we are living the adventure of getting to know ourselves and others.

Today let me believe that with the help of my Higher Power, I can achieve all that I dream.

Deb, this week's MM is just perfect! Reworking daily life to incorporate the things I need to be doing. I may even do a little "chore" schedule until I get things rolling more smoothly. Went to make the oatbran muffins last night and discoved the box with the recipe on it had been ditched - yikes! I'll be doing some web surfing today, trying to find a new one. As for Sticky Threads - Sounds great!


Daramus, We will be re-focusing together my friend. This week's goal is to stay out of Starbucks until the weekend or at the very soonest Friday when I'm off with my son for his medical appts. I have expresso roast at home, it's just a matter of learning how to make it right. If I can reduce my visits there the caffeine, fat, and chance of cheating with those darn muffins goes down. (Wrote this Monday, Tuesday I went to Starbucks. I changed my coffee to be made with 2% milk, but didn't skip the muffin. Next time I go in with breakfast in my tummy!)

Melf, EVERY STORM WEATHERED WITH DETERMINATION BRINGS US CLOSER TO SUCCESS, another great reminder of how we will succeed and how gracious He can be to help us through. Also, thank you for the beautiful email you sent me. Size 6 - what's that? :) Congratulations, you have come a long way!

Fruitloupe, Sorry to hear that you'll have more medical trials to go through. Hope you get to feeling better really soon.

Toni, Nice to have you on board.

Beth, Sorry to hear your feeling icky, hope the strep clears up soon. My sister and her family (with the same name as yours coincidentally) are going through an awful time with strep. I hope that you and yours get well really, really soon.

Sef, You didn't say, but I hope that your are feeling better after your fall.

Zanne, Your temps sound wonderful, it's back up to 88+ today here. Summer is just around the bend for us. Congrats on your all time low.

AdronsGirl, It must be nice to have your hubby on board with you. I certainly hope that one day my DH will see the light for himself, for now he motivates me and helps me to eat right and I really appreciate his support. Is your 7-year-old ok?

Gracious, How is your DH doing now, I hope he passed the kidney stone and is feeling better? I noticed you and I are both headed for about the same goal and are about the same place, but I know that I need to exercise to get rid of the rest. I'm not an aerobics person and was doing some calisthenics before, may I ask what you are doing? I did start using the bathroom downstairs at work, so this means I run up and down the stairs many times during the day. It's just a beginning I realize, but to exercise I'm going to have to do it spurts as I don't have 45 minutes to exercise each day. That's how I ended up getting off the exercise wagon before, getting up at 4:30 in the morning was doing me no good as I was simply exhausted, even though it was for exercise, I just couldn't live on 4-5 hours of sleep each night.

Music, I read your post and could relate whole heartedly. My son's last asthma treatment runs between 11 and midnight, on a good night I check all my children when he's done and go to sleep (again). On some night's I finish with him, just get comfortable and one of my daughter's wakes up and then just as I get comfortably snug back in my bed the other awakens, and then, Michael needs me once more. It's not until I read your post that it really set in, although we lack sleep at times, isn't wonderful to be fortunate enough to have 3 beautiful children who need us.

To all that I missed, I hope you're having a wonderful week!

GOOD MORNING!

Well, it's Thursday - only one more day to go!!

SLAP: So sorry to hear about your friend and uncle. Both are horrible situations. I know that you said they were hit by a drunk driver and that is just terrible. I just think motorcycles are dangerous! I find that they are hard to see - that's why so many people are killed or hurt every year! My sister is a physical therapist and at one point my hubby wanted a motorbike - she would always tell him "I've got several paraplegic patients that would give you their motorbikes - you won't even have to buy one!" He changed his mind after she said that a few times. Just know that you are in my prayers during this hard time. :)

BOB: I figured that you would like my opinion on that crazy woman! Great minds think alike! :lol:

Ok - off to get ready for work - YUCK! Hopefully I won't have any nudie pics today!

missy
284/267/170

........for now!

It's spring break for us too. My munchie has a wee friend sleeping over. Gosh I don't know how all of you with more than one do it! These 2 guys have had me going. Right now the angels are sleeping--they both had to sleep in the TOP bunk.:dizzy:

Inlaws arrived home last night for a week's visit. They brought me a surprise--2 cases of AGAVE!!!:D They kept telling me they couldn't get it and then when they found it, they only reserved 3 bottles. I asked them to get more than 3 bottles--didn't think they'd bring it on the plane! I'm gonna have nearly as much stockpiled at DEBELLI, cause MARIE is gonna bring me another 2 cases! DH thinks I'm nuts spending so much money "to sweeten your coffee" but I may start to try a little baking since I have a stash now. And hey, I'm worth the money!:s:

I made pizza last night using the WW dough recipe YELLOWROSE posted. I liked it! Mine came out a little sticky (couple of drops of veggie oil on my hands and the pan helped) but I didn't have to play with it like the white dough I buy. When I spread it in the pan, it stayed! So, we'll be eating a little more pizza at this house.

I still haven't had a thorough read thru of all the posts. Gonna be a busy week here with the inlaws in.

THANKS to all for your kind words about my loss yesterday. I'll have to keep reading for motivation cause the needle sat 2 lbs heavier this morning :o

HOPE ALL OF YOU WHO ARE NOT FEELING WELL OR HAVE FAMILY WHO ARE NOT WELL, ALL GET BETTER SOON!

FROG I'm sorry! I posted right under you yesterday, but didn't even look at the post--I'm sorry to hear you're having problems. But please, as others have said, come to the board for whatever reason. We're here to support you no matter what. We don't expect you to be "up" every day. Take care of yourself and try to have a relaxing weekend.

HAPPY Oh my goodness! What a tragedy! My thoughts are with you, your uncle's families and your friends' families. And please get better soon!

FRIUT We haven't had the strap in our schools for a long time. When I hear about how terrible some kids are, I think that maybe they would have been different with some discipline in their lives. Just having the threat of it kept me straight when I went to school!

DEBELLI The agave my inlaws brought (SCF) says that it is made from Blue agave. Could this be the new stock already? I've only been getting Cucamonga here, so I don't have an "old" bottle of SCF to compare to.

SEMMENS How's the BFL going?

MELIRIS Great explanation of BFL for KIMMY. I'm not always good with explanations. I know that experienced BFLers don't recommend modifying the program, especially with the first challenge. I tried the eating for a couple of days but I'm just not the right personality to have to plan out my meals, let alone 6 of them :lol: Heck, at 3 in the afternoon, I still haven't figured out what's for dinner that evening! I wanted to add an exercise routine to go with my new WOE and liked the layed out plan in BFL--it's kept me going for the longest stretch I've ever gone with exercising. So I describe myself as doing SB eating and BFL exercising.

Oh Dear. Better go. One of the wee darlings is up. Have a GREAT day everyone!`

What a beautiful moring!! It still on the chilly side but the sun is out after days of grey and rainy weather. The rain is helping our grass turn a bright shade of green and all our flowers are popping up - we even planted 2 more flats before the rain hit last weekend. I hope spring stays here this time. I always like this time of year - refreshing. Fall is my absolute favorite season though.

My dog is going wacko right now - there's a duck walking around in our front yard and she is freaking out. I know her heart is gonna pop one day - she can get so worked up. Usually she chases the squirells and has never seen a duck before.

My DH hubby got to call yesterday. Since my son was home sick he got to talk with his dad and that made him so happy. When I took the phone we only spoke about a minute before getting cut off and he didn't call back :( It is starting to sink in that he is going to be gone for a very long time.

Slaphappy - I am so sorry sorry to hear about your friend - we've added you to our prayers.

Debelli - great to hear about the Agave - maybe it won't be so hard to find around here. We have 7 health food stores in the area and only one knew what I was talking about. She special ordered it for me (remember at a very high price of $3.35 a bottle) and it is supposed to be in today. If the company will offer it for sale it still may be cheaper to pay s/h than to get it here. I am looking forward to seing the site they are putting together - keep us posted.

fruitloupe - I feel for you with those out of control kids. I was just an aide in the kindergarden room and couldn't believe how aweful some of those kids could be. I also am a Cub Scout den leader and this year I have 2 that are always out of control. Problem is one of them is mine :o They just seem to push each others buttons. I was surprised to hear they still spank at your school. Is is a public or private school - thought they were not allowed to do it since it has been a no-no in every school we've been in. But now when I was a kid....I went to one of those strict Catholic schools - we towed the line or else :s:

I'll have to catch up with everyone else later - time to get the kids ready for school and out the door. Have a great day everyone!!
TTFN
Denise

Zanne-

I've decided to go your route and do BFL exercise but SB eating. I understand the BFL food principles and agree with balancing protein and low GI carbs (though I still don't know why he classifies "vegetables" separately from "carbs" since veggies ARE carbs). And while I understand the "free day pig-out", I don't think it would work for me . At this point though, I'm just not ready for the separate meals concept (I cook for dh and 4 kids). So we'll see how it goes.

Did LBWO yesterday and it went well, only my quads are a little sore so maybe I need to push it further. Back to the gym today for cardio; I'm still amazed that only 20 minutes is supposed to get such good results, the time went by fast.

Laura

This morning I called into our local radio station and ended up winning 2 breakfasts at Burger King. That was kind of nice, especially for hubby because of course he is the one that will eat them!

I am weighing in back at 165 when I am leaning just so on the scale..lol..any of you have those scales that change depending on how you are standing or leaning?! Sheesh, it can be frustrating but I'll take it! Otherwise it says 165.5 so it is not off in a big way.

Slaphappy-So sorry to hear about all the tragedy going on in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. When things like this happen it really reminds us how short and fragile life is.

ldblond-I see from your post you are 164 now. What is your goal weight? How tall are you? I am 5' 8.5" and my goal weight is 154. I have been doing some weight training this week at home, but nothing intense like I used to when I went to the gym. I usually do 30 mins. step up, 500 ab crunches, 100 butt raises and 50 tricep pushups. I haven't done that for 2 weeks though because my parents were visiting then I decided to do this weight thing.
I used to get up at 5:30 am and go to the gym when I lived in Ontario (1.5 years ago) 5 days a week. It was a killer but I really enjoyed it. I ended up losing 15 more pounds because of it. I find that getting up early is my best bet, even though I love to sleep. This coming Monday I am getting the 2 year old boy I babysit and his 2 week old sister at 7:15 am Monday to Friday so I plan on getting up at 6 am again and get back into my exercising.
I wouldn't even mind staying my present weight if I could only get things toned and firmed up...but a combination is what is needed. I don't know the answer but I plan on also adding some biking. Someone gave me a stationary bike so I will get some batteries to see how far and how fast I go and get to it! I need to do things at home because of my own 3 kids and the 2 I babysit. My other option was to get out early in the morning now that that nicer weather is coming and walk/jog. I have never liked jogging so it will be a test of sorts..just to add variety.

Hubby is still sore, but hasn't passed anything yet. They say it comes in waves and we are hoping he passes something soon! Thanks for asking! :)

??????No one has answered my bean question. I am asking again. Are beans counted as a protein or starchy carbs??????????

This is my Friday !!:) I work on a compressed schedule and every other friday we are off. Not much happening here. The wind blew very hard yesterday, gust to 70 and 80mph. The wind make alot us very irratable. When my kids were young the teachers hated it when it blew. The kids were terrors. The desert is a great place to live but you during this time of the year you can't figure out the weather. Tuesday it was almost 80 and yesterday 60. It makes for alot of sickness.

Deb - I found the tahini. It makes all the difference in the world in the hummus. I was surfing around yesterday to find agave, since our town is out and won't be getting anymore. I had found the Sweet Catus Farms and was going to call. I will just wait until they are online and order then. I haven't used any agave yet but when I found out I couldn't get it I was bummed. I think that you should sticky the weekly messages and what ever else you think should go to the top.

Pooch - HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!:hb: I don't know if I'll be around tomorrow and I don't want to miss the chance to tell you. Does your DH get to write to you via email often? That was such a saving grace for my daughter when her husband was out to sea. If you do maybe if your son, not sure how old he is, could write to his daddy and he'd feel alittle more connected. I'll be praying that the homesickness will pass quickly.

Slaphappy - Sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and her family.

idblonde - Where is La quinta? I'm wondering if we are near each other.

Pravda - HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!:hb: I hope you have a great day.

Froglover - Don't foget we are here. Friends are very important during hard times. You have some very good support here on the board. I don't get to post to often and plan to get here more but I can feel a sense of togetherness. Keep your chin up :)

Daramus - I know what you mean about the board. I miss an afternoon and I can't keep up.

Well I got to run.... Got to get ready for work.

Everyone have a great day.

Cyndi

This is my last day of school before the spring break starts. I have many activities planned, one of them will be walking with our school librarian. She says she used to do 1 mile in 10 minutes! I am no where near that, but since she hasn't done it in a while, I think I may have a bit of an edge.
I have been walking diligently for the past 4 days. The day before yesterday I did 3.5 miles in 1 hour, and then yesterday, I did 3.25 miles in 42 minutes. Of course, I jogged a bit. If that blooming fanny pack didn't hop around so much, I would have jogged more. Next time I will go for 4 miles (unless my friend comes with me), and try to get it under 1 hour.

Scale is stuck at 160. I eat perfect combination of foods, drink water and what not, but it is stuck and it is mocking me! I know it is too soon for me to claim any muscle weight, so I have this tiny little hope that it is due to my TOM being around the corner.

HAPPY - OH girl! I am so so sorry about all the tragedies in your life. A loss of a friend can be a terrible trial, that combined with the sickness in the family... My prayers and thoughts are with you. Stay strong! You have mine and this board's total support. May your trials end soon!

RED - Yes, kids. We get this phenomenon around holidays. Kids skip classes, they get into fights, bring weapons to school.... Go figure. I think one of the major reasons why there is no school during 2 months of summer is student discipline. I think they would eat us alive!

POOCH and PRAVDA - A very happy birthday to both of you! Please imagine a big sparkling ice cream cake iwth your favorite toppings. Than, and a pair of your favorite jewelry. Unfortunately, I don't know how to post those pictures, but I am sure your imagination can do much better:dizzy: !

GRACIOUS - I ALWAYS lean around my scale LOL! Sometimes I will step down and up again, adjusting my toes to the lowest weight. I am stuck right now (have been for 2 weeks) and I know it sucks! Especially when you exercise, you would think/expect the weight would just fall right off.

Vesna

Morning everyone!

TOM is being a real B***h this month--arrgghh! Guess whose being a real b***h right along side it????:s:

Gracious--beans are a protein and not a starchy carb. They tend to be emtremly low on the GI scale and that makes them a wonderful staple for SB and other low glycemic nutritional lifestyles. They are also very low in fat--so they can be used to boost protein consumption without boosting fat intake!

pooch--I'm thinking about you an DH and the long voyage. My thoughts are with you!

BOB--While I am certainly glad to hear that you will be watching the WOLFPACK, please, for future reference please note that the light blue color belongs to the evil tarheels--who will, in fact, be sitting home during the month of March. Belle is asleep in my lap as I type. She is fully recovered and back into full kitten mode (which means nothing in the house is safe). She seems to have forgiven me as we have had no further "incidents.":o Yesterday she rescued me from a bug that got into the house--she's a huntress! I found a new avitar that looks just like her, but alas we can't use .GIF files anymore. Darn.

ldblond--it's good to hear from you again!

Slap--I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. What a tragedy, I will keep those children in my prayers--you too!

OK--time to get dressed and head out the door. Have a good day everyone!

Susan
300/240/150

Okay...my hubby and I flirt with this WOE and then give up, etc... I'm ready to get back on it. (I think! LOL)

Would somebody please post the WW pizza dough recipe? I think if I can make him a pizza....he will be willing to give it a go! LOL

Thanks!
Cjane

Also...can someone explain why angel hair pasta is okay? Semolina flour is all right to eat? I couldn't find that explanation in the book. I thought only WW pasta was okay.

I made brown rice (which I normally don't care for very much) with chicken broth... and LOVED it... even my kids loved it...and that says a lot! :)

Thanks for the help!

Good Thursday Morning Everyone:wave:

WHEW! Finally, I have some time to post a REAL post! I've plopped my arse down and won't get up except for breaks to the urination station until I get a post typed up and actually on the board-I feel like I've been out of touch forever!!!

Pushed and prodded myself out the door later than usual this morning for my walk/jog. I didn't jog like I have been, but instead did smaller bouts of jogging with short spurts of walking-just too dang hot. Was only going to go 3.5 miles but ended up doing the entire 4.5 miles:D

Scale is up today, 121.5-not fretting though, sure as heck doesn't help a darned bit if I do, but TOM should be here in about 4 days if I'm running on time (sound like a bus, don't I?) Yesterday I ate way too much and once again, nothing was satisfying me, so I know it's hormonal.

Eli and I did our usual on his day off yesterday, nothing exciting or out of the ordinary. Carbolite was pistachio and vanilla-Eli got strawberry-yummy!!!

IMPORTANT! In a recent e-mail from SUZANNE she said:

Make sure that you are reaching the forum with the domain name (3fatchicks.com) and not the IP address (http://64.119.161.199/forum/)

Our hosting company is in the middle of reallocating IP numbers to all accounts, so our IP will change in the near future. Once this happens, anyone that has bookmarked us by IP will not be able to reach the site. Our stats show that a lot of people have either bookmarked the IP, or have posted links to us using the IP instead of the domain name. IPs can change from time to time, but the domain will always remain the same. I'll post a
reminder on the forum.

I was using the IP and now have changed it, so please check how you get to our little area of the site and make sure you change it if you currently use the IP. What you want to bookmark is:


http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=62

Once again, I'm thrilled and overjoyed to hear the news about the agave. NOW, I can easily use it without worrying about replacing it. I know it will take some time to use what I do currently have, but at least now I can start experimenting again. Hmmm, it does have it's pros and cons, doesn't it:^:

Okay, so here I go, I will do my best to play catch up with the latest posts. If I don't get to everyone, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, I promise, after this post, I'll be back on track and posting as usual!

QUILTER, CONGRATS on your loss this week. Ummm, you said you're staying well below the limits I suggested? Just wanted to make sure what you mean by that-you want to stay in that area, not well below-so please elaborate so I don't worry:^:

THUNDER, glad to hear you are doing well and feeling good too! Just think, if you can stay on SB best you can during this pregnancy, once the baby is born, you'll probably be lower on the scale than you even suspect! Any ideas, or do you even want to know beforehand, what the sex of the baby is??

FROG, hope you are feeling better and things get back to normal for you. Can't wait to see you in just a few weeks so we can spend some quality girl time together!!!

FRUIT, WOO HOO!, Girl, see what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it, another 4lbs down the drain. Keep up the great work.

ZANNE, great news to see you are back down to your low! What a great surprise with the agave-a girl cannot have too much, you know! Enjoy it, you are well worth every drop and cent!!! The agave you got is the old '99 stock, but still delicious and good tot he last drop!!

BETH, glad to see you re-committing. It's very easy and happens to many that they do a little cheat and see no reprocussions, but then they tempt fate and try doing it a little more, until they find themselves out of control and not being able to get back on track. It's good you caught yourself now, before it got any worse. That's what happens to me, and was happening with the SB LEGAL treats I was making, it started out once a month, then just progressively got worse to where I was eating stuff daily, in large amounts-I, to this day, just don't have self control in certain areas and have to just keep this in the forefront of my mind.

MEL, wasting away I see! Congrats on that 1/2lb. I bet I won't even recognize you when we meet!!!

TRISH, CONGRATS! WOW, 17lbs since NY is wonderful-you must not only feel great but be very proud!

MONET, yes, I can relate, I had a month that I lost nothing. It's going to happen, so don't fret, it can be from many things, but just know that if you stay on track you will have a loss eventually. As you get closer to goal and then to your goal it too is hard at times. I stay on SB and really don't waiver and yet I'm up 3.5lbs from my all time low of 118. I weigh a 1/2lb more today than I did 90 days ago. You can't let this discourage you, for one, it doesn't help the situation one bit, and number two, you have to realize that sometimes how your body behaves is something you cannot control no matter how hard you try. If you've read my posts you will see that I know when to expect the scale to go up and when I expect it to go down as well, sometimes I'm right, other times I'm wondering what the heck is happening to me! Usually when I feel barfy the scale shows a loss on the scale the next day, but not always. Anyhow, I just keep on as I'm doing and that's all I can do-so stick it out, and don't get discouraged;)

TONI, WOW! 7lbs is awesome, CONGRATULATIONS! Okay, so how far are you from BRANSON?? I have a friend that lives there, just wondering:)

GRACIOUS, I too e-mailed Lindt in CANADA and got no response, so I called their customer service number in the US. Gal didn't have any info but took my name and number and said "someone" would get back with me regarding the nutritional information. As soon as I hear something, I will let you know, as I too want the info as well. The ONLY thing I can think of is next time you are at the store where they sell them, look at the display box and see if the info is on there-or maybe you can try calling and finding out, they may in fact have it to give you. One of those squares is .3oz, which is a good serving size to have. Beans are considered a protein-I love beans!!!! You should try the bean dish I have on the board-delicious!!

PRAVDA, hope you have a very happy birthday tomorrow! It's hard to get back on track, but I can tell you, if you can recommit and get through the first 3 days, you'll be well back on your way. PLEASE do it now, before it gets out of hand. Give yourself this wonderful birthday present!!!!

SEF, thanks for posting the water/coke info-truly an eye-opener!! Lets not even mention that Coke has something like the equivalent of 12 tsp of sugar, or something close to that, per can!:eek: Can't believe it will be 2 years in June since I had even a sip of any soda-I don't miss it at the least. Have to get in more water though, I am totally guilty of not drinking enough!

POOCH, CONGRATS on your loss this week! Happy Birthday tomorrow too, how are you planning to celebrate? I'm sure DH will remember and probably hates being away from you not only on your BD, but every day!!

JMUIR, CONGRATS on your 1/2lb loss-no matter what the amount is, a loss is a loss and any loss is wonderful!

DARAMUS, I didn't go the the Greek Festival we had down here-food is way too tempting. Do you know that they know make a WW and a SPELT FILO DOUGH like MONET mentioned??

HAPPY, sorry to hear about the tragedies. I know we heard there were a few fatalaties last weekend and after seeing the traffic that we got stuck in, it's no wonder, people were driving nutsy as it was.

LDBLOND, I think there's a recipe on one of the old board for bran muffins, and if I remember correctly, they were pretty darned good too!

SEMMENS, I'm with you, I could NEVER do a pig out day, it would turn out to be a pig out week, month and so on, there's no stopping me when I get started!!

RED1, glad to hear you got REAL tahini, and yes, it does make a big difference. Now, you have to learn that you can do a lot more with tahini other than just making hummus with it. I've even made cookies that had tahini in them once!! I'd wait until SCF's site is up, I'm sure now that the stock of agave will be plentiful, it should be easier to find.

VES, I haven't forgotten you or your e-mail! Heck, I may just give you a call sometime this evening if you'll be home-better than typing!!!

CJANE, have you checked the recipe boards, possibly the recipe for the pizza crust is on there. I made brown rice yesterday as well, using chicken stock and adding salt, pepper and cinnamon-delicious! There should be information about pastas on the FOOD INFORMATION BOARD and pastas that are extruded are lower on the GI than something like lasagna that's cut.

Okay, it's 11:30am now, and I've been reading and typing since 10am, so this is going to have to wrap it up for me for now. I will definitely be back on later today to check in and try to post a recipe or two if I am able.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!!

Debbie
194/121.5/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

I heard bits and pieces of this story that I couldn't even imagine really happening. If you hadn't heard about the lady who hit the guy and then drove home with him imbedded in her windshield, just read about it at the link below-makes you continually wonder about people!


http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/2809134.htm

I have been reading this walking/running book "Walking and Running" the complete guide. It is great for anyone who wants some solid, factual information about their walking/running exercise and routine. I am on page 49 now, and enjoying every bit of it.
THe interesting snippet I want to share, is that when you walk faster than 5 miles/hour, you burn MORE calories than if you were running. This is because walking in itself is very efficient at about 2.5 miles/hour - meaning, you burn minimal calories. Also, if you want to do speed walking, or race walking, you can achieve higher speed than some runners! The marathon olympic medalist on 20 miles achieved average walking speed of 9.4 miles/hour. Those of you who bust your behind to get 4 mil/hour in, will sigh with me at this unimaginable feat!!!!

DEBBIE - I would L O V E to talk to you tonight, but I have a BLACK JACK gig ( I deal cards for entertainment only!). Tomorrow my spring break starts, and I'll give you a call, if you don't catch me first. Don't worry about the email. I know how difficult it gets playing catchup. Oh - my mom is all excited about meeting you.

Ok. One of our teachers shared this story with the staff (email). It rang SO TRUE I had to spread it among my SB-ers. Here it is:

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with thebearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 yrs of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get
full value from your efforts," the pot said.

The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this
beauty to grace the house."

Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all cracked pots, but it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life!

****************
AND May you have a georgious the rest of the day!

Vesna

I CAN'T BELIEVE THOSE PEOPLE ON SURVIVOR!?!?! DON'T THEY KNOW QUALITY WHEN THEY'RE LIVING WITH IT????!!!!

SORRY ALL --- VERY, VERY BUSY AT WORK AND AT HOME.

Going to the GatorNationals on Sunday! :D Vince is bringing gas masks for all of us.....NOT to be used for the purposes that DEBBIE and BOB would be using them for! :lol:

I haven't caught up on e-mail or the board, but did see GRACIOUS's question --- I log everything into www.fitday.com so carbs, protein, fat, etc....gets counted....keeps me honest.

DEBBIE - PLEASE IMPLEMENT THE STICKIES!! Vince calls it an IDIOTsyncracy, but I do like things nice and neat. :D

gotta run before the Network **** turns me in for looking at 3 fat chicks....

:wave:

It is really nice to see so many posts. That means there's a lot of us keeping our goals in mind and pushing towards success. Even when we feel down about circumstances, we are able to share successes and challenges with friends. That's what's so great about this board.

I had a nice visit with my parents and am glad to be home and chill out for the last half of my break. Trips are fun, but I never feel rested afterwards and know there are still 12 longs weeks before school is out. I plan to have fun these last 4 days. Maybe some shopping, definitely some house cleaning and possibly some flower planting.

The weather is really unusual. We are having really strong winds and the temp. was 82 yesterday and will be at least that high today. It was cloudy the whole time I was in La. and that became so depressing. I wanted to go fishing in one of my parents ponds and finally had to just bundle up, put on rubber boots and go. I spent about 4 hours out and caught quite a few fish. One was a good size bass, the biggest I've ever caught. I threw them all back because I didn't want to clean them!:lol: And I didn't want to make my dad do it either.

Missy: My folks live about an hour south of S'port just above the Sabine Parish line. We did eat some crawfish Saturday, just enough to make me want some more. The season should be better this year and I hope our stores will carry some live ones. I grew up in Monroe and remember slow, warm weekends catching crawfish, drinking beer, getting sunburned, and then taking them home and having crawfish boils. What could be better?

Frog: I'm so sorry you are going through this tough time. It's especially hard knowing you can't be there to help your mom through this. Hang in there, girlfriend!

Pooch: I don't know if you can tell, so I won't ask. I'll just share with you that my son will be going on a cruise in June for his USNA summer assignment and has requested a Med. cruise on an amphibious assault ship. His second choice is aircraft carrier. He'll shadow an enlisted this time. He'll find out next month. Wouldn't it be something if he ended up on your DH's ship?

Speaking of DS: He's in Panama City right now on a mission associated with a group called BeachReach. It's through the Southern Baptist Mission. They go out in street teams and in vans ministering to college students down there on spring break. They have a website that shows live prayer requests and last night his van found a runaway who wanted to get away from the man controlling this group of runaways and they got him back to their base and are putting him on a bus to go back home. Isn't that awesome? The vans pick up kids and take them places and try to witness to them during the rides. There have been many decisions and there have been some tense situations. Please pray for these kids, for their safety and their success in reaching these kids. They will head back to Annapolis on Friday or Saturday. What a way to spend Spring Break, Huh?

I hope all of you who are feeling poorly will be on the mend really soon. It looks like spring is just waiting to burst through the dreary winter. My pear tree is almost fully bloomed today and my DD's purple tree (redbud) is full of tiny little purple buds. It should be beautiful this year. (Except for the fact that it's growing sideways because of some other trees that are encroaching on it's space) A bad choice of location on our part when planting!:o

Take care everyone!
Jeanie
196/166/130

I can not get over the idiots on SURVIVOR!!! They leave the losers and ditch the best!!! Well, that team is numbered for sure! It is a shame because I really like Hunter and Gina. Unless they pull a switch, she is next to go. Oh well...life goes on.

Hi all

j red - that would be a small world. My DH is on The USS WASP which is an amphibious assault ship and the timing would still be right. Keep me posted when you find out. We are allowed to tell what ship just not give out any info on the schedules or where they are at any given time. Needless to say we just make general reference like he's on the other side of the world - kinda obvious to figure out though. Every now and then we catch some info on CNN. If he does get on that one, I'll connect you with the family support group and the Wasp message board.

I missed Survivor twice now. I know you guys kept saying it was coming on but last night I kept thinking it doesn't come on till Thursday and you guys were mixed up. Will it always be on Wednesdays now? I am so bummed I missed it. Anyone want to fill me in? I did catch Amazing Race - love the grandmas!!! I liked the couple that lost yesterday too - oh well. I think we need to get Debelli and Frog to sign up for the next one.
:jig:

vesnoid - I loved the story you had about the pots - that's a keeper!!

Debelli - what is Carbolite that you keep talking about??

Thanks for the early birthday wishes everyone. I have plans tomorrow but will probably go to the movies with the kids on Saturday - Ice Age comes out and I LOVE going to the movies. Sure miss getting a big popcorn though. I may have to splurge and get a small one.

TTFN
Denise

Hello all... Finally I'm getting on... Running late as usual. The day is going pretty well. I walked on the treadmill this morning which makes three days in a row, Yeah.. Its a big deal for me because I have Cornary artery disease really bad and haven't been on the treadmill for ages. LOL I'm up to a whole 8 min. My goal is to do 20 min. at 2 mph.

I was in total shock they voted Hunter off last night on Survivor! That team is a mess. Hope they do a switch a roo.....

Can't wait to try agave... I've never tried it and would love to make some desserts that a okay to eat. Hope you post the web site to where it is.

Hope everyone that was sick is getting better..

Wow spring is just around the corner and everyone sounds so busy. Hope you have a great day....

Evening All:wave:

Thought I'd get in a post before Eli gets home from work.

Before I forget (I tend to do that a lot lately), I wanted to tell you about 2 food products I found.

One is BLACKWING GROUND OSTRICH, yep, you heard right! I decided to treat myself to a box of this interesting looking meat. What a delicious find!!! A 4oz portion has only 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 23 grams of protein. I called the company to get some more information and the woman who answered the phone was the owner. What a doll, and VERY helpful. She said they also have ostrich filets, patties and pieces cut for fajitas. She told me just to add a tad of salt, pepper and garlic powder, which I did and put it in a non-stick pan-it was cooked in less than 5 minutes, no fat, no mess and absolutely delicious. She is sending me literature on it so I will post more of the info on it when it's received. If anyone is interested in knowing if this can be found in their areas, give BETH KAPLAN a call at
1-800-326-7874. If you can locate it in your area I highly recommend at least trying it once. I've already bought another box I liked it so much!

Second, I went to the mall today-what a shocker that was, I haven't been there in years and felt so out of place. Anyhow, I saw a GODIVA CHOCOLATE STORE and decided to stop in and see what the highest cocoa content chocolate was that they had. The woman said they recently started carrying a 75% cocoa content chocolate, but only now have them in this itty bitty square which is probably .2oz, if that. Anyhow, they are .60cents and I probably wouldn't ever buy something that costs that much and with it being so small, but I wanted to pass that along just in case you are out at the mall and have a craving for something sweet, this could just fill the void. Oh, she gave me a sample of it, delicious:s:

Speaking of void, I'm on one of my feeding frenzies it seems! Nothing is satisfying my hunger today. I'm keeping track of what I've eaten all day, well, at least until the frozen eggplant parm. I threw in the oven and indulged in. I know I've gone well over my usual intake for the day already and know I'm still not done for the night. Want something filling, yet sweet, but really afraid to make anything as I know that I will eat way too much of whatever, so I'm hoping this feeling will pass, and SOON! I know it's raging hormones that are wrecking havoc on me today:o

VES, I won't be home tomorrow night, ELI & I have tickets to an Edward Albee play. PLUS, I realized, I don't think I have your home number, just the cell and I think that's the same for me with you-will have to exchange via e-mail. Ummm, would Sat evening be good-I'll be home, esp. at 8pm during what the kids deem as WHITE TRASH NIGHT (COPS). Thanks for sharing the story and the walking info!!!

SOL, I owe you an e-mail-please, forgive me for not writing back sooner, I'll work on it soon, I promise! I hope you and VINCE get a pic taken of the two of you together with the gas masks on. I truly think you should hold them for me for next time we come up that way if I get stuck with BOB again-I'm going to need them!!!! Thanks for the input on the stickies, will try to get those implemented soon.

JRED, I had to laugh when you spoke of spring being almost here. I feel like we skipped winter and spring and are already in full blown summer. It was 90 degrees here yesterday, 87 today-I can't even fathom how hot this summer is going to be:eek:

KIMMY, I agree, they were stupid to get rid of HUNTER, but it's a game and they are playing it, maybe not the smartest way though.

POOCH, OMG, what an idea, me and FROG on the AMAZING RACE! I can't believe what those people do, even the Grannies! My daughter asked if I would do some of those things and I said NO! As I"ve gotten older it seems I get scared easily. I can't even go on anything more than a carousel ride these days-don't know what the heck happened to me. If that was me on last night, I'd of definitely taken the challenge of finding the clue with the metal detector!! Yum, CARBOLITE is a soft-serve desert that's like ice cream and comes out of the machine at this joint I go to-it's delicious!!!!

DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK THE UGLY KID WITH THE GLASSES LOOKS LIKE A YOUNG WOODY ALLEN???

TONI, good for you for doing the TM 3 days in a row, every little bit helps and each day that passes you'll go longer and feel better. As soon as the website for SCF is up don't you worry, I'll be posting it. Actually, they have it partially up I was told, but haven't checked on it yet.

Well gals, that's it for me, for now, at least. I'm going to see what I want to do about this terrible craving I'm having!!!:eek:

Will check before I go to bed if the computer is free.

Toodles

Debbie
194/121.5/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

What a wonderful article I found on the web that I wanted to share with you all-well worth reading!!!!!!!


How to Keep Your Weight in Line

It's annoying but true: As we chalk up additional years, we find ourselves adding unwanted pounds in the process. People who had no weight problem in their 30s and 40s watch in dismay as the needle on the scale creeps upward during their 50s and 60s, even though their diet hasn't changed. And therein lies the problem.

As the years go by, the body's metabolism rate slows down and we need fewer calories than we did when we were younger. The same diet that kept us trim at 40 may plaster on the pounds at 50. Yet we still need the same amount--or more--of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients we've been getting all along. This poses a dilemma: How to find a diet that meets no more than our basic caloric needs while supplying more nutritional value than ever.

One way around the problem is exercise. The more calories you burn, the more you can eat. And you don't have to enter a marathon or "feel the burn" of a Jane Fonda workout for exercise to make a difference. Taking a walk every day is ideal (see chapter 4). You can burn off three pounds a month by walking at a moderate rate for an hour per day. For many, however, this won't be enough.

Whether the solution is diet, exercise, or both, the problem is more than aesthetic--especially as we grow older. Studies by life insurance companies show that slim people live longer, healthier lives than those who are overweight. And the reasons for this are legion.

The Health Consequences of Excess Weight

Carrying too many pounds has a hair-raising array of potential consequences. Excess weight increases the chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallstones, certain cancers, varicose veins, pressure ulcers, and a variety of other diseases.

For example, high blood pressure is twice as common among overweight people aged 45 to 74. Overweight people are also three times more likely to develop diabetes. In fact, the Nurses Health Study, one of the largest disease-risk studies ever undertaken, showed that women who gain 15 excess pounds increase their risk of diabetes by 50 percent.

For men, the consequences of being overweight can be even more pronounced. A recently completed 27-year study of more than 19,000 middle-aged men found that those at their ideal weights lived significantly longer than those just 2 to 6 percent above the ideal. The heavier the men in the study, the shorter their life expectancy. Those who were 20 percent overweight had a risk of death from heart disease that was two-and-a-half times that of their slimmer counterparts.

Cancer and More

Obesity has also been linked with gallstones, back pain, sleep apnea (a condition characterized by brief periods when breathing stops during sleep), heartburn, stroke, gout, varicose veins, and even some types of cancer, including colon and prostate cancer in men, and uterine, endometrial, and breast cancer in women.

What seems clear is that the biochemical disruptions caused by being overweight are more complex and more prevalent than we thought. In just the last year or two, medical researchers have discovered links between excess weight and an astonishing variety of health problems, ranging from osteoarthritis of the hands and knees to carpal tunnel syndrome (a nerve conduction problem in the hand). All of these discoveries underscore the wisdom and benefits of weight control.

It Happens

Why do so many Americans tend to be overweight? The answer is simple: Many of us are taking in more fuel than our bodies need. Indeed, Americans now consume 34 percent of their calories in the form of dietary fat, the food most easily converted to body fat. (For every 100 unused calories taken in as fat, 97 are stored as fat. For every 100 unused calories taken in as carbohydrates, only 77 are stored as fat; the rest fuel the process of converting those carbohydrates to fat.)

Other factors that have contributed to the epidemic of overweight include highly processed foods laced with excessive amounts of fat, sugar, and sodium; lack of exercise in an age of labor-saving devices, computers, and tv; stress that prompts us to overeat or routinely snack on junk food; drinking (and nibbling high-fat snacks at the same time); and the decline in smoking (individuals who quit smoking often experience a 4- to 6-pound weight gain).

Sex Matters

Where weight is concerned, men can count themselves lucky. Women gain weight more easily than men do; and women have to work harder to get it off. It's all a matter of biochemistry.

A fat cell is designed to store calories (lipogenesis) when you don't need them and release fat (lipolysis) when you do. The enzymes that help store fat are called lipogenic enzymes; the ones that help release fat are lipolytic enzymes.

Women tend to have more lipogenic enzymes for fat storage; and the more you can store, the bigger the fat cell. Men have more lipolytic enzymes for fat release and, therefore, smaller fat cells.

Testosterone, the male sex hormone, activates the lipolytic enzymes for speedy release of fat. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, activates and multiplies the lipogenic enzymes. Estrogen not only stimulates the storage of fat, but also directs where most of it will be stored, concentrating it in the hips, buttocks, and thighs.

Throughout their lives, women have more body fat than men. The bodies of young girls contain a higher percentage of fat than those of young boys. And at certain milestones in the female life cycle--puberty, pregnancy, and menopause--women tend to put on even more fat. That means that the older a woman gets, the more likely she is to face the health-destroying problem of excess weight.

In technologically advanced countries, most men keep gaining weight until they reach their mid-50s, when they start shedding pounds. In women, however, body weight keeps increasing until the late 60s. After that it declines, but at a rate slower than that of men. While the metabolic changes of maturity could be a factor, reduced physical activity may be the real culprit.

Overweight or Over-Fat?

Don't trust only your scale or your mirror; they tell just half the story. It is body fat, rather than weight, that may be the best indicator of whether or not you need to trim down.

Fat comprises about 15 to 18 percent of the total body weight of a healthy, physically fit man. For a woman, the ratio is slightly higher: from 20 to 25 percent. It's quite possible to exceed these ratios without weighing in above your ideal; and the reverse holds true as well. Remember: You can be overweight without being over-fat and over-fat without being overweight.

This is one of the reasons a tape measure can be a better tool than a scale for measuring the success of a weight loss program. Since muscle weighs more than fat, your weight may seem to stabilize or even increase as you build muscle mass. Don't be discouraged. If you're wearing smaller-sized clothes or you've lost inches from your hips, waist, or neck, you are actually leaner and healthier than when you started.

Apple vs. Pear

At least as important as total weight is where the fat tends to settle on your body. While fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks is mainly stored just under the skin, fat in the midsection is stored deeper in the body.

As we grow older, fat tends to collect around the abdomen, and many people develop an "apple shape." This can be more dangerous than having a "pear shape," in which excess fat gravitates to the hips and thighs.

Experts theorize that abdominal fat releases more fatty acids, leading to a rise in blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While this can be a serious health problem in and of itself, it also may interfere with the action of insulin in the body, thus increasing the risk of diabetes. Some researchers also believe that "apple shape" obesity may increase the availability and activity of estrogen, leading to an elevated risk of breast cancer. The good news is that, to some degree, you can modify your shape, whether apple or pear, through exercise and diet modification.

What Weight Is Right for You?

Recent research suggests that if you repeatedly have trouble reaching--and maintaining--your ideal weight, you may be better off surrendering that elusive goal altogether and focusing on what your body really wants to weigh: your natural weight.

Natural weight is the weight your body goes to and maintains when you're eating reasonably and not drastically cutting calories, exercising vigorously, or otherwise trying to shed pounds. It will never be a fixed number, but, rather, a range of 5 to 8 pounds (since weight normally varies slightly with changes in general health, activity, hormone levels, and the time of day).

Of course, that doesn't mean that any weight is healthy. If your weight is 20 percent or more over the top of the ideal range for your height and frame (see the nearby table), you should consider trimming down to stay healthy.

Gauging Your Natural Weight

To determine your current natural weight range, consider the following factors.

Your personal weight history. Try to remember the lowest weight range you have successfully maintained as an adult, without dieting, for a period of a year or more. That is your baseline natural weight range.

Your family. Make a mental picture of family members when they were about the age you are now. Because genetics is a powerful variable in terms of size and shape, family resemblance can help define your natural weight. (Remember, however, that even if you come from a long line of very heavy people, if your weight seems dangerously high, it's wise to check with your doctor about the need to shed some pounds.)

Your exercise habits. Think back to that period when you maintained your lowest-ever weight. If you exercised regularly then and don't do it now, you may need to add several pounds to your baseline weight range--or start exercising again.

Strategies for Successful Weight Loss

Once you have determined your natural weight range, what do you do with the information? If your weight is excessive for your height, you should try to lose weight gradually by adopting a low-fat, moderate-calorie, healthful diet and boosting your exercise level. Remember that crash diets and furious bouts of exercise don't work and can, indeed, be dangerous. Moderation and consistency are the keys to success.

From a weight-loss standpoint, a low-fat diet is ideal because it minimizes the amount of fat readily available for your body to store. But how low is low? The American Heart Association, the National Academy of Science, the American Cancer Society, and many other groups recommend that we get a maximum of 30 percent of our calories from fat (with no more than 10 percent of total calories from saturated fats). Another body of nutrition experts, including Nathan Pritikin and Dr. Dean Ornish, suggest that even lower levels of fat (10 to 20 percent of total calories) are much better than 30%, and can, among other things, actually reverse existing heart disease.

Calories Still Count

Your body needs a certain number of calories per day to maintain bodily functions--referred to as your Basal Metabolic Rate (bmr). You can estimate your bmr by multiplying your current weight (in pounds) by 10 for women, 11 for men. For example, a woman who weighs 120 pounds would require about 1,200 calories per day just to maintain her bodily functions. You'll also need some percentage of calories above your bmr to provide energy for your daily activities; the percentage will vary widely based on your metabolism and activity level. A moderately fit and active person might need 30 to 50 percent more calories than the bmr to maintain current weight. Example: A 120-pound woman would need approximately 1,680 calories per day [1,200 + (1,200 x 40%) = 1,680]. A person who is very fit and exercises frequently might burn as much as 100 to 200 percent more than his or her bmr.

If your goal is to lose weight, you'll need to take in fewer calories than you use up, or burn off extra calories through exercise, or both. If you choose to decrease calories, aim for the amount needed daily to maintain your target weight, not your current weight. Most experts recommend that women take in a minimum of 1,200 calories and men a minimum of 1,600 per day. Lower calorie levels are unlikely to supply all the essential nutrients you need, and may slow down your metabolism, making weight loss even more difficult. For gradual weight loss, some professionals recommend a daily calorie target of 10 times your weight. At this level, they say, you can expect to lose half a pound per week.

Good (And Bad) News about Sugar

The "empty calories" of sugar have gained a bad reputation. Yet sugar by itself isn't a problem. It's the high levels of fat in sugary foods such as ice cream and pastries that really put on the pounds. In terms of weight loss or maintenance, sugar becomes objectionable only when you fail to keep your intake down to moderate levels. Sugar is a carbohydrate, thus it is normally burned by the body immediately, and is converted to fat only if it's present in quantities too large to be used at once.

Nevertheless, some people find that even moderate amounts of sugar stimulate cravings for yet more sweets, often of the high-fat variety. If you are one of these people, you may find it helpful to eliminate processed sugars from your diet, relying instead on the natural sweetness of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Artificial sweeteners can be an effective aid if you have occasional cravings for sweets, but probably won't work for those of us with an active sweet tooth. The taste of artificial sweeteners can trigger sugar cravings about as easily as the real thing can.

Tempting Techniques for Boosting Fiber

Fiber has many benefits, but one stands out when you're losing weight: it fills out the stomach and intestinal cavity, producing a feeling of fullness. Fiber is found chiefly in nonprocessed foods such as whole grains, beans, peas, fruits, and vegetables. Fiber may be added to processed foods in the form of bran, which is the outer coating from a grain such as wheat or oats.

The typical American diet is high in processed foods, most of which contain little or no fiber. Most people get only about 10 to 12 grams of fiber per day, while 25 to 30 grams are needed to get real health benefits. If your current diet is low in fiber, it's important to increase your intake gradually over a period of weeks or months (a sudden jump can cause bloating, cramping, and gas). Try having a small serving of a high-fiber, low-fat cereal with your breakfast; as your system becomes used to the higher fiber levels, start substituting whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas for refined (white flour, low fiber) varieties. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat edible peels and skins (apples, potatoes) instead of trimming them.

How to Put Your Diet into Action

Once you've decided it's time to shed a few extra pounds, the big question is How? The basic principles--less fat, fewer calories, more fiber--are enshrined in hundreds of dieting schemes. At any given time, you have a choice of over 300 diet books, plus all of the commercial diet centers in your area (there were over 8,000 of them recently in operation across the country). The first decision to make is whether you prefer to go it alone or seek the help of a structured program.

Tips for Do-It-Yourselfers

If you're the go-it-alone type, keep these tactics in mind. You'll need to make up for the support that comes automatically with enrollment in a program.

* Find a good time to start. "I'm going on a diet tomorrow," is a sentence that often heralds failure because it's sparked by a momentary impulse (or guilt after a triple-decker ice cream cone) rather than a well-thought-out plan. Weight loss is tough, and you should give it the same careful consideration you would give to changing your career or buying a house. Find a starting date during a relatively quiet time in your life, not while you're also moving to another state or dealing with a crisis at work.

* Create a diet "campaign." Some people prefer to start with an exercise program, and add nutritional changes later on. For others, the reverse strategy works best. And for "all or nothing" types, starting both programs on a particular day can increase motivation.

* Choose a good book for companionship. Some people prefer a diet plan book, while others do best with a low-fat, low-calorie cookbook.

* Check with your doctor if you have any medical problems. You need to make sure that the eating and exercise strategies you've chosen are suitable and safe.

* Decide whether you need a "quick start." Quick-start programs, in which you change your eating habits drastically for a few weeks, are likely to deliver the most dramatic changes on the scale. But they require a good deal of concentration during the initial phase and may not be suitable if you're pressed for time. For many people, however, this approach serves as a great motivator. After you've lost those first exciting five pounds, you can modulate the plan into one you can continue life long.

* Consider "gradualism." This strategy works best for people who don't have too much weight to lose, and those who can accept the idea of slow--but steady and permanent-- change. One approach is to modify one daily meal at a time. For example, during the first week, you can concentrate on low-fat, low-calorie dinners, assembling menus and creating tasty meals. In the second week, you can turn to lunch, and so on. Or, you can tackle one food group at a time. A switch to low-fat dairy products is a good start. The second week, pay attention to lower-fat meats and fish, and to learning how to create one or two vegetarian dinners a week. (Be careful, though: Some vegetarian recipes are amazingly high in fat.)

* Don't forget fluids. Drinking eight glasses of water a day can fill you up, prevent the shakiness and fatigue of dehydration, and give you something to put in your mouth when you're trying to forget about eating.

* Eat slowly and savor your food. Give your internal "portion control" monitor a chance to get through to you. Fill up on lots of veggies prepared without added fat. Eat pastas, potatoes, and other filling foods, too, but only within reason. Use cheeses, meat, and sweets to give an extra zing to meals, but keep them to a minimum.

* Keep track of your progress. Weigh yourself daily, keep a food diary or try on a once too-tight skirt or pair of jeans each morning. Tracking progress reminds you that you've started a change, and rewards you with a hint of the final results.

* Don't punish yourself. If you "fall off the wagon," don't despair. Learning to climb back on is a key to long-term success.

* Survive the "plateaus." While the first pounds often come off quickly, many dieters hit plateaus where their weight remains steady for weeks even though their fat and calorie counts are low. Your metabolism is making noble efforts to keep up your fat levels, in the mistaken belief that starvation is near. Don't give up; weight loss will start again once this plateau is passed.

* Reward yourself. Small treats and large pleasures will help you celebrate everything from sticking with your plan on Day One to reaching your target weight, along with whatever small markers you create in between.

Checking Out the Enrollment Programs

If you want the extra motivation and support that come from a structured weight-loss program, you'll be faced with some additional choices. How best to judge a commercial program? Make your decision based on cost, comfort, and common sense. These plans generally attract women who have a moderate weight problem and men who are moderately to seriously overweight. All the top four commercial weight-loss programs--Diet Center, Jenny Craig, Nutri-system, and Weight Watchers--include a low-calorie diet of about 1,000 to 1,500 calories a day and some kind of supportive counseling.

None of the top four emerges as better at helping individuals to lose weight and keep it off, according to a 1994 Consumer Reports survey of 95,000 readers who had attempted to lose weight in the past 3 years. Overall, however, Weight Watchers tended to be the clear favorite among those polled. It costs less than the others, emphasizes healthful dietary habits, encourages relatively slow weight loss, and generally appears to provide the most satisfying support. In contrast, Nutri-system and Jenny Craig cost more and are more likely to use high-pressure sales tactics. But as Deralee Scanlon, rd, points out in Diets That Work: The monetary aspect does not in itself lessen the potential effectiveness of a program--in fact, some people take these programs more seriously precisely because of the financial investment.

How to Keep the Lost Pounds Off

Once you've lost the weight and have come to accept your new appearance, you have to develop new skills to hold onto your hard won gains. While there is no simple formula for keeping weight off, there are skills you can develop that will help you maintain your desired weight and make maintaining it more automatic.

The "C" Word

Long-term weight management requires a conscious commitment--one just as strong as, or stronger than the one you made in deciding to lose weight. As with any large project, it's a good idea to break the task down into smaller, doable segments. Many people find it easier to make a commitment to maintain their current weight for one year.

The commitment should be specific--something like: "I will continue to go to exercise class 3 times a week and I will continue to use vegetables for my snacks." Remember that keeping this commitment is something no one can do for you.

Once the commitment is made, keep visualizing your success. Imagine yourself a year from today, still able to get into your current sized jeans. Imagine yourself relaxed and happy, eating foods you like that are also good for you.

Create New Habits

Weight maintenance becomes a much easier proposition once you've established good nutritional habits. Simplification and preparation are key to getting new habits in place. For example, if you don't habitually eat breakfast but have decided to do so to boost your morning energy and prevent overeating at lunch, start with a simple approach: Eat the same breakfast every day until the habit is firmly embedded. Prepare by keeping the things you want for breakfast always on hand.

To avoid falling back into old habits, you need to trigger your new habits on a daily basis. For example, put a note on the mirror reminding yourself to eat breakfast, and set out dishes and some ingredients the night before.

Simplifying your approach to food makes it easier to form new habits. Choose a nutritional plan that feels comfortable and doable. If possible, reduce your plan to a simple-to-remember formula. For example, plan to eat a fruit or vegetable with each meal or snack, or set a fixed number of portions from each food group to eat every day. Keep your plan in your wallet and look at it before you buy your lunch. And remember to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Connect with Hunger

People who have never had a weight problem tend to eat when their body says "I'm hungry." But hunger signals may be badly scrambled for those who have been through various deprivation diets. Judith Matz, co-director of the Chicago Center for Overcoming Overeating, suggests it's possible to relearn to identify and respond to hunger signals and to eat only when they occur. "With practice you can reconnect your eating with internal cues," she says. "Doing so helps you distinguish between a bodily urge for nourishment and the desire for emotional comfort from food." This doesn't mean you should never reach for food out of emotional hunger, but that you should know it when you do and perhaps choose another way to fill your needs instead.

If you often feel hungry between meals, consider adjusting your food choices. Some foods have "staying power," notes Sybil Ferguson of The Diet Center Program. They stay longer in your system, helping you feel more satisfied and energetic. Many foods low in calories, such as prepackaged convenience diet foods, are also low in "staying power" because they're digested quickly. Natural foods with lots of fiber, such as oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits--are helpful for maintenance because they take longer to chew and to digest, and they create a full feeling in your stomach.

Skipping meals, either because of time crunches or out of guilt from previous overeating, interferes with the steady state of satisfaction that makes maintenance easier. When the body has been deprived of food for many hours, your blood sugar level drops, leading to cravings for immediate energy boosts. Eating a balanced selection of foods on a consistent schedule helps stabilize your blood sugar level and hunger sensations, so you can continue to make intelligent decisions about eating.

Avoid Deprivation

A sense of deprivation ("oh, I wish I could eat that," "you're lucky, you can eat anything," "I used to be able to finish a whole cake at one sitting") is a prime enemy of long-term weight maintenance. Tyrannical diet programs do work well for short-term weight loss, but over the long haul, we all need to eat for pleasure as well as nourishment. Meals are among the most pleasurable social events in life, and it pays to learn to take pleasure in the foods that are good for you.

Keep a list of foods or dishes you particularly like that also fit in with weight maintenance. When you find yourself missing your old bacon, eggs, and steak diet, treat yourself to all of your favorite nutritious foods in the same day. It keeps your spirits up without expanding your waistline.

Whenever you feel hungry, there's always something you can eat that will be satisfying without threatening your weight stability. Try keeping the refrigerator stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. Treat yourself to exotic and out of season fruits and vegetables when they look inviting in the market. Nibble on red peppers, fresh young carrots, and cucumbers dipped in a low-fat sauce (no-fat salad dressing makes a quickie dip).

Monitor Your Weight Daily

If you find you've put on a pound or three, try to ease yourself back on track quickly. This may involve relaxation efforts, visualizing more nutritional eating, or being extra careful for a few days. But once a 5-pound gain has occurred--you should consider it a "weight emergency" and construct a relapse recovery plan.

Return from Relapse

Everyone should expect to have slips from their weight maintenance program," says James Hill, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of Colorado in Denver. "The most important thing is to recover as soon as possible."

The first step in recovery is to identify the problem(s). List all possible reasons to finish the sentence, "I've started gaining weight again because ...."

Then adopt an optimistic stance about your ability to bounce back from hard times. Remembering previous accomplishments, and setting realistic goals for the future can soon have you back on the maintenance track.

Assume responsibility for your actions and beliefs--this puts you firmly in control of your future. Come up with some solutions for each of the stresses that undercut your program. For example, a new low-fat cookbook or cooking class can help you combat food boredom.

When you've patched together a recovery plan to meet your needs, gather strength for the new change by tapping into your support network. Talk to someone who is positive and reinforces your decisions. If you were part of a formal weight loss program, check in with the support group whenever you need to recover from a lapse.

Feed Your Emotional Needs

The trick to avoiding relapses--and coping with those that occur--is to remember that you're a capable, lovable human being who can accomplish your goals. Nurturing your own self-esteem can help you cope with the stress and burnout that so often lead to overeating. When you feel tired, bored, quick to anger, withdrawn, rigid and ineffective, you're most apt to abandon your nutritional program. It helps to remember the positive side of your weight loss experience: feelings of being in control, reaching goals, making peace with your appetite, taking care of yourself. It's easy to believe in yourself when things are going well. It's when the going gets tough that you need to reinforce your self-confidence.

Making positive life changes that improve your body and mind are a good way to foster self- esteem. Consider taking a stimulating class or workshop, or try a new exercise program. Developing a relaxation ritual, which may involve breathing exercises, chanting, or muscle tension and relaxation, is another excellent technique for caring for yourself.

The Maintenance Mantra

Why do you want to maintain your weight loss? What's the most important factor for you? The reasons vary from person to person. For some, lowering blood pressure or a high cholesterol level is most important. For others, cosmetic concerns loom largest. Naming your motivation proudly and loudly, at least to yourself, can help you stay on track. "Usually people go out and lose as much weight as they can, then see how much they can keep off," notes Professor Hill. "Maybe we should do the reverse: first, make the right nutritional changes, then, based on our ability to stick with them, accept the resulting weight." *

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!!


OH...MY...GAWD!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THEY BOOTED HUNTER OFF THE SHOW??? I felt for him because he was
stuck with that bunch anyway.

SOL....are you getting the puppy???? One like in the picture????
Did you get Debs email about contacting Missy? I would appreciate your sending that to her if you can.

SUSAN... SORRY about the color switch!! must have been a brain fart , because I certainly knew better! Glad to hear that little BELLE is doing well...

FROG...how's DIXIE doing since her visit to the vet? Does she like her new manicure? Hope you're feeling better today..

SUE...sorry about your friend. We're here if you need us..

POOCH...SURVIVOR will be on again WEDNESDAY and then should go back to Thursday...It's because of the NCAA basketball tourney..
We'll remind you next week...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!!!!

Found two good sites...they are as follows
www.Efit.com & www.dietsite.com
Check them out...there are a few good things...

I'm off to lurk in other places...


BOB

Hi,,

I just returned from Natchitoches, La. What a perfect “Ladies Day Out” trip. Our B&B turned out to be so great.
We each had our own room with a parlor in between. The breakfasts were outstanding and the little tours we took
were fun. Can you tell I had a good time? We got to see all the places and learn the history about the town and
Steel Magnolias, then saw a video that evening at the B&B. It really made the movie special.

I use Sprint PCS, so, was able to talk to my daughter in Hawaii. (No addition charge.) Still no luggage but they
have bought what they need for the remainder of the trip and have been able to get past the pain and disappointed
of that part. While they were on the trip they got a message that my son in law got the job he had wanted and will
be able to start when they return. Things are looking up for them.

Zanne: Thank you for you kind words and thinking of my daughter and her husband. I hope you try the muffin
recipe. It is good to freeze and pull out for a quick breakfast.

Hope everyone has a good evening.

Wow- Thursday already and look at all these posts! keeping up is becoming a full-time job.

I had a bizarre and upsetting conversation with my boss today who knows what I've been doing in the gym, and sees the food I eat at work. He has a small side business selling USANA nutritional products ( high quality but expensive vitamins, and a lot of other crap ). I take their vitamins, mostly because of the convenience of having them arrive in my mailbox without me thinking about it, and to get him off my back. Today he started asking me how much more weight I wanted to lose, to which I replied it didn't really matter, just wanted to burn more fat off and would continue to do it by eating right, lifting weights and cardio. His response was UGH- You can't just keep lifting more weight! You'll look like those digusting female body builders! Your husband certainly won't like that! And of course he had a fat burner product that he could sell me that would make me look much more feminine and lean!!!! ARGH! I told him Jon was thrilled with my muscles, and couldn't wait for the day I could carry the couch up from the basement myself so we could switch the family room and rec room furniture. I was so upset I called Dh for a talk about muscles (believe me, I'm a LONG way from Ms. Olympia or the Arnold look!) and what a tactful honey! Says he loves 'em and it just spurs him on to get in better shape. He's in pretty good shape now, still plays ice hockey and racquetball at age 51. Just has a weakness for chocolate! Don't we all.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. The highpoint of my day was a quick trip to the mall for new undies. I passed the jeans on the way and tried on a SIZE 4 and they fit. Decided not to buy them yet- didn't really need another pair. Then I saw and smelled Cinnabon, which I haven't had since last June and was going to have a cheat treat, but at the last moment decided nothing could taste as good as size 4 made me feel. So I bought the jeans instead (ouch Deb, they weren't even on sale). A tad more expensive, but, hey, I'm worth it! And they won't make me sick.

Pooch and Pravda- Happy birthdays! Hope your days were good and your cakes sugar-free, stone ground whole wheat :lol:

Fruit- I too was amazed that they allow corporeal punishment there. Teachers have been fired on the spot here for touching a kid. Not that I don't sympathize- years of being a Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub Scout leader, lacrosse coach and volunteer at school have made me want to strangle a few myself. And to whomever it was that said it was their own that was the "problem child"- that's always the case. My kids, who everybody else say behave wonderfully, always acted possessed if I was around as the adult in charge.

S'Happy- So sorry to hear about the loss of your friends. Are there family for the kids? How terrible.

Vesnoid- I like your pot story. Reminds us that trying to acheive perfection just sets us up for failure- better to look at the slips and quirks as learning, enriching experiences.

Beth- Hope you are feeling better and are back on track!

Debbie- You need to get together your shopping list for me and we can email phone #'s. I'm glad I only bought 1 case of the Cucamonga agave, I don't like it as much as the sweet cactus farms, and I think that case might last quite a while anyway. I'm like you, if I bake it, I eat it. All of it. Yesterday I made a really good glaze for salmon which used quite a bit, tho. Olive oil, agave, liquid smoke, and hot pepper flakes. Basted and broiled. Yum.

Gotta go help with the dreaded word problems- I don't remember 5th grade math being this complicated when I was in fifth grade! As with my dd, I'm sure ds will figure out that by 8th grade he's surpassed my math capabilites. How degrading.

mel

Happy Birthday Pravda and Pooch! Hope you have wonderful days!

Well, here's my confession: I have decided to start over. Since I fell off the wagon and gained back a good share of what I lost a year ago, I didn't want to post until I was back down to my lowest and then I could post losses again. Well, that wasn't working. Seeing that scale finally go down, even though a little, I need to post a loss and get inspired. To make a long story short, the scale was down 2 pounds yesterday and that gave me such a shot in the arm that I wasn't even tempted by the cake at the retirement party in my office! All of you doing so well are my inspiration so BOB - back that wagon up my driveway!!!!!

DEB, have you ever checked out this website? www.86sugar.com/index.html. I was exploring in there and was impressed with the products that I have never seen before - and they are sugarfree. Have you ever heard of wondercocoa or Slimsweet? Wondercocoa is supposed to be sugar and fat free.
Here's what they say about SlimSweet:

SlimSweet™ is a revolutionary new all-natural fruit sweetener that, unlike almost all other sweeteners (including the healthy ones), does NOT boost insulin levels or increase fat storage in the body. Because SlimSweet™ does not elevate insulin levels, it also does not lead to the appetite cravings that cause additional weight gain or serious health problems linked to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Derived from a medicinal Chinese fruit of the kiwi family, SlimSweet™ is a truly extraordinary all-natural sweetener that provides all of the benefits of fruit sweeteners (fructose), but without the calories. SlimSweet™ contains zero calories per 1 gram serving and is also a thermogenic (fat-burning) substance as well. Discover for yourself the fascinating story and research behind one of the biggest dietary breakthroughs of the century!

SlimSweet tastes just like sugar but is 15 times sweeter than table sugar! One-fifth teaspoon is equal to 3 teaspoons of sugar. SlimSweet is LOW GLYCEMIC which means it does not significantly affect or elevate blood sugar or insulin levels.

I found a website that has some recipes using these products, but I thought I would ask and see if you knew anything about them. Thanks!

Well, I've maxed out my computer time for one night and it's time to recline! Catch ya later!

Karen

Hey ladies!

Had an ok day today. Had a very unexpected visit from TOM being that I'm not supposed to see him for 6 months due to my depo-lupron shots but the doctor assured me that it was not a problem and that things should run smoothly from now on. WHATEVER - tell me that as I'm on the toilet at little recess with NO PAD!:mad:

The good part of my day was that I walked 3 miles tonight. I usually just do 2 but we had another friend join us and we all live in different parts of the neighborhood so I start at my house and we altered our route in order to "pick up" our friend along the way. So, now we are doing a mile more than before!:D

POOCH & MELIRIS: Many people are surprised that we have corporal punishment at our school. It is actually allowed throughout the whole parish. The parents sign a consent form at the beginning of the year. If they sign no - then - we can't whip them. Only the principal and vice principal can do the whipping though. And - eventhough the parents say yes at the beginning of the year - they always call home before they paddle to inform the parent of what happened and to "double check" to make sure the paddling is ok. I tell you what - I've been at this school for 5 years and I was at another school in Lafourche Parish before. There are hardly no discipline problems at this school and I think it is due to the fact that they can get their *** whipped if need be. The school in Laf. parish was a zoo. Terrible experience. Our school is public but it's almost military like. They walk on lines in the halls, can't talk in the cafeteria, etc. But, like I say, because of this - we don't have the discipline problems that most schools have.

POOCH & PRAVDA: Just wanted to say happy birthday for tomorrow just in case I don't make it to the board! I'm sure I will but you never know what will come up! So, have a great day!

DEB: I heard that story about that crazy lady! What a sicko! They were talking about it on a local radio station at the beginning of this week! Some people's children huh?

JRED: Well, you definately grew up quite a ways from me. I'm southwest of New Orleans - in Thibodaux/Houma area. I'm ready to eat some good crawfish. It's so expensive right now with lent - so we usually wait and when Lent is over the prices go down.

VES: Loved the cracked pot story...it kinda made me feel guilty for the thoughts I've been having about my class - cause I always call them "crack pots!" I know that you need to accept everyone for themselves and appreciate everyone but sometimes it's so hard when some of those kids aggrivate you so damn much that you would rather scrub your skin off with brillo pads! Get my drift! The story is awesome though!

Well,I'm hitting the sack - see y'all in the morning!

Missy
284/267/170

Just stopping by to wish each of you a GREAT day!

Happy Birthday to our Birthday gals :D

Doing better here, but my throat is still swollen for some unknown reason... it hurts right at what I would consider where my tongue attaches at the back of my mouth/throat... it's weird, but it hurts worse than having teeth pulled!!! I'm going BACK to the doc today.

The pink eye is -almost- gone... it's been a darn WEEK. No work, no paycheck :( Tried to go in this morning, got sent home! I can't wait for all of this to be OVER with!!!


Doing better on my eating :) DH went and bought me a SF Whitmans sampler... I LOVE whitmans!! I did good and only ate 2 pieces a day, then the kids found it... no more temptation for me, and the runs for them :devil:


Hope everyone has a great Friday!!

I am happy...I am definitely 165 today, leaning on the scale or not! :D After having a few Russell Stover's last night while our shopping I was surprised to see that this morning.

Pravda & Pooch- Birthday greetings to both of you! Have a great SB celebration today.

I picked up my winnings from the Radio Station-the 2 free Burger King Breakfasts. Someone had mentioned to me that I could eat the meat and eggs and just leave the bread. Since I have been doing SB and not Atkins, I think that is not a good idea either. The fat content in the fast food like that makes me wary. I would rather eat that kind of thing at home where I know I am not cooking with extra fat.

We are having some people over for the evening tonight. I have gotten the wife onto SB and she is just starting. She has been cutting the obvious out of her diet for a week now but she needs to really get onboard. I will make some lg foods for us and let our hubbys eat the chips and junk!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Good morning everyone

Thanks again for the birthday wishes. And Pravda - I wish you a happy b-day too :) I was shocked that my kids remebered when they got up this morning and my mom called too!!

My agave is finally in and I will pick it up later today - I'm so anxious to try it out. I also need to go grocery shopping and since its my b-day and lent I am going to get some fresh shrimp - yummy.

gracious - I about died laughing when you mentioned leaning on your scale for the best results. I can move mine around the floor and have it change - and believe me I have found the best spot and thats where it gets put every morning for my weigh-in :lol:

karen3000 - I am so proud of you for not taking any cake and BIG CONGRATS on the 2 pound loss.

meliris - can't believe your boss said that to you. I've always been the type that if you tell me not to do something or say I shouldn't, it makes me do it even more. I think you need to go to one of those carnival booth places that do mock magazine covers and make one saying you won the 2002 Muscle Woman Grand Championship and then go leave it on his desk. And, congrats on the size 4 - that is incredible!!!

Today is payday for us so I need to go pay the bills - oh joy!! Have a great one ladies
TTFN
Denise

Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! This is me singing. Can you hear me??

I started posting yesterday, but got interrupted in the middle then ended up losing the whole darn thing. Strictly operator error, LOL. Oh, well. We'll try again today.

I went to the GYN yesterday for my sort of annual exam. Usually this is one of those things that I keep putting off because I've always gained weight. Not this year. He commented on my weight loss. When I told him what I was doing, he told me that that is the only way that he is able to lose. He is such a sweetie.

When I came in this morning, there was a surprise waiting for me. My agave connection had come through. One of my co-workers husband gets it from his beer supply store. Supposedly it's blue agave, but I'm not really sure, since this is the only light that I've tried. I wouldn't know the taste difference between that and the wild. They charge by the pound when you take in your own container, $4.62 per pound. I'll have to break it down to see how much is in my jar. At any rate, right now it's the only place I can find it around here.

It's shaping up to be another gorgeous week-end here. We were trying to do a little family get away, but I think we've waited too late to make any plans with Spring Break going on around here. Oh, well. That may mean I'm forced to stay home and do housework.

Happy Friday to everyone and have a great OP week-end.

I had a tough day yesterday--I wanted sugar so bad I couldn't stand it. I don't much get these cravings anymore, but for some reason I was going out of my mind! Thank goodness for Lent! Otherwise I think I might have fallen. I did discover a russell stover SF pecan patty in my cupboard, so when I couldn't stand it anymore I ate that and was ok after that. The thing has probably been in my cupboard for 6 months--so let's hear it for the emergency chocolate supply!!!!!


I found a chat session with Dr. Sam Andrews--one of the authors of SugarBusters! You can read it at the following link:

Dr. Andrews interview (http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1700.51633)

My scale is down a bit this morning--239--so the TOM water is subsiding. Whew!

Pooch and Pravda--HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

BOB--you are forgiven. Just see that it doesn't happen again!:s: My boys play in an hour so GO WOLFPACK!

Karen3000--It's good to have you back with us! I suspect all of us have started over a few times, so you know you are always among friends here.

Mel--your boss is an idiot. Anyone who would deliberatly try to undermine someone's progress for their own personal gain is just plain evil! Trust yourself--you KNOW that you look better and feel better. You KNOW that your DH loves your look. The h**l with what anyone else thinks! I'm proud of you and your little size 4 tushie!

I can't find who posted the cracked pot story--I loved it! It is inspriing for me and all the other "cracked pots" I know!

OK--work to do before the game comes on.

Have a good morning everyone!

Susan
300/239/150

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOCH!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRAVADA!!!!!

BOB and MISSY I sent my e-mail address to Missy via PM. Lemmee know if you don't get it.

HOW 'BOUT THEM DAWGS?!?!?!

The gals and the guys are rockin'!!! TRISH Now that my parents know I have a co-cheerleader with me they give me updates on Michael after EVERY game! He's doing very well and has made some VERY KEY plays - including 2 free throws with 5 seconds left in the Alabama game to seal the VICTORY!! His sister should be VERY PROUD of him! My mom and a friend are travelling to watch the girls this week-end.

FROGGIE I'm so sorry to hear of the challenges in your life right now. You and your family are in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

VESNA Loved the cracked pot story. I'll be calling you next week sometime to set up a walking date with Ricky. I won't make it to the Winter Park Arts Festival this week-end, but I'm sure you'll be there. Maybe we'll have to set up a booth for you next year.

ROSE - Sorry the luggage hasn't shown up, but glad to hear about the job. Your trip sounds wonderful!

MEL "Lemmee at 'im! Why that little *&%$#%%#@@! " Who the He** does he think he is?!?! Mr. Jealous that you've made a plan, stuck to it and are reaping the rewards - is what it sounds like to me. WTG on that SIZE 4!!

BETH Glad to hear you're feeling better!

QUILTER HI! :D Just thinking about you.

FILLISE - I hope your team does awesome (right behind MSU) :s: Thanks for the link - I'm gonna check it out sometime soon.

DEB I'm gonna check out that marathon training link, too! Thanks!

KAREN Welcome back! Some of us don't even tell when we've been bad :devil:

BOB Yeppers, that's a picture of one of the little cuties. We're going to e-mail the breeder in a couple of weeks to see if Heidi is preggers. If so, we're going to claim one of them thar pups before anyone else does. She says she's keeping a female if she has one so we've decided we will take either sex. I don't know how this AKC thing works since I've only ever had freebies or pound puppies, but I think they name the animal, but then we call it whatever we want. We're leaning toward Snickers, Bullet and Buckshot right now. Vince said Snickers as a joke, but I really like that name best out of all the other ones we've come up with. We've e-mailed a couple of other breeders in BKM's neck of the woods, but haven't heard back from them. :mad: We wanted to play with some more doggies and see when/if they'll be expecting anytime soon. Looks like it could be August before we have our new addition.

:wave: Sorry I can't get to everyone. Have a great friday!

HiedieHo All!!!!

First Happy Birthday Pooch and Pravda!!!!!

I have been so busy I don't know which end is up!!! I was supposed to go to Zemurray Gardens today in Lorranger, but trip was cancelled as they weather has affected the plant growth. All I could think of was Hallelujah!!!!

Tonight I am ushering at the theater and tomorrow I will collapse!

Last night the Habitat Board held a Pot Luck Supper for the Collegiate Challenge kids. I knew two of them were vegetarians, so I made zucchini parmesean. They and everyone else loved it and it was the only thing there I could eat! So easy to make, wash and slice thin the zuchini, layer with sauce, mozzarella, parmeasean, cover with foil bake 45 min. qt 425', remove foil and bake another 15 minutes to give it a little color. Deeeeeelicious!!!!

This week I have been twice to the NH, a Habitat Board meeting, choir, pot luck, shopping, cleaned house.

My knee is better, I don't limp, but if I kneel on it I hurt. Hand is back to normal usual pain.

Right now I have Irish music blaring!

BETH - I liked your post, I am is the same boat as you. It should have been posted for Inspiration Monday.

ADRON - Great your DD watches her intake of fluids. She is an example to us, "And a little child shall lead them!"

HAPPY - Working with head trauma patients I can tell you first hand the misery that come from an accident on one!

FROG - Sorry to hear about the hard time you're going through. God Bless!

I'm really too tired to answer all, you know I care about you all. Take care, sef

Hi! Everybody! Well, guess who is so behind on her reading??? ME!!! Sorry for being away most of this week. It’s just been one of those busy ones. We had a meeting last night, so I didn’t have any time to read or write. So I will try to get back on with you all now.

I went for my yearly “ladies” exam this morning. Yes, my appointment was at 7:10. Eeek! That was certainly early. But the really great news is that I weighed in lighter!!! The last time I was there was February 25 and today I weighed FOUR POUNDS LESS than then. Oh, I was so excited. The exam couldn’t even make my spirits get low after that wonderful news at the scale.

KIMMYTK---Hey, girl! I think we should plan something really soon. I’ll go look on your bio and see if your email is there and we’ll plan something great. I definitely could use a trip to JJ’s. But my checkbook won’t be happy after that.

MEL---You are definitely kicking butt on this weightloss thing. Must be the butt you USED TO HAVE, because you are at that lovely ULTRA THIN state. How COOL FOR YOU!!!! Keep up the good work. I am taking your lead and want to know how it feels. Please share!!!

TRISHALOO---You should be thrilled!!! SEVENTEEN POUNDS is awesome!!!!! You are showing the rest of us how great it can be if we stick with what we know is the right way to eat. Keep going, girl!!! I’m doing the happy dance for you.

TONI---You are doing so well!!! I congratulate you!!! Your seven pound loss gives you such a great launch toward your first ten pounds. Way to go. You must be feeling great!!! Doesn’t it feel wonderful to watch that needle move to the left?

BOB---Sadly, there is no butt crack at my house. At least no butt crack I haven’t seen before. LOL. The workmen were all so proper. It was disgusting. But remember . . . the deck is coming in a month, so hopefully, there will be a lot more exursion and the weather will be warmer. So keep your fingers crossed. Did I totally goof on THUNDER’s growing belly? I can’t even remember. Funny.

LOUPE---Sounds like you have your hands full with the sophomore and his spelling woes. That’s truly sad. Have you ever done any fingerspelling? We use that with the little kids where each sound gets a finger. Of course, in our class we make them exaggerate the fingers as they say the sounds. But we always tell them that they can do the same thing in their regular class, just lightly tap their fingers or press harder with each finger as they say the sounds. This method is part of the Orton Gillingham Multi-sensory approach and works really well with our kids. Unfortunately, it only works on “phonetically correct” words. Anyway, good luck!!!! BTW, I thought the same thing about that horrible woman who strapped her kids into the car and let it go into the lake. She should have had to experience the same exact thing. BTW, did anybody see the creepy father on his news briefing this afternoon. He was so disgusting. I got a really bad feeling about him. Somebody asked him if he planned on having more children and he said he didn’t know. Then somebody else asked if he was going to stay married to his wife and he said he didn’t know. I was shocked, but that outright dismissal of her in his future. Of course, that was on the heels of him being outraged at the doctors. Blah, blah, friggin’ blah.

DEB---I thought the number you gave me was my ceiling, so I’ve been staying under it. Well, I just looked at my weekly average and it’s only 1382 calories. I guess that would be considered considerable below 1900. But I feel okay. It’s not like I’m walking around in a daze from starving myself. Paul’s average has been 1637 calories. Are you going to tell us we need to eat more??? We both feel really good, but I understand if we need to eat more. I keep telling him to eat more, but he says, no, he’s had enough. I think you may need to give him a talking to. Here’s your big chance to give him an earful. LOL Thanks for all the advice.

VESNOID---Thanks for the book recommendation. I love finding an excuse to buy another book. Sounds like a great one.

SOLSHINE---Was that picture your new puppy? I loved that face!!!! What a cutie pie!!! My cutie pie had a day of beauty and came home with a shamrock scarf. She’s stylin’ tonight!

Okay, that’s it for me. Sorry to all those I missed, but I’m on a time crunch. Gotta come up with something supper-ish. Hmmmmmm. That could be difficult. Hope you all enjoy your weekends.

Take care.
Kim

It feels like winter again. After such a gorgeous day yesterday, I just knew we were on the way to a beautiful spring. Well, today it's cloudy and a cold wind is blowing strong out of the north.
But - that didn't stop me and DD from doing some serious shopping at a new outlet mall. (Rose, have you been to Allen?) We stopped in Casual Corner, Liz Claiborn, Eddy Bauer, DKNY, and Jones of New York, plus more I can't remember the names of. It was an exploration, I told my DD because I was curious to see what size I'm wearing now. I'm in between a 14 and a 12 right now. And picked up some really cute outfits with capris. That seems to be the style for this spring.

The scales were down a pound today. So I've lost 31 pounds in 7 months. I'm learning patience because I wanted to be a lot further along than that. But thinking back to my state of mind last summer, I never thought I'd lose any weight.

Mel: Congrats on the size 4. Forget about the boss. He's just trying to make a buck. He's not worth your time even thinking about what he said.

Deb: Has Lauren heard about the magnet school yet? I'm still keeping my fingers crossed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY POOCH AND PRADVA!!!!

It's time to go figure out what to make for supper. Have a great weekend, Ladies and Gentleman.

Take care,
Jeane
196/165/130

I just did a really nice long post and lost the damn thing!!!!! :mad:


I'll check in later...


BOB

WOOOHOOO to the NC State Wolfpack! We live to play another day.

I actually made it back to the gym today! I haven't been back to the Dr. yet so I didn't do any weights--just the treadmill--but it felt good to work up a sweat! I did 1.6 miles in 30 mintues--not bad for someone who hasn't done bupkis in months!

I'm wondering, how do the rest of you stand being at the computer without a purring kitten in your lap????? Miss Belle is such good company and being really sweet tonight!

Today's eating. I'm at almost 1300 calories (I can't believe I actually went on fitday just to see). I have to go back and eat another 1/2 bowl of soup to get it up to 1300--I should have a minimum of 1400 and closer to 1800 (2400 is my basil rate for the day). My fat consumption is 27%, protein is 23% and carbs 50%, so I need high protein, no or very little fat. Any ideas?

Will try to check back in later--I need to go have some more soup.

Susan

SUSAN....does a 34 lb ball of RED FUR count????
Congrats of the win...
I'm watching 13 DAYS anything about the
KENNEDYS draws me to the screen!

Later

BOB

Well we just had a big storm here in Missouri. It hailed in some places. So I had to shut down the computer. Been a good day. I walked on my treadmill and watched the fat today. I think at dinner last night I had way to much. I tried the Killer bean soup and it was delicious, tomorrow I'll make it again. Or eat my husbands that he didn't get to today. Here comes the week-end and I hope we all do well..... Gee I feel like I'm here alone. LOL...



213/207/130

My sympathies, Big Orange. I just HATE it when that happens. I usually type in my word program and then copy and paste into this reply to topic space. But lately all my apostrophes have turned out to be really funky. It's only happened a month or so, so I don't know what is going on. But I never lose a post because of the whims of this site.

For those of you that asked about my trip to Cuba, we are going on the 10th of April and will return on the 15th. We go to a church that has supplied money to Cuban congregations to build a church building there. The building they were meeting in was much too small (usually a house) to hold all the worshippers. So, my dh and I had the opportunity to actually go to Cuba on a trip sponsored by the organization that facilitates the building project. We will mostly be visiting the churches that have been built and meeting with the pastors and the congregations. Several churches will be dedicated while we are there, so we will get to celebrate that. There will be a total of about 30 people going and we will be flying into Nassau, or some other spot down there, and then on to Cuba. We will go from one end of the country to the other, or rather, from Guantanamo (sp?) area to Havana. I plan to take lots of pictures and have a good camera so expect them to be pretty good!

Our hiking trip that some of you asked about will be in northern Vermont, taking off from Stowe. We will be there the last week of Sept and the first week of Oct. We will be staying at 3 towns, Stowe, Craftsbury and some other town that I don't want to look up right now. We will be walking from 3 to 7 miles a day. It is supposed to be fun and interesting, with visits to cheese factories, etc. I'm hoping that we don't have rain and that the weather is good. One time, years ago, our family camped in the same area at the same time of year. It got so cold that there was a heavy frost everywhere in the morning, and it started snowing. We had some honey with us for campfire biscuits, and the honey almost froze. It was then that my DH decided that we would "camp" in an inn for the next several nights. That was my introduction to what B & B's were like, and I really loved it! They welcomed us with a hot drink with Bailey's Irish Cream! Yum. We plan to stay longer than the 5 days of hiking and do some more touring of Vt. and NH. The Fryeburg country fair is that week, so we are definitely going to that old fashioned country fair. It is the best.

This weekend we are putting in our butterfly garden. My dh and my son are taking my son's truck and loading it up with compost tomorrow. Then they will dump it into the garden spot and work it into the sandy soil we have down here in FL (Heck, this state is nothing but a big sand bar.) And then we will put in lots of colorful flowers. I hope it turns out to look as good as we envision. We have a little stone path laid out and an arbor with a bougainvilla vine we hope will grow up and over it. I'll keep y'all posted on how it does.

I took another golf lesson today and then this evening my dh and I went out and hit balls. I think I may have actually learned something from my lesson because I hit the balls pretty consistantly. Too bad Cat Lover is still not on this board. She loved to play golf and we could have compared notes. My dh then took me to dinner, where I had a crab cake and some good veggies. And . . . a brandy alexander. :o ;) It was frozen, like a strong chocolate ice cream. Yum.

Well, I'm gonna go and do some reading. Have a great weekend all. And Happy birthday to you special birthday girls! Have a wonderful day.

Gator--I'd love to visit cuba--your project sounds exciting and very worthwhile! My church is going to build a house in Mexico in July, but since VBS starts the day after they get back, guess who has to stay home and get ready?????

Toni--The soup is good isn't it? The "killer" part will start in an hour or so! :o Myself, I have a little troule digesting beans--love the soup though and am planning to make it again next week.

BOB--34 lbs! Belle weighs 4 1/2 lbs. When she came home from her surgery a couple of weeks ago, she had lost 1/4 of her total body weight. Thank goodness she has regained it. Everyone tells me Belle is really tiny for 8 1/2 months--I guess it's a good think that one of us in the house is tiny--cause it sure ain't me!:lol:

OK--time to watch some more basketball! This is one of my favorite weekends of the year!

Nighty-nite
Susan

I saw the doctor today. Since my last visit four weeks ago, I have lost 4 pounds according to his scale. I have to admit I was surprised...my scale showed no loss at all. He is increasing my thyroid meds and wants to see me in four more weeks. He seemed a bit disappointed that I had not lost more weight in the past month since starting the Glucophage, and felt that my metabolism needed more tweaking, thus the increase in thyroid. I sure hope this helps. At least there was some loss, but it sure did not come easy! :)

GATORGAL: Are you going to visit the Trapp Family Lodge while in Stowe, Vermont? I have read Maria von Trapp's two autobiographies, and she put pictures of their lodge in the one. The mountains around there are gorgeous! I would like to go and stay there sometime. Have a great time!

GRACIOUS: How is your hubby doing? Hope he is over the pain, and stuff. Glad to hear you are down to the low point, and staying there. I thought about you tonight as I was eating my bulghur bean salad..... I do love beans! :D


I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have to prune all my rose bushes tomorrow...all 97 of them. I am NOT looking forward to it. In fact, I have been procrastinating. With my luck, it will rain tomorrow!

Hey girls

Just wanted to pop in and say hello before I hit the sack! Glad to hear all of the doctor visits had good weight loss reports! What a good feeling!

QUILTER: We have a multi-sensory program that we do with kids called Project Read. I actually taught that for 2 years - I had a multi-sensory reading room for kids with dyslexia. But, the 10th grader is above that level of spelling so it's really hard! Oh well, I can only do what I can right? I just wish I had a magic dust to sprinkle on some of these kids!

Ok - I'm runnin - see y'all tomorrow!

Missy
284/266/170

In a good way!!

Got on my M-I-L's scale, and it said 188!!!!! I have 2 days shy of a month to get rid of 8 pounds to hit my second mini goal!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, mine is full of TBall practices!

Hello everyone!

Had a terrible last two days. Took my Mom into the emergency room having terrible stomach pain. We got there at 4:30pm (they took her right in). She was admitted at 2:00am. She has gallstones, pancreatitis, possible liver damage and possible kidney damage. She did have a CT scan, sonogram, xrays and blood work. They said that they couldn't see any stones that would be interfering with the pancreas but they are going to do a test on Monday where she swallows a scope and they will look to see. She has been on Morophine so she rests pretty well most of the time, but she's really getting upset that she cannot eat (she can only have ice chips). Anyway. This has been an exhausting two days.

On a good note. I am down to 271.5.

Have a great day tomorrow.

Sheann
287/271.5/150

Had to bring hubby to the hospital yesterday and he will be in there until Monday for sure, that is when the urologist will look at him. We are hoping he can pass the stone over the weekend with the help of the iv fluids. Our children were distraught at Daddy having to be in the hospital and our middle son thought he wasn't going to come home..ie:thought he was going to die. Poor wee dear. I explained as best I could but he is just a sensitive little boy.

Sheann-So sorry to hear about your mother and all the horrible complications. Hopefully there will be no damage to the liver and kidneys. This must be a terrible strain on you and I hope you will be able to rest knowing she is under the doctor's care. I will certainly hold you and your mom up in prayer.

Beth- Way to go on the weight loss!! You are so very close to that goal now, keep that as your motivation.

Monet-Well wasn't that a pleasant surprise?! Losing 4 more pounds is nothing to scoff at. It is also a good thing that the doc wants to tweak things in hopes that will help with the weightloss. You are moving forward with this so you too should be encouraged!
Yes, I love the beans now. Once I was finally told they were a protein, I ate them with a much better feeling! I had been thinking before that they were one of my starchy carbs and I was reluctant to add them to my menu. I like eating them plain by themselves when I need a boost in my protein count. I find them very yummy, easy and convenient!

Anyways...off to battle the day. The kidlettes will wake up soon and I have to decide how we will tackle things with daddy in the hospital. We had plans to see Larryboy (from VeggieTales) at a church function in Fredericton today and they were so excited. I don't know if I will go now without hubby here to help. Maybe I will recruit someone else to go with me.

Happy Saturday!

Hello All! It’s a rainy Saturday morning. I had to get up early because the dear dog needed to visit the urination station. It was storming so bad out last night that she couldn’t get her pre-bedtime pee pee in. I always know that means Mommy’s going to get an early morning call. And know that I’m not complaining. She’s a good girl and has never once had a pee pee accident in the house in the 8 1/2 years she’s been here. So it’s just part of the responsibility.

Eating continues to go well. I must say that I’m having a terrible craving for Chinese Food. I would love to go to our favorite little chinese restaurant, but don’t know what I could eat. Any suggestions???? I used to love the low-mein noodles but I’ll wager those are off the SB way of life. Plus how would I count it in Fitday? Just estimate on portion sizes??? I’m not saying that we are going to go there anytime soon. But just contemplating a visit sometime soon.

MEL---You are so awesome! I am so proud of you. One for going to the person who’s opinion really matters to you. You were so smart to immediately call dh after that tactless conversation and sales pitch from your boss. And what a sweetie your honey is. I’m sure you look fabulous!!! And WAY TO GO GO GO with the choice of deciding to buy the size four jeans over the Cinnabons. That was a fantastic way to treat your self. And the jeans will last a lot longer than the sweet (but poisonous) treat. Here’s my theory on Cinnabons: They smell better than they taste. Sure the first bite might be so wonderful, but after that I’ve always thought they were highly overrated. So I prefer just to smell them. Yes, I know that’s weird, but I haven’t eaten a Cinnabon in probably 15 years. But I sure do enjoy the smell, and the fact that smelling is fat-free and guilt-free and calorie-free and doesn’t cost anything really adds to the benefits. Anyways, GOOD JOB!!! I will think of your victory the next time I am tempted.

KAREN---What were you thinking??? Get back on here and talk, talk, talk to us. I am heavier than I have ever been, before SB, before WW but now that I’ve finally got that needle going inthe right direction, I’m going to post it. I may not post on the weigh in board, but I will post here, because I have to tell you all when I see a loss. I’m glad you decided to post anyways. Congrats for getting back on track. Your 2 pound loss is just what I had last week. Let’s pat each other on the back!

GRACIOUS---Oh, I hope that dreaded stone gets the heck out of Dodge and your hubby very soon. That must be so painful. I have never had one so can’t fully relate. Just know allthe stories that veterans of stones talk about. Good luck. And I have to say your middle son sounds like a dear soul. What a sweetie. I’ll keep dh in my prayers. BTW, it sounds like you and I have the same scale. I laugh about the lean factor. But you are right, sometimes the number is so strong, the leaning has no adjustment. Congrats on the 165. That is so great. I really can’t wait to be where you are. Awesome job, girlfriend.

BOB & FILLISE---How’s this number? Miss Maddie is 63 pounds. Small for a shepherd. We think she must have been the runt of the litter. Could explain some of her low self-concept baggage. Just had to share. I love hearing about everybody’s furry children, and can’t miss an opportunity to share too. Miss Belle is teeny, tiny. I would lose something that small. Maddie just sprawls across doorways or at your feet and you have to practically be a gymnast to get over or by her. Of course, she doesn’t feel the need to get out of the way.

SHEANN---So sorry to hear about your mother’s illness. That must be awful for her and you. So hard to see somebody you love going through pain and health issues. I’ll keep you both in my good thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted. Be sure that you get enough rest. If you get yourself down (physically) you can be of no help to her if she needs you. So be sure you are eating and getting sleep. (Easy for me to say, right?) Just know that we are all thinking of you and sending you bundles of our energy through our oh-so powerful brain waves. Take care, hon. Wish there was more we could do.

Boy, I goofed! Forgot to wish PRAVDA and POOCH happy birthdays. So HAPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYY BIRTHHHHHHHHHHDAYYYYYYYY TO YOU BOTH. Actually, I guess it would be Happy Day After Birthday. Well, you two are definitely worth a two-day celebration. So keep going with it.

Take care everybody. I hope you all are having sunny beautiful weather. KIMMYTK, got your umbrella handy??? Looks like we will need it today.

Kim

Hey DEB!!! Thanks for that wonderful article. I just took the time to read it and really learned a lot. I guess I should be thankful that I've always been a pear shape and not an apple. Ugh! Don't know if I can go there. LOL I want to send this article to every overweight person I know. It really tells it like it is. Thanks for sharing with us.

Kim

It is yucky here...right KIM!!! It was so awesome Thurs. Yesterday, as I was driving my 2 kids to school, I had thought of going to the zoo. Well, the day ended up being yucky....no zoo:(

I forget who had posted about going to Cuba...
That sounds really neat. It is great to see God's work paying off. I hope you have a safe trip! I have only seen Cuba from our cruise ship 5 years ago. That was as close as I wanted to get....though we did go to Haiti.

Scales have been kind...I am weighing about 131-132. My pants are all fitting...
Funny things about pants. I have some 6 that fit perfect with room to spare...then I have some 12 that are too tight. Go figure. Mostly I find I am able to wear my 8-10...pending on the maker. Some makers vary as well. I have some GV...a 6 fits almost baggy and then a 8 is too tight.
Good thing is...I can wear my clothes again!!! There is a pair of slacks that are my goal slacks....I can wear them, but I still need to slim a bit before I would wear them.

Deb...that was a good article. How do you tell if you are an apple or a pear? Interesting. I also like the one that someone posted about water.

Everyone....have a great day!!!

And KIM...
Maybe in the next few weeks......JJ!! E-mail me. It is in my bio.;)

Kimmy

Oh the coffee is on and the sun is out.. Just let the dogs out and put a log on the fire. Guess I'll walk on the treadmill shortley and get that done.

Kimmy I haven't seen a size 6 since Heck was a pup and he's an old dog now....

Deb.-The article was soooo good! Thank you.

Quilter-I know what you mean about the dogs! Luckily we got our storm earlier, a boy did we get a storm!! Yummy I love chinese food. Maybe its stir fry at home.....

Graceous-Your poor hubby. I hope he passes that soon... It seems like with modern medicine they would have someway quicker...

Sheann- I'm so sorry about your Mother. She is sure having a rough time.... I do that scope test next month. Congradulations on your weight....

Beth, Fruitloupe and Monet- Gosh you're doing good with your weight. It makes me so excited to see those numbers!!!!! I feel like it really can be done.

Hi Fillese- Yep you are right about the beans on a later note!!!!

Hi Bob GatorGal and J. Red!

Guess its time to go out in the livingroom and say morning to the hubby.... Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday.

213/207/130

Good Morning! Just checking the board for a minute before I go and make breakfast. I got Canadian Bacon at Sam's yesterday, and I am going to have bacon and eggs! :T

QUILTER: See if your favorite Chinese restaurant has Egg Foo Yung. If you ask for the gravy on the side, it should be SB legal. It has only eggs, bean sprouts, celery and onion in it and whatever meat type you order. I like the shrimp. If they don't have it, and it depends on the area of China the cuisine comes from if they do, then order a chicken and broccoli stir fry, and ask them to hold the rice. A lot of Chinese restaurants will offer low cal, steamed dishes, and this would be good too. Many use cornstarch as a thickener in their sauces, but some use the traditional arrowroot powder. I don't know if arrowroot is legal or not. I love Chinese, and do a lot of Asian cooking at home. If I couldn't have it at all, I would be really unhappy! Thankfully, it can be had....you just have to be careful! I even made brown rice sushi!

GRACIOUS: I am praying for you and your hubby. I hope you find someone to help you take the kids to see Larryboy. (I LOVE VeggieTales! Wish I could come help!) It will help them get their minds off their little child worries about Daddy. It is so hard for young ones to understand that going to the hospital does not mean some one is dying. Will they be able to visit with him some before he comes home on Monday?

SHEANN: I hope your mom is doing better. I know Pancreatitis is pretty painful, and then to have all that other too.... I noticed you and are pretty similar...our starting weights, and present weights are within a pound or two. I had quite a shock yesterday on the doctors scale...even though it was down four from my previous visit, I realized his scale is 19 heavier than mine at home! :( And I thought a Healthameter was a good brand!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Well I thought it was spring but today it is winter again. the poor trees are budding everywhere and the cold has returned. Mothernature is such a tease.
It is going to be a busy day. I am leaving at 4:30am yup am to fly to San Francisico and I have to get packed. I am co chair for our local Combined Federal Campaign, which is a way of donating money for federal employees. Anyway we have a conference there and the plane leaves at 5:10. Yuk. To early for me. San Fran should be fun though. I haven't been there for a couple of years.

Kimmy- Size 4. WOW I'd love to just get to a size 10. I know what you mean about the different size jeans. It would be great if they were all the same. My 12's are comfortable now. My goal weight is to get to 130. When I get there maybe it wiil be size 4 for me. Keep up the good work.

Toni48 - Sounds like your day is beginning great. Enjoy the rest of it!!!

The Quilter - I'll take some of your rain and pass over some of my sunshine. We are in drought conditions. I can't remember when we had rain last. Not much rain here in the desert to begin with but it is real noticable when we have none. Stay tucked inside today and stay dry.

gracious - My prayers are with you and your hubby. It sounds like you should go to the event at church. Perhaps it will help the kids keep their minds off the fact that daddy is in the hospital. God will give you the strength when you need it. Hang in there.

Sheann - Sorry to hear about your mom. I pray she'll be feeling great soon. Great on your loss. Keep it up.

Beth2374 - I have been reading about your mini goals. You have done a great job at reaching each of them. I have thought about setting smaller goals to reach rather than looking at a goal of loosing 30lbs. Perhaps it would make loosing more atainable. You are inspiring me. Keep up the good work.

GatorGal - Your trip to Cuba sounds like a great adventure. Our church has a group returning from guatamala. They were ministring to an orphange that we help support. We also had a group go to Haiti. Someday I would like to join them. Perhaps when I retire from work.
Your B&B experience in the fall sounds great. My Hubby and I have thought about doing the same but riding bikes from B&B to B&B. There is a group that organizes the trip. Do you plan your own route or is it organized through a group. I'd love to have the perticulars.

Fillise - God will honor you that you have to stay behind. Maybe the next time. There is a lady in our church that has wanted to go on a mission trip for so long. The recent trip to guatamala she was able to go. In His time you will get there. Keep up the good work at the gym. At least you are getting there. I still can't get my duff there. I ahve good intensions but I seem to always come up with an excuse. Keep up the good work.

BOB - I know what ya mean about the wrong button. I have thought about doing what gatorgal does but didn't know if it would work. I am going to have to try it.

Everyone have a great weekend. I leave early in the morning and won't be back until Thursday. By that time there will be 10 pages on next weeks posts. I just get into the groove and then I'm set back.
See ya!!

Cyndi

That's the thing about vacations - I forget what day it is!:lol: The clouds are still hangig around and we're in the 40s today. And we may get rain before the weekend's over. We didn't get any of that Ohio weather ladies, sorry we sent it your way. We'll get our share in the next couple of months.

Gracious: I hope your DH feels better real soon. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Find a friend and go to that movie! Even my 17 DD loves Larry Boy! It'll do your kiddos and you a world of good to go have a big laugh.

Sheann: I'm sorry your mom is so sick. I'll remember her, too. Hope the doctors are able to find out what's causing her so much pain.

Fillese: I'm not a cat person, but I do have 2 chihuahuas who sit with me when I'm on my laptop. I have Belle (a great name, huh?) and Rocky. She's the mom, weighs a good 6 or 7 pounds now and he's the runt of the litter, weighs 2 or 3. He was incredibly tiny at birth: only as long as my middle finger. Chihuahuas are born with separated skulls because of the size of their heads and he had major space in multiple locations so I wouldn't sell him. Didn't want something to happen to him. About beans: Do you use dried or canned? In my dieting history, how the beans were counted, whether protein or starch, was determined by the type used (dried or canned).

Monet: Congrats on the 4 pounds gone. Hopefully the doctor can get your body working as it should and can get the scales moving more quickly. I love Chinese food and have missed it, but have tried to be really good. I'll have to remember your tips next time we want to order some take out.

Deb: Hope you have success at garage sales today. I found an interesting article about portion sizes and how things have been supersized to make us overeat. I'll post it later today.

Have a great day ladies and gentleman!
Jeanie

Morning everyone!

Holding steady at 239 this morning. I never did eat anything else last night so I came in at around 1400 calories, 27% fat, 23% protein and 50% carbs. Carbs are high and protein is low--fat was good though! Still looking for high-protein and low fat food sources, I'm thinking some sort of bean dish for tonight!

J red--I agree, Belle is a wonderful name!;) I use either canned or dried beans--canned if I'm in a hurry and don't have time to soak them. Beans do have carbs, but they are generally very low on the glycemic index so you don't need to count them like you would a "starchy carb." In other words they are the good type of carbohydrate that your body needs.

Red 1--have fun in San Francisco! I keep thinking it will be very hot in Mexico in July. I'm waiting on the mission trip to the Italian Riveria :^: .

Toni48--yup. They say your body eventually gets used to processing them and the "killer" part subsides. I'm still waiting!


Quilter--63 lbs--goodness! I did have to learn to look before I sit down--I'd squish the kitty for sure--I've almost done it a couple of times!

Gracious--Ouch! I hope DH is able to do what he needs to do and get home soon. I'm thinking about y'all!

Sheanne--I hope your mom recovers quickly. It all sounds painful and miserable--my thoughts with y'all too!

Got to go--basketball coming on!

Susan
300/239/150

Well I'll tell ya all what a small town I live in=population 520. I just went to the market. The only one in town. I need cayanne pepper for my killer bean soup (day 2 of it.) and they had 5 different brands of alum (used in making pickles) and no cayanne pepper. Can you believe that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily we have a little general store that had it. Sometimes I miss the good ole city!!!!!




213/207/130

Hi Guys-
Been lurking, hadn't had much time to post. Been sick all week and off program. Hopefully next week will be better.

Missed Friday Funnies, so here's a Saturday funny!

Three men are sitting naked in the sauna. Suddenly there is a beeping sound. The first man presses his forearm and the beeping stops. The others look at him questioningly. "That's my pager," he says. "I have a microchip under the skin of my arm.
A few minutes later a phone rings. The second man lifts his palm to his ear. When he finishes he explains, "That's my mobile phone. I have a microchip in my hand."
The third man, feeling decidedly low-tech, steps out of the sauna. In a few minutes he returns with a piece of toilet paper extending from his rear. The others raise their eyebrows.
"I'm getting a Fax," he explains.:lol:

See you guys later! Have a great weekend.

BOB is not feeling real well today.
Didn't sleep sound all night...tossing and turning...flipping and flopping :dizzy:
Half-assed headache all day...finally took darvocet...it's starting to ease up a little..laundry laundry and more laundry...

Trying to attempt a house cleaning...not much success at that with this boomer going on in my head.

Cleaned out the freezer of everything that needs to be cooked, so
I've got to fire the grill up after while. There will be enough meat to last all week..

I've got the "ho-hums, and the dol drums" today, so now that I've droned on and on...I'll go...

I'll check in later when I'm in both a better mood and feel better.

BOB

Hope everyone is having great weekend!

I don't know if this is the right place to mention it, but Costco now carries a 700 pack box of Splenda (the only sweetener I use, and not much) for only $13.99. Maybe eventually they'll carry the bulk packs too, though I have heard rumors of a liquid Splenda with absolutely no carb that cannot be found in this country at all.

Anyway that's today's shopping tip ;)

Laura

Well, it has been a long day indeed.

I ended up taking the kids into Fredericton to see Larryboy and the VeggieTales gang afterall. It was fun and the kids saw a lot of their classmates there cause they go to the Christian school in town.

For the VeggieTales fans out there, this was the new release LarryBoy and the Angry Eyebrows. I was rather disappointed with the production because instead of having the usual computer animation -in my opinion, one of the things that makes VT unique- it was regular animation. Something was missing because of that. I also think God was not mentioned as much as usual in this piece-it was about *letting go of your anger*. Put it this way, we have a collection of VT videos and this one will not be added to it. I think they might be trying to appeal to a larger audience in the secular world but they might lose some of the support from the Christians if they water it down too much.

However, the kids liked it and yes, it was a good thing for them to get out and take their minds off their Daddy. They had a time of fellowship and a load of VT products there to buy and look at.

Thank you to everyone for the thoughts and prayers for my husband. I was able to visit him this afternoon and he is doing okay. His pain is under control for now but he is still nauseated. That is from the blockage they say. He is getting lots of reading done and some studying too. For those who might not know, my hubby is a Pastor. He hates to be missing Sunday but knows it is necessary. The church folks have been making their rounds to make sure we are looked after and that has been a blessing.

I am looking forward to a good sleep tonight because last night was not that great. I did eat some things I shouldn't have today and I am going to have to blame the turmoil going on...I know that is no excuse but it is the one I am using! :smug:

Good night to all.

Hi,

I haven’t been able to read the posts since I returned from my short trip. Needless to say, I am way behind . I just wanted to say hello to all and will type when I catch up on my reading.

Hey ladies -

Just posting to confess my horrible eating today. I don't know what came over me - I was doing so good! Don't worry - I'll be back on track tomorrow but I'm sure I gained 4 pounds just today! Here it goes - check out this horrible stuff - DON'T FUSS CAUSE I ALREADY FEEL BAD ENOUGH!

Breakfast: none
Lunch: McDonalds Quarter Pounder w/cheese value meal (ate every bite - even licked my fingers!)
snacks: twix and baby ruth - king size! UGH!
2 white russian daqueris - one large and one medium!
Supper: taco bell - double decker taco and half of a 7 layer burrito.

I am going to sugar buster ****! I know! I don't know why I did it - but I did - it's over with and now I'm starting back fresh tomorrow!

I just wanted to fess up! I feel so bad! Ok - see y'all tomorrow!

Missy
284/god knows now!/170

Wow Fruitloupe you're human!!!! So get back on the horse!! Tomorrow is another day.......

Fruit--uh-oh it sounds like you need a trip to the detox dungeon! We've all had days like that (ok, maybe I shouldn't speak for everyone, but I've certainly had days like that). If you wil go right back to your sane WOE then the damage should be minimal. Tomorrow is a new day and all you have to do is follow your WOE for one day. If you make sound nutrition your goal for each day, then you can pile up a string of successes before you know it!

gracious--I'm glad to hear your DH is feeling better. I didn't know he was a pastor--I'm the DCE (Director of Christian Education) at my church, so I know how hard it is to miss Sundays! I almost chose the veggie tales VBS this year, but was a little bothered by the fact that they were plugging their feature length film in the daily activities--so I went with something else. I hope he is all better soon and home with you and the kids!

Yellow--welcome back!

BOB--I hope your headache is better--I just hate those icky head hurts days. Does your laundry breed too? I remember being out shopping once and finding a whole bunch of clothes that looked good on me. I was just about to take it all to the cash register when it dawned on me--the clothes were new in the store, but soon they would turn into laundry--and I didn't need any more laundry! So now when I want to buy something I imagine it in a pile of dirty clothes and most times I put it back!

OK--basketball is over for the night and I'm supposed to be compiling stuff so my CPA can do my taxes this week.

I'll try to pop in tomorrow--but for sure on Monday!

Susan
300/239/150

What a long day! I feel pretty crummy. I have a umbilical hernia, and it is really bothering me today. Worse than ever before. I had hoped it would improve as I lost weight, and I might forgo the surgery, but after today, I am not sure. I wonder if they could do liposuction at the same time? :D


FRUIT: Boy, when you go off program, you do a good job of it! MacDonalds, and candy and Taco Bell.... just hop back on the wagon tomorrow, and you may not see any gain at all. In fact, sometimes a splurge like that is helpful in keeping your body from going into starvation mode. Don't worry about it. We ALL have those days, and the really important thing is to get right back on SB and not let it bother you beyond that day.

GRACIOUS: I am glad to hear you went ahead to see LarryBoy. I am sorry it was not up to snuff. I agree that they should not water down the message to appeal to a wider audience. It is so attractive the way they have done it in the past, that many people don't realize it is Christian based, and therefore kids who really need the moral teaching are getting it kind of on the sly. I wrote a children's drama teaching program for my church for nine years, and I do freelance curriculum writing for another church still, and I think sometimes, the ideas do not flow as easily as at first. Maybe it is just one bad blip, and after this, they will be back up to their usual level of greatness. Glad to hear your hubby is doing ok, though I would love to hear he had passed that stone and was all better! Good he is getting some rest, and time to study and read. Sometimes God has to slap us with these kinds of things to get us to rest!


BOB: I sure hope you feel better soon..and that your headache takes a hike. A LONG hike!

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers for my Mother. Things are still up in the air but she is much better. She will definitely have her gallbladder removed but might have to have another procedure as well. Not sure yet.

Gracious: I'm glad that your husband is resting better and I hope that he can pass the stone this weekend. I hear that the pain for a kidney stone is really bad.

Fruit: I have had days like yours as well. Just get back on the "wagon" and you'll be fine. Just remember that we all are human and make mistakes. We are all here to help you get through it.

Sorry that I can't respond to everyones posts. I did get to read them this evening, but it's late and I have to be a the hospital early tomorrow morning. Thanks again for your kind words, thoughts and prayers for my Mom.

Sheann
287/271.5/150

good morning everybody,

caught up on all the posts for the last two weeks. bkm told me about all the fun that was had in orlando even saw the pictures. thanks to deb and narda (bob) for coffee and cook book. iam 18 weeks today have gained total of 3 pounds that is pretty good considering iam only eating 50 percent legal iam eating potatoes and occ reg pasta but iam trying to stay away form the sugar. my dh gave in and let me find out the sex of baby since everyone else knew. ITS A BOY. i can feel the rising testosterone levels all ready my dh is is sooo excited its a boy. i keep telling him just to aggravate that its really a girl giving him the finger. i was sad i missed the meeting in o town but i was just starting to feel better after two weeks of feeling crappy maybe next time. i have felt great this week had a rough week at work and iam on call this weekend went to work yest afternoon and we have a case this am at 1000 so i better get my butt in gear. My prayers are with everyone that has family members ill cant remember who everyone is at the moment . hang in there

sue

Good Sunday Morning Everyone:wave:

Sorry I've been MIA, this has been quite an unusual week that I haven't had time to post as I usually do and have had MAJOR widthdrawls from being away from the board. I don't even know where this past week went. I can't say that it's going to be much better this coming week, nor the next, so I hope you can all bear with me during these next few weeks if you don't see me posting as much as I usually do, or taking the time to post to everyone individually.

I got in my walk/jog this morning, was 78 degrees already when I went out before 8am:eek: Didn't do all that bad, was under 47 minutes, but barely. I was happy to get in 6 days of exercise since I've only been doing 5 in the past month:D I got in 25 miles this week, can't complain.

Eli is off today. He's still asleep, still unable to shake this flu bug he has, even after going to the Dr. twice and being on two different antibiotics already. He's going to have to go again on Tuesday to see if there's anything he can do now, he hates being sick and wants it over and done with already. Not sure what our plans are going to be today, will see when he wakes up what's on his mind, or more like, how his body feels.

Well, we have some WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!! LAUREN WAS ACCEPTED INTO THE DRAMA PROGRAM!!!!!! Yes, she got her acceptance letter yesterday in the mail. She kept checking for the mailman yesterday since they told everyone they'd be sending the letters out on Friday, so we hoped it would make it here on Saturday. She ran in the house and opened it in front of Michael, my Mom and I and you should of seen her face, she was so excited!!! I have to say I too was thrilled, overjoyed and RELIEVED to know they will both be in the same school next year. THANKS FOR EVERYONE WHO PUT IN GOOD PRAYERS AND WISHES FOR HER!!!! THEY WORKED!!!!:D

Friday night we went to see this Edward Albee play called "The Play About the Baby." I had won these tickets at this small theater, so Eli and I went. It was the WORST thing I had ever seen! It was so bizarre. My friend Tom told me he writes strange plays, but this was beyond strange. I didn't understand any of it. I really wanted to leave after the first act, during intermission, but we stayed, maybe to see if the second act made any sense:nono: wishful thinking! It had said there was vulgur language in it, which there was and totally not needed and that there was nudity where there was for sure, male and female, full nudity for a few seconds a few times-again, not something I needed to see nor did I think was necessary. Thank goodness I wasn't a critic, I'd given it 2 thumbs down and a raspberry to boot!!

Went to a few garage sales yesterday, not much out there at all and didn't even go to all on my list because I got disgusted after a while. Did get a few books and found my Mother a nice blender for $3. Found my Dad one of those AB SLIDERS, brand new for $3. Had to run here and there with the kids, with my Sister, before I turned around, Eli was home and it was 9pm-the day seemed like a blur!

Did great with my eating all day yesterday, until nighttime-then went into a feeding frezy-don't know what got into me all of a sudden!:eek: Peanut butter, 4 squares of Lindt 85% chocolate, SB Legal cookies, pretzels, fruits, hummus-I was non-stop! Doesn't matter if it's all SB LEGAL, not in those amounts it's not. I feel "normal" today-so here's hoping today will be a better day. Thought I'd surely see a big gain on the scale after last night, but I'm at 122.5 today, so I really can't complain.

Next week is going to be very busy for me, we start the volunteering for the Ericson (which is actually now called the NASDQ 100). The IBIS FOUNDATION (for the academy Michael is in at school) gets $9 an hour for each volunteer that works the event-not shabby at all. It's out only fundraiser of the year-so hard to get parents to help out just once a year, you'd think we were calling them every week! Anyhow, I'm doing Thursday afternoon. I don't care for tennis at all, but some people are really excited to be doing this event and possibly seeing some of the tennis stars there. I just hope the people who signed up, show up!

FROG e-mailed me and wanted me to pass a message along that she wouldn't be on the board for a while due to her GM's health which took a turn for the worse and she was going to see her, so she's not sure when she'll be back on the board. Hope you will send good thoughts and prayers her way.

Also, well wishes to all of you who have family members that are not feeling good as well. We'll have to put our prayers into motion for everyone that has loved ones not doing/feeling good. I was reading an article in one of my magazines about the power of prayer and how the people who were prayed for did far better than the ones that were not prayed for. I always say, it can't hurt!

Glad you all liked the weight loss article I posted. I will put it on the RECOMMENDING READING BOARD. When I have time, I have much more to post!!!

Anyhow, I'm going to try to play catch-up a bit with posts. If I don't reply to you individually, please forgive me-I'm going to try to do better as I get caught up a little each day:D

SZU, so you did find out that it's going to be a boy-CONGRATS! I can't believe you've hardly gained, that's wonderful!!! What's the latest on your due date??

SHEANN, glad to hear your Mom is feeling better. Hope all goes well with her GB operation, thank goodness they've perfected the technique through the years, I have a scare from breast to belly button from having mine removed years ago.

MONET, ouch, that henia sounds nasty. My Mom had one like that and had to get it repaired. I hope you get it fixed, not worth having pain from something like that.

FILLISE, I think I need to go into the detox dungeon as well after last night! Hey, I'm reading a book called SWEET SUICIDE that you may want to get from the library. Just started it, but very interesting, about sugar and it's problems. Somewhat like Duffy's book, but easier to read I think.

FRUIT, how are you today?? PLEASE get right back on track, don't stray. Keep thinking about the recent losses so far. I always worry when you have these little episodes, so please let us know all is Kosher today with you;)

ROSE, glad to see you back!!!

GRACIOUS, hope DH is feeling better-what's the latest word?? STILL haven't heard a word from Lindt! Remember, if you are anywhere near the Sears, see if they have the info on the box-it was to be printed SOMEWHERE!!!

SEMMENS, wouldn't be surprised if Splenda came out with a liquid, if there is, it would probably be in Canada before the US got it. That's where I saw Splenda a few years before it came to the US.

TONI, my goodness, and I thought my friend lived in a small town-has a little over 700! I've always wanted to move to a smaller town, but not that small. How far are you from a big city??

KIMMY, here's a site that can help you determine whether you are an apple or a pear, just click on the link below:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/apple.htm

I believe I'm an apple, but will get the old measuring tape out later and see.

Okay, out of time and out of here. I'll be back on later this evening to begin preparing for next weeks boards. Once again, if I didn't get to posting to you individually, please know it's not personal-I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!:love: CONGRATS to those who've posted losses on the scale the past couple days-don't want to fail and not mention that!!!:D

Have a wonderful day!

Debbie
194/122.5/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Took me nearly an hour to get through unread posts- I've definitly been a lurker this week. Spring turns onto sports mania here, but all the other stuff doesn't go away. Yesterday ds had socccer from 10 til 2, but we had to retrieve him early to drive 1 1/2 to New Jersey to watch dd play a lacrosse game. It started out a beautiful spring day in the am, but by the time the game started, it was about 40 degrees with howling winds. I was so cold that by the time of the tailgate party, I could barely eat anything because I was shaking so hard the food kept jumping off my plate! However, the chocolate covered pretzels were easier to grasp, so I had a resoundng fall off the wagon, too. The players were all warm from clobbering Boston University, who they weren't supposed to be able to beat. 17-7! They were walking on air. Go Buckeyes! Kissed dd good-bye as she got back on the team bus for an 8 1/2 hour ride back to Columbus while trying to study for her finals. Then we raced back home because dh had a hockey game at 9 pm. I hate those late games- he comes home so wired up he can't go to bed until about 1:30 and I am NOT a late night person. Wake up with the sun and the chirpy birds no matter what. So today is get back on eating plan day, but no gym time. Just lots of toting laundry up and down the stairs.

Deb-CONGRATULATIONS to Lauren for getting into the school! I'm sure that takes a load off your mind! Hope she is thrilled with her accomplishment. Does she have friends that will be changing with her? The play sounded gruesome- I like to read Edward Albee and plays in general, but I don't like going to live theater- odd? I'd rather imaging it in my way than see someone elses interpretation. But I love movies. Just how hot is it down there? Your posts on the exercise board are making me nervous. I found some super cheap shorts and short sleeve and 1 sleeveless t-shirt for starters. Stores here don't have summer clothes yet(especially the discounters), but luckily last years' summer clothes fall off me completely. Never thought I'd complain about that! After yeasterday, some heat sounds good. Hope Eli feels better soon. This bug seems to have settled in and likes him.

Fruit- You really go for it when you fall off the wagon! That was impressive. Do you feel like &*(&? Hop on again, that stuff doesn't really taste very good! It's all in the salty greasy smell, IMHO.

Kimmy- I didn't mean to ignore your questions last week about your mother's fibro. I felt a 100% better when I started SB- I haven't had a flare up since last July. BUT- I also exercise alot which is really important in controlling the pain, not matter how much it hurts to get going in the first place. I also for the last 10 years have been on many medications. For the first 10 years after I was diagnosed, I didn't want to take any of the drugs, but when my son was 2 and I couldn't get down on the floor and play with him, could climb stairs, and pretty much felt like my grandmother did at age 85, I decided it was time to try something besides exercise and denial. Even with the drugs and exercise, I still had some pain, but being sugar-free has really helped. I also try to avoid all wheat products which I think also helps. Good luck to her- it's miserable to live with, but I've found that lifestyle changes have drastically improved my quality of life.

To the pet lovers- My Cleo is 65 pounds and we've worked very hard to convince her that she is NOT a lap dog. She'd like nothing better then to jump up and snuggle all over me. But standard poodles are all leg, it would be about as snuggly as having a white tailed deer lying on you. She compromises by laying her head on my thigh whenever I'm sitting on the couch. Dh laid down the law when I got her that dogs don't belong on the furniture, so she always has to keep 4 on the floor.

Hope all the sickies and sick relatives are feeling better soon- the washing machine is calling me!

mel

Well Happy St. Pat's Day to all.... I was going to make the Oven Barbequed brisket today and after I read it more closely I found you have to do it the day before so maybe we're having our corned beef a day late. Guess I'll try lasagna with the wheat noodles tonight instead. I'm taking the lazy way out today. Heck its Sunday.... I haven't even walked on the treadmill yet and maybe won't today... Hows everyone doing?

Fruit-Good luck today getting back to SB..... :D You can do gal....

Deb- I'm 3 1/2 hours from Springfield Mo. about the same to St. Louis. Thank goodness for the internet. I'm dying to try agave but they sure don't have it here. Theres a little health food store about 20 min. from here and I asked about it and the owner never even heard of such a thing. But the do carry a sprout bread the is sugarless and flourless and good....

Wow Merlis- You sure had a busy day....... Run run run

Sue- Congradulation on a boy.... Thats so neat. And boy babies are awful special. Maybe cause I have 2 sons....

I know I didn't get to everyone. But its time for me to go. Want to see if I'm an apple or a pear think really at this time I'm a watermellon.......

Have a great day......


213/207/130

We had a long day today. We leave our house for church about 9:30 and got haome about 12:45 today. It was a nice service, and Bible study. By the time we get home, it is time for my youngest to nap. I was so hungry at church. we have a real cook there. He makes the most unbeleiveable food. I told him today that I had gained 10 pounds since he started coming there.

Deb...
I looked at the apple/pear site. I am .74. I have always thought i gained in my hips and thighs, though I am big waisted, not all fat, just more broad. Thank you for the info.

Gracious....
I had no idea your DH was a pastor. Hard job, but what a great calling. Did you go see VT live? I have been thinking about goin and taking my 2/4/8 y/o...do you think it would hold their attention? That is a shame about the last video!!!!!!!!!! I was going to buy it because my kids LOVE VT!!! They are the biggest larry boy fans. It is a shame when things get watered down. When things are working, I wonder why they mess it up. How old are you kids?

Merl.

Thanks for the info. My mom has had fibro for about 40 years. She has never let it stop her from doing anything, but she suffers so bad. She is not the type to say a word. I will pass the info along and maybe I can get her to think about SB. She is not heavy at all. She is about 5'4" and weighs about 110-115. She does exercise, but not enough. She knows she needs to cut the sugar out, but she is like so many of us...addicted!!!


Well, my DS 10 had his friend over and is about to leave. He spent the night and they got like NO sleep...then they had to sit and be good at church...they did fine. His friend is moving soon:cry: They are such great friends!!! He has a great family, and his dad has a cool job...he is a NFL coach. He has played in 2 Super Bowls and won one of them. They are moving because he quit the Bengals. He felt the Lord leading him somewhere else...which has left my son in tears. He took a job in Detroit for the Lions...(I think) so he won't be that far...but not a block away.

Hope everyone has a great day:wave:

AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!!


FRUIT ...just have three little words for you.....OH...MY....GAWD!!!!!
Listen....hear that???? beep...beep..bepp That's the wagon backing up in your drive way...grab a butt pillow and come on!

QUILTER...Did you see that CINCY game this afternoon??? I was in RED LOBSTER and caught the last
OT....I'm sure those people in there thought I was CRAZY!!!

ZSU...glad you like the recipes..CONGRATS on the BOY...I bet your DH is really prancing around!


MEL...Is Cleo coming to FLA??? Does she not even get to cuddle when the DH isn't around?

SUSAN...Isn't it amazing just how much ONE PERSON can pile up with laundry? Guess we'd better be glad the BELLE and SKEETER don't have to wear clothes! This games are good...I really don't tune in until after the 2nd half starts...Your guys were coming on when I was leaving RED LOBSTER. I've just turned them on here and will continue to watch...Just know I'm down here yelling for you...

DEB.... CONGRATS TO LAUREN!!!! I know she's happy..Hope my SWEETIE feels better..Hello to Michael..
Sounds like a pretty productive yard sale day to me. I just hope there's a lot next time Im down..I love to do that..

Hello to EVERYONE ELSE!!!! I've got a few things to do and need to start while I'm in the mood...

BOB

Hi All,

I had an upper experience yesterday. I had occasion to see a group of people that I had not seen in a long time (55
pounds ago) and they were all so complimentary that it made me feel good about my efforts so far and reinforced
my resolve to buckle down and get off these last “evil” pounds. I needed that!

Sorry about the delay in replying, I am just today catching up.

Beth and Fruitloupe: My goodness girls. You sound like you are feeling terrible. I hope the “stuff” passes
quickly. Beth, good for you that you have analyzed how to improve on what you have been doing to obtain your
goal. I felt like you had given me a pep talk.

Gracious: That is awful that your husband has been in such pain. So sorry to hear it.

Vesnoid: When I do my walking I take my Sony Walkman and either listen to the radio or listen to a “walking
tape” I have made or listen to a book on tape. It really makes the time go by faster.

Quilter: Congrats on the pounds lost. I hope to be reporting with you soon. The travel last caused a slight set back
but I am still on track, just slow.

Zanne: So glad that you liked the recipe for the pizza dough.

Frog: Everyone has already expressed my thoughts to you but I wanted to send another hug you way.

Deb: Such great news about the agave. I do believe I have enough left to last at least 2 months and I won’t need to
get upset about not being able to get more. Did you ever find the WOW peanut butter in your cabinet? Thanks for
all the good information on keeping the weight in line. Such wonderful news about Lauren being accepted into the
Drama Program. You and your family deserve the best!

Filisse: If you will email me the gif avitar you want to use, I will try to convert it to a jpeg for you.

CJane: Glad you want to try the ww pizza dough recipe. I believe it is on the latest recipe board under Yellowrose.
If you can’t find it, I will email it to you.

Solshine: The “kids” (that’s what I call my daughter and her husband) still have no luggage but have finally
bought what they need for the trip and seem to be having a marvelous time. I get to talk to her almost every day,
so, can hear about the great adventures they are having. I was really laughing about your response to Meliris!

Sheann: Oh my gosh! I hope things are improving for you and your mother.

Must go. I will be thinking of all of you.:)

Hey girls!

Well, just wanted to report that I've been "legal" all day today! I don't know what came over me yesterday - I was a monster! Don't worry though - I'm right back on plan today! :D At 4:30 am my body was rebelling! I had the "trots" for about an hour and a half before I could fall back to sleep. Then when I got up, they struck again! It was trying to get all of that crap out of my body - and fast!:eek:

I spent most of my day grouting the ceramic tile in the bathroom. We are just about done with the first room! Now - only 2,500 sq. ft. or so to go!! :lol: It came out really good - we were very impressed with our work being that it was our first time trying the tile. We just have the area around the toilet to do and the room will be complete. The fun part is next - we have to start ripping up the wood floors - square by square!

Hope all of your family members are feeling better today.....my prayers are with all of you!

DEB: Tell Lauren Congrats from us! What an accomplishment! We are so proud of her!

Ok - I'm going bathe - just wanted to let you all know that I'm back on - BOB picked me up early this morning!!

Missy
284/268(up 2 - imagine that!)/170

I was just sitting here reading and surfing different sites on the web, and playing spider solitaire, minding my own business munching on some triscuit thins. Next thing I knew, the box was empty! The worst thing is, I was home alone, and could not blame anyone but myself! Guess I won't be buying these guys anymore! TOO good! Usually, I put a servings worth in a baggie, so I can't go over, but I was out in la la land this afternoon. Hopefully, it will not be too damaging.

Off to find some protein....

Well we've had a fun weekend. DH's cousin is here for training camp for the football team here, and we've had a blast. Bowling, cookouts... the whole thing.

I've done ok with my eating... TOM is here so there've been too many legal sweet treats, but I know that will quit tomorrow or Tuesday... :)

I can't shake this stupid PINKEYE !!! I still have it in my left eye... I was off work all week last week for it, and I have to go in tomorrow... I am just hoping it goes away before I end up fired because I can't work!!

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I'll post again tomorrow, tonight it's time for BED!

It's a new week and the new weekly board is up and running, below is a link to the new board, see you there!!!!


http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=14424