South Beach Diet - Frosty Friday

:snowglo: It's snowing and there's about an inch on the ground. It's going to be a long winter.

Jake is home this morning, so he had the coffee ready. :) I have the morning off, so I can just sit back and enjoy the snow. It's supposed to clear out by noon, so the roads should be fine.

Okay, that does it - I'm getting my snow tires put on this morning. I hate the noise but I hate sliding around even more. We don't have any snow in our forecast until next week, just very, very cold air :brr: What a good morning to have off Cottage :)

I've got a half work half errands day today, than an evening out at the Pub with work friends. I'll have to make my plan carefully. Morning is work at home, afternoon is Whole Foods & Trader Joe and maybe a stop at BJs for babybels (I'm addicted to those things!).

What's on your agenda for the day?

Brrr here too! After nagging CyndiM about her avatar, I decided it's time to change mine. Winterberry is only semi-Christmassy - my personal rule is no Christmas decorations until two weeks before the day.

Although I am going to be away for the week at Christmas, I will still put up "winter" decorations outside. I also will do some indoor decorating, of course - Christmas is a season, not just one day.

Time for puppy cuddling with my second coffee. That's the new routine for bit the dogs - Disney is sitting on the couch waiting right now! Jazz still can't climb up but he's working on it.

Have a Friday full of warm spots - warm, not wet!

EDTA: 'Mornin', Cyndi. Yes, get the darned tires on! Noise? Are your snow tires studded? Mine don't make noise - unless I'm going deaf!

Wooo-ooo! I got in early today, where is everyone?!? Yesterday was a page already at 7:20!!

Cottage - agreed...it will probably be a long winter. But we can't wait to go sledding! My coffee is good, how about yours? (I won some free gourmet coffee from a local roaster - yum!)

Me - I think it is a S-L-O-W day at work, which is a wonderful contrast from the rest of the week! I finally made a chiropractor appointment to, so hopefully that'll start feeling better. And I should actually gave time for a run today...I don't have much extra time lately, I'm afraid I'll start packin' it on again!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Shooooot- two more people posted while I was working on mine (and getting kids ready...):

Cyndi - Hmmm...Vermont and hating the cold....relocate?!? :D

Ruth - sounds fun cuddling with some puppies! I can call on my cats...they're more than willing....

Good morning, CYNDI! Are we the only ones up? ;) That's a good idea to get your snow tires put on now, before you need them. I like being prepared. We all use the all-season tires here, but I could sure use snow tires for the roads I have to drive on! Hope you find some goodies during your shopping expedition, I can find BabyBels at my TJ's, by the way.

Oops! I see that RUTH is up. Good morning!

Ruth - Yeah, they're studded. I love my 40 mpg Echo but it is very light and I drive almost 60 miles just back and forth to work, so taking no chances. Puppy cuddling sounds like the perfect morning activity. My kitty has a similar bedtime routine. If I do anything that indicates to him that it's almost time he jumps up on the corner of the bed and meows at me until I get in there :)

Twynn - I moved here - from the upstate NY snowbelt. Ever lived with lake effect snow? It may be cold here but we never get that much snow at one time. I do love the mountains and pines and lack of people everywhere, so I guess I'm stuck.

Cottage - I'll have to check the price at TJ. I don't plan to keep the BJs membership because there is nothing else there we eat. It was a promotional thing so we figured we would check it out. Thanks for the tip :) Picking up more of that chorizo too - what a great crockpot ingredient.

Time for breakfast :)

Whoooo Friday!!!

Cottage enjoy your morning off.

Cyndi I hear you on the snow, I used to live in the snow belt in Michigan and sure don't miss it! We don't get alot of snow in our parts of Indiana but when we do these people don't know how to drive!

Ruth my mom always had a rule the tree never went up before my birthday (the 12th) I've broken that tradition and now put up after Thanksgiving but usually by the day after christmas I am sick of looking at it.

Twynn here's wishing you the slow day you desire!

Look at me I did personals! What does Lisa say? Hot Digity Daffodil? :D

Ladies my baby DD is joining the Marines. Going for her physical Monday and will sign in December. Wow do I have mixed emotions! Atleast I have until July to prepare for her going off to training. I thought I cried when I sent the oldest to college!

Hope you all have a great day, and I will check back later!

Look out weekend cause here I come!!!!

Cottage SNOW! I want to see some snow.

Cyndi be sure to take care of the snow tires

Ruth puppy cuddling on a cold day sounds great - enjoy!

Have a great Friday Twynn

Stephanie the marines. I remember when my cousin went right out of high school made him a better person in so many ways. After 3 tours in Iraq he is now retired and works for a big private co. in California (very successful)
She will definetly come out with lots of knowledge for her future. Congrats on passing your test

Zeff thanks for the helpful hints with my calf - it's not 100% but it's feeling much better today

Bit of a busy weekend - family dinner tonight at Copelands then Saturday is errands, housework and a birthday dinner to go to, Sunday will be Jags game.

Good morning to those to follow!

:brr: 19 right now! High of 33? At least the sun is shining, right? I don't wannnnnnna go out in the cold! WHINE. Maybe I can get Tom to start my car for me....

Running late. Gotta get in the shower. Have a good one girls!

Well, I think I'll just keep the camera. I emailed the company and got this speedy response: This camera was part of our million dollar inventory clear out sale. It does state on the website that it was a demo model, so it was used in the store as a demo. You can return the camera at any store for a refund. I guess I missed that on the website. It was half the price of those in the store so...... Keeping it also saves me driving to town again where I would have to resist the siren call of the Chinese Buffet!

Now to just get on with it and try to resist setting up the camera for puppy pictures. I have exactly one month before I leave for Christmas with my DD and sure have a ton of stuff to do before then. I want to send the gifts by mail before then. I don't trust checked luggage and I'd have to go naked if I tried them in carry-on! I need a private jet!

Pacergal, I am sure you will be very, very proud to see your DD in the Marines but part of your heart will feel torn away when she leaves.

Gonna, want to trade lives for a month or two this winter? Or shall I just ship you some of the white stuff? Our long range forecast is for lots of it this year. :( At least it's not brown and stinky!

Quite stalling, Ruthie, and get on with your day!

Good morning ladies!! Happy FRIDAY!!!!!
Cottage - How nice that your DH fixed you coffee!!! If I talk my dh through the whole process he can make coffee, but then what's the point. However I do appreciate that he's trying. What did you think of tribal counsel last night?? And don't you just love Bob!

Cyndi - Sorry to hear that it's so cold and you have to put your snow tires on. Such a strange concept to me (having only lived in So. Cal.). I hope you have fun shopping this afternoon!

Ruth - That's impressive that your decorations don't go up until 2 weeks before Christmas. How long do you leave them up?? I enjoy mine so much I would hate to only enjoy them for a couple of weeks. However, I am a stickler, nothing goes up until the day after Thanksgiving.

Tywnn - Enjoy your slow day and Chiropractic appointment. I know I really look forward to my adjustments.

Stephanie - First off....congrats on passing your test! Good job! You must be a ball of emotions with your DD decision. But what an honor!!! I'm sure she will be just fine.

Gonnabe - Sounds like a fun weekend. Good luck at the game!

Lisa - Stay warm!!!!

Me - I finally had my very quiet night yesterday. It was lovely....however, it was much deserved. I took some kids on a fieldtrip yesterday, and while we were out, one of my students got caught smoking marijuana in the restroom. I was so hurt and embarrassed. We had someone come and pick him up and he's suspended from school today, however, I was not happy. I hoping today will be better all around at work.
Tonight I've got an adjustment coming my way (much needed) and then we have my schools holiday party @ Dave and Busters. Should be fun. But I've got to be home at a reasonable hour since I have USO in the morning.
Have a fantastic Friday, ladies!!!
BLESSINGS!

Ruth I just luv you to pieces

Hmac :hug: I am so sorry for you, you poor thing. Today is a new day and it will be better - God is in control

:coffee:Good Morning Ladies- Been a while since I did personals, so much going on lately- mostly being that I threw out my back and haven't been sitting in front of the computer much!

Hmac- :eek:Sorry to her about your student! Sounds as if you will have a blast tonight!

Ruth-Love the new avatar:cp:- and I am hopnig for warm instead of wet as well :)

Weezle- :brr:Brrrrr stay warm!!!

gonnabe- :wave:sounds like a busy weekend! Have fun! who do yall play? Vikings?

Pacer- I am sure there are mixed emotions about your dd gong into the marines, but I am thankful for her and everyone else who has ever and will ever join- I have many friends in the military- and none of them are as proud as my friend who is in the marines ;):cp:

Cyndi- get those snow tires put on!:shocksn: No since in waiting any longer- I woke up to flurries here in lil ol tennessee-lol, nothing stuck but we never get any snow before January and its only december!!!

Cottage- enjoy the snow, I wish I had an inch of the stuff too since I am off today, but the small flurry I saw this morning was enough to make my day already!:snowglo:

Twynn- enjoy your slow day and your chiro appt!:dancer:

Me- Well, I am still recovering from my stupid back going out...:tantrum: Its really just not fair that you can hurt yourself that badly doing nothing... I was changing the liner in a trash can for goodness sake!!!!! enough ranting about it.. I have been laying around all week thank goodness it was a very slow week at my work so I wasn't really missing anything... It will still look horrible when it comes to paycheck time though!!! oh well, better than suffering longer than I needed to- I probably shouldve went to the doctor, but oh yeah, I said I was going to stop ranting... DONE.

So, on the agenda today is cleaning up- light light housework... maybe a couple loads of laundry, making a few Christmas gifts so I can give them while we are in our hometown for Thanksgiving:turkey:, I am making candle rings:wreath::gift2: for a few friends... I also need to clean all the bathrooms and put away the dishes-return a movie and maybe get another :)

OK, off to go check out the accountability thread- you guys are making me look bad! But you're fabulous!!!!!:hug:

Heather, I'm just loving this season of Survivor! This season has been so good, and I couldn't be happier with what happened last night! That's such a shame what happened on your school outing, but you did the right thing.

I hope your back is better, rdw!

GONNABE, I'm glad your calf is feeling better today, too.

Stephanie, I can certainly understand your mixed emotions, that would be hard. :hug:

Lisa, bundle up!

Ruth, I can understand why you're keeping the camera now, that explains it. ;) We hope to see lots of puppy pictures!

Good morning all! Sorry for being MIA the past two days. I threw my back out on Wednesday and have been unable to sit at my desk for more than a few minutes. I'm at work right now, but barely hanging on. I hope I at least make it through lunch.

On a good note, the scale FINALLY moved! I'm down 2.8 lbs from last Friday! I'm just going to do my best to keep up my exercise. That seems to be the difference.

rdw yes we play the Vikings and yes we are predicted to lose. Take care of that back

Kim i wanted to let you know i just luv readin your blog. Hope your feelin better real soon

Thank you Cottage

Hey everyone!

It is a truly a frosty friday in B'ham! Windy and cold at 35*

I hope everyone has a blessed day!

Cottage - If I could kiss you...I would. Last night was the first night in months that I haven't been woken up by heartburn. I was about ready to ask for a prescription because I was devouring tums by the handful. I feel better about this route.

Cyndi - Have fun at the pub tonight.

Ruth - your winterberries are beautiful!

Twynn - enjoy your slow day...what a great way to end the week!

Stephanie - The Marines! Wow. I hear you on crying...I'm trying to steel myself up for preschool next year. :)

Gonna - I'm glad that the tips helped. DH pulls muscles frequently so we have lots of little tips on how to fix body hurts. I hope it gets even better over the weekend!

Heather - what grade do you teach? I'm sorry that kids are so dumb....

Rd - I'm sorry your back is still hurting. I told Twynn yesterday to ice her ouchie in 20 minute intervals probably once every hour or so...it would probably help your back as well. DH's sports therapist told him that using heating pads when you have a back injury wasn't the way to go...I can't remember why he said it, though. The ice packs really seem to help though.

Also, what are candle rings?

Lisa - Bundle up, girl!

-
Not much going on today. My in-laws bought me a new bookcase for my birthday and we went to pick it up last night. I'm going to see if I can convince DH to bring many thousands of boxes of books inside tonight so I can put them in it!

We're making pizzas tonight with some friends - I bought a buttload of toppings and made pizza dough balls yesterday in individual portions. I made a few whole wheat and a few regular white wheat in case we get picky people. I have to make the sauce today.

