40-Somethings - 40 Something - November - Week Two Chat

Hydra - Tamiflu is a wonder drug. I have some on hand that I got from my doctor when H1N1 first appeared back in the Spring. Glad I got it then because they are being a little tight with it now. I wouldn't worry about the exercise, you don't want to over do it.

WLW - That is a GREAT deal on the gym membership.

Hi Petra, Welcome to the group. I'm Cindy guardian to four dogs and one cat. I'm sure you will find the ladies here on the 40 something supportive. We all go through phases but most of the time we are very active.

Patch - I didn't need to hear about Pizza, I've been craving cheese in the crust and garlic balls.

Marie - Glad DH is home safely. Enjoy your time together.

OMW - You are definitely on your way. I know for me when I took the summer off I had several false starts back at it but the last five weeks have been GREAT. I'm a little nervous about vacation but I hope if I continue to workout and watch my portions I can keep the gain to under 7 lbs. I really wanted to be in the 130's before I left but it doesn't look like that will happen. I've lost weight on a cruise before so there is no reason why I can't this time. It's the second week with my family that I'm really concerned about.

Our hike yesterday was awesome. Total of 9.5 miles, seems not all washes lead to the trailhead.... LOL I'll be uploading some pictures later today. We ended up going up one slot canyon (the one we did last week) and down another and the second one was even more like being on another planet. I'm just amazed that this place is less than an hour from our house.

So I started carrying a bigger backpack with two 100 oz. reservoirs, first aid kit, flashlight...... total weight is 20 lbs. I'm sitting there at the top of the peak looking at both our packs and realized that I had lost that much weight (Mack's weighs about 23 lbs.). It was a really good feeling.

CruiseCAT your hiking is really inspiring. I know what you mean about having that a ha moment of how much weight you've lost; I've experienced that, too. You are doing great; 44 lbs, wow! As for the Tamiflu, just a warning that it gave me a really wonky headache while I was taking it. But otherwise I didn't have any problems with it. Neither of my kids complained of headaches, though.

Hydra I love your new avatar... I'm not sure when you changed it, so maybe it's old news, but I just noticed it; you look great, and happy.

I'm sitting here hungry so I'm off to make my morning coffee. I've already been up an hour but have been tackling the laundry beast that has been on my back for quite some time.

Hi ladies,

Sorry for not posting, but I'm lurking every day ;) ... It keeps me going.

This week another 2 lbs gone .... never to come back :) .

best regards to all
Nell

Morning all. Hubby woke up with a headache, so we decided to sleep late.
Its a nice day out so hopefully we can get out an enjoy it later..

Pictures posted from yesterday's hike:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/575447863NFUAuU

Yesterday's hike went down Owl Canyon as we did last week but instead of an out/back we continued to the west to Rainbow Basin Peak and then down to another slot canyon (we think it was Fossil Canyon). Round trip should have been about 8 miles but we tried to take a short cut through a wash that was a dead end and that added about 1.5 miles.

I did not include pictures of Owl Canyon, you can view those in the album I posted last week from that hike.

Penguin, sounds like you really like variety in your workouts. Go chickie go! Excellent job. :carrot:


Newleaf, DH had the audacity to mention that his boss talked about putting him on swing shifts. :mad: Since I work days, my response was what difference was it then him being deployed other than I’d see him on weekends and my sleep would be majorly disrupted every night. I’m guessing he wishes he’d have kept that to himself. Now that I’ve pondered it, at least I’m used to being on my own and my doggies would have company during the day. :o:D Man my life is getting pathetic. :p The wrist burn is very messy. I’ve never had such a severe burn, it’s down to the meat and it just oozes. Sterile pads stick to it no matter how much bacitracin I put on it. I look at this quarter size stop and try to imagine these poor burn victims that have 60% of their bodies 3rd degree burns after fires and the such. I can see why they’d nearly have to drug them into a coma. My empathy level is much higher now.

Lamb, I will let DH know we will look for a running store so he can do that. Thanks for the info.

OMW, congrats on the roll and moving that ticker. :carrot: I happy for you that you found your groove.

Welcome petra!!! You definitely found a home. Just make sure you go to the week two posts after catching up here. I bet you’re battening down the hatches (always wanted to say that) with the hurricane warnings. My DS was in Biloxi for tech school a couple years ago and the damage from Katrina was horrendous. And I love your avatar. Are they your two dogs? Do you have more? I have huskies.

WLW, that would be so cool to have a gym at work. I’d need one with a punching bag occasionally…

Hydra, DS and soon to be DIL spent nearly all day here yesterday and we ran out of time – didn't make the onion. DH reminded me about it today as he has plans for it on the menu. I’ll let you know.

Cruise, way to go on the long hike with the heavy pack. That is an amazing workout!

Nell, great job on the 2 pound! :carrot:


Marie

Thanks for the welcome everyone. I look forward to getting to know everyone and it will take some time so bear with me. I already kind of know Hydra since we both post in the Sonoma/Mediterranean forum.

Cruise-your pictures are awesome. Great that you have such a cool place to hike. I'm not so fortunate here but I do have a beach, LOL

Marie-yes, we are under a hurricane watch. When I saw the emergency warning come across the TV this morning, I thought "you must be kidding!" The weather here is actually quite nice right now. I'm a doctor and if the Hurricane is due to actually come close to here, I will have to be locked into the hospital during the storm so this is a big deal for me. I have to board my dogs, take food, clothes, etc to the hospital because I may be there for a couple days. This is not looking like something that warrants plywood on the windows or anything. The hospital is currently not on any kind of hurricane watch so I'm not freaking yet. The recovery from Katrina is coming along well

A little about me. Yes, those are my two babies in my avatar. I have a soon to be 7 year old yellow lab and a roughly 4 year old German Shepherd. The shepherd is a rescue so I don't know her exact age. They are in love. I have been overweight most of my adult life. I have tried many, many diets. I have successfully lost large amounts of weight twice. In 2002 I lost 50+ lbs on weight watchers, but never reached my goal and obviously didn't keep it off. In 2005, I lost 65 lbs on a low carb diet called protein power. I got closer to my goal weight than I ever have-about 25 lbs away but never made it and have again, gained almost all that weight back. I seem to have learned something from all these experiences and in the past few years have settled on mediterranean style eating but have had trouble kind of getting a handle on it so I would lose a little 15-20 lbs and then get frustrated and give up, and come back, etc. This time I have made some changes that I think have helped me get over those final hurdles and I believe I'm gonna get there. I don't want to overwhelm you with info so that is probably already more than you want to know. I'll try to keep up as best as I can. Sometimes my job gets crazy and I don't have time to check everyday but I'll try.

After watching the weather report, I figured I better do a little more. I got all the furniture, grill, etc off my back patio.

Marie: lol, we actually have punching bags and a dummy type thing they use for kickboxing as well! They have trainers at the gym and are pretty well equipped I usually either walk the parking lot in good weather (and weekends) or hit the treadmil for about 20 minutes on my lunch break. Plus a half mile walk each way to the bus stop. Planning to step it up this week with more elliptical/bike and arm bike : ) And I really need to work on my pt execises too! It sounds like you may need to get that burn looked at : (

Petra: welcome and I hope Ida misses you, or weakens considerably!
Cruise: I so envy you those great hikes, hope I can build up to those kinds of distances!
Nell: lurking is ok, as long as you're getting motivated!

I'm doggie sitting for a few days, we'll see if it encourages or discourages me from trying again with another dog of my own : )

Good Morning Ladies!

Marie~ Sorry to hear about your burn...ouchies! Hope it doesn't hurt to much while your walking your furry kids. Hopefully hubbie's boss won't be changing his schedule *crosses fingers for you*

petra~ Welcome! You'll love it here...the ladies rock! Stay safe with the storm on it's way. Love your doggies...I have a long haired chihuahua (she's a lil peanut) I had a Rotteweiler for 13 years but we had to put her down last summer :(

Cruise~ Wow those pictures are gorgeous...That's amazing that your hiking that far...wtg! Wish we had places like that close to us.

Nell~ Grats on the loss...Keep up the good work!

penguin~ It's gonna be a nice day here as well...I think the news said like 70! I am already looking forward to my walk :) Enjoy your day!

newleaf~ Ugh I have a mountain of laundry to tackle as well...gotta love housework =op

Had a good weekend...I wasn't home much but enjoyed a lot of girlfriend time :) Had my WW weigh in on Sat. morning and I lost another 2.2 lbs. The leader also told me that my jeans were to big (size 14). LoL I just bought them like a month ago! I'm now offically a size 12...haven't been that size since hs. Weather is gonna be really nice here today and I don't have to work, so I plan on opening the windows and cleaning house top to bottom! Once hubbie gets home from work, we'll go on our walk :)

Have a wonderful day ladies!

Huggies,
Giv

TLC I live in PA, too, and the boys went to school in shorts today. My DS8 is hoping that it will be a record-breaking heat LOL. Sounds like you had a great weekend, and congrats on the jeans size...

weightlosswanted good luck with the doggies! I'm sure you can get a lot of support for that on this site, with all of our resident alpha dogs...

petra Here's hoping that Ida doesn't impact you too much...

marie I hope your burn is continuing to heal, and that your DH's boss comes to his senses... arrrrrgh.

cruiseCAT good luck with all your trip prep this week. Your photos were great!

nell congrats on the 2 lbs!!

Patchwork I hope your DH's headache was fleeting and you got out and enjoyed the day!

Well, it's the start of a new week and I need to gear up to plan out the dinners again. I plan to exercise as well, and of course need to fit work in there, too. I'm on the hamster wheel...

Oops! I posted on the old thread yesterday. Here's what I said:

Petra - welcome!!

newleaf - nice to "see" you. Great job on staying on plan.

onmyway - congrats on seeing that scale move! It's going to keep going.

weightloss - do you maybe have a public gym nearby that you can drop into once in a while when your gym is closed? It might help to keep your momentum going. I know that my keeping up with the gym is about momentum and I can't stop for long or it's so hard to go back.

Hydra - glad to hear your Tamiflu is working. I've been taking a homeopathic remedy for the same reasons and it seems to be working. It's supposed to be stimulating the immune response. So far, so good. I started feeling sick on Wednesday and I've managed to keep functioning ok. I am soooo tired, though.

Marie - your marinara sounds good. I think I might have to consider canning, too. I have an intolerance to garlic and it seems to be impossible to find any salsas or spaghetti sauces that don't have any. Hmmm...

It's TOM and I'm borderline sick with almost having the flu, although I'm fighting it off as best as I can.

Added today: Feeling better, but I didn't go to the gym this morning. It'll probably be a couple of days before I'm up to it. The really good news about my gym is that it has been bought out by a local fitness chain. The new owner is buying $1,000,000 of new equipment! It's always been a well maintained and very clean gym, but there was a shortage of the newer cardio equipment, so this should change things. :D It'll be a wonderful early Christmas present (the new equipment is supposed to show up anytime now and it should take a month for it all to arrive).

Petra, your diet history is so much like mine and probably others here. I know the experts say yo-yo dieting is so bad but I would think giving up is worse. I believe to my soul I will not regain because of the changes I’ve made in my life but there are no guarantees. I saw that Ida was downgraded to Cat 1 – I hope it misses you completely.

WLW, where do you work that you have all the fun stuff in the gym. Trainers even??? That is a great benefit.

Giv, great job on the new size and the 2.2 pounds. :carrot: You are just cruisin’ on your weight loss.

Newleaf, we’re all hamsters on the wheel. I hated coming back to work. It really seems never ending especially after having such a nice, quiet weekend. Enjoy the menu planning!

Pres, but you were just sick when you started your new job! Keep taking the homeopathic remedy. Getting used to the new job is hard enough. And yeah, on all the new gym equipment.

I made reservations for DD, DH and I at South Lake Tahoe over new years yesterday. DS and future DIL are getting married there on Dec. 31 so it was time to make the plunge. Wow-wee on the hotel costs. We’re thinking we’ll be able to ski at Heavenly on the 31st and the 1st. The 3 of us will have fun.

I’m still working on finding Cancun lodging for the first week we are there in February. My surgery is now scheduled for the 15th and so we have a week. DH and I are going to take scuba lessons. I’m thinking of an all inclusive but then I might overeat and that would be BAD. I’m sort of cheap so if I do just a room and pay as I go, I’ll probably lose weight like I did on the last couple vacations.:D

I suppose my work break is over.:(
Marie

Hi everyone! My turn for a drive-by - want to say a hello and welcome to Petra, and extend wishes of healing to Marie, hydra, and Maggie and continued health to everyone else!

I got to come home for lunch today. A rare treat. The weather is starting to get very tropical here-very windy and the rain has started. Apparently the hospital has decided against a lock down which makes me happy. Thanks for all the warm welcomes.

Nell and Giv-congrats on your losses. Size 12 pants! U go girl!

Marie-Lake Tahoe, and Cancun. I'm jealous! I'm going home for Christmas-to the Philadelphia area. Can't believe I'm saying this but it might be nice to see some snow.

We took the doggie to the park today. Its overcast rather than sunny but there's no breeze and its humid so we were all panting by the time we got home. I started some jog intervals but kept stepping in holes with my right foot so I gave up quickly.

I did get out and do some fall planting and weeding yesterday, while a recovered Hubby cleaned out the garage {about time!}. Later we ate out and did some shopping.

Tonight we got out to eat with my parents for my Mom's Bday. Hopefully, Hubby and I can split a meal.

I'm thinking I might use a kettlebell as a treat for the mini-goal of 20lbs. I want a 20lb kb {think metal ball with a metal handle, like a dumbbell, used for weight training} so when I lose 20lbs I can buy one! That will give me time to save up the money also, because the stupid things are pricey for a hunk of metal. The one I want is at Target {GoFit brand} and comes with a DVD.

Petra, I'm a bit north of you but it only snows every few years here. Its very pretty when it does but the city shuts down . We don't have snow plows etc

Marie, Your trips sound wonderful. Yay for DS and future DIL!

Pres, whoo-hoo on the uprades to your gym! I hope you feel better soon!

Newleaf, I need to get in the habit of planning dinners again. That would probably help a lot! I know I do better with a schedule but every once in a while I rebel and try to wing it. Hello, penguins can't fly!

TLC, LOL, on the leader telling you your clothes are to big! Nice of her to notice!

Penguin-I'm originially from the Philadelphia, PA area and am going home for Christmas. You are right, it snows about once a decade here so I haven't seen snow since I moved here. I'm hoping I'll see some while I'm home for the holidays. Can't believe I miss snow, LOL

Penguin, sounds like it was a nice day at the park

Petra - I grew up in the suburbs of Philly (bucks county) - I want to move south -- tired of snow in NJ - we have a lot of dog lovers here...i have 3 rescues, and have been so lucky with them...great family members

Cruise- you continually amaze me and inspire me with your hikes...and nice visual of seeing how much you've lost!

Giv - congrats on another loss, and gld you enjoyed your girlfriend time

New Leaf- did you get your dinner plans together for the week?

Marie- i'll bet those costs were huge on New Years Eve! Congrats on the upcoming marriage (DS and DIL)

---

We went to the running store finally yesterday and took care of my shoes...it's been a full weekend with my husband and the weather is being a nice treat here in November..we're sitting in the 60's which is fab! - it was across from Princeton University...what a gorgeous campus to walk around...was lovely - haven't seen it/been there in like 20 years

Excited - we were thinking our Feb trip to Disney would be pushing it since i'm doing the run in March - so instead, after the race, my DH will meet me down there and we'll stay on another week..happy for that. Going in Feb and March didn't make sense, but this - we can work this out

Counting down the days til my Thxgiving trip with my son to Disney - want flip-flops and swimming!

Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I've been running around making sure Mack has everything he needs before I go. Tomorrow will be spent doing laundry and packing and then Wednesday I'll clean house.

I'll make time in the morning for personals while I'm having my breakfast and tea.

Wow! What a busy place this has been! Hope you all had a great Monday. I have had another good day which makes me very happy. My neck is healing nicely, I am scheduled to have my stitches out on Thursday.

Cruise, your hike pictures are awesome! Hope you have a great trip!

Lambchop, we had temps in the 70's yesterday and today so I wore flip flops! Princeton is a besutiful campus, I remember visiting there as a teen.

Patch, I think the kettlebell sounds like a great reward!

Petra, We are glad to have you with us! This is a great group. Hope the storm passes with no problems for you!

Marie, Your travel plans sound fun! How's you burn?

Presmaggie, Hope you are feeling better. New gym stuff sounds great, will your old membership just transfer?

GivTLC, 2.2 pounds! That's terrific!

Newleaf, LOL about the hamster wheel. I feel like that sometimes too!

WLW, A gym with a trainer is a great perk! More employers should offer that!

Hi to anyone I missed! Have a great evening!

day 6 of 6 and up since 4am thanks to a whiny dog...I think I might want one - why?! hope everyone is having a great week!

Morning Ladies!

presmaggie~ That's awesome news about your gym...it will be like all shiny and brand new ;) Sounds like your doing the right thing by not pushing yourself while fighting off the flu...just rest up!

Marie~ How wonderful to be planning some trips...Do you have room for one more? lol Weddings are always a wonderful celebration :) I would love to go away during Christmas/New Years, since I dislike the holidays so much.

penguin~ How was your dinner out? Not sure I've ever seen a kettlebell...is that like a ball and chain? lol Maybe I could drag my hubbie around the house and call it exercise hahaha

petra~ I live outside of Philly, PA and ummm I don't want any snow...sorry lol

lambchop~ Awesome you got some new shoes...they make all the difference :) What a lovely walk that must have been around campus. That whole area is nice...I love the mall there! Great idea on your Disney trip...it can be like a reward for you as well. Won't be long now till you get down there with your son...oOoOo I miss my flip-flops.

Cruise~ Busy busy lady! Have a wonderful and safe trip...we'll miss you!

Onmyway~ Glad to hear your healing nicely, getting the stiches out will be a nice relief...has the area become itchy at all?

newleaf~ LoL @ your son...Although it was nice here yesterday, I think we hit 65...there wasn't much sun. I did have the boys play outside though when they got home from school (Not gonna be many of these days left)

wlw~ How cool that your dog sitting...not so cool they wake you so early lol They do make great pets though :)

Yesterday was a good day...got lots done around the house and had a nice brisk walk late afternoon with hubbie. Wish the weather would stay this way all winter =op Made a wonderful spinach salad w/ strawberries and grilled chicken for dinner..It was yummO! I'd really like to start preplanning meals, but since DH does most of the cooking it might be tricky. I guess we could sit down once or twice a week and discuss the food plan.

Have a wonderful day ladies!

Huggies,
Giv

Marie – That sucks about DH being put on swing shift; I would not be happy. How is the burn doing, did you see the doctor about it? Infection is common with burns.

Be sure to let us know how the “onion” turned out. Outback is one of my favorite restaurants and I love the blooming onion. Are you also making a sauce for it?

Petra – I would go nuts if I had to go under “lock down”; especially having to board the pups. I also have a yellow lab, Hogan; he is the smartest dog I have had but VERY stubborn. He came to us with his seven siblings when they were two days old as orphans. After fostering for 8 weeks Mack HAD to keep him. I really didn’t want a 5th dog but there was no way I could say no.

WLW – Have you thought about adopting an older dog from the shelter? There are so many in need of a home and the nice thing is you don’t have to deal with a puppy.

GivTLC – Woo Hoo on another 2 lbs. and on the size 12.

Heidi – LOL… I can relate to the “hamster wheel”. My sister seems to think because I don’t have a “real” job that I just sit on my butt all day and have all the time in the world to do stuff. Although I don’t have a paying job my volunteer work does keep me very busy.

Maggie – Glad you are feeling better. Way cool about the new gym equipment. It’s weird being in the desert I often forget what time of year it is; however, this year the ads on TV seem to have started early :(

Marie – You will LOVE scuba diving. Are you having surgery in Mexico or is that just where you are going to recoup? I know of little place about 5 hours south of Cancun that is Paradise that I could hook you up with a nice (very remote) inexpensive place to stay and a 5 star PADI dive shop where the staff is top notch. The area is not for everyone and as I said is VERY remote. Let me know if you want any information.

Patch – Love the kettlebell idea for a mini goal. I have to crack up at the people that reward their success with food. Don’t get me wrong I indulge but not as a reward.

Petra – I am originally from Virginia and on occasion I do miss the snow. The nice thing about the high desert is we do get it every few years; just enough to make things pretty and then melt and make a mess. The mountains are less than an hour away IF I really want to go play. I love sitting on my back porch when it’s 60+ and can see all the snow capped mountains. Last year I wanted to go up and play but realized I didn’t own a coat. This year I am prepared and even plan on doing some hiking in the snow; OK…. probably only one hike and more to play but at least I’m ready.

LC – I love your dedication and determination to complete your run.

Do you have any idea how crowded the parks will be that week. As much as we would like to “do” Disney the price is just outrageous. The plan for us is to do the 7 day/2 park pass for Universal for $99 vs $79 for a one day one park Disney ticket.

OMW – Glad you are healing and get to have your stitches out on Thursday.

WLW – Because a dog gives unconditional love and companionship.

GivTLC - Your dinner sounded very good. I might have to try that combination.

Becky….. Where are you????

Morning all! I'm not usually up this early today. I went to bed last night with a headache which quickly turned into a nauseus migraine. Mostly my head just hurts but this time I had the added bonus of a stomach ache; my digestive system shurs down with the migraine. I'm feeling much better now, but I was up until 2:30 {laying down made the whole thing worse...}. I can always go back to bed later if I need to.

For my Mom's Bday we went to J. Alexander's which is a place Hubby and I are nornally 'to cheap' to go, LOL. I gave her a notebook style calender, which is what I get her every year, she doesn't even have to ask anymore. Dad and Hubby spent the night talking about Dad's Mustang restoration project so Mom and I leaned close and talked about interesting things. Dad and Hubby also made a playdate for Sat, so Mom and I will do something interesting also, and probably end up at Panera's.

TLC, LOL, on the ball and chain idea! short Youtube video using kettlebell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzrB1kmcHzs&feature=related Hubby thinks I'm nuts; but he thought the same thing when I wanted P90x, my first Barbell set, and a pullup bar. Now, He just nods and smiles

WLW, Every time we take April to the park she whines with excitement the whole ride. we keep threatening to leave her there but we never do. Hang in there!

Cat, I can see how a food reward would be counterproductive, LOL

CAT- it's empty and quiet (as Disney can be) before Thanksgiving, but any day AFTER -- thurs afternoon to SUnday is crazy busy, then it gets quiet again

It is expensive - we have annual passes - so for us, tickets aren't as big of an issue, plus it gives me discounts on rooms

Also be aware if you buy a ticket (WITHOUT park hopper) you'll be going in ONE park only per day, can't buy a ticket and go from park to park without park hopper...they put a discount on tickets when you buy say 4-5+ days or longer...that's where the break comes in..multi day, but it would be close to like 250 bucks each for those multi-days...shame

Airboat rides are a fun way to spend part of a day...we went to boggy creek, about 20 mins from the area- it was a hoot

Want a taste of Disney, but not buying tickets/and the park, etc...go to Downtown Disney - a shopping complex that's nice to walk around and gives you some Disney magic...free parking, but go during the day, at night it gets mobbed

Another thought, make a reservation for a restaurant at one of the big themed hotels, example Animal Kingdom Lodge or Fort Wilderness and walk around the hotels...incredible themeing at the resorts and really such incredible detail...(hard to get last minute reservations, but worth calling and trying)

Miniature golf at SUmmerland/Winterland golf is fun - costly -- $13 person, so if you have a big group, yikes, but 1/2 price next day - it's a fun course with TONS of personality

Seaworld is also a neat place to visit, and I think Universal just bought them - not sure if it went through yet, so see if your ticket includes seaworld or if you would need other tickets...may be another choice

Have a great trip - talk to you when you get back

OnMyWay - I'm glad to hear your neck is healing well - that's great news!

WLW - 4am, OH MY GOSH, I'd climb right back into bed the second I could!

Giv - what part of PA are you in? I grew up in Bucks County...I'll bet sitting down with DH and planning together would be great - since he cooks

Penguin - glad the migraine is gone...hate those! Sounds like you had a nice dinner out, and that's awesome that everyone gets along so well

-------
Down another pound...1 more pound to reach my first personal mini goal....I start Week 4 of c25k today, and have a few websites to work on today...nothing major. I go to the DR for my official weigh-in, vitals, etc. (weekly appt)

My trip is in 2 weeks and I'm getting antsy - I can feel it in my mind - I'm more easily distracted as it gets closer. I NEED to get a few things done this week (my work) - so I'll try to stay true to the course, and wrap up those details. I know the few days before traveling, I'm not as good at pushing - so getting it out of the way now.

OK, I need to catch up all the way from the beginning of the week - and it's only Tuesday! :lol:

Petra - welcome! Stick with us - lots of support and the occasional (if requested) kick in the pants. :)

Patch/Cindy - Pizza has been really in the front of my mind lately. And I have no idea what "cheese in the crust and garlic balls" is ... but you've named off 3 of my very favorite foods. :drool:

Carol - keep it up! Let the momentum work! Very glad to hear your neck is doing well. Does sound like they were extra careful about getting everything off. :)

Cindy - Here I am! Agree - the cruise is the easier part. I'm grateful my family lives within an hour's drive on both sides - so we don't have to have extended visits. My MIL puts sugar in EVERYTHING! Even sweet corn! The hiking pictures are to die for - even getting "lost". Yes, envy ... :) Thank you for letting me live vicariously through those pictures - don't ever stop posting them!

Nell - 2 pounds in 1 week is terrific!

Marie - I hope the burn is improving. I agree - burns are among the worst injuries you can have. Even when they heal, it seems like they're sensitive for weeks. Re DH's swing shifts and my own experiences with heavy travel and opposite shifts - the pro is that you never have a chance to get sick of each other. The con is that it becomes easy to stop talking. Watch that one!

wlw - love your new avatar! And very cool that you're going to have a gym at your disposal!

giv - always fun when somebody else tells you it's time to move down a size! Congrats!

maggie - woohoo - new equipment! Good luck fighting off the bugs - zinc and Vit C work well for us.

patch - kettlebells have so much history. Great piece of equipment! Sounds like you're having good weather - always nice to get that when it could so easily go the other way this time of year. I'm kind of surprised we haven't seen snowflakes yet!

lambchop- Disney is so much fun, and what a great excuse to visit twice. :) I'd like to go back again with DS10 - he's old enough finally to appreciate EPCOT I think.

For those that have done the Myers-Briggs personality typing - this will make sense. I'm a stereotypical, unchallengeable INFJ - and I've been a little scarce lately because I'm noodling on my relationship issues, work, and the holidays. Just workin' it all out, y'know? My self-image has changed a lot for the positive with the loss of this weight, and that shift colors the way I interface ... which upsets the status quo. Not only am I adjusting to it, but it requires adjustment from my social circle as well. Not all of these are "harmonious". :D All I can say is that it's really good to be 42 and more in tune with how all this stuff works.

LC - Thanks for all the information and ideas. I hate crowds but I know the kids (son & DIL) will want to do the park at least a couple times. Noah is too young to really know/care where he is so Universal is a good deal for the $99. It would be great if it included SeaWorld but it is not listed, just their other two parks.

I love the idea of a meal at one of the hotels & going to Downtown Disney. Might even take in the new release of New Moon at the theater there.

For those that have done the Myers-Briggs personality typing - this will make sense. I'm a stereotypical, unchallengeable INFJ - and I've been a little scarce lately because I'm noodling on my relationship issues, work, and the holidays. Just workin' it all out, y'know? My self-image has changed a lot for the positive with the loss of this weight, and that shift colors the way I interface ... which upsets the status quo. Not only am I adjusting to it, but it requires adjustment from my social circle as well. Not all of these are "harmonious". :D All I can say is that it's really good to be 42 and more in tune with how all this stuff works.

I think I understand; I am an ISFJ but back in my younger days I was a ENFP (almost a total opposite). I can definitely see some of my old ways coming back. The one thing I know for sure is people change and grow.... and sometimes they grow apart. Appreciate the friendships for what they were and IF your paths go in different directions always remember that at one time that person held a special place in your life. Do that and understanding and respect will guide YOUR decisions (not necessarily the other persons).

Cindy - I tested INFJ my first year of college, when I started my career, and just a year ago! Too true that relationships are dynamic - it's a little unfortunate that the mythology of traditional marriage carries that "til death do us part." Some people seem to cling to that piece over the "love, honor and cherish," and fail to recognize the simple truth you've articulated. ;)

Petra, you can have some of my snow other than when I’m skiing. Then, the more the merrier. I’m always cold so the south sounds inviting.

Penguin, I envision a big metal ball, heaving it around and dropping it on my head. :o I think you are braver than I.

Lamb, I spoke with DH about the running store and he’s going to get advice from the podiatrist today and probably do a running store in the near future. See you’re helping him! And congrats on another pound eradicated. You’re doing great!:carrot:

OMW, the burn it ugly, itchy but it stopped draining. Every time I pick up my curling iron, I look in the mirror and say “Careful with the deadly weapon”. :D Beauty is painful. When you get your stitches out, I have my appt with the derm.

WLW, is day6 of 6 being on track? If yes, great job!:carrot:

Giv, I think dragging DH around would burn tons of cals and would most definitely count as exercise! :dizzy:


Cruise, the onion – I loved/hated it. The way HG has you prepare it and bake it is perfect. The yucky part was the coating. I have Outback’s secret recipe for the fried version so DH and I are going to make it again with that recipe but prepare and bake it the HG way. I think it’ll be awesome then. We made a sauce that I liked but we doctor-ed it so much, I don’t have an idea what all was in it. BTW, you sister is just jealous that you get to volunteer for your job. :p When I retire, that’s what I want to do. The surgery is in Cancun on the 15th but we get there on the 7th. So the first week I have an all inclusive resort that I just paid for. It at Playa del Carmen. So if you know a good dive shop about 30 miles south of Cancun, then let me know. I’m so excited to learn again. I did the whole course years ago but the open dive was in Lake Superior and I REFUSED to get in a 35 degree lake. No, no, no.:dizzy:

Newleaf, I hear you on the INFJ (I’m INTP) and noodling about your life is a good thing. We do understand. You’re right on the easy to stop talking. We were getting there while he was deployed. “What did you do today?” “Nothing, you?” “Nothing” Without a doubt you all knew more about me during that time. Swing-shift brings that same non-sharing out in me. That’s why I hate it so much but being INTP, the introvert part means I like being alone. But my doggies having company all day will make them so happy. :D

My mini-goal of the day is not to munch all my cals away in the morning (now that DH is home and thinks meals in the evening are good). One more hour till lunch and I’m home free. I am such a morning muncher!

Cruise, excellent words of wisdom on relationships. Thanks for articulating it so well.
Marie

First, Myers-Briggs. I haven't tested in a few years but I doubt I've changed. In the past I have been either an INTJ or an ENTJ, and I do find myself fluctuating between introvert and extrovert -- I can't decide, E?? I?? Don't know.

ICUwishing as for marriage. Wow, I can't remember what my vows were, and I wrote them! Hopefully I am still honoring them. That's got me thinking... my marriage isn't perfect, and I'm sure there is more work that I could do.

I just got done with 41 minutes on the elliptical, and the Harlan Coban book is the way to go. I'm about 1/3 through it and it is easy, entertaining reading. I save my more intellectual reading for the night, when I can focus my energy on it. Everything has it's place.

will do a full catch up later, just popping in to say...HELLO - on my read out at the doctor's office?

GAINED 7 pounds of LEAN muscle
LOST 9 pounds of body fat and some water

woohoo

I did Kettlebell Bootcamp DVD. Since I don't actually have a kbl yet, I had a variety of things lined up to 'stand-in'. After the WU the workout is divided into Sets. The first set starts with swings. I started with a 25lb barbell plate weight. It has cutouts around the edges for handles so I thought it would work. which it did to some extent, however...the thing is too wide and too heavy! Oooops! Here I've been so excited about kbls, even planning on buying one already and I'm not going to be able to finish my first workout :o. My back was killing me by the end of the first 16 reps, I was out of breath, and my HR was spiking. Okay I knew this was 'cardio weightwork' but they make it look easy! I dropped down to a 10lb db and did much better but the db doesn't work for all the exercises. I had better results with my 10lb ankle weight wrapped around itself leaving part of the strap as a kbl 'handle'. I had to hold the ends together because I could hear the velcro rip apart with each swing but it worked. About set 3 I finally got into the workout and began to enjoy myself {did I mention most of the swings are in the beginning sets???} . Set 7 is mostly pushups with one hand on the kbl {dbl in my case} and set 8 is corework, even though we did a few core exercises in the full workout. I was a little disappointed in the short stretch, but I'm happy with the workout and glad I tried it.

Lambchop, Great results! WTG!

ICU, I had to turn my AC on twice today. Once when I was cleaning house, and then down again when I did the workout.

Cat, When I was out of HS I wen to FL to visit my sis who lives there. The only thing I really wanted to do was visit SeaWorld, but she said that was too expensive. Sigh! I didn't even have the motive of wanting to see the penguins then. i didn't begin to collect them until collage.

Marie-you must be a federal employee if tomorrow is a holiday for you. Certainly isn't for me! Wish it was.

Penguin-I empathize with the migraines. I sometimes get them with TOM and they can be miserable. Glad you are doing better-in fact well enough to improvise a kettleball workout!

Lamb-great job on the weightloss. I'm impressed your doctor measures lean body mass.

Cruise-enjoy your trip. I haven't been to Disney since I was 7 years old. Now I don't live so far away, maybe I should consider it in the near future. I love amusements.

I haven't done Meiers-Briggs in so long I don't remember what I am except that I am definately an introvert. I never got married. Sometimes I regret that and sometimes I think it's the smartest decision I ever made. Ida is almost gone-lots of wind and rain but no serious damage that I've noticed.

My dog Sheba was a border collie/lab mix I got from the shelter when she was a year old. She walked 40 lbs off me in 3 months! The 2 dachshounds I'm watching are grown, but both have some issues due to abuse before they were rescued. I'm just not sure it would be fair to get a dog, I'm gone so much. Sheba had to be crated and I really don't think it's fair to get one and keep a dog crated most of the day. My neighbors said they would help as far as letting the dog out when I'm gone, but there's no gaurantee we'll be neighbors indefinitely. I recently fell in love with a long-haired mini dachshound I saw and have looked online, but it seems the rescues are just as costly as getting one from a breeder...I wish I had asked that lady where she got her puppy!

Meanwhile I just got word that my son is leaving tonight to move to ohio with his girlfriend...I came home early because I was exhausted and had let my sugar drop too low. Now I'm depressed and haven't gotten of the couch, and I still need to eat something : ( I took a couple of glucose tabs before I left work so I'm ok, but need to heat up some leftovers or something. I'll try to get to personals on my "weekend"

Marie: day 6 of 6 is my workweek. bailed out and came home 2 hours early : )

WLW, I take it the news was a big surprise!

Petra, I married later at almost 30. My two SIL's are somewhere in their 30's and maintain that they will never marry. I don't believe either of them has been on a date. One of my collage teachers married for the first time in her mid-sixties. LOL, we all got a kick out of that! I guess it took them a while to find the right person. I've always been very inroverted, I have a difficult time connecting with people face to face. The internet makes things so much easier: lets create groups of people who have things in common already! I've had the migranes off and on since I was 12; it seems I have a different trigger each time. When I started to exercise they slacked off in intensity and duration. Mostly they are a dull ache but occasionally I get a doosie to keep me guessing.

Evening ladies!


penguin~ Thanks for the link...as I was watching it I was waiting for him to hit himself in the crotch LoL I'm such a klutz I'd prolly end up flinging it across the room and busting through the wall =op Sounds like you had a nice time at dinner :) Awesome that your working something out with weights you have till you get the real thing...by the time you get it, you'll be swinging that thing around like it's a feather ;)

ICU~ I've done that Myers-Briggs test and I'm ENFP. This is busy time of year as well as stressful for lots of people. Relationships are hard and being married even harder. I am actually divorced from my husband. We were married about 12 years and lived apart for about 2 years. He is now back living in the house and has been for quite some time. We plan on getting married again in the near future. It took us that time apart to realize how we were treating one another and taking each other for granted. We've come a long way and have a really nice balance now :) He's the father of my 2 boys, he's my rock and he's my best friend. All that doesn't mean we don't have 'bumps' but we know what's important and keep the communication lines open. My thoughts are with you :)

Marie~ I was wondering about that HG onion too...I saw the recipe and have yet to try it. The coating calls for Fiber One cereal right? I have used that in the past to coat chicken and it was a pain to get it to the right consistency...let us know how the Outback version turns out. On being a morning muncher...I'm the total opposite...I want to snack at night while I watch tv or read...ugh some nights are rough getting through.

newleaf~ Nice job on the elliptical...I've been wanting one of those, maybe Santa will bring one ;) Have you read the book "Are you there vodka, it's me Chelsea" by Chelsea Handler? The book is a riot and would make great reading for your exercise...unless you laugh to much and fall off lol

lambchop~ woOt! Way to go on your loss...Your doing awesome! I live about an hour west of Philadelphia...I'm in Montgomery County.

petra~ Glad to hear that Ida is on her way out.

wlw~ Oh wow, was that all of the sudden that your son is moving? Just hang in there and please make sure to eat. Yah getting a new dog is a big responsiblity, surely something not to do on a whim. I'd love to get another one...I actually wanted a Great Dane and DH looked at me like I had just asked if we could get a cow =op Guess that was a no lol

Nothing new to report here...been staying OP with no major issues. Oh wait...my boys have been arguing so much lately (but they can't be apart for more then 10 mins) it's driving me batty...anyone have any duct tape lying around??

Have a wonderful night and God bless you all!

Huggies,
Giv

Giv, I'm looking to see if audible has the book you recommended. I love the book series Newleaf is reading. I love funny books.

We made the Outback version of the bloomin' onion and it was awesome. It's a little convoluted to make but it was worth it. 1/2 the onion and 1/2 the dipping sauce was 175 cals. I will post the recipe probably tomorrow as it will take time to type it out.

WLW, you are right that there is a cost in the rescues but an FYI - something I didn't realize - the adoption fee for Sasha was tax deductible. I do agree that crating full days isn't fair. My doggies have lots of fenced in area to play.

Petra, I work for a school district, so I'm a state employee. We don't get all holidays but Veterans Day is one of them. For that, I'm quite happy. I'm glad Ida didn't do much damage. Are you in the Gulfport/Biloxi area?

Lamb, great job on the doctor weighin. That's just awesome!

Newleaf, you're just rockin' with that elliptical. It is a fun machine isn't it??? I love high intensity workout without joint stress.

Penguin, great job on the improvising kettleball. You will be ahead when you get yours. Just be careful on the correct posture and stuff while improvising.

Marie

Good evening! Went straight from work to DD's swim meet. Didn't get home til after 9. I am tired to do personals! Sorry. Add today to my list of days OP.

OK... This is getting ridiculous. I usually get up 3:00-3:30am but since Mack got back from Mexico he has been running in the morning and getting up at 2:15-2:30. Well today is also a holiday for him and as he sleeps in I'm up and having my tea.... at 2:45am...... this just isn't right. Sure I went to bed at 7:30pm but still it isn't right (that may be even more wrong).

WLW - Yes, rescue does charge a considerable amount in adoption fees but as Marie said it is tax deductible and it's for a good cause. When I fostered the "Orphaned Eight" total expenses for the eight weeks was $2600+. One of the pups died so at $300 per adoption I was out money. And because I am not a 501c3 it wasn't tax deductible. Most rescues operate in the red; especially now.

Marie - Looking forward to the bloom recipe.

Well I need to pay bills before I leave tomorrow. The plan was to clean today but with Mack home not sure that will happen. Maybe I should send him over to play golf. At least I can get some cleaning done.

ICU - i wanted to say again how much I like seeing your pic...You have a beautiful smile. I'm 42 also, and I can totally relate to being more in tune...I really am loving my 40's, and I've found I tolerate a lot less crap than I used to...hopefully you can work out your issues and changes within and around you.

Also what CAT mentioned - I'm always evolving and changing, and that means relationships change if they become stagnant, or who we are have drifted -- it's hard to accept these changes sometimes - but clinging doesn't help anyone. It's almost like desperation and neither of you are then allowed to spread your wings and reach your full potential.

Marie- glad DH is getting his gait and feet checked - hopefully it helps him. That's funny, about being a morning muncher...i'm the total opposite..in fact, I got up at 7:30, it will take me until about 10:30 to wake up and even want to eat anything...Man, your ticker is so awesome..I love looking at it and seeing how far you've come...

New Leaf - reading on the elliptical - that's talent!!!! Glad you found something that's workign out for you and you're enjoying your book

Penguin - your dedication to these DVDs and exercise is inspiring.

Petra - glad there was no serious damage...that's always good news!

WLW - ooh, low sugar, not good - can you keep a safe snack with you at work or in your purse? I'm sorry to hear about your son moving - but remember, you probably raised him to be strong and independence is a healthy thing, so think of it this way - congrats on doing a good job of raising your son to know he'll be okay

Giv- Montco! I used to go to the Montgomery mall off 309...for awhile I lived in Perkasie, and then in Doylestown before moving here. I grew up in Levittown...and LBI and Wildwood were my playgrounds in the summer.

Cat- have a great trip, and up at oh my gosh, those kinds of hours...LOL, it's dreadful for me to wake up before 8am, but I go to bed at 11pm

---

Talking about marriage/work, etc...ya know, i struggled in my first marriage - I was so unhappy, but i wanted it to work, becuase it was supposed to...when i got divorced, I felt like a caged bird free again -- because i finally admitted we truly weren't the best match. I've been with my second husband - together for 9 1/2 years now..it's not work...it's a pleasure and wonderful...it's NOT a struggle, it just feels right, because we mesh...i now understand that marriage doesn't have to be a struggle - when two people are matched well, it's incredible. The difference, choosing a partner at 20, versus choosing a partner at 35. I knew what i wanted and needed....I was more accurate as an older adult.

Man my quads were sore yesterday, but they are back to themselves today -- yeah!

This is a busy thread-hard to keep up with everybody. Yes, I live on the MS Gulf Coast now. I actually live in a town called Ocean Springs which is just east of Biloxi. However, I grew up in the DE, PA, NJ area so I relate to that whole conversation. Before I moved here 3 years ago, I lived in Bethlehem, PA for 6 years. I went to medical school in Hershey. My family is all still up there and I will be home for Christmas and staying with my sister in Haddonfield. Spent my summers at the Jersey shore growing up. Know it well. The Gulf of Mexico is beautiful but very different from the Atlantic Coast.

You are all right about the adoption stuff. I think my adoption fees for my Shepherd were $300 but it was tax deductible. I continue to have a relationship with the rescue which has been nice. They do operate in the red. Almost all the dogs they get in this part of the country are heartworm positive and require treatment which isn't cheap or quick. I have made several donations just to help out because I believe in what they are doing. Personally, I feel there are so many dogs out there who need good homes, you should always consider adoption first.

Giv-I had to laugh out loud about your comment about the Great Dane. They are great dogs but you need A LOT of space.

Cat-enjoy your trip. I've never been on a cruise. Maybe one of those things I need to put on my "to do" list.

Penguin-I watched The Biggest Loser last night. Firsts time I've watched that in ages. They had some kettleball exercises going on. The weight loss on that show is insane. They had someone who lost 100 lbs in 9 weeks! Now granted she started at over 400 but I have a hard time believing that is healthy no matter what anyone says. And the way they work them in the gym.......maybe great TV but again, not healthy!

CruiseCAT I don't think I could adapt to your schedule if I tried! But it works for you, so all is good... Although what happens when you travel and hang with your son's family? Does the timezone change make that work (ie, your 7:30 is their 9:30, which makes for a more typical bed time?)

LambChop I'm going to let you in on my reading secret. You must not have been with the group when I had my revelation. I take LARGE PRINT books out from the library, specifically for the purpose of reading them on the elliptical. That way, even with all the movement, it's easy to stay focused on the page. It has made all the difference in the world for me.

Hrmph. Nobody ever told me that my rescue adoption fee was tax deductible... Oh, well. I'm sure it's not the first deduction I've ever missed... Did I tell you guys about our little run in with rat poison last week? Our cat hauled a brick of rat poison up from who knows where in the basement, which caused a little bit of a song and dance around here... The good news is that he doesn't seem to have ingested any, and even if he did, the antidote (vitamin K) has been easy to administer. So, all is good.

Petra - i'm about 20-30 mins from Bethlehem...I'm off of Rt 78 near Clinton (NJ). (just giving you placement)

NL - great idea...want to hear something funny, i paid more for a large print version of a book on vacation, and still put on reading glasses - man, talk about no strain, it was AWESOME..ha, but i felt old!

-
I just charted my training schedule for running up until my 1/2 marathon..OY! I can do this, right? right? LOL :)

CruiseCAT I don't think I could adapt to your schedule if I tried! But it works for you, so all is good... Although what happens when you travel and hang with your son's family? Does the timezone change make that work (ie, your 7:30 is their 9:30, which makes for a more typical bed time?)


Yes, the three hour time difference makes it work. It's like I never left the east coast.

Newleaf: I always thought I was doing something wrong because all the tests I've taken show me almost equal on the introvert/extrovert portion. A counselor recently told me it just means there are times I get my energy from being around people, and other times I need to be alone to recharge.

Cruise: wow, there's no way I could handle that schedule. Training classes at 7am when I started my current job meant being up at 5...almost killed me!

LC: I KNOW you can do it!

It's soo hard to keep up with the personals...everyone seems to be doing so well! In response to the questions/comments about my son moving, he told me a few hours before he left. Found time to visit his father first but not myself or his sister. Unfortunately he wasn't raised by myself, he spent his teenaged years with his father. He's been homeless both while living with his father and since he's been out on his own. He's very intelligent and has a great work ethic, but absolutely no life skills. At least while he was here his sister and I are around to bail him out if he gets in trouble - not that he would call anyone other than his father (who won't help him). So I am worried, but I've had to let go and let God with my kids more times than I can count!

As for being on track, lol, what is that?! I have been horrible the last few weeks...getting back into the exercise but keeping up with the food has been a disaster. Not only am I not eating enough calories or the right foods again, but I've been bad about doing what I need to keep my blood sugar level - which explains yesterday's crash. I'm finding it hard to get to the food store when I need to, or to get to the stores that have what I need on a regular basis. That's been the only real downside to riding the bus. Looks like today is going to be a pajama day, tons of rain!

I did an hour on the TM. I was watching the National Body Challenge which was inspiring but the walking was B-O-R-I-N-G-!!!

Now I get to go bake a cake!

Petra, 100lbs in nine weeks. I wouldn't have thought that was possible! I don't like the controversy and compititon of shows like BL, I'm so non-competitive that I can't understand it. Why do people have to go home, just pick some people and help them all???

Reg marriage: I look back at some of the guys I dated before Hubby and think 'we were so wrong for each other, what was I thinking???"

TLC, I put the dog outside just in case I dropped the weights. As I'm doing the swinging I was thinking 'if you let go, which would be cheaper to replace, the picture window or the TV"

Cruise, just for you I took the time to write out the Bloomin’ Onion recipe. I really, really loved it. I can see making on for myself and eating it for dinner. :D I put the recipe on my blog instead of a direct link because I had a few comments about it. I hope you like it. http://apps.mariesdogs.com/blog/

Lamb, you made my morning earlier when I read your comment. :hug:I too like looking at my ticker. Some days I just wonder how it moved so far to the right. To be honest on the morning muncher, if I don’t eat until 10:00, I don’t munch in the mornings. I don’t have trouble not eating in the morning. BUT if I have breakfast, morning munchies attack. Since breakfast is so important and I have the slowest metabolism, I don’t mess with not eating breakfast. And big congrats on the success of your 2nd marriage. :carrot:It really is a partnership that should be fun. And without a doubt you can do the half marathon. Because if you run some and walk the rest it is so much farther along than not doing it. And if you only make it 5 miles, it’s still five miles more that day and every mile in training is so much more. Go for it chickie!

Petra, ok, you’ve mentioned being a doctor and my interest is piqued. Do you specialize? I thought of you last night while watching Grey’s Anatomy and wondered if any of it was even remotely accurate. My guess is no but heck I can dream. I too support animal charities throughout the year. I got started with the US Humane Society after Katrina roared through your region. I know people need charity but I’m so much into animals and their safety, I wanted my $$$ to go there. Now I’m torn between continuing USHS or the adopt a husky rescue that saved my Sasha’s life. I’m guessing both will be supported. I also support my animal behaviorist’s “very expensive hobby” – Badger Run Wildlife Rescue. I toured her facilities with her once and was amazed at what she’s done.

And Petra, I completely agree the rate they lose weight on Biggest Loser can’t be healthy. I admit I’ve never watched it but the headlines make me cringe. I just read an article about the Tapeworm Diet. :devil: Yuck and double Yuck on it. And it can’t be much more healthy than what Biggest Loser does.

Newleaf, that is a big bummer you didn’t know about the deduction. But now you do so you’ll always be motivated to adopt a rescue. I’m relieved kitty is doing fun after his hunting expedition. Explain to him that he’s to catch the rat, not the rat poison.

WLW, I am so sorry about your son leaving and in such an abrupt way. :hug: This is going to sound really corny, but I usually find a song that’s fitting to the hurt and obnoxiousness when my dear children rip my heart out. One was Rod Stewarts Reason To Believe when child basically moved out in the middle of the night – the day I’d had to put my Goldilocks to sleep. I was raw from losing my golden, and then bam, off the kid goes. It was so fitting. I think of that time whenever I hear the song. Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive comes to mind. And Kelly Clarkson’s Gone fits with what DD’s ex-partner did in Sept with my beloved DGS. I don’t music really helps me as I’m very into lyrics and dancing to the melody to lift my spirits. I hope your daughter brings you comfort through this. Maybe she can help you get back on track and help you through all of it.

Penguin, way funny on the weighing options of window versus TV. :lol:


Tomorrow is my dermatologist appointment for the mole on my back. I also made an appointment with my co-worker’s chiropractor for Friday for help on the facet joint. It isn’t getting better. I’d prefer going to a PT but I’d need a dr. referral for that and (don’t read anymore Petra), I hate going to the doctor. It’s a waste of money to be told what I already know is the problem and then longer for the referral. The chiropractor I don’t need a referral with my insurance. I’m getting close to the border weight – 140.8 this morning. Since TOM is around the corner, I’m thinking the border, back and forth, will be extreme since TOM will play with my mind too. But I’m getting close.
Marie

Evening Ladies!

Just a quick post here...I'm not feeling my normal chipper self today...I've got lots on my mind and I'll let you know about it when I feel I can write it out w/o crying. Don't worry I'm still OP and I did a 3 mile walk today! I can no longer allow my emotions to drive me to eat...I need to learn to deal with them another way.

Marie~ Holy crap girl...I was just looking at your ticker...your sooooo close!

Hope your all doing well!


Huggies,
Giv

Marie-yes I have a specialty-actually two. I'm double boarded in internal medicine and psychiatry but what I do is basically I'm a geriatric psychiatrist/geriatrician. In fact, I went to a nursing home today and saw patients. All my patients have psychiatric problems and if they have medical problems-I take care of them too. That's sort of how that works. As for the referral thing-my doctor has this phone tree when you call and one of the options is to leave a message if you need a referral. You don't have to go in and pay the co-pay to get a referral. That sounds like a scam.

I made it to pilates class tonight. I'm feeling good about that.

Morning ladies.... just wanted to pop in before I leave (6:05am flight). I'm sure I'll check in several times over the next couple weeks but wanted to wish everyone continued success.

I really wanted to be in the 130's before I left but it didn't happen. This morning I was 140.6. I'm expecting a 5-7 lb. gain while I'm away, hopefully no more.

Marie thanks for posting the recipe; got it bookmarked for when I get home.

Marie: thanks for the song suggestions! I actually do "song collages" on myspace, putting together song lyrics and pics. It's been a great form of therapy for me in the past. Two of my favorites are "Stand Back Up" by Sugarland and "I Will Not Be Moved" by Natalie Grant.

I'm not as stressed by the situation as I would have been in the past, done a lot of work on dealing with my grown kids and their issues. "When Parents Hurt" by Joshua Coleman is an awesome book www.whenparentshurt.com. I came across it in the library a couple of years ago and was thrilled, told my counselor somebody wrote a book just for me!

So now I'm off to get my hair done, woke myself up at 4:30am and couldn't get back to sleep. Need to get back on track by doing some food shopping and planning my meals again. Eating 2x a day is NOT the way to go when you're prediabetic! Not sure how I slipped back into my old bad habits but I need to get it together. Today is my last day with the doggies from upstairs. I have figured out why they're overweight, daddy may have restricted their diet but all they do is lay around and sleep! I bring them outside more than he does, but not sure that's an improvement since they get a treat every time they go out : ) Hope y'all end your weeks on a great note!

Morning all! My busy day today.

WLW, Love Natalie Grant! I've discovered the more I try to lose weight the heavier April gets. If I don't eat everything on my plate I feed the rest to her. Ooops!

Cruise, Grrr. So very close on the weight! Kinda makes you wonder why our bodies won't co-operate a little more! Have a safe flight.

Petra, So basically what your are saying is that you have all your paitnets bases covered, LOL. My Quilting Buddy is a Phyical Therapist, she works in a local hospital and a nursing home; I get the impression she likes the nursing home better, less variety in patients but less trauma all around. I get a lot of good exercise advice from her.

TLC, I hope you are back to your chipper self soon. Let us know if we can help! :hug:

Marie, Hubby is slow to wake up in the mornings. He doesn't like to eat breakfast here bacause his stomach isn't awake yet, LOL. Some mornings/days it does feel like once I eat I have broken a dam and I keep wanting more and more. Hope your appointments go well.

Back later...

Was reading through the personals and today am just grateful to be among you - we all have our bugs and our challenges. Yet on top of it, we've placed our health and well-being ... in many cases, so that we'll be capable of giving EVEN more to friends, family, animals, work, and our passions. HOW COOL IS THAT? To quote DS10 - "Mondo!"

I had a NSV last night, following a day of eating that was not quite where I wanted to be. I was feeling grouchy and disappointed in myself (hit the vending machine for a bag of Cheezits - which is absolutely my top no-no "food"). Was feeling vaguely nauseous after dinner - probably due to artifical color and trans-fat overload- , had to take DS10 to swimming, and the little voices in my head were absolutely screaming at me with ideas for excuses to not get in the pool myself - not feeling good, meet is Sunday - should rest, gonna hurt something, too tired, need some personal time ... I'm sure you're all familiar with them. From somewhere inside, something rose up and roared "STFU!" And then it was quiet. And I swam. :)

Penguin-I like to refer to myself as one-stop shopping, LOL

ICU-you crack me up but good for you for getting in that pool. I have days like that too!

ICUWishing good job quieting the demons... I'm proud! I wasn't quite as strong as you last night...

ICU: lol, way to go!

update: now my son says I may be expecting another grandchild. I told him their best option under the circumstances (both homeless and unemployed) is to give the baby up for adoption. he's rather p.o.'d at me for the moment.

Good Morning Friends! Today is a great day. I am down 2 pounds! :carrot::carrot::carrot: I am doing the happy dance!

Stitches out yesterday. Everything is doing well. My incision is just under my ear and down the side of my neck. When looking at me head on it is just barely noticeable, now from the side that's another story but I'm OK with that.

WLW, sorry about the problesm with your son. I think your advice is very good. Wish more people had the guts to speak that to their own kids in this situation. Hopefully he will come around!

ICU, I am also a cheez it lover. I could eat a whole box. I have not had any in over a year! Great job getting past the monster and into the pool!

Cruise, Have a great trip! Stop in when you can!

petra, You should feel good about getting to a class! It's hard to make time these days! We are all so busy!

GivTLC, Here's a :hug:. Hope things get better!

Marie, how did your appt. go with the dermatologist?

Patch, I'm with you on the TM, Boring!

Lambchop, Yes! You CAN do this!

Newleaf, Hope you are stronger today! One day at a time!

Gotta get to work! Have a great day! It's Friday!

Geez-what an ordeal with the website over the past couple of days. Hope everyone is doing well. I had a rough day at work yesterday for some reason. 3 new admissions-normally wouldn't have been so much but for some reason it was. Our nurse practitioner came and helped me out. Sometimes the families are as much work or more than the patients-and we don't get to bill for that, LOL. I had really wanted to go to a yoga class last night but I got home so late that just didn't fit in my schedule. I also had a whole pile of errands I needed to do and didn't get any of them done. Got a couple done this morning and the rest will have to wait until next week-oh well.

I am going to a yoga workshop tomorrow. Should be interesting-it's a spirituality, mixed with postures workshop. I'm not completely sure how it all works but I'll tell you about it after I go.

The other big news-my scale said 229.8 this morning. It appears I have made it out of the 230's or at least the trend in that direction has started. It's the first time I've seen a 2-2-something on the scale. Friday is my "official" weigh day so I won't change my ticker again until next week.

Hi, everyone. I'm around but I've been having a really difficult time logging in... (not mentally, but from and internet connection standpoint, LOL). I hope everyone is well... WeightlossWanted sorry to read about the difficulties your son is going through... Petra65 nice job on getting the scale to move!

so bummed out, the site keeps going down :\

going to try to catch up - but I missed you girls!

I'm guessing the board was down for everyone...I haven't been able to get on for 2 days...I missed you guys!!!

Okay - first off - lost another pound, so that's 17 pounds gone.
Secondly, finished week 4 of my c25k, and am starting Week 5 Monday...

--
Cruise - hope you're on your way and having a super vacation - will miss you while you're gone!

WLW - ouch, he only gave you a few hours notice! THAT would be hard :( Hope you are adjusting - I understand - my boys live with their father, so I do relate to that...I do weekends, but it's just not the same. I was a full-time mom for 8 years, and then adjusted to life in a new way...It's okay to worry, that's what moms do, but it's good for him to find his way in life.

Penguin - an hour on the TM -- clap, clap, clap...good for you!!!

Marie - thanks for the comments about the 1/2 marathon...you're right. :)
You're going to hit your weight so soon...it's going to be quite an incredible moment for you...and good luck withe doc stuff

GiV- 1. hope you are feeling better today, and what was bothering you - you're able to work through it... 2. proud of you for doing 3 miles

Petra - hey! I didn't realize that. I'm seeing an internist now, and she's also doing work for aging and weight loss - she's been quite the blessing to me. Do you know she spent 2 hours with me my first appt? We just clicked, any way, I go...I just want to give you a hug, and she goes...it's okay, you can hug me..and now she gives me a hug everytime I leave. That made me feel so nice that she is okay with me being that way, and I feel like she's quite a warm and caring woman...anyway, so when I think of internist, i smile :) oh yeah, my bro-in-law is a doctor (family) and his wife is a gastrointeroligist (sp?) ....man, i went on and on about that story...LOL sorry. I hope the yoga workshop is awesome and you enjoy your time - congrats on getting out of the 230's! I'm sitting at 240, and looking for those 230's now!!!

ICU - still loving seeing your smile daily...just had to say :) AGAIN... Great deal on getting in and swimming, even when everything gave you a reason not to...the mental hurdle is often our biggest oponent

On my Way- 2 pounds...woohoo!!!!! I hope you had a good Friday at work - hope you're still feeling the joy today

Wow - 2 days of not being able to connect here was awful! I've had a couple of less than stellar days (coincidence?) and need to get back to business. Spouse is off to deer camp - hoping for good results.

Swim meet tomorrow morning - I have 5 events planned, and DS10 is coming along. Should be educational for him. I did warn him to charge up his Nintendo. :D I'll report back and let everybody know how it went.

Good luck tomorrow, ICUWishing!!!

ICU: good luck!
everyone: thanks for the supportive comments and advice about my son, last I heard he's on the way back to charleston, should have arrived today. Apparently he's not talking to me. Nothing new there!

I'm still trying to get back on track, my blood sugar was the highest I've seen it on Friday : ( Getting back into monitoring on a regular basis...gotta get to the food store so I have healthy food and snacks at hand. Eating at the cafe or deli plus ordering in at night doesn't help!

ICU-good luck tomorrow with your meet. I also hope you like venison.

WLW-sorry to hear about the problems with your son. You know stress will make your blood sugar go up too-its that cortisol response.

petra: hadn't thought of that, even though I just lectured my sister on it a couple of weeks ago. thanks for the reminder!

speaking of my sister, she had the gastric sleeve done in may and has lost almost 100lbs. she finally posted pics and what a difference! we've been so worried about her health over the years, not to mention bouts of depression. if she can do it while working and taking care of a family, I should be able to get the 40lbs off that I need to lose!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and a good start to your week!

ICU: waiting to hear how you do today!

he's on the way back to charleston, should have arrived today. Apparently he's not talking to me. Nothing new there!

I don't talk about it, but i can truly relate. My 19yo decided to shut me out a couple of years ago. I'm the one who left the marriage - to save myself at that point.

I'm close to my 15yo, but I can't make decisions for my older son, and it's been a tough journey....You adjust, then there's a bump, you adjust, and another bump, etc...you aren't alone...many people go through these things...i just wanted you to know...(hugs to you)


ICU good luck!

Hi everyone!
WLW - very sorry you're going through this challenge - please take care of yourself!!!! Of course you can lose the 40, and we'll be right here too.

petra- venison is my absolute favorite meat (when spouse does the butchering). I have been tempted to pick up a gun myself!

lambchop - great job with the loss and the running!

Meet results: respectable. It was a typical 25 yd pool. 50 fly, 38s. 50 free, 32s. 100free, 1:13 - but had a goggle malfunction - first time in decades! 200free, 2:40. 100IM (fly, back, breast, free) 1:26. All in all, a good time. Now I have a good base to plan the workouts from.

Be well, everyone!