Sugar Shakers - JANUARY 2009 - New year, new resolve!

Just popping in to start the new year with ya'll. ((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

No excuses to not start now to eating healthier. I'll weigh tomorrow morning and start my New Year.... Hope we get a new post soon. Happy New Year everyone. Hope we get some more people Crystle....

Wow, I was so excited to find ya'll and you ran away..LOL Come back, come back. ((Everybody)) I ate way too much yesterday but back on track this morning. The dollar store had some wonderful blackberries the other day so I had them with some Uncle Sam's cereal. I hate that they are closing the dollar store. It is such an awesome place to get fruits and veggies when they have them. Tonight I think I'll have some left over purple hulls with okra. It was so neat to pull them out of the freezer. It is hard to blieve it is only about 10 weeks until I start planting again.

Praying that each of ya'll is doing well and are encouraged daily.

Toni...I'm not going to weigh until either tomorrow or the day after because I'm so bloated from all the salt yesterday. :) My ticker is current as of a few days ago.

God bless,
Crystle

Hi Everyone.......HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!! :newyear:

I started my Candida therapy......It's going pretty well. Eating has been the trickiest with so many limitations.

Hope you all are doing Fantastic and staying healthy.

Blessings
Mary

Hi Mary, nice to meet you. It's been so quiet in here exept for Toni and me. I hope your treatment goes well and you feel better soon.

God bless,
Crystle

We had the Koi Social at our home today. Lots of great company & food. I did not eat any .....of course. :goodvibes: I'm finding it very hard to find satisfying meals. 99% of my meals are veggies,nuts,seeds, & brown rice crackers. I want a burger!!!! OH WELL......only 88 days to go. LOL

I hope you all are doing well today. Also, Crystle,thanks for the encouragement.

Blessings
Mary

Howdy all. I'm fighting this horrible cold and may need to go to the doctor to get something to help me tomorrow. DH has been fixing my meals which have soup so eating is weird. I just don't have much of an appetite. Good thing cause DH isn't much of a cook. LOL

Mary- You can do this..... What happens in 88 days?

Crystle- Can't wait till time to plant stuff. That's a shame about your dollar store going down. Ours never offers fresh stuff.

Well I'm off now to rest some more. Have a happy day.

I can't believe how quiet the board is. Does it come in spurts? I'm beginning to wonder if I should wait it out or find a new board.

Toni and Mary I hope you are both having an awesome week so far. It is a bit cold this morning but other than that everything is good.


God bless,
Crystle

Well Crystle if you find a new board let me know. I have no idea whats happened to this one. Its so sad. Our moderator isn't even showing up. I want so bad for this to happen here and not fold. Wonder where Solly is. I can't believe we're the only two here. Well I'm feeling better finally. I think I'm going to beat this dang cold. Need to get back on the treadmill as soon as I can. I need to get some greens in me too. I think we need to grocery shop here. I got a grocery list organizer for Christmas. You speak into it and tell what you want at the store and then you can print the list out. Cool huh. Have a happy day. Will check back in awhile.

Hi Ladies, I am still around. I have been off work since Christmas Eve and we do not have a computer at home. It has taken me all day to get my desk straightened out and caught up on work.

Crystal, I am so happy yo see you again. I was wondering where you have been. The board is very slow. I have tried others and agree with you, they are so big and so many different formats it is hard to connect. I try to connect with Gator on another board, but still have trouble with that. This format is easy and I guess I am so used to it. I found another site I wanted to check out, but darn, I have forgotten the name of it. Glad you are here. please hang around.

Toni, sorry you have a bad cold. Chicken soup and rest and fluids should help. At least you have someone to cook for you. Better than nothing. I wish you luck on your new start for the new year.

Mary, you do a detox for 88 days? That seems a long time. DH & I are doing a total body cleanse. It is pills and a powder in the morning and 8 pills at night for 7 days. But we can eat normally. They included a detox diet plan but it sounded so similar to SB and the way I eat now except for no dairy. I don't think I can do that.

Eating for the last 2 weeks has been horrible. I think I cooked only once. Too many parties, weddings and get togethers. One good thing that saved me was I did get to the gym 6 days a week. So today is a new start and I plan to be 100% perfect until we leave for St Marteen on the 17th. I won't be perfect there, but I have decided I will make the best choices I can and not go haywire.

Got to run log my food. I have not done that in over a month and I really need that tool. Have a great day and hope to see all of you tomorrow.

:hug:

Wow there you are Solly. I'm so glad you're back. Now where is Meowee.

Hey Solly! ((hugzz)) It is so good to see you. I just told my friend the other day how close we were in weight and height and how you keep me in line. :) I do hope the board picks up. As long as it is active I'm here. I gave up all my email list and things so I can devote my time and energy to helping myself stat on track and this list is one of the major tools for doing that. I did check out a site the other day but it was HUGE and there was no way to connect with individual people. I couldn't even keep up with the post. I bet you are so excited about your upcoming vacation.

Toni..If I were to find another board I sure would. A new board wouldn't be the same with out you. The game plan is to stay put and post at least once a day, twice when possible. Greens sound good if I didn't have to clean them. :) My cabbages are about fist size right now. I hope they get really big. I"m going to let them grow as long as I can. My mustards are starting to bolt so I don't know how much more I'll get out of them.

Remember water is your best friend! Green tea is a good second.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Okay...I'm not promising anything...but I think these boards pick up after new years a) because people aren't quite as busy after the holidays and b) we are all feeling a little fluffy.

So, I've started...AGAIN with watching myself. I'm going to fire up the WiiFit and weigh myself and do some yoga as we had a little ice last night and it would be dangerous to walk today. Last night I went for a walk/jog with Shelley and felt it. I'm going to start to post my intake everyday, so here goes:

Breakfast: 3 scrambled eggs, some carrot sticks and unsweetened applesauce
Lunch: small salad, an apple and a bottle of water
Snack: banana
Dinner: spaghetti (illegal, but we're poor these days and its all I can afford) with sauce and a large salad
Snack:I don't know yet, but I'll try to keep it legal schmegal

We have been totally broke since about November. I can't even tell you when the last time I did normal grocery shopping. We just don't have the money for it. Derek got totally boned with the job he had a couple years ago when they told him to buy a car and they'd pay him mileage, then "go here and get a hotel...pay for it yourself and we'll reimburse you"...two months later after interest and all. Then he got laid off and we were stuck with a new car and the payments and cannot sell it because it's flopped (with how much we owe and how much its worth). I tell you ... before he started this job, we had NO credit cards and no car payments. After was laid off, we had thousands in credit card debt and now its all catching up to us and we're totally screwed financially. We had spotless credit until this summer when the low interest rates went through the roof and its just impossible. We're thinking bankruptcy...anybody have any objective ideas?

Anyhow...I'm trying not to let the financial things get me down too much...after all, its just money and if I had to choose anything to be 'wrong' with our family, I'm glad it financial and not mental or physical and everyone's healthy. I'm counting my blessings, is what it boils down to. And I have many of them.

Anyhow...water's ready for pasta. I'd make WW pasta, but its more expensive and the kids think it looks like boogers. :dunno: They're weird.

Oh, one other quick note: Shelley has lost an entire pants size since hockey started! WOOHOO for her!!

Oh Tech its so good to see you posting. Hope you keep coming back. I'm so sorry you've had such a run of bad luck. Do you still have your beauty shop? I can't believe you've had such a run of bad luck. I really hope and pray things get better for you. How good Shelly has lost a whole pant size. Hockey has been great for her. I don't blame you on the spraggehi you just have to do what you can in these time. Please keep coming back....

Good morning ladies.

I have to get on here early before it gets crazy here.

Went to the gym last night, and boy was it crowded. i guess all the NY's resolutions have kicked in. I give it 2-3 months and it will be back to normal. So, it is back to going at 5:00. There were more people than usual but not crowded so that is what I will be doing. Plus I have my whole nights ahead of me that way. Last night, it was 9:30 before I got to sit down. I was very weak this morning. But after I got here and finished logging in my food for the day, I had eaten less that 1,000 calories. I guess that is what is wrong.

I started out my day with eggs, and sausage this morning. Salad for lunch with turkey and fruit. Don't know what I'm fixing for dinner. I hate that. I like to plan my meals for the week. No one is giving me any input at home.

Tech, it is so good to hear from you. I hope you can stay put for awhile. We need some people on here. I am so sorry for your financial problems. You sure have a wonderful attitude. That will get you through. I pray that something comes along for Derrick soon. Do you still have your shop? How is it doing? Keep the faith, it will work out. Don't worry about what you are eating, just do portion sizes and you will do fine.

Crystal, I hope we can keep this board afloat. I love the people here. They are such good friends and so supportive. I am having a cup of cinnamon spice tea and it is wonderful. I try to add some green tea for the health benefits, but it is just not strong enough for me by itself. I have no problem getting in my water. I drink more than my share. Your garden sounds so wonderful. I always envy you for all the fresh veggies.

Toni, ok we can keep this going if we try. How is your cold today? I hope better.

Got to get going here, after another cup of tea. I don't think I will be getting out of my chair much today until these shakes are gone.

Have a wonderful day :hug:

Hockey has been murder on my financially. Not only have I had to miss some of my hours (such as the Saturday before Christmas we had a game in Lake Placid!), but it's always a $100 here and $95 there... She's on the Varsity Girls Hockey Team, but its 100% parent funded because its new this year. She also joined a 16 and under girls hockey group that is teaching her skills they don't have time to learn at the Varsity level (because she's new this year and the girls on the team already know these skills) and that was $100 to join...$95 for a team sweatsuit that they all wear on game days...over $100 for the hotel in Lake Placid...all the fast food we eat every night because we get home from practice every day after 6pm and we don't have time to make dinner because it was Christmas and there are concerts and UGH! I just can't get over it. I mean, everyone told me that hockey is expensive, but I thought they meant the equipment and maybe a little gas. I was $200 short on my rent for the shop last month and my husband is telling me I need to close up and get a job that gives me a paycheck. And I agree about 50% only because I love my shop and if I get a 'real' job, I don't know what to do with the kids during summer. Its a real drag. So, then I get an e-mail that the girls on the team have decided to do a fundraiser for a memorial fund and we all have to bring in $5 to contribute. I know it sounds petty, but I really don't have $5! I would, literally, have to take it from my son's birthday money and I just don't think that's fair. I just don't know why hockey has to be only for kids whose parents have unlimited cash supplies.

Anyhow...breakfast today was two eggs scrambled with cheese and tomatoes and half a banana tossed with three strawberries and a little NSA applesauce. And coffee...which goes without saying. ;)

Okay...have to go get ready for work!!

TTFN!!

How neat to see all of ya'll at the board this morning. It really encourages me that we can do this. Today is skip breakfast day. I know that isn't good but I just am not in the mood. I'll make up for it later. My mom wants me to make some veggie soup and I'm sure I'll eat several bowls. :) Last night I made buffalo chili....talk about good! I love it. I checked this morning and there is no fat floating on top of the cold chili so that's a good thing.

Solly...I hope you are feeling better by the time you read this. I love hot tea also. I just ordered some Good Earth green tea with Lemon grass from Amazon. It is one of my favorite green teas and they quit selling it at our local store. Hopefully your commitment to exercise will rub off on my. I'm not doing well in that department.

Tech...I'm so sorry for all that you are going through right now. Praying that things will be better soon. Do you have a crockpot? They are a lifesaver when you don't want to eat out but don't have time to cook. I hear you about the five dollars. I have been in that place where there wasn't five cents much less five dollars to spare. ((Tech))

Toni...hey you! ((hugss)) I hope you are feeling even better today.

Anybody that might be reading, jump on in. I'd love to meet ya.

God bless,
Crystle

Howdy Buster Buddies. Sounds like everyone is up and going. I'm still chair bound with this cold but everyday its getting better. I'll be glad to get back in the swing of things. Need to start cooking for myself instead of eating what Steve has cooked up. I've had way to much bread.

Solly- My gosh you're doing good at the gym. But that being so weak sure doesn't sound good. Hope you're feeling better. The tea sounds so yummy. I try to get green tea in but I really prefer Constant Comment tea. Its a spicy tea and so yummy.

Tech- Oh my gosh Hockey does sound so expensive. I just don't understand why it has to be that way. Your breakfast sounds so good.

Crystle- Does veggie soup sound so good. I can just taste a bowl now... I didn't feel like breakfast either.


Its so fun and encourageing to have us all posting. Hopefully somemore people will come back.....

Hello, Buster Buddies!

Ok, so my life is in total chaos, and my diet shows it. I have been failing to plan...so I have been failing pretty regularly. My blood sugar and pressure are both suffering for my lack of motivation.

So, I stopped by to see if there was any to be found here.

I am disappointed the board is still on December. Lets go for a fresh start all around....

COUNTRY: What a delight to find you back!

TONI: Hope all is well with you....

SOLLY: So you have kept up with Gator? I never could figure out why she left....

TECH: I am so sorry to hear about your difficulties.

So, where is Meowee? Anyone hear from BOB?

Welcome! This is the forum for you if you follow a low glycemic diet focused on getting the sugar out!

Please feel free to join us!

It is a new year... time to renew that resolve, and make it a successful year!

Ok, so I totally took over here. I hope Meowee doesn't mind! :)

Oh boy how great we're in 2009. Thank you so much Ellen. It was discourageing we hadn't changed years. Boy is it great hearing from you. Sorry you're having problems to. Maybe this year will be so much better. I haven't heard from Bob in awhile and Meowee just dropped off. She's missing in action!

Ruth the supermod tells me Meowee lost her internet connection due to the storms up in Nova Scotia. I am sure she will be back as soon as she can!

Tonight I made Thai food. I need to figure out if the curry I made was legal for Sugarbusters. I used brown rice, so I don't think it was too off. It was spicy hot! I was pretty pleased with how it turned out. It was Panang curry...

It is raining here - again. We have had rain almost every day since before Christmas. I am not complaining...we were so far behind on rain fall....but it would be nice to see some sunshine!

Off to do my evening chores!

Oh, how nice...a SNOW DAY!! Which means I don't have to drive to Potsdam for a hockey game with no money for gas. :lol: I just really need a couple good days to bank some money and then I'll be better. I can walk to work today (only a five minute walk and it'll keep my illegally needs-an-inspection car off the road) and I don't even need to leave the village. I have coffee on and will whip up a small batch of eggs for me and Shelley and give Kyle some cereal and we'll trudge down to the shop. Snow days have proven to be very good for me in the past...its like my little barber pole lights up like a beacon on a dark day and everyone suddenly realizes they need a haircut!

Ellen: Its SO great to see you here. You are the element these boards were missing! How's your Etsy store? I let mine go by the wayside. I found it too much work to sell a $10 hat once in a while.

Toni: Sorry your in sick mode. Chamomille Tea. Its all the advice I can give you .... It works wonders for me when I'm sick.

Crystle: Your garden reports always amaze me. Here in the frozen tundra the thought of having fist size cabbage in the garden is unheard of.

Solly: Its nice to see you still working out.

I've been working on my WiiFit last couple of days. I work on it for 30 mins after Kyle goes to bed.

Also, I've gotten a computer set up at the shop to commence the writing of my novel I started about five years ago. I'm working on it in between customers and I finished Chapter 1 a week ago. I like it so far, but first chapters are always hard because you have to give background information AND hook the reader at the same time.

Derek is in Buffalo today and is supposed to be coming home and I'm hoping he stays one more night because of the weather. I'd rather he come home a night later than hurry home and get hurt.

anyhow...I have to run.

TTFN!!

Good morning all you sugar busters. It's so glad to see so many friendly faces back. We have missed all of you. It's like old times.

It is snowing here this morning. Huge flakes. It is really pretty. I was out with the dog and my coat was black and all the snow flakes looked so pretty landing on my coat.

I totally vegged out last night. Hit the door, put on the pj's and sat in the chair. Finally got up and fixed dinner and went straight back to the chair. Watched the Biggest Loser and went straight to bed. Felt better this morning. It's a good thing too as I had my trainer at 5:30 and he kicked my butt. Still don't think I am eating enough so I hope that is my problem.

Tech, I hate that hockey is causing you so much trouble. Does Shelley do anything babysitting or anything that she could earn some money for the little things that pop up like the $5.00. Times are tough right now for many people and more people should be more considerate of other's finances.

Ellen, I am so glad to see you posting. I assume you started the new board. Thanks. We have missed you. I hope you hang around and that 2009 is much better. Yes I keep in touch with Missy and Gator some.

Crystal, veggie soup sounds good. My family is always asking me to make some. I have a mental block about it. I always think I don't like it until I make it and it is fine. You need to eat breakfast even if you don't feel like it. Your body needs fuel to run.

Got to get going here. Going to be a busy one. :hug:

Solly: There are a million summer jobs around here and I have my eye on the ice cream shop for Shelley this summer to work in and save the money for hockey next year. Last summer she and Kyle started a lemonade stand in front of my shop and Shelley baked cookies and sold them wiht the lemonade. They made a quick $60 and then both got bored of it. :dunno: They had $20 in the can of money they made left in the shop, so I put an IOU in the can and used that money to put $10 in my car, but it won't get me to Potsdam. I'm glad for the snow day, that's for sure. But i have to get in the shower so I can open the shop and rake it in! I hope!

Morning!