The rest of the day is just going to be spent assembling and making sure the grocery list is complete for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow will more than likely be shopping day.

Have a great day, ladies!

Gonnabe- good luck this weekend! I don't care to say that as long as you aren't playing the titans or packers :) Those are my teams!

Zeff- I have been putting heat on my back. I will go put my hot/cold pack in the fridge now... sheesh, maybe thats why I am not healing! But... it did make my back feel better for the moment! Candle rings are like little wreaths for around your candles... I can't seem to get my image to paste on here but... here is a link
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v327/M*A*C/?action=view&current=032.jpg

Individual pizzas sounds yummy and fun! I hope you have a big oven!!! lol

Kim- Yeay! Love it when the scale moves.... in the right direction that is!!!! Mine unfortunately is moving the opposite way!!!!! ugh! Looks like we are immobile together! So, how did you throw yours out? I am fine standing or laying down and sitting for the most part, its the transition from one to the other that is sucky right now!!!!

Rd - those little rings are cute! I'm sure your friends are going to love them!

rd - I was getting out of the car when mine went out. Sheesh! :mad: I'm at work right now, but am planning on taking off after lunch. (It's our Thanksgiving luncheon today and I DO NOT want to miss that! :lol:

Gonna - Thanks for reading!! It's so much fun to do. It's my next big addiction.

Zeff i know who to call on for advice next time - thank you

rdw love the pic - those are adorable

Kim i too am some what addicted to my blog it's a great way to express yourself

I keep forgetting about blogs on here....when I have some downtime, I'm going to read a bunch. They seem like a great way to get to know people better.

Gonna - like I said, DH hurts himself...a lot. He pushes himself way too hard at the gym. It's nice that others can benefit from his lack of thinking ;)

Hello there! I am lost without checking in these last few days! After 12:00pm today my life should start to calm down. The kids are off school, and we are all going to take a breather and relax. So much to do lately!
I have been working out in the morning and pushing myself harder and harder each day. I am not a runner, but I am trying. The gym is less than 5 minutes from my house, so I leave my nice warm bed, dress in layers and walk to the gym. Talk about waking you up quickly!!
Zeff, I couldn't find the Emergen-C yesterday. I grabbed Airbourne instead, hope it works as well!! I feel the same today, at least I don't feel worse I guess!
I made the deep dish spag squash pie last night. HOLY COW! It was awesome!!! Love that!
I think I am going to get WiiFit for the kids for Christmas. DS has sensory issues and Wii and WiiFit are supposed to be great for that. And hopefully this is something we can do as a family, and mom can cash in on the fitness
too! :-)
Off to do some laundry and sit my butt down with a good book before I had to pick up DS from school!

Good morning, ladies! (Or it was when I started writing anyhow...) I've seen most of you around the boards in the couple months I've been here. Decided it was finally time to join the chat!

I am finally settling down to a very "lunchy" breakfast, as I slept late and as usual had a hard time getting around to making myself food. Breakfast is one of the hardest parts of SB for me. I just finished my first try at what I hope will be a new routine for me though; take half an hour in the morning to fill my 5 cup Tupperware (er, Rubbermaid actually) with veggies and start something in the slow cooker. This should eliminate excuses. No more telling myself I'm too busy or tired or whatever to make food. Dinner's going to make itself, and I need to finish this whole container to get all my veggies. I have a cucumber, a red pepper, and a handful each of snow peas and grape tomatoes. Yum! I also have a chicken sausage on the Foreman, so I start my day with some protein.

Not sure why I slept so late but I guess I'm either fighting a cold (hard to tell, I've been sniffly since September) or my body is rebelling due to lots more walking this week and a bit less sleep most nights.

But enough about me, now for what I see is called "personals" (I keep picturing the dating section of the classified ads :lol:).

Cottage - it's funny how weather is, I'm up in Massachusetts and we still haven't seen a flake of snow. I have mixed feeling about it, like many folks because it's pretty but also a hassle. I walk a lot because I don't have my license, and I'm working on learning to drive - neither of those will be fun once the snow comes. But it IS lovely to look at - and can make a dreary gray day seem brighter by reflecting what sunlight there is. I'm glad you're enjoying your inch of it though! :)

Cyndi - good luck with those errands. I wish we had any of those stores closer, it ends up being kind a big production to go to them. We've been thinking about joining a wholesale club (Costco's is closer for us) but I'm not sure if there's enough there to be worth it. Also, what is lake effect snow?

Ruth - I'm so jealous of your decorations! As a 20-something I've yet to make the time for that, but I'm really pestering my sweetie to have a tree this year! We just have to anchor it to the wall in case the cats decide it's their own personal jungle gym. :D And puppy-cuddling and a cuppa sounds like a little piece of heaven! My cats are not the cuddly types, except when it's inconvenient.

TwynnB - really good coffee makes such a difference, doesn't it? I never used to care what brand I bought til a friend introduced me to a company based out of NYC. Now I have to order my coffee by phone, but it's SOO worth it.

Pacer - Sending warm and reassuring thought your way about your DD. I know a bit about those mixed emotions - my little brother wants to join the military (I'm not sure which branch, he about takes my head off if I get it wrong:dizzy:) and while I'm scared to death for him, I think he's exactly the personality type that would benefit greatly from it.

GonnaBe - what a busy day you have! Have fun! And thanks for your story about your cousin, it's always reassuring to hear things like that when you have a loved one who wants to join.

Weezle - I hear ya about that cold! Brr! I am ot looking forward to the mile walk to town and back, but I have errands I should run today, and I'd best do them in time to beat sundown as it'll get so much colder after dark. I hope Santa brings me a new winter coat this year!

hmacneil - Sorry to hear about your student causing such trouble. Have a good time tonight - enjoy that adjustment, and be careful at D&Bs, they have some tasty appetizers. ;)

rdw1 - Feel free to rant a little if it makes you feel a little better. :) Over the summer I managed to break my elbow just tripping over the sidewalk, so I know how frustrating it can be to damage yourself really badly from a tiny little thing. Hope your back straightens out soon, and that the cold instead of hot helps - I will have to pass along that tip to my sweetie, he has repetitive stress problems with his shoulders and back. Oh, and your candle rings are adorable! I wish I had my act together to make some of my gifts this year. There's still some time I guess, so we'll see.

Kim - WOW! Congrats on a nice big scale-drop. That's awesome! It's been quite a while now since I saw mine move like that - I better follow your lead and get more exercise. What are you doing for exercise, and were you able to keep it up with your back hurting?

Zeffryn - So glad to hear you had a heartburn-free night last night. It can really throw you off when your sleep is interrupted. Have fun with that new bookshelf! We've run out of wall space for shelves here, not sure what we'll do once we overflow the ones we have, and we are already almost to that point. Your pizza night sounds like a blast - have fun!

Jenski - I hope the Airborne helps. I usually have a hard time finding EmergenC too (though I'm starting to see it in more stores) so when I find it I stock up. Your morning exercise routine sure sounds invigorating! I have a gym near me, and I've been back and forth on wether I should join for a year now. I'm not sure I can afford, so I'm really scared that if I don't go it'll be wasted money I can't afford. But then again it would be good motivation to go so I'm not wasting it - AH! See, I just go round and round like that. I'm really interested in how the Wii is supposed to help with sensory issues - as an adult with Asperger's I have sensory issues myself. I did special therapy for it with exercises that improved things greatly, but I'm always curious to hear more ways to help with that. Is your son on the autistic spectrum as well? What sort of sensory issues is the Wii supposed to help with? Eesh, sorry for so many questions!

Boy, I am such a chatty Cathy. I guess I better get here earlier tomorrow so I don't write such a novel in one sitting. :D Have a great day everyone!!!

Jen - Airborne should be fine, just take a lot of it! If you're really in the mood for something great, try this little concoction: 1 airborne tablet, 1 emergen-c (you could just use two airborne tabs) and 1 alkaseltzer + cold. It is noxious tasting (DH puts it in orange juice, me water) but will make you feel better and knock your cold out in the process. Feel better dear!
I want a WiiFit bad. I just can't justify buying all of the wii things to get it though.

Betsi - I used to sleep late all the time when I could, but I guess as I've gotten older my body has just gotten used to waking up early. Mind you, I don't wake up nearly as early as most of the women here but 7 is early enough for me. :) I found that having an alarm clock that wakes you by lighting your room has really helped - it mimics the sunrise.

Zeff- I just wanted to ask if you are pulling a cruel prank on me?! lol... An ice pack when its less than 30 degrees outside:brr: man am I chilly!!!!!



And maybe I am crazy but am I the only one who thinks this little character is well endowed?! lol :brr: everytime I see it thats what I think, then I think nah, its a boy who has his scarf tied too loosely :) lol

Hello everyone, I have been mia again, and don't have time for personals just wanted to jump in and tell everyone to have a good weekend. Hopefully have more time tomorrow.

rdw, it's definitely a boy. ;)

Argh... the errands I was supposed to do included getting something to the post office, but I can't find it ANYWHERE. So my day has turned into a day of tidying and organizing, since looking for it is making me realize just how cluttered the house has become. Taking a break for some lunch though because I got so busy that I forgot to keep munchin' those veggies. So I made myself a couple veggie sausages and grabbed my big bowl of veggies. Gee it's a veggie-veggie day!

Zeffryn, that sunrise simulator sounds great, but I thought they were really expensive. If you don't mind my asking, where did you get yours and how much did it set you back? Maybe I should see if I can get one of these for Christmas.

Poor rdw! I hope the ice pack helps your back, despite the current discomfort. Maybe you can bundle up a bit? No need for your whole self to be cold, I would think. Get yourself a sweater! :)

I was definitely teasing, I have a sweatshirt on with the icepack over it on my back... its still pretty chilly... but like zeff said I have been leaving it on in 20 minute increments so its not too bad...
I have been contemplating going to the doc all day.... i just don't know what they would say and would hate to waste my money if they can't help me... I feel like if I move wrong at any time it will be back to horrible as it was when it first happened!!! sheesh...

Jenski Your morning exercise routine sure sounds invigorating! I have a gym near me, and I've been back and forth on wether I should join for a year now. I'm not sure I can afford, so I'm really scared that if I don't go it'll be wasted money I can't afford. But then again it would be good motivation to go so I'm not wasting it - AH! See, I just go round and round like that. I'm really interested in how the Wii is supposed to help with sensory issues - as an adult with Asperger's I have sensory issues myself. I did special therapy for it with exercises that improved things greatly, but I'm always curious to hear more ways to help with that. Is your son on the autistic spectrum as well? What sort of sensory issues is the Wii supposed to help with? Eesh, sorry for so many questions!


Can you get a 1 month menbership and see if you can work it into your routine? What is it they say, it takes 6 weeks to learn a new habit? Once it becomes routine, it will probably be easier to go. I actually miss it when I don't go. I enjoy going to the gym now. Never thought I would say that!
My son hasn't been diagnosed as being on the austic spectrum, but has been diagnosed with SPD (sensory processing disorder. Is that on the spectrum?). I belong to a support group for kids with SPD. This was mentioned at our meeting. They said Wii is great for kids with sensory issues because of the involved hand-eye coordination activities. And that Wii Fit was even better because it involves using both sides of your body, both sides of your brain? This isn't a doctor recommended thing. This was something a parent mentioned. But several chimmed in to say they all use it for the same reasons, in fact, they write it off on their taxes as medical!!

Also, they talked about weighted blankets, if you have issues sleeping. My son does this on his own, using up to 4 heavy blankets. When they mentioned the weighted blankets, the light bulb went off on why he uses this many blankets (he isn't cold, he is always hot and wears his underwear and a t-shirt under these blankets!!). So I started doing research on the blankets today, looks like something my mom and I can do! He is going to be thrilled!!

Jenski - From what I know of the Wii Fit, it does sound like it would help your son. And the activities are varied so he won't get bored. Just don't wait too long to try to find it. I looked for 5 months before I finally found mine last weekend. I think they are getting more in now that it is closer to Christmas so maybe it won't be too bad.

Me - My lawyer got a fax yesterday from Robert's lawyer looking for support. I told him about the savings bonds. Since he was going to be in court all day today, he told me to drop them off at Robert's lawyer's office (just get a receipt signed with the serial numbers and stuff) so I did that today. Hopefully that will be enough support for awhile. Since it was a fax rather than something more formal it may be that Robert doesn't have the money to try to take it to court to get more (the temporary orders say he is supposed to support himself so I think he would have to take it to court to force more support).

Another day almost gone. One of these days I will get signed in early.

Ruth - if you are sending the presents by Canada Post you will have to do it early because the news says that that strike will eventually affect the mail. I have such horror stories sending stuff to my daughter, she lives in Calgary so I now use courier service exclusively.

We picked up our kitchen counter today and it looks good. I won't tell anyone its arborite and see if they will know. It looks so much like granite.
DH had to rent a cube truck and that was experience driving thru town.
Disappointment at the scale today. I weigh in weekly and there was no loss.

Question about oatmeal, how much of the dry oatmeal do you cook. I am the only one that eats it and read 1/2 cup but it really makes alot.

Sophie

Also, they talked about weighted blankets, if you have issues sleeping. My son does this on his own, using up to 4 heavy blankets. When they mentioned the weighted blankets, the light bulb went off on why he uses this many blankets (he isn't cold, he is always hot and wears his underwear and a t-shirt under these blankets!!). So I started doing research on the blankets today, looks like something my mom and I can do! He is going to be thrilled!!

I'm exactly the same way! I never even thought much of it til I was about 23 and started occupational therapy - my therapist told me about weighted blankets and how many people with sensory issues do the huge amount of blankets thing. It's so instinctual that I never really thought about it but, like you, when I heard that a lightbulb sort of went off. I still don't have a weighted blanket though because I share my bed with my sweetie and I don't know if he'd appreciate that. He doesn't usually mind a big pile of blankets though - especially this time of year!

What you said about the Wii is fascinating; I wonder if the Playstation Eyetoy is similar - I know I really enjoy using it because it's a video game you interact with using your whole body, much like the Wii. I also like that this means I'm getting a smidge of exercise compared to most games - or for some games a lot, especially if I make a point of being really enthusiastic, using light weights, that sort of thing. :)

I haven't heard anything about the gym near me having a trial membership, but I should see about asking one of these days.

My Dear, dear daughter just had her WORST (did I say worst) public tantrum ever. I had to leave Ross. (I am a Ross FREAK).

Needless to say, I am off to have a beverage!!!

sophie - I use 1/2 cup oatmeal, one cup of water and 5 minutes in the microwave to make my oatmeal.

Betsy - I'm not sure about the Playstation but many of the activities with the Wii Fit revolve around keeping your balance at a certain spot for each side. Sometimes it's the hand with the remote and sometimes it's your body weight. In the balance games there are things like shifting your weight to move a balloon down a winding river without popping it or skiing or bouncing a soccer ball off your head (while avoiding the Pandas and shoes they throw at you). I've learned I am very bad at anything involving balance while on one foot so those are good areas for me to work on. I'm not the most coordinated so following the step and boxing routines is good for me to work on. There are some stores that have it set up so you can try it (or at least the Wii itself).

I'll drop Brian off for his campout tonight so I'm on my own until Sunday afternoon. I'll probably watch the recording of ER tonight and play on the Wii Fit. I'm thinking tomorrow of going to the gym since the recumbent bike should use different muscles than the Wii Fit. I miss that and the elliptical.

OHHHH, Twynn- sorry to hear that! lol.. make sure its with diet soda ;) or wine... yummm.., wine :)

I was just thinking how I wish I had a bit of whiskey- something about the cold weather really makes me like a taste!

Phew, what a day! I just spent about four solid hours (other than lunch) cleaning and sorting like mad trying to find the things I need to mail. I got the apartment looking tidier, and a pretty good workout thanks to an iPod full of ska and '80s pop, but I still can't find them! So frustrating. :mad:

On the bright side, I managed to chow down on a full five cups of veggies today. :carrot: I'm doing a lot better than most days lately, though after-dinner is my biggest hazard so we'll see. Hopefully if I get the munchies after my spinach-pea soup for dinner I will turn to healthy options like strawberries with lite Cool Whip, YUM!

Sorry to hear about DD, TwynnB, I hope she has calmed down and you are doing better.

Barb - the Wii Fit sounds like fun, maybe I will start saving my pennies. The Eye Toy is kind of similar it sounds like; it is a camera that hooks up to the Playstation and there are games that sound very similar - in fact, there is definitely one with bouncing a soccer ball on your head. What's cool about the Eye Toy is that it actually shows YOU on the screen, not just a little "Mii" avatar cartoon. I think you can get an idea of how it works by searching YouTube for "Eyetoy" - I seem to recall finding some funny videos of people looking silly and having fun. :)

Sophie - I'd have to check with my sweetie, because he's usually the one who make it for both of us, but I think we only do a 1/4 cup (dry) of steel cut oats. It makes a nice smallish portion and makes a great breakfast when you add a little protein (we like a "fried" egg or two and a little ham.)

Thanks Barb and Betsi - That clears up the oatmeal issue for me. I wasn't sure if it amount was for cooked or raw.

Years ago I went to a nutritionist and she told me to put egg white(egg whites only) into my oatmeal that way you also get protein. I swear you don't taste it. It took me awhile to do it but now I do it from time to time.
sophie

I'm exactly the same way! I never even thought much of it til I was about 23 and started occupational therapy - my therapist told me about weighted blankets and how many people with sensory issues do the huge amount of blankets thing.

What you said about the Wii is fascinating

Can I ask what types of things your OT does with you to help you cope with your sensory issues? We were seeing an OT for DS, and some of the things were actually making it worse! We tried a listening therapy and it had him hearing the air coming out of the air conditioning vents! It made it very extreme for him! We stopped that and after a few more months we took a break because I didn't feel we were seeing any progress.
I feel that I am learning more ways to help him cope thur my support groups, other moms and my own reading/research. We still have a long way to go though, so maybe I just need a new OT!

We already have Wii. I was planning on adding a game to our collection from Santa. After I heard that about Wii Fit, I thought maybe that was a better way to go. Glad to hear it something that works for SI.

TwynnB - I so feel your pain!! Hope your beverage helped!! I have those days more often than I would like to admit!

Twynn - sorry to hear about DD....it must be the season. We went to Once Upon A Child this afternoon and DS saw a toy he REALLY wanted...DH and I have a policy of no non essential purchases so close to Christmas so we told him no. He tossed a huge fit. It took a ton of explaining that Christmas is right around the corner and he can ask for it for Christmas but will not be getting it before. It took quite a bit of gentle prodding before he was like "ok....will you write it on my christmas list?"

I think I need to get a Christmas countdown - he doesn't understand "soon". Plus, he's two and a month for a two year old is akin to 25 years. Especially around Christmas time.

We got a lot accomplished this afternoon. I bought DS a jacket and a new Thanksgiving outfit. Got some cute tights for me - it's getting too cold to wear skirts without some sort of leg protection! Now I just have to dig through my closet and figure out what to wear for Thanksgiving.

Can I ask what types of things your OT does with you to help you cope with your sensory issues?

Well, I am no longer seeing her for a few reasons - mainly the cost and the distance, but also partly that she felt she'd done about as much as she could.

However, I can tell you that the main things we did. I will try to include links to help explain but I'm not sure if they will show up.

We started with the brushing technique, which I can do on my own (and should probably get back to doing regularly). There is a good description here: http://www.slc.sevier.org/sibrush.htm

We also set me up with a special CD from a company called Vital Sounds and particular set of headphones, though it sounds like that may be what didn't work out for you.

Lastly, we did a lot of work with specialized swings. These helped with problems with spatial relations in particular. A (very cute!!) picture of one of them is on this page of the website of the offices I worked with: http://www.southshoretherapies.com/howhelp.htm

I hope this helps you. The website of the people I worked with (South Shore Therapies) has some wonderful info and links, so it may help guide you even though they aren't nearby.

Ok, enough of that.... sorry to hijack the thread, everyone! :)

Hello all -- I'm LATE to the thread today! We had to drive to Annapolis for a doctor's appointment early this morning and I've been running around (away from the computer) most of the day. It looks like it will be a busy weekend.

The roofers are supposed to start tearing off the existing roof tomorrow, weather permitting. It's been snowing here today, intermittently. I'll be happy when it's finished.

Hope everything is going well with other SBeachers! Happy Friday!

Hey Spooky, I didn't realize you were on the Eastern Shore. I am an Annapolis girl, but relocated to Frederick Co a few years ago.

Thanks Betsi!!