Sugar Shakers - Sugar Busters Weekly Support Board 12/16-12/22

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

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

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


Please take some time to check out our extensive recipe boards. Our RECIPE BOARDS can be located at the link below:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=89


We have SEVEN INFORMATIVE BOARDS!!!! Please take a few minutes to visit them! New information is continually being posted, so please make sure you visit them often!!! The boards are listed below as well as the link that will take you to the boards:

THE RECOMMENDED READING BOARD
THE TOOLS & TIPS BOARD
THE FOOD INFORMATION BOARD
MOTIVATIONAL & INSPIRING THOUGHTS BOARD
MY FAVORITE SB LEGAL FOODS
SB 2002 BIO BOARD
SB 2001/2002 PHOTO ALBUM BOARD

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=87

We also have a SB WEEKLY EXERCISE BOARD that you can log your daily/weekly exercises on which is located on our weekly support board:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22785

Then there's our latest addition to the SB BOARDS which is called OFF THE EATEN PATH This board is for everything NOT related to SB. You can use this board to post questions or comments on just about anything (okay, within reason). A book you recommend, a cleaning tip, a great website deal, etc. etc. Here's the link:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=90


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


WELCOME! :D

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GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!

Will post my usual morning post sometime later, but wanted to make sure I got our
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY done early in the morning, so here's my contribution for MM, I think they are all good, and I hope you read them and in between the lines as well:)


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

FINDING THE WAY

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

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

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

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

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

-- Ralph Marston

**************
WORK ON IT

Though your dream at first seems impossible, work on it anyway, and it goes from being impossible to improbable. Even so, it is still not very likely, for though it might could happen, it also might not. Work on it anyway. And with each effort it becomes more and more likely.

Work with persistence, with faith, with focus and passion. Keep working on what you believe in, on what you can see even though no one else may completely share your vision. Work on it anyway, and it goes from being impossible, to being improbable, to being truly likely to happen. And when you get to that point, where you can see it beginning to happen, keep working on it anyway, for now is not the time to stop.

When you're almost there, about to reach the goal, and the bottom gets pulled out from under you, work on it anyway. The faster you recover from setbacks, the faster you'll get where you're going.

Whatever comes your way, good or bad, helpful or hindering, work on moving forward anyway. Your commitment to the best of what can be has the ability to outweigh and overpower whatever may be standing in your way. In response to every situation, find a way to work on it anyway and you'll find a way to bring the best of your possibilities to life.

Ralph Marston
*****************

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

Debbie
194/1??/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Good Morning!

I tried to take it easy over the weekend, and partially succeeded. As a result, I am starting out this week feeling a bit better. I have a bit more shopping to do, but that is not overwhelming...

My weight was up this morning...like five pounds...but that is probably due to MC, so I am not going to worry about it ...yet.

Last night, I made some sherbet in my food processor that was awesome. I had never tried doing that until I got this new one, and I can't believe how easy it is! Tasty too! It will be especially nice this summer. I am trying to figure out a way to make chocolate stuff this way too! :)

Guess I will come back later when I got something more to say!

Have a good day everyone!

Good Morning to you all:wave:

Just got in from my walk/jog. It's cool here today and with that, and it being Monday AND it being that I didn't exercise since last Monday, out I went. It was hard, too windy, but I managed a 50:57 time:snail: At this rate, I'll be happy to finish the marathon by sunset!:eek: MEL is going to wiz by me and I'm afraid so will everyone else. Oh well, at least I went today-that's what's important.

Won't be stepping on the scale for probably the next week. Got on and I was up 1.5 from yesterday. I know it's because TOM is coming on Wednesday, so I'm not stressing about it, but instead of having to see that rise on the scale every day I'm opting to just stay off the darn thing for a while. I know my eating is in check and as long as that's okay then that's what's important.

Have to get ready to go out with my Mom today, so before I have to run, wanted to get in a few replies.

SEF, glad to see your post. Almost called you the other day but figured you were just running yourself ragged. You are certainly missed when you aren't on the board - esp. on Friday!;) Like MIATA, I absolutely LOVED the 2nd one you posted, I passed it along to others!

MIATA, thanks for the geography lesson!:D At first, I thought it was a city in another country, but when you had mentioned Curves, I knew otherwise:^: Only one hospital and it's Adventist? Interesting. I don't understand that religion, though I do know they don't eat meat and go by a healthier WOE. My son is a vegetarian and I found some great stuff at an adventist store not far from us. There are a few health care workers on the board, so you're in good company. As for your party on Thursday, do enjoy yourself but don't go hog wild. What I think is to go for things you want the most, things you will only eat during this time of year, stuff you haven't seen before. Do like a sampling and find what you really like to indulge in. The thing to do is to get right back on track-something easy for some to do, hard for many to do, including myself. I'm the kind of person that, when I cheat, I keep running in the wrong direction and it takes me a long time and lots of self-aggravation to get back on track. If you get right back on track it will be lots easier than if you continue on. Try to plan ahead and eat lightly beforehand on that day. I'm sure you'll do fine!

MONET, glad to hear you're feeling better, keep taking it easy! The sherbert sounds great - how did you make it - please tell!!

Okay ladies, I'm outta here for now. Will check back later on today.

{{{HUGS}}}:grouphug:

Debbie
194/130.5/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Happy Monday :wave:

Whew! what a weekend. Shopped til I dropped both sat & Sun. Almost done. Still have to get stocking stuff and just a couple other things. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I have everything wrapped except for stuff that goes in bags. Those are easy. Went to a party Sat. I took some stuffed mushrooms that were awesome. They were gone in a flash. Best part was, they were legal!!!:D I'll post the recipe soon. Took my SF margaritas with me and ate only legal foods. They had tons of sweets, but I never went near the table. A good friend brought over a palte of goodies and a peanut butter pie. I did have 1 wedding cookies (deb's fav). I was mad that I gave in, but at least I stopped at one. Something I would never do before. That whole plate would be empty by now.

Hope to get some walking in this week. DH said we were going out tonite. Ihave made myself workout everyday. DH gave me a birthday present early (Feb). He bought me a slant board to do situps and workout on. It really makes a difference in your form. So that has motivated me too.

I finally caught up on the board for the weekend.

Yellow, Yes you better bring a striped shirt and a whistle, I imagine those pillow fights can be detramental to your health.

Bob, Buck up, 40's is hot here right now. Glad your DM is coming home for Christmas. #14 & 15 are dead on in your Lou tribute.

Deb, glad your hair is better. I know what you mean on the exercising. I just haven't had time and the weather hasn't been good to walk. I have made myself take 20 minutes each day to work out. I'm afraid to go cold turkey, may never start again. Just think 2 more weeks and all of this will be over and we can get back on the straight and narrow. Yeah for you getting back to goal. I knew you could do it.

Monet, You better rest up an take care of yourself.

Melf, having the kids at your house will make it fun (at least keep telling yourself that). Hope your back is better.

Mel, you better hurry, sounds like you are more behind then me. Nice gift for your DD. Mine wants end tables. Sounds like you are having fun even though you are behind. Enjoy the season.

Serene, I was just going to post an SOS for you and Tranquil. Man we need you both on here. Glad your job is going well. This time of year all you can do is maintain. It's tough. We are all gonna get down to business in a couple of weeks. Tell Tranquil to get back on here too.

Miata, Welcome. SB is a great WOE. It really is easy once you get coming and get all that sugar out of your system. Take one day at a time. Hang on this board. It is great for support. I sure couldn't do without it. Look forward to getting to know you. One piece of advice, plan ahead and be prepared. I always carry triscuits in my purse. That way when there is nacho dip or soemthing I have something to dip with. Fix your lunch the night before, plan your meals. I plan my dinner, then my lunch and then work backwards to breakfast. That way I know when I willbe eating my carbs and what I have left. Good luck

Sef, Loved the jokes. I want to be a pig!


Ok, need to get some work started. Be back later.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Hello all!

I survived my Friday the 13th trauma--sheesh. Have been in the kitchen ALL weekend. Made bread pudding, 2 pecan pies, four dozen cookies and a SB legal cheese cake--the last was awesome! I took it to a dinner and didn't tell anyone it was SF--they raved over it. I adapted a recipe from a church cookbook that uses the cream cheese base and then a sour cream layer and then I made a topping out of melted SF cherry jam (bought at the Asheville farmer's market). I made the crushed pecan crust from the Sane way of eating website. I like the pecan crust better than the Special K or Triscuit crust.

Deb--glad the hear that you got your hair fixed! I want to put some color on mine--the gray is starting to show! My haridresser wants me to wait as long as possible before I have to start putting color on it, but I'm thinking it is getting to be time!

Jackie--Good for you being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I got some good shopping in Sat too--but still not anywhere near finished.

Monet--how did you make the sherbert? It sounds yummy!

OK--got to get to work.

I hope everyone has a great day and a good week!

Susan

Good morning everybody. Hope everyone had a great week-end. Mine was busy but productive. I was out Saturday and Sunday and am just about finished with the shopping. Hooray!! Went to dinner Saturday night with some friends to a really nice restaurant and we took my mother to dinner last night. Joe did a lot of wrapping yesterday, bless his heart, so we're making progress.

I did buck up and weighed on Saturday and hooray, the Thanksgiving 4 are gone. Yippee!!

SugarbustinDeb - Yep, you're in the right place. The best thing about this board is that we've all been where you are and we really do know how you feel.

Miata - Welcome aboard. I'm doing Curves also and I love it. This is my second month and the first month I lost about 6 inches. Right now, since the holidays are so wild, I'm really trying to get there 3 x a week, but after the holidays, I would like to bump that to 4 or 5. The one I go to doesn't have the greatest hours but it's a very new location.

Deb - I can't believe that I forgot to ask about your hair last night when we talked. Glad you're liking it better.

Denise - Sounds like your party was a lot of fun. No prize? What a gyp!

Sol - Maybe you can just leave your tree up once you get it decorated and have Christmas in January.

Serene - Glad to see you back.

BOB - How was the Bear Bryant movie? I haven't seen it yet, but heard it's pretty good. One of the local stations interviewed a couple of the guys that were there and they've all said that it was pretty true to life.

Sef - Welcome back to you too.

Well, I guess I better get to work. These silly people really interfere with my posting. They expect me to earn my salary or something. Have a great day everyone!

Trish

Good Monday afternoon everyone

Thought it was time I checked in again so you don't all think I have given up. I've been extra busy at work. Lot's of stomach flu around affecting patients and staff which means I have been working extra shifts.

My good news is that I was down a few pounds two days ago to 197.5. The lowest I have been for a long time. The bad news is I had to be sick to reach there. I was sick with the stomach flu on Saturday and part of Sunday. Saturday I ate absolutely nothing, just had one can of 7-Up all day and slept most of the day. Yesterday was a little better, was able to begin eating again. I haven't been on the scale this morning. It would be great if I could keep it under the 200 mark but I'll have to wait and see.

I was supposed to go to a party at my son's in-laws on Sunday but had to cancel of course. My ds who lives with me thinks he might be coming down with the flu too, he's not feeling too great at the moment. If he is going to get it I hope he gets it soon so he can be over it by the weekend. We are supposed to be leaving for Orlando on Sunday. We are planning on having Xmas dinner at my dd's on Saturday before we leave. One of her boys also has the flu. So it will depend on the situation at her house whether we will be able to go there. I wouldn't want my other ds and his family to get it. They have been so looking forward to this holiday. The kids are excited about going to Disney, I wouldn't want them to be disappointed. I had a fairly easy time with shopping this year as my son did most of the shopping for the kids. Most of it is expensive electronic stuff so we are sharing the expense. It certainly made it easier for me - now I just have to pay the bills!

Solshine - Thanks for missing me. Maybe I will get back to posting more freqently in the new year.

Sef - I loved your FF's, particularly the DVD one. I thought that was hilarious.

Deb - Glad you got your hair more to your liking. When are we going to see a picture of the new style?

Monet - Glad to hear that you are feeling better.

Jack-K - Doesn't it feel good to get that shopping done. Sounds like quite a busy weekend you had. Good for you staying on legal foods and ignoring the sweets at the party. That must have taken willpower to stop at the one cookie. :cp:

Fillise - That was a busy weekend you had with all that cooking. The cheesecake sounds real yummy.

Trishaloo - Good to hear that those Thanksgiving pounds have gone.

Serene - It's good to hear that you are enjoying your new job. It must have been quite an adjustment after being out of the work force for so long.

Melf - Hope your back is feeling better. Sorry you haven't been able to get dd settled into her new home yet. It must be frustrating for you all. I'm sure you will find somewhere to put that Christmas tree. I'm lucky I don't have to put one up this year as we will be celebrating at my dd's on Saturday as we will be away over Christmas. It'll be nice to let someone else do most of the work for a change. :).

BOB - Do you think I will need my winter coat when I come to O Town next week? It looks like you are having some cool weather down there.

Have to get in the kitchen and see what I can fix for lunch. Greetings to everyone I have missed.

Bye for now.

Marie. :wave:

QUICKIE!!! GOT TWO - COUNT 'EM TWO - BLUE RIBBONS THIS WEEK-END!!

The "Princess" did much better at these shows - 'till she tried to lick the judge when she bent to check out her teeth! :D Thankfully it wasn't a "stuffy" judge. We had a blast. Meister took the camera to take pictures and then realized we didn't have any film. :(

IDEA FOR THE PAR-TAY! How about if we all bring a picture of us as a child or a baby and we can put them on a poster board and have everyone guess who each one is?

TRISH - They're asking me for a report now..... How am I supposed to visit with my friends when they want me to WORK?!?!

:wave: have a great day everyone!

Solshine - Congrats to Princess on winning the two blue ribbons. :cloud9:. Thank heavens she only tried to lick the judge, not bite him. ;).

Marie.

HiedieHo All!!

Geez! It's tough to get old. Went to NH and also to Wal*Mart for my last gift buying. I'm ready to call it a day!

MIATA: Nice to see a newbie. WELCOME!!!! Glad you liked the jokes. I am always looking for funnies to take to the NH, I begin and end each session with jokes, the residents love them. I'm pleased to say I get some from members of this wonderful Board.

JACKK: Join my Pig Club, that's what I want to be too!!!! I may be a widow but I have a good memory for some things!

MONET: Tell us how to make the sherbet. I love it but therer's none out there legal that I know of, would be nice to be able to make some.

FILLISE: Let that gray show! I earned every gray hair and I like gray hair, think it can be very pretty.

SOL: Congrats on the ribbons.

MELF: Hope your back is getting better. How will you swing with Santa if you're out of whack?

Well have to start supper and have some calls to make for HFH.

Take care all.

Shirley

Just wanted to say "Hi". I read everyone's posts from the weekend and today. Lots of reading....

Finished my shopping, yea!! I'm broke, but it's all done now. Went to Gary's on Saturday and spent some quality time alone with him. We sure needed it bad!:lol:

Sunday, I was gone all day at his company holiday picnic in the park. We froze our butts off! I think the high was 70. I hope the weather stays cool for awhile now.

Welcome Kathy and Miata!

Mel: I read what you said about your experience of a scavenger hunt. It IS very competitive (only if you've got a nice prize you're working for...) As Trish put it, what a gyp! I still can't believe that we didn't get a nice prize for doing all that! So exhausting...:(

Lyn: If I keep my total carb count between 50-100, I lose weight slowly but surely...

Wendy: Sounds like your new job is keeping you busy. I'm glad that you're enjoying it!:spin:

Debbie: Glad you like your hair better now... ;)
Pls email me the code to make my reservations in Orlando. I would like to take care of that this week.

Solshine: Congratulations on winning two blue ribbons on your "princess" That's really wonderful!:)

Hi to Monet, Jackie, Sef, Fillise, Melf and everyone else!

I haven't been on the computer in DAYS!! Sorry I can't possibly catch up on last weeks posts...okay? Not only have I been off the computer for days- I haven't been on plan in days!! I don't know what has gotten into me- I'm so very disappointed in myself. I was doing so good and have totally blew it. I ate fast food 2 days in a row and also had a fudge bar and a KING size Hershey bar AND then yesterday I had a bunch of people come over and cooked potato salad and my famous baked beans(loaded with sugar). I ate so much that I was "sick" for hours. Woke up this morning and I'm paying for it dearly- just call me puffmama. The scale is up 4 pounds. Just when I got the 4 pounds from Thanksgiving off, now I go and do this. Okay, can you tell I'm upset with myself,lol? Someone please send the wagon loaded down with MOTIVATION my way and HURRY!!

For those who wanted to know how I made the sherbet:

I have two kinds of frozen fruit...strawberries and mixed berries. I used about 3/4 cup total of a mixture of the two, but I have made it with just plain frozen strawberries. ( you want the whole kind with no additives ) Put them in the food processor bowl and process until well chopped, while running, add 2 Tablespoons of agave, and two heaping tablespoons of plain yogurt. Process until well blended, and smooth. Taste and add more agave if you like it sweeter. You can also add Polaner all fruit for flavor. If it gets too soft, pop it in the freezer until set. You can also freeze it and reprocess it to serve later. Just cut it into cubes first. This would work with any frozen fruit.

Today has been one full day in the kitchen. I made so many chocolate covered goodies and cream puffs to go with the other chocolate covered goodies and fudge from the other day. My nieces and nephews ought to have major sugar highs for thier parents. :) Robert found some nice silver trays at dollar general for 2.00 so my sisters will end up with a nice goodie also. I did pretty well only a nibble or two on a pretzel crumb. The scales are still going up...so for now I'm trying not to throw caution to the wind and indulge in it all. I think the pasta I enjoyed the last couple of nights may be the culprit. I may have a slight allergry to wheat and be reataining a little water..that is my hope. :)

Sol shine...congratulations on the blue ribbons.

WTG Denise on the shopping. Mine is all done also except my mom. Yeah!

Ooops forgot I have potatoes on to go with the meatload...better get before they over cook. Sorry to post and run. *smile*

Love,
Crystle

Getting ready to head one.

Making ww pizza tonite. It's been a long time since I made one. Want t run out and pickup 1 or 2 things which should be quick. DH wants to get our walk in.


Fillise, please share the recipe fore the pecan crust.

Trish, WTG on getting rid of those TG pounds: dance: Downward from here. Sounds like you have alot of help in your house. All of mine just sit and watch me do it.

Rosalie, Sorry to hear you were sick. It is sure going around and it seems like everyone passes it riht through the entire family. Hope it doesn't affect your plans. Yeah for you being under 200. No matter how you got it, it feels good. I know.

Solshine. Yeah for your puppy. 2 ribbons is awesome.

Sef, memories? You need the real thing. :s:

Denise, glad to see you & gary got some quality time together. I hadn't seen you mention him lately and Iwas getting worried. If you rally want to freeze your butt off, come visit me.

Heartmom, Put it behind you, stark all over. See what that sugar did to you? You can do this. You were doing so good. It's not to late, just don't let it get out of control. We are here for you. We've all been in your shoes. The wagon or sled I think is circiling.

Country, hang in there, it is probably all water. If you are still eating OP it will go back down.

Have a great nite everyone.

Jackie

Thanks for the Sherbert recipe Monet!! Looks really yummy...

Laurie: Sorry that you need the wagon. Just don't beat yourself up about it. It's not worth it. Today and tomorrow is another day...You'll get back on track when you realize how sick that stuff makes you...(headache, blasey feeling, stomach cramps and nausea, etc...) Hope things get better for you soon.

Crystal: Sounds like you're doing well considering you're doing all this sugar coated baking. You must have a LOT of will power. There is no way I would have that much self control!! Kudos to you!

Jackie: No, my problems are not with Gary. He is a wonderful man. My problems are with my daughter, Amber. She has me so depressed and angry that I'm at the point where I just don't care anymore. She's still not doing well in school even after all the interventions and going to the school to speak with counselors and teachers. I also found out that she is depressed, suicidal (in the past), and had been smoking pot. She's now on anti-depressants and seeking guidance from a Psychologist I work with. I will also be drug testing her in January. It's just gotten to be so much, I can't take it anymore. I can't take her attitude and her smart *** mouth any longer...( I just realized that I have shouted this out to the world now on this site, but I really don't care who knows anymore) I just feel like crying and it's good to vent now and then...

LOOK AT THIS FACE!!!! JUST LIKE HIS MAMA...SHE DIDN'T LIKE SANTA EITHER!!!

Crap! I thought for sure I'd be able to get a post in today, but NOOOOO, Michael has hogged the computer up to now and I am going to sleep, I'm pooped. I think ELI is off tomorrow, not sure, but even so, I'm hoping to get in a post before we do anything if he is. I know I can't make it to chat tomorrow night, I have a board meeting at the school.

I'll try to get on sometime tomorrow in some way, shape or form!

NITE!

{{{HUGS}}}:grouphug:

Debbie

in Alice in Wonderland running around looking at the clock all the time saying"no time, no time" or whatever it was he said!
Saturday's partying turned into a 3 day food fest which is stopping NOW! I ate clean all day until after dinner then sat down and deliberatly sabotaged myself. I've got to stop this. I've worked too hard for a year and a half.

Solshine- What kind of a dog is "thePrincess"? I'm assuming some sort of terrier? Congrats on those blue ribbons!

Denise- I really feel for you. My daughter sailed through teenage years with hardly a hitch, but my son is a whole different ball game. I don't think were quite where you are, but I've spent a lot of time in tears, too. My heart goes out to you.

Sorry I can't reply to most of you- I feel like I'm back in lurker mode again.

mel

BOB - I knew if anyone could hear me climbing back on the board that it would be you. I'm also looking forward to seeing you in Orlando next month. I've been reading how much weight you've been losing......way to go lady!

YellowRose - Thanks for the welcome back. I'm glad you will be able to make it to Orlando. I'm looking forward to meeting you also. You can count on me being in on any pillow fights. Anything mischevious or fun........I'll be in the middle of it for sure. I know that Tranquil will also. Deb calls us double trouble, if that tells you anything!:lol:

Jack-K - Thanks for your plan to send an SOS for me and Tranquil. She has really been busy at work also. I sure need the board and sweet friends like you to help me stay on track. You are so right about it being tough to maintain this time of the year. I'm looking forward to the holidays being over and getting serious about being on plan again.

Trish - thanks for the welcome back. Congrats on the Thanksgiving pounds being gone!

Rosalie - Sorry to hear you've been sick. Seems like that nasty stomach flu is everywhere! It must feel great to be under the 200 mark though.

Denise - I'm so sorry about your problems with your daughter. My 18 year old son has been giving problems since he was 12, so I really understand your frustrations. Don't worry about venting about it on the board. That is what friends are for. I've sure mentioned problems with my son before. :grouphug:

My eating has really been bad the last few days........think I've been doing a lot of stress eating. And then there are all those clients that just keep sending goodie baskets to the office. I've got to get control of this ridulous eating. :eek:

Well, time to get to bed. Good night and I'll check in tomorrow.


Wendy

HiedieHo All!!

I just have some last minute food shopping left.

Tomorrow the YAH is going to see Ronnie Milsap at one of the casinos. He would have not been one of my first choices but when you're part of a group, you go along with things. Has to be give and take in life. I was talking to someone the other day and they said they had seen a Milsap show and it was really good. Of course, we are going for the buffet too!

DENISE: 70' and you froze your butt off?!? How could that be? That's pleasant weather! Although I do see people around here wearing coats at that temp!!

HEART: I think they're going have to haul out the dray and use the 20 mule team to haul us all!!!! It's very hard to stay OP this time of year. Halloween didn't bother me, nor the other holidays, but Thanksgiving and Christmas get to me, I do try though. I am making two gallons of the eggnog Wednesday to take to our choir and orchestra party.

MONET: Thanks for psting the sherbet. Now if someone cold figure out snow cones!

COUNTRY: All that chocolate and just a crumb passed your lips. You're stronger than I would be!

I am tired and achy, think I will snuggle down, read a bit and call it an early night. Tomorrow will be a long day.

JACKK: I wish!!!!!!!!

DENISE: What a terrible time you are going through. You didn't shout it to the world, just to us your friendly Board!!! I will keep you in my prayers.

BOB: Awwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Too cute!

ROSALIE: Hope you feel better.



Take care all.

Shirley

Happy Tuesday Gang :wave:

Got all my things put in bags last nite. Still need to purchase a few more though. So everything is at least wrapped. Went looking for a pair of boots to wear to my Christmas party, No luck.
Got to make a couple stops on the way home to pick up a few more things. Bit by bit, day by day..we will get done.


Bob, How precious.

Denise, My heart goes out to you. I am glad you are getting Amber help. She needs to confide in someone that can help her. It is so hard when a child is so rebellious. Sometimes the only thing is tough love. I know you don't know what direction to take. Hopefully she can redirect her anger, or whatever is troubeling her in a positive way. You both are in my prayers. You can vent anytime you need to. We are all here for you.

Mel, stop the madness now. You have worked to hard to let it go down hill now. Stay on this board. We can help you. This season will be over soon and we all will be able to start again.

Serene, I know how you feel. The goodies are pouring in here too. Luckily we are also getting a lot of fruit. I just keep telling myself I can't have that stuff. I know what it will do to me. I don't want to gain a bunch of weight back. So I eat my apple and pretend it's chocolate chip cookies.

Sef, Food shopping? I haven't even thought about dinner yet and I have 20 people coming to my house for Christmas dinner. :yikes:

Deb, have a great day with Eli.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Hey there girls. Today is DH's birthday. Seth has his choir concert tonight and Jordan has a class project to finish up so we're probably not going to do much. We went Saturday and got his present (he wanted new gas fireplace logs) and went out to dinner that night. Well, my hopes of a nice quiet Christmas day have been shot up in flames. We usually are at home with just the 4 of us and sometimes my mother (if she's not at one of the other siblings). We celebrate with my family on Christmas Eve so Christmas Day is usually nice and quiet. Well, Joe decided he wants to have his brother's family over, so guess who's going to be cooking 2 days in a row. Oh well. I don't think I would mind it so bad if I didn't have to go back to work on Thursday.

Joe just told me that on Saturday morning he volunteered to deliver presents for Blue Santa. He works for EMS so we're all going to pile into a spare ambulance with the stuff in the back and make deliveries. The kids are going to go with us. Jordan wasn't too excited about getting up at 6:00 on a Saturday but he'll get over it.

Rosalie - Hope you're feeling better. Half of our office has been sick with the same type of thing.

Sol - Congrats on the blue ribbons. On your brilliant party suggestion, Not!!! Since they only had B&W in the olden days, some of you will have an unfair advantage picking us out!

Fillise - When the grey started coming in faster than I could pull it out, I knew it was time to do something. I now have the best color money can buy!!

Denise - Sorry to hear you're still having problems with Amber. As a parent of a teenager, I can tell you that in the best of times, it's trying at best. The rest of the time, it can be pure-dee h***. Just know that you're doing the best job you can and feel free to come here and vent anytime you need to. We're all here for you. This board has become more than being about just weight loss. I feel like we're all friends and that's what friends are for.

Heartmom - Hang in there.

Monet - The sherbet sounds yummy. Thanks for the recipe.

Crystle - Good for you for keeping out of the goodies. You're a stronger woman than me.

Bob - What a cutie.

Mel - I heard a story about a drugstore robbery in Chester, PA this morning. Aren't you glad your town is famous??

Sef - Have fun at the concert. I saw him once a long time ago and he really did put on a good show.

Wendy - I know what you mean about the goodies. I've been pretty good at resisting most of it, but someone did bring in some homemade fudge yesterday and I had a small piece. That's a major accomplishment in itself because a year ago, I would have had a lot of small pieces.

Jack-K - Ok, I'll stop whining about having 12 people over for Christmas dinner since you're cooking for 20.

Deb - Have fun today.

Gotta run now. Everybody have a terrific day.

Trish

Rant time!!!!!!!

I am SO TIRED of people pushing sugar at me everywhere I go!!!!!! I cannot wait for Christmas to come and go so everyone (including me) will have to stop baking and taking treats everywhere they go and looking so disappointed if you refuse and looking sooo disapproving if you don't.

I want it to be OVER WITH!!!!!!!!!

Whew--I just had to get that out of my system! One more week,one more week, one more week...

Trish--I'll bet that color is gorgeous! I'm seeing my hairdresser this week--we are going to have a long talk!

SEF--Have fun at the Ronnie Milsap concert--you will probably enjoy it all the more since you have very few expectations--funny how that works. After the concert can you come over and help me finish this stocking I've been working on for three years now? I can see the end--but getting the time to just sit and get a couple of hours to work each day is the tough part. I just have to finish the last couple of inches of a solid color at the top and then all the finish backstitching and detail work. It WILL be finished--but last night I had to start on it at 11:00 and work to 1am to get my two hours in.

Serene--Welcome back--at least you came back before the holidays are over. That wagon is gonna be mighty full come the first of the year--so get a good seat now!

Mel--No time! No time! That is perfect!!!!!! The next person that demands I do something right this minute--I'm going to scream--"Off with his head!!!" How's that for a merry ho ho???

Deb--I have a poll idea for next week--"Should fillise bite the bullet and color her hair?" There seem to be varying opinions. I hope your kids let you back on the computer one day :lol:

BOB--What a cutie!!!!!!

Denise--I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult time with your daughter. If it makes you feel any better, I went through something similar and we all got through it. It was ****, but we came out stronger on the other side. I was especially resentful about my MOM (and she of me), but we have a really good relationship now--so I'm praying the same for you and your daughter.

Monet--Yum, Yum. I'm going to have to give that a try!

Who wanted the recipe for the pecan pie crust?

Ingredients:

2 cups ground pecan halves
2 tbl butter or margerine--melted
1/4 tsp salt

Combine ground pecans with butter and salt and press into pie plate or springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

It is very easy and gives a wonderful taste to a SF cheesecake!

OK--got to go see if I can scratch and claw through another day in the sugar-laden minefield known as the Christmas season. Bah Humbug!

Susan

Fillise - Are we a little WIRED this morning???? Just kidding, LOL. We all get crazy this time of year - too much sugar, too much to do, too little time, too little money, etc, etc. You'll get through it.

Trish

p.s. the crust recipe looks yummy!

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit.
In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.
Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.


2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly.
Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even
_rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it.
That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone.
_Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes.
_Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.


4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
_It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to
control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between
now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you
_have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.


7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost.
_I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the
party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry,
_January is just around the corner.



BOB

BOB, REMEMBER TO LOG OFF FROM YOUR COMPUTER AT WORK!!!!!!

FREAKIN' FRACKIN' #@#$%% *&##@!

:sp: :stress: :doh: :bomb: :yikes:

I just lost my post where I adressed everyone!

Now I have to get back to work....

FREAKIN' FRACKIN' #@#$%% *&##@!

Me?

Trish, whatever gave you that idea?????

Now Solshine--she seems a little wired this morning.

Are we all having the "it's a week before Christmas meltdown?" You know, the one that comes right before you throw in the towel and just make the decision to get through the next week the best way you can?

Susan

AKA: the Grinch

Can you say WHITE FLOUR??? One of my customers just walked in with a goody bag of party mix, some kind of crackers and cheese straws. At least they're not loaded with sugar, just refined flour. Yikes!!!

Good Morning all….. I know it has been awhile. I have been busy and because I am at the computer all day at work I do not even want to get on line at home. My hubby and I have been eating a low carb WOE. Not atkins totally but no starches not even WW ones. It seems to be working for us. Don’t shoot me. I have enjoyed being apart of the group and hope that I can continue.

The twins aren’t here yet. They are due any day. They are about 5 ½ lbs each and my DIL is so uncomfortable.

I am just about ready for Christmas, with only a couple of things left to buy. In out little town there aren’t the frustrations of crowds so it makes it easier to shop.

Talk to you all later.

Cyndi

It sounds like we are all getting a little desperate. But we will get those presents purchased, wrapped and food prepared. We always do.

One of the guys in my office makes killer chex mix. He is now SB too so I gave him the recipe Zanne posted with legal stuff. He made a batch and it is really great. My only problem is I can't stay out of it. I guess to much of something legal is better than sweets and other bad stuff.

Trish, sounds like you will be in the kitchen alot. I hope you get some help. How fun delivering presents to the kids. I think it is really good for kids to go along and see how others live and makes them feel fortunate for what they have. 12 or 20 it's probably about the same when it's more than 4. Chew a lot of gum! It will take your mind off the sweets and white flour stuff.

Fillise, You're starting to sound a lot like Scrooge! I'm with you. It can't be over soon enough. Last year I had such determination and motivation, you could have dropped me in a vat of chocolate and I wouldn't take a lick. It's harder this year. I have had a nibble or two, but at least it is better than before. Normally I would eat everything in site and make myself sick.

Bob, Someone sent me those tips yesterday. How funny.

Red1, Good to hear from you. Glad you could drop in and say hi. Of course you can stay around even if you aren't totaly SB. Hope those twins come before Christmas. How exciting.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

I like that, Fillise! It's my new catchphrase for the next 2 weeks. Maybe more. Just got back from the gym- it's my only haven of sanity each day. Even running on the treadmill beats being at home or work.

Jack-k- Thanks for the encouragement. I need a good slap up side the head I think.

Trish: I live in West Chester, which is a world and 30 miles from Chester. Chester is an old, dying (dead) industrial town along the Delaware River, that has no more industry, jobs, school system, or infrastructure of any type left. It's one of those terribly sad places that seem to exist somehow, and is always in the news. Murders, robberies, mayor indicted on rackateering charges.... Anyway, where I live is rather the opposite.

Sol- umm, calm down.

Still haven't managed much, but plan do do EVERYTHING after my big run this Saturday.

mel

Mel, If i ran as far as you, I wouldn't be able to do anything afterwards. Exercising does bring serenity.

Jackie

Mel - Thank goodness!!! I was afraid I was going to see your buff bod on the evening news one night.

Trish

Well, I've been reading everyone's post and it seems that we are all drowning through this time of year. I rec'd a gift basket today with only pears, apples and mixed nuts. How refreshing! I thanked them and told them that I prefer this instead of the highly refined products.

Amber seems a little bit better today, hopefully we won't argue tonight.

Rosalie: Hope you are feeling better soon! I have already gone through it. :sorry:

Debbie: Hope to hear from you soon! I'm sure you're just as busy as all of us.

Bob: Very cute Santa pic! Is she your neice? Loved the joke on holiday eating. :lol: I really love your sense of humor.

Mel: Thanks for relating to me. Everytime I hear about West Chester, it brings back memories for me. Fun times of tobaggin down Brandywine St. Try and get back on plan ASAP so you feel better and no more lurking!!;)

Wendy: Eating bad due to stress? At this time of year?:o
You can do this. Keep trying to avoid the poison....

Shirley and Jackie: Thank you both for sending your prayers to me. Shirley, I hope you enjoy Ronnie Milsap. He's actually pretty cool. I think you will like him. Jackie: 20 people coming over for xmas dinner? Oh my!

Trish: I hope your hubby enjoyed his birthday. He sounds like a really good guy to deliver presents from an ambulance on a Saturday morning. That is so awesome!:) (I find I talk more like a teenager everyday! :lol: Thanks for being so nice regarding Amber. I appreciate your support as always... Try and stay away from the white flour.

Susan: AKA "The Grinch": I think we are all in the same boat when it comes to this sugar stuff. We have to stay strong and remember it only gives you headaches, stomach cramps and nausea, bloat, and a feeling of all over dread... Thanks for relating where Amber is concerned. I truly hope that we will be stronger in the end too!

Hi Cyndi: I'm eating low carb too because I remained stalled for at least 2 months before trying it this way. I still use the same SB principles, but at least the scale is moving downwards...

Hi to anyone I might of missed. Hope you all have a nice evening.

I saw this posted on another board and I really do not know the author. (Robin Girl, you remember Robin? well she said that she got permission to copy it from this kickinghorses's journal on the 3fatchick site to the ST board: I figured if Kickinghorse wouldn't mind it on that website, hopefully they won't mind me posting it on here. If the author is reading this, please let us know who you are as you are a magnificent writer.

I have to say that this is the most beautiful and meaningful message I have ever read and it compelled me to share it with you all. Pls do not just go on to the next post. This really hit home for me and Amber. I know you will feel as moved with tears and goosebumps as I was after reading this:

A time comes in your life when you finally get it . . .when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.

You realize that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you . . .and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are . . . and that is OK. They are entitled to their
own views and opinions. You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself . . . and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you . . . or didn't do for you . . . and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't
always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that everything isn't always about you.

So . .. you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself . . . and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties . . . and in the process
a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with. You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then . . . you learn about LOVE. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO! You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it
all alone, and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom. You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes, bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people . . . and you learn not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody's punishing you and everything isn't always somebody's fault. It's just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then . . .you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire. You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. Finally, with courage in
your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.
BREATHE in and BREATHE out LIGHT and LOVE daily. ALL IS WELL.

EVENING BUSTER'S!!!!

Great shopping at BURDINES today for those of you who have one! The sale is also tomorrow!
I got a three piece set of luggage for $39.99
18k ear rings orig $60 for $19.99 with extra 15% off
$159 Calphalon 12 inch skillet for $29.99

pretty good huh :eek: ??????

For those of you who know her...I heard from Nancy today.
She has been off plan for a while, but plans to come back at the New Year. She said to tell all hello and Happy Holidays!!!

The picture is my NEPHEW...now 7mo old...and YES I agree...he is a cutie!

This is a quickie...got lots to wrap....

Later

BOB

Hey, I am finally back and I was reading posts from this week and saw my name mentioned, barely, but it was mentioned! LOL! Thanks Denise and wasn't that entry from kickinghorse's journal awesome? Her name is Tina and she is an awesome lady. She has such power and strength that I struggle to find an inkling of in my body. I just went through a bout of depression. I am back on top again! I didn't touch my computer for weeks and when I finally got back on here, I had two days worth of reading emails waiting for me. Oh well, I am glad I bounced back quickly. I decide not to cheat on Christmas like I did Thanksgiving. I will allow for a couple pieces of chocolate, but no cheating at dinners or with desserts. I am making a SF lemony angel pie (like lemon merengue sp?) and a nut crust new york style cheesecake. I hope they turn out good. Anyway, I wil be on here for WIW this time.

BOB- Can you send me one of those $159 Calphalon 12 inch skillet for $29.99? LOL Just kidding!

And everyone else...oh hey isn't this chat night? No? Everyone too busy, I have stuff to do, just being a little lazy tonight. Good luck to everyone tomorrow on WIW!!!

Well! I think some of us on here need a little Christmas cheer! :lol: Funny how this time of year, we let the stress and worry overshadow the true meaning of the holiday... and the Peace it brings gets lost in the hustle and bustle. Relax, my friends, and try to enjoy it!

Hey, where is Gracious!?

I went to the mall tonight..it was not too bad! I was able to get some presents I needed, and I did not wear myself out too badly. I only have one more present to buy and that is for my mother in law. She also asked me to make her a silk flower arrangement to put on my father in law's grave...gee...should I wrap that?

I spent some time looking for a web page I was on once that sold sugar free chocolate candies. I think I got the link on here. Does anyone know of a place that sells sugar free chocolates, where you can buy them by the 1/4, 1/2 , or whole pound? I am having chocolate attacks...

Time for me to go to bed! I hope to get on tomorrow and catch up. I hope those under a lot of stress feel better tomorrow!

Y'all, I am off the wagon and can't even find the want to to try and get back on. Whine time here. Skip over it if you like. I have a love/ hate relationship with this time of year. I love the music, the gift giving/receiving, and the overall "good will toward men" feeling, but........Why does it have to come with all this chocolate??????? :fr: I was soooo good last year at either passing it up completely or having just a nibble. Different story this year. I don't know what the difference is and why I'm not able to "JUST SAY NO!" but I feel like crap physically and mentally. The sugar has got me feeling bad and knowing I haven't had any self control has got me really mad and disgusted with myself.

OK. Enough whining and venting. I gotta go to bed. With any luck I will wake up with a better attitude. We were hoping that our district would close due to so many kids being out with the flu, but no such luck. All the surrounding schools are closed till after Christmas. Sarah's class only had 8 out of 18 kids left by the end of the day.:eek:

OK, y'all, I'm whining again. To bed......

Heloo sugar busters..I forgot we started on Monday (new posting thingO boy it is so long already..My Turtle club on WW don't have many people at all. I will try hard to start remembering names and getting to know you all.

I really have been doing pretty good the last few days...except for tonight. It was my DH's fault. Oh yea, not suppose to blame anyone..bummer!!! I had/have the day off plue the next 2 days..I acutally cooked dinner tonight...sometimes I cook lunch when I work, but not as much as I should. Well anyway, I made this great main dish from the sugar busters cookbook, it was called Cabbage patch casserole or something like that..It was so tasty and so easy..I like easy. I don't like having to deal with lots and lots and lots of ingredients...Anyway..We had this main dish and my husband ate it too. He is on lots of pain medication becasue of 3 failed back surgeries and his body chemisty is really messed up. He cant sleep at night, is only hungry once a day and that is at ll:00 pm..It is really an awful time to be hungry. Anyway he ate with me andhe liked it..i had just gotten on the computer and he says to me..Lets go get dessert..(he also is totally addictided to desserts too) and this time I said yes...I ate have of it, had some coffee...Should have really just did the coffee. I had done so good all day..but then...It is christmas you know...Yea like I need an excuse to induldge!!! Every day is a holiday for me!!! Or at least it was..Anyway that was my downfall today, will try to be a bit better tomorrow. I will be doing some christmas shopping tomorrow and that will be fun..We don't have alot of family so it will be easy to finnish off.

On a good note maybe!!! I called my dd and she told me her husband/s co worker called and said there has been a brown honda station wagon down near his house for the last 3 weeks that seems not to be owned by anyone..they got their honda station wagon stolen about 4 weeks ago. Andre will go look to see if it their car..Ihope it is, I hope it is..It is like a family airloom car..it was my sisters, then mine, then hers, and then it would have been mine again. I am still praying for the safe return of the car..

Denise I really liked what you copied for us..it really hits home in lots of different areas. I went and copied it and will put it on my frig or in my purse to read it over andover and over.

To every one else, hello, glad to meet you and we will talke soon

Kathy

This week-end will be a marathon week-end for me...I've got to do ALL MY SHOPPING this week-end!!! AND clean the house AND buy Christmas Feast Foods AND go to some parties AND..... My, oh, my! Where does the time go??? My Momma, Daddy, Grandma and Paw Paw and brother will all be here on Monday...I can hardly wait!! I probably won't be on the board at all next week unless I get Mom and Grandma around the 'puter to introduce them to my Sugar Free Friends.

MONET - We'll go to Whole Foods while you're here and get their 70% chocolate bars! They have the huge 5 lb. ones, too! :chockiss: In the meantime, Whitman's Samplers have SF ones and they also have SF Turtles. I have seen them at Publix and Eckerds.

DENISE - What I had typed to you yesterday but lost - I was totally incorrigable (sp?) as a teen. I remember once my mom telling me one of us was going to have to move out of the house! :headache: I wasn't much easier to get along with when I did move out for college. My parents are much better now and they are so much smarter than they were when I lived with them. :lol: Keep holding the line and giving that tough love. I turned out okay (Others on here may disagree with that one!), but they didn't think I'd live to see my next birthday till I was bout 20.

FILLISE I think you need a break. Why don't you come on down to Orlando in January - I know the perfect place for you to visit! :D The oranges are getting ripe on our tree and so I've been bringing a bag in each day for all of us to munch on. It's been a nice, healthy break from all the other garbage that's coming into this office.

:wave: I've got to run... Have a great day, everyone!


:goodvibes

MONET- Here I am. I am lurking. Not eating very well but come on and read. On lcc I was saying how last Christmas was a breeze because I just started low carbing in October and was really motivated. This year I have already made the entire month of December and the last part of November a bad eating experience...bad but tasty!! My intention is to hop back on the wagon come the New Year and face the pounds that I have put on. However, I don't have the incentive and I am just going to get through the holidays and enjoy them. I am hoping that the New Year will do its duty and inspire me! Thanks for thinking of me. :)

BOB- I loved that HOLIDAY EATING TIPS and in my present state can only say AMEN SISTER! lol

DENISE- I am praying for you and Amber. {hugs}



I have a Friday Funny for today....I got a chuckle out of it.

Subject: White House Visitor

Shortly after President Bush took office, an old man approached the White House from the park across Pennsylvania Ave, where he'd been sitting on a park bench.

He spoke to the U. S._ Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Clinton."

The marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Clinton is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Clinton."

The marine again told the man, "Sir, Mr. Clinton is no longer president and no longer resides here."

The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same U. S. Marine, saying, "I would like to go in and meet with President Clinton."

The marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Clinton; I've told you already that
Mr. Clinton is no longer the president and no longer resides here? Don't you understand?"

The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it."

The Marine snapped to attention, saluted and said, "See you tomorrow, Sir!"

Stinkin scale says I'm up 3 pounds from my my touted low. Unfortunately, the pants-o-meters says the same thing. Gee, what a surprise. Who would have thought caramel corn, bread, and cashews would do that? oh,yeah, all that wine on Saturday night. Forgot about that! Back to brocolli, egg whites and chickemn. Yummmm....

Off to walk the dog and go to work,

mel

Good Weigh in Wednesday Morning Everyone!:wave:

FINALLY! I'm on the computer to post and no one and nothing short of a power failure is going to keep me from getting this on the board!

Just got in from my walk/jog. It was a hard one to do today. My knee is continuing to bother me and today is was acting up. Twice when I was jogging I got such a bad pain in it that if I hadn't changed to walking I knew I was going to fall, I could feel my knee not only having this shooting pain, but feeling like it was ready to give out on me, yet, other times I'd start to jog and there wasn't any pain-strange. Yesterday it was bothering me so much that I could only walk. Today took me 52:05 to do my 4.5 miles, if it hadn't been for the pain I think I could have done a bit better. Hoping tomorrow will be better. Wish I could find the cause of this!:shrug:

ELI was off yesterday but we didn't go to Broward as we usually do. He had to many things to do down here and we got a late start out the door. We went to a ME restaurant for lunch, ran around, got stuck in major traffic and came home-how exciting! Had the board meeting last night and that was the extent of my day, basically.

Today I am going to try and stay put and work on the garage sale. ELI brought these big party tables I had in the back yard to the front and I'll bring some of the other stuff to the front of the house so I don't have to cart it out on Saturday. I usually have my garage sales in the back, on our back patio but I think it's better to do it out front and besides, Michael has a lot of weights in the back patio these days. Whatever I don't sell at the sale is leaving this house the next day. I am NOT going to be carting any of it back in:nono:

Even though I thought I wouldn't get on the scale for a while I got on yesterday out of habit and was happy to see 129 and that was with TOM showing up yesterday, a day early (but always glad it shows up!) and today I figured, what the heck, got on, and I'm the same. Though of course, I'd like to be less, I'm sure happy it ain't more! I hope the rest of you have faired well today with the metal monster.

JACKK, glad to hear you're almost done with your shopping. I heard they did a survey saying that people are only 52% done with their shopping and many are just plain ol' procrastinating. I procrastinate with a lot of things (esp. sending out bills and doing paperwork), but with gifts, that's one thing I do plan ahead for! Can't wait to read your mushroom recipe, I bet it's delicious! I love stuffed mushrooms! WOW! Only one cookie, I'm impressed. I would of definitely eaten the whole plate too. I think Lauren is going to be making them soon and I'm not holding out much hope for myself this time around. I wonder just how much grams of sugar are in a very light dusting of powdered sugar. Those could probably be made with agave, but I think a very light dusting of ps would still be needed as the final touch. Heck, I better stop thinking about this! A slant board? You're going to have not only great legs but killer abs!!!

FILLISE, not until you posted it on the board did I even realize last Friday was the 13th! Not that I'm superstitious of that day...I'm afraid to even see just how much gray is REALLY in my hair. When the kids start pulling out gray pieces and you look like you're starting to go bald from all the plucking, you know it's time to get a dye job! No poll needed. You need a day of pampering, so go treat yourself, you def. deserve it, PLUS, it surely will make you feel better (that is if you don't have what happened to me happen to you!)

TRISH, don't worry about asking about the hair-you'll be seeing it and all the stuff below it soon enough;) DH didn't mention his bday the other day when I called. I think he's more interested in Xmas and what you are getting him. He thinks it may be a Jaguar, possibly a Mercedes...forgive me, but I think when we spoke the other day I called JOE TOM, which is Monet's husband. Oh well, just rack it up to a bad memory at my age! LOL!! I think it's wonderful what he's doing for the kids - give him a good pat on the back for me and a WTG!

ROSALIE, glad to see you checking in yesterday! CONGRATS on seeing a drop on the scale. Okay, so it's from being sick, but a drop is a drop. Hope it continues to go down without you feeling ill though. Gosh knows you need to get better before your trip! I don't think it helps much either that our weather down here is probably going to be wacky. One day it's cool and the next day it can be in the 80's. Hope you all have a wonderful time there, though I still wish you could of stayed on somehow and come to the get together and be with us. Pics, well, you KNOW there will be pics by next month. Really, it's the hair isn't much different from when you saw me last. I'm just a little older looking;)

SOLSHINE, CONGRATS TO YOU AND VIXEN! Boy, a princess she sure is! I can't believe you didn't have any film. Wait, yes I can, I did the same stinking thing last year at the WDW Marathon, remember!?! Too bad you couldn't find a nice guy like the one who came to our rescue. I had thought about the picture idea as well but nixed it because I figured that, with so many people of various ages, it would be so easy to figure it out, though it sure would be cute to see what everyone looked like as a youngin! I mean, those of us who have b&w pictures and those who have color will be easy to figure out and then, there are those who may have been born before the days of cameras - oops, I don't think anyone is THAT old! :s: I can't wait to see you, VINCE, VIXEN and the new house and of course, everyone! Umm, at least Vixen only tried to lick the judge, thank goodness she didn't piddle on her shoes! Sounds like you have a busy weekend planned AND to boot, going to have a full house! WOW!

SEF, tough getting old, when I see all you do I wonder if I'll get any kind of rest when I get old. I am always amazed on how much you do. I tend to need a nap after reading your posts!

DENISE, I'm determined to call you today! I keep thinking about it and either forget, or my timing is all wrong. You'll hear from me today. I know you're in transit now. Did Amber tell you I called on Sunday? Thanks for posting the post from Kickinghorse, it speaks volumes and I think we can all relate.

HEART, the wagon is coming for pick up! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back in before you get run over, and over and over by other wayward wagons. I thought about you the other day. A neighbor we have, her son also has heart trouble, waiting for a transplant and he was in the newspaper. I called her and she didn't have a clue that he was in there. He's such a cute kid! How's BOOGIE doing???

MONET, thanks for sharing the sherbert recipe. I've made ices before just using the frozen fruit and sweetener but never tried it with yogurt. Does it make it tart tasting? I wonder if I used yogurt that's been drained if it would still come out well. When I drain it it seems to lose it's tartness. Why bother with the artifical sf candy when you can have the real stuff?

COUNTRY, OMG, I don't dare bake like you do, not that I could anyhow! I'd surely of eaten at least 1 for every 2 I was to give away!!!!

BOB, do I see a little of you in that baby? Is that a smile or was he fussing a bit, hard to tell? I wish my sister would get a group shot of the kids, at least single shots would be better than nothing, but those kids, she can't get them to sit still a minute! I can only imagine Bailey on Santa's knee-she'd probably barf in his beard!:eek: Will be bugging your butt later. I'm sure you, like me, will be GLUEEEEED to the TV tonight for the Amazing Race finale, right? Who are you rooting for? I think my first choice are the brothers. Gotta hand it to the older folks though for still being in the race. Can't believe you finally heard from NANCE, that's a shocker. I just deleted her BIO last week. I waited and waited and waited... Good bargains, but, my Calphalon 12" pan only cost me $2:s: Keep trying!!!!! I still reign as the bargain queen:queen:

MEL, I really think that when you cut all the carbs out and then indulge the weight just comes right back on because of it. Instead, why not eat no starchy carbs but still eat some fruits and more veggies. I think when you don't eat the carbs and then you give your body a taste of carbs, good or bad that you're body just sends signals to your brain that it wants and needs more because our bodies absolutely need carbs, it's just the type of carbs you put in to it that's important. Okay, so I don't feel like I'm making any training progress here, esp with this weird knee pain. I'm hoping that I can get in a few extra miles here and there in the next few weeks. When it's so windy it's hard to go against the wind and go any faster. I pray we have nice, calm weather up there. In the 50's would be nice. Do you think we can make a deal with Mother Nature somehow?

SERENE, yes, you two are definitely double trouble, but at least fun double trouble. Don't let the stress of not only the holidays, but the kids get to you and definitely don't let yourself take it out on yourself with all those goodies floating around the office. I just want to know, since you are TRANQUIL sit next to each other at work, who's the first to indulge???? Who's giving "the eye" to the other while looking at the garbage food??? Okay, WHO'S THE INSTIGATOR??????

RED1, glad to see your post! Hey, whatever works as long as you are healthy and losing weight. I don't see anything wrong with cutting out starchy carbs as long as you are still eating fruits and veggies. Just be careful that when you do decide to eat carbs that you put the amount back in slowly, not a big amount all at once, which is what many people seem to do and then see a big jump in the scale. Please let us know when the babies arrive-maybe a Xmas day present for the entire family possibly!

ROBIN, glad to see your post. Sounds like you have your eating planned out for the holiday. Your pie sounds delicious-is the recipe posted somewhere, or could you share it?

MUSIC, sorry to hear you're having a bad time with staying OP, but just know, it's happen to the best of us. It's the nature of the beast and the beast is the sugar. It really should be listed as a drug! You'll get it out of your system and get back on track. We'll be waiting with open arms!!!

MIATA, yes, we are a chatty crowd. Just think if everyone was active, there's usually more posts than this! During the holidays the boards are less active. Come Janaury we have people coming back with their tails between their legs, new members and of course us die hards, so it gets really busy. Don't ever worry about having to respond to all the posts, if you can/want to, great, if you can't, we all understand, you do what you can when you can. Hope you get good news about the car and that it is your DD's. My parents love their Honda! I think they have close to 200,000 miles on it already and it's still running. DM calls it Ol Besty!

GRACIOUS, glad to see your post! Your FF was cute, thanks for sharing it with us.

Whew, I am caught up, at least for now. Will try to check in a bit later, but now, I have to go get something to eat, probably some egg beaters with lf cheese in it.

See you guys later!

{{{HUGS}}}:grouphug:

Debbie

Nothing new here. Just trying to get all my work done here this week since Friday is my last day of work till Jan. 7th.

Robin: Yes, I think that message was sooo awesome. Next time you see something that great, PLEASE SHARE IT WITH US TOO!!:)

Monet: The chocolate monster has possessed your body! Quick, run for help!!:lol:

Tina: The hangover the next day after eating sugar laden crap is just awful, isn't it? I hope you are feeling better soon.:^:

Sonya: You were a crazy teen? That's really hard to believe from what Debbie tells me...;)

Kathy: Glad you liked the message. It hit really hit home for me and Amber. Hope they find your old car.

Gracious: Thank you for your prayers. I am feeling better today and I printed out that great message I posted for Amber. I hope she gets something out of it. Glad you will be back on plan after the holidays.

Mel: Up 3 pounds? 3 days of low carbing will take care of that!!

Debbie: I'm REALLY sorry to hear about your knee problem!!!!:?:
I hope this doesn't affect your run in January. Just take it slow since you just started back training this week. I've been thinking of you. Yes, Amber told me but by the time I got home Sunday night, I was completely exhausted...I will try and call you later today.


HELLO TO BOB, MELF, WENDY, LMK, FILLISE, TRISH, HEARTMOM, CRYSTLE, LYN, LIN, MIATA, AND ANYONE ELSE I FORGOT TO MENTION!!! JUST TWO MORE DAYS OF WORK, YEA!!!!!

Talk to you all soon!

Well, I delivered all the trays yesterday...yeah! Got most of the goodies out of the house. I am going to make the kids some peanut butter candy and then I am done with all the sweets. At least for a while. I've done pretty good with them in the house. A taste here and there have snuck in but I've been VERY carefull with paying attention to how much is really going in. The scales are kind this morning 156. I'll take it. :) My pants are little snug still..I HAVE got to start walking or doing Richard or something. It was soooooooo much easier to maintain. And my moods seemed to be better. I know the pants fit better.

I hope you do well with your garage sale Deb. Glad the scales are down for you. As faithful as you are with getting up and jog/walking almost every morning you deserve it.

Morning to you to Denise. I love reading your posts. Enjoy your time off.

Meliris...sounds like water from all the goodies...they'll flush off in no time. You have done so great with your eating and weights. An inspiriration for us lazier sorts. :)

Hang in there Gracious....you'll get back OP. If you are gonna eat the goodies...ENJOY them. :) I think that is the important part. Really take the time to taste and enjoy. I think we eat less of them that way. Of course I know it's different with everyone.

Welcome Miata! I love cabbage too. You will have to share the recipe sometime.

I'm either starving or thirsty this morning so I'm gonna get a tall glass of water before I hit the fridge. Those of you I missed...thinking of you...just pressed for time...that and my belly is growling.

Love and hugs to all,
Crystle

235/156/140

Whew, it's 3:30 and I'm just getting on here. This job is really interfering with my SB friends. :s:

It is spring here today. 61. Rain is coming tonite and still will be 58 tomorrow. I'll take it anyday.

It has been a day from ****. The AP girl is out sick for the 2nd day and we are having to pay the monthly bills which she is so late paying anyway. What a mess. Needless to say, I'm in a pittiful mood. I need a drink :dizzy: Going to try to finish my shopping tonite. DH is meeting some old friends for a beer. Just odds and ends to finish up. Mostly stocking stuff.

The scale stayed at 165 today. I'll take it. TOM finally arrived after being missing for 3 months. Hope the scale was good to the rest of you.

Had a visit with my rheumatoid dr today. Cutting out more of my meds. Will see how that goes. Had a bone density test and the results were great. BLood work was good too.

Denise, what a truthfull and insightfull writing. I think we can all relate to it in one way or another. Thanks for sharing. Off until Jan 7th? How great.

Bob, What deals!. Thanks for the info on Nancy. I have missed her humor. Glad we still have you though.

Robin girl, welcome back. Glad your found your way and solved some problems. Good luck.

Monet, what a nice gift for your MIL. I don't think I would wrap it.

Music, It is harder for me this year too. I'm holding my own though. I'm afraid to go off and never come back. I think that is what is holding me on. Think about your goals and how much you want to reach them. Then decied what you want most, that candy or your goals. That flu is a doozy. Everyone has it and it's spreading like wild fire. Sure hope I don't get it now.

Miata, Got to be strong. Learn to say no. Or take soemthing legal for you to eat. Hope yu get your car back too.

Solshine, you are going to need a long weekend to get all that done.

Gracious, Glad you stopped in. We were wondering about you. It seems we all have the same problem this year. The new year will bring stronger resolve for all of us.

Mel don't fret those 3 lbs will go quickly. Sometimes it's a good thing to get on the scale when we have been bad. It shocks us into reality.

Deb, Try some hot and cold compresses on you knee. Maybe it will help. Hope your garage sale is successful. We won't see of those here until spring. Yeah for you being at 129 still.

Country. Glad you were happy with the scale today. You have done great with all that candy in the house. After the first of the year, we all are going to get back on track eating and exercising. it's a deal.

Got to get back to work, yuk!

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

1-2 pounds mushrooms.

1 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 C shredded mazzorella cheese
1 C shredded parmesean cheese
3/4 C mayo
bacon 3-4 strips crumbeled. (I used the bacon pieces in a bag/jar)

Mix all together, pull stems out of mushrooms and clean out hole. Stuff mixture in hole and bake 20 minutes @ 350.

They were delish.

I didn't have the shredded parmesean cheese so I used the kind you put on spaghetti. It worked fine. You don't have to use the bacon if you don't want, but it gave it a good flavor.

It's late afternoon here, but this is the first opportunity I've had to get on the board today! I had some friends over for lunch and a little gift exchange. I potted some paperwhite bulbs for each of them--anyone looking for inexpensive gifts--these are great. I got six gifts for less than $20.00 total and everyone LOVES them--especially in Janurary when they will be in bloom.

I think I have some breathing room now--no plans for tonight. I can actually cook a good, healthy dinner and relax.

Jackie--the mushroom recipe sounds great! I'm going to have to give it a try.

Gracious--good for you, getting all the snack out of the house!

Deb--take care of those knees--trust me--you don't want to get them out of whack! Even after surgery mine stillbother me--in fact it is one of the reasons that exercise is a problem because the knees bother me so much.

Mel--what do you mean that carmel corn isn't SB legal??????? :s:

BOB--pick up one of those pans for me too!:lol: I've gotten right fond of the Martha Stewart line of cookwear at K-mart. When they have a sale it is pretty reasonable and is sturdy. The cast iron/enameled cookwear is just like the Le Creuset, but way less expensive! I'm like you, I tend to buy good cookwear--I just wait until I find it at a real good deal.

Gracious--I know girlfriend! My first Christmas on SB was a breeze. Last year was a little harder. This year is just downright tough.

Ok-- back to work!

Have a good evening everyone!

Susan

DEB- Boogie is doing just fine. He had a flu shot Monday and Thursday he went to the cardiologist and he was impressed with how well he's doing and we don't have to go back until MARCH!

I got my scanner fixed so I will probably post a couple more pics in a minute.

I confess- I ate some macaroni last night! Everything else was legal though. Today I made out a menu to stick with throughout the day and posted it on the fridge. It has 3 meals and 2 snacks-all legal. So far I'm doing good. It's way past time for me to get back on track. I messed up there for awhile, but I'm ready to pick myself up and get started again. My new mini goal is to get to 199. Not for sure how long that will take though. Right now, I'm at 214(was 212).

Fillise, what a nice idea for a gift. Everyone will think if you when it blooms and remind them of spring.

Heartmom. I bet Boogie and Ashley are getting excited. Christmas is for kids. Glad Boogie is doing so well. I believe in miracles. Good for you planning your meals. I keep saying the secret to this WOE is planning and being prepared. You can get to 199, yes you can.

This is Boogie trying to win me over with his sad face..

And this is Boogie trying to pull my hair, which he does all the time. I hate pics of me,ugh!

This is Boogie and Dr.Joransen(his cardiologist). As you see, Boogie is not a happy camper. We just got home from Philly(the hospital) and the very next morning he was at the PC, back in the hospital.

Jackie - I'm with you, this has been a totally sucky day at work. One problem after another. The scales are holding steady (barely) but all that's left of the goodies in the office are the things that I don't really want, so that's good.

Gotta run, I'll try and post more tomorrow. See ya.

Trish

I wanted to gnaw my fingers...LOL All covered with peanut gooey stuff...but I help fast. Didn't even eat one of the finished ones to see if it was a good recipe. It's sweet, they won't care if it's great or not. :) I'm actually tired of seeing the sweet stuff. Glad to be done. I made one last goodie tray today for my daughters boyfriend. He is in hog heaven. I'm making some wonderful stuffed bell peppers for dinner. I can't wait.

Jack-K..the mushrooms sound wonderful. I love shrooms and cheese. A winning combination. And I agree..after the first of the year...it's all the way again. I've been bidding on some of the walk away for the ab dvd's but they keep going too high. But maybe just maybe I will catch one that slips through.

Trish...sorry you are having the bad day at work. ((Trish))

Heartmom....loved the photos. You are so beautiful. You should take lots of pictures. That way as you go down you will have a pictorial of your progress. Boogie is a cutie...love the pouty faces. They remind me of youngest.

Susan...that's a neat idea. Flowers in winter are a special treat. Enjoy your relaxing time.

Well, the rice should be just about ready. And I need to zap the sweet potatoes a little longer. Have a super evening all.

Love,
Crystle

AFTERNOON ALL YOU BUSTER BABES!!!


WIW wasn't kind to me today...I've used up all my WW coupons, so we won't be going back there until the new ones are printed after Christmas.
Last week I ate REAL BREAD...3 TIMES!!!! :eek: and yes, gained 3 lbs...BUT I was down 1 of those pounds this morning. I just cannot eat bread! Now I know for sure that it does bad things to me...of course, all that pimento cheese I bought at THE FRESH MARKET didn't help either :mad: but OH MY GAWD it sure was good ;)
BACK IN THE SLEIGH FOR ME!!! I"LL PICK UP ANYONE WHO NEEDS A BOOST ON THE TAIL GATE!!!!

DEB... Jay was having a screaming fit in the picture...he was scared to death! Cathy and Jeff were the same way when they were little...HOPEFULLY he will be better next year...

JACKIE...could I use Portabello's in that recipe? You guys have had as much rain as we have lately...get out the RUBBER BOOTS!

SUSAN...I bet the enamel cookware is made by LeCruet...I've never looked at her cookware, but now you've got my interest peaked....
Good idea with the bulbs...are they indoor plants?

HEART...you never let me know about contacting you...I'll be in Meridian the 28th...I don't know when the party is, but I can at least call you...email me and give me your number.

OK ALL YOU RACE FANS...DON'T FORGET THE TWO HOUR FINALE TONIGHT!!!!! I'm PULLING FOR THE OLD COUPLE....

AND THURSDAY....SURVIVOR 3 HOUR SPECIAL FINALE!!!!

Sorry I can't get to everyone...our Christmas luncheon is tomorrow and I've got to get cooking...plue wrap my gifts for
the person that I drew.....

:wave: Just know that I'm thinking about each and every one of you!!!!

BOB

What a day! It started by me getting on the3 scale when I knew that I shouldn't have. If I'd have had time to post this morning before leaving for work, the message would have been.. "Help!! Send the marsh buggy, I mean wagon!!" :)

Went to a Christmas party last night for our ladies' group at church. We had a blast, but I did endulge too much of the :nono: foods. And it showed this morning. Now I've been good all day, but tonight is our Nurses Christmas get-together. We're eating out at a steak house near-by. I am planning to order steak, veggies & salad ONLY!! Anyone who reads this, please hold me accountable. :yikes:

I quickly skimmed the posts. Glad to see some newbies. Also saw that Nancy is planning to come back! :cp:

Monet you're so right about the stress of the hoildays. I need a chill pill here to get me stablized. I bearly got my tree up & decorated. Now I'm trying to find the gifts that I know I bought, but not sure what I have & don't have. Where is the joy & peace that Christmas usually brings???

I'm off tomorrow & have to finish my shopping! I'm swamped with things that need to be done & no time to do it. I TOOK the time to post right now because I really NEEDED to vent. I read someone else's post about venting & moaning. I feel like I'm complaining. Sorry it has to be to you all, but felt that you'll would understand. I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way right now.

Well, got to go get ready for our outing. DD will be joining me as she also works prn at the hospital with me. The past 3 years our outing falls right around her BD which is tomorrow & I treat her for the supper. I think her BD is another reason I'm kind of down today. She'll be 36. :eek: Do you know how old that makes me??? :yikes:

Hope this find everyone well and trying to reduce their stress. Don't let the hustle and bustle get you all down.


Jack-K - Thanks for the welcome back. I am trying a new way for posting. Maybe I can get on the board more. We will see.

Denise – My prayers are with you. Just take it one day at a time. Sometimes even one moment at a time. I truly enjoyed you post. I want to pass it on to my daughter. She is not doing to good in the positive attitude area. The fact that she is getting a divorce doesn’t help but she and only she can decide to make a difference.

BOB – I was just thinking about Nance the other day. I thought since she hadn’t been on the board that she might have moved up north, Eurecka area like she had mentioned at one time. Your nephew is cute. Could you send some of those bargains out west.

Monet320 – You are so right. We get all caught up in hustle and bustle and forget what the true meaning of Christmas is.

MusicTeach – I find that if I tell myself “NO” that I want it even more. So, during this time I choose wisely and just take a taste.

Miata1997 – Was the car yours? Hope so.

SolShine – Hope you have a good visit with your family.

Gracious - Your Friday Funny was great.

Deb – Hope your knee feels better. Thanks for the welcome back. Hopefully I can get on the board more this next year. Would love to meet all of you in Jan but that’s not going to happen. Good luck on your garage sale. Wish I could make it. I love to go to them.

Fillise – What a great gift idea.

Heartmom – Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think we do more harm beating ourselves up than we do by eating illegal foods. Just take it one day at time.

Melf – How are you doing? Sounds like you are very busy. Have fun tonight at the dinner.

Cyndi
170/155/140

Hey All:wave:

Thought I'd try and get in a post before the AR comes on at 9pm - can't wait! That's my all time favorite reality show:D

Didn't accomplish as much as I'd hoped I would today, but going to do so tomorrow. I ended up not putting an ad in the newspaper for the garage sale, it's $25 and I think it's a waste to do it. I'm going to put up some signs instead. I can't put my address though-they give you fines down here, so just garage sale and arrows will have to do, that way, it's all profit!

Just wanted to reply to a few of you. Michael needs the computer back to do some work, so to everyone else I send a hearty hello!:wave:

DENISE, glad you got your reservations taken care of. Sorry it took me a little to get the info to you. That is so sweet you are going to get a shirt to wear as I know you got the one in your Mom's honor. I think it's great!:D Ahhh, don't worry about my knee, it's probably just like I said, from taking last week off. I told Lauren about Monday, so it seems like it's a go! Did you tell Amber?

HEART, loved the pics! The first thing I said when I saw the first picture of BOOGIE was, "what a gorgeous child!" and that he is! You look beautiful too. I use to never go in front of the camera when I was heavy and actually have only 1 or 2 pictures of myself when I was at my biggest. I think it's a good idea as it was mentioned to have pics of yourself as you are losing weight, again, something I don't have but wish I had. It's good to look back and see the progress!

BOB, glad to finally get to speak with you today. Did they call about Kate? I'll be speaking to you soon, I'm sure! :s:

MELF, you know you are headed to the DETOX DUNGEON in a few weeks, so you better get on the ball or I'll just have to WHIP you back in shape:s: I'm sure you'll do just fine, even if you do indulge a little you'll get right back on track, unlike me who takes a week or more to do so!

Okay, I've been told it's time for me to get off of the computer, so here I go....

I'll check in tomorrow morning with you all!

TOODLES

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

Hi everyone. I am down 2 pounds for the past 2 weeks! Yeah! I was at that stall forever! I wanted to say to heartmom that you are very pretty, don't be hard on yourself about pictures! That was a good picture! I will post the recipe for the desserts in a seperate post because it contains a website and if it is unexceptable to post other sites on here, I don't want my whole post to be deleted. Congrats to all losers this week and keep up the good work!

Here is that link to the recipe page.

http://groups.msn.com/SugarBustersRecipesandSupport

When you get to the page, on the left are all the recipe categories. I also just got a new recipe for a supposedly excellent pie crust that I will post in the desserts category.

Hi,

I am no longer in the 52% of the people who have not done their Christmas shopping!!!!! Yeah!!!! I believe that I am finished. I got everything out of the bags today and took off the price tags and put them into boxes and I am now ready to wrap. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty to do and I have given up on sending out card this year. Something just had to go this year and the cards were it.

I ordered the new Sugar Busters' book from Amazon and it is suppose to arrive by Jan. 3rd. If I get it in time, I will bring it to Florida and we can all see how it compares to the original version.


We have just finished picking up and putting away from decorating the tree and it is getting late, so, I will say good night.

Hi!!!

Miata here!!! Just wanted to check in and say howdi!!! I don't know about the car yet, I called my dd twice tonight but she is not home..It prob wasn't..she would have called if it was. Or..she could say no they didn't find it, and surprise us when we go for christmas!! now woulnd't that be a good christmas!!!

It sounds like everyone is so busy with Christmas..WE are doing low key this year. Haven't had to do much shopping and I am already planning next year...Quilts to be made for each of my dd's. and my sisters. I will buy viedo's on sale each month for my dd's too. It will be fun during the year buying, then at Christmas time I can just enjoy.

I ate off a bit, but I am not starting totally until Fri..I know that sounds funny but I just want to wait till the party is over..I am so excited about it..It will be so much fun..

For anyone trying to get back on the wagon, here is something I got from a previous diet/food plan/way of eating...It is called Weigh down workshop..I won't go into how it is done, but the point I want to make is...on this fp...you eat when you are really really hungry and stop when you are full..Ok this is the neat part that I want to share..They say if you fall off the wagon,..allyou got to do to cleanse your body of the stuff you just ate, is to just don't eat until your stomach is totally grawling...they you get back on track and start again..I think it works!!! And it sounds like a good way to get back on, just wait to eat till your are really hungry then tell you self...I am back on the wagon!!

Heartmom..you are totally beautiful!!! So is boogie...I am so glad he is doing well. I read and saw the pictures you posted about when he was born..What a shock, but thank goodness for good doctors, and prayers...He is sure a cuty, a sure blessing .

Well Got to go work on my "first baby of the new year quilt" ..the hospital I work for give such stupid gifts, I decided last year I would give a quilt..It is not fancy, it is just nice with lots of color..It has a teddy bear border..I am sure the baby will love it..

bye now

Miata

Ps...I know I just started here, but I get from reading this, that some of you are meeting in Florida for a marathon??? Who is all going??? That is so cool. I am not into running, but I have to tell you I have always wanted to go to Florida..Not in the winter, but when it was hot, and I could go swimming in the clear warm water...I saw a pictures of the florida Keys on my honeymoon 30 years ago..I didn't even know they existed. Right then and there I decided I would drive across Florida and drive on that bridge and go swimming in that ocean..Haven't done it yet, but I will. Unfortunetly my DH doesn't fly and with his disablitiy he doesn't drive that far..California to Florida is way to far for him..bummer!!!
Any way to all who are going to Florida..Have fun!!!! Go swimming for me!!!

Hope you don't mind I went on so long..

I am pleased to report for WIW that I am still under 200 - weighed in at 199 pounds this morning. Now if I can only continue to lose once I am back to eating normally. At least at this weight the new pants I bought a while ago fit comfortably - if I gain back any they will be kind of snug so that will be an incentive to eat sensibly while I am away on vacation for the next too weeks. Otherwise I will have to live in my old blue jeans. :(

BOB - You have a beautiful nephew.

Denise - Hope things improve with your dd soon. Those teen years can be really tough.

Miata - Hope your dd got her station wagon back.

Solshine - Enjoy the time you have with your family but just don't exhaust yourself with all that cleaning and shopping. :fr:

Deb - Hope that knee gets better soon but don't overdo do it while it is bothering you. You need to be fit for the run in January. We are all well here again. My ds had the stomach flu a couple of days ago but he got over it quickly. I thought my grandson had it too be he apparently had something else and is better again. So we will all be going up to my dd's on Saturday for Christmas dinner and we will be leaving Sunday morning bright and early. Hopefully we will be on our way by 6.00a.m. I'm just hoping for some hot weather while we are there. Too bad I wont be able to join you all the following week.

Heartmom - Glad to hear that Boogie is doing well. He's a beautiful boy. Beautiful pic of Mom too.

Jack-K - Maybe you need a job that doesn't work you so hard so you have more time for the board. :lol:

Melf - Hope you enjoyed your dinner party. Your dd is the same age as my dd. She was 36 to-day. Just remember, you are only as old as you feel. :s:

Yellowrose - Hooray for getting your shopping finished. The wrapping is the easy part.

Greetings to everyone I have missed.

Marie.

I had this in my files and don't remember if I posted it long ago or not, but doesn't hurt to read it again!

By Terre Loudenslager

Many people find it hard to lose weight. Miracle diets and quick diet plans are not the answer…permanent lifestyle changes are! The best way to control weight is to consume fewer calories and exercise more. It takes a lifetime commitment and permanent changes in eating habits to successfully manage your weight.
Weight takes time to gain, and it takes time to lose. A better option is to lose weight the healthy way by increasing your caloric output and decreasing your caloric intake. This assures a healthy 1-2 pound a week weight loss.

The human body reacts negatively when calories are reduced, even when a weight-loss plan is nutritious. Cutting back on food threatens the body. Your body tries to protect itself by slowing its basal metabolism, the rate at which it burns calories at rest. This makes weight loss harder. To counter this effect, it's important to make gradual changes in eating habits.

The number of calories you consume and the number of calories your body uses as energy determine your weight. If you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight.
You will LOSE weight by eating less, being more active or by doing both. For permanent weight loss, you also need to learn good eating habits. Fad diets may be a fast way to lose weight but they don't keep the weight off permanently. Beware of diet trends that:

1. Don’t include the variety of foods necessary for good health or don't teach good eating habits.

2. Claim you can "trick" your body's metabolism into wasting calories or energy.

3. Make claims for fast and easy weight loss.

To practice the most effective way to lose weight:

1. Do not lower caloric intake to less than 1200 per day, or your metabolism may become so slow that your body will have to work harder to store calories.

2. Expend 300 - 500 calories a day through exercise.

3. Decrease caloric intake no more than 500 - 750 calories below what is necessary to maintain your current weight, then adjust that number as you lose weight.

A healthy weight loss is 2 pounds a week…no more! How many calories should you consume?

It does matter how many calories you consume
in a day and over the course of a week. Your body needs to store 3500 calories more than it uses over a period of time in order for you to gain one pound. Likewise, if you use 3500 calories more than you take in, you will lose one pound. Here is a quick formula to help you determine how many calories per pound you need to take in to maintain your current body weight, to lose weight or to gain weight.

Level of Activity
INACTIVE 10
MODERATE 12
HEAVY 14

Calories per pound needed to maintain current weight. 2500, if you take in 1750 calories, that's the max reduction of 750 calories a day. 750 x 7 = 4500 - which would give you over a pound loss a week.

I'm cleaning out the old computer slowly but surely, so here's another thing I had in my old files:


Food Affects Your Mood




Monday, January 10, 2000 (New York Times Syndicate)—Eat, think, be merry.

Life can be that easy. Feed a brain with the right mix of carbohydrates, fats and protiens say, a bowl of oatmeal and egg-white omelet with veggies and your mind will be razor sharp and awash in a sea of happy hormones.

Go for the quick fix a doughnut or a bowl of Frosted Flakes and spend the day on an emotional roller coaster guaranteed to leave you tired and ticked off. You’d need a medical degree to comprehend the complex interactions of digestion, hormones and blood chemistry. All you really need to know is this: Bad foods equal bad moods.

“Food has a tremendous impact on our moods,” explained Dr. Michael Hirt, a Tarzana physician who specializes in nutrition. “When people feel angry or depressed, what do they reach for? Sweets. The sugar increases serotonin levels in the brain, and serotonin is the feel-good hormone. It’s the same hormone increased by drugs like Prozac.

“What tends to happen, though, is that people ride that sugar high, and then they have that carbo crash about 90 minutes later,” Hirt continued. “Their blood sugar is in the toilet. They become angry, moody. Then they eat something sweet to satisfy themselves and bounce from one high to another throughout the day.”

The key to stepping off this mood roller coaster is maintaining a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbs feed the brain, proteins slow down the rate at which the carbs are consumed (stabilizing the blood-sugar level), and fats boost feel-good hormones and also lend a hand in regulating blood chemistry.

There’s no sense in denying these impulses. It’s all part of the human survival instinct, said Elizabeth Somer, a Salem, Ore., dietitian and author of Food & Mood: The Complete Guide to Eating Well and Feeling Your Best (Owl Books; $17.50). Primitive man needed those urges to drive him to hunt luxuries such as protein and fat. Modern man gets into trouble because, while those urges remain, there’s a burger joint or a doughnut shop every few blocks.

“Turns out the taste of sugar on your tongue releases endorphins, which give you a pleasurable feeling,” Somer said. “No wonder people grab a cookie or a candy bar. Unfortunately, we’re going to all the wrong foods for the right reasons.”

End of lecture.

Clearly, one of the few things more annoying than a carbo crash is a bunch of health professionals (or medical writers, for that matter) delivering yet another lecture about the importance of diet and exercise. But, seriously, if everyone worked on their daily diets, everything lectures included would be a lot less annoying.

Think brown. Not all carbohydrates are equal. White bread, white rice, white potatoes and white pasta are fast burners. Whole grains, brown rice, yams and whole-wheat pasta are slow burners and, therefore, better brain food.

This will be quick as I have a lot to do today! I just wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone.

Heartmom--Pictures are adorable! Boogie sure melted my heart with that sad little face--somehow I think he really knows how to use his adorableness to his advantage! You are gorgeous!!!!!!!

Everyone else--not sure how much I will be on the board for the next few days as every spare minute needs to be spent finishing that darn stocking!!!!!!! I'll pop in when I can.

Susan

Good morning!

The nursing get-together last night was nice. Lots of laughs. Like my DON said, we see each other almost everyday for work, but this is about the only time we see each other for fun & relaxation. I decided on the broiled catfish, stuffed with crab meat & shrimp along with the baked sweet potatoe & the side salad & of course, the water to drink. I don't drink tea, so I always get water instead of cold drinks. So I did ok with the choices which I'm happy to report.

This morning I've decided to get my gifts wrapped, so I just finished pulling everything out from my hiding places & have it scattered on the living room floor. Now the job will be to get it sorted & make sure everyone has an equal amount of gifts to be wrapped. I have to get it all done before 3 pm when I have to pick up the boys from school.

Last night when Daxton got home from his father's house he discovered that there were gifts under the tree & quickly started to open one :eek: He's 3, so naturally didn't quiet understand why we stopped him. :D

Debbie, thanks for posting that piece this morning. So much truth in it. The impulses to eat the wrong stuff is natural, it's our response that needs to be curved. Now, let me put it into practice!! :lol:

Rosalie, wow! can you imagine that!! 36 years ago today I was in labor for my oldest dd & you were trying to recovering from yours! That is neat that we have yet something else in common. I'm afraid that some days I feel alot older, but thanks for the encouragement that we ARE only as old as we feel. :D I'm going to be ok. Hope you & your family have a very HAPPY HOLIDAY & a safe trip. Enjoy your family dinner this week end!

miata, sounds like we Christmas shop alike, year round. The problem with me is that I don't make a list as I buy & store away, so I end up with more for one than the other. Hey, you work at a hospital too??? Me too. I'm nurse at a small local hospital.

YellowRose, Congrats on being in out of that 52% of unfinished shoppers. Glad to hear that you are all finished. I hate the idea that I'll need to maybe get back out there & do more shopping, but I'll find out within the next hour or so, as soon as I go thru all these packages that I've dug out of the closet & finish my list.

Robin_girl, enjoyed visiting your recipe site. Not finished yet, but plan to go back & view the other files. Saw some pretty interesting ones there.

Red1, Hi!!! It's great to see you posting again. I told DH the other night that I needed to email you to see how you'll were doing cause I had not seen you posting. Let us know when those babies get here!! I know you all must be very anxious for the big arrival. Yes, the days are much toooo busy here lately. I feel like I need a very looooooong vacation. LOL But I know that will get baetter when dd gets into her own place again.

BOB, sorry to hear that you didn't have a lose this week, but please don't get discouraged. You are doing FABULOUS!!!

HeartMom, I agree, you are quiet pretty. Don't be ashamed to take a picture! Boogie is adorable.

Fellise, finish that stocking girl, you're sounding stressed over it. I recognize the tone. ;)

Got to get busy with my list & wrapping. We're under a tornado watch until noon today with a band of thunderstorms moving through. Hope all you Texas gals didn't get it too bad. I know I'm being selfish, but my nephew just came by & he's working on the frame for the concrete slab for dd's mobile home today. He got half of the frame done yesterday. If we were to miss this rain, it might be possible to get her in her home by the first of the year, but I'm afraid we'll get too much of it from the looks of the radar. Oh well, GET OVER IT MELF! :stress:

Good Morning Everyone!

This is going to be quick becaue I'm trying to get the computer problem I have going on fixed. It's been running so slow as I have told you. Well, HP told me to disable some things and now it's even worse in some areas!:fr: I'm cursing this computer like you have never heard, totally :censored: To top it off, the printer I installed last night is also giving me trouble!!!

Will check back later!!

{{{HUGS}}}:grouphug:

Debbie

Happy Thursday!

I am happy to report I only have 1 more thing to get. A tanning certificate for my DD and it's right down the street. I'm DONE!! Everything is wrapped. The only problem, now DH wants to have a small party Sat nite.

Things are better here today. Tomorrow is our office party at lunch. We are going to a restaurant we built. It should be fun. I made sure we had salad on the menu and they have a great grouper. I should be fine.

Heartmom, Adorable pics (of you too). I'm sure you gave in with the cute look.

Trish, good for you with all the goodies being gone. Ours are just coming in heavy now.

Country, good for you staying away from those sweets. I did the same thing last year. I walked a round with a dish towel in my belt so I wouldn't lick my fingers. I don't know if I could have done it this year. So far I haven't done any baking. Don't think I'll get around to it.

Bob, You are doing to great to blow it. Get back in shape or I'm coming down there to whip you into shape. You are are inspiration right now. It's raining again today! Bring the boats! I guess you could use portabello's. They are pretty large though.

Melf, I knew you would make good choices last nite. :clap: Don't worry about DD 36th bd. Theya re getting older but we aren't. I sure don't feel that old. (well today I do.) How cute about your 3 year old.

Red1, Glad you will be around more.

Deb, Can't believe you can't put your address on the signs. How petty. Yard salers will find you. They have a nose for them. What a bummer about the computer problems. Hope you ge them figured out before it throw it out the window.

Robin, Congrats on the 2 lbs. :dance: You seem to be the only one losing this week.

Yellow, glad you are finished shopping. Wrapping is the easy part. Putting them in boxes is the pain. I'm anxious to get the new book too. Need some new motivation for the new year.

Miata, Wouldn't the car be a great surprise for Christmas. I think that is so nice that you make quilts and for the new baby too. My mom made made afgans and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Liked the tip on getting back on the wagon. If I eat too much, I will skip breakfast the next day.

Rosalie, Yeah for you still being under 200. When you go to eat something you souldn't just think about those pants fitting to tightly. Have a great vacation. I'd get an easier job, but I have been her 30 years and wouldn't know how to look for a new job. Plus I really love it.

Deb, Thanks for the article, everything is so true. We just have to think about it when that sugar calls us.

Fillise, Keep sewing. Hope you get it finished.


Got to run to lunch with a friend. Later

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Okay, Vince read about the rollerblading marathon WDW is having next year and wants us to train for that….NOT!!…when would I do that? We don’t have enough time for all the irons we have in the fire now! He’s kind of disappointed that I haven’t been working out like I was, but someone has to take care of the house and I tend to put that priority over working out whereas he would not miss his work-outs for anything. (Now, he gets 100 time more stuff done in a day than I do, too – so it’s easier for him to squeeze things in)

MIATA – Just NEVER apologize for a long post! We LOVE to read what people write and those that don’t just skip over them or skim them. (just wait till you see how long mine is.) You are who you are and we all learn from each other and appreciate everyone’s “idiot-syncracies” :lol: Some of us have more than others, but I won’t mention any names since I’m at the top of the list…. :s: WDW MARATHON This is a long story, but I’ll try to be brief. There is a poster here (who has been AWOL for a while :( ) FROG and she started training for the marathon (the WHOLE 26.2 miles) 2 years ago at 206 lbs. She was ready and prepared and a svelt 164 lbs. by the time she came down for the marathon last January. All of us gals met here in Orlando to meet each other face to face and to cheer FROG and MR. FROG on for the marathon. It was SOOOOO INSPIRING that DEBBIE and MEL and I decided we were going to make that our goal for the year, but the half (13.1 miles) instead of the whole thing (although MEL and DEB could do the whole thing). FROGGIE even said she’d join us again. WELL……time and chance happeneth to us all and so DEBBIE and MEL are the only 2 left to run the race, but it’s great fun to be a cheerleader for the race and a super excuse for all of us to get together. There is plenty of room if you’d like to join the cheer-leading squad!

GRACIOUS – No need to resort to lurking, that’s usually when we need to be on the most. Hence, my surge in posting. :D I love that funny!!!!!

MEL Vince is going to want lessons on how you eat when you get here. What kind of groceries should I stock up on? We already have egg white omelettes or scrambled egg white every morning for b’fast with oatmeal. So egg white supply will not be a problem. But what else will he be wanting to eat after your visit? ;)

DEB I’m sorry to hear about your knee. Would one of those knee support thingys help? Maybe we should set up cheerleaders while you’re training to help take your mind off the pain…. But don’t go killing yourself either!

JACKIE – YUMMY!! I’m going to try those mushrooms for sure! Thank you.

FILLISE What a great gift idea! My boss gave us all a small Christmas Cactus (cacti?) one year. We now call ours a Christmas TREE but I get to think about her every time I water it and admire it.

HEART – Glad Boogie is doing well and I love the pics! You have the most gorgeous hair!! Want to trade???? You can do this!! I know I am much better behaved when I spend the time planning ahead.

MELF – I didn’t know you worked with your dd. That’s really cool! The funny thing about getting older is everyone looks so much younger each year to me. :lol:

ROBIN – Congrats on 2 lbs!! Thanks for the link to the recipes. I love trying new things.

MARIE - Way to hold under 200! I’m sad to say that I haven’t done that well. I’m going to have to catch up with you after the holidays.

RED – Good to hear from you!


Here’s Vixen with Santa. She lost interest really quick when Santa wasn’t keen on getting kisses and didn’t have any treats stuck in his beard.

trying to upload the princess but the picture is too big. :(

Thanks guys for all the compliments! You lifted my spirits, it's been forever since anyone has given me a compliment. Now I'm blushing...

BOB- Did u get my email?

DEB- I loved the pic of the Xmas lights- but I would hate to have his light bill!

Guess what? I stayed 100% OP yesterday!! Really! I'm so proud of myself. Tonight we are having chili. Normally, I eat 2 mega bowls of it loaded with cheese and sour cream AND wheat crackers. Tonight, I'm sticking to 1 1/2 bowls with no toppings(maybe 1 spoon of sour cream) and no cheese or crackers. I go way overboard on both. I had an orange and nsa yogurt for breakfast and then a 1/4 bowl of leftover baby lima beans for a snack. I think I will have a salad and an open faced sandwich for lunch today. OH- I only drank 1 diet coke yesterday- Lately, I've been drinking around 3 a day. I plan on having only 1 today. Thanks guys for the support and kind words. It helped.

Here's a little cutie for all of you....
HEART....I'm at work and will get the email when I get home :)A little boy and a little girl attended the same school and became
friends.

Every day they would sit together to eat their lunch. They discovered that
they both brought chicken sandwiches every day!
This went on all through the fourth and fifth grades until one day he
noticed that her sandwich wasn't a chicken sandwich. He said, "Hey,how come you're
not eating chicken, don't you like it anymore?"

She said " I love it but I have to stop eating it." Why?" he asked. She
pointed to her lap and said "Cause I'm starting to grow little feathers down
there!"
"Let me see" he said. "Okay" and she pulled up her skirt. He looked and
said, "That's right you are, better not eat any more chicken." He kept eating his
chicken sandwiches until one day he brought peanut butter.

He said to the little girl, "I have to stop eating chicken sandwiches, I'm starting to get
feathers down there too!" She asked if she could look so he pulled down his pants
for her.

She said,"Oh, my Gosh, it's too late for you, you've already got
the neck and the gizzards!"

Jackie, yea I did make the wiser choice last night & it was good. I hope that your luncheon goes as well. Is it getting cold up your way??? Are you going to have a white Christmas?

Gracious, We've been missing you on the board too! Come out of hiding.

Solshine, can't wait to see you again. Hey, I think you should listen to Vince & take up Rollerbladding for the marathon. LOL Hey, you could even put Vixen on a leash & bring em along.. :lol: Just kidding, but LOVE the pic with Santa!

Debelli, Yeap, I think you should get a big sign & go over there so we can see ya!

Well, I've made my list & started wrapping. Looks like I'll be doing some shopping this evening:dizzy:

Has anyone heard from Jenn in Minnesota? She was the one about to get married... Just wondering.

I'm counting down the days...Still trying to make sure all my work is done before I leave tomorrow. Got all my Christmas cards done yesterday. YEA! It sure doesn't feel like Christmas down here because it's so HOT and humid...It's in the mid 80's again. I have read everyone's posts. There are so many since yesterday, it's just amazing how many people are on this board!

Debbie: Can't wait to see you again on Monday. I am looking forward to seeing your new "do".... It will be nice for Amber to meet your kids. Yes, I am going to have to wear two T-shirts that day to support you and Mel and also my Mom. :lol: It's not a problem for me. Hope your knee is feeling better now and that your garage sale makes you some quick cash. It's sooo weird that you are having so many computer problems with your new computer. I never had any when I got a new one.:?: Thanks for the articles. Love to read that stuff.

Cyndi: Thank you for your prayers. I'm sorry to hear that your daughter is going through a divorce. That is very mentally draining. I wish her all the luck in the world! You are right, they really are the only ones to make their life what it is.

Mary: Sounds like your nursing get together was fun and healthy for you. You didn't sound as stressed as the previous post so I'm assuming you're feeling better now.

BOB: Sorry to hear that you didn't lose any weight this week, but you have to consider that you have been losing 3-4 pounds almost every week for awhile that seems and that in itself is really GREAT! That joke just about killed me here at work!:lol:

Crystle: I want to taste one of those "goodie" trays that you're giving out!!!!!:^: Just hearing about it makes me crave that sugar!

Jackie: Sorry that you're going through a day from ****. It's hard when others in the office don't pull their weight. Thank you for the "Stuffed Mushroom" recipe. Looks extremely YUMMY. Have fun at your Office Party tomorrow. I have one too.

Susan: I don't want to sound really stupid here, but what is a "Paperwhite" bulb and how do you make them and what kind of flower blooms? Anyhow, that was a smart idea for the price!

Laurie: Good luck on getting to your goal of 199. Boogie is a VERY special child and you were blessed with him. He is so very cute. You are also very pretty yourself!

Trish: Heard you were having a day from **** at work too. Hope things are getting better. I am sending you good vibes and lots of sunshine your way::goodvibes :flow1:

Robin: Glad your weightloss is progressing downward again. Another 2 lbs, that's great!:cp:

Lyn: HI!!!!!!!!!! Haven't seen you on the board in awhile. I'm guessing you've been shopping? I ordered the new SB book too. Can't wait to see it!!!

Miata: I like that concept of "Weigh Down"!! Send me all the facts. I want to know exactly how this plan works! You can swim on the east coast of Florida almost all year around. One Christmas, I was snorkeling right off of Fort Lauderdale beach. I've been down to the Keys a few times snorkeling. It's truly meditational and so beautiful. In reference to that bridge. It's called the "Seven Mile Bridge" and connects Marathon Key to the other Keys. After you cross over that bridge, it takes about 30 more minutes to actually get to Key West by car. I HAVE snorkeled under the 7 mile bridge and almost killed myself. It is very dangerous to swim under that bridge due to a dangerous current and underflow. I almost drowned that day, but because I used to be on a swim team, I managed with all my strength to get back to shore as it was pulling me further and further away. I was so tired by the time I got back to shore. I learned my lesson the hard way. If you are interested in joining us in Orlando in January, just e-mail Debbie at debelli@aol.com

Rosalie: Great news that you are still under 200!! I'm very proud of you.:bravo:

Sonya: That rollerblading marathon sounds like fun. I would love to do something like that. I'm in if anyone else is interested...
Loved the pic of Vixen. Very cute.

I just heard on the radio, that a tornado hit Mississippi and claimed some lives. Anyone on here from MS???:?:

4 days with no cheats!!! Yeah me! 1 pound is off as of this morning. Bob, I'm with you, bread is evil. Just the sight of it makes me fat.

I'm not nearly as stressed about work today- I got temporarily laid off. Kind of a mandatory unpaid vacation til after New Years some time. The funniest thing was after the company owners told me, they wanted to know if it would impact when my current project (a new website for their company) would get done. :lol: Well, yeah, since I was planning on working everyday except Christmas, day after, and New Years Day! So now I'm stressed about my bank account instead. It may be time for another career change sonn. The head trainer at my gym suggested I get certified as a personal fitness instructor because he needs to hire a few more trainers in March. I'm seriously thinking of doing that- the course is about 3-4 months long and I can do it on-line or from textbooks. I just don't know if my poor old brain is capable of learning (and remembering) new tricks.
Christmas is getting uner contraol, except I can't find some of the presents I bought a nd hid :yikes: No memory left at all. I bet my ds knows where they are tho.

Hearmom- Boogie sure is a cutie and YOU are beautiful. I know all about hiding from cameras, tho. I think there are may 5 pictures of me in the last 15 years. And I was usually trying to hide behind a kid or animal. Now I'm a camera hog!

Miata- I'd be very leary of the "weighing down" concept. If you wait til you are gnawingly hungry, a couple things are happening: 1) Your blood sugar levels have fallen thru the floor; 2) your body is in a catabolic state where it is burning muscle to feed your brain (you don't want to burn muscle, muscle is your friend!) ; and 3) by that time you'll probably eat anything that lies in your path, thus starting the cycle all over again. That's why a lot of successful ways of eating are based on eating small frequent meals, so you never get that hungry, and you keep your blood sugar levels even throughout the day.

Sol- CUTE pup! Tell Vince he probably doesn't want to eat like I do. It seems like I do nothing but eat, to my family. No one can beleive I've actually lost fat eating 5-6 times a day. I travel with a cooler everywhere, full of chicken, oatmeal, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, tuna, and TONS of lettuce and other vegies. Basic bodybuilder's fare! And water. Buckets and buckets of water.

Deb- My knee hurts too. Seems that running 8 miles then dancing all night in heels is not good for this old bod. Am babying it this week, working out on the elliptical and treadmill instead of pavement. A little easier on the joints.

Country- I don't know how you do it! I can hardly make lunches at night without diving into the peanut butter. I can't imagine baking. I'm going to do all my cooking the day before Christmas so I don't have too much time to get in trouble food wise. Don't even know what I'm making yet.

Robin- Congrats on losing this week!

Hi everybody else, sorry I can't get to everyone!

mel

I'm heading out to get my nails done and then home to dry ut. I'll need an Ark to get home. It has pured all day long and I mean torrents.

I bit my tongue this morning in the shower (don't ask me how or why), but I have this huge blood blister. I can hardly eat anything (yeah!).

I actually get to go home and do nothing (Ithink). I won't know what to do with myself.

Solshine, rollerblading? Maybe Deb & the gang should start now training for it. What a cute picture, Looks like she is really posing.

Heartmom, See how easy it is when you plan ahead and do good. You have feel good about yourself. COngrats! I don't think Jenn has been back since her wedding.

Melf, lunch was salad. Passed on the banana pudding my friend had. Snow? I hope not. Rain the the flood though!. If it were snow, we would be burried.

Denise, It's amazing how much we have to do, but somehow it all gets done. Glad you are almost there. Have fun with Deb on Monday.


Have a great night everyone.

Jackie

MEL - Vince asked if that avatar was you and then he looked and said, "She looks like....." that girl who won the contest you told us about. He said he was madly in love with her and followed her career. He would LOVE to eat all the time and all that healthy stuff. The man used to eat TUNA and a Carrot and an Apple every single day when we first got married. Methinks you two will hit it off wonderfully!

DENISE - Okay, if you get at least one other person to agree to train for the rollerblading marathon, I'll bite. After all, we have to have an excuse to do this again next year, right?? My whole family is from MS and HeartMom is from Meridian. I'm going to have to go look and see what they say. Thanks!

HAPPY 6 DAYS BEFORE HO HO DAY TO EVERYONE!!!!

I'm in a rush here, but I had to remind all who watch, 3 hr SURVIVOR tonight....FINALE!!!!

DEBBIE....DO NO CALL ME TONIGHT!!!!!

:wave: to everyone.....I'm thinking about each and every one of you!!!!!

BOB

I think I need to change that avatar! No, sorry Sol (and Vince), that is not me! Her body fat is about 7% in that picture! That's Juliette Bergman. Has he seen her recent pics? She looks like a 'roided up he-man with long hair and high heels. YUCK!

The roller blading sounds more brutal than running. I tried them once and never got the hang of it. Weird, cause I was a pretty good ice skater....

mel

Good Evening, Everyone!

I had a busy day...got the brake lights fixed, went to lunch with a friend (and was really naughty! Ate a white bun! :cbg: ), then shopping to get my mother in law's present, and then to Costco. I got home and was beat! I only need stocking stuffers, and silk flowers for my mother in law, and I am done!

We had a young couple from church over for dinner last night. It was fun, fixing a legal dinner, and enjoying it. I made some of that sherbet for dessert, with agave to sweeten it and peaches, and it turned out pretty good.

DEB: I loved the picture of that house...someday, I am going to do that, just to see everyone's reactions! Sorry you are having trouble with your new computer. I wish I could send my son over to fix it for you...he was a help desk tech for several years and can do anything with computers.

MIATA: I did Weigh Down Workshop. I really liked it, but I have insulin problems, and the hunger thing just does not work for me. If I eat carbs for breakfast, like oatmeal, by 9am my stomach is growling as if I never ate. If I eat eggs, and have a piece of bacon, I don't feel hungry until 11 or 12. Its weird! For most people, that system works great! Wish it did for me!

MEL: Sorry about your temporary lay off, but hey, go for the personal trainer thing! You can come run my butt off for me this summer! ;) My daughter is threatening to be my PT, and I am a bit scared! :drill: She runs Cross Country and Track and runs 3 to 5 miles a day! Ack! I would be happy with one, three times a week, and consistent weight training!

HEART: Good for you staying on program 100%! Great pix!

JACK: Hope you don't float away! It is raining here, off and on it has been pretty hard rain too. Enjoy your evening off!

MELF: Did you get your shopping done?

SOL: What did Santa think of the princess? I am still having chocolate fits. I have five 70% Lindt bars ( they sell them at the Harry's/Whole Foods here...) but that just doesn't get it. I want caramels and cream centers, toffee and turtles....this is getting bad! :s:

DENISE: I bet it feels good to get everything done. My husband sent out some cards this year...but he knows I will never get it done if it is left to me! I am terrible about getting things mailed!

BOB: :wave:

Night! It is way past Monet's bedtime! :tired:

Whoa! What's going on here? I'm the first one to post and it's 10:30am! I think I'm setting a bad example by not posting as much as usual, but if you saw what I was pulling out for my garage sale, and see how filthly I am (just call me PIGPEN JR.), you'd understand. I'm just taking a break for a few minutes, still so much to get done. I put the ad in for 2 days, Sat and Sun from 9-1. I know it's the weekend before Xmas, but I'm hoping diehard garage sale people will be out and since there's not many sales, hopefully they'll be eager to buy the crap I have. What doesn't sell leaves this house on Sunday night/Monday! I sure have a lot more than I thought I had. I still don't think I'll be able to get it all out either!:eek: I'm planning on getting up around 6am to start putting stuff out on the tables. Hoping it's nice weather and not too hot. Hope I can make some $$$$$:D

Okay, back to the garbage, I mean the garage sale stuff;)

Will try to hop on later!

Have a great weekend!

Debbie

Another quick Ho! Ho! Ho!--still working on that blasted stocking!

Belle and I take off for NC tomorrow--can't wait!

For those of you who asked--paperwhites are tiny white fragrant flowers that you can force to bloom in winter. I buy bulbs that have sprouted already and you just put them in a dish or pot with some rocks and/or soil and water them until they bloom. We have a nursery here that forces a ton of them so that they are ready to bloom at Christmas. I buy bulbs that will bloom in january so that folks will have something pretty to counter the dreariness of January. The bulbs were 89 cents apiece--the saucers were 75 cents and because I bought my client gifts there the nursery threw in three bags of rocks for me (but you can get rocks or stones ar Walmart for a dollar or two a bag). So you end up with a really spectacular gift for just a few dollars. If you are even more ambitous you can paint terra cotta saucers (I like to do green and red base coats and then dip a small sponge in gold and pat it over the base coat).

OK got to get back to the stocking.

Happy day everyone!

Susan

Happy Friday :Wave:

Today is our Christmas party. It was such a wonderful feeling to get ready this morning and actually look forward to wearing something nice and pretty instead of dreading what I was wearing (the same ole thing) and hiding under it. That is great motivation. I have winter white pants and a sweater with fake fur around the collar. I like me today!:s:
Mel, :bravo: for you 4 days OP!. I was going to say what a great vacation, but a bummer about not getting paid. A trainer job would be fun and you could surely keep in shape.

Monet, I don't think that white bun will kill you. Just count it as 2 carbs for the day. My DH would never think to do a Christmas card. They make SF turtles. Treat yourself.

Deb, Remember, what is someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure. Hope you make a bunch.

Fillise, your flower pots sound so cute. Have a safe and wonderful trip and holiday.

Jackie

Got a lot to do so I need to run. be back later hopefully.

Got my shopping done yesterday & wrapped a few gifts. Had some limestone delivered for the driveway & tried to spread some of it with the rack & shovel.:nono: Oh my aching back!!

It was back to work today for 12 hrs, then again tomorrow. Don't know when I'll get to plan my menu & do the grocery shopping for Christmas dinner. DD & her family coming in from Texas Monday.

Oh, great news! The form for dd's mobile home is done & concrete to be delivered early Monday am :clap: That means we can call the movers for the first available date in January to get it delivered! :dance: Just praying that the rain waits till after they deliver the concrete :o

Got to get to bed as soon as I iron a uniform, but just wanted to say :wave:

Today was AWFUL!!!!!!! I cheated so bad. I guess I was too happy with that 2 pound loss :'( . I had a work X-mas party and made a brisket with "illegal" sauce. I of course had some...I could have had legal meat, but choose the road often traveled. I also went ahead and had a piece of cake and sweetened tea. Then to really top it off. My mom gave me a gingerbread house kit to make with my newphew. He is five and needless to say icing was everywhere. I had many, many, many licks and a gingerbread man with more icing. I don't know what my problem is. I don't even really care for sweets, even before diet I didn't really ever eat them. Just the occasional chocolate. I just had a meltdown and I know I will pay. I allready feel like poopoo. After I had the gingerbread man with ICING, may face was burning hot. I guess a reaction to the sugar? And I feel exhausted, dehydrated and bloated. I guess this is my body saying, "What the heck are you doing? Why are you poisoning me?" Oh well, I will walk my butt off tomorrow. Still can't believe I did it. It is unlike me, I would have potato chips or fries before sweets....strange. And no TOM isn't coming soon. Just a wierdo I guess. Night everyone.

HiedieHo All!

I know I promised to post regularly just recently, but I think I made the promise at the wrong time of the year! Like everyone else, I become overwhelmed at times with all there is to do. The last couple of weeks I have been pushing, and that's not good, but there have been extra rehearsals, filing, meetings, parties, casino trip, shopping, wrapping.........you all know the routine. By yesterday I couldn't move, I had to give in to the pain. I even cancelled my NH visit. Yesterday I just laid around and managed to do my cards even though it hurt. Today I am a little more human. Took a looong nap today.

Enough griping!!!!!! On to more cheerful things.

FILLISE: You were absolutley right. I really enjoyed the casino show. I try to go the backstitching and detail work as I go along. Some of it can be quite intricate, as you know, and becomes tedious doing it all at once. Seems to me that I go faster that way. I'm having my meltdown now!

DENISE: See above. Milsap did a medley of Christmas carols that was wonderful. The band members joined him for acapella "doo wah" numbers that were fun. You continue in my prayers. Thanks for sharing the journal entry it makes a good MM.

BOB: Loved the eating tips, unfortunately I have been following some of them. Too many parties and buffets, too little willpower.Loved the joke, so will my group at NH.

DEB: I took a nap today. I've been typing this off and on all day. Not much high energy here! You have to keep moving keep the mind and body going sp they will continue to keep on going! Use it or lose it, so true! I wouldn't do another garagwe sale for anuthing! More power to you!

HEART: Great pics. Pretty Mom adorable son!

MELF: Lend me some of your will power! Ypu're not old, let's say "mature"!

I did accomplish some things today....three lpads of wash, changed the bed, finished wrapping and took them downstairs (four.....count them! FOUR trips!) And put the Christmas storage boxes out of sight. Also did this little post!

Take care.
Shirley

HiedieHo All!

FF: Been there, done that!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the kitchen;
I was cooking and baking and moanin' and *****in'.
I've been here for hours, I can't stop to rest,
This place is a disaster, just look at this mess!

Tomorrow I've got thirty people to feed,
They expect all the trimmings...who cares what I need!
My feet are both blistered, I've got cramps in my legs,
The dog just knocked over a bowl full of eggs.

There's a knock at the door and the telephone's ringing;
Frosting drips on the counter as the microwave's dinging.
Two pies in the oven, dessert's almost done;
My cookbook is soiled with butter and crumbs.

I've had all I can stand, I can't take anymore;
Then walks in my husband, spilling rum on the floor.
He heaves and he wobbles, his balance unsteady;
Then grins as he chuckles "The eggnog is ready!"

He looks all around and with total regret,
Says "What's takin' so long? Aren't you through in here yet??"

As quick as a flash I reach for a knife;
He loses an earlobe; I wanted his life!
He flees from the room in terror and pain,
and screams "MY GOD WOMAN,
YOU'RE GOING INSANE!!"

Now what was I doing, and what is that smell?
Oh, ****, it's the pies!! They're burned all to ****!!
I hate to admit when I make a mistake,
But I put them on BROIL instead of on BAKE.

What else can go wrong?? Is there still more ahead??
If this is good living, I'd rather be dead.
Lord, don't get me wrong, I love holidays;
They just leave me exhausted, all shaky and dazed.

But I promise you one thing, If I live 'til next year,
You won't find me pulling my hair out in here.
I'll hire a maid, a cook, and a waiter;
And if that doesn't work,

I'LL HAVE IT ALL CATERED!

HiedieHo All!

Cars vs. Computers

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."

In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull over to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only five percent of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask "Are you sure?" before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.

9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.

HiedieHo All!

OLD" IS WHEN..... Your sweetie says, "Let's go upstairs and make love," and you answer, "Pick one, I can't do both!"

_"OLD" IS WHEN.. Your friends compliment you on your new alligator shoes and you're barefoot._

___"OLD" IS WHEN..... A sexy babe catches your eye and your pacemaker opens the garage door.

_"OLD" IS WHEN..... Going bra-less pulls all the wrinkles out of your face. "OLD" IS WHEN..... You don't care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don't have to go along.

_"OLD" IS WHEN... You are cautioned to slow down by the doctor instead of by the police.

"OLD" IS WHEN..... "Getting a little action" means I
don't need to take any fiber today.

_"OLD" IS WHEN... "Getting lucky" means you find your car in the parking lot.

"OLD" IS WHEN... An "all-nighter" means not getting up to pee.____
_





_

HiedieHo All!

ALCOHOL WARNINGS:

Due to increasing products liability litigation, American liquor manufacturers have accepted the FDA's suggestion that the following warning labels be placed immediately on all varieties of alcohol containers:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the **** happened to your bra and panties.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a ******.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with other members of the opposite sex without spitting.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is the leading cause of inexplicable rug burns on the forehead, knees and lower back.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARNING: the crumsumpten of alcohol may Mack you tink you can tipe real gode.





_

HiedieHo All!

Tha..Tha....That's All Folks

Today is the day that I wrap the packages......I will wrap the packages today!

The tree is up, the house has been cleaned, the laundry has been done, I have most of the presents bought, so, I feel
that I have come a long way since last week. On the bad side, I decided to forget sending out Christmas cards this
year. I guess next year, I will send them out extra early so I am not taken off the list or I could send out New Year
cards.....do they make New Year cards?

I am staying on program but not losing weight, in fact, I think I have picked up a couple. Now, how do I lose 15
pounds before meeting the group in Florida in Jan. Maybe no eating until then...ha. Since that is not going to
happen, I will need to be content with myself as is.

I wonder how Debbie is doing with her garage sale. I bet it is a hoot there about this time. Good luck, Debbie.

Okay, now I am off to really wrap those packages!

HiedieHo All!

Taking a break from dusting and vacuuming.

YELLOW: I have seen New Year's cards but they are sold individually and cost a fortune. There are just plain Happy Holiday cards that cover all bases. Seems we are the only two that are up and about on the Board today. I guess others are caught up in the last minute stuff.

If I were Santa I would wish the following for you all!

If I were a rockin' Santa, You know what I'd do?
I'd dump the silly gifts That are given to you.
I'd deliver some things Just inside your front door--
Things you have lost, But treasured before.
I'd give you back all Your maidenly vigor,
And to go along with it, A neat, tiny figure.
Then restore the old color That once graced your hair
Before rinses and bleaches Took residence there.
I'd bring back the shape With which you were gifted,
So things now suspended Need not be uplifted.
I'd draw in your tummy And smooth down your back
Till you'd be a dream In those tight fitting slacks!
I'd remove all your wrinkles And leave only one chin,
So you wouldn't spend hours Rubbing grease on your skin.
You'd never have flashes Or queer dizzy spells,
And you wouldn't hear noises, Like ringing of bells.
No sore aching feet, And no corns on your toes
No searching for spectacles When they're right on your nose.
Not a shot would you take In your arm, hip or fanny
From a doctor who thinks You're a nervous old granny.
You'd never have a headache, So no pills would you take.
And no heating pad needed Since your muscles won't ache.
Yes, if I were Santa, You'd never look stupid.
You'd be a cute little chick With the romance of a cupid.
I'd give a lift to your heart When those wolves start to whistle,
And the joys of your heart Would be light as a thistle.
But alas! I'm not Santa. I'm simply just me,
The matronest of matrons You ever did see.
I wish I could tell you All the symptoms I've got,
But I'm due at my doctor's For an estrogen shot.
Even though we've grown older This wish is sincere:
Merry Christmas to you! And a Happy New Year!


Shirley

EVENING ALL YOU SLACKERS!!!!


WHERE IS EVERYONE??????

Debbie must be out spending her money from the garage sale...

It's cold over here tonight, already in the low 50's and going down further. BUT it feels so good...

Kate came home today, and has parked herself in her chair with the basketball game...I just finished dinner clearing and am now back in my domain...I'm going to crawl up in the four poster and
recline...nothing on TV, so I'm going to watch the old movie TRUE WOMEN...it's a good one...one of those you can watch over and over..

Not much to report..finishing ups my wrapping and still have to get a few odds and ends...

Hope everyone is having a good evening somewhere, cause you sure AIN'T HERE!!!!

BOB

Hi Everyone,
I have been really awful lately, And I feel awful, time just seems to fly and no time to think about eating the right stuff.

Chris

Denise or Deb

My DD is looking for a cheap hotel to spend the night before a cruise in march. Can you give me any ideas? They need to arrive on a Sun nite and then when the cruise returns they will need to spend another night in the hotel. there will be 4 of them. They need something really cheap but not a dump.

thanks for your help.

jackie

Evening everyone! (echo...sure is empty in here! :) )

I had a busy day...ran to Office Max, then Publix, then CVS, then the Dollar Store, and got all kinds of cutesy stuff to stuff stockings with. Tonight, my daughter and I were goofing off putting up more lights outside, and blew a couple fuses in the first strands of lights. Guess we had too many strung together! There were only about 18! haha! We reworked them, and got most of them back on.

I made sausage balls for Christmas morning, and then fixed a casserole to carry to church tomorrow morning for the drama crew I am directing. I wanted to get some marzipan made tonight, but that will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon.

I thought I was all done with shopping, but found out my daughter was not able to monogram the handkerchiefs I was going to give my sister in laws boyfriend, so I have to figure out something else for him. I don't know him very well, so it will not be easy. I need to call her and see if he plays golf...then I could get him golf balls.

Hope everyone is doing ok. I have been really bad with my staying on program...I have had some sugared pecans, too much regular chocolate, and some corn chips. Today was better than yesterday.

Time for me to get in bed...

Sweet dreams!

Hi everyone

Just got back from the family Christmas dinner at my dd's. Didn't go overboard with the eating. Did have a little turkey dressing and some trifle. Everything else was sb legal. Had turkey, coleslaw, squash casserole, green beans. Didn't have any of the chocolate cake, didn't even want any, but I couldn't resist scraping out the dish. About two teaspoons I guess.

The scale was good to me this morning. I was down 2 more pounds to 197. Hope I can keep it off while I am away. I've had a couple of cheats this week so I was surprised to see it go down although I have been eating less than usual since I was sick with the stomach flu. May be it is a good thing that my appetite is down.

Have finished all my packing. Now have to try and get some shut-eye as we have to be out of here by 5.30 in the morning. Alarm is set for 4.50 a.m. :yawn:

Happy Holidays to you all. Talk to you all in two weeks time.

Marie.

President Bush and Dick Cheney are having lunch at a restaurant.
>
>Cheney orders the heart-healthy salad. Bush leans over to the waitress and
>says, "Honey could I have a quickie?" The waitress was horrified.
>
>"Mr. President," she says, "I thought your administration was bringing a
>new era of moral rectitude to the White House. Now I see what a false
>promise the was."
>
>As she marches off in a huff, Cheney leans over and says, "George, it's
>pronounced quiche."

Hi,

Monet: Just as I was trying to decide what to have for Christmas breakfast, I saw your message about sausage balls. Are they legal and if so, where can I find the recipe? I think I have one for regular sausage cheese balls,so, can I just substitute sgww flour? On the Christmas gift...maybe you could just buy hankies with the initial already done on it.

Sef: Maybe I will need to design and print my own New Year's cards. I probably could then go to a copy place to reproduce it.


Good luck to everyone with these last few days before Christmas.

Hi All!
Just got back from church & they had dinner for us. I'm afraid I gave in to my weakness for fruitcake. Had a couple of small slices. But it was nice. This is such a small church, but very friendly country folk.

DD & I are taking off to go shopping this afternoon. She has a few things left to buy & I still need one more gift for the boys. Decided on air pump for their bikes cause a few nights ago one of them came in saying he needed to borrow PawPaw's air pump to air up his flat on his bike. Hoping to find the kind that straps to the handlebars of the bike for them.

Also need to buy groceries. Guess I really should get a list done before I leave. I tend to buy everything that I don't need if I don't have a written list :nono:

Monet & YellowRose, saw your discussion about the sausage balls. They have become a tradition around my house for Christmas morning, but I'm like you Lyn, I want to know about a legal reciepe too. How about it Monet??

Debbie, hope the garage sale goes better today than yesterday.

SEF & BOB, thanks for the funnies. :)

See ya! :wave:

I did it! I ran (walked, limped) 13.2 miles this morning. The time wasn't pretty, but I won't get kicked off the course. Now I have 3 week to work on speed intervals. I'm just so relieved I can do the distance so you all can cheer at the finish line instead of wondering which ambulance I'm in!

Wrapping is almost done, and I need to take ds out to get a present for dh, but other than that, and maybe 1 more for my 2 yr old nephew, presents are pretty much done. Now I have to come up with food.... I'm usually not such a procrastinator, I don't know what's gotten into me this year. Usually I'm done by mid December, and the meal's planned, if not already mostly cooked and in the freezer. I think all this running is getting to me!

Bob- Loved the quiche joke! We once had a waiter at a fairly upscale rest. tell us the"kweechie" was very good today!

Sef- loved the computer/cars one. How true!

Monet- Sausage balls sound good- can you post the recipe? I'm drwing a blank on food for Christmas since I eat so weird. Don't think my guests or family will much like chicken salad with cottage cheese. Time to dig out the 20 years of back issued of Bon Appetit and Gourmet that got me in so much trouble in the first place :o

OK- need to stand up and see if I can still move,

mel

BOB HAS TURNED INTO THE GRINCH!!!! :mad: :mad:

I can't take my trip to the mountains...as I told you, Kate came home yesterday, but is definately NOT READY to make a trip. She is not confidant enough, and I'm not even sure that she should be here by herself during the day! :eek:
I called the airlines and not only do we loose HALF of the fare, if we don't book something by midnight Dec 25th, we lose the whole thing...$80.60 is all I have to work with. I asked about booking for May when I go for Jay's birthday, but right now the fare is almost $500~!~~~
I'm not a good person to be around right now and have retreated back to my domain...It's not her fault, but those people at the REHAB center should have seen this before releasing her!
Skeeter will be the only one happy about this because he doesn't have to go to the doggy hotel now!

I better get off here, cause the steam from my ears is making my keyboard slick~!

BOB

I know I haven’t been able to join you these past few weeks, but I’ve really needed to see how much better I could get when I’m off-line, and with the extra effort, I don’t wear down so quickly. ! I’m thinking of you often and honestly see a weight gain before the holidays are through. My reality is after the New Year’s Party I see me getting back down to business. Please feel free to drop a personal line anytime ldblond@hotmail.com.

Merry Christmas To All! All my Christmas wishes to you my SB friends, enjoy the holidays!