I couldn't sleep after about 4 last night, so I went down to the kitchen and did some cleaning. I washed all the pots that would not fit in the dishwasher, and some dishes got that used after dinner. Then I sat down in the recliner in the living room and fell asleep! I am congested and was having a hard time breathing laying down, so that was just the ticket! Tom woke me up when he came down, but told me to stay there if I wanted. I did. He kissed me goodbye at 8, and I slept until 9:30 when the phone rang! I feel a bit better, but I will probably take a nap. Everyone has had a nasty cold and I seem to have gotten it.

I have not even eaten yet! I feel better though about staying on track now.

I am going to go find breakfast. I hope everyone has a good day!

Good morning everyone. Woopie I love the board when we're all posting. I was excited to get here this morning. Still congested but getting better. DH told me he'd go to the store and get me some things I need like fruit and veggies we're out of. I'm thawing out chicken breasts for tonight.

Tech- Glad for your snow day. Wish you were cutting my hair. How cool you can just walk to work. Get some exercise in and save gas. Hope you have a busy day.

Ellen- Sounds like you have the same thing as I do. Lets hope we get better soon. I would love to taste Thai food. I love to hear what you're cooking. Rest lots today.....

Solly- Guess the snow missed us but it sure sounds beautiful. I can't imagine having my butt kicked at 5:30 in the morning. You're truly an inspiration. You know a pot of veggie soup does sound good.

Need to go cook breakfast. Have a good day.

How super to see everyone posting. It's like catching up with old friends. For me there is no substitute for what you strong beatiful women add to my life. I praise God that I found the board again.

Ellen...you have an amazing ability to create wonderful healthy tasty dishes. I'm so sorry that your world has been so chaotic. I don't doubt for one minute that you will get back on track for your health and peace of mind. I'm praying that things will settle down for you and that you will get over your nasty cold soon.

Solly...The snow sounds so pretty. It doesn't snow where we live in Texas but last month it actually did snow a bit and the kids had a blast. They had never seen snow before. It melted quickly but it was fun to watch them experience snow for the first time.

Tech...Praying that your family will soon be out of this financial crunch. Hope you had tons of customers today. :)

Toni.. The soup turned out so goooood. We added purple hull peas, lima beans, speckled butter beans along with the normal green beans, potatoes, okra and corn. It was so rich. I'm visiting my mom again so I'm gonna eat some for dinner tonight and sneak in a little rice. :)

((Everybody))

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Well . . . at last . . . I am back in the internet-world. The Twelve Days of Christmas have no been good for my cyber-life. :shrug: Really strange since I managed to weather a couple of really wicked storms with nothing going down except the internet. Eastlink (my provider) also has my telephone and my TV cable and they were both fine. Luckily, so was my heat and power, which was not the case for a lot of people in the Maritimes. Got my fingers crossed of course, because we have another nasty storm heading our way tonight/tomorrow. Looks like Mother Nature is getting back at us for all that mild weather we had before Christmas.

Anyway, I've really missed 3FC and I'm certainly glad to see this area picking up again too. Hopefully I'll get a chance to catch up on some reading over the next couple of days and I will definitely :crossed: see you tomorrow. :grouphug:

Evening everyone! I had a busy day, and I feel much worse tonight. I hope I can sleep some. I am so congested, I am pretty sure I won't.

MEOWEE: I am glad to see you back online! It must be pretty frustrating to lose internet connection like that. I go bonkers when ours is out half a day! I hope you had knitting to do, and good books to read! :)

COUNTRY: So have you planted your winter garden? We have some collards, and I am thinking about some early spring stuff. Snow peas and such. Any suggestions? Are you in zone 7? We are....

TECH: I hope you had a good day at the shop....I would hate for you to close it...it seemed like such a dream come true for you, and you DO have business. I have considered finding a store front to make into a studio and teaching classes, but it seems like such a big commitment...

TONI: So what did you cook for breakfast? I just had a bowl of cereal from Trader Joes. I woke up kind of late! :) I am glad your hubby is going to the store for you. Mine is sick with what I have, so I am afraid no one is going to be my nurse. I am going to have to be the nurse. grrr.

SOLLY: I am like you...I think veggie soup? Ew! But then I make it and I think, wow, this is easy and delicious! Why don't I make this more often? I get mad though when they don't eat the leftovers and you can't NOT have leftovers! How was your day? As busy as you thought it would be?

Ok, I am going to go find some Nyquil and hope for the best! Sweet dreams!

:wave:

Well, yesterday wasn't as great as it could have been, but I made enough to make it worth going in for. Shelley has hockey practice tonight and a game tomorrow night in Oswego. I'm hoping the lake effect snow stops by then.

Eating was great until I got home and while shoveling the driveway, Shelley made peanut butter cookies. She wants to be a pastry chef when she grows up and I have to say, she's off to a running start with the cookies!

I'm off to make some oatmeal and have a banana with it. I'll bring an apple to work for lunch and something else, I don't know what.

I'm just feeling depressed today...I think its my period.

I just got up a few minutes ago. Yes, I know it is late. I woke up about once every hour all night long. I hate colds. I am not hungry, but I think I will go make some hot tea.

Did I mention I HATE colds?

Hi Everyone!

So I have NOT been following my Candida program. There are sooooooo many restrictions!!! :eek: I need to get my mind in gear first....I think. Please keep me in your prayers.

Techwife : What does your shop sell? Could you sell some of your stuff on Ebay? Your DD could sell clothes from friends or neighbors on Ebay & make some cash for Hockey.

My DH & I sell stuff on Ebay Constantly. We have gotten thru some very harsh times that way.

Ellen: Have you tried the Netty Pot? (Nasal Pot) They are LIFE Savers! Hope you get to feeling better.

Blessings & Abundant Health to you all. :grouphug:
Mary

I'm enjoying this warm weather before another cold front comes through this weekend. It's is about 73 this afternoon. Eating has been going well. I'm debating on making mixed greens or spaghetti squash for dinner. This morning I milled some wheat and made some wheat/self rising flour biscuits with olive oil. They turned out great. Hopefully over the next month or so I'll be able to go with the whole wheat alone. I wasn't going to eat a biscuit but I couldn't help myself. :)

Ellen, I'm so sorry that you are still feeling poorly. We did plant a fall/winter garden this year for the first time. We did three types of greens which is kinda funny since I'm the only one that eats them. We also planted garlic, shallots, two cabbage plants and two broccoli plants. Next year we will plant more since we know they will grow. We are in zone 8 or 9 depending which map you use. We got an early winter this year but so far not overly cold. I'm ready for spring though. I don't take the cold like I used to.

Meowee...I don't believe we have meet before. Nice to meet you. I hope your weather holds and you are able to get back online.

Mary...praying you are able to follow your plan so you can get back to good health.

Tech..((hugzz)) I am so sorry that your heart is so heavy today. Praying you will find your joy today. Peanut butter are one of my favorite cookies. Just thinking of warm cookies makes my mouth water, I'm terrible. :)

Toni and Solly..((hugzz)) Hope ya'll are having a super day so far.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Oh boy today is a late day we didn't get to bed till late and woke up late. So no breakfast for me. I'm going to have some vegetable soup in a bit. I thawed it out form the freezer. I'm a little better today so maybe I'll do a load of wash. But right now I have to fix DH something to eat.

Meowee- Its so good you're back. I was worried what in the heck happened to you.

Crystle- Your veggie soup sounds so good I may have to make one. How great to have a fall garden. I would be in heaven.

Ellen- I hope you're getting some rest. Thats the only thing that helps. Does your daughter and family still live with you? Wish you had someone to help you.

Mary- Hello, just take one day at a time. You can do this..

Got to run......

I just slept just about all day. I am still in my nightgown...a totally Mono day! (if any of you remember that I had mono a few years ago and had to lay around all day for six weeks, and thus 'mono days' were born...)

MARY: We call the 'neti pot' snorting! :) My husband has had several surgeries on his sinuses and snorts three or four times a day. I am a potter, and I really need to MAKE a netti pot for us. I have friends who make and sell them. It does help a lot!


TECH: Whine away! We will listen. Sometimes it helps to be able to just have someone listen. You know? I am glad you got some business. How is Kyle doing in school? He is so smart...what grade is he in now?


COUNTRY: I want to try broccoli, but Tom balks. (he does most of the garden work...so I am at his mercy!) The other thing I would love to grow is eggplant. I am definitely the only one who likes them, but one plant would be awesome! The long Asian variety is delicious. I think I have mentioned before that my husband was raised on a farm, so he has definite ideas as to what you plant! We always have a lot of okra. We all love it though..and in the summer I can make fried okra every night and no one complains! It just doesn't go too well with Asian stir fries!


TONI: Yes, my daughter and her husband and son still live here. They were about to move out when she got laid off and they had to put the house they were buying on hold. She has had a few interviews, so if she finds a job within three months, they will not lose their pre-approval and can go back to that house, or find a new one. She is not much help, even though she is here. To their credit, they did get dinner tonight. They got me and Tom chicken soup from Chick-fil-a. It was very good, and actually made me feel better!

Ok, I am going to try and go to bed. I hope I can sleep tonight!

Sweet dreams! :wave:

Good Morning Ladies,

Sorry I was MIA yestserday, it was a crazy day. I didn't know which end was up. Today doesn't look much better.
I didn't sleep well last night. Tossed and turned and never got into a good sleep. So I did not go to the gym this morning. I wil lmake this my off day and go tomorrow and Sunday.
My total body cleanse we are doing doesn't seem to be doing anything. Anyony had any experience with these things?

Country, I agree with you about this board. This is a group of friends that understand each other and our tribulations. I truly look to all of you for support and friendship and am so thankful that I have you in my life. You amaze me. You milled your own wheat? I am impressed. Bisquits are my fav. Speaking of, my boss has some in the over right now and I can smell them. Yum!

Ellen, looks like you and I both were having trouble sleeping last night. Don't know what my problem was. I really never relaxed before I went to bed. My restless legs were driving my nuts while I was watching TV so I was standing up jiggeling my legs the whole time. I brought work home and I guess that occupied my mind also. Hope tonight is better. Hope your cold gets better soon. It seems we always have to be the nurse no matter if everyone is sick or well. Take care.

Toni. Our snow didn't last long. I think we are supposed to get some more this weekend. Glad your cold is getting better.

Meowee, glad you are back with us. We have missed you.

Tech, If Shelley realizes she has to pay for her hockey that will motivate her to keep her job. She will love working in an icecream shop. My MIL owned one and it was her dream for my girls to work there. Unfortunately she passed away before they were old enough. But my youngest did work in a TCBY for awhile and loved it. Hope you gets lots of haircuts. Speaking of, I am getting mine done tomorrow. Wish I could come to you.

Mary, hang in there. Sometimes so many restrictions are not good.

Off to have some PB toast and yogurt. Today is my big checkup with my oncologist. I always dread this day. But keeping a positve outlook and faith that things are fine. Have a great day and weekend. Talk to you Monday. :hug:

Hello Ladies,
I'm prematurely checking in. I say that because I'm past my due date, waiting for baby. And I'm very excited about getting into shape once she makes her appearance. This is our last bio-baby (we intend to adopt in the future) so I can't wait to get healthy and get in shape. But then, I have to wait. Because she's camping out in there...just like her brother did..sigh.

Anyway, I'm so, so happy to see familiar faces here. My plan this year is to train for and walk in the Breast Cancer 3day in October. That's my physical goal. I'm so excited. I've wanted to do it the last 3 years and it hasn't worked out. It's time! 60 miles in 3 days!

I've done very well in my pregnancy with eating healthy (mostly SB friendly) and i've only gained 8 lbs. Unfortunately, I started out at my top weight ever of 215, but I'm not going to kicl myself over it now. I'm doing well now and I WILL continue after the birth.

Selah is in Kindergarten now and LOVES it. She just turned 6 and Jacob turned 4. Lucas is 2 1/2 and a little spitfire. Very different from the other two. It's great. Baby, Eden Irene, is comfortably hanging out and was due on Wednesday, so at the most I've got a week and a half to wait? Wait, wait, wait....

It's great to see you guys!! I'm off to IKEA to go walk as much as I can and have salmon for lunch like a good girl.

It is beautiful here again this morning. It's amazing how much colder it is going to be tomorrow, but that is Texas for ya. :) I need to take advantage and get my booty outside and walk. My energy level in winter is almost non-existent.

Talitha..how neat to see you. I hope you have that little one soon. I couldn't imagine going past term. All of mine came three weeks early. They say it isn't hereditary but my sisters and my mom all delivered early also. You did great with your weight gain. I bet you'll weigh less after the baby is born than you did when you get pregnant.

Solly...sorry you didn't have a restful night last night. Praying all goes well at the doctors today. I met a lady down the road from me who milled her own wheat and once I saw the health benefits I was hooked. The taste is phenomenal.

Ellen...how come he doesn't want to grow broccoli? Does he not like it? My in-laws gave us the two we had this year. I LOVE eggplant but can't get it to grow in my soil for anything. One year I did get the oriental kind to grow just now well. I'm using a different area so I might try again. I'm the only one here that eats it also. Last year we had our first end of summer garden and grew squash, okra and three kinds of peas. They grew really well so I'll try that again this year. The hurricane blew through here and knocked my okra flat but it picked itself up. I was praying the whole time please don't let me lose my garden..LOL It was right before harvest time.

((Everybody)) I'd better get moving. This chair is getting more and more comfy as I sit. :)

God bless,
Crystle

My gosh I lost my first post. GRRRRRR! Its going to be so nice today but tomorrow is snow flurries. We're going to Wal Mart and I'm excited to have my first day out. It will probably be the only time this week. I'll chose some good healthy food. Think I'll get some stuff to make a veggie beef soup. Anyway it will be good to get out in the fresh air.

Ellen- Hope you're getting some good rest. Thats all that seems to help. It was good I had some homemade turkey soup in the freezer and could have that while I was healing. Now if I could just get this stuff out of my chest! I'll bet your dear Grandson is getting so big. Have you worked any with your pottery and do you still have your place on Etsy?

Solly- I'm praying for you today. I've never done a cleanse. Probably need to.... Hope you're not going to get that cold weather thats coming here next week.

Talitha- How wonderful to see you posting. Oh boy a new baby girl. What a pretty name you've picked. I hope all goes just fine with the birth. You have your hands full with lots of little ones. I'll bet your house is a joyful place. You've done so good with your weight. 8 lbs is so little.

Crystle- I wish my kids in Texas would make a garden. They're such picky eaters but they would not believe how good food is out of the garden. We loved the weather there when we were there for Christmas. We could just set outside without a sweater or anything. Hope you got your walk in.

Well time to go and get the man something to eat.

Hi there . . . :grouphug:

Well another storm has come and gone . . . yesterday contained a bit of everything -- everything nasty that it -- started with snow, then freezing rain, then ordinary rain, then more freezing and back to snow again. Then it all just decided to repeat. :shrug: No major disasters; just those constant light flickers that last only long enough to make all the clocks reset themselves to 12:00 and start flashing. :lol: After the first couple of times, I just left them that way.

Today has been gorgeous and sunny although definitely not warm. Hope this decides to continue for a little while. :crossed:

Meowee: You must have had that storm we had here in the lower St. Lawrence valley. We had the ole lather-rinse-repeat on Wednesday.

Toni: Veggie Beef soup...I'm coming for dinner!!

Crystle: Talk to me about cold when your nostrils freeze shut the minute you go outside. I'm so jealous of your garden.

Talitha: It seems like we just helped you name Lucas and now you're about to have a baby Eden! What a cool name. I love it. So nice to see you around again!

Solly: Some people swear by the cleansing and some people think its a scam. I've been told that when doctors do colonoscopys, they never see anything in a person's colon that looks like the horrible things people find in the toilet after a cleansing, so they figure the prehistoric poo that people supposedly put in the toilet must be really something that is gelled up in the intestines while taking the magic tea you take with the cleanse. They say if you leave the tea in a glass for a few days, it sets into a form of the glass it was in and has the same consistency and color of the stuff in the toilet. I don't know...I've thought about trying it, but it seems kinda weird to me.

Ellen: My mom grew broccoli in her garden one year. Someone told her to soak it in salt water before you cook it and a zillion green worms hauled themselves out of the broccoli. We all lost our appetite for broccoli for a very long time. :lol:

Mary: My shop is a barber shop/beauty salon. I live in a very touristy place called the 1000 Islands. In the summer, its so busy I have an hour wait time. In winter...well...you may have read my post where I'm writing a novel. :lol3:

You know...once we get Bob on here again, this place will start to feel like its old self again!

Okay...well, thats it for replies...we're having sketty again for dinner. I'll drink lots of water with it so it passes through quicker. ;) And I'll have a salad, too. Shelley's off to Oswego for her hockey game and Derek is there fixing a machine at the Rite Aid there, so he's goign to her game tonight and I get the night off from being hockey mom. Thank Gawd. Those other moms are a little much for me at times. Very clicky.

I think I'll watch Speed Racer with Kyle since I have him all to myself tonight ;) There's a Sabres game on, but I think I'd rather watch the movie with Kyle.

http://bestsmileys.com/hello/5.gif



DID SOMEONE SAY MY NAME?????


I've missed y'all....really I have!!!! BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY....I need to be here....I know I've gained 50 lbs and it's all in my stomach!!! I have yet to start back on plan...I know I have to, but the will is just not there....SO YOU ALL KNOW WHAT YOUR MISSION IS....RIGHT?????

It's good to see everyone straggling back in...I know that JACKEE and TONI have stuck in here through thick and thin after ELLEN and BOB left and you two need to be commended!!

It's great to be back!!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!


BOB http://bestsmileys.com/kissing2/5.gif

BOB!!!! It is so good to see you. I've missed your humor and wit. As frustrating as it is gaining the weight back you will get it back off. Think of all the delicious things that are on plan and how good you feel while eating better. You can sit by me on the wagon, that way we can keep each other in check. :)

Tech....I'm shivering just thinking about it being that cold. This old frame house just doesn't keep out the cold. And gross about the broccoli. I'm so glad mine didn't have worms in it.

Toni...it was nice at Christmas. Robert and the kids played outside even though it was a bit wet. I had the door open but the bees kept coming in. When it warms up they look for food or something and they come in the house.

((Everybody))

Love and hugs,
Crystle

LOOKIE LOOKIE Bob is here. Oh boy. Stay with us. I know just how you feel I've had a horrible time and gained so much. And it all around my big fat gut.......

Good Morning all you Sweeties . . . :grouphug:

Nothing too exciting in my 'neck of the woods'. So far I've managed to string a couple of OP days together and am doing my darndest to extend the streak. :lol:

Naturally, it is :brr: up here in the frozen north but the local forecast is calling for a couple of mostly sunny days before the next storm comes through on Sunday night -- although, as I glance out the window right now, there is some white fluffy stuff falling out of the sky -- so much for weather forecasts. :shrug:

You've hit the nail on the head, BOB . . . somehow it seems easier to stay OP when you check in here regularly. :yes:

Have a great Saturday, everybody and keep things moving and shaking just as much as you can . . . :carrot:

Evening! I had a busy day yesterday and never got on here! Shame on me! I slept ok, and the cold seems a bit better, but is settling into my chest and now I am coughing. Hopefully, it will not turn into bronchitis.


OH, MY STARS! TALITHA! I have been trying to get in touch with you for over a year, and gave up! Your email returned, and I even asked a friend of mine who goes to the Vineyard downtown to look you up. I am guessing she never did! :( Do you still have my number? Call me! Lucas is about the same age as my grandson, Kaeleb. And now here you are expecting a girl, and my older daughter is expecting a girl in about four weeks! Wild! I would love to meet up at the DFM sometime. I need a reason to go there now that my Decatur friends moved to Florida! :cry:

BOB: Bout time you dragged your sorry butt back on here. I promise I am coming to Sarasota and kicking it for you if you don't STAY.

SOLLY: I hope you are sleeping better. Do you take calcium? I think that helps me when the RLS gets bad. What kind of total body cleanse are you doing? I have done one...the Lemonade Cleanse one...I went like 15 or 16 days with just the maple syrup lemonade. I felt fantastic and was sorry I started eating normal again! I am tempted to try it again.


COUNTRY: I think my hubby doesn't want to grown broccoli because it is not as productive as okra, and his daddy never did?! :) I talked to him today about trying melons this year instead of cukes. (I get tired of cukes) and having only one row of okra and planting something else...like maybe green onions. He got a bit grumpy. He ends up doing most of the work, so I understand the grumps. Maybe I will feel better this year and be able to help him more.....

MEOWEE: I hope you are staying warm! How are the kitties doing?

TECH: Too funny about the broccoli worms! I have heard the prepackaged cleanses can be scams too. The one I did was a 21 day fast...and I believe it did work to some degree. It was cheaper than buying something canned.

TONI: My grandson is a cutie! Did I tell you my older daughter is expecting a girl next month? I can't wait! Yes, I am still working in my pottery. I have been on a teapot kick, and have five in the kiln ready to fire the first time now. I still have my shop on etsy. I have been busy and not been working as much as I would like, but hopefully, that will change soon and I will get it filled up again. I only have about 25 items in there right now.


Ok, I must get back to work. I need to think of something light for dinner since Tom and I had a very late lunch. I am thinking a veggie stir fry, but man that he is, he thinks it can't be a meal without meat! :rolleyes:

:wave:

:carrot: I did my profile sheet. I live in Northcentral PA. I wrote to Meowee and let her know I was doing a GI program. Been reading your board and you all sound so interesting and encouraging.:D

I am not sure what the Candida is the Mary is on, but I am now on liquids only until Monday Morning when I go for a colonoscopy....so I will know what a total cleanse is. Which will be really good for me since December was not a good month, my sugar cravings took over and I went right along:(

I just had a nerve block done for my pinched nerves and herniated discs. I have been laying low since yesterday, and it seems to have been a success:dizzy:

Ellen: hope your cold is better, I sense you Hate Colds, glad to meet you.:p

Crystle: you sound like so much fun, envy your mild weather. I think you are inspiring me to have a small garden is summer. It would have to be built up high (what ever there called) but your making me hungry for fresh veggies. Way back when I was first married we had a garden (my family didn't garden) I told my husband something was wrong with one of the plants it was a tall and skinny, then had bumps on it. Love those bumps, I think that was the first time I ever had brussel sprouts.:?:

Toni: hope you are feeling better. You live in Joyce's Meyers state yeah! She is such an encouragment.:cool:

Techwife: You're a hocky Mom like Sara Palin....hope things get better for you and make it through these tough times. My husband was a union carpenter when we first were married and it seemed our life was feast or famine. Sure glad my dad brought us eggs and his Mom made homemade bread. It is rough with childen and their activities. Hang in there. You make me homesick for our yearly trip to Canada. We cross the Thousand Islands bridge and go up about 1 1/2 hours to Sharbot Lake. Gone there since I was 3. My kids go up the same time and we each rent cabins. My grandchildren are the 4th generation at Sharbot Lake. When I think of you I think of the village of Clayton with the boat museum. Be encouraged and make me smile;)

Solly: Hope you are sleeping better and your body cleanse is helping. Good to know you.;)

Meowee: Thanks for inviting me, glad your back on line. thanks for your Welcome Wagon welcome...I feel chilled even thinking about Novia Scotia. My hubby had a fellow try to sell him some land in Ecam Secam?? somewhere around Halifax?:D

Thanks for all of you wanting to keep the site going, I'm sure glad you did :hug:

Sorry I went on so much, but wanted to touch base with you all....

Welcome candoit very nice to meet you. I hope you get to have your garden this spring. We really enjoy being able to go outside and get something that we've grown. Once I get tomatoes to grow I'll have done something..they just won't take for me. :) When we planted our summer garden all my veggies we being uprooted and I couldn't figure out what in the world was doing it. My son went out one morning and caught the chickens scratching. I totally loved letting them run free but now they are in prison. :) We are hoping to get a few more this spring and maybe try to let them hatch some baby chicks. I was hoping for baby ducks but my ducks are confused and are laying eggs in the pond. Praying that your test goes well.

Ellen...I hope you get to grow a few new things. Robert surprised me this year and actually helped me plant. We finally got a tiller for the tractor and he made and area about 50 yards by 10 yards. He still won't pick but at least he helped plant. :) Do you have an updated picture of your grand baby? I need to share a picture of Lilly. She is three now and such a toot. LOL

Meowee..not too much moving or shaking going on this weekend my back went out. :) Hope you are staying warm. ((huggzz))

((Everybody)) Hope you are having a GREAT weekend so far and that eating is going good.

God bless,
Crystle

:lol: . . . Ecum Secum is only the tip of the iceberg of weird names down here . . . I live in Pictou (but the locals pronounce it Pictow) and not far from me is a delightful little college town called Antigonish. I'm "from away" as they say here, originally from Toronto, Ontario.

You'll notice, CANDOIT, that I deleted the first of your posts because it was sort of a duplicate. When you want to add something to an entry you've already made (which is what I assume happened) just click on the little 'edit' button at the bottom right of your post and you get the chance to change or add things. I'm sure you'll get the hand of stuff around here very quickly so don't worry. :hug:

Oh my what a bad day I've had. I didn't even get up till noon and its been down hill from there. LOL.... I wonder if my trip to grocery shop yesterday kind of gave me a set back. DH made me soup and a 1/2 a grilled cheese sand. for dinner. I was sure happy cause knew I couldn't cook. Tomorrow will be better I'm sure.

meowee- You're having the worse cold weather. I even saw it on the news how cold you are. Stay warm and wait for spring. LOL

Ellen- Oh my gosh I can't believe your oldest daughter is having a girl. Oh you lucky Grandmas you!!!! How just wonderful. I'm still using my precious mug to drink my tea in and always think of you when I do. Wow I love teapots bet yours are super. I hope you're getting lots of rest. You up cooking makes me ashamed I let Steve do the cooking tonight.

cand.- How wonderful your post is. I'm so glad you've joined us. Oh boy the prep for the colonoscopy is a bear! Good luck with it.

Well guess I'll sit back here in the recliner and rest some more.. Have a good evening.

Oh Crystle I missed your post. I want chickens so bad but we need a new pen. Its so neat you have them. Did you walk today? Have a good evening.

ok, touching in again. I really am going to get back into individual replies and things. Just give me some time! Eden is still hanging out en utero, so I'm still holding off on really getting started.

My biggest problem with 'coming back' is working in Jacob's food allergies. I need to prepare/think on that a bit. We need to all be able to eat the same thing as a family and that's where I got discouraged with going for the low GI/ SB lifestyle before. I need help thinking that through. He is allergic to wheat (not gluten, just wheat itself), soy and peanuts.
We do alot of brown rice, potatoes, brown rice pasta, corn (tortillas, breads) I cook and bake with spelt flour. IT will be hard to give up the potatoes if I need to. And don't remember if the brown rice pasta is ok, but it is whole grain. And the corn is most likely not the best.
With 4 kids under 6 I know that trying to cook differently for DH and I is going to be out of the question. We also have a pretty tight budget and can't be out buying expensive substitutes and things.
So, this is where I need help from all of you with your wisdom. ( I've missed you so!) I'd like to take this time while I'm just waiting to prepare and wrap my mind around options and ideas to have a set plan that will not overwhelm me.

ELLEN!!! I've missed you, too! I didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth (or computer screen). I still go to YDFM every couple of weeks so we can certainly meet! I go on mondays because that works for my driving schedule with carpool. I'm hoping to have a baby and not go in the next few, but who knows. Laura is pregnant again too? That's fantastic!!! I'd love to talk. I'll send you my # and email again privately. what is your shop on etsy? I need a gift for the lady assisting my birth and that may be perfect!!!

Candoit61- Hello. Nice to meet you. Looks like you're new? I'm a returning old. I've been gone for about a year? And have been off and on for the 2 years before that. It's a wonderful group and I'm thrilled to be back. I have a herniated disk with pinched nerves as well. It's been 4 years since my car accident and now they've decided that I have Degenerative Disk Disease. Oh what fun with pregnancy! Anyway, I'm glad the injections seems to be working! They didn't for me but I know others who found them helpful.

Tech: I am now officially TERRIFIED of the broccoli in my refrigerator. I don't know if I can touch it!

Bob: I didn't know you had left but I'm so, so happy your here now. It wouldn't be the same without you.

It's late, and I'm off to bed, but wanted to stop by.

I'll get back in the swing of things and doing individual posts next time...
It's good to see everyone...I'm in regular contact with Missy, and I'll tell her she's been summoned!! She is so busy with the kids, so I won't promise anything...

Nighty Night

BOB

Tom ran over to CVS and got me some diabetic cough syrup. It has helped the annoying no-cough. You know- that is when you feel like coughing, but nothing happens. You cough and the tickle is totally uneffected, so you cough harder, and just can't seem to touch the tickle. You know? A dose or two of Guaifensein always seems to help.

Time for bed!

TALITHA: Looking forward to hearing from you! No, it is not Laura who is pregnant, but my other daughter, Ruth! :) We'll catch up! And Mondays are good for me too!

Can we not send private messages here any more?

Oh. Found it.

Good Sunday Morning all. I'm feeling better today so think I'll make my veggie beef soup today. Had Steve get me up at 9 this morning. Think its helping. Nothing planned today except staying in. I've decided that I want a quesadilla maker. Several of my family got them and they're having a ball using them. My niece is watching her food intake and is making wonderful healthy quesidia's with hers. Like chicken and black bean.

Talitha- I'm glad you're still posting but know you're ready to get this over with. Good luck this week. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to cook for a child with allergies and combine it into the family. Maybe you can still cook the potatoes but skip eating them. Maybe sub. once in awhile a sweet potato for the family.

Bob- Hey Bob been using the barbecue lately? I used to love when you cooked out and posted what you were making. Hows the job?

Ellen- Good for you getting the cough syrup. I'm sending lots of good healthy thoughts to you and Tom. Hopeing you are feeling better soon.

Our boston terrier Jackson is managing to drive us crazy this morning. He has a little piece of rubber he's burying in everything in the living room and then digging it up. Its a never stop deal....

Guess I'd better get Steve something to eat..... Have a good day....

Hi there . . . :grouphug:

Wow, we had a gloriously gorgeous sunrise this morning. Unfortunately the sun didn't last nearly long enough and it now looks like our evening storm may make an appearance a bit earlier than promised. Oh well, it is that time of year up here in the frozen north.

At least I got a lot of long needed furniture shifting and corner cleaning accomplished this morning. At this rate I may just be ready for the new furniture that's scheduled to be delivered on Thursday. Of course, the schedule could change depending on how much snow our next, next storm (forecast for Wednesday night) decides to dump on us. :rolleyes:

Hope all the sickies are soon feeling right and bright reallhy soon. See you all soon. :carrot:

So, if what I end up doing for our 'diet' ends up nothing like SB, do I need to find a different group :(

It's been awhile, so as I'm remembering things, I'm reminded of why it wasn't working for me.
1. I do not do artificial sweetners. We do use Agave and Stevia, but I often use honey as well, and that is a no-no.
2. We don't really use corn often. Mostly for tortillas instead of wheat, and I make homemade cornbread (1/2 corn, 1/2 spelt) but only once a month or something. I can skip that. We do east Polenta as a side and for breakfast often because the OTHER son has a sensitivity to oatmeal. I may be able to switch to cream of rice but it's much more expensive and, there comes the budget..
3. Potatoes are not a huge part of our diet but they are a very convenient out for this overloaded mom. I usually buy russets and sweet potatoes. The russets are used most often for soup or mashed potatoes. More for soups and stews which we eat a lot of. LOTS of soups. Ellen suggested switching to a lower GI potato? I could do that. The sweet potatoes we eat maybe once a week cut into cubes and roasted with spices and a tiny bit of olive oil. Closest to 'french fries' my kids get. LOL Or I steam them and mash them with cilantro and vinegar, no oil.
4. we avoid processed foods and convenience foods, so any of the 'special' SB type stuff and options are going to be out.
5. Because we are on a tight budget, we don't eat a lot of meat. Lots of beans, eggs and cheese for proteins.

I just know that, at this point, I am not willing to cook differently for the kids and I (and Travis, because he's excited about getting on track, too). I already have to spend so much time looking at labels because of allergies, that I really don't know if I want to aviod sugar altogether, too. I've got so much to avoid! (MSG, HFCS, wheat, soy, peanuts). Adding ALL sugar is going to be too overwhelming.

So be honest with me ladies. Is this going to work? Do I need to just go back to more of a weight watchers plan?

Talitha, you do not need to find a different group, even if you decided to go on an all potato diet. I think you can make it work, but using what you are able to eat as a family, watching your portion control, and considering the GI of the foods and leaning more towards low GI when you can. I believe Solly is doing weight watchers, but this is her online support group. You can do the same, just let us know what you can and can't have, post your menus and share your support needs. We can still be encouraging, don't you think? I don't follow Sugarbusters, or a low GI diet perfectly either. I eat corn, and sometimes potatoes. They haven't kicked me off. :) Well, I am no longer the moderator, but that was MY choice! haha!

Talitha don't leave, I think this board is about more than following an exact plan but about being there for each other. Encouragement goes a long way. I use agave and stevia also. I make cornbread for my guys also and if I want some I just eat a really small portion. I try to get the red potatoes but when my budget doesn't permit I use the russets. I eat corn and potatoes in my veggie soup. I think it's all about balance. We eat a lot of veggies, chicken and dried beans. Your sweet potatoes sound great. I have a bowl sitting on the counter so I'll have to give them a try. :) Sometimes I mashed them with a little cayenne pepper. I'm such a snorker I'm getting hungry just thinking about food. :)

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Mmmm.. right now I'm sitting eating a bowl of Dhal. It's fantastic! Lentils, tomatoes and coconut milk. I'll need to start buying the lowfat coconut milk I suppose.

I was just concerned about my menu being different and throwing off any newcomers or something?

It occurs to me that once Miss Eden does come, I will be getting meals delivered for at least 2 weeks from church friends, and I have no control over that. But most of us are pretty 'crunchy' and healthy. And they all know that they have to work around the allergies, so I won't be getting pastas and breads. I DID have the forethought to mention that desserts aren't necessary so that we hopefully won't get any :)

Right now I'm getting sick. I am miserable. My lungs feel like I had 15 razors implanted in each, and I'm coughing up thick green sludge which is making me throwup everthing I eat. I got some mucinex and a salve that should help and I'm taking the EmergenC packets.

I'm really HOPING she stays in until I feel better!

Yum I just had a clementine I got at Wal Mart grocery this week. They were on sale and oh so good. Its been a lazy day but Steve and I did get the coat closet cleaned out. I made my pot of veggie beef soup and it was so delicious.

Talitha- Please stay we want you here. My soup had potatoes in it and would have had corn but I forgot. I do eat an occasional potato when I feel like it and I'm with everyone else all in moderation.

Ellen- And its so good to have you here to. I'm so excited now that you girls are on here.

Crystle- Don't say cornbread cause I want some. And thought about making a small pan of it tonight but was lazy....

Oh no another one bites the dust. Theres sure allot of sickies here. I'm slowly getting better. Talitha hope you get some rest....

Hey Ladies, GOOD MORNING!!

Sorry for being MIA but our son was sick. He had a really nasty virus with fevers in the 103.5.....really scared me. Like all little ones he's much better & off to school.

No progress on the Candida cleanse...I haven't started yet. I'll get there,Maybe?

Well I'm off to work...cleaning a bakery.....YIKES!!! (Too Funny)

Blessings & Love to you all,
Mary

:wave:

Everybody else has already said it . . . As long as you want to be with us, we definitely want you here. I'm another one who does not follow a particular 'plan' but I do keep a close eye on the GI/GL of what I'm eating.

Nothing new around here -- another six inches of fresh snow hit the ground overnight and it looks like no sunshine for us today -- oh, guess the 'something new' is that nobody in the Province is reporting power outages this morning and that's definitely a 'good thing'.

Well, I'd better get my act together and get out for groceries. Hope you all have a great day . . . :grouphug:

I am just passing through on my way to make some espresso. I slept late this morning, and I feel better for it. I ate a Larabar while checking emails...so breakfast is done! :) Though I may eat a piece of fruit or something...

Catch you all later!

TALITHA: I love the new avatar pic!

Good morning. A new week to deal with. I'm having trouble with night eating. It may be something like a glass of wine and some cheese. I have just got to work on that. I was going to put a corned beef in the crock pot but got up to late. Have to do that tomorrow. Guess we might have soup again tonight.

Talitha- Love your avatar picture. You're so pretty.

Mary- So sorry about your son. Hope he's recovering well.

Ellen- How are you feeling today?

Going for more coffee....

I was going to say good morning but I looked and saw that it was already afternoon. :) I'm still moving slow with the back but it gets better everyday. Tonight I'm going to make some navy bean and turkey chili. I figured I'd cook a pound of navy beans with onions, garlic, salt, red and black pepper and a can of green chili. Maybe brown the meat with onions and bell peppers and same spices as the beans. Throw the meat in with the beans and when it's near the end of cooking I'll add some cumin. I hope it taste as good as it sounds to me.

Talitha...what a beautiful picture.

Toni..I struggle with the late night eating also. I make sure to journal it but I wish I could stick the my plan of not eating after 8 or 9. Do you have a pressure cooker? If you do you could give your corn beef a head start or just cook it that way.

Ellen, Mary, Sue, Bob, Solly, Tech, Meowee...((hugzz))

God bless,
Crystle

Aw.. thanks for the compliments on the photo, ladies. That was just a few days before christmas when I was getting maternity shots done. I'm glad that being on a different bent of a plan won't exclude me. Thanks ladies! I just didn't want to mess anyone else up, or start out feeling like I'm 'cheating' or making too many exceptions. I know that the bottom line for ME is portion control and exercise. Training for the 3day is going to really get me going on that!

I had a smoothie of nano greens, milk and 1/2 a banana with a boiled egg for breakfast. But then wasn't so good for lunch. Sweet tea and 3 chicken strips from Chicfila. I could have done better than that. I just had a wonderful clementine for a snack. Dinner will be grilled pork steak, fresh steamed green beans and roasted steet potatoes.

Eden is still in there comfy. Tomorrow is my 41 week appointment so I'll be getting the 'stripping' to see if we can get things started. I'm not looking forward to that because it REALLY hurts. Hope that's not TMI for you all.

Toni- I thought of you when I ate my clementine a minute ago. Mine was from the farmer's market.

Ellen- I forgot how much I love the Larabars. They're kind of expensive though. Maybe for a treat....

Mary- I imagine cleaning a bakery would be a lot of work!

Meowee- 6 inches? I'm so jealous. My kids are so sad that it never snows here. They can't understand why all the books say in winter it snows but we never see any!

Toni- I'm horrible at night eating lately, mostly because I could care less about food! I forgot to feed the kids until 7:30 last night and they go to bed at 8. Poor kiddos had strambled eggs, an apple and peas. That's why I actually planned something real for tonight. I felt bad.

Country- That sounds really yummy. I need to learn how to use my pressure cooker to make soups. I'm still a little afraid of it! I've only used it for canning.

:carrot: I made it trough my colonoscopy this am. Not so bad. Good news, I have the colon of a 30 year old.....at lest something on me is young! The DR thinks my problem was to much soy, fiber and alcohol sugar in the Nutrisystem foods, just cut back and not have all 3 meals & dessert as NS.

We since I am cleaned out it time to get with it and watch my GI/GL. Back doing well, go for acupuncture tonight.....then I have to get serious and stop my binging on SUGAR:devil:

Talitha: So glad you are staying with us..your avitar is beautiful. You sure don't look pregnant. Be wishes and prayers for Edens arrival.;)

Toni: I think you made everyone hungry forr a clementine. Does sound good for my snack.

Mary: Hope your son is better.

Meowee - thanks for your support.

Toni: Late nights are hard to deal with at times, it seems if we let it slip its hard to break. I try to keep my hands busy with crafts or reading. Best of luck.

Crystle: Your meals always sound so good.

Ellen: Hope your feeling better.

Off for acupuncture, check in later tonight.

Best wishes to all :hug:

Good evening. Dinner was a bowl of veggie beef soup. And one of those yummy clementines. I also made a single serving of popcorn but it will be awhile before I do that again. I could feel the grease on it. But tonight I have the hungries or just wanting to eat. I think its head hunger.

candoit- I'm so glad your colonoscopy went well. Hope acupuncture goes good.

Talitha- Your dinner sounds so good. And I'm hungry for a baked sweet potato. Hope your appointment tomorrow goes good.

Crystle- Yes I have a pressure cooker. But I decided to wait till tomorrow to cook the corned beef. I normally wouldn't have got one but they looked so good and fresh at the store. I couldn't resist.

Evening! I had an uber productive day. I had a friend come by for a visit and coffee and we chatted most of the afternoon. After she left, I ran to the butcher shop and got chicken breasts, and a few other meats. I used my pressure cooker to cook the chicken to make chicken salad. Then I fixed a Chinese dish of pork meatballs called Lion's Head. I boned the chicken, made salad and a sandwich for Tom's lunch, then put together a casserole for tomorrow's dinner. Yay! Tomorrow's dinner is done! Well, except for the veggies, and they are easy.

This is going to be one very busy week, so I may go MIA a bit. There is the shower for my daughter here on Saturday, so I must clean and cook. I am supposed to make a cake. I dread it because I always have such a hard time keeping my fingers out of the icing! :o

I will check in tomorrow, but I must go to bed now. Replies tomorrow...

:grouphug:

GOOD MORNING LADIES,

Sorry I was MIA yesterday, very busy, but glad the board has picked up so much. Loving it!

Talitha, so glad to see you back on board and congrats on your new daughter. How exciting. I semi follow SB. Try to stay away from all sugars, only eat "brown", but mainly I watch myportions and alots of exercise. So don't think of going anywhere.

BOB, so glad you are back and we will be "watching" you.

Toni, so glad you are better. Grilled cheese sounds so good.

Candoit, Welcome to our board. This is a great board. I also have herniated discs.

Got to run to a meeting, I'll finish up later.

Solly: I'm glad the board has picked up, as well. It was depressing posting and nobody else would for, like, a day!

Monet: Its nice to see you back to your old self again! You'll never cease to amaze me with the gourmet food you make...things I've never heard of! I'm impressed with myself when I make beef stroganoff!

Toni: Good job keeping to plan. Your soups always sound yummy.

Candoit: Sugar Alcohols always give me horrible gas :o ..I'm not surprised they can have an effect on your innards.

Talitha: You amaze me at how glamorous you can make pregancy look. I'm so mad the blanket I made for Lucas never made it to your house. I'm thinking of a pink one for Eden, but finding time may be tough for me coming up.

Crystle: I love chili made with turkey. I think it tastes way better.

Meowee: Batten down the hatches! Sub-zero temps are on the way!!

ATS: Candida cleanse? Cleaning a bakery? You should stay away from the yeast! :lol: Let me know how that cleanse goes...I have the same problems with the fungus amongus. I have toenail problems, ringworm spots in summer on my legs, athetes foot and dry, peeling feet and my hands go haywire when I have a lot of perms and colors to do. I'm told it is all candida/fungus related and I guess it makes sense. Are you the one that goes to Canada in summer? My daughter's hockey arena is right next to the TI Bridge...as you go up 81, just before you cross the road to Alex Bay and Clayton, you'll see it on the right hand side. Its kind of an old dumpy place, but it has a restaurant with a salad bar, so that's nice, anyway.

So....anyways, I'm depressed because I'm pretty much deciding to close up my shop. I have many reasons to close or that I regret opening up in the first place. First of all, I really miss being home with the kids or being here to clean up and redecorate rooms when they're not. The kids HATE being at the shop when they're home and I have to work and I hate leaving them home alone while I'm there. I look at pictures of the kids a couple years ago from when I was home and we were having so much fun. I'll never get these days back again, but I can always open up a different shop...in a different town...for reasons I'll list in a minute. I have so much to do around here (the house) its disgusting. I need to paint my kitchen and living room and Shelley's room and reorganize everything...which I can only do when nobody's home. I used to wash sheets and put away clothes and loved it, now I can't even tell you how long its been since the kids sheets have been washed. They have loft beds and it's REALLY hard to do and they're bedrooms are such a mess I can't even get to them anyway. Especially Kyle's. I miss out on field trips because I have to be at the shop and now with hockey, I'm not able to be home to get anything other than dinner and the dishes after practice. To be honest with you, Shelley's anxiety attacks started a year and a half ago. Three things happened then...her father passed away in Rochester (the weren't close...she barely remembers him), my husband was laid off from his job and I started my shop and was no longer a stay-at-home mom. I'm more irritable because I'm not home to do things and my house is totally out of control.

Also, financially, I don't know if I can do it anymore. My electric bill to heat that tiny place last winter was over $200 a month! And it was a relatively warm winter last year (snowy, but warm...ish). Today, the temp is supposed to plummet to minus ten degrees and my shop will be frigid if I don't leave the heat on over night. Last month I was $200 short on my rent. And this month is half over and I have not even saved $100 towards this months because of having to have my car inspected and brakes put on. And I've been using what little money I have made to buy some groceries because Derek's paycheck is not enough to cover our bills as of late. I made $140 last Saturday. $20 went to kerosene to take the edge off our house with the cold, $30 went to brake pads, $40 or so went to some groceries for the weekend and a pizza and now I have about $45 left to deposit because it was a check and I couldn't spend it. Thank God. I don't even have my electric bill for last month yet. I don't even want to know what its goign to be like. I'm sunk!

Summer is awesome in my shop. I average at least $100 or more a day. But this is the time I want to spend with my kids and if I take a day off for marching band or some other event for the kids, I get an earful the next day from customers that came to get haircuts and now I have a reputation of "She's never there!"

Thing is...I LOVE MY SHOP! And I love being there. But I think my time would be better served being at home, being suzy homemaker, eating right, exercising and being here for my kids. I can always open another shop when they're older if I want to. I'm thinking of selling the business, though, if another barber or stylist wants the shop, maybe I can sell it to them...the clientele and the equipment, etc.

Anyhow...I'm just depressed and feeling very defeated. This town is so clicky and so many people told me, "You'll never make it through the winter!" I hate proving them right. But I can't beat myself up, either, just to prove them wrong. So many moms in town send their kids in for haircuts, but go to Watertown for $150 haircolors without even giving me a try (haircolor is my specialty, by the way). Its maddening. Even my landlord's wife. She send her daughters in for $8 haircuts and her daughter told me her mom pays $150 to get her hair colored and cut in Watertown. It just makes me mad.

Anyhow...I have to go get ready to go it. I'm the only hairdresser I know that has secretary spread instead of vericose veins. :mad:

Good morning. Got my cornbeef going in the crockpot so dinner will be so easy tonight. I'll put potatoes in for Steve and cabbage for me. Make a salad and walla dinner. Guess I need to do some laundry today. My recliner broke last night and I'm hopeing Steve can fix it today.

Ellen- I can't believe you did so much. You still must be feeling bad. I love chicken salad and the chinese meatballs sound wonderful. Hope you're getting lots of rest.

Solly- You sound so busy. Are you working out still? Hows the weather?

Tech- I'm so sorry everything is going wrong right now. But its got to get better. This economy is really making it so rough. I remember how it was when you were home with your kids and the fun you used to have. You're such a good Mom. Its sad you have to close your shop but maybe it will end up for the best. Maybe some time home will be allot better. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Think I'll finish up my coffee and make breakfast. Have a good day.....

I have been going all day. I slept pretty poorly, but I had to get up this morning and go to Costco so I could babysit while my daughter went on a job interview. It went well, and she has a working interview on Monday. This is VERY promising. The location is good, and hopefully the pay is decent. They may be able to get their house contract back again...woo!

TECH: Sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place. I know the decision to close is not an easy one. Could you reduce the hours you are open and only work a couple set days a week? Would that help? Pick your busiest days...like Saturday and another day and post those as your hours. Would it be worth it? If you have to close it, you are right, you can always open another shop in a few years.

TONI: Corned beef for dinner sounds yummy! Isn't Steve a Type 2 diabetic? He probably should not have potatoes either. Is he able to control his blood sugar? I hope Jackson is being a sweet puppy today! His spiritedness sounds so fun!

SOLLY: I missed you. I am sorry you are so busy! I hope you find time to relax. How has your RA been lately?

CANDOIT: Thanks for the report on colonscopy. I really need to get my doctor to send me for one, and yet, I dread it. Perhaps I am being a baby about it.

TALITHA: I ordered Larabars online, and it was not too bad. Costco used to carry them and they were cheap! Unfortunately, they stopped. I watch for sales...they often run them for 99 cents at Publix. I would love to figure out the recipe for them...especially the new coconut one. It is SO yummy!

COUNTRY: How did the chili turn out? It sounded good when you wrote it up....

MEOWEE: I hope you are staying warm! Feel free to send some snow down here!


I have my dinner for tonight already made and ready to pop in the oven. My son and I took my grandson for a walk while my daughter was at her job interview. We did not go as far as I like to go, but both adults had twisted ankles. I just finished munching on two raw carrots. Yummy! I need to find another diet coke with splenda to help wake me up! Talk to you all later! :)

:grouphug:

We had a mostly sunny, but cold, day today and I spent most of it out and about. Now, I'm hunkering down waiting for the next snow storm to start -- believe me, ELLEN, I'd love to send some of this to you.

We've got a really nasty mixed bag of weather lined up for the next 24 to 30 hours -- high winds and heavy snow overnight; followed by a warming trend that will result in heavy rain tomorrow morning; then, a rapidly plummeting temperature will make all that mess freeze up solid; finally, by tomorrow night, a bit more snow just to polish the ice. Hopefully we will be able to come out of hibernation again by Thursday. :crossed:

Sure wish I was closer to you TECH, you would definitely have my business. Don't know why anyone would spend that much on one trip to the hair salon if they had a viable option.

See you later, gang . . . :wave:

O...M...G We just had THUNDERSNOW!! I haven't seen thundersnow in, like, 20 years!

And the neighbors house is not visible. I love snow!!!
:snow4:

I'm SOOOOOOOO sore today. I srubbed the floors of the bakery on my hands & knees yesterday for FOUR hours !!! All of could think of was poor Cinderella. :lol3: Smelling the starter for all the sweet breads was absolutely disgusting. Maybe I should keep some in my house....I'd lose this weight fast & NEVER crave sweets.

Techwife: I haven't been to Canada....I'd like to one day. So sorry about you having to close shop. Would you be able to stay home & cut all the childrens hair at your home? Extra spending money?

Ellen: I hope your daughter gets the Job & The contract for her home. Also, What are Larabars?

Solly: Hope your day is going well.

Toni: Corned Beef sounds Fantastic. Hope Steve will be able to fix your recliner.

Candoit: Glad your Colonoscopy was positive.

Crystle: Man......I need to come to your house for cooking lessons. Your chili sounds scrumptious.

Meowee: Send that snow down south!! My son is asking if we'll get snow everyday now.Stay warm.

Blessings & love,
Mary

Candoit: (originally posted to ATS by accident) Are you the one that goes to Canada in summer? My daughter's hockey arena is right next to the TI Bridge...as you go up 81, just before you cross the road to Alex Bay and Clayton, you'll see it on the right hand side. Its kind of an old dumpy place, but it has a restaurant with a salad bar, so that's nice, anyway.

BTW...I LOVE Sarah Palin. I don't see why everyone thought she was a whack. I thought she was great.

Mary, Larabars are a raw food bar made with nuts and dried fruits. They are probably not considered ok for Sugarbusters, but I eat them because they are 1. raw, 2. have no additives and 3. taste delicious! They are a bit pricey, but I try and limit them to an occasional breakfast or treat. They have them in health food stores, or at Amazon.

Evening, my corned beef is already for Steve to come home to dinner. It smells heavenly. I got my big wedge of cabbage in it. Yum.

Ellen- No Steve doesn't have diabetes. But he really doesn't need the potatoes but I only put a couple small ones in so not much. I hope you got a little rest today.

Meowee- Your weather sounds ghastly...... We're having a cold front come in tomorrow evening. I'm not looking forward to 0.

Tech- Oh my gosh thundersnow how cool. Enjoy it.... I'll bet the kids will.

Mary- Bless you gal you've really worked hard today. Have something good for dinner then hit the couch..... Steve got my recliner on a temporary fix. I have to be very gentle with it.

OOO love those Larabars....

Candoit: (originally posted to ATS by accident)

BTW...I LOVE Sarah Palin. I don't see why everyone thought she was a whack. I thought she was great.

Do you live near Clayton?

Praying you will be able to make your decision on closing your shop. It is hard to to that, especially when people have so many comments...I had a moblie dog grooming business, that due to upkeep expenses was not profitable, and I had to give it up. I'm sure I was the talk of the town for a while. I did my grooming from home. I started grooming when my children were 3 & 5. It worked out well with there school schedule and outings. I know we had to make a lot of changes and cut back, but I don't regret giving up the $ for the time with my children.

Of course my retirement would be much better if I had worked full time with benefits since my children were young I wouldn't go back and change what I did. We didn't have the best brand of clothes or shoes, but my children made it through and are glad I was there for them.

As my aunt Grace always said, "keep the faith". Checked all the +'s and -'s. Would you be able to work from your home? I know with part time grooming my clients knew they had to schedule ahead of time every 6 - 8 weeks. That probably wouldn't work with your work being so seasonal. Isn't it great your ladies pay soo much in Watertown. Maybe its a status symbol?:dizzy:

Keep your chin up.;)

Sue

Hey, no Talitha today? Hmmmmm.... Makes one wonder.

Dinner went ok, but my blood sugar is way too high for what I ate. If I can't figure something out, I am going to have to start on insulin. I am not eager to do that, because it will make losing even harder. Sucks to be me sometimes.

Night! :wave:

I sure enjoy reading the boards.

YeeHaa = I made it throuh my day back to work. My back made out good sitting all day...I do get up and move around. So I would say my nerve block was a success, andthe acupuncture helped the sciatica. Thank the Lord. Did good today with eating, also did 15 min of stretching on PM break.:carrot:

Meowee: Keep bundled up.

Solly: Glad to meet you, keep your back in shape.

Ellen: The clean out plan was not so bad, I guess they have really improved it. And you don't remember anything of the procedure. Came home and had a really strange dream about adopting a 4 foot alligator, that talked. Didn't know what to name it but did ask if it was litter trained or had to go out side??:dizzy: The sure got a laugh at work about that one.

Good you went for a walk, and prayers for your daughters job interview.

Bob: Hi

Country: how are you doing?

Mary: You sure did work hard at the bakery. That would be a mess cleaning up flour dust etc. Good thing the smell was not good....

Talthia: How are things going. Hope you and are doing well!

Toni: corned beef and cabbage does sound great. I can almost smell it cooking.

Talk to you all later.:hug:

Oh YUCK . . . and that describes both our weather and how I feel about it. :lol:

Actually it's still fairly mild and the precipitation is alternating between rain and snow and everything is turning into a slushy, tacky mess now that the temperature is starting to drop. Oh well, can't say they didn't warn us.

Enough of my complaining . . . hope you all have a great day . . . :grouphug:

Hey, no Talitha today? Hmmmmm.... Makes one wonder.


Nothing. Sorry. And I ate REALLY bad yesterday, having a pitty party. I'm now 41 weeks and quite over this whole pregnancy business.:^:

OB appt showed no change. Baby girl is very high up and nothing is 'happening'. I'm hoping for this weekend. I have until next Thursday and then I will be induced or need to schedule another c-section. Hopefully I can be induced but I'm currently not 'favorable'. BUT, I won't be pregnant much longer either way, I suppose.

Tech- I'm so sorry about the shop. I know that must feel so discouraging!! (((HUG)))

Candoit61- I have a rice pack that I heat up and put on my back when I'm at the computer. It's wonderful. And a special support pillow. I'm glad your back did well going back!

Toni- I've never had corned beef. What is iit, really?

ATS- wow. That sounds like a great workout, really! Maybe I should scrub my floors to see if I go into labor.

meowee- I'm jealous of the snow, too. But not the sludge. Hope it clears up nicely.


Solly- We eat pretty healthy. I'm sure that portion control and exercise will be the key for me. I'm going to do the 3day this year and start training for it soon. If I could just get this baby out.... :)

Morning! Just finished my espresso and a Larabar. I have a friend coming over for lunch and I am making Massaman chicken for her. I will go easy on the rice.

I fired the kiln yesterday so I need to go unload it and glaze today. My friend will probably want to work some, as she is an artist(sculptor) and likes to work with clay and doesn't have a place to work. The kiln is full of teapots, so I am anxious to see how they turned out.

I still need to clean house and am procrastinating very creatively. sigh. :)

Will be back later! :wave:

Good morning all. Just having my first cup of coffee. And it tastes sooooo good. Slept like a rock last night and didn't want to get up. But in awhile I have a hair cut appointment finally and will need to get around. This will be our only warm day this week. So I need to take advantage of it. My corned beef turned out wonderful last night. The left overs make good sandwiches for Steve.

candoit- I'm glad you made it through the day. Hope today is good for you to.

meowee- Sorry you're not feeling great and you have sucky weather. It will turn cold later this afternoon. I think tomorrow is 0.

Talitha- Oh boy this baby just doesn't want to come out. You sound so miserable. Surely by the week end you'll have your new Eden. I sure hope so and you don't have to have a C section.

Ellen- Have a great day today and forget about the housework.....

Off for more coffee.....

Hi ladies,

Sorry I didn't get back yesterday. I am so busy plus trying to get everything done before I go on vacation too.

I slept horribly last night. Went to bed at 10:00, got up at 11:00 and watched TV, went back to bed, took a sleeping pill and was still awake at 2:00. Needless to say, I did not get up and go to the gym. Probably should have, I was awake anyway. Hope tonight is better.

Ellen, we are flying through Atanta. I have never flown our of there. I hear it is large and crazy. I hope we have enought time to catch our connecting flight. RA is so-so. Still have terrible numbness in my hands. Don't know if it is the RA or my herniated discs in my neck.

Toni, I got my hair cut Saturday, and it is way too short. She said my hair was fried so she had to cut it shorter. It will grow. Yes, I try to go at least 5 mornings each week.

Meowee, feel better.

Talitha, hope baby Eden comes soon.

Tech, I thought you said if you closed your shop, Derrick was making you get a job anyway. If that is the case, you should keep the shop. You are not a failure. You at least attempted your dream and it didn't work for reasons not under your control. So many people never attempt their dreams. You are a strong and wonderful person.

Crystal. Hope your day is going great.

Mary: Glad your back is better.

Got to run eat lunch. I am starving. Probably won't be on too much the rest of the week, other than a pop in. We leave Saturday morning for St. M

Good afternoon ya'll. Yesterday was a crazy busy day but things are back to normal (what ever that is.. :) )today. The chili turned out really well. I added a few pickled jalapeños into the mix. For my serving I also added some chiptole flavored tabasco sauce. I served it over a little brown rice to add texture. The boys left out the rice and had crackers.

Toni your corned beef sounds delicious. I haven't had it in years because of cost, but I do love it. If I were the only one eating it I could get away with it but Robert has a BIG appetite.

Solly...I can't wait for you to get back and tell us all about your trip. Sorry you haven't been sleeping well. Praying that you get sweet sleep tonight and wake refreshed in the morning.

Candoit..awesome that your back is holding up and you were able to stretch.

Mary..I'd love to share recipes with you. Mine are simple..now Ellen, she can cook. :)

Ellen...what is massaman chicken? I think having your own kiln is so cool.

Tech...((hugzz)) I worked for a season when my guys were much younger and it caused them so much stress because they were used to me being a home. I chose to quit the job and go back to a stay at home mom. I've never regretted it. There have been times when I've wondered because of financial woes but it always boiled down to being the right thing. You know you and yours and what will work best. It doesn't matter what mean things people might say. Hold your head high and know that you are a great mom.

Talitha...praying that your little one will come without having to be induced or c-sectioned.

Meowee...I'm cold just reading about your weather. :)

Hey BOB! ((hugzz)) Are you having a very busy week or are you hiding?

((Everybody)) Hang in there and know you are worth the effort.

God bless,
Crystle

Ellen, what do you put in your Masaman curry?

no baby yet but I have a gut feeling that it will be tomorrow or friday. Hoping!!! I feel excited. Went to the grocery store and stocked up like a good girl so now there's food in the house. Not sure what I'm going to make for dinner. Why can't kids feed themselves for once...

Frustration!

I went to work today and had absolutely NO customers. I've had a grand total of one customer in two days. BUT, I got my tax figures figured out, reworked my chapter one of the novel I have time to write now at the shop with no customers and started chapter two.

I was supposed to get my blazer inspected last night, but they cancelled because of the violent snow we were having. So, I'm getting that done tomorrow night instead. I drove to work in the truck and parked on the main street in front of the shop and when I went to get in the truck...nothing. The lights and everything work fine...I think its the starter. Meanwhile, my civic is in my driveway with an expired inspection AND brakes that are horrible and grinding like crazy. I haven't taken my cars to be inspected because we cannot afford the mechanics fees. So, my husband says he'll do all these things in the garage :rolleyes: . So, now he's telling me, "I don't know why you didn't take the cars in to Watertown to get inspected sooner." >( So, my friend, Marianne's, husband is a mechanic that does work on the side and he told us a month ago that he can do inspections at his buddy's shop. I took it to him three weeks ago and here we are...with my big bright red 2008 inspection sticker in my car that is broken down on main street. Tony (Marianne's husband) gets home at 7 and is going to help me get it off the street because there is no overnight parking in town in winter so the plows can do their job or I'll get a ticket. At this rate, one for the inspection and one for being in the road. THis is what happens when you have no money...it all spirals downhill and ends up costing you more because you're trying to save a buck. Anyhow, my husband thinks it needs a new starter...which the part alone will cost us what little grocery money we have to spend for the next two weeks. And my $8 I made in the last two days is not going to help at ALL. In fact, I have to put it towards the inspection that is taking three weeks. I have had bad luck with taking my car to be inspected because they always seem to find some stupid thing that may cause some emission and it will cost a ton of money to have it fixed...money we do not have at all. So, this is why we're doing the inspection on the sly. And I don't want to get the honda fixed because if we really go bankrupt, they'll just take it because the honda is the main reason we need to file for bankruptcy.

In the meantime, Shelley has a game tonight and she ended up getting a ride with the neighbors that are on the team, but this is three games in a row I've missed because I'm working or having car problems. I'm getting so friggen sick of this!!

Oh, and its exactly two degrees below zero and I'm TOO FAT FOR MY SNOW PANTS! I think my appendages are all going to freeze and snap off!!

And...Derek's in Buffalo. And yelling at me, I'm sure, out of frustration because he can't be here to help me. Which is understandable, but not helpful.

Okay...I'm too upset to eat dinner. TTFN!!

Oh, and it was 22 degrees below zero this morning. I love snow...but I really hate this north pole stuff.

Hi Everyone :grouphug:

We had really nice weather today....Cold,Crisp,Clean air with temps around 40 degrees. The Sun was so bright & all I could think of was God is soooo Amazing? It really made me appreciate how fortunate my life is as an American. Counting Blessings.:D

We are having Mexican stuffed shells tonight for dinner. Super simple to prepare & Heavenly to eat. Not that I'm Supposed to have them !!! I seriously need to prepare myself for my Candida Cleanse but.... I bought the Rena Greenberg Cds praying that hypnosis will work. :?:

Techwife: Sorry you are going through such a low time in your life. Please don't get discouraged...it will get better. Sending you Hugs.

Talithia: I hope little Eden comes soon. If she takes after you she'll be gorgeous.

Solly: Wishing you a very peaceful & deep sleep. Sweet dreams.

Crystle: Thanks for offering recipe swaps. Hope your day was Lovely. Also, my husband (Ron) eats huge portions and he's not over weight at all. Unfair !!

Toni: Did you make ruebens? They are so yummy. Hope your hair cut is fabulous.

Meowee: Are you staying warm? Wish I could see the snow you are getting.

Ellen: A Kiln sounds great. I love pottery. Do you know of an Artist near Atlanta ....her place is called Bird Creek Pottery. She sold some work @ the Atlanta Koi Show 2 yrs ago.

Sorry if I missed Anyone.

Blessings & Love to you all,
Mary

:p Well today was another good day, followed my foodplan, did streching. Had a good supper, new potatoes fried in my Turbo cooker (no oil) lean ham on the George Foreman and egg beaters southwestern (no oil) It really hit the spot.

I am trying to set goals for myself and some chores for when I come home. I don't get home until 6:30, so I can easily cheat or buy supper. I also enjoy 3FC and FitDay calorie counter and not get up and get any chores done:?:

So today I was successful, not to have a few more days in a row:dizzy:

Ellen: Your pottery sounds like so much fun.

Toni: Have a great day and the corned beef still sounds good. Adding that to my grocery list and cabbage.

Sally: praying for a healthy night sleep.

Meowee - sorry the weather has you down. Is the sun shining?

Talitha: have the nesting urge? Eden is resting and waiting for her day!

Mary: Hi

Techwife: So sorry you are so overwhelmed. It sure does seem like once your down, it keeps coming. Don't get angry at your hubby, I am sure he is stressed because he is not there with you, and it is hard to be much help when your far away. Hugs to you :hug:
:hug:

Sure hope I am not going on to much:?: Sure is good to share.

Touch base again tomorrow night, have to go switch the wash and clean up the kitchen.

Sue

Good grief am I doing awful...LOL I'm so mad at myself. Instead of making me a nice dinner with veggies and a salad I ate two chili dogs without the bun. That's what I was fixing Steve and before I could even think I had an awful dinner on my plate. I also got on the scale and it showed a 2 1/2 lb. weight gain since I was sick. I shouldn't have weighed when I was sick. I've got to do better and truly I'm trying. Just got to clean up my mistakes. I did make me a big mug of hot cocoa with splenda and skim milk and hershey's cocoa. It was so good and filling. Well tomorrow is a new day and I hope to awake with new vigor!!! A new outlook and not froze.......

Solly-I hope your vacation is just great. I didn't hear where you were going.

Crystle- Your chili sounds so good and comforting. Think I'll make a meat loaf tomorrow and maybe freeze one.

Talitha- Here's praying you have that baby soon....

Tech- Oh man I can't believe the string of bad luck you're having. Things have just got to get better. I'm so pulling for you....... :hug:

Mary- No didn't make yummy reubens. Saved the leftovers for Steve to have sandwiches.

Sue- Hope your eating stays good. Its so hard when you work. Do you have a crock pot. They're so good to let things cook away while your at work.

Well we're supposed to get down to 0 so here's hopeing no frozen pipes...

Evening buster buddies! I unloaded the kiln this morning and found only one casualty. A cracked handle on my favorite teapot! :( Oh well. This is life when you are a potter! So I glazed a load of stuff and the kiln is on now. It will make the garage nice and warm for the poor kitties when Tom tosses them out into the garage for the night.

For those who asked about the Massaman Chicken: I use a pre-made Massaman paste I found at a local Farmer's market. The ingredients are mainly spices- no MSG or weird funky chemicals. You mix the paste with coconut milk, add meat and simmer. It calls for potatoes in the recipe, and I do use one. It is really an easy recipe and sounds so complex and like I am a good cook or something. Now that my secret is out, you all are going to lose any admiration you had for me and my cooking abilities! :s:

It is time for bed, and I am pretty tired, so I am going to sign off and head to bed. Good night everyone!

I use the same paste. It's fantastic. I add potatoes, onions, peas and carrots, served over brown rice with avacado slices and cashews. No wonder I'm a fatty! LOL We make it ALOT. Like almost once a week.

Howdy ya'll. Ellen and Talitha, the chicken sounds delicious. I don't know if my hubby would eat it but I know I would. :)

Toni...I LOVE meatloaf. As soon as enough days have passed I'm gonna make one. I just made one last week so I think I'll have to wait until at least next week.

Mary...I had a great day yesterday. My back was healed enough to walk a slow 20 minutes. The sun was shining and it wasn't too cold, about 58 degrees. Next week it's going to be in the 70's again. I can't wait.

My grand baby is outside blowing bubbles so I think I'm gonna get off of here and try to catch her in action. :) The camera just loves her or is it her meemaw just loves her...LOL

God bless,
Crystle

Ellen and Talitha: Just knowing what these obscure dishes are makes you guys goddesses of the kitchen to me.

Okay...whine, whine, whine. Today we had a guy come fix our furnace...on the coldest day of the year. Derek came home from Buffalo and slept on the living room floor (he sets himself up nicely...don't feel sorry for him...I think he prefers the floor sometimes) to sleep next to the kerosene heater to keep an eye on it so we didn't all freeze. I tell ya...if its not one thing its another.

I got my truck towed by a chain by my friend, Marianne's husband and brought to his house. So, now I'm back to driving the honda with the horrible brakes and its too cold to have Derek change the pads on it. LIterally...it was minus 25 degrees here yesterday morning and somewhere in the teens below zero this morning. Derek's fingers will snap off! I'm not that into astrology, but I hope whatever planet is making things wrong for us scorpios soon leave us. Just when you feel like you've hit rock bottom, you soon realize it was just a shoal, fall off that and sink further.

I wonder if I can get that Massaman paste from the whole foods store here. I would really like to try that dish.

So, today was day three with one whole customer total for all three days. And at 2:15 today I had a customer call and want to come in tonight or tomorrow. Figures... Shelley has hockey practice tonight and tomorrow is my day off and I don't want to heat up the shop for one person....besides Derek and I have a lunch date (souvlakis!) and we're going to buy brake pads for the honda so that once it 'warms up' to 20 degrees on Saturday, he can change them, then we'll get it inspected. I talked her into a Saturday appointment

Good news is my novel is coming along nicely. I'm on page 9 of chapter two and my heroine is just about to be taken back in time on an antique boat through the 1000 islands to 1910! I can hardly wait to continue on it!

Hi Ladies

Thought I would check in qucikly while it is still calm here. Trying to get everything done and anticipate what needs to be done next week. I'm sure at 4:00 it will be crazy when I am trying to get out of here. We haven't packed, but will do it tonight. It was -1 this morning and I was at the store at 6:30 buying suntan lotion. I was loving it.

Toni, we are going to St Maarten for a week with a good friend that has a time share there.

Tech, sweetie, my heart breaks for you. I am sending many prayers your way to help you get out of this hole you are in. Keep your head up, try to keep a positive attitude, it can't hurt. Play the lottery!!!

Crystal, nothing better than a grandbaby blowing bubbles. I hope I get one soon. 70 degrees sounds like heaven. I need to move to Texas.

Talitha, hope today is the day. Good luck.

Ellen, sorry your pot was broken. What is the temp in Atlanta. Trying to figure out what to wear on the plane so I don't freeze when I leaver or burn up when I get there.

Sue, congrats on having a great day. Keep up the good work.

Mary, God is amazing and I will say that tomorrow when I see that beautiful Carribean ocean. 40 sounds so good right now.

OK, got to run. Have a great weekend and a good week. I will talk to you in a week. :hug:

just popping in to tell you all we're still doing the waiting game. I've got loads of laundry/dishes/cleaning to do before the kids get home but didn't want everyone thinking the 'no news is good news' thing :(

Going to Scalinis www.scalinis.com for the famous eggplant parmagiano for dinner. People swear it works..... we'll see.

:brr:

Beautiful sunny day today and we 'warmed up' to a balmy high temperature of -25C / -10F with now wind at all. This is definitely not normal for us. Our usual highs at this time of year are right around the freeezing mark. Supposed to be even colder tomorrow.

Finally got the new furniture arranged in my sunroom/family room and I think I'm going to like it once I get new blinds on all ten windows. I got rid of the couch completely and just have four large chairs now. Definitely a little different.

The cats know they hate it -- but cats are notorious for disliking any kind of change. I imagine they will get used to it too.

Have a good evening . . . :wave:

Good afternoon. We've had snow all day. Its a good day to be in and out of the weather. I've been curled up in my chair this afternoon. Its only 19 degrees so I'm not going anywhere. Made a meatloaf last night with baked sweet potato and a green salad. I only had one small slice of the meatloaf and it was so good. Tonight is leftover veggie soup. I'm trying to drink more water. Its so hard in the winter but know I need it.

Ellen- wonder if you're working on pottery today. How was your day yesterday.

Talitha- Oh my gosh I love eggplant. Hope it works..... I know you're getting desperate there. LOL Come on baby.......

Tech- Hope you got your heater fixed. I'm praying you are having a better day today....

Solly- Good bye girl. Have a great time......

Meowee- Bet your family room looks great....

Off to curl back in the blanket...

Afternoon! I have been busy all day, and have not checked in. I baked a cake for the shower, and it fell, so I had to make another. The replacement looks great, so I am relieved and pleased.

I made a cookie jar for my shower gift, but when I opened the kiln yesterday, it had cracked. I am pretty bummed. I am going to wrap it up anyway, and tell her I will make her a replacement as soon as possible.

I have not worked in a few days. I really don't want to. The garage is SO cold right now! I hope the weather warms up a bit. It is colder here than it has been in something like 15 years. I am ready for spring!

I am so jealous of Solly.... :) I need some friends with time shares in the Caribbean! I have Jamaican friends, who keep saying we should go to Jamaica with them, but we never plan it. Right now, I would settle for Florida.

HEY, BOB! What is the weather like in Sarasota?

Stay warm my friends! Tomorrow is the shower here. There will be 30 to 40 folks here and I will probably not get the chance to check in until late, or maybe even Sunday morning.

:wave:

Howdy ya'll. Not much going on in my neck of the woods. The microwave did decide to blow up the other day. It is amazing all the little things you do with your microwave. My hubby has assured me we will survive without it but I'm tempted to not test that theory and get a little one.. :) I don't mind not being able to zap water or potatoes but warming up already cooked food on the stove is a bit odd still. About the time he wants to rewarm his coffee, he might change his mind..LOL I'm looking forward to this weekend. My little church group is starting a new study on Sat. We get together study and eat. Luckily several of the other couples that go are trying to eat healthier so we'll have better choices than in the past. Healthier would be a more accurate word than better because the food is also too GOOD. :)

((Everybody)) I hope you are encouraged in your journey to good health. I think it is so awesome that we are able to keep on trying regardless of how many times we have fallen off the wagon or slipped up. We are never disqualified and also have the opportunity to keep in the race. Praying each of you has a FANTASTIC weekend.

God bless,
Crystle

:carrot: Were is everyone.....

Having my best friends over for dinner tonight...going to control my self and have 6 oz of sirloin, salad, calluiflower and green beans. Mary is bring dessert, which will not be sugar shakers friendly. But it will be good to visit with them, maybe play a board game or cards. Mary's brother has had cancer for 3 years and she is his caregiver. It has been a stressful 2 weeks for her, so games and laughter will be good.

It is -12 here is AM and yesterday. But the son is out:) I feel so bad for the little birds at the feeder and sitting on the porch railing trying to keep warm. They almost have both tube feeders empty, and my hubby said I even hate to bundle up and go out to fill them. It is good just sitting at the table and watching the birds. The yellow finches turn a drab brown for the winter, can't wait to see that yellow come back.

Praying for Talitha that Eden will come soon.

Techwife: Hope the day is looking bighter for you and you have a good weekend.:hug: Just picked up that you are writing a book and you mentioned antique wood boat, we have one of those, a 1958 Pen Yan 16 ft run about. That's why we stopped in Clayton to see the boats.

Hi to all, come on board and chat.

Sue

Oh my, you must get another microwave . . . between the microwave and my oversize toaster oven, I seldom use the big oven anymore.

Well it's really, really, really cold and sunny again today. But the cold snap should be ending soon. For Monday they are predicting another six to 8 inches of snow and temperatures just below the freezing mark.

Have a good weekend, gang . . . :wave:

Good late morning. I slept in today and am just having my first cup of coffee. I'll be staying in today as the snow is covering our road and hill to get out of here. But looks like its melting. Hope by Monday its gone. Guess I should do some laundry today and get that caught up.

Ellen- You were sure busy with the cake and cookie jar. What a wonderful gift. Don't get to tired with a houseful.

Crystle- Oh boy hope you get another microwave. They're so handy for those heat up jobs. Of course everything happens right after the holidays.

Sue- Sounds like you have a wonderful evening planned. Enjoy......

Meowee- We've got another cold front coming in tomorrow with possible snow. So our weather isn't great either. But its sure melting today and is 34.

Have a great Sat.

Hi Everyone :grouphug:

It has been a very busy two days. We had company up from Fla. He was freezing his buns off. He couldn't wait to get back home. Hilarious!!! Also, worked on a Budget to get ALL our debts paid off by Oct without lowering our Tithe. Never do that again!!!

I still have not been able to start my Cleanse. It will happen.

Crystle: Microwaves are so handy. Hope you are blessed with one very soon.

Toni: In Fall/Winter I like to drink hot water. It helps. Have a great weekend.

Meowee: We would love to have 6-8 inches of snow this winter. There's a slim chance for flurries tomorrow...keeping my fingers crossed. Take Care & Stay warm.

Ellen: Sorry your Cookie jar had a crack. Have a wonderful shower & Enjoy your friends.

Talithia: Praying baby Eden will come NOW. God Bless You.

Solly: ENJOY

Techwife: Praying you are having a calm weekend & that you recieve a huge tip tomorrow.

Blessings to you all,
Mary

Good Morning . . . :wave: . . . Hope everybody has a delightful Sunday.

Just popping in to say howdy. I slept in late today so everything is behind and I don't care. Thawed out some chicken breasts for dinner.

Mary- Wish I could send you the snow we had Friday.....


Meowee- Happy afternoon....

Hey Kiddo's,

I'm still here, just have to get back in the swing of coming by! I'll try to get on that tomorrow!

Oh...we've had the heat on for two weeks down here. It was in the 30's the other night!

BOB

Hi gang . . . :grouphug:

Think you are sending us your weather BOB . . . after a few days of definite deep freeze, we are well above the freezing mark (almost 40F) at first light this morning. It is pouring rain right now and the bad news is, that the temperatures are supposed to start dropping back to below freezing by this afternoon. Most of the schools have been closed in anticipation of the nasty road conditions that will be with us by 'go-home' time this afternoon.

I am definitely glad that I don't have to go anywhere today . . . one of the joys of being an ORF . . . guess I'll do some laundry. :lol:

Hope everybody else has a great day . . . :wave:

Happy Monday morning everybody. I hope you had a great weekend. We opted to not get the microwave and to save the funds for now. I think once I get used to it being gone I won't miss it. I'm fixing to throw some spaghetti squash in the oven. I usually zap it..LOL But I know it is going to taste better out of the oven. A friend is coming over and I am actually going to get my booty in gear and take a walk. I've used my back and the cold weather to be lazy. I really want to get the scales moving again and I know exercise is the key. I get get to move the ticker one pound last week. :)

I hope everyone has a SUPER week this week. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are worth the time and effort to be the healthiest you that you can be. May you be encouraged, strengthened and filled with joy this week. Those who are in colder climates I pray you are safe and warm.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Good morning. Have a doctor appointment today so will have to start getting around soon. Will have to make Steve something to eat first. I'm so happy Steve got my treadmill dug out so I can start walking on it. I'm like Crystle I need to get moving to lose some weight.

Bob- Have a good start gal. You can do this. Yep back up on the wagon!

meowee- Hope you have a good indoor day.

Crystle- Enjoy that walk. I'll try for mine on the treadmill this evening.


Enjoy the day.....

Good afternoon, everyone! The shower went great! There were about 35 folks who came. The last ones left at 12:20! I was exhausted yesterday and today, and am just now finding time to sit down and post.

The weather has warmed up a bit here, which is nice. I don't feel like I am freezing when I go out now.

Tonight, Tom has a session meeting at church, and I am fixing Thai food for James and I. Laura got some nice take out for her and Justin to celebrate some anniversary. They went on a picnic. (I personally think they are nuts, as it is rather chilly for a picnic, but no one asked me! :) )

Hmm, no Talitha. Makes me wonder!

I am supposed to be keeping an eye on the baby while Laura and Justin are gone, so I better go.

:wave:

Woo hoo I did it I walked on the treadmill today. I can't believe it.

Ellen- I'm wish you where is Talitha... Bet shes having that baby.... Your party sounds like it was a success. Is James still traveling with his job?

Way to go Toni! How cool that you were able to use your treadmill. We had a wonderful walk outside. It was a bit windy but it was warm. After the walk we had a yummy lunch and made salsa. Tonight I made mexican turkey meat loaf. It was pretty good. It would have been better if I hadn't forgotten the salt. :)

The dogs are barking like crazy. My neighbor told me her dogs were barking at coyotes the other night...ugh. I really don't like them that close.

I hope ya'll are having a nice evening. The boys are being good and I'm watching some old dvr'd shows so it's a nice night here.

God bless,
Crystle

Morning! Today I am taking dinner to a family in our church. He lost his job back in May and has not been able to find another. So the church is helping them out with meals for a few weeks. They love Thai, so I am taking the Massaman chicken to them.

I will probably take a walk today as I am babysitting, and he LOVES to go for walks.

I will check in later! :wave:

Hi Everyone :grouphug:


Had a very LAZY few days. Sat on my bum eating pizza & catching up on shows. It is cold here today...around 23 degrees. We had flurries last night but nothing stuck. Sooooooooo disappointing.:(

I have been reading up on my Candida book but still a bit confused. I think I'm just going to follow Gillian McKieths' book & adjust for foods that aren't allowed. Any comments or Suggestions? I'm setting the goal of starting on Sunday. Time to break out the Cellerciser.

Love & Hugs to all,
Mary

Our weather has pretty much returned to normal -- temperature highs just a few degrees below freezing but, unfortunately, less sunshine, too.

Hate to complain, but I've done very little for the past couple of days except take too much Tylenol and sleep a lot. May take this (what I'm pretty sure is an) SI problem to the walk-in clinic tomorrow since I know it will take me about 2 weeks to get in to see my own doctor.

Well that's definitely enough about that . . . have a good evening, gang . . . :wave:

Good afternoon. Have been watching the new president most of the day. I just got off the treadmill for today. Whoopie two days in a row. I've made a pot of ham and beans for dinner. Its brrr cold here.

Crystle- Did you have leftover meatloaf today. I love it on sandwiches. Did you get out and walk?

Ellen- What a nice church you belong to. I'm sure the family is so grateful for the food.

Mary- I hope you get the eating going on right. Its so hard till you get used to it.

meowee- Hope you get to the clinic and get some help so you'll feel better...

Got to go check my beans....

Evening! We got great news today! The family I was taking the meal to...the husband got a job today! It is a good one too. We are all so excited for him.

I cooked all day. Tonight, I make some ciabatta bread. James likes it for sandwiches and it is VERY expensive. It turned out good. I am trying it again, this time with whole wheat. I hope it is good, so I can have it some.

My eating was not good today. I nibbled as I cooked, and ate too much.

It was very cold today, so we did not get a walk in. I feel rather like a slug! :(

It is about time for bed, so I will close and get ready to retire! :) Sweet dreams!

:wave:

Just popping in. Have to go fix lunch in a minute. Nothing new here. Still just having coffee and watching Rachel Ray. Think I'll do laundry today and of course want to walk on the treadmill. Should have done that earlier.

Ellen-Thats so great that guy got a job. I think I just may make some kind of taco salad for dinner.

Well hope somemore ladies get here today. Wonder if Solly is having a ball on her vacation...

Good afternoon ya'll. I just got back a bit ago from walking with a friend. She keeps me on my toes...LOL It was so beautiful outside how could I not get out for a bit. I only had some peanut butter before I went so when I got home I was plenty hungry. I ate an avocado with a little chipotle hot sauce on it. In a bit I'm going to make some spaghetti.

Ellen...I'm so happy for your friend. Praise God for the new job. I hope your bread comes out good. If so, please share the recipe. I make a mostly whole wheat biscuit with olive oil and it is so tasty. The little bit of white flour keeps my guys happy.

Toni...naw no meatloaf left. Two pounds makes enough to feed us all once and a lunch for Robert. :) It did turn out well though. Had I not forgotten the salt it would have actually been good. LOL

Tech...((hugzz)) Hope things are starting to look up for you.

Bob...Hey you. I sure miss you.

Meeowee...I hope you feel better soon.

Sue...((hugzz))) I hope ya'll are having a good week.

Ohhh Mary, pizza sounds SO good. I'm thinking seriously of making a whole wheat pizza if I can think of some yummy toppings without all the cheese. That is going to be hard because I LOVE cheese.

Guess I'd better get off my hiney and get moving.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Woo Hoo I walked on my treadmill today. Thats 3 days in a row. I'm so proud of me. I hate it but I'm sure it will get better. I must do this...... I also lost 1/2 lb. this week. Not great but better than gaining. Hopefully next week will be better. Guess I'd better get in there and cook my taco meat.

Crystle- Good for you getting your walk in. What a beautiful day it was here for a walk. We're having a break in the weather for the next couple of days.

Good to see more on back on the board ;)

I have been doing well, stretching my back and I started going down from the 4th floor at work and walking back up. Then I go and do some back exercises.

I don't do well counting calories and following a regiment. Yesterday was bad. I read a post from Solly or Ellen a while back about just following Sugar Busters and not being so tuff on yourself. So today I ate correctly and didn't do calorie counting. Slow and steady would be better than driving myself crazy with a strict programing.

Well enough about me.

Meowee, sure hope you get feeling better. Sometimes our bodies need the down time, even though its hard to stay down.

Toni, ham and beans sound great! Are you talking about hame and greenbeans or beans like bean soup? 3 days on treadmill .. good going:carrot:

Ellen, so great your part of helping the family, and great news that the man got a job...its good to help and be involved in an active chruch group.

Ellen, your bread sounds good. Some times its hard not to pick, especially when you are busy cooking. Keep going and hopefully the weather will get better. We are closer to April then we were in November.

Crystle, enjoy your warm weather and being able to go out side walking. It just made 20 degrees here today.

Techwife, Praying thing are going better.

Anyone hear from Talitha?

Blessings to all:hug:

Sue

WTG Toni! Three days in a row is something I'm still just dreaming about, I'm SO lazy sometimes. :) And half a pound down is great..anything that isn't a gain is awesome.

Sue...I'm so glad your back is doing better. If I could share some of this wonderful weather I would. The next two days are going to be in the mid 70's. A cold front is suppose to come through after that but at least it isn't an artic front so it should only drop about 10 degrees or so. Texas winter weather is crazy. You can be freezing one day and need short sleeves the next. :)


God bless,
Crystle

Good Morning . . . :grouphug:

Any Biggest Loser fans should be sure to take a look at the Announcement at the top of the Forum page -- they are looking for participants, gang -- so, if you are interested you know what to do. :yes:

Nothing exciting for me today. Already spent too much time cleaning up the latest 'cat'astrophe. They were busy during the night and turned over a couple of chairs and the under-sink garbage can. Hey, life is never boring around here. :lol:

Back is still bothering me, but not quite as badly -- do you think I might be getting old? Hmmmmm? No, never going to happen. :no:

Have a fun day everybody . . . :carrot:

Good afternoon everyone. Went to lunch with a friend today. I didn't eat well. I had a fish sandwich and slaw. Don't know why I didn't get something healthier. Old habits I guess. Its wonderful weather out today. It feels so warm like spring.

Sue- I made bean soup. It sure was good. Hope I get 4 days on the treadmill. Boy I can't count calories. It makes me crazy. Sounds like you're getting some good exercise at work.

Crystle- Hope you're having a good day today.

Meowee- I love the Biggest Loser show. It would be great to be on there. How are you feeling?

Yippee I did it walked on my treadmill for day 4. One more day this week....

Hey everyone. I've logged in several times this week and just not been able to actually post. Eden was born at 1:59 on sunday after 43 hours (((faint))) of laobr, 14 of which was on pitocin (no drugs!!). Unfortunately, it did end in a c-section but I'm still thankful I gave it one he#$ of a shot! The recovery has been much harder than the others, most likely because of how intense the 43 hours before were. Eden did end up in the NICU for 2 days but she's doing well now.
Anyway, we are getting meals every other night for the next 2 weeks, so I'm not going to worry about being OP for that. I did make a big batch of grilled chicken and a huge pot of 0 Point soup today so that I have those around to munch on. As well as boiled eggs, cheese sticks, fruit and oatmeal. I should be good.

Anyway, I haven't been able to read up on everyone. I just keep trying to update you all and wanted to finally get to it. I'll get back into the swing of things over the next few days.

I had a good day today, planned my healthy meals, didn't count calories..took a walk at break... I just bought the Sugar Busters paperback and reviewed some info from Rick Gallops GI index.

So glad for you all :hug: Have been going through old posts. Very helpful.

Toni: Good going 4 days :carrot: Ham & bean soup sounds good. I'll have to find a GI recipe.

Crystle: Thanks for sending some warmer weather our way, at least for a couple days.

Meow: Sure hope your back gets feeling better.

Talitha: Congratulations, hugs to Eden. Take it easy and enjoy your time with help and meals coming in. That's a Blessing.

Off to bed, have a great Friday to all ;)

Morning Ladies. I had my nanogreens and a boiled egg for breakfast. It was good, but I got hungry again and just ate one of my Godiva Dark Chocolate Truffles as a 'snack' (bang head). I've said I would allow myself ONE a day, but usually save it for the afternoon when I'm curled up with a book. None this afternoon. Travis bought them for me when I was in the hospital and I'm stretching them out. I think there were 12 and I've had 4.
I'm compiling a list of 'standard staples' for our foods. For some reason I decided to start with snacks. So here is a list of snacks that I want to always have on hand for us. We mostly eat whole unproccessed foods so any suggestions would be great :)

SNACKS
string cheese
boiled eggs
plain yogurt with all fruit spread to mix in
raw almonds
popcorn (not microwave, and I'll mostly make it for the kids)
apples or other fruit
protein balls (I make these)
trailmix
Veggies (carrots, celery and cucumber are our standards, with ginger dip)

Oh! I got on the scale this morning and I was 210. That's 5 lbs less than my prepregnancy weight. Not bad for only 5 days out with lots of the water and belly to still go down over the next few days.
I'm going to go have a bowl of my veggie soup and mix in a little chicken for protein.

Morning! I am sorry I was MIA yesterday. I went up to my daughter's house and helped her get the nursery ready. We rearranged some furniture, and taped the trim and painted two and a half walls. Tom and I are going up there tomorrow to finish the painting and help her set up the crib and changing table. Her husband is in school full time, and working full time, so he is feeling overwhelmed and stressed. She also works, and is feeling stressed out about getting things ready. It was fun to help, so I am looking forward helping finish it tomorrow.

Tonight we are having dinner with a young couple we know from church. She told me they eat low GI, so I am expecting the meal to be ok. I have a friend coming for lunch, and I still have not totally decided what to fix. I need to get going on that. :)

TALITHA: I am glad to hear Eden is here. You failed to tell us how much she weighed, etc. I am glad you got to try for a natural birth, but I am thankful for the medical technology that is there when you need it. Rest! I hope you will post some pictures.

I need to go figure out lunch. :wave:

HI! I guess this is THE thread to post on. Not much going on in the board. I'm new in the sugar busters thread. I was doing ww in the fall, but didn't lose anything except a lot of money. After I stopped counting, I went crazy for sugar. Even making up trips to walgreens so I could get a reeses. I've been slowly coming down this week. Yesterday, I was down to one sugar item. None so far today.

I'm having a little trouble figuring out what to eat that feels satisfying to me. But, it's a work in progress. I'll just have to see what I can tolerate or what I can't. I've switched to soba noodles instead of regular pasta. I'm not a big pasta and bread eater, but my kids are noodle freaks.

I'll try to read back through this month's post. I guess I should post a bio, too.

Hi,Everyone :grouphug:

I just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. I will not be posting for a few more days. I was in an automobile accident & I'm really sore. Any you who......

Hope you all are well & having great success. God is WONDERFUL !!!

Blessings,
Mary


P.S.
Talithia Congratulations !!! Enjoy your time with Baby Eden. I bet she's gorgeous. Love the way babies smell :D

Good afternoon. Congratulations Talitha. Your snack list looks wonderful. That is an area I need to work on for the kiddos. I took the junk out but didn't replace it with much. I know they would love some of the things on your list.

Mary...praying you recover quickly from your accident. ((hugzz))

Toni..you are the woman! WTG with walking 4 days in a row. I'm hoping come spring I'll be that faithful again. A friend and I are suppose to walk in a little bit. That will put me at 3 this week. I need to walk because the ladies from church are coming over for "Ladies Night Out" and of course we are eating...LOL :)

Wendyland..nice to meet you. Congratulations on working the sugar out of your diet. You'll find the things that you like and that work in no time.

Ellen..that is nice when your friends eat low GI also. As a group my church is trying to eat healthier but there are still those that love the desserts...oh it is so hard sometimes and I'm not even a big sweet eater.

Sue...you are doing great. It helps to not have to worry so much about calories but eating healthy. I tend to eat too much so I do journal and sometimes I wish I didn't have to bother. :)

Bob and Tech...miss you guys.

Well, I have some last minute things to get ready so I'd better get off. I hope each of you has a FANTASTIC weekend.

God bless,
Crystle

Just dropping in. We went and did a huge grocery shopping today and then took our truck to the shop to be fixed. The temp. is dropping so its getting cold here. I'm pooped and didn't get to walk on the treadmill tonight. I've only had some roasted chicken to eat.

Talitha- Congraduations on that new baby girl. Sorry about the C section. Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Wendy- Welcome aboard its good to have you here posting....

Ellen- How cool to go out to a dinner thats just made for Sugar Busters.... Have a nice time.

Mary- How awful I'm so sorry you had an accident. Get well soon.

Crystle- 3 days is great. Hope you can do that next week...

Okay I'm off to relax and maybe have a glass of wine.

Toni - I'm from MO, but a ways from you. I'm in St. Louis. I know where Eminence is. We canoe a lot, so we know the towns near rivers. Although, I don't get out much since we had the last baby.

I had a really hard time last night. It seems like I've been fine in the morning, but start to get bad withdrawal headaches as the night went on. Hopefully, that will be the worst of it. I'm sure everyone is ready for me to be less crabby. I've also been extremely hungry the last couple of days. My stomach growls like crazy. I'll be glad when my body gets used to the changes.

I read the ebook on firstourselves.com. It is so helpful.

Good afternoon. Have to go wash a pile of dishes and then I'm going to make some bread. I got a late start today. Because I stayed up so late. Nothing else planned for today. Thawing out the meat to make a type of taco salad for dinner.

Wendy- Hello Missouri lady. We have lots of canoeist here in the summer. Winter is pretty quiet. We just live a few feet from the Jacks Fork River. Make sure you're not eating any white stuff. Pasta, rice, bread and only 100% whole grain. It will help get rid of those cravings. That's cool you could read the book online.

Well I'd better get busy or take a nap. LOL.....

Howdy ya'll. We had a very busy day but I was able to sneak in another walk with my friend. We even took a small hike in the woods. If I hadn't had pizza tonight I would feel a lot better about my eating this week. But over all it really was a good week with four days of exercise.

I hope each of ya'll has a fantastic Sunday.

God bless,
Crystle

Today is very, very cold but dry and sunny and my silly SI problem enjoys this a lot more that yesterday's dull and damp above freezing weather. Strange. I never thought I'd be able to say I like colder better. :dizzy:

Hope everybody has a great Sunday . . . :grouphug:

Hello everyone. Just having my coffee. Not much to talk about today. Think I might make some chicken soup today with dreamfields pasta. I saved the bones and stuff from my rotisserie chicken and some meat so I'll use that. It will be good on this cold day.

Crystle- Yippee you made it 4 days too. Wish my eating was a little better too. Have a happy day.....

Meowee- Glad you're feeling a little better. Have a great Sunday....


Will check back later.

I went to the movies today. I really wanted to kick my friend that was drinking her soda. It was diet, which I hate, but still. I'm not a huge soda drinker, but there are certain places that trigger the urge to drink one.

I want to say thanks to everyone on here for being an inspiration. I can't wait until I can say I've been sugar-free for weeks or months or years. That's awesome!

I better go put the baby to bed.

Good Morning . . . :wave:

Luckily I've never been much of a soda (we call it 'pop') drinker. Probably one diet soft drink every week or two is my normal intake. I honestly like water. Also coffee which I unfortunately cannot drink without half and half in it. :s: I do like it without sweetener though.

Not much going on around northeastern Nova Scotia today -- it's another frightfully cold (-20C/-4F) day -- but it is nice and blue and sunny out there. Good day to be inside looking out. :yes:

Hope everybody else is having a good one. :grouphug:

Sorry I didn't' make it in yesterday. We were out shopping and when we got back our friend's neighbor's house was on fire. The volunteer firemen arrived quickly and my husband volunteered for 8 years so he was able to lend a hand. My older boy was also able to lend a hand taking things out of the house. God is so good, the mom was able to get her and the babies out. The fireplace became too hot and ignited the house. It was an older frame house to it took off pretty quickly. It didn't burn to the ground but is now unlivable.

I ate WAY too much this weekend and slipped off the wagon Sat. night with some pizza. I think I am back on track today. So far I've had my fiber..ugh..LOL I'm thinking a nice salad later if I can get off my lazy hiney and make it. It's not overly cold outside but it's cloudy and yucky. A cold front is gonna blow through and get things really chilly in the next day or two.

I hope each of you is having a good Monday so far.

God bless,
Crystle

Good afternoon. We're preparing for some bad weather here. Lots of ice. I'm dreading it. I did go to the store and got a nice roast to make tomorrow. Our little market was showing signs of people stocking in. Its just 27 here now. Hope to walk on my treadmill today. And get another 4 days in.

Wendy- It would be hard to not eat at the movies. I'm bad about drinking diet soda. Root Beer is my favorite.

Meowee- Sounds like a good day for a good book and a pot of soup....

Crystle- That's sad about your neighbors house. But what a blessing she got everyone out. I'm having a hard time with my eating to. Hang in there.

Good morning! I apologize for being MIA the last couple days. Life has been busy!

We went to our daughter's on Saturday- its about 45 min. from here- and helped finish the nursery. We painted, then the guys put the furniture together and arranged the room. It is all ready now, so she can relax. Just three weeks left!

Sunday we had company. An old high school friend of our son's and his Japanese wife and their two year old came for dinner. The wife is expecting in 6 weeks, and is going to Japan to stay with family for a few months. We really enjoy them, and wanted to see her before she left.

Last night we had a dinner for a couple from church who are moving. I only ate salad since I was not sure about the rest of the food. I find if I eat a very light dinner, I have a better chance of losing, so I am trying to stick to that.

I am supposed to take dinner to a family tonight, but I may beg off and take it in a few weeks. I have my grandson today, as my daughter starts her new job. She works until 8 tonight. I am glad she found a job, but I am not going to like the hours, I am afraid.

Speaking of the grandson..he just woke up so I need to go get him up. I will try and get back later for replies!

:grouphug:

Hi Everyone! I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I've just been distracted...

Saturday was a great day for me...I was in from 10 - 7 and did three haircolors, one perm and intermittent haircuts thoughout the day and brought in over two hundred dollars! :woohoo: I'm still short on my rent, but I also still have a week to go and another Saturday, so I should be able to make it. "Should" being the key word.

This is Shelley's LAST week of hockey...assuming they don't win one of the two games they have left this week...otherwise they go to the playoffs. :rolleyes: This would be okay for me if I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AND DIDN'T HAVE A BIG RED STICKER IN MY WINDOW. 2009's inspection stickers are blue, so any cop near me will see the red 2008 sticker in my windshield and know that my inspection is grossly past-due and will nail me. I had Derek drive me to Watertown yesterday and get me my brake pads for the back brakes (they seem fine to me, but my friend's husband...who is doing the inspection for me...says they need to be replaced) and I should have the inspection taken care of by the weekend. Its weird. He doesn't work at the place doing the inspection, but his next-door neighbor does and he said he'll take it in to get inspected. Funny thing is that Tony (the guy fixing it) is all weird about it, like "Well, I have to see if Bub will do it, but I have to wait till the right time to ask him and make sure I don't bother him" etc, etc. Its like the mafia is inspecting my car! The brake pads cost me $20 and its free labor (actually, he's taking a junked truck in my driveway for payment for this and other things he's done to our Blazer...which is a win/win because I HATE having that truck in my driveway), but its such a pain having to wait this long. He started working on my truck a month ago and I'm getting an ulcer driving it around with that sticker in the window! But with no money, what are we to do? Shelley has mid-terms this week and I have to drive to pick her up early when her tests are done for the day and I'm so panicked the cop will nail me.

So, I was goign to do a list of replies, but my phone has been ringing off the hook all morning, so now I have to go get ready for work. ...yay...

But I do have one comment for Talitha: your little somethin-somethin has been sent out from Watertown and shoulld be there soon. I hope it fits her head! They grow so fast! Post a pic of her wearing it if you can! Congrats!!

Okay...the shower has my name on it! TTFN!!

Oh...and quickly, I'm thinking of raising my prices as follows:

Haircuts: Currently $8...changing to clipper cuts still $8 (they're so easy and quick) scissor cuts $12Haircut/blowdry: Currently $16...changing to $20Perms: Currently $40 changing to $50Color: Currently $35/$45 with hightlights changing to $45/$55 with highlightsHighlights (whole head): Currently $50 changing to $60
7-foil highlights (just around the front and crown): $15 changing to $20

Do you think that this is too high an increase? I had haircuts at 12/20 when I started, but my husband talked me into the $8 haircuts last winter because the barber in the next town did haircuts for $8, but I think if you charge too little, it makes people think they're getting a 'cheap haircut', which isn't always a great thing. Like, I think a lot of people think that paying more for a haircut means they're getting a better haircut...just like having your haircut by a pretty/ more stylish person means your haircut is better. No matter how perfect your haircut is, if a frump did it, some people don't like it as much. Bare facts...I've been doing this a long time and when I've worked with a gaggle of girls, the pretty ones with no talent have all the clients, whereas the frumpy ones struggle to keep a clientele.

Anyhow...whaddya think?

How are ya'll this morning? Me, I'm doing pretty good. I should be in there making the guys breakfast but I'm moving slow. :) My wheat came in yesterday and I moved it a couple of times before I got it put up so my back is not very happy with me. It's hard to admit moving 50 pounds is a problem when a few years ago I could do it all day llong..okay not all day long but you know what I mean. LOL

Tech..your prices sound fair to me. Even raising them they are cheaper than in my area. And you are also correct about when things are priced too low. My in-laws used to sell biker gear and other things at rallies and they tried to be fair and have low prices. Well, the other vendors were making a killing with their higher prices items. When my in-laws raised their prices they began to start selling more things also.

Ellen...praying that you have a great day with your grandson and the new work hours won't be too hard on you. ((hugzz))

Toni...Were you able to walk yesterday on your treadmill? From the looks of the weather and my motivation this week I think it's going to be a non-walking week.

Solly...are you back and catching up from your vacation? If you are I hope you had a blast.

Bob...bob...bob...hey you...sure miss you.

Sue and Mary..I hope ya'll are doing okay this week. ((hugzz))

Meowee...hope you are staying warm. :)

Wendyland...praying this week gets easier for you with the cravings.

As much as I'd like to sit here and wile away the day I guess I'd better start my daily chores.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Crystle - your prayers and mine worked. I felt good yesterday and great
today. My hunger is much less, too. I'm also stopping when I'm full. That's awesome!

techwife - I also think your prices sound good. You have me thinking. I cut my ex-husband's hair with clippers once in a while. I should start charging him. ha ha

Hi Ladies,

We are back, just in time for 2" of snow and ice. Expecting 3-8" more tonight. Yuk! To be back in the 85 degree temps and a drink in my hand. We had a great time. Different than what we are used to, but fun.

Of course work is piled high.

Tech, I think your price raise is reasonable. Hope it brings you more work and more money.

Ellen, Enjoy keeping your grandson. They grow up so quickly. I envy you.

Crystal, I am so glad your friend and her family were ok. Fires are so horrible. Did they lose a lot?

Meowee, it's not a good day to even look out here. All you see is white or dirty snow. With more to come.

Toni, I guess you are sending us all this junk. Sounds like you got more ice than we did, but ours is coming today.

Wendyland, Welcome, Guess you came on boards while I was on vacation.

Talitha, I assume congrats are in order and all is well with your new baby.

Got to run. Have a great day. Tak to you tomorrow.

Brrrrr.... Missouri is covered in sleet. We've got like 4 inches of it on our porch. So we're stuck in here for days. Its a mile uphill to get out of our place. I tell you we live in the woods. I got up this morning and put a roast in the crockpot. I'll put potatoes in for Steve in a bit. I'll make broccoli and salad with it. Other than that I'm going to have a nice lazy day.

Ellen- You've been very busy. And now the babysitter. You'll be beat tonight. Good going on the eating...

Tech- Wow you had a great Sat. I hope you have another one like it. I think your new prices are great. Sounds like our prices back here in the woods of Missouri. So those are very reasonable. Hope you get your car inspected soon...

Crystle- I didn't walk yesterday but hope to today sometime. I'm really sorry I didn't. I have no excuse. Oh boy how bout some good whole wheat bread now.

Wendy- I'm so glad you're feeling better.

Have a good warm happy day.

shhhhh..I covered my big red sticker with a blob of snow. I hope nobody notices...

We're off to hockey practice!! GO PURPLE GHOSTS !!

:wave:

Another good article on sugar addiction that I thought you might like to read . . . http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/food_and_nutrition/food-addiction.html . . . bottom line is, of course, something we already know -- fill up on the low GI foods and avoid the high GI ones.


TECH, I think you can definitely underprice yourself right out of business. You need to stay competetive and that may mean being a little bit below the going price that others are charging, but just a little. Good Luck.

Still cold and sunny around here, but not quite as cold as yesterday -- bet we are working our way up to another snow storm.

It was SO cold this morning. :) It takes the body awhile to get used to the temperature swings. It was 70 and beautiful yesterday and today it's 37...LOL I hope ya'll are safe and warm where you live. I know there has been some really nasty weather out there.

The store had some awesome pork butts on sale for only a dollar a pound so I'm gonna throw one in the oven later with some garlic, peppers and onions. It is an easy meal and it will actually make 3 to 4 meals so it is a win win.

Meowee...thank you for the link I can't wait to check it out.

Toni...I'm sorry you are iced in but glad you are home safe and not out on the roads. Wheat bread sounds good. I love the way it taste right after you grind the wheat. I've made noodle before but never with the wheat. I look forward to giving that a try. If they are as good as the bread and tortillas it will be worth the effort.

Solly...welcome back! They lost their house but most of their things were salvageable. The guys pulled a lot out while it was on fire.

Wendyland...Praise God! I'm so glad it is getting easier for you. ((hugzz))

Talitha...I hope you are having a blast with you new little one and getting plenty of rest. Are the other children just in love with their new baby?

Tech...Praying you won't get pulled over.

Mary, Sue, Bob...((hugss))

((Everybody)) Hang in there, remember stumbles and slips don't mean we can't win the race. (I had several "slip-ups" yesterday.)

God bless,
Crystle

Just a fly by. Nothing going on here. Lots of snow last night. We have a bout 4 inches with ice underneath. I'm going to make a pot of soup. Just walked on the treadmill and now have 2 days on it this week. Missed Monday darn it. Doing laundry now.

Crystle- Wish I could have gotten some pork roasts for my freezer. I love to make burritos out of them. I would love to grind my own wheat but afraid I wouldn't use it up fast enough. Does it last a long time and where do you get yours? Online or a store?

Meowee- Stay warm...

Solly- Heard you got hit bad by the storms. They showed Kentucky on the news this morning. Hope you're all rested up from your trip.

Tech- Hope your snow blob worked.


Back to laundry now...

Boy oh boy did dinner come out good. I ate WAY too much rice. I cooked it in the drippings and it was greasy and good. :) I also made mashed sweet potatoes with cayenne pepper and agave syrup...delicious. I didn't eat those because I filled up on the rice but Jessie ate two helpings.

Toni..I get my wheat from Farmers Direct Foods online. Until you grind it, it last almost indefinitely. I keep it in the freezer to keep the bugs out. If you keep it in the freezer you need to take it out for 24 hours before you grind it, so I keep on bag in the cabinet. Once it is ground I put it straight to the fridge because there are oils in it that will turn it rancid quickly if it is out on the shelf. I try not to grind too much at once. WTG getting in your walks. I need to do something but I'm too lazy and it's too cold.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Brr, I don't think I will ever thaw out. Headed out to work yesterday morning and the roads were in good shape. Got down the road and a co-worked called and said we didn't have power at work. So I knew I couldn't get the gate open and no one else was in so I went home and told my boss to call me when the power came on. Apparently, we didn't ever lose power but our phones did. He fooled around and didn't call me until 10:30 and by then the snow was coming down very heavily. I started out again and was sliding and having trouble stopping. So I turned around and went home. As soon as I pulled into my driveway, my power went out. So we were home all day with just a fire in the fireplace. We slept on an air mattress in front of it last night and that was rough sleeping. For some reason the shower wasn't hot either. So I packed up my hair dryer and came to work at 6:45 and luckily I got the gate open and came into warmth. Not looking forward to going home to sit in the dark. It is hard with no TV to watch and no heat. I kept saying what did the pioneers do? We are spoiled. Theya re saying 7-10 days before power will be restored. We had to take our dog out to my DD's as it was too cold to leave him in the house. We may be going out there ourselves tonight

Needless to say, eating has not been good. The gym is closed and I have had no exercise other than walking up 58 stairs 3-6 times a day on vacation (the elevator didn't work) and one morning at the gym.

Crystal, you amaze me. You could be a pioneer easily.

Toni, stay inside. I'm glad you have heat. We lost a big Bradford Pear tree and will probably lose another one today. My favotire flowering peach tree is all bent to the ground with ice. It is probably a goner too.

Tech, Did they win?

Meowee, I don't care if I ever see snow again. I feel for you, but then you all probably are used to it and can get around in it a lot better than we can.

Better get going. Have lots to catch up on.

:wave:

My local grocery store didn't have any sweet potatoes. :mad: I'm going into withdrawal, I tell you and since Nova Scotia is one big windy skating rink today, I'm definitely not going out there today.

Oh SOLLY, I have my :crossed: that you power outage will be a lot shorter than that prediction.

Stay warm and dry, gang . . . :grouphug:

Hey ladies! My laptop died. I'm seriously broken hearted! Here I am stuck at home (can't drive for another week) and no internet! Travis brought me his from work to use, but it will go back on monday, I think.
I'm doing well. I have to admit, 4 kids under 6 and recovering from surgery is HARD. I'm exhausted but I've been OK with eating. Not great, but OK. My MIL brought over a bag of white chocolate chex mix and I'm like a fly drawn to a bug-light. I'm seriously going to let the kids eat it all today so that I'll STOP. Other than that, eating has been good-ish. I got on the scale this morning and I'm DOWN TO 102!!!!! That's 13lbs below my pre-preg weight and she's only 10 days old! I'm starting to feel a little better. I can finally walk standing straight up and get out of bed/off the couch without major pain. Ugh. c-sections SUCK. I'm very glad we spent that extra 5 minutes in surgery to make sure that I'll never be pregnant again.
So, snacks are doing well. I'm working on a breakfast list, too.

BREAKFAST
Eggs- scrambled w/ veggies, or boiled
Oatmeal
Grapenuts/milk
Yogurt
Smoothie (fruit, protein powder, flax seed, yogurt, water)
Spelt Pancakes (once every 2 weeks?)
WW Toast (maybe once a week)
ALWAYS:
Fruit (in some form)
Nanogreens (try to drink it every day)

The breakfast list is pretty boring but I'm the type that can really handle eating the same thing eery day for breakfast. I just don't care about it much, but I'm making myself eat it now, because I know it's best for my metabolism to get going, and for the Peanut Princess to get enough nutrition from momma.
Ok, I'm going to go read up on everyone and post replies.

Eden's Stat's for you :)
Eden Irene
Born Sunday, Jan 18th at 1:59pm
8lbs 1oz
21 1/2 inches
blond hair!! (quite a shock after my 3 little dark ones)

I will try to upload some pictures of her later today, but here are the photos from my maternity shots, just a few days before Christmas.

http://nathanfowler.smugmug.com/
Click on The bottom left set of photos.

We had about a foot of snow yesterday. I love snow...but I love it more when my husband is here to do the snow blowing. I hate that thing. Actually, I don't mind it once it gets going, but it scares me to death ever since my dad told me about a guy he worked with that was snow blowing and his neighbors cat came bolting across the yard and into the auger :fr: I only use the snow blower if I have to and a foot of snow is beyond shoveling for the amount of upper body strength I have. You would think it would be easy just directing it around the driveway, but you have to pull and twist it so much, I was so worn out. And I kept forgetting to redirect the shoot when I turned around and by the time I came in I had a one-inch helmet of snow on my head. My neighbor was so amused that she came out and took a picture of me. I'm glad I could be so entertaining :rolleyes:

So, anyways, I get my car inspected tonight! I also get new brake pads put on. To be honest, I'm quite used to my spongy brakes...I hope I don't end up through the windshield first time I use them!

Hockey practice tonight and that should be it for hockey practices this year. A game tomorrow in Ithaca that Shelley has to ride the bus to and Derek will pick her up from there and then a game Saturday that Derek takes her to because I work and then WE'RE DONE! Don't get me wrong, its fun and all, but I just wasn't prepared for how hectic it would be. And expensive!!

Okay...I have to run and get the shop open. TTFN!!

OMG..Talitha, page 6, center picture in the second row looks like it should be an album cover!! What a cool shot! And what a beautiful, perfect family. I love Lucas' sweet head kissing your tummy. And, has anyone ever told you you look like Carrie Fisher? When she was young and prettier? Especially in the shots where you're looking up at the camera. Very pretty.

Good afternoon.... We've got a beautiful sunny day and 40 degrees. Now if this big pile of snow and ice will go away. We've got a big pile of it. I think Steve is going to try and get out of here in our old scout today. We've got our Ford Ranger truck in the shop being fixed and its ready to come home but we can get there to get it. I ate bad last night, I made a big pot of potato soup for dinner. Its what Steve wanted so I did. But the scale said I lost 2 lbs. this week. So I'm really happy. I got a nice surprise this morning I got to talk to my son on MSN on the computer today. He's in Iraq at Camp Liberty. Just made my day.

Crystle- I looked at that wheat and its such a good price. I would need a grinder but it sure is tempting. I'm sure it would make wonderful bread and rolls.

Solly- You really got hit hard. We filled our jugs with water in case we lost power. The bad thing here is we can't run our well pump without electricity. But we do have heat. I can imagine how miserable you are with no heat and no power.

meowee- Oh no no sweet potatoes. I love love love them.

Talitha- The pictures were wonderful. You're beautiful and you have a great looking family. Hooray for you losing 13 lbs. Your food looks good....

Tech-Wow what a workout you got from that snow-blower. Glad your car is all legal now. And the brakes are fixed.

Heres hopeing we melt lots today. At least its sunny and cheery looking out.

I am stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey. :) I made some hash with part of the left over pork roast and had a fried egg on top of it. I think I snuck back in the kitchen two or three times for an extra bite.

My cat has risen in status since last night. He caught his very first mouse. He thinks he is king now..LOL I'm just glad he caught it. I haven't had any indications of mice so I think they are starting to run in because of the cold. Hopefully he will be a deterrent.

Toni...potato soup is one of our favorite comfort foods. I can rarely stop at one bow. :) I hear you about the grinder. It is definitely and investment and I have a lower end model. I also grind popcorn for grits and corn mill so that helps me merit some of the cost in my mind. :D We are like you, when the power is out the well is out. This summer when the hurricane blew through here, Robert was able to connect the generator in such a way that we were able to run the pump. That was such a blessing because the power was out for three weeks I think. It may have been a little less.

Tech...I'm so glad that your car is coming together for you. Praying you have an excellent day at work.

Talitha...your pictures are just beautiful. Your family is precious.

Solly...praying that you get power sooner than they predict. ((hugzz))

Meowee...I'd share some of mine with you if I could.

((Everybody))

God bless,
Crystle

Yippee I got another day on the treadmill. That makes three this week. Hope I do one more to get my four in.

Seasonal and sunny weather today so guess I'll venture out to find some sweet potatoes. :lol:

Morning,

I can't say it is very good either. I took a generator home last night thinking we might have a little heat in the bedroom. Sit down to eat a very cold chicken salad and the generator goes out. We fooled with it for 3 hours and packed up and went to my DD's. Our truck slid down her driveway, we got up at 4:30 to come home and get my car, when we got to the driveway, all my smoke detectors were going off. So we had to find a ladder and disconnect all of them. I thought sure I was going to walk into a flooded house or worse. I am on my way to work at 6:00 and realize my Dh's has my gate opener b/c he has my car. Luckily someone was here and the gate was open. I am exhausted, miserable, cold and really mad at myself for feeling like this b/c I know there are many other people worse off than me.

Talitha, you are looking great. You are doing great with your wt loss after the baby. Can't wait to see some pics.

Tech, It is a good thing you are not standing close to me when you say you love snow. I hate it right now and always. Hope you make lots of money today.

Toni, I love potato soup. In fact, I might have to go somewhere tonight and find some. I would just love a hot meal that I don't have to swallow whole in 5 minutes. I didn't realize you son was back in Iraq. I am so happy that you got to talk to him. I will keep him in my prayers. Get on the :tread: for me. I'm not getting any exercise and boy can I feel it.

Crystal. You just brought back a lot of memories when you said hash. I never had it with an egg on top but my mom always made it when we had leftover roast. It was yummy.

Meowee, Please send some of that sunshine my way. Hope you find your sweet potatoes.

Got to run attempt to work. I'm not moving very fast today. Have a great weekend. :hug:

Howdy ya'll. It is so beautiful outside today. I took advantage and got in a walk. Lunch today was a treat. I had some Bulgarian style yogurt with apple, cinnamon and agave syrup. Even though the yogurt is full fat I still use it instead of the low fat because I don't like the low fat one at all. I'm making rabbit for dinner. I think stew but it may just be with a gravy.

Solly...((hugzz)) I hate that you are having to deal with the nasty weather.

((Everybody)) Where is everybody? I hope all is well.

God bless,
Crystle

Aaaaahhhhhh....freedom! Finally, my car is inspected! Not with a blue 2009 sticker, but with a 2010 grey sticker! Take THAT, Barney Fife! Now I can drive without heartburn.

Shelley's game in Ithaca was rescheduled to Monday. We had a ton of snow here and its lake-effect snow, which means it comes in a really intense line and moves around with the wind around the east end of Lake ONtario. I was glad to see they put the girls' safety in front of a playoff spot.

Okay...off to make dinner.

Ellen: THANK YOU!!! YOu know what I'm talkin' about!! ;)

Howdy, it's me again. Well, I ended up making rabbit and shrimp gumbo instead of stew. The kids LOVED it. I've been slacking a little on water because of the cold so I'm hoping to start doing better with that. Sometimes I have hot green tea instead of my normal water. It's a lot easier to get that down.

Tech...It is so good to see you with your spirits up. ((hugzz)) I bet all the snow is so pretty. A friend just came back from outside of Chicago and she took some awesome pictures. They went to a park and she even got some shots of some deer.

I hope everybody is having a GREAT Friday night.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Good evening- Just finished having pizza for dinner. Not the best choice. And I'm sad I forgot the treadmill. So I'll have to walk tomorrow. We got out of here in our old scout and was able to get our truck from being fixed. When we got home the trucks engine light came back on so it has to go back to the shop tomorrow. Oh well.. Not much else going on here..

Hi there . . . :wave:

Things seem to have gotten quiet round here again . . . :(

Everyone must be having a busy Sat. I'm just piddling around the house. Going to make dreamfields pasta with pesto for dinner....

Meowee- Hope you're having a good day.... Its nice here and melting allot of snow. But our driveway is going to be slick with ice...

Hi there . . . I started a new thread for February . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163284 . . . and I moved your post into it ELLEN.

see you all over there . . . :wave: