40-Somethings - 40-Somethings July Week 1 Chat

Morning All! How did July get here already. That means the year is half over. And 178 days 'til Christmas - I better get moving!

Marie - Take it on authority - laptops do NOT like to swim, any better than cell phones. Don't do it

It's way too early for me to remember what everyone was saying without my quotes, and I don't know how to pull quotes from one thread to another.

Gotta go work out and see how much bathroom stuff I can get packed before work.

Have a great day all!

Good morning everyone. July 1st, wow. In another week or so, I will have been at this for 5 months, and I'm right where I wanted to be, loss-wise. Woo hoo!

I'm mentally toying with changing my goal to 145, but when I went to update my ticker, I just couldn't do it. How weird is that? Mind games, I guess...

I hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning to all!! I can't believe it is July already! They always say the older you get the faster the time flies. It sure seems true in my case! Jelder, I must have missed it, are you going somewhere on vacation or moving? These threads have moved so fast, I know I have missed some things.

Newleaf-That is a good idea to wait to change your ticker. You might want to wait and see how you feel at the original weight and then go from there. Plus it will feel good to reach your goal for awhile and you will probably go lower anyway until you figure out maintenance. I am still losing so I need to figure it out myself.

How about a couple of questions like we used to do in our threads? I enjoyed that as we got to know each other better that way. Here are a couple to get us started:

Do you have any big rewards that you plan on for yourself when you reach goal?

What is different about this time in your weight loss than in the past?

Hope you all have a great day!!!

Good morning everyone! I love the beginning of a new month...to me it represents new opportunities!

Today is day three and I must say I have already had a challenge. Last night my dh decided to order pizza for dinner and then tried to convince me to eat it when I got home from work. I refused and made myself an omelet (I am doing a version of low carb). That little victory felt wonderful. And for a NSV - day two was smoke free! I really feel like I am in good mindset. So today I will stick to plan, remain smoke free and write down everything that goes in my mouth!

Wishing you all a great July!:sunny: Just take it one bite at a time!

Morning All! How did July get here already. That means the year is half over. And 178 days 'til Christmas - I better get moving!

It's way too early for me to remember what everyone was saying without my quotes, and I don't know how to pull quotes from one thread to another.


wow.... July already, I've been at this for 6+ months and have to admit I was really hoping to be closer to goal. Seems the better I feel and with a closet full of clothes that actually fit my motivation wanes a bit.

To do the multi quote all you need to do is click on the "multi quote" icon down in the right corner of each post you would like to quote. Then when you selected all the post you would like to reply to you hit "Post Reply" to the left.

I'm mentally toying with changing my goal to 145, but when I went to update my ticker, I just couldn't do it. How weird is that? Mind games, I guess...

I had to laugh about the "mind games". I too am funny about changing numbers or reporting a loss until I know it's going to "stick". I am a firm believer that your body will let you know when you are near or at goal. I for one would like to eat about 1800-2000 per day when I am at maintenance. Not sure that is realistic but that is what I'm thinking.


Do you have any big rewards that you plan on for yourself when you reach goal?

No rewards for me.

What is different about this time in your weight loss than in the past?

I'm not on a diet and I have restricted nothing. For me I had to learn to eat "healthy". Every diet that I have ever been on restricted something or required eating or drinking specific foods that when I went back to "normal" eating I would gain ALL the weight back and then some.

Today is day three and I must say I have already had a challenge. Last night my dh decided to order pizza for dinner and then tried to convince me to eat it when I got home from work. I refused and made myself an omelet (I am doing a version of low carb). That little victory felt wonderful. And for a NSV - day two was smoke free! I really feel like I am in good mindset. So today I will stick to plan, remain smoke free and write down everything that goes in my mouth!

Wishing you all a great July!:sunny: Just take it one bite at a time!

What a difficult situation with the pizza. Mack is my number one supporter; however, he is also my number one enabler. Often I just have to mention a specific food and he will bring it home. Over the years we have gained about the same amount of weight and have lost the same. Our eating habits definitely mirror each others. Maybe you will be a positive influence for your DH.

Although I have done low carb in the past and did well I now would consider my eating habits "lower" carb. I try to do 30 Fat 30 Carb and 40 Protein. I've tried to do 50 protein but that is difficult for me, the 40% seems to be my magic number. This test helped confirm what I already knew. http://www.natpro.net/metabolic-typing.html

Congrats on not smoking. That is a BIG DEAL!!! I am a firm believer that a good frame of mind goes a long way. Even if you have to fake it at times. Tell yourself something long enough and you WILL believe it. I often had to do that when I first started on my journey.

Wow.... I feel like I have typed a small novel. Hope I didn't miss anything while I was responding.

Had my EKG yesterday and have been cleared for surgery. They did see a little "blip" but were not concerned about it. I on the other hand with ANY abnormality get a little wigged out. With all the heart disease in my family (son, father, sister..... ) how can I not???

Off to get my hair done this morning, thinking I will go a little shorter but not sure yet. I know before retirement (7+ years) I would like to have short short hair that doesn't need to be colored. Just not sure HOW to go about it..... any suggestions?

Hi all,

I hope you won't mind my joining you. I am a nurse and mother from just outside of Louisville, KY

I began my most recent serious attempt at better health a few months ago. Unfortunatly at the same time I found out that I had two masses in my right breast that would require biopsy. I just found out the results were negative.

I walk at least 10,000 steps per day and help my DH with the mowing at least one night per week. I need to progress my exercise just not sure how. :?:

Any advice would be great.

I started out on a very carb conscious eating approach but found myself struggling with that over the final days of waiting for my biopsy results. Now I am trying to work on that as well.

Had to adjust my ticker and goals back up this morning. After all I have been through that was tough, Felt like a failure. :(

Regards,
~Deb

Well, fun to write down a weight of 2 pounds down on the first day of July. I like. Seeing that 2 pound drop (even if it may only have been from my intestinal upset of yesterday) is SO motivating ! I cann only imagine how motivated I will feel when I see a new , lower, middle digit this month (and I WILL! and SOON!)

Hi everyone!

I am new to the site, but NOT to the agony of weight loss/control. I am at my heighest weight EVER and am desperately seeking motivation, support, and, I suppose, a way to agonize when I just don't want to keep going.

I am a mother of 2; devoted wife; and full-time professional.

... hoping it's okay to join you all!

Jelder, :D I promise to throw my beloved Mac in the pool. I did figure out what I did. I didn't have the cursor in the typing window (I'd been scrolling to the bottom to see who I'd missed), then saw a typo and hit backspace. Apparently that makes the browser go back a page. Thanks for starting a new thread. I read everyone's posts but can't go back now to try the long post from yesterday...

newleaf, I totally agree with the others. Leave your ticker goal alone. When you get to your original goal, celebrate it. It's what you wanted to do. Then revise it if you want. But get to where you originally wanted to go.

Cruise, I'd be a bit worried if I had heart history and they saw a little blimp. We're not the youngest chickies anymore so I'd be concerned too. Talk to your dr about the blip so it eases your mind.

Beemer, I guess my reward is that I'm getting the excess skin removed next February on the really embarassing areas. I don't know if it's as much a reward as something to make me less self-conscious. I don't know how to explain what is different other than I have never been so determined to never have to do this again. I made myself (and DH) I will log my food the rest of my life. I guess the difference is I accepted I will always be on this journey and won't change a thing when I reach my goal. I will alter the daily calorie intake for maintenance, but I will weigh every day and log every morsel. That's my real promise to myself and my health.

Diva, wow, you're tackling TWO health issues at once. Great job on day 2 and you can do it again for day 3 and 4 and 5 and etc.

Deb, :cheer: yeah on the negative results!!! And another:congrat: yeah for the great weight loss. You are just doing the healthy dance!:broc:

:bravo: hermit on the 2 pounds down. It's a great way to start my favorite month of the year.

Welcome blue. Glad you found us!

DH drove through the evening yesterday instead of today and got home at 2 am. I think he just got up as I hear the shower through my ipod earbuds. So I will be off to see my DH that I haven't seen in a month.
Marie

Big Rewards When Done No, I don't have any. I just want to be there; that is reward enough. In fact, I still haven't given myself my 20lbs lost reward, even though I am at almost 24lbs lost. The loss is reward enough.

What's Different Well, the last time I lost weight, it was pretty much the same as this time. Healthy choices, portion control, exercise. Hopefully what is different is my resolve to not regain after a few years.

Dieting Diva -- great job on your willpower, both with the pizza and with the smoking! You are doing great!

CruiseCAT -- I hear you about waning motivation, been there, done that. You are doing so great!! 43 lbs lost -- wow! Remember when it was "just" 30?? You'll get there; I know it. Good luck with your upcoming surgery! I have a hair appt this afternoon, too. And like you, I've wondered how to do the cut-over to full gray one day...

OnTarget -- welcome! Look at the big picture: (a) you are healthy!!! (b) you've lost 31 lbs!!! Both are fantastic. I know the scare of finding a lump (mine was negative, too)... A little visit with mortality... I'm so glad all is well.

HermitGirl -- congratulations on your 2 lb loss!!

BlueEnough -- welcome!! Always happy to have new members! Looking forward to getting to know you...

Marie -- I think you're on to something re: the determination not to gain. I guess that's my biggest realization this go-around. That my weight will always be an issue; it's not going to go away as being an issue, just because I've lost it. That's a different mindset; recognizing that I will *always* have this problem, this propensity, and it's up to me to manage it. Good advice about sticking to / celebrating the goal as originally planned.

Morning all!

Wow, its only 10am and I feel behind already!

My parents are coming by soon to pick me up and take me to lunch. This is a weekly get together for us. We are trying a new place today, we all remember where it is, but not the name! Hopefully, it will be good.

I'm having cateract surgery on my left {bad} eye on July 6th. While this isn't the first eye surgery I've had each time I get a sick feeling and dread it. I've been in denial but when I wrote July 1 on my prayer journal and food/exercise log I realized its only a few days away. :( EEK!

NewLeaf, I would wait until you hit your goal, then add a new goal if you feell you want to.

Marie, Happy reunion with your Hubby.

Blue, Welcome! I'm new here myself!

HermitGirl, Congrats on the 2lbs!

On Target, Don't feel like a failure! Just think of it as a small goal, then you can aim for the larger goal. Welcome!

CruiseCat, What kind of surgery are you having. It sounds much more serious than mine!

Diva, Congrats on being smoke free! and eating what you wanted not what was easily available.

Beemer, Great questions. No big reward planned! but that might be an idea. I'm not sure there is a big difference. If I don't really commit myself I don't lose weight. If I commit myself and am serious about it I will lose weight, but that's the hard part for me, being serious about it.

Jeider, Thanks for starting us off! I started a three month strength training program in Feb of this year. I expected it to feel like I was spending the rest of my life in that program but it flew by! Next thing I knew it was over! The whole year is turning out like that. Flying by!

I will log my food the rest of my life. I guess the difference is I accepted I will always be on this journey and won't change a thing when I reach my goal. I will alter the daily calorie intake for maintenance, but I will weigh every day and log every morsel. That's my real promise to myself and my health.


Marie

Marie - I totally understand the acceptance of being on this journey for the rest of my life. In order to maintain I can't go back to what I call "stinkin thinkin" After all...if I always do what I always did I will always get what I always got!

Good morning everyone! What a busy morning this has been around here! Started my day with a walk and then had a Dr. appt. Had a large mole removed and sent for biopsy. Dr. is pretty sure it is nothing to worry about. Completed my meds for my lingering sinus infection but still no relief. Next step, CT of the sinuses. Then who knows what!

Good questions Beemer.
Big reward - I'm having the spider veins removed from my legs. My first consult was $500 a visit for approx 6 visits needed. A friend recommended a Dr. that charges 100 - 125 per visit. I'm seeing him in August. I won't be at goal but I'm going ahead and having it done. I have a very large cluster on the back of one of my legs that make me very hesitant to wear shorts. Other than that, new clothes and the loss are the rewards for me.

What's different this time - I have accepted that this is the way I will be eating for the rest of my life. I also think that I realize my own mortality more than I did when I was younger. I know that in order to live longer I have to take better care of myself. I never really thought about the long term affects of obesity when I was younger. I also have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. I want to do everything I can to improve my health and lower my risks.

Welcome Blue and OnTarget. Glad you found us. This is a great group with lots of support!

Ok, this is embarrassing but I forgot the thread was changing and thought it was odd that no one was posting today on the old thread - I need to change my subscriptions! We'll just call it an almost-senior moment : )

Rewards - I've got a bunch of small rewards planned for each mini-goal of sorts. Am trying a small amount of botox for the first time next week as the 10lb goal.

What's Different - I've formalized my usual eat less exercise more into a workable calorie target and am logging everything. Usually I wing it and get frustrated when the results slow down. Not this time! And then there's this forum - helping with communication and accountability.

Newleaf - I have no doubt about your ability to make it to any goal you choose but it seems like you'd be acing yourself out of the hard-earned pleasure of a victory celebration if you move your goal before reaching the original one. I'm all about the celebrating!

Dietingdiva - welcome! Way to go on resisting the pizza temptation - that's a tough one!

Cruisecat - I'm been shooting for about that breakdown of protein/fat/carbs but have a hard time getting my protein numbers high enough. If you have time sometime, could you tell us what a sample day of eating looks like for you?

Ontarget - welcome! Sounds like you get in a lot of walking - if you want to crank it up a notch as you mentioned, would it work for you to alternate jogging and walking intervals, whatever feels comfortable? That is, if you don't have knee problems or anything else that would make it tricky.

Hermitgirl - congrats on the loss!

Blueenough - welcome!

Marie - hope you're enjoying having your husband around!

Patchwork - sorry to hear that you need surgery - will it make life easier for you afterwards?

Onmyway - I have some pesky spider veins that I'm interested in having removed as a reward as well. What method are you using - laser or saline injections? I've heard pros and cons to both and am curious to hear where you came out...

newleaf - Congratulations on being where you planned to be - that's a big achievement just on its own. I agree on letting yourself see the current goal get reached - you deserve that reward.

Beemer - Not moving - don't say those words! I hate doing that. Leaving to Denver tonight to see my DH for the first time in 2 months. Also seeing one of my oldest friends and her family. We've known each other 25 years now (Boy does she get mad at me for saying that - we would rather not admit that's possible).

dietingdiva - I think it is incredible that you are trying both at once. I can admit that I just don't have the strength to try that. I'm preparing to quit smoking if that makes sense. I have switched to an ultra ultra lite (it's a European type) and am cutting way back so I can quit as soon as I get the weight off. Theory is there is no way I'll let myself regain immediately. We'll see. And on of my biggest challenges is training the people in my life to be supportive - do not offer me all these things that they know I really don't want! I don't need temptation!

CruiseCAT - I'm at that point - which is part of why I joined here. My weight isn't that bad for my height - I actually look pretty good, especially as I live in one of the "fattest" cities in the country. BTW, that is true - Houston definitely has weight issues. It's really obvious having moved here from Denver, which is at the other end of the spectrum. I just work really hard at reminding myself of the reasons I want to look better than pretty good. And my mini-goals are getting very "mini"!

OnTarget - You kept a lot of it off through some serious challenges - not a failure! Exercise has always been hard for me, especially due to the heat here. I don't like dumping my child in another day care for an hour while I work out at a gym, so what to do? I started with workout videos the end of last year, and they have been great. I have a collection so to some extent I can do what I'm in a mood for.

You're still trying, which makes you a success in my book!

Hermit Girl - Congratulations on the weight loss, and the positive attitude!

blueenough - Welcome - glad to have you!

Marie - Glad the laptop survived. And enjoy having DH home! Does he travel often?

patchworkpenguin - The only eye surgery I've had was elective (Lasik), but there was definitely a sick feeling right beforehand - I almost cancelled it as a matter of fact. If it hadn't been my MIL driving me there I probably would have. (We have one of those relationship that a counselor would just love to get hold of - it would fund a great vacation for them). Good luck with it, and have faith all will go well. We'll pray for you.

dietingdiva - LOL- "if I always do what I always did I will always get what I always got!" - So much how I've been feeling lately! Reminds me of Suess for some reason, but I love it!

Onmyway - Sinus infections are chronic in this area due to all the chemical plants / pollution. They are miserable! I have a whole battery of OTC meds that get pulled out at the first sign of any issues to stave them off. Great idea on the spider veins. I have a few of those and hate them - my legs would look pretty good without those, so that's a thought.

dancerindenver - How's the weather? I'll be there late tonight! At least it will be cooler than here . . .


Do you have any big rewards that you plan on for yourself when you reach goal?

Yep - I'm going to start building the wardrobe I want. Not the one I can afford. I'll do the clearance racks at Saks, the good resale shops, Ebay, I'll make them, whatever, and get it one piece at a time. And everything will be tailored to fit correctly. If I have clothes I love, I will not let myself grow out of them. Back in my 20's I lost all the weight, and had a closet full of tailored suits that were gorgeous, and I kept the weight off about 3 or 4 years until I had a lifestyle change and didn't need to wear them anymore. It won't be suits this time, but I'll use the same principles.

What is different about this time in your weight loss than in the past?

Like Marie, and several others, this time I'm thinking a lot more about the long term, and trying to build a plan that will always work for me. I'm thinking a lot more about what maintenance will be, even thought that's many months away. I think I'm being healthier - part of getting older - and losing the weight smarter, if slower. I've learned a lot more about the body and weight loss work.

Have a great 4th all - I'm off to work out and throw the last stuff in the bags, then work and off to the airport! Houston InterContinental is no fun at all, and Denver's not much better. Especially with a little one along. The walking isn't so bad for me, but it's a serious trek for those little legs!

Good morning! It's another beautiful day here. Completed my walk with my neighbor. It's nice to have someone to walk with. Keeps me motivated when I know she will be waiting for me! Goes by quicker when you have someone to talk to!

Denver, Can't wait to hear about the botox! Where are you getting it? I'm going with the injections for my veins. Will keep you posted.

Jelder, Have a great time in Denver. 2 months away from DH is a long time! Enjoy your reunion!

Small projects around my house today and then lunch with some old work friends. Hope everyone has a "thin" thursday!

OMW - I'm doing the botox next week at a place run by a plastic surgeon that is also where I did laser hair removal (which is awesome by the way if anyone's considering it) and some other treatments (microderm, KTP laser on sun spots). I've had great results with their other treatments so I hope we stay on a roll : ) Will fill you guys in once it happens. Glad you got the day off to a good start - I'm heading out for a run in a few minutes and am hoping to do the same. Totally agree on enjoying walks more with company - am planning on walking with a buddy later on today when it's cooler.

Jelder - Thunderstorms expected here a lot in the next few days - the usual summer crazy weather. So glad you'll get to see your husband. Why are you guys in different cities if it's not too complicated to explain?

Hi all,

I hope you won't mind my joining you. I am a nurse and mother from just outside of Louisville, KY

I walk at least 10,000 steps per day and help my DH with the mowing at least one night per week. I need to progress my exercise just not sure how. :?:

Any advice would be great.
~Deb

Hi Deb, Welcome to the group. We love new people joining us. I know it helps me stay focused on the basics.

As for the exercise 10,000 steps is great. For me I do the treadmill for one hour 6 days a week. The nice thing about walking/running is it can be done just about anywhere. I've done C25K and I am now doing a little HITT during my hour.

Well, fun to write down a weight of 2 pounds down on the first day of July. I like. Seeing that 2 pound drop (even if it may only have been from my intestinal upset of yesterday) is SO motivating ! I cann only imagine how motivated I will feel when I see a new , lower, middle digit this month (and I WILL! and SOON!)

Great job on the 2 lbs. You can and you will see that new number.

Hi everyone!

I am new to the site, but NOT to the agony of weight loss/control. I am at my heighest weight EVER and am desperately seeking motivation, support, and, I suppose, a way to agonize when I just don't want to keep going.

I am a mother of 2; devoted wife; and full-time professional.

... hoping it's okay to join you all!

Welcome to the group blue. You've come to the right place. No need to agonize... you will find the strength you need to do this.


Cruise, I'd be a bit worried if I had heart history and they saw a little blimp. We're not the youngest chickies anymore so I'd be concerned too. Talk to your dr about the blip so it eases your mind.

Marie, it was my regular doc that I saw for my EKG and she knows my full family history. Still didn't stop me from coming home and doing my own research. I am a FIRM believer that one MUST be their NUMBER ONE advocate when it comes to medical care. I feel better doing my research and knowing that I have had an echo in the last year.


[B]CruiseCAT -- I hear you about waning motivation, been there, done that. You are doing so great!! 43 lbs lost -- wow! Remember when it was "just" 30?? You'll get there; I know it. Good luck with your upcoming surgery! I have a hair appt this afternoon, too. And like you, I've wondered how to do the cut-over to full gray one day...

Thank you Heidi, it is important for me to remember where I came from; that's a big bag of dog food (40 lbs.). That really puts things is perspective.

I ended up doing the same thing I always do with my hair (trim & color). I really would like to go short but I'm just not there. We did talk about my color and he suggested that I use a men's temporary product that blends. He said if my hair was short short it would take 3-6 months but that I would have to use it about every 4-6 weeks.


My parents are coming by soon to pick me up and take me to lunch. This is a weekly get together for us. We are trying a new place today, we all remember where it is, but not the name! Hopefully, it will be good.

I'm having cateract surgery on my left {bad} eye on July 6th. While this isn't the first eye surgery I've had each time I get a sick feeling and dread it. I've been in denial but when I wrote July 1 on my prayer journal and food/exercise log I realized its only a few days away. :( EEK!

CruiseCat, What kind of surgery are you having. It sounds much more serious than mine!
Patch, very cool that you have a standing lunch date with your parents. I lost both of mine before I was 30 and I sure did miss out of having an "adult" relationship with them. I was only 15 when my dad died so I really missed out there. Funny, the older I get I find that I really am VERY much like him as far as family values. My mother in her last five years had become my BF so I find that I really miss her as I age.

I have a friend with diabetes that has had numerous eye surgery and although she is not legally blind she is getting very close to not being able to drive. I know it will be devastating for her, her diabetes has taken so much. She had her first kidney/pancreas transplant in 1995 and received another kidney in 2003. This woman is truly a survivor and fighter; she is an individual that gives me incredible hope and when we are together it is impossible for me to be anything but grateful for life.

Denver, I didn't miss you I need to go pull that info for you. I'll just post what I ate yesterday. I actually did very well with my numbers. More often than not I still am high on my carbs. I really don't worry to much about it, it's really just a number I am for. The one that I really try to stick close to is the calorie count, at this time that is 1400.

CruiseCat, What kind of surgery are you having. It sounds much more serious than mine!


I am having my gallbladder removed due to stones.

OMW - I'm doing the botox next week

I'm very interested in hearing your experience. Would love to see before/after pics if you are doing those and would feel comfortable sharing. With the weight that I have lost I have way more wrinkles.

Here is what I had yesterday Denver for a total of 1363 calories (28F 34 C 38P).

Raisin Bran w/Almond Breeze and 1/2 grapefruit
Apple
Tortilla (med) with chicken (6 oz), veggies, & mozzarella (1oz real cheese)(these are ALWAYS over stuffed with lots of extra on the plate)
Hillshire Rotisserie Chicken
HUGE salad with 6 oz. shrimp and pear juice as a dressing
Spinach, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, broccoli, cauliflower

My chicken is breast meat that is cubed and cooked with various spices and a sauce. I use different ones but usually they are under 50 calories for 2 T and I use about 4 T when I cook up a batch (3 or 4 breast). I ALWAYS keep cooked chicken in the fridge.

Cruise - Thanks for the info! I'm struggling with keeping the carbs on the lower side with all this great summer fruit around - interested to hear that that the carbs are the tricky part for you too. I'll take some scary super close up before and after pics for the botox treatment as I'm curious to see if it makes a real difference too. I'm not crazy wrinkly yet - I'm kind of doing it preventatively, since that's probably easier than doing it correctively if that makes sense.

Dancer - Not that complicated - I'm originally from TX, but moved to CO to be closer to parents after college. Met him, got married, had a business in Silverthorne. His family's all there in CO. But we could never get ahead with the cost of living and real estate there. So we moved here (east of Houston) about 7 years ago.

Doing well here overall, but . ... he hates the hot summers. Also, there's some really well paid welding work going on in Colorado and Wyoming right now. But, his jobs are all short term - 6 months, 1 year, max 2 years. It doesn't make sense for me to quit a good job (I can almost support us) that I really like and relocate for that. So for a few years we'll be doing the long distance thing. Especially as work in the welding and all construction fields has REALLY fallen off with the economic stuff. It's been ugly. I know so many people out of work. Actually, he was out of work from Dec 'til May!

Morning all! I lost another pound! I think this is just that beginner's quick drop, because I have made changes in my eating.{not sure how many calories I've dropped but I'm losing at between 1800 and 2000 a day. I'm sure it will level out soon. sigh. I asked Hubby to keep track of his food intake yesterday and he ate over 3000! Mostly fat/carbs and a tiny slice of protein in the piechart. I think it was a wake-up call for him. Hopefully! Especially when I got onto him about potato chips {even baked ones} don't count as a vegetable!

Cardio for today, probably kickboxing!

Jeider, At least these days you have email and cellphones to keep connected. Hubby joined the Navy right before email became widespread and we had to depend on letters. I wrote him a lot but I think I got about 8 letters from him over two years. He used to call me from the ship on a sat phone but since he was on the other side of the world I'd get the calls at 3am! Having Hubby away would drive me crazy though. My surgery is out-patient but I'm going to be put to sleep, and probably wake up in the middle. I had a different surgery like this one and woke up while they were still working on my eye, it turns out they plan it that way. ICK! Hubby's family tends to ignore us unless they want/need something.

CruiseCat, Pear juice as a dressing sounds very good! Hope your surgery goes well! I'm sorry you lost your parents so young. Your friend sounds very nice, you are lucky to have her.

Dancer, This surgery is on my bad eye and probably won't change much, next I will have the surgery on my good right eye and I'm actually worried more about that one. Since I'm having the lens in my eye replaced it should make my percription for contacts/glassees weaker, but I've been cautioned that it won't change my vision very much. Most of my vision problems are distortions due to retina detachments. They don't really fix a detachment, they laser around it so it can't get bigger. Probably TMI!

OMW, Hope the biopsy comes back normal!

Marie & Diva, I think that was the problem for the the last time. I thought I'd lose the weight and everything could go back to normal. Well, it did, go back to normal and I regained the weight!

Newleaf, you are so right – losing the weight is reward enough. Feeling healthy and fit are a wonderful gift.

Penguin, I had Lasik surgery about 9 years ago and I will take any other medical procedure over that, any day – except childbirth. Oh, that was horrible. So I will be thinking about you. And WTG on losing another pound! You are doing great!

After all...if I always do what I always did I will always get what I always got!

Diva, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. What a perfect quote. I really like it!

OMW, my DS had major veins that required stripping surgery and she still has to wear support hose. You have my sympathies. Just think when that cluster is gone how sexy your legs will look with your svelte bod.

Dancer, botox would scare me as I have weird panic triggers. Please post up close before and after pics. I really would love to see the results. And I am having a great time with DH. All the things I couldn’t/wouldn’t fix are fixed. I really like that. :censored: WARNING… Too bad TOM visits at the most inopportune times.

Jelder, have you and your BF used Skype? It’s free internet video phone calling. It really closes the miles. DH and I used it when I was in Thailand and I use it with DGS as he lives 300 miles away. It’s really great. Of course, DH forgot the video camera on his month long journey. Men… and he usually doesn’t travel much. They’re redoing the runway at his base so they’re temporarily relocated in Boise. He’s on a 1 month in Oregon, 1 month in Idaho schedule. He’s in ID for June, August, and October. He’ll bring the video camera next time…

Cruise, your “it is important for me to remember where I came from; that's a big bag of dog food (40 lbs.). That really puts things is perspective.” Is so timely. Yesterday, one of DH’s tasks was to bring Blizzards 40 lbs bag of food in from the Durango. I said, “It’s too big.” At his funny look, I added, “I realize I’ve lost more than that but it’s way too heavy.” So then I read your comment and laughed again.

So this is the second time I’ve written this post. I hit the backspace again without the focus on the little (tiny-weeny) advanced posting screen. So my solution is to cut all the quotes from 3FC and pasted it into WORD. So I’m typing it in word, then I’ll re-paste it back. So when I lost the long post, I didn’t eat a pie or candy bar out of frustration, I figured a way to stop the problem from happening. I think that’s progress. A NSV.

DH and I are going to buy all the lumber stuff to put a carport type of thing over my doggies’ kennel. No more rain or snow on them. I figure the expense is worth their comfort and me not having to clean my house as much from them tracking in mud. That was my reason to DH. But of course, I just really want my doggies comfort.

Well, the DirecTV man just left so DH and I are off. I will be enjoying myself in the Costco produce dept. I love fruit!!!
Marie

Penguin - LOL - was he serious about potato chips being a vegetable? I almost choked. I get in arguments with people about potatoes and corn being the same as green veggies, but I've never had anyone stand up for chips. I'm still trying to decide whether hate or love the new technology. In general, I despise the fact that everyone feels they have a right to get hold of me NOW - whether it's convenient for me or not, wherever I might be. But it can be blessing. Free long distance for the two of us is great right now. Of course, if it cost a bit, maybe I wouldn't spend 2 or more hours on the phone with him every day and could get something done. But it does keep us close, in spite of the distance.

Marie - We've been using Windows Messenger or something when we can. The problem is a lot of his locations get lousy internet and phone connections, so it can be very frustrating. And I know what you mean about the TOM thing - my husband is growling!

Oh - and a NSV for me today (good thing as I'm not getting the other kinds.) I returned the skirted swimsuit I borrowed last year! I don't need the skirt thing anymore - I'm so happy! :carrot:

Jeider, I'm sure he wasn't serious, but that was the closest thing to a vegetable that he ate yesterday. He called me up today to tell me that he's doing better today! More chips but he found the ones with the lowest cal/sodium to eat. He's trying; I'll give him that!
-Hubby and I once spent $500 in one month on the phone to each other when he was in Nevada and I was near Seattle. On military pay that was a fortune!

Marie, I asked about Lasik but the Dr said it wouldn't help that much. It would be wonderful not to have to fool with glasses, contacts, and now reading glasses! I can read most normal paperback print but anything smaller than that is a struggle or impossible. It doesn't help that a lot of letters aren't that different {i-l, c-o, k-b, e-s} these little lines can sometimes make a big difference! After I lost the orinigal 70lbs I used to make the joke that I lost April, who weighs around 75+lbs. It is amazing that I used to carry that much around daily but struggle to carry April around.

Cruise, An hour on the treadmill! I'm bored at 30 minutes. I admire your stick-with-it-ness! I so agree we need to be our own advocate when it comes to our health. I'm very fortunate to have a primary care Dr. who never rushes me out the door and listens to my concerns.

Patchwork, Congrats on losing another pound! Got a good laugh about the potato chips. We used to joke that catsup was the only vegetable my daughter would eat!

Marie, sounds like you are keeping hubby busy with projects! It's such a good feeling to get stuff done! Sorry about TOM!:(

Dancer, carbs are tough for me. I really like my bread. I know I could lose quicker if I really cut back on them but I'm not willing to do that, so I have to be content with how I'm doing.

jelder, Sounds like you have to do what you have to do in this tough economy. We have a couple friends who are living in different cities because of jobs and for right now it's cheaper to do that than move. Great NSV! I think they count as much as scale victories!

Hi to newleaf, beemer, bopeep, ontarget, dietingdiva, blueenough and hermit girl too!

Hi all! Good grief, what a week! Howdy to all the new folks - and it sounds like everybody's hanging in there. I've had two dinners in a row that didn't necessarily fit the typical profile, but did bring home leftovers from both. If that becomes a habit, I'll be happy. :)

Lovely news at work today. I'm travelling to LA on Tuesday next week on business. Just in time for the Michael Jackson memorial. Joy. My boss is teasing me about getting a sequined glove before I go. I guess I'll find out Monday if I got a hotel closer than Phoenix. (rolls eyes). Should be just about like a day at the circus.

I'll catch up here this weekend - I hope. :) Have to go get the kid (3 hour drive each way) tomorrow - Sat is the 4th, and Sun is his 10th b-day. Whew!

ICU, Sorry I forgot you in my previous post! LA is the last place I would want to be next week. I'm finding all of the coverage and attention a bit excessive. Hope your son has a great birthday, my DD will be 11 on Monday!

Wow, what a day. The trip over the mountain was fun and hot. I got DH to take the two panels off the Jeep hardtop. (This is my 2007 4 door Jeep Wrangler I “lent” him in June). I love going topless but the rear seat hardtop is HEAVY and I hurt my wrist yesterday. Yes, it’s back in the brace. Apparently diving was not a good idea. Smart people would probably call the orthopedist and admit the pain but I am blonde and I DO NOT want another cast. Anyway, I couldn’t help take the heavy part off. But the two front panels were great. We bought loads of construction stuff and had to put the panels back on for the return trip. And because the trailer load was really heavy for traveling up the mountain, we didn’t run the air-conditioner. It was in the mid-90s. I was a sweaty after the 1.5 hour drive. I then did the elliptical and sweated some more. Then I jumped (note I did not dive and I had the brace on) into the pool. Oh that felt like heaven. The chill to the skin was like Utopia. I swam .25 mile then gave my wrist a break. It was a nice day. Oh, one other thing. If any of you are Costco shoppers and like their food court except the high calories, I got something that was lo-cal. They have a turkey wrap, but they have mayo and cheese on it. They were just fine with my request for a specially made one without cheese and mayo. It made the wrap low in cals. So ask away and they’re nice about it.

OMW, I definitely am surprised by the coverage. How he went from the weirdo to saint by passing away astounds me. In his prime, his music was special and was fun. But he went wacko and was the butt of late night jokes for years. It’s like that era was erased. I just don’t get it.

ICU and OMW, my DD will be 24 on Monday. Apparently having a baby in the beginning of July was a common thing.

ICU, not only will LA be a circus, I bet it’ll be hot, hot, hot. Enjoy celebrating your DS’s b-day. Those b-days are so much more fun than our own.

Penguin, WTG on getting DH to pay attention to his choices. Get him aware and you’ll have a great supporter in what you’re doing. My DH told me didn’t lose weight while he was gone (he told me he would, that it would be easier while he was away). Today he admitted he clearly eats too much. I made dinner tonight and gave him the exact dinner and portions I had (I weigh my food). He was ok with it. I told him to stick with me and he’d lose weight. He agreed and I thought that was amazing. Apparently he wants the little gut gone. How cool. And the potato chip as veges was funny. DH looked at his plate tonight and said, “Meat, vege, vege,” pointing to the beef slices, green beans and corn on the cob. I said, “Meat, vege, starch. Think of the corn as your potato. Both are vegetables in the broad sense but they’re both starches.” It was quite funny. So Penguin, both our hubbies are going to learn about healthy eating. BTW, Lasik doesn’t correct the need for reading glasses. I was warned over and over about that. I couldn’t see the side of a barn from 10 feet before the surgery and now I can see it and probably even make out the wood grain under the paint.

Jelder, great job returning the borrowed suit. NSV are really the important ones. The scale is just universal but it’s the NSV changes in our lives that really make it worthwhile.

I guess that’s it for today. Maybe by posting this morning and evening, I won’t feel like I’m way behind tomorrow.

Marie

This is my first time on this thread. What are you all doing to lose weight? I am curious. I tried the HCG thing last month and only lost 10 pounds on 500 calories a day. I thought I was going to die!

Jelder 227-I am especially curious about your weight loss. What have you ben doing? Right now we are at about the same weight, height and goal weight. I just really want to do something, but have not totally decided what to do.

I would appreciate any ideas you all have.

Good morning everyone, Mack is off to play golf this AM and I will clean house. We have no plans for the weekend, we like to stay close to home on holiday weekends.

When I first started on the treadmill I had my laptop on a board across the bars so that helped me stay distracted. Now with running I always watch TV and most of the time the hour flies by. Mack hates the treadmill and moved his runs outside about two months ago; I don't think he'll ever get back on the treadmill.

Gsmom... I think most of here have given up fad diets and are now calorie counters. I for one will never starve myself again knowing that I can eat 1500 calories a day (including Ben & Jerry's) and lose roughly 2 lbs. a week.

I just wanted to remind those with dogs to please keep them in tomorrow. The shelters will be full of scared and lost dogs on Sunday.

Good morning all - happy holiday weekend! All you early risers must be rubbing off on me - I wouldn't usually be up before 7 on a day off.

Gsmom- welcome! Ditto to what Cruise said. I've found it super helpful to track food and exercise on thedailyplate.com. It gives you a calorie target based on height, weight and activity level for the amount of weight loss you're shooting for.

Cruise - great point about the dogs - I don't have one of my own but I often dogsit for friends and they seem to have such a hard time with fireworks. And thunder. My cat however doesn't raise an eyelash. Does anyone know why dogs are so noise sensitive that way?

ICU - good luck with the LA trip - that sounds like a total pain!

Marie - I'm starting to get a little worried about your wrist. It seems like repeatedly reinjuring the same spot can lead to longer term problems and that obviously would not fit in your active life. Is there some physical therapy you can do to strengthen the muscles that would help prevent re-injury somehow? I definitely don't know what the answer is - but it might be worth discussing with your doctor.

Jelder - The long distance thing can be hard but it sounds like you guys are making it work.

Penguin - My mom had a detached retina a few years ago so I know a bit about how tricky that is and the impact on your vision. Lots of luck with your procedures! And congrats on the pound lost!

So, my evening comfort eating cravings have been so much better lately then last night they got away from me a bit and I went over my calories for the day by about 400. Definitely not great. And I can't figure out what the trigger was - maybe not enough protein for dinner. I'll keep working on it. Luckily I had exercised a ton yesterday so I'm hoping it won't mess things up too badly. I'm planning on a quick run and lots of yardwork today since we're supposed to get some cloud cover which should make it less hot. What's everyone else up to?

Everyone is very friendly here. That is great.

I have a question...does anyone here ever have feet issues. I struggle with morton's neuroma and sometimes plantar's fasciitis, which totally stinks. Every time I start to exercise it all flares up again. I have been to the podiatrist several times, but I may end up having surgery again. I had surgery for morton's neuroma about 15 years ago. This really gets in my way of exercising like I should. It also makes it difficult to even walk normally. I am interested if anyone has heard of any new treatments.

Dancer-Thanks for the welcome. I am a great lover of dancing. Do you watch "So You Think You Can Dance"?

Jelder- Good luck on the long distance thing. You all must have a great relationship. My husband and I have been married about 4 years and I HATE it whenever he has business trips, and they are usually no longer than a week. I don't sleep well when he isn't here. You must be a strong person.

Penguin-My stepdad had the same thing several years ago and it doing very well now. I am sure everything will go well for you, too.

Dancer-I drove from OKC area to Grand Junction in April to get my 20 year old son. I went through Denver and across. I will have to say that is the most beautiful view I have ever seen. You live in an amazing part of the country. Also, my son lost about 30 pounds when he was out there for a few months because he was so active. He climbed the mesas, often rode a bicycle and longboarded. It seems like there is a lot to do there.

Welcome GSmom! I started out on WW and have moved into portion control, healthier choices and exercise every day. I read labels and if the serving size says 10 crackers, I count out 10 and put the box away. My loss has slowed to about 3-4 pounds a month but I'm Ok with that because I don't feel like I've deprived myself of anything. I plan ahead for meals out by eating lighter the rest of the day. Hope you find the reight plan that works for you.

I had a little trouble with plantars fasciitis a couple years ago. Since I have lost weight my feet don't bother me.

Marie, I have to agree with Dancer, you need to have that wrist looked at.

Have a 'Fit" friday!

WOW Onmyway! You have really had a lot of success. I commend you for staying with it. I have been a yoyo dieter most of my life. I am about 38% body fat, even though I am only 160 pounds. I need to get off at least 30 + pounds to get more healthy. My husband is overweight, too. He is a bad influence on me by buying junk food, making brownies, offering me ice cream, etc...I am learning to "Just Say No".

Morning {for the next few minutes} All!

Today is a rest day from exercise [Yay} and I need it. {however I have to clean house later!} My triceps, shoulders and lats are very sore from yesterday's kbox workout. I think part of it was the short stretch and the other part was the elbow strikes in the combos, which we don't do often!

I decided to give April a day of beauty. I brushed her, clipped her claws, and cleaned out her ears; brushing her teeth will come later. I brushed her and then swept the floor and got another huge pile of fur from what had just fallen off of her. The neighbors next door told us they have a flea infestation so I wanted to make sure none had gotten on April from being in the backyard. I didn't find any fleas on her but Hubby will spray the yard tonight.

GS, Welcome, I'm new here myself and starting to watch my eating again. I was clueless about the importance of maintainence and gained back about half of what I lost two years ago. Portion control, calories, and a balanced diet combined with exercise is my plan of attack!

Dancer, since we are having cooler weather I was SUPPOSED to get out in the back and weed etc but I never made it out there.

Cruisecat, Good reminder about the pets. we left April outside on Fourth for a few hours while we went to a friend's house and when we got back she had knocked the window {unbroken} out of the bottom of the storm door trying to get inside. We never made that mistake again.

Marie, LOL, my Hubby knows better he's just not willing to give up potatos! We've gone out to eat and he's ordered a burger with POTATO chips, POTATO fries, and POTATO salad as his sides. Did I mention that he LOVES potatos!

ICU, Oh, boy, LA is going to be a madhouse. Good luck with that!

OMW, LOL on the catsup but I know what you mean!

Hi, everyone. Just a quick drive-by post to tell you not to worry about me... I'll be largely absent for quite some time. We're hopefully going camping this weekend, if the rain will ever stop. And then next week I'm taking my boys to Florida to see my parents, back on 7/14.

My goal - just to maintain...

TTFN (do people still use that? I remember it from college: Ta-ta for now)

Have a great time, Newleaf!

Good evening everyone!! Enjoying the day today with my family at home. Had a nice run this morning with some friends and then got some projects taken care of around the house. We aren't doing much special besides fireworks twice and being in a parade with our convertible this weekend. We are sticking close to home and hanging out with friends.

dietingdiva-Good for you for resisting the temptation of pizza!! My favorite pizza restaurant closed around me so I don't have that temptation nearby anymore thankfully. That is awesome that you are doing so well with kicking a couple bad habits all at once. You rock!!

CAT-As far as the EKG blip, I would worry too. I am a big worrier though anyway. I automatically assume the worst until I know better. My kids both have heart murmurs and both had to have ultrasounds for them after their echo's. My sons turned out fine but my daughter has aortic back flow. They told me not to worry about it and have her checked again before high school. Yeah, right, how do you not worry about your children!?! Anyway, hopefully yours is no big deal like my sons and everything turns out fine. Maybe ask if you would be a candidate for an ultrasound to ease your mind?

OnTarget-Welcome to the group!! One of my nieces lives right in Louisville and my other niece lives in Shelbyville. I am very familiar with your area as my sister used to live there and her husband flew the medical helicopter for the hospital in Lexington. They lived in Shelbyville like my niece does now.

HermitGirl-Great job on a 2 pound loss!! Keep up the good work!

blue-Welcome to the group as well!! We love new faces here!

Marie-I hate it when a whole post is typed and gets lost in internet land!! I want to throw my laptop out when that happens too! We love going "topless" as well in our little convertible!! Such a free feeling! That turkey wrap does look good at Costco. I am going to try that next time. I love their non fat frozen yogurt too but they need to make a smaller size. It is way too big!

Penguin-Good luck with your surgery Monday! My grandma had it done on both eyes and said it never hurt at all.

Onmyway-Hope the biopsy comes back fine!! The hardest part is always the waiting. I suffered all winter with a sinus infection. Finally got beat by some really strong antibiotics whose side effect was possible ruptured achilles tendons. Not fun to worry about when I was just starting to run quite a bit!! Hopefully you will kick yours soon! I agree about the exercising with someone. I have a few friends and sometimes my daughter that I run with. Since I started running with them I don't like my lone runs at all!

dancer-Funny about your "senior moment"!! I am starting to have those way too often at my age, LOL! My younger sister did Botox on her lines between her eyebrows. She loved the results! As far as dog noise sensitivity, I have one who is deathly afraid of storms(she lets us know one is coming) and fireworks(she will be under something tonight and tomorrow, LOL) and my other two could care less. I think it depends on the dog.

jelder-Wow that must be hard to be away from your husband!! I bet your child misses him too! Enjoy your trip!!

ICU-I love LA since I was born near there but would not want to be there right now!! The traffic is normally horrific so I can't imagine what it will be like then! This MJ thing is pretty out of hand. I liked him back then but now saw his videos for the first time in long time on the news and had forgotten about all the crotch grabbing. That was gross!! Lots of July birthdays on here!! My dad turned 75 yesterday! My moms is on the 17th.

Gsmom-Welcome to the group!! Wow, 500 calories would barely keep you alive! No wonder you thought you were going to die! I did calorie counting at first and now just try to eat healthy. At breakfast I always eat a healthy cereal like Fiber One or Cheerios plus a glass of OJ. At lunch I try to have a veggie, protein, fruit and carb. I do the same thing at dinner. I have a website of healthy foods I try to follow mostly here:

http://www.whfoods.com/foodstoc.php

I am very big on exercise too. My main thing that I do now is running. I try to run 3 miles a day 5 days a week and take the weekend off. When I was actively trying to lose I biked too. I tried to run and bike for a total of one hour a day. Forgot to mention that I have major foot issues and have found the right shoes really help. Good luck in your journey!!

newleaf-You cracked me up with saying you were doing a drive-by post, LOL!! Good one! Hope you have a great time with your trips and hurry back!! We will miss you here!

Hope you all have a great 4th!!!

I pretty much just sat around and read today. I'm reading a book called Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy; and I can really relate to Benny. She is a young woman going to collage in Dublin i the late 50's. She is discribed as big and taller than her other girl friends. When I was in collage most of my friends came up to my shoulder and were petite. {why is that anyway???} But I am enjoying the book; I used to read a great deal but slacked off over the past few years.

Beemer, I like your new avatar!

Newleaf, Have a nice time!

Good morning everyone!! Happy 4th! I forgot to answer my own questions so here I go:

Reward-I am like lots of you where I think the weight loss and the feelings that go along with it are reward in themselves. I had my hubby take some new pics last night to have to remind of where I am and where I want to stay. They can be a visual reminder to me. That is where my new avatar came from too. He had washed the car up for our parade today so we took my pics by it since it isn't always clean, LOL! Black cars sure get dirty fast!!

Difference-I think this time it has become just part of my life. I have no thoughts of going back and no thoughts of depravity like I have in the past. I could be lots more restrictive in the past and I think that can be detrimental. If I feel like something that isn't the greatest I just fit it in to my plan. I probably eat 80% well and 20% not so well. For me it has been an ok balance that I can live with. Plus my running is very different from the past and really helps to keep me in shape. I am not bored with it at all and plan to stick with it.

Hope you all have a wonderful and exciting day!!

I hope it's ok to jump in here and say hello. I'm new to the board, and have never posted in the 40's forum until today!

Welcome to the group Jasmine!! That is the name of my latest favorite tea! It is always good to see a new face here!! I see you are a fellow runner. How did you get started? I really enjoy it now and had never thought I would.

Welcome to the group Jasmine. We love all the support and encouragement we can get.

Susan - I had an echo done back in 2006 when my son was diagnosed with HCM and then another one in November when I ended up in the ER with my gallbladder, both were normal. I too have a tendency to worry more than I should. I also have a tendency to live in the here and now because of the family history and seeing so many die so young.

Mack and I are headed out to the pool today to enjoy the sun and a few beers. Hope you all have a GREAT 4th.

Thank you for the welcomes!

Welcome to the group Jasmine!! That is the name of my latest favorite tea! It is always good to see a new face here!! I see you are a fellow runner. How did you get started? I really enjoy it now and had never thought I would.

I first started running back in 2005, when my dd & I walked the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. My mom had died of breast cancer in Nov. 2004, and had participated in 4 races before her death. I was never able to participate with her...I had always thought "next year I will." After her death, my dd & I participated in it for her. (How I wish I had managed to do it with her before her untimely death!) While we were walking, we both got the urge to run (something we hadn't done before) and took off...we ran a little, took a walking break, ran a little more, and continued for the 3.1 miles. It was fun. Afterward, I started running here and there for exercise and even though I wasn't a "serious" runner, I ended up loosing 20 lbs. I stopped running and gained the weight back plus some.

This past May, one of my husband's coworkers talked me into signing up for a 10K in September. I did, because I knew that having a goal and a commitment was just the push I needed to get me back into it. I've managed to loose 15 lbs. so far, and am loving it. I feel so good after a run. The hardest part for me is getting myself out the door, but I haven't allowed myself to miss a workout yet, just knowing that 10K is around the corner!

Oh, my username is Jasmine, because I used to have jasmine growing around the last house I lived in, it would bloom in the spring and fall and had the most wonderful scent. It became my favorite flower!

Sorry to hear about your mom!! That must have been very hard! That is great that it got you going to do something for your health though with running. I really like doing the races that support causes like cancer. Good luck on your 10K!! I have only done 5K's and feel that will be the extent of my distances. I am happy that I can even run at all, LOL! I feel too that signing up for a race gives you a focus and a goal to make you push harder.

arg! I've missed so many posts! I have to go out for my run, but I hope I'm totally caught up with you all tomorrow!

Howdy, all! Hope everyone is enjoying the fourth. We just got back from a hike so I'm having a sit down break with a icy glass of diet root beer (I know, I know - I have to cut down on the diet sodas, but I'm kind of focusing on one thing at a time - lose the weight, then work on the sodas).

Penguin - I love the book Circle of Friends and I've read some others of hers as well but that one is my favorite.

Beemer - Love the new avatar! You so don't look like you belong in the 40s forum : ) Sounds like you are having a nice relaxing holiday weekend - perfect!

Jasmine - Welcome! Sorry to hear about your mom but what a great thing to do in her memory. It must have been very emotional for you. I love love love the smell of Jasmine too - definitely a favorite for bubble bath!

Happy 4th!

For anyone who's interested I was able to figure out how to put up a profile picture {truth: Hubby helped a little!}, if you guys want to see the 'real' me.

I bought a food scale today to see if that would help me, I'm kind of a 'gadget' person:D. I registered for FitDay and they ask me all sorts of questions like how much food did I eat?? I can figures measurements like cups and TB spoons but grams and ozs confuse me.

I'm not sure what I'll be able to do or not do after the cateract surgery so I'm trying to get my 'list' done this weekend. Hubby took Tues and Wed off to stay with me. Yay!

Jasmine, Welcome! I have some Confederate Jasmine growing on a trellis by the garage door, and when its blooming it smells fabulous. Sorry on the loss of your Mom.

Good night all,
Penguin

Great pic, Penguin!! Love the patchwork in the back! I see that you are a quilter. My mother and sister-in-laws are too. You do not look like you are in your 40's at all. I would guess your 20's for sure!! Hope everything goes well for your surgery! Have a great day everyone!!

Penguin - wow do you look young!
Now if you all would just look your age, I wouldn't be nervous about posting pictures of my glorious wrinkly bits as part of this botox experiment : ) So, I'm down 3lbs since this time last week which is a bigger loss than usual for me. Happy dance! Hope everyone had a great weekend...