Support Groups - Terrific Two Weeks --Sprint III -- ALL Welcome!

Here ye! Here ye!
Welcome to the world renown ( well isn't it?) 2 Week Sprint!!

Because in so many ways, Less IS More, especially if you are like me and sometimes suffer a short attention span....

Please join us for the third 2 week sprint! For just 2 weeks, all you need do is what YOU need to do...

For me,
DRINK WATER!!!
Limit Caffeine to 2 cups Mon - Fri ( only for mood related reasons, nothing to do w/ calories)
Practice bowling at least 2X
JOURNAL.... I really need to know what range I am really eating in ...

So...
Today's thought seems very fitting ... not bad since I chose it last night...

***
Thought of the day :

"It's not what you did, it's what you do next."


Question of the day :

"If you had to pick a single song or album that you most associate with a particular period of your life, what song would you choose , and from what year?"

----From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel
***


so, anyone with me??

C'mon, you know its so much easier when you have company!


Kettle is on!

Oh, so with you, Kaylets. So needing yet another Pull-It-Together Fresh Start.

For me:
Get in the water.
Get in more exercise
TRY to stay at 1800 or less (less being preferable)
Get in the FUN - at least some little thing every day.
Get in the Serenity - at least a few minutes a day.
BE Strong - BE Regal - Be Healthy - Be All I Want To Be
Enjoy the Last Month of Summer and Be Ready to Head Into Fall a Few Steps Further Along to Goal.

Wow, am I ambitious today or what? Thanks, Kaylets, for the Prompt New Sprint. Huzzah, Hooray and Wowza (since Empress isn't here at the moment) - Sis Boom Bah!

Hi Anagram!

I like all your goals too! In fact, let me copy from your paper ok??

Yes, the Royal printer is due in very shortly w/ No Guilt/Fresh Start Cards...
We have plenty now but we never want to run short!

Gotta to run!

I think I should print my goals out for me too, Kaylets. I have the same ones all the time - just don't remember them as often as I should.

QOD - "All the Way" - 1958 or so. It reminds me always of my commitment to dh. "If I'm going to love you, it's for sure I'm going to love you - All the Way. In the good and lean years and for all the in between years - Come what may." It has come in handy many times to have that song replaying between my ears. Esp. since he always says his song is "My Way"!

Slimfasted for breakfast, serenitied on the patio, now it's time to start the water (along with the laundry). Hoozah, hoozah, hoozah!!!

Congrats, Ceara, on your Champion. And if anyone can bring the heathen around, I'm sure it's you. Glad you had such fun this weekend. Your camp showers sound like mine at the pool. They'll do but somehow they just aren't like taking one at home.

Here we go, Queenies, here we go! Hope my steam lasts until Tuesday. Steamy weather here the next few days so I'll be just holding on until it's less humid the end of the week.

thanks for starting the new sprint thread, kaylets! count me in too!

my goals for this 2 week sprint:
-keep up with food journaling.
-keep up with exercise.
-keep up with water.
-lessen calorie intake to around 1200-1500 cals/day (from around 1600, which averaged last week.)
-continue with stress management and meditation tapes.
-continue with organizing/sorting through old papers(and file or trash/shred).
-organize my bedroom closet to make more user-friendly/accessible.

hope everyone has a good start to the week, royals. take care.

-

Hello all!

Wsw! The closet/ paper thing should be on my list too! I am starting to think if just doing a Clean Sweep style of just emptying the room and THEN bringing in ONLY what makes me smile, etc, etc would work.
Too bad I don't have all those Clean Sweep workers at my beck and call...
Where does this stuff come from and WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!


Scale last night moved down... .9... so now we are back where we were 2 weeks ago b/4 the gains began... BUT I have gotten more water since my water Challenge began and am ready to start my first glass in a second.
We have nearly 90% humidity which is making stairclimbing very difficult... I am doing it but much slower..... and feeling every step... that was at 8 am... at noon when I only needed to go up 3 flights for lunch, I could barely make it up 3 flights...
I am always suprised and amazed at how the heat/humidity affects me...
Always so quick to say I've gotten lazy, backsliding, etc, etc...

Theme of last nights WW's meeting was perfectionism... HMMMMMMMM

you can imagine how hard it was for me to keep still... since I now have only a class that starts at 5:30 pm I arrive at 5:45 so try to sit down quietly and catch the mood of the meeting w/o over powering it....

Big hugs to all!! We deserve them!!

Am looking forward to an ALL ROYALS CHECKIN! You are missed!!

*********************************
Thought of the day :

Inner Strength



Inner Strength

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,


If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,


If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,


If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,


If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,


If you can overlook when people take things out on you when,


through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,


If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,


If you can face the world without lies and deceit,


If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,


If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,



If you can do all these things,


Then you are probably the family dog.



*************************************************

Much thanks, Kaylets, for starting a new thread! Last week, I saw the beginnings of the scale dipping below 135--because of faithful calorie counting. I've been having some pre-TOM cravings this week and have to get that under control. My goals for this sprint are to drink my water [a common theme here, it seems], get in more aerobic exercise since my hip is better, and to keep the calories around 1500. If it's okay with all of you I may post my food/exercise journal here. I've tried posting it on other threads but it's not the same, and the accountability thing really helps me, so if it's not too boring... :^:
Hey, for those of us struggling to drink more water, I suggest starting out the day with a good 16 oz. That works for me---when I do it! :lol:

Congrats to Ceara and her Amazing Canine Friends! Thought about you when I caught a bit of 'Best In Show'. So tell all, is there a germ of truth to that movie and the dog show scene?

Need to start cleaning up at home too. I go in cycles where I really stay on top of things and then, well, not so much. Have to attack the cobwebs NOW. My house is starting to get that Castle Dracula look. Not good.

My stint as matron of honor went very well. The festivities lasted 2 days. We all got together the next moring for breakfast. After it was all over, I collapsed. I had a blast, but it was stressful, but the good kind of stress. Example: my friend's wedding was at 11:00, and at 10:50 she was still socializing with out-of-town friends and wearing only her underwear and I had to crack the whip on her! :lol:

Wishing us all luck on our 2-week sprint! Let's toast with a big glass of water! :cheers:

Hello all!

Here we go Wednesday, here we go!

Must be getting more water in as I've noticed the trips to the bathroom have increased! Scale was at 153 w/ nightclothes and watch on so that is a positive as well...

Yesterday, a close GF interviewed in my dept ... I rode w/ her to show her the easy way to park, etc, etc. She was naturally nervous and either I picked up on it and made myself uptight or I was just wound too tight on my own.
So... I am only having one cup of coffee ... decaf tea kettle is heating as I type...I know lots of folks who deal w/ anxiety/panic attacks... nearly all have been told to avoid caffeine.. I have no idea if caffeine really is a trigger but for myself...caffeine certainly doesnt seem be as much fun as it used to be...

Is anyone watching the Amazing Race?? Mostly its broadcast too late for me but I have seen a few episodes... The "little lady" is so inspiring... I should be following her around and taking notes...

And what about Big Brother?? Have to admit, I am hooked again.. and so far, have no favorites... this group may be the most cuthroat yet... or at least obviously cutthroat... actually I guess I really am rooting for the twins and the gay guy... why?? beats me...

Eydie- No complaints here regarding your food journal... might inspire me ...
in fact, do you have a good sesame dressing?? DH and I tried a Japanese restaraunt last Sat and the Sesame dressing for the salads was great...we came home and Emeril was making one too... ( all high fat, high sugar of course..) but I'd like to try and duplicate ....

Ceara-- Are there any breed of dogs that can be successfully housebroken??
We knew when we replaced the carpeting when we moved in that the previous owners dog had housebreaking issues but figured the new carpetting would make a difference. Then when our first beagle became a senior citizen and developed a diabetic disorder.. we had to replace the carpeting again...
Initially, the two current beagles were very good ... but now...
after a year of steriod medicaton for the one..... don't know how to "retrain" other than crating... ....

WSW!! Glad that big storm turned away from your neighborhood!!

****
Thought of the day :

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good."

Question of the day :

"Is your summer going by quickly?"
*****


Must be off...

Hugs to all ... I 'd love to stay and talk to everyone but.....

HI all!!

I know, I know, I don't check in nearly enough!!

Sydney and I are doing fine. Doctor says she is growing like a weed and we may have her before 9/20. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to pop in and catch up.

Love to you all!!

Yo! Lurking and can't resist a quickie! Not trying to be divorced from the palace or anything. Miss all you :queen: s but kind of can't handle too much these days ... just posting a "diet" journal right now ...

To all, avanti to the nth degree! :wave:

Feeling "prowly" and on the verge of a binge. Don't know why---emotions steady, happy as a clam, must be hormones! Must resist......

Hello all!

Hmmm...Prowly is a very good description... think I am very familiar w/ that feeling...
have noticed at work, whenever a training session ends my first instinct is to put something in my mouth... obviously, a stress reliever... interesting how I just noticed this a few days ago... I guess that's because I've started putting my food in the fridge so I have to think about what I'm eating...
So.. I've gone thru the motions of "Time for something" to realize "its in the fridge"... hmmmm....

Bad storm came thru last night.. might have even touched down as a tornado..we were lucky and only had intense winds and rain for about 20 minutes... nature is amazing...

finally seem to have knocked this water bloat I've been carrying for 3 weeks..
Another reason to get the water in...keeps the water moving out...

Hope everyone is hanging in there...I have had 5 or 6 good examples this week "perfect reasons" to turn to food ....
again, reminds me of Cerise and her favorite saying>
"Be gentle... everyone is fighting a battle..." paraphrased but I think you get my meaning...

****

Thought of the day :

"I don't go by the rule book ...
I lead from the heart, not the head"
-- Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales


Question of the day :

"If you had to name the most gentle person you know, who would it be?"
--From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel
*****


Ok all, " Keep Swimming! " -- from "Finding Nemo"

Couldn't stop eating yesterday, so no gold sticker for me. However, I got in some yoga and pilates, and weeded the garden for an hour, so surely I burned some calories. I hope today's better, food-wise.

I wanted to start my day with a good sweaty workout, so I popped in one of my "Firm" videos and suddenly found all sorts of little chores to do! Vacuuming, wiping off the kitchen counters, playing with the dogs--I finally saw that my wily little brain was trying to talk me out of doing the tape, so I just threw myself into it, and felt great for having done it an hour later. But it was the LAST thing I wanted to do! Very interesting to watch how one might sabotage oneself....At least I caught it; I wonder if that's what was happening yesterday?

A couple of decent (but hardly perfect) eating days behind me plus three days at the pool. Still floating just above onederland (200.4 this a.m.) but was a couple of lbs. higher just a day or so ago. Wonder if the drop in humidity loosed some water up?

Storms were bad here too, Kaylets. I actually went into the basement for a while. They've confirmed a tornado touched down briefly just a few miles away.

wsw & Eydie - I need to get on that organizing binge. I've been doing a bit but it's not even making a dent.

Hoping to have a long and pleasant weekend and wishing you all the same. Glad you visited, Empress.

Hello all!

FRIDAY!!!!!!!!

Finally saw two days in a row a number on the scale havent seen in nearly a month....
It's got to be the SF Hot Choc making me retain + the lack of water == water weight .....
and I realize this am that its been 4 day w/o the hot choc and I do not crave it this am...
that's one for the books...Maybe next time I'll figure out sooner what's going on... or maybe not!

Yes, Eydie-- why do we resist what we know will feel good?? Is it the poor starving fat cells fighting for dear life??? Bob Greene, of Oprah fame, says that everytime we resist those "am so hungry" cravings, our bodies then dip into the fat cells to satisfy the craving... could the same theory apply to the
getting ready to burn calories?? Brain says " gee, we're running kind of low here, need to slow down this fat burning.. RESIST< RESIST> RESIST" ...
I dunno, but it sure makes you wonder...

Don't know if any of you are Skinny Daily Post fans... "This One Day" really hit home for me...

**********
Thought of the day :

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."
--Plato

Question of the day :

"If you could make one thing come true for one friend, what would it be and for whom?"
-- --From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel
**********


I'm late!

Take care and know you are loved !

Still 200.4 this a.m. but that is good. Was higher most of the week. I'm going to try to use that last .4 as a motivator. Like, good grief, you can at least lose half a pound!

Working on the water, reminding myself I used to do a lot more there than the minimum 8 glasses. Seems harder this summer for some reason. Upped the exercise a tad, and looking for more fun. Sort of going to take an "at home" vacation the next few days. No special plans. Right now, I think I'm going out on patio to read for a while. Feels sinful! Even if it's catching up on backed up stuff instead of a juicy novel.

Just a quick post...car accident Wednesday, car likely totalled. Front end impact...I was going through a green light, car going opposite way made a left hand turn in front of me, no time to stop, no where to go. Taken by ambulance, strapped to back board, neck brace, etc. Okay, but very sore all over, back/neck hurts, hands/wrists/arms really hurt...had hands on steering wheel at impact so it went up through my arms.

Dealing with insurance aftermath now.

Hurts to type.

Just in case anyone wondered where I am.

hi wildfire-the accident must have been terrifying! i'm so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. very relieved, however, to hear you were not hurt even worse! please take good care of yourself. sending you a big (but gentle, non-painful) hug!!!!

Ouch, Wildfire, even reading about it hurts. Sorry you're in pain but grateful you're otherwise ok. Insurance aftermath guaranteed to be a mess, I guess. Assume you're off work. Hope you're doing better soon with no long term consequences.

Wildfire, I happened to be lurking in the palace looking for ol' :queen: compadres ... how awful about the accident ... but so glad you're okay, even if sore and in shock. Please take care of yourself ... insurance IS a pain, hope you get that part of it over quickly.

Wildfire, I'm so sorry this happened to you, but happy that you weren't hurt. But I don't want to downplay the extent of your injuries either---I had to be taken away once on one of those backboards and I still shudder when I see one in the hospital or on TV. I know I speak for all of us when I say I wish we were there to take care of you. Sending healing thoughts......

Jeepers Wildfire! Glad to hear that you're relatively alright, but not so glad about the pains. People are always in a hurry these days....I just wanna slow down! And it seems the faster we go, the worse the driving gets! Take it easy and recover!

17 year old DS had a party last night....we now have 2 extra pairs of trunks and at least 1 extra towel.....children shed.

Do have to work this day, so need to prowl for brekkie and make some lunch.

TTYL, :queen:' s, stay well!
Ceara

Hello All!

Just got back at midnight the other night and am still struggling to get the house back to some semblance of normalcy & self into some semblance of groove. Looking to recommit fully to plan of attack on Monday -- I managed to lose a few pounds in July, but am going to do official weigh-in on Friday.

Wildfire! How terrifying!!! That's the worst possible scenario driving, isn't it -- no time to stop and nowhere to go. Hope you're not reliving that moment. I'm so very glad and grateful that you weren't seriously hurt, and here's hopes that the aches and pains are soon gone completely. Healing vibes coming at you from your East Coast pal! :grouphug:

Amarantha, it's great to see you check in, even if you don't feel like talking. Been there my own self.

Anagram, here's how my mind is going this morning: I looked at your note about going on an organizing binge, and read it as "organizing A binge" -- started imagining things like pacing self so as not to get a tummy ache, getting the right mix of stuff in the right amounts. I remember years ago doing things like that and getting a real rush from the decision to go ahead and pig out! What does that mean, I wonder? :chin:

Kaylets, that's the other side of the coin, resisting what we know will feel really good. So easy to get off track and so hard to get back on! Here's to HEALTH!!! :cheers:

Eydie, I had to laugh at you doing housework procrastinating over working out!!! We're so disciplined, aren't we! I used to suddenly have energy to clean my oven when I had a paper due. I know I couldn't fool myself into just actually goofing off, but if it's something virtuous it makes it past the superego :lol: I was just thinking the other day about how my superego and id seem to be constantly at war. Probably need some work on the ego :chin:

Grandson has arrived must fly. Kisses!

Hopping in with a just one month goal. I have exactly 1 month until school starts (September 7th) and I want to lose 10 lbs. Completely within my abilities if I can just show some restraint ~ missing so far this summer. Started today .... I'll let you know tommorrow.

Did one day pretty well with the exception of a bit of dessert at the end of the day, but still managed a low cal day. My mom serves safeway deli raisin walnut bread that she tops with cream cheese mixed with fresh raspberries. I had 3 slices, but other than that I did great.
Breakfast: 1 waffle (no syrup)
Lunch: 1 avacado, roasted chicken, tomato salad
Snack: blueberries, carrots, strawberries
Dinner: Roasted chicken salad with apple, celery, and poppyseed dressing
Dessert: bread with raspberry cream cheese stuff

I think I was still around 1600 calories with everything. My goal today is to be even lower. I would really like to be diligently under 1500 calories every day for the next month. I have been feeling unhealthily fat lately. Today I am going to try to get in a swim workout while my mom watches the kiddos.

August 7th (day 1) 196 lbs

Hi girls. Thanks so much for all your concern and good thoughts!

Welcome morrigan! Good to see you back on the boards...last time I saw you was before you had your first baby. Did I hear you have two now?

Well, it's official. I'm 35 (yesterday). My gift to myself was a subscription at e-diets. I don't like how they charge separate subscriptions for different things on the site, but I'm giving the weekly menus a go to take some of the brainwork out of this.

Starting to feel more normal after the accident. Back is still sore, but not as stiff. Chest still bruised. Hands/arms are loosening up, but there is a weird popping/crunching coming from my left wrist that I guess I'll have to get checked out. We went over to take pictures of the car yesterday but it was back behind the locked fence.

Today's plan is to get the housework done I refused to do on my birthday, send DH for groceries, and get set for a fresh start tomorrow. I'm aiming to lose 20 lbs by Christmas, and my goal for the next week is to stick to the meal plan from e-diets and exercise every day.

I'm buckled in on the wagon....

wildfire-a belated happy birthday!!!! so glad to hear you're feelng better.

morrigan-welcome!

hi to all the rest of the royal palace!

have been doing pretty well with food program and exercise. hope the scale will start reflecting my efforts eventually. was supposed to go to bbq at some friends' this afternoon, but another friend i was driving with can't attend after all, which means i can't go either (since too far for me to drive on my own steam.) i'm a bit disappointed about not being able to go, since a lot of folks i know will be there, but also because it's a reminder of some things i can't do because of ms. the good news is i won't have to worry about my food choices there and the hosts are good friends, so i will be able to see them sometime soon. actually, since i do have a little oomph today, am putting the time to good use by doing some more of that organizing/cleaning out of my closet.

well, hope everyone has a good rest of their weekend. take care, all.

Tomorrow, the hocus pocus focus is on! I've been doing okay, but not fantastic. I want to do this!!

Wildfire, you sneaked that right by us! A belated very

Happy Birthday :balloons: :hb: :hat: :gift: :cheers:

Hope that your accident didn't play havoc with celebrating!

:wave: Hi Morrigan!

Hope everyone's having a great, restful, productive weekend. I'm still trying to get the house mucked out from being away. Men!

Love to all, mentioned or unmentioned.

Thank you for the birthday wishes, wsw and Arabella! I'm trying to figure out what to do with that chocolate fudge extreme cake that is in my fridge....I think I'll send half to work with DH and I'll take the other half for my unsuspecting coworkers. I don't want it hanging out in my fridge calling my name!

wsw, I'm sorry you didn't get to go to your friends' barbeque. That's really disappointing. I hope you found something else enjoyable to keep you busy today.

Arabella, the Department of Health would be awfully busy if it weren't for us keeping on top of the menfolk! I wish we were capable of selective sight like they are.

Well, the groceries are bought and put away, the menu for the week is printed out...all set for Fresh Start Monday!

...and the boss with MPD (multiple personality disorder) is on vacation this week!

Wildfire, Happy B. D. ! And glad you're feeling somewhat better. At least things should be a bit better at work this week?

wsw - sorry too for your enforced change of plans. Sometimes, though, I find that things oft work out for the better. Hope it did for you.

Wood Nymph - I agree the world would be a different place inhabited by only men. Dh and I were having a discussion (i.e., I was talking) today about how I used to clean as vs. how I do now and he said he didn't notice any difference and unfortunately I believe him. Oh what energy I wasted!

Have had a pleasant restful weekend here and am looking forward to a fresh start. Like W.N. I haven't been bad, just not quite as disciplined as I need to be to get what I want.

Speaking of b.d.'s, mine's coming up in about five weeks. That should be enough time to get me permanently in onderland. Now THERE'S a goal to consider.

Anagram, hmmm... I suspect your cleaning may have been a bit more meticulous than mine. I am always just one step ahead of the health board. DH, when I've been working 70 hours a week and the bathrooms getting really scuzzy, is wont to ask if I'm trying to send a message by not cleaning the bathrooms. Uh. No. I'm busy. Figure it out yourself. But I guess you're right, in that his standards are considerably lower. He used to consider himself a neat freak because he stacked the newspapers and pizza boxes on the floor instead of just leaving them where they lay. And used the laundry directly out of the basket rather than wasting time putting it in drawers and closet.

wsw, I seemed to have connection problems aplenty recently. I missed get-togethers because of someone not getting there or giving me bad directions (uh-oh, DH again. I'd forgotten what bad directions he gives and then trusted him implicitly. Hopefully I won't do that again.) Too bad, but what can one do but soldier on bravely? :)

Wildfire, MPD boss away for the week? Sort of an unintended birthday gift for you? I know when my boss at the restaurant used to go away it was like heaven -- only reasonable people to deal with (other than customers, of course :lol: ). Enjoy! You're wise to get rid of the cake. I know I've worked my way through left over birthday cake -- then it's gone and all you have to remember it by are the extra pounds. No thanks!

K -- must tell self to be on the ball in a.m. :yes: 'Night, all!

Glad you are feeling better Wildfire, just in time for your :hb: :cheers: !!!! What a present....jeez. However 35 is a good age, you'll be happy to know.

Wsw, too bad about your barbeque. Glad you feel more in control with your food intake and exercise...could you haul me back up on the wagon? :lol:

Our manager has been away for all of July and it has been nice, except that the CEO is a bit of a pain, and really doesn't know how things run. He gets his own spin on things...fractured flickers they are.

Am filled with resolve this morning...for a change. I am trying to brain wash myself into some more healthy behaviors. So far I have not done my walk, but I plan to brush a couple of heathens before their vet visit at 9:30...but am ruminating on strategy...this is a mind game right? Had a relatively good day yesterday...only wine with a dear friend at dinner...rest of food was OK...but that water...I hear you guys. Water is tough this year!

Welcome Morrigan! Always a delight to meet new people. Kaylets has the Fresh Start card (I'll take one bye the bye) and any of us can give you a seat belt for the wagon.....

Arabella! Housecleaning? That is right up there with trips to the dentist! I admire people who can keep a magazine house. Something for me to aspire to! :yes: :lol:

Gotta go brush. Dogs, not teeth yet.

TTYL

Ceara

Wood Nymph, it USED TO BE pretty meticulous but then I was a SAHM most of the time. Still, I think it was appreciated mostly by me. And it's only a faint memory these days. Still not sloppy but backed up on "projects".

Ok, I started w/slimfast as usual for my Monday. Am going to try to hone things back as I'm obviously making little progress though there's an occasional tenth or so that almost immediately disappears, gobbled up by water retention. Going to try to go above the minimum on water again this week. Am well rested after three day "at home" vacation where I set aside concerns and we did a few pleasant things. Now if the world will cooperate.......

Am going to skip the visitation/funeral this morning of dh's old boss. I am/was genuinely fond of this man and he was a big force in our lives but I know none of his family (his wife predeceased him and I was unable to make her funeral because of dh's health at the time). Dh will be going as he knows at least one son and most of his old partners will probably be there. This marks a big change for me and I've shilly-shallied about it the whole weekend. I basically have always had a rule for me that if there's a possibility I should do something, I just do it and save the emotional energy of the should I/shouldn't I thing. But I had several months ago decided to favor myself more on these questions in the future if there is no concrete benefit to someone else. So today I'm going to the pool and work out for my health instead. Any other ex-partner wives that show up will have to miss my company and I'll do a private memorial for this dear friend (sort of been doing that all weekend). And the world will go on........

Morning, Ceara. We coposted. Glad to see your determination. If you get a good seat on the wagon, save one for me too. My mind is saying "Yes" at the moment but the body is still resisting.

Wildfire - 35-40 was a good time for me too. Though I did gain 30 + pounds in that time, I had a ball doing it. Just watch the calorie fun (always great to hear advice from someone who didn't follit herself, isn't it?).

Yipes! See what happens when I miss a couple of days? So many posts!
First and most important: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR WILDFIRE! :D :angel: :love: :goodvibes :flame: Hey, is it just me or does that little flame guy look like he's giving us the finger? Probably just my beady little mind.

Morrigan, I remember you from past threads! And yes, the last time I "saw" you was when you'd just found out you were pregnant. Great to see you again.

Wow, all this talk about cleaning is making me feel like a slug. I'd better get on it!

I MISS PUNKIN, CERISE, ZADIE!!!! Where are you? :?:

3 fairly good days (1500, 2000, 1000) and I exercised the first two, today I shopped. Didn't try on anything for the bottom half of my body ~ didn't want to be scared.

I did post here fairly regularly a few years ago, started a lot of goal oriented threads, Christmas Lites being the most memorable. I lost a lot of weight, gained some back, got pregnant, gained it all back, half heartedly tried to lose, got pregnant again, didn't gain any more that time, and am now back to my all time high weight.

Thing that bugs me most about being up here: swimsuits, rashes in crevises that don't exist when your skinny, breathlessness when doing someing normal (like walking up a big hill), not looking at yourself in the mirror often, people who seem effortlessly thin.

Mostly I am happy, I just vent my frustrations here.

Happy Birthday: I am a mere 34, but have enjoyed all my ages so far, 35 doesn't scare me yet.

Goal tomorrow ~ some sort of exercise. DS was kidnapped by great-grandpa tonight, so I am down to one kid and could reasonably get in a workout video before I go over to my grandparents for breakfast. My grandpa is so cute. I called to see if Wil could come over for a bit (Wil was screaming for Nana and Papa at the time) and my grandpa says in his Billy Goat Gruff voice, "bring his pajamas" and hung up without a goodbye. He is now having a sleepover and I would be up for a romantic evening with the DH, but he is engrossed in one of my favorite books. I started him on it by reading out loud on a vacation drive and now he is on to Book 2 of the trilogy. I will be husbandless for another few weeks. I did not realize how much housework he did until he started reading during the evenings instead. He just finished his masters and hasn't read a book for pleasure in 5 years, so this is good for him and I am not complaining a bit.

Tuesdays Goals: exercise of any sort, under 1500 calories, start journaling during the day rather than by recall.

Blatent request for $: My DH is getting "thrown in jail" as a March of Dimes fundraiser and will be behind bars at a local grocery store tomorrow until he "raises bail" of $1000. He is 1/2 way there so far. If anyone wants to donate to the March of Dimes (great cause) here is their blib

Since our founding in 1938, the March of Dimes has helped to save millions of babies from death and disability. Our history includes:
Developing the vaccine declared against polio...1955
Funding the first successful bone marrow transplant to correct a birth defect...1968
Funding the first in utero treatment for a birth defect...1973
Calling for the creation of a regional system of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to save very sick babies...1976
Funding research leading to surfactant therapy to treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)...1985
Successfully using gene therapy to treat hemophilia and retinitis pigmentosa in the laboratory...1999
Ongoing research based upon delivery of a gene that affects the development of a healthy heart...2000

In addition to funding and conducting important research, the March of Dimes is active in parent education, global health action, and advocacy on an array of issues affecting the health of babies in the U.S

can send check made out to March of Dimes to

Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Attention: Scot Auld
10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864

Hello all!

Whew... where did the weekend fly off to?? Just skidded by right into Monday am... that's why it took me till today to get here...

FINALLY-- off the plateau... in fact, have been doing better than I imagined..
Last night's weighin shows I made my 10 % goal from my beginning weight in March when I joined live meetings to motivate me to get to goal quicker...

Welcome Morrigan! Always eager to hear fresh ideas and new hints!!

DH was invited to that Tournament and I went along on Sunday to keep him company and to stop at yardsales/fleamarkets he saw the day b/4. Got some great produce buys... ( dozen ears of corn for $1) and so tasty too!!
Had 3 ears last night for the better part of my supper... later on I was craving so that might be a lesson... but I only wound up w/ a slice of bread and an apple so it was a "healthy cheat".....
*************
Thought of the day :
"This is 'No Whining Allowed Week' "
---The Flylady

Question of the day :
"If you had to pick the biggest Freudian slip you've ever made, what would it be?"
--From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel
***************

so many posts to catch up o n... I will try to look in from work, just to read...

Happy birthday Wildfire!!! The best is yet to come... and baby won't it be fine!!!! Yes, I'd have to get rid of the cake too... enough said!

Must run my lovelies!

But you do encourage me to hear that its just not me that has a hard time getting the men to care if things are clean and/or find time to do it myself..

If it wasnt for the little bit I can do each day.. YIKES...!!

But... the priorities are my first concern ... am I clean? Are the dishes ? are my clothes?... and from there...

good morning, royals!

didn't sleep much at all last night, so a little fuzzy. have a regular check-in appt. with my neurosurgeon this morning, so no sneaking back in to bed for me right now. my weekend was pleasant, actually, after all. treated myself to some fashion magazines and the sun. ny times, which i love, and relaxed over them with some delightful moroccan mint green tea. nothing to complain about there! also, have remained op and regular exercising (+ adding a bit more, incrementally), which is going well. too tired to respond individually, but please know i am thinking of you all. take care. hope it's a good day for one and all.

Mornin' all!

Had a great week end. Worked Sat, gardened Sunday...planted some hostas and day lilies and a butterfly bush...they appear to be doing well. Also floated in the pool with my dear friend who lost her husband last Jan...and we read by the pool in the sun, seated in our chaises...no wine...we saved that for the planting of perennials. Yesterday was a good food and water day. I think that my goal for this week will be the usual ones, plus just to not sweat stuff. I want to relax. So if I seem spacey...it is likely true.

Gotta enter a couple of shows this a.m. and visit the eye doctor...that back of the eye x-ray must of shown something...dang it!

Off and running to another "A" day...that is how I'd rate yesterday...eventhough there was no organized exercise...again.

Ceara :cheers:

Started off the day challanged, went from Wheaties and milk, to grandma's cinnoman rolls. Checked it out on Fit day and I am up to 680 calories so far. Determined to be good from here on out.

Hoorah for Queen Kaylets for making her 10% goal. Now what's next? There's nothing you can't do!
About that corn, try a little hot pepper jelly melted in the microwave and brushed over. Adds a little extra sweetness and a little kick too!

Sounds like a nice restful weekend, Wendy! I love those! I'm not sleeping well lately either. seems our big 80-pound hound has decided he wants to sleep in our bed with us and sneaks up when we're asleep. Well, as much as a big gangly dog can sneak anyway. We wake up all twisted and crimped and he's all spread out like a king!

Another good water day for me too. Maybe our personal droughts have passed?

Finished up the day with 1530 calories, no exercise, and not particularly good portion control, but OK when all is said and done.


We never repent of having eaten too little. - Thomas Jefferson

Great job with the calories, Morrigan! I'm trying to keep it around 1500 a day too. I love counting calories; it's the thing that finally worked for me. Naturally, huh? The most basic thing and I ignored it for years.... :^:

Challenging myself this week to do "firm" workouts every other day. Today's the day and I'm at that stage where I'm not able to keep up with the choreography during the cardio intervals and I feel like I'm just flailing around. I'm sure I look very comical, and I definitely don't want anybody to watch! Every time I do it I catch on a little more, so I must persevere! Also, doing Pilates every day--gotta get ready for my class in October and I want to master the 'teaser' without trembling like crazy.

Yo :queen: s!!! This is another flyby check-in kinda thing and I do apologize ... I've really not stopped being a :queen: ... just scattered about the world a bit more these days ... details of my weight struggles are in my journal in another virtual land far, far away but suffice it to say I've haven't been doing all that well, except for the past few days!!!

Hi, Morrigan!!! I remember you from the old Lite (and other) threads!!! You're doing well on your goals!!!

Wsw: I think of you often and come here and read your posts! Stay strong, you're doing great!

Seconding that hooray for :queen K on the 10 percent goal!!!! Huzzah! :cp:

Anagram, it looks like you're making good progress on all fronts!! Enjoy your Slimfast breakfast!!! :wave:

Arabella, Ceara :wave: ... those are the remaining names I'm seeing on this page, but a hearty hi-ho to all :queen: s mentioned goes without saying ... huzzah ... I need to meet someone at the gym but doubt if she'll show ... it was ever thus!

Hello all!

Was just starting my good morining post and said to myself...

" You know what, why don't you take the day off...." so... I did...

Just as a gift to me....

Tra laa...

and believe it or not, my goal is to clear things away down my entry hall as its been too long...still have things in boxes from the previous job that have been sitting there nearly 2 mos...

so...
*******

Thought of the day :

"The only bad mistakes are the ones we make twice."
--from the cover of the Toastmaster's Magazine Aug 2004

Question of the day :

"If you had to name a smell that always makes you nostalgic, what would it be?"
----From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel

******

eydie-your big hound sounds so cute, and of course smart. i'm sure i would like him!
i did have a restful weekend, thanks. finally got some rest today too after my very long day yesterday.

ceara-hope things went ok at the eye doc and that whatever had showed up on that eye exam is not serious. i bet it must be so much fun to show dogs, ceara. i obviously have dogs on the brain today! there is a really sweet dog that belongs to someone in the building across from me, and i always enjoy running in to her---so very soothing.

kaylets-congrats on making your 10% goal! speaking of clearing out boxes, i am trying to soldier on with my organizing around here too.

morrigan-i like that louisa may alcott quote.

empress amarantha-salutations! always so good to hear how you are.

hello anagram, wildfire, arabella!!! good evening!

late last night, i wanted to jump off the wagon-probably because so tired-but i held fast and was pleased about that. it sure continues to be an uphill battle, and a very steep one at that, but very worth it. well, hi to all royals, mentioned and unmentioned. take care.

Hello All!

WSW- I can RELATE! Just scraped by the edge of a chocalte pudding incident... couldnt find it and decided yogurt w/ fruit would have to do... and as I took the first spoonful, saw the chocolate... and nearly went back to make the choc but saw your note ... and realized that I really don't need it ...
especially since my plan was to eat the whole box....
Not that I didnt have a great dinner...
I am sure its the fat cells thinking they are in danger of starving....
So...

thank you, ma'm... you helped me come back in from the ledge...

Hello all!

How's everyone doing??

Thought of the day :
"Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first"
--Frederick Wilcox

Question of the day :

"If you had to describe yourself to a child in one word, what would it be?"
------From IF (2) by Evelyn McFarlane & James Saywel

Still thinking about my near chocolate pudding binge last night..
amazing to me how I had mentally made a deal to " go ahead and use up all your Flex points...'

DH found a nursey w/ some "cool weather" vegetables that I am excited to go onto the next step of " cool weather" crops... Didnt find leeks but maybe I can get some seeds quick...

Time for a nap!

Wish I had flex points, if I did, I used them all last night. Spent the morning in the garden - it is almost hopeless after a month of neglect. We slept outside and watched the Perseid meteor shower last night, it was beautiful. The northern lights are supposed to be out later this week.

kaylets-those rationalizations/deal-making sure are easy to do. glad my post last night was in any way helpful. i know how much all your posts and support help me to stay the course even when it seems hard.

a friend of mine found out about someone in the area who does pet therapy and is willing to come and visit me next week. i am really happy about this, since it is a golden retriever, my favorite kind of dog. i spoke with the woman today and she said she has volunteered at nursing homes and hospitals, but had never visited in an individual home before, but that after speaking with my friend, she said she would be happy to bring her dog over. she said that if i was someone who inspired such caring from her friends, then how could she say no. it made me feel very good. she is a social worker in private practice working with the elderly. she got the dog after it had been living in a nursing home for 2 years (in a program trying to normalize the living conditions for the residents as much as possible), so she said her dog, mack, is very used to being around lots of different folks and is very gentle and affectionate. as much as i am looking forward to this visit, you would think i am actually getting my own dog! anyway, the visit is scheduled for next thurs morning.

i treated myself to some nice lotions (toner and rosemary/mint foot lotion) today. i haven't done anything like that in quite a while and i was reminded how relaxing they are to use.

ok, off to bed i go. take care, all.

Hello all!

Charley is really making me nervous as my folks live near Tampa... I am pretty sure they have gone to a shelter already... The last email from my mom said that was their plan... Its just very strange to call their house and only get the voicemail....

Well... I took 2 days off and now am going in to see what my desk holds... I know I wasnt feeling myself and am feeling more rested now....
but who wants to go back on Friday??


Ah well... it sure beats wondering if a hurricane is going to flatten your house....


WSW-- I don't blame you for being excited about your 4 legged visitor!!
Sounds like great fun!


take care all..
.
Thought of the day is a little different...



****************************************

Thought of the day :


THE FIGHTING OF TWO WOLVES




An elder Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life.

He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me... it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves."

"One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

"The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."

This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too."

They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied... "The one you feed."



**************

Bit by bit, getting things straightened around here. I've been feeling exhausted and overwhelmed (yup, what else is new). This morning, I decided to do my attitude adjustment prayer/focus, and it's amazing how much better I feel. Funny that -- willing self to feel more positive actually works. Who'd a thunk it :rolleyes:

Morrigan, I enjoyed hearing about your night under the skies and the meteor showers. I went out early the other morning hoping to catch the tail end of them but got nervous and ran inside when a bat started to fly around my head (what a wimp!). Re: Grandmom's cinnamon rolls -- I remember those!

wsw, boy can I relate to your struggle to stay on the wagon because you were tired! I have the same problem. If only I could learn to REST when I'm tired, eat when I'm hungry! Still working on that...

How exiting about your doggie visitor! I love dogs, and golden retrievers are very noble beasts!

Rosemary/mint foot lotion sounds wonderful!

Kaylets, I suppose you couldn't take today off too? At least you can tell yourself it's only one day. Thinking about yesterday's QOD - If I were describing myself in one word to a child, I would have to say "motherly." I guess that's not the point of the exercise, because it's not the most descriptive thing about me, but it's so important for children to know that there's someone who cares about them and will look after them.

Freudian slip -- I once said "tanGENITAL" instead of "tangential" -- in a psych class! :lol:

Eydie, thanks so much for your description of doing the Firm tape -- I do a step tape sometimes, and I always think I'm the only one that doesn't naturally leap about like an extraordinarily well-coordinated gazelle. Practice makes perfect, I guess? Or good enough, any way :)

Amarantha, so glad you haven't stopped being a :queen: -- not that you could actually stop being one, but you could stop making royal tours of the realm, and that would be so very sad. Oh, this is not always easy, is it?

Anagram, your decision-making process about the funeral the other day really resonated with me. I'm starting to decide things along the same lines, sometimes -- kind of boils down to doing things if they will help someone, or do some good and not worrying about it if it wouldn't really make a difference.

Wildfire, hope you've fully recovered from your accident? Was your car totalled? My editor's daughter hit a deer last weekend and totalled their family car. Just hours before she was scheduled to leave for Africa. I asked the editor if her daughter had managed to get away, and she said "Yeah, she left Saturday, after smashing the car (My work here is done; on to next adventure)." I had to laugh, albeit in a sympathetic way. Kids!

Ceara, loved your description of your visit with your friend -- floating in the pool, planting perennials. Sounds wonderful! I love that kind of extended visit, and haven't managed one in too long a time, with too many people. BTW, I'm curious about the Banana belt description -- what zone are you?

Love to all! To the missing: You are missed! Let's make this a good one!

Good mornin' all :queen: 's of the realm!

I had posted yesterday but it got lost in Microsoft's error system and I had no time to repost! Lesson...control c before you send.

Had a great day yesterday...feel like I got a lot accomplished...and am heading off to do the same today. Gonna hang out at home for part of the morning and then go to lunch with my Gram....gotta catch her after breakfast though...did ask her last night but she is not the brightest bulb at night...and has likely forgotten that I called. The perils of 96!

So I would rate yesterday as an A+++.....ate well, floated in water, did my walk...fast...sprayed weeds, bathed a dog, saw the vet, worked and got my ears candled last night....successful in many ways. Oh yes and 1 load of laundry. So...

Here's to another....glad you guys are doin' fine....Wsw, goldens are great dogs..Morrigan, did you see satellites too? We used to lie on the hood of the car and do that...not all night though..a little hard...Kaylets...2 days off!?! Wow, hope you cleaned out that hall....something I should do. Clean :( Arabella! Hang in there...Eydie, are your laughing cow wedges the 45 cal ones, that taste kinda like cream cheese? I too like those on Ryvata (I think) crisps. :wave: to all other Royals....

Ceara

Good thing I Control C'd.....Microsoft...gotta live with it!

Hello!

I think the scale is broken because I weigh 9 pounds less than I did last week. I just don't think that's possible....either last week's reading was out of whack, or this one is. Guess I'll have to break down and buy a new one. I was doing so well not using it, though.... :chin:

Turns out I had/have a dislocated wrist. The doctor tried pulling it back into place on Monday...thought she was going to pull my hand clear off...but as soon as she'd let go it would pop back out. So it has been wrapped in a tensor bandage for support and to limit my range of movement because the popping/crunching/pain is kinda gross. She x-rayed to rule out any fractures and there were none. Wednesday I woke up and felt like I'd been run over by a transport truck in my sleep. My mid-upper back, neck, shoulders are killing me...feel like they are on fire...and there was the weird crushing pain at the back of my head....and the constant twitching in my right eye that has just about driven me completely MAD! So I went back to the doctor yesterday morning and she told me I need some time off work. She thought I had already been off work since the accident. She suggested a week or two, but I agreed to three days because after that I'd have to deal with short-term disability payments and that can be a pain. So I go back to work on Tuesday. She gave me some drugs, told me to apply heat, and since I have access to a hot tub at the gym to take advantage of it, twice a day if I can. I know the MPD boss won't like this at all...but I should have done it sooner.

My car is being repaired. Estimated repair bill is $7200.00 and it will take 2 weeks. In the meantime I've been given a freakin bus to drive....a 2005 Pontiac Montana. I have requested that as soon as a car is available that the rental company call me so I can switch. Good that my car is being repaired...having JUST paid it off a month ago I really didn't want to start car payments all over again.

The guy who owns the car that hit me (his girlfriend was driving) has been avoiding calls from my insurance company. He was quite insistant that we settle privately...but once there are injuries (and I was taken by ambulance!) the option to settle privately isn't there. I was informed yesterday that as we suspected, he had no insurance, and the darling cop who was with me in the hospital went over to charge him. Driving without insurance here is a $5000.00 fine, plus my insurance company will sue him for all the damages/injuries benefits that they have to cover. I feel bad that this kid was so STUPID to have a car on the road with no insurance and he let his girlfriend drive it....she was ticketed at the scene so her record is screwed, too...but what if this accident had been more serious and they'd killed someone? They have no right to drive a car without insurance....the rest of us have to follow the law, why shouldn't they?

I have pictures....

http://friendpages.com/pages/writers/wildfire9600/photo30.jpg
http://friendpages.com/pages/writers/wildfire9600/photo28.jpg

Oh, and I never did post the picture of Arabella and I...

http://friendpages.com/pages/writers/wildfire9600/photo31.jpg

So, that's the news from my corner of the world.

Where the heck are Punkin and Cerise and zadie??? And it looks like anagram is on the missing list, too?

Arabella it might be a good thing that your editor's daughter was leaving for another continent. I think I would have killed her! :lol:

wsw, that's so great that you are having a four-legged friend come to visit! You'll have to give Mack a scratch from us, too. This woman might be a good resource for you to find out about getting a Dog Guide or companion of your own.

Kaylets, congrats on the near miss with the chocolate pudding! And did I see a 10% goal? :cb:

I've sat for about as long as I can...time for some drugs and some breakfast. Hope everyone is well and anyone near the Florida storms are safe!

Good Morning, Perky Palace People! Not missing, thanks, Wildfire, just wandered away a bit and took me a while to find my way back. The leisurely three day weekend and a day trip this Wednesday have relaxed me and I'm feeling great but oh so lazy!!!!

What an awful ordeal and I'm so grateful things were not worse with the accident. It is hard to believe that people can be so shortsighted. I know I HATE to pay the insurance costs myself but I'm just too chicken not to (or too darn sensible). Hope the pain eases and am happy you're taking at least the three days off. You're right, you should have done it before. I understand making the effort to go in but it's one of those things I think are seldom appreciated.

And Kaylets, I applaud your wisdom in taking some time off too. It is really life sustaining sometimes just to sit back (even though you be working your tail off clearing up the entry) and just do something a bit different sometimes.

wsw, how inspiring that your efforts are recognized and what a nice lady Mack's Mom seems to be. Perhaps two new friends for life - Mack and Mom.

Ceara - enjoy Gram and your outing w/her. 96 and able to go - that's an inspiration. I too enjoyed your leisure description - wine, pool, plants - ah! And Morrigan, I envy your night vista. When we came back from the bus trip Wed, it was 1:15 a.m. Thursday, a time I'm usually sound asleep. I enjoyed just being outside in such a quiet time on such a balmy evening. I think I miss a lot sleeping ;-)

Eydie, as usual I enjoyed your visual about your workouts! You're always such an inspiration for me to contain the cals as well.

Wood Nymph - How apt to make that slip in a psych class! Glad things are straightening out a bit. I have to do that "fake it 'til you make it" thing a lot and it does help. And I'll never be done organizing but I have been doing some in a most unorganized way. I'm fooling myself into thinking it's not work (hehe!) and I'm gullible enough that it's working.

Empress, glad you checked in - I'm following your trail occasionally but always like to know you're back in the palace too.

Kaylets, will be keeping Mom in my thoughts. Looks like it might be nasty and am glad if they've gone to a shelter. Our weather here this week has been bad enough - I can't imagine what facing a hurricane would be like.

DD and family have been at Bethany Beach this week and are leaving a day early (today) to try to beat some of the storm coming up north. While we were on the day trip a terrific storm broke out while we were in Inner Harbor - fortunately we had just made it to a pavilion when the rain started and it stormed away while we were eating and stopped just as it was time for the bus. When we got to Wolf Trap (for the Boston Pops - just great!), it was most pleasant. DS lives not far from there and he later emailed that his yard looked like a tornado had touched down with things thrown into neighbors yards and trees damaged etc. Such touch and go stuff - Some near us had five inches of rain yesterday and we were fortunate to have had only an inch or so and didn't seem to be in the middle of anything though we could hear thunder all around.

Off to the pool for the third time this week. Also had a really good day yesterday despite late hour the night before. Hope to manage it again today. Good weekend all. Punkin - IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!!!

Love the picture from the "meeting". I just feel like I could slip in the booth with you and start talking as though I've known you all my life. I put Wildfire on the left and Wood Nymph on the right. Is that the way it is?

Quiet here tonight. we came in on the right side of Bonnie and only got about an inch here where others about 45 minutes away got 5. And it's beginning to look like Charlie will track east of us but we're still due for another 1-2" and things are so saturated already. Better than being further south, I guess. Kaylets, is your Mom ok? It hit a bit below them but I'm sure it was still really strong in her area.

Went to a band concert in the park this evening. Warm when we got there but then rain threatened and it got pretty cool. Really nice despite that.

Today is a "save" day, I think. I think total calories will be ok but not the best choices. A lot of days like that lately. Managed pool exercising for an hour today and that was the third time this week so doing ok there. Definitely doing better at the "fun in my life part". Hope to keep that up.

Wishing all a good weekend.

Good morning :queen:s and welcome to the realm of Saturday!
I woke up before DH & DS this morning, had some time to gather thoughts, did some qi qong in the back yard before they stirred. Good way to start the day. I'm going to get the house straightened around (to its normal almost good enough state) this weekend, and be ready to launch a new campaign on Monday. Not that I'm really off-plan, just not focused 100%. Going to run as soon as I leave the computer.

Anagram, you got it (Wildfire on the left, yours truly on the right)! We talked a lot about how great it would be to get a bunch of us together. Speaking of which, I hope those of us who are wandering come home soon! That "fun" element is one that I have to work at too (how ironic is that! :rolleyes: ). It's definitely on my list, which I'll be dusting off and addressing anew come Monday, in the ongoing quest for integration of body, mind, and spirit. :)

Wildfire, how horrible about the accident and the people not having insurance! That just makes the whole mess so much worse, doesn't it? So often here (probably similar in Cape Breton, given the socioeconomic climate) when someone's house burns down it turns out that they had no insurance. I guess when people don't have much money they sometimes think of insurance as a luxury.

You're so right -- they shouldn't have been driving without it! I find that kind of situation troubling and frustrating -- people getting into trouble because they are irresponsible/don't take control -- probably because of the problems it's caused in my own life :( And then it impacts others as well, as it did you in your accident.

On a brighter note, though, thanks for posting the pics! Nice to have that to remember the lovely evening by! Hope you can enjoy your time off to the nth degree!

Ceara, thanks so much for the PM about your "banana belt" locale. I looked at it on a map immediately -- seems like it would be a really neat place to live. I'm so enjoying your descriptions of your good days -- you're an inspiration!

Okey-dokey. Must run -- DH has come back from his 3-miler and is mowing the lawn. I begin to feel slightly guilty... NAH!!! :lol:

Love to All! Let's make this a good one!

hello all!

Yes, spoke w/ my mother... when the storm shifted and headed south of them, they went to my Aunt and Uncle's place instead of the shelter.
So rather than a big school gym or whathaveyou, my folks have a big house, pool, jacuzzi, to themselves as my Aunt and Uncle are in AZ. They lost power for a short time but to quote mom "We are absolutely fine" and expect to go back to their "park" today providing power is back on. If you're not familiar w/ the modern Florida Retirement Mobile Home parks its hard to use the word Park as most the stereotypical "trailer park" so often comes to mind....

So... we are under hurricane warning too but forecasters are not hysterical.. the expectation is that the storm's force will lessen the longer it moves north on land. Might get interesting though.

So...
Tomatoes are coming in... the cherry and grape size taste terrific but the big "beefsteak" size are disappointing... lots of folks around have a tomato fungus which I don't have but seems as though there has been so much rain.. tomatoes have a "watered" down flavor...
hoping if I keep picking, the next fruit will be better...

Can't wait to check out the pics..

Wildfire-- so sorry to hear you are so banged up... didn't realize...
ouch! And yes, the same type of situation is effecting things in my life too..
although it wasnt my car nor was it myself or DH driving...but the irresponsible behavior root...

DH picked up some "cool weather vegs" for me to try... 2 types of lettuce, red cabbage, and plenty of broccolli. It's an experiment... hoping to extend the growing season w/ a simple coldframe too but first need to get the new vegs planted. I am going to use window boxes and pots as everyone tells me it makes it easier to move in and out of a cold frame or to protect from snow ...

*****
Here's a thought for today:

"You will become as small as your controlling desire;
as great as your dominant aspiration."
--James Allen

Question of the day:

"What is the worst weather experience you've ever had?"

*****

Time for tea... sun is brightening some...
maybe a perfect time to garden..

There is a lot to keep up on here. That really sucks about the kid having no insurance. We have laws against that here, but almost everyone I know that has been in an accident, the other guy didn't have insurance. Most people don't have health insurance, let alone car insurance. I can't imagine going without either, even when we weren't covered at work I paid up the ying-yang for private insurance.

I am having such a hard time eating this week. We have concert tickets for last Thursdy, Fri, Sat, Sun and this Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. My parents put out this enourmous spread of food and wine and I just say what the heck, eat, drink and be merry. Last night was Buddy Guy, tonight is a Cajun band, and tomorrow is the Grand Finale Symphony Orchestra doing a salute to the Olympics. I am going to be so glad to be home in the evenings cooking my own dinner after this.

We did see quite a few Satilites and the Space Station. It is much bigger and brighter and faster than the other Satalites.

I am having weird Capitalization issues this morning. There is an arts and crafts festival at the City Beach today, should be fun.

Food wise: I have been holding steady at 197 and not losing anything. I really need to get some kind of impetus going.

have a good day everyone

Hello Friends! I'm having lots of computer issues so posting may be iffy for a while. May be time to buy a new machine. Anyway, I'm keeping up with everyone and will be back when I can! :(

Dear Eydie - you will be missed. Don't forget to leave a breadcrumb trail and we'll keep the lights on in the palace for whenever you can return.

Lovely day here today. Charlie veered east and we scarcely had a shower. I came down just before six, went out for the paper. It was so lovely, just getting lighter, coolish and cricket music. I had no trouble this morning getting myself together. A few minutes like that are powerful.

Leisurely day planned. Aaaah! But going out to lunch.

Have not done well weight wise this sprint. But I have managed my other goals - drinking more water and getting more fun (moments, sometimes) in my life. And though scale weight is up from my sprint low, I refuse to believe it's a gain - rather that up and down of water weight. But SOMEDAY it's going to all come together......isn't it?

A musing -

I had to leave church last night a few minutes before it was over as I had a coughing spell. While I was outside waiting for DH a lovely couple came out and congratulated me on my weight loss and how well I am now able to walk.

Now you'd think I'd be happy about that, wouldn't you? But something about it is bothering me. I do not know these people well. I did meet this woman decades ago and at the time, I was quite slim and she was pretty heavy. She lost weight before I ever saw her again (some years later) and has maintained slimness ever since. So it's not like I think she doesn't understand weight loss and the dynamics of it all. I think it might be that they may think I couldn't walk well because I was heavier and not realize I've had knee replacements. Or do I just think I don't know them well enough for them to have commented? I'm not offended or anything, as I said, they are lovely people. There's just something about it I'm not comfortable with.

Anagram, it's interesting, I think, to watch our reactions to others' ideas about our weight or weight loss. For example, I've noticed recently that when I meet someone new who didn't know me when I was heavy, and they comment on how thin I am, I always feel compelled to tell them that I've lost nearly 50 pounds instead of just accepting the compliement and letting it go at that. It always floors me when I do that too, like WHY do I do that?! And if the person who's compliemented me is heavy, then I really want to dig in and tell them I used to weigh more, that I just didn't pop put of the box like this!
The woman you're talking about probably commented because she really does know what it takes to lose weight, knows how challenging it is. I'm sure she wasn't aware of your knee replacements---I think that's the part that would bother me if I were in your shoes. To think that your weight was affecting the way you walk--I would've had to set her straight on that one! Don't let it nag at you--sounds like an overall compliement to me!
:)

Anagramatic, I love it when folks say I've lost weight ... even when I've gained! :lol: