Sugar Shakers - Sugar Busters Weekly Support Board 8/16-8/22

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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-TASTY 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

Look for our QUARTERLY RECIPE BOARDS to post your favorite recipes and to see the most recently posted recipes. Recipes from the quarterly boards will be archived in proper categories at some point.


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?p=650114#post650114

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!

Not sure when I'll be able to get in a post - next week, and that's it - I'm tired and no where near ready! BUT, here's the
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY for you all to start the week with - I think the 2nd one was directed towards myself;)

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YOUR CHOICE

Do you want to be miserable today? If so, you'll find plenty of opportunities for making yourself so.
Or would you prefer to be joyful and effective throughout the entire day? If so, then you'll find an opportunity for such in each and every moment.

Being miserable is a choice. When you make that choice, all sorts of things will come your way to reinforce what you have chosen.

Being positive, joyful and effective is a better choice. And when you make that choice, events and circumstances will follow right along.

Your perspective and attitude are what give meaning to the moments of life that come your way. Choose, then, to give those moments a positive, purposeful meaning.

Choose joy, choose life, choose fulfillment, purpose and effective effort. And see how great it can make your day.

-- Ralph Marston

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

HERE AND NOW

It is never too late to be positive. It is never too late to let go of the anger, the fear, the worries and anxieties that have been draining you.

No matter how far back you may have fallen, you still can turn around. Your current direction is far more important than your current location.

Imagine how great it would feel to be moving forward. You are, this moment, just one step away.

Take that step forward, and then another. Put momentum on your side, and get time working in your favor.

Start giving to life, rather than fighting against it. Begin now to fill each moment with positive purpose, with meaning, with real fulfillment.

No matter where you are, or what you've already done, it is never too late. The time to move forward is here and now.

-- Ralph Marston

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

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

Debbie
194/1??/129
SB since 3/22/00

Morning all! Let me be the first to wish everyone a good Monday and an OP week!

Monday Motivation: If not now--when???? Someday never arrives, the only day we have power over is TODAY. So for today--let's make healthy choices with our eating---OK?

Susan

Good Monday Mornig.

So glad to see our Florida gals are safe. Anyone heard from Gator? I was wondering about everyone all weekend as I watched the devestation. These poor people who lost so much.

It was a busy weekend. We went to the ballgame on Sat and the couple that went with us took their 3 yr old twins. Actually, they were really good. Of course we had to play in the park and ride the merry-go-round and then they ate everything in site, but I was surprised how good they were. By the 8th inning they were tired, but so was I.

Yesterday I spent at my sister's in Lex. Her DD's was in from MD with her baby. She is so cute. I loved spending the day with them.

So back to the grind stone today.

Hope everyone has an OP day.

Susan, loved your MM. So true.

BF was 2 eggs and oj
lunch is Atkins pizza and strawberries.
Don't know about dinner yet.

Be back later.

Good Monday Morning:

I hope Gator checks in with us from somewhere soon, so we know that she is safe & well. For the rest of you Floridians, glad to know you are all safe and sound.

I clipped on my pedometer over the weekend, and found that it can be pretty "telling." I realized that I never sit down :lol: . It is definately going to be interesting in the long run. I have tested it over and over again to make sure it is accurate. It is an Oregan Scientific, and my sister bought it for me last year for Christmas; I think it is a pretty good one. I got it to where it measures the stride of my step perfectly, when I am walking regularly; I'm not sure how it measures when I am exercising. I did notice that when I am driving it tends to register a few steps, so I now open it up when I am driving, and close it when I get out of the vehicle. It does not register at all when I am sitting still, which is great. I think I got it all worked out.

Saturday - Total steps = 11,400 (I took it off at 6:30 when I put on jammies, but didn't go to bed until 10, so I probably would have had a couple hundred more steps). On this day, I got up early and returned some movies to Blockbuster, went to some garage sales, went to the gym and worked out, went to Wal-Mart, Savers, got my hair cut, went to QT for a drink & gas, and then came home and then we all went to church that evening.

Sunday - Total steps = 9,956 (I took it off around 6:30 when I put on jammies, but didn't go to bed until after 10, so I probably would have had a couple hundred more steps). On this day, I wasn't as active as Saturday and still logged quite a few steps. I took the girls to the grocery store with me, cleaned house, did laundry, etc...I even realized that I ate BF standing up, while still preparing for everyone else (I made Buckwheat pancakes). I only sat down a few times yesterday to watch some of the olympics.

Today, so far I have 2,724 (I got up at 5:15 to do my Slim in 6 tape), and this is the first time I've sat down today. I will be taking Britt out to the toy store today to pick out something. She finished her Summer Bridge book (big workbook), and now gets to go pick out any item in the store for 50% off. I am sure we will be pacing around a lot there while she decides :lol: . I then want to go find a plant for my sister for a housewarming gift. So, we will be out and about today.

This pedometer thing is gonna be fun! I just got to clip it back on when I put on my jammies at night to get a true count for the day.

My weekend eating was pretty good. We went to DQ after church on Sat. evening, and I got a kid's ice cream with oreos sprinkled on top. And, then yesterday morning, I made buckwheat pancakes (which are legal, but I had two large ones). But overall, I ate good.

I weighed 120#'s this morning, so I am getting back on track. I plan to do my Slim in 6 again tomorrow and then go to the gym Wed & Thurs. We are going to be going up north to get a cabin this weekend to enjoy some cooler weather. So, I will miss my workout on Saturday.

Fillise: Short....but to the point, and very true!!!

Jack-K: It sounds like a fun, exciting weekend.

Ken: No, my DH and I do not plan on having any more children. However, he absolutely refuses to get the big "V", so one can never be so sure. I actually threatened him with no nooky if he didn't get it, but he didn't budge. I'm ready to be done; I will be 37 on my next b-day, and DH will be 42. We need to enjoy this time with them, and get on with other things. Besides, as of now, we have 2 weddings & 2 college educations to pay for :lol: . Good luck to you and DH when you decide to start TTC.

Monet: I hope you are feeling more energetic today, and strap that pedometer on for a good working over.

I hope everyone else is doing well. Have a great OP day, and I hope to check in later.

Take care,
Nat

Good Monday morning...

Woke up late again. Lately dd has been sleeping late plus she has some night coughing that woke her up at night which has contributed to her waking up late in the am. So, I took the opportunity to sleep late too. Today is dh's off day so my eating is not planned yet. So far I had 1 piece of banana pancake for breakfast. Somehow I just didn't feel like eating any protein this morning. The rest of the day, I will plan the menu depending on what we are doing. I want to spend the most time with dh and dd instead of in the kitchen.

Some replies :

FILLISE : Good morning!! You are so right!! Today is the day!!

JACK-K : Sounds like you had a great weekend. 3 year old twins, my goodness!! I have one 3 year old and she is such an energizer bunny. I can only imagine having 2 three year old...lol.

It's time to do some housework. Hope everyone have a great start today!

Julia

Morning! I slept until 9:30...almost unheard of for me. I was just SO tired! I got up and mozeyed down to the kitchen and made sausage and biscuits for James for his breakfasts. I used at least 50% whole wheat flour, and some White Lily self rising unbleached flour. I did eat a couple of them myself.

I did not clip on the pedometer this morning. I knew it was going to be a bad day for me, physically, so I will wait another day or so until I feel better. I can't wait until I can have this surgery and I don't have to deal with a whole week of pain and inconvenience each month. I will put the pedometer on now, and see how the rest of the day pans out, but with how I am feeling, I don't think it will be very impressive!

I have not had my morning coffee yet...I wandered up here while it was brewing. Time for me to head back down for a cup. I will be checking in later! :)

:wave: :coffee:

Good morning everyone. Well here we are another week ahead of us. I did well over the week end. Not perfect but was pleased with what I did for a change. Hope it shows on the scale Wed. Started off with a whole wheat muffin today. Thats the last in the package. Sure enjoyed them for a change. Have to get busy and go to town to mail a package off and get gas.

Filliese- that was a nice motivation you wrote this morning, along with Debilli's. We should really start the week out right...

Jack-K- Sounds like you had a busy week end. I'll bet the twins were cute. My brother has twin girls and I love watching them play and stuff. But shoot now they're getting to be teens...

Pancho- Wow gal you are stepping alright. Your numbers make me tired and envy you at the same time. You're sure an example of how to maintain.

Kengjw- Its nice to get to sleep in once in awhile. I hope your little ones cough gets better. Yum banana pancake sounds good.

Monet- I hope you getting to feeling better. I didn't read what kind of surgery you're going to have. I must have missed it. But hope it goes well. Your James is lucky to have his Mom to cook for him....

I sure hope Gator is alright. I feel so bad for all the people in the storm...
Well have a good day and I'll be back later....

HiedieHo All!

The errant one returns. As many of you know I do not enjoy the best of health or physical attributes. I have been under the weather. Also my left hand/thumb was all swollen up with arthritis/capal tunnel. Have been wearing a resting splint as I do when it acts up. So not being able to lift with the right side, and not able to grip with the left...................................

This too shall pass.

Hope all our friends in FL are okay. I have a friend of 52 years who lives in Port Charlotte. I have tried calling her. The phone just rings and rings. I hope all is well. Knowing her if she's able she's out helping her neighbors. Her 86 year old mother lives across the street from her.

My prayers go out to all those people. I've lived two fires where we lost only some of our belongings, can only imagine what it must be like to lose everything. Some things we forgot about until maybe a couple of months later you wanted to use somethig and found it nomlonger there.

We just checked our "Hurricane Supplies", who knows where Earl will go!

Of course, I still went to the NH and felt pretty good yesterday so went to church. Aside from that ithas been quiet here.

Glad to read all our gals are safe. No word from Gator yet?

Will try to check in later.

May Good Things Happen

Shirley

Good afternoon...

My day has been rather slow today and I seem so sleepy today although I did sleep in this morning. I think that usually means I sleep too much and woke up too late :) Dh and I might take dd to the lake later and will bring her tricycle so that she can ride on the trail while we walk. I will bring some snack for out little picnic as well.

My lunch menu today : 3 pieces of Publix chicken wings, a little leftover roasted chicken and leftover brown rice and a mixed green salad of romaine, spring greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bacon bits and some parmesan cheese. Ranch dressing.

Snack will be some fruit salad and probably some sweet potatoes chips at the picnic. Dinner is undecided yet.

Some replies :

PANCHO : WTG on the steps! Pedometer sounds like a great motivation to walk. I almost buy the Special K cereal for dh yesterday because they give out a free pedometer with the cereal...LOL. I am still thinking though...lol. Actually I am getting really comfortable with Jess at this stage (3) and not really looking forward to waking up at night and gettting a new baby to sleep etc etc if we have another baby but in my heart I know having another baby will be such a blessing for us and most of all for Jessica. She will have someone to fight with, someone to look after, someone to fuss with, someone to talk to if she doesn't want to talk to us, parents...lol, someone to bully etc etc. I really enjoyed having my sisters growing up and now I even enjoy them and their family more. So, keeping my fingers-crossed when the time for us to TTC.

MONET : Jess let me sleep in until 9.30am too. I actually feel more tired when I wake up this late. Hope you will better today.

TONI : WTG!! I know you can do it! We don't have to be perfect and every little efforts we made counts. Looks like you did just that this weekend. Good for you!! Oh yes, the banana pancake was yummy!! The first time I had it was at "The Original Pancake House" and it was memorable. Yesterday, I saw banana pancakes on Sesame Street and had this hugh cravings for it so I decided to make some. I only used one ripe banana for all of us and still had some leftover for this morning. So simple but so yummy! That would be my ocassional treat :)

SEF : What a great attitude you have even when you are not feeling well. {{hugs}} Feel better soon.

It's time to check on Jessica. Will check in later.

Julia

Good afternoon:

I am up to 7,164 steps so far today. We went to the post office, 99 cent store, the toy store where Britt picked a guitar for her 1/2 price toy. It was a $50 guitar, so I paid $25 for it. She loves music and would actually like to take lessons. We'll see how serious she stays about this.

My menu so far:

BF: Kamut flakes w/ rice milk
Snack: Plum
Lunch: 2 Green bean burritos at Taco Bell (OOPS)
Water: So far approx. 50 oz.
Dinner: Will be pizza on legal pita bread that I made w/ spelt flour (tomato sauce, Italian cheese, olive, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, peppers, etc..) & probably a salad
Snack: Not sure, but probably a few more

Ken: What I'd give to sleep in. Even on weekends I don't. I get up early on Saturday to go to the gym and run any errands I can on my own. On Sunday, I get up w/ Lane so DH can sleep since he is up early every day during the week. Lane is usually up by 6a.m. I actually feel crabby and sleepy if I get too much sleep though, so it probably works out for the best. I really wanted Britt to have a sibling; I didn't want her to be an only child. It was tough though since Britt was sleeping through the night and I was used to getting my sleep, and then it was back to being up every few hours. BUT, that happens for such a short amount of time, and the first time I held Lane in my arms, I knew that I was up to the challenge again. It is so awesome to spend that time with them in the middle of the night when the whole world is sleeping. My kids fight like the best of 'em. BUT, they also love the heck out of one another. Lane looks up to Britt so much, and always wants to be just like her.

Monet: Has your surgery been scheduled yet? I hope you are feeling better soon.

Toni: Take it one day (or weekend) at a time. I hope your efforts show on the scale Wed.

Sef: I hope you feel better soon; I hear that carpal tunnel can be quite painful.

I better go throw a list together for what I need to pack up for the weekend trip.

I'll check in later.

Take care,
Nat

AFTERNOON...oops...EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!! :wave:


Hope everyone had a good MONDAY....Mine sucked....after being home since Thursday...my work was really piled up!

SEF...our meteorologists down here says EARL is coming to the TEXAS side of the GULF, but after what happned Friday down here, I don't think anyone can trust the computer readings anymore! That storm turn so quickly and was just a smidgen from a CATAGORY 5 HURRICANE!!!! Think ANDREW!!! Thanks for the warm good wishes.

JACKIE...I watched A&E last night and they had the story of the UK football player that was shot on his front porch...I've kept up with the paper on this story and was so glad to hear that they had finally put SHANE RAGLAND in the pokey!
Glad you had a good time in Lexington...Thanks for the warm good wishes...

PANCHO....Thanks for the warm good wishes for us down here...I'm sure that GATOR still doesn't have electric...so many don't...Hopefully, we'll hear from her soon.

I THINK DEBBIE HAS HER PHONE #...when I talk to her, I'll get her to call her.

MONET....I hope your day went better than your early morning time.

TONI....I didn't even get my laundry done this weekend...I was so glued to the TV that I couldn't pull myself away...now the pile has grown and it will take me even longer!
Thanks for the warm good wishes....

KEN....a trip to the lake is just what I need....please think of me while you're there...I sure do miss having one to go to...they have them over where GATOR lives, but it just not the same! Thanks to you too for the good warm wishes!

SUSAN....You're in a good mood for a Monday! Hope your work is going well, and I'll get an email off to you after while... :)

I've got to go...I'll check in later....

BOB

Evening!

We just finished dinner. We had bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches, with a slice of cheese. :hun: Yummy! The tomatoes are so good! Laura called as we finished eating and asked what was for dinner....haha. I fixed a sandwich for her, and I hope she gets home before her brother, or I will have to fight a 6'4", 250 pound man to protect it for her! :lol:

As soon as it gets dark, Tom and I are running over to Target or Wal mart to get a blender. I researched them online today and I can get one for the same price and not have to wait to have it shipped. I use a blender to make Tom's smoothies every day. I had ordered parts for the one we have, and we found it was not the blades, but the driver that had worn down too much to catch and turn the gears on the blade piece. I am going to get the basic all metal Osterizer. My mother had one of them, and used it for over 40 years. Wish I had gotten it when we cleaned out her house.

My steps are not anywhere near as impressive as Pancho's. I have 2,300 right now. Maybe I can get in another 1,000 at Walmart, but I kind of doubt it! :( I am a long way from the 10k you are supposed to be getting to maintain! Its kind of a catch 22, though. I feel lousy due to slow thyroid, and other health problems, so its hard to be energetic enough to run around and get more steps in, but getting more in would probably make me feel more energetic in the long run, but wipe me out in the short run... sigh.

Tom is working on the deck steps. He has several done, and only a few more to go. Its going to be pretty exciting to have steps again. We have been having to use the lower patio door, which is inconvenient!

I am going to go light a fire under my dearly beloved... will check in later!

Hi All: Tomorrow I see the doctor and I know I have gained some since I was last there - not good - fell off the wagon big time these past two months, and have to get back on - doctor's appointment tomorrow will be the good slap into shape! You can now donate to Red Cross on line - so I have decided to give money, instead of clothes or food... I have heard some great stories of how businesses and people are coming together to help those Floridians who have lost so much - makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside when you hear such great stories of giving and care! Well, hi to all...sorry for being so impersonal - just have a few minutes to check in and now give up computer for son to do homework.... I call him Mr. Popular now - the phone has rung non-stop with kids from school asking questions about homework and projects...I am glad! Take care, Sabrina

Evening...again. Just got in from Wal mart with the two kids who live here with me....argh! They had plans to get me to buy stuff they wanted. I did get a number of things...and they did NOT have the blender I wanted. Went to Super Target, and they were closed! grrr!

I ended up with 4146 steps today. I am guessing it would have been closer to 5k if I had put it on when I got up instead of this afternoon. I may let Laura borrow it tomorrow. She is working at Curves now and is curious as to how much she is moving...we are betting its over 15k a day since she never sits still unless she is asleep, and as an older teen, that is not much! :)

Sweet dreams! Will check in tomorrow morning!

Hi Everyone

I fell asleep this afternoon while watching t.v. and must have slept for about an hour so now I am sitting here surfing as I am wide awake and not a bit sleepy. I should know better than to let that happen but was feeling lazy to-day. I'm setting the alarm for 7.30 am to make sure I don't sleep in tomorrow.

I'm glad to see that all the Florida Sbers survived the storm o.k. I really feel for all those that have lost everything - it must be devastating for them.

Monet - Have you considered buying one of the hand blenders? I've been using one for the last couple of years and find it so much easier to use than the regular blender. It is excellent for making smoothies and milk shakes. Also for blending cream soups. You can mix the soup right in the pan that it is cooked in. Much less messing around and mess to clean up than the regular one. I'm only sorry that I didn't get one years ago. I have my son to thank for introducing me to it as he bought one when he started to make shakes with protein powder. Before I always thought they were just for baby food.


Marie.

Good Morning! I got my first cup of coffee already and trying to plan my day. Yesterday I got so little done, I am determined to be better today! I want to get to the farmer's market and I am going to have to go to Target and try and find the blender we want. If I can't find it, I will have to order it online, which will be a big bummer. I hate trying to make them in the food processor. It just doesn't work as well.

Laura worked her first day at Curves yesterday. She loved it. She actually was having so much fun, she worked later than she was supposed to! She said she looked at her watch and was shocked to see she had been there 30 minutes later than she was supposed to be. I am glad she likes it. I just wish she were working at the one closer to us.

ROSALIE: Will those hand blenders grind up frozen strawberries? That is what I need a blender for. Tom has a strawberry smoothie for an afternoon snack. The breakfast one he makes with olive oil in it, and it can be done easily in a tupperware shaker, but the strawberries can't. My son in law, the chef, uses a hand blender to make dressings, amoung other things. He loves his too!

KENG: Hasn't the weather been awesome? Sunday night, we got in a downpour after leaving church on our way to the restaurant everyone was going to at 285 and Chamblee Tucker road. When we got home, in Duluth, it was dry! I like the cooler temperatures. Its so much more pleasant to be outside.

BOB: Do ask Deb to check on Gator. I need to look through my old emails, since I had her phone number to try and call her when I went to Orlando last year. Not sure if I kept it or not.... I am sure she is without power, but I still am a bit worried about her.

FILLISE: I did clip on the pedometer, due to your encouragement. It was better than I expected. I need to get it on in the morning, though, if I want accurancy! ;) Don't you need flour? I sure would like to see you. Am I going to have to come to Auburn, or just pout? I know this is a busy time for you. Its too bad work has to interfere with fun.

TONI: I am going to have a hysterectomy. I have fibroid tumors, and they are doing tests to rule out uterine cancer. I am not worried about the surgery...just hoping it helps! Fillise says it helped her, so I have high hopes!

PANCHO: You really must be a blur all day. That step count is awesome! Mine was only about 5k so I know I need to get moving more. Am I rationalizing by saying I will wait until after surgery? I sure don't FEEL like moving more right now. My back aches, amoung other parts....

JACK: How are you feeling? Don't you have your last treatment coming up this Thursday?

TRANQUIL: I hope the visit to the doctor gives you the motivation you need to stay with us here....

SEF: I am glad you checked in. I was beginning to get worried about you. I sure hope Earl sputters out and doesn't cause you any trouble. I hope the arthritis calms down. My hip has been bothering me lately, which disturbs me. My last big lupus flare was accompanied by excruciating hip pain. Maybe its the weather?? Take care of yourself, and get plenty of rest!

I sure hope I did not miss anyone....I can't scroll back to see. If I missed you, then it was totally unintentional, and I will apologize for it now!

Gotta go get some stuff done today! Will check in later!

Good Morning

Monet - Yes, those hand blenders do work with frozen strawberries. Why don't you get your sil the chef to try it out for you before you buy one? The one I have is a Braun 300 watt and it works fine.......I decided to try it as I haven't made any for a while so that is what I am now sitting here drinking. I used about 1 1/2 cups of milk to about 3/4 cup frozen strawberries.

Have a good day everyone. Gotta run.


Marie.

Hi Ladies,

I was too worn out yesterday to get back on. Slept in about 45 minutes more this morning and still made it to work on time. Wigs are wonderful sometime. Plop it on and go. ;)

Last night I noticed my legs were swollen like balloons. Then I noticed my ankles were swollen too. This drug is supposed to make you retain fluid but I haven't had any problems. I do take Lasix evereyday but noticed I haven't been running to the potty as much and i'm not drinking near as much either. Just can't seem to get it down. Just hope it's not making my BP go up.

Monet, yes my last treatment is Thursday. Glad it is the last but not looking forward to feeling bad again. I'm glad Laura likes Curves. Maybe after awhile, she can transfer to the closer one.

Rosalie, I know what you mean. If I take any kind of nap, I can't sleep at night. Oh the signs of aging.

Tranquil, good luck at the Doc today.

Bob, I'm glad they put that guy away too. Took them long enough. Tell deb hello.

Nat, when does school start there?

Sef, hope you are feeling better today.

Toni, congrats on having a better weekend. Hoe the scale is good to you tomorrow

Ken, hope you had a fun time at the lake.

Need to get busy. We have a presentation next week and I'm trying to gt as much done this week before my treatment just in case I'm not moving to quick next week. Just wish the fellows here would cooperate a little more.

Still no word on Gator? Hope it is only that she doesn't have electricity.

Hope to check back later.

Good Morning:

Are you ready for my step count yesterday? Drum Roll, please......13,694. I did not take it off until bedtime (10 p.m.), and that does include my workout yesterday. So far today, I am up to 1,183. I really noticed yesterday that I rarely sit down...funny it took me strapping this on to realize that :lol: .

I have not worked out today, but plan to Wed, Thurs & Fri. And, then we will be camping on Sat & Sun, and I do plan to have a hot dog and some roasted marshmallows, and they have a steak house we will eat at on Saturday night. Hopefully we will be out and active enough during the day; I think we might take Britt fishing, and I'm going to check into horseback riding, but don't know if she'd do that....she's a whimp when it comes to most things.

My eating was pretty good yesterday with the exception of the burritos from Taco Bell. It showed too; I was at 121#'s this morning. Oh well, I don't mind seeing the numbers go up a bit if I start to see some more definition and muscle tone, and I think I am starting to tone up more.

So far today, I have had:
BF: bowl of Cheerios w/ hemp cereal, blueberries & rice milk
Lunch: Not sure since Britt has a dental appt. at 11a.m.
Water: So far, about 20 oz.
Dinner: Gosh, not sure about that either....I better get organized.

The dentist wanted to put sealers on Britt's teeth, but couldn't get her in until October 7th (I would have had to pull her out of school). They called with a cancellation for today at 11 a.m., so we will be able to get that out of the way before school starts; that's great. She gets her hair cut on Friday, and then school starts Monday. I really think she is ready. Not sure what else we'll do, but I'm sure we'll find something.

Tomorrow morning I have my physical scheduled for 8 a.m. I'm supposed to fast since they are doing bloodwork. It is going to be tough to fast since I am going to go workout before that. As soon as they draw the blood, I'll be eating something right there in the office :lol: . I then have to go to the dermatologist on Thursday a.m. to have a mole removed from my back and biopsied. I hope it comes back o.k.

My DS and her family should be on the road and on their way sometime today to move into their home here. They get their keys first thing Wed. morning. I guess they eventually want to settle back down in San Diego, but wanted to take advantage of the real estate here in Arizona. The military pays their monthly mortgage, so they would like to take the money they are making and put it into a few rentals. The house that they bought (unbuilt) has already appreciated $30,000 since they bought it and they haven't even moved in yet. It is projected that they can make nearly $100,000 on that house in the first five years. I'll tell you, real estate is where the money is at. My DH has talked about getting a rental for awhile now, but I don't think I want that added responsibility/headache.

BOB: Sorry you had such a busy day. I hope you get caught up soon.

Monet: MMMM....I love BLT's. I'm sure you'll love your new blender. Did you check to see if Costco carries it? I got my Osterizer there, but it wasn't the stainless steel one, but they may still have it there. Don't beat yourself up over the steps. You can use these numbers as comparisons once you get all your medical problems worked out. You'd be amazed how fast those steps add up; I am sure you would have been over 5,000 steps if you'd put the ped. on first thing in the a.m. You also have to keep in mind that I am running after young kids all day, and those steps really add up. Plus our house is really spread out, and the steps add up there too. I also need to chill out a bit more and sit down and relax. It will be interesting to see how they fluctuate on non-workout days, once Britt is in school, on days we have a lot to do, and days we don't. I was happy to see that the one day that I didn't work out that I still managed to get a lot of steps in.

Tranquil: It's so nice to see the community and country come together for those in need. There's an awful lot of rebuilding to do, and they can use all the support, funds, supplies possible. So happy for your DS; it sounds like school started off with a bang for him. Having those healthy friendships are so important. Did you show your house on Sat?

Rosalie: Your body must have been telling you something. Sometimes you just have to give in and sleep when you need to. Have a great day!

Well, I better go get some stuff done before we have to leave for Britt's dental appt.

Take care!
Nat

HiedieHo All!

Still have not been able to reach my friend on Port Charlotte.

Today we entertain at one of the NHs.

KEN: You're probably right about the sleep thing. If I change my sleep pattern it messes me up. I do best going to bed 1-2a and getting up by 7:30a, otherwise I am either out of sorts or tired. I feel life is too short to dwell on the negatives (altho at times they seem to be huge) and be positive. A fav song is "Accentuate The Positive".

PANCHO: I've heard carpal is very painful. According to tests mine is moderate to severe, which is bad enough, but not enough to operate as it's not constant. Hope all the tests are okay.

BOB: Earl they feel is no threat. Do you know anything about Port Charlotte? What does your local news say? Here they mention it once in a while but most of the reports are on PG.

MONET: Hysterectomy was one of the best things I ever had. So many problems before and they all went a way. I have been trying to take it easy, but I have to use moderation, too much easy isn't good either! We have cool weather the last couple of days, pool is small and responds to weather quickly. Water is cool, like back in PA, but the moving in the water helps me.

JACKK: Hope you are feeling better. My friend had a couple of wigs, liked tomplay with the color and style she wouldn't have tried otherwise.

Have to get ready to go. Will try to check in later.


May Good Things Happen

Shirley

Good afternoon.... It rained here last night. Sounded so good. And my tomato plants loved it. I'm getting a really nice crop of tomatoes right now. It will be sad when they go. Doing some laundry right now. And just got DH lunch packed for work. I'm always glad when thats over because I HATE to pack a lunch.

Sef- Did you get ahold of your friend in Florida. I'm still wondering how Gator is..

Kengjw- I hope you had a nice time at the park and a great picnic. Thats so fun. I love a picnic and am trying to talk DH in to one this week end.

Pancho- What the heck is a green bean burrito? I haven't been to taco bell in over a year and just have to know... Boy did you get a deal on the guitar.... Congrads on all the steps....

Bob- Have you not been able to go to work because of the hurricane?

Monet- I hope your surgery goes well and all is fixed afterwards. When do you have it...

Tranquil- I hope your doctor's app. goes well. I know what you mean about weighing and getting it over with.

Rosalie- Everyone needs a lazy day once in awhile so enjoy it....

Jack-K- Hope your legs and ankles are down today. That swelling is bad news. I have trouble with because of my heart. I to take lasix and maxide for swelling

Well off I go to fold that laundry... Have a great day and here hopeing for a good WIW for everyone...

Hey, guys. How's everyone? Doing okay here. Boogie's appt got cancelled and rescheduled for next month. He's doing just fine, so I'm not worried. Anyway, I totally blew it this weekend. Again. I know I have some willpower in here somewhere. Need to find it and put it to use. Anyway, my eating was back on track yesterday. Here's my menu for the day:

BF- Carbolite drink in a can
Snack- yogurt
Lunch- will be a salad of some sorts. Either tuna with veggies, cheese, eggs, peppers and Ranch dressing or the same except substitute the tuna for a leftover hamburger patty crumbled up. Diet Coke.
Supper- making Taco Salad(no chips), hamburger meat, cheese, salsa, lettuce, refried beans, and sour cream.

As for the exercise, I took last Friday and Sunday "off." Yesterday, I tried the new Taebo Cardio workout on DVD. I probably only did 2/3 of it though. A couple of the moves are a little tricky, so it'll take me a bit of practice before I get it. So because I didn't finish it, I did 1 1/2 miles of WATP. So I guessed it all equaled out to a good workout. Today I'm sore on my upper/outter arms and in my waist. I guess all the punching made my arms sore. I was surprised since I didn't even use weights. And my stomach is sore from this move you do while standing up..you keep one leg up and to the side. Put all your weight on the other, then tilt your body all the way to one side where your leg is extended. Like you're taking your armpit to your hip. Good standing ab move. I have a step class to attend at the "new" class this afternoon at 4. It's 30 minutes followed by 30-40 minutes Pilates(still trying to get the hang of this). Then I turn around and teach class at the church around 5:40. I don't know if I'll be able to do alot in my class considering I don't feel like doing much at all right now. Last Thursday I also had the 2 classes back to back and I was "whooped" when it came to teaching my class after doing the other one. But the ladies at my class told me that was okay with them if I went slower :lol: Well, my stomach's growling..off to fix my salad.

Good afternoon...

I am in such a terrible mood today...bad example for Jessica. I feel overwelming again, wonder if Tom is supposed to arrive soon. I feel this way once every month for a while and I started to relate them to before Tom. I don't keep track of Tom because I am never regular. My poor dd, I did give her some "heat" today which was inappropriate. I need to handle myself better, feel like a terrible mother. She is finally asleep after a long battle of fighting sleep and I of course didn't take it well today. Sighh.. My eating schedule wasn't too good although I eat good. It's after 3 pm and I still don't feel like eating lunch but promised will do so after I finished typing. Here is what I ate today :

Breakfast : 1 piece of toast with butter sprinkled with some cinnamon and drops of Agave. 3 turkey and pork sausage and 1 nectarine.

Snack : Missed snack.

Lunch : 1 stuffed bell peppers (with chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, mushrooms, crabmeat, rice, cheddar and parmesan cheese, anchovies) and squash casserole.

Snack : Hopefully fruits.

Dinner : Not sure yet.

I will catch up on the post later tonight. I need to get myself together before dd gets up. My neighbor's nephews are flying back to Colorado tonight so she asked if Jess wanted to go swimming with them later. So, I will take her there after she wakes up.

Good day everyone!!

Julia

Another slow day on the board.

I am only up to 4,658 steps today; we'll see what my final ends up being at the end of the day. We took Britt to the dentist and went by Trader Joes. Britt's mouth still feels numb, so I made her some chicken broth with noodles.

Not must else going on today; I hope to catch some of the olympics later this evening, and watch Amazing Race tonight.

Jack-K: We were posting at the same time before. I am sure you are anxious to get your last treatment over with. What is the course of follow-up once you receive your last treatment? Britt starts school this coming Monday. We meet her teacher on Thursday.

Sef: Hello; have fun entertaining the crowd today.

Toni: I hear ya. My DH would like for me to pack him a lunch everyday....he's lucky if he gets one every two weeks. I will have to start packing Britt's come Monday, so I guess I'll make one for him too. The green burrito I was referring to is a regular bean burrito with green sauce instead of red sauce. Good for you staying away from that "crap" food place :lol: .

heart: Carbolite makes a drink? What kind? I love Tae-bo; I have several of the sets. My sister is going to order the new one with the medicinal balls and all; it sounds like an awesome set. She said it is on their site for an introductory price of $20 something. You'll get motivated once you get to your class.

Ken: We are not always perfect parents, and somehow our kids know that. I hate it when I take out a bad mood on my children. I really try to explain, expecially to Britt (since she is old enough to understand), that I shouldn't have done that and I apologize to her. Actually after this happened once, and I offered her a heartfelt apology....she then did something the next day to deserve a harsh tone and discipline. After I got on to her, she said, "aren't you going to tell me you are sorry now?" :lol: . Well, I explained to her that she deserved it that time and I wouldn't apologize. Just give Jess lots of hugs and kisses when she wakes up and she'll forget all about it...she'll just remember the warm cuddles.

Well, I better go get some more steps in now.

Take care,
Nat

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!! :wave:


Work is still busy, but we'll get it done eventually! It's really hot again..nothing is stirring!

SEF...Pt Charlotte doesn't have as much damage as Punta Gorda, but the reason you're not getting hold of your friend is the telephone service isn't back working yet. The cell phone service is really bad too...

MONET...I'll tell Deb...it's really hard to get hold of her too...she's always gone...she'll probably call me tonight after BIG BROTHER though...

ROSALIE....I've done that so many times that it's not even funny! What's hard is when it happens on a work night!

TONI...I was off on Friday..went back yesterday...BUT, we had all those days to do.

HEART.....:wave:

JACKIE....:wave:

PANCH...who do you want to win the RACE???? I'm pulling for Mirna and Charla

JULIA...hope you've got that mood elevated!!

Time to go.....Got CATFISH FILETS in the oven....they are huge!

BOB http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage13/8.gif

Good afternoon! What a day! I called to make an appointment at the doctor's. Well, they told me I had one today at 1!! I had forgotten to go for my lab work last week, but I went today anyway. He took blood for thyroid, but not my insulin levels since I had already eaten. I had him check my ears and I have a scratch inside my ear that is infected. Not sure how I got that, but I vaguely remember doing it with my finger nail. I am such a spaz! I go in next week for the lab results. It will be interesting. I am thinking of doing a course of treatment for candida. I took a test I found in a book at Curves this morning and it said any score over 180 indicated a systemic yeast infection. I scored 260! The manager has done a treatment and said it has helped her tremendously. I am for anything that might help me....

I went by Target and bought the Osterizer beehive blender. I am still thinking about the hand held Braun that Rosalie was talking about....I just need to find it someplace so I can look at it before I order it. It would be great to carry on vacations.

Small group is coming in about 30 minutes...I have a large sirloin tip roast in the crockpot and I am making broccoli, and mashed potatoes and gravy. I got a key lime pie and a peanut butter pie from Publix to serve for dessert. I will just eat roast and broccoli. Hopping on the scale this morning was rather motivating...I have gained 20 pounds since the beginning of May, and while I feel like I have NOT eaten enough to cause that, I still can't say I was perfectly on program. If I am perfect, I at least maintain. Any cheats are real problems. The doctor feels like the thyroid is not right, but the blood tests will determine that. The candida can interfer with metabolism, and hinder weight loss too, so I at least have something to think about as a possible solution. In the meantime, I need to go back to Atkins induction to get the insulin levels down.

I need to go and finish up on the dinner. I hope I have time to check in before I crash tonight! :)

:wave:

Hey y'all

I am just popping in to let you all know that I'm starting the adoption process. I decided today that the fertility roller coaster is killing me and I'm just putting on the pounds with all of the meds and the emotional eating. So, I called my friend today who is the head of the Dept. of Social Services here and I signed up for the classes and stuff. We go for our orientation on Sept. 16th. I'm sure I'll have some questions for my adoption moms that are here! So, be ready! Now, time to focus on that and my eating. Thanks for all of your support! I love you all!

Missy
299.5/296/250 (1st goal)

Good evening all. Just popping back in before I go eat. Have to have every thing done before Big Brother comes on tonight. Just found out I'm getting a gallon of wild blackberries. Think I'll make jam out of it. Its soooo good. So I'll have to get my stuff when I grocery shop this week.

Heartmom- wow you are really into that exercise. Wish I could do that... You're so busy it makes my head spin. LOL....

Kengjw- sorry you're grumpy today. Hope things got better. That is some stuffed bell pepper you had there, I've never heard of putting crab meat in it. Yummy...

Pancho- I watch the Amazing Race to. I love it.. You're sure getting those steps in.

Bob- Send over some of that catfish it sure sounds good. Hope you're getting your work caught up..

Monet- So sorry you're having so many problems. Don't know how you keep going and cooking all these great meals. Peanut butter and key lime would be my down fall. Hope your new blender works good. I have one of the hand held blenders to and love it when I make soup or homemade appler butter.

Fruitloupe- Thats really great you've decieded to check into adoption. I hope it all works out for you....

B- peanut butter wwtoast. S-walnuts, cantaloupe L- Grilled cheese sand. S-Apple D- chicken, green beans.

Well time for dinner, been on the computer way to long...

Is it still Tuesday?

Yup--one of THOSE days!

Still, at least I have a roof over my head and electricity, and phones, so I shouldn't complain.

BOB--Hope you get caught up at work soon! Less than three weeks till football season!

SEF--I'm with you on the hysterectomy--best thing I ever did!

Monet--Have the surgery TOMORROW! I don't think I'm going to make you come down here, but I'm not sure I can get up there before I leave for NYC. I'ma week away from an election so it is crazy here.

Pancho--You are a walking machine! I picked out a new pedometer on amazon.com. The one I have doesn't work very well and If I'm going to do this I need an accurate count.

Keng--Hope you are feeling better soon!

Missy--YOU GO GIRL! I bet there is a little one out there for you. I hear you need some patience to go through the process, but I also hear that the end result is well worth it! You know, once you get a little one, I bet you won't be able to imagine having any other child but the one in your arms. I'll be rooting for you!

Jackie--One more? At least you can look forward to starting to feel better for good. I hope it will be a big relief to know that this time you won't get to feeling better only to have to do it all over again. And you should be on the upswing by the time football season begins. Perfect timing!

Gator--We are all worried about you. Let us know that you are ok as soon as you can. I can imagine that getting online is not a priority right now (even if you could). We are thinking about you.

Heart--Even though your eating is not the best on the weekends, you are working out regularly, so that's a great habit!

OK--off for some supper(chicken) and then back to work.

Have a good evening everyone,
Susan

Small group is over, and things are calming down. I used the new blender to make Tom's smoothies for tomorrow. It works great! Small group went well...everyone loved the dinner. I ate some mashed potatoes and tasted both kinds of pies. :( Next week, I am not going to have to make dinner. The young married couple in the group offered. One of the girls is having a birthday on Wednesday of next week, and requested Mexican, so the couple jumped on the chance to cook. One of the guys that lives with them and comes to group is Cuban, so it may be more Cuban than Mexican, but that is fine! I don't have to cook! Woo hoo!

Laura came up very shaken up tonight. There was a very terrible wreck right in front of the Curves where she was working. They went out and talked to the 71 year old woman who was critcally injured, to keep her conscious until the rescue guys got there. They had to use the jaws of life to get her out, and then airlifted her to the hospital. Laura said there was so much blood, it made her ill. She is worried that the woman will not make it. I hope and pray she does.

Not much else to say tonight. I am going to get ready for bed and try to get a decent night's sleep. I think I am supposed to do something tomorrow and I can't remember what it is! ack!

Sweet dreams! Will get my replies in later!

Monet- I'm sorry that Laura had to be witness to that. I also witnessed a very bad wreck when I was a young teenager. The lady had a gash in her head and blood was everywhere. My Dad and I had to direct traffic and get help. I still wonder how she did.

Pancho- I found the Carbolite drinks at Big Lots for $2.99 for a 4 pack. I think it's called "At Last." Sweetened with Splenda. You made a comment about my energy...I'm so not an energetic person. Others may see me like that at times, but trust me, it only comes in spurts,lol.

Well, I got to the 1st exercise class and the instructor called me aside in private. She told me that she had something to tell me but didn't want to hurt my feelings. I told her to just tell me and be honest about it. She said that the other day 2 of the ladies from the 9 am class came in and told her that if I taught that class, that they would leave. That they paid for Cynthia's services, not mine. That they didn't even want her teaching me during that time. Grrr... Cynthia was more upset by it than me. SHe told me she even cried this weekend about it. She said that the 2 ladies that were complaining were "rich", 1 was a doctor's wife and get this...the other a priest! I told her that they were simply rude and being snoots, but other than that it really didn't bother me. I'm not that easily intimidated. Maybe the problem is that they were,lol. I feel for Cynthia because the whole reason she was teaching me to fill in for her is because her knees are bad and it helps her out. Her 9 am class is the hardest on her knees. Oh, well. I'm still going to go to the classes and still fill in on her step classes for her and any other one she might need except for the 9 am class where the snoots are. In fact, I plan on being at the 9 am class first thing tomorrow, I'll just be part of the class, just not leading. I won't let them get to me. In fact, I feel that I will have the best "form" tomorrow outta the bunch. Ha, guess I can be a snoot in my own way,lol. Seems that my hubby also had a bad day with people being snooty. His boss is also his uncle. Well, they are loaded. 3 or 4 NEW vehicles, a $200,000 home, boat, shop, lake, you name it. Which is all fine UNTIL his uncle opened his mouth and told hubby he just didn't see why we don't ditch our "OLD" trailer and build a house. Um hello, he's the one who pays hubby. My DH makes $12 an hour(with taxes held out), no food stamps, on a family of four. It can only stretch so far. We live paycheck to paycheck. I just can't believe the audacity he had saying that, knowing how much he makes. Then to top it off, his 18 year old son(Robby's cousin still living at home) says he's fixing to have a home built and he just doesn't see why it's a big deal for us! Geez. As if I don't already dream about having a home of my own, especially having more space. I just don't understand how some people can be so rude. People should think before they speak. And it's not always about how much you got. We are friends with a couple that has a big beautiful home, makes 5 times what Robby makes, and they hang out at our house all the time. They have never once made us feel uncomfortable. Some people just need some manners. Okay, I promise that I am thru venting. I feel better,lol. So, how did all you Floridians make out? DEB- I've really been wondering about you, everything ok? Drop us a few lines when you get a chance. Well, I stuck to my menu for the day with no cheats. Yay. Taco salad was really good tonight, or maybe I was just really hungry,lol. One of the ladies from my church class commented that my legs and face looked skinnier. I assured them that if it was true, the fat just shifted from there to my gut,lol. FRUIT- Hang in there, girl! Sending you lots of baby vibes!!
Jack-k- Are you starting to feel any better?
Country- Where are ya?
That's it for me until tomorrow...

Good evening...

Jess is really driving me nuts today. My terrible mood swings really didn't help. It is almost 11pm now and she is still awake. We slept late today after the neighbor's nephew left for the airport. We went to sleep at 9pm and she is still not asleep at 11pm. She came out to ask me for more water just a few mins ago.. LOL. Oh Lord, give me patience:) Tomorrow, dh and I have our dentist appointment at 12 pm and 12.30pm so she will missed her nap as she will be hanging around the dentist's office until we are done. I never thought she would still be awake at 11pm?? Arghh!!! I am screaming here so I don't have to scream at her...LOL. Okay, I am done!! lol.

Some replies :

MONET : I am glad Laura loves her new job. Does she get to work out there free? Yes, I love the weather especially the last few days when it was cooler. Hope your lab results come back good. I hate going to the dr and I have a dentist appointment coming up tomorrow. Gerrr....*pouting* lol. Dinner in crockpot sounds so comforting. Oh, Publix pies are delish! Sorry Laura had to witness such horrible accident. Sounds like she was a trooper in helping out in the accident. I cannot imagine what that must be like. Hope the women made it alive.

FRUIT : Wow, that is a big decision and my best wishes for you and dh throughout your adoption process.

JACK-K : Hope your swelling has gone down by now. One more treatment to go...yahoo!! :)

PANCHO : WTG on the steps!! I agree that real estate is a great investment. Rental properties are great but as you said, can be a lot of work :) My dh has few friend that managed a lot of rental properties and hope to eventually retired with those income. Yes, I made myself apologized to Jess when I woke up today. I wanted her to know that I made mistakes too and when I do, I need to apologize and make it right. I wanted to assure her that I love her even when I was nuts!! LOL. Yes, she has been using that "mommy say you are sorry" on me whenever I was out of control. One day, she told me, mommy, you screamed at me yesterday. I said "where"? She said, at bedtime. Then I remember, I did raise my voice slightly (not scream) and told her sternly that I need her to stop playing and go to sleep. Jess won't hesitate to correct me when I am wrong or when she thought I am wrong...lol. Oh, those little creatures!! LOL. You are so right about children, they are so forgiving, that makes me even more guilty...lol.

TONI : Yes, we had a nice time at the lake and picnic. I only brought some fruit salad and some sweet potatoes chips for a simple picnic and to fulfill Jess request for a picnic. I walked/ran a mile with dd riding her tricycle and I was pooped. Gosh, I am so out of shape that it is shameful...LOL. Yes, I added the crabmeat for dh who has currently decided to stay away from all meats except seafood. I thought crabmeat would be a good seafood for stuffing and it was. It came out good except that I needed more "binders" like cheese. The recipe called for mozarella cheese and I didn't have that so I added a little cheedar. The amount wasn't anough. I like the anchovies in the recipe though, it gives the recipe a better flavor.

HEART : WTG on the exercise. You are definitely in a much better shape than I am...way better...LOL.

BOB : Thanks, I was better now that I think she is asleep...I think...lol.

FILLISE : Thanks...I am feeling better. Hope your day was good today.

Did I say I am going to the dentist tomorrow?? This is really a big step for me who hasn't been to a dentist for a longggggggggggg time. I am ready to face my fear and get my teeth in good health before it is too late. Hopefully, I don't shock the dentist!! lol.

Talk to you guys tomorrow.

Julia

Hello everyone, I am not lost.....just very busy. Where does the time go?? Seems like I just get ready to sit down and it's way past my bedtime. I haven't even turned this machine on since Thursday. Hope every one of you that are in Florida are okay. I am so sorry that you all had to go through such a trial. Can't tell when I will be able to get back here......eating has been good since my last CARBAGEFEST on Thursday. Will check in when I can.

Happy WIW.

Hope the scale is good to everyone. I was not happy with it. But with all the swelling, I'm not surprised. I have to get back into my walking. I want to do the breast cancer walk next month and it is 3 miles. Normally wouldn't be a problem, but I haven't walked at all in so long.

All you ladies who have a Costco, did you hear they are going to carry caskets? What a hoot! Get your tp and your casket at the same place.

Nat, you are doing great with your steps. I need to get a better pedometer. I have a McDonald's one and it is not very good. Hope everything is ok with that mole. I have a couple I need removed too, but never seem to make time for another dr. Not sure what comes next. I will ask tomorrow.

Sef, hope everything is ok with your friend.

Toni, I know what you mean about packing lunches. I fix Dh's every night and even thought it doesn't take long, I hate to do it. I ususally wait until the morning to fix mine.

Heart, you are getting so much exercise. I'm jealous. I never could do the Taebo. I'm not coordianted enough. I can't beleive those ladies could say that. The leader should have told them she needed help b/c of her knees. I agree, go in there and show them up. Some people are so rude.

Ken, I hope your funk passes. We always seem to take it out on those we love. Just give her lots of hugs and she will forget about it. It affected you more than her I'm sure.

Bob, one good thing about being busy at work is it makes the day go quicker.

Missy, I'm glad to hear you are taking the next step. I pray that it all works out and it goes smoothly for you. Maybe now you can relax a little.

Susan, they were advertising the RNC last night and I was thinking about you. I'm sure you are so busy getting ready for it. It should be fun for you.

Monet, Yeah, you finally get a break on cooking. You deserve it. Sure hope that lady is ok.

Teensy, hurry back when you get some time. Still picking fruit?

Country, are you getting ready for school? Where are you.

Need to start my day here. Have a great day.

It's 10:00 am and I am JUST now getting out of bed. This is so unusual for me, but I was up until 3 am working on a project (one of those things that when the creative juices finally got flowing I just had to work until I finished it). So I slept in this morning.

WIW was good to me--down a couple of punds from last week. This after having a little stall so it's nice to see the scale moving again.

Jackie--I am busy getting ready to go--organizing my wardrobe is the biggest pain. We have gotten so many invitations to parties and receptions that I'm putting them all on a spread sheet with the necessary clothing so I will know what I have to take. May need to buy bigger suitcase--this definately isn't going to be done with one carry-on bag! You'll get back to walking soon--jus take it one step at a time!

Teensy--Good to hear from you!

Keng--Try not to be too hard on yourself--you are only human after all. The little ones can try our patience one minute and be the sweetest things the next--but so can the big people!

Monet--I hope Laura is feeling better. Such a horrible thing to see! I hope you are feeling better too--got to get that thyroid in line!

Heart--What snobs!!!!! You are a better person than they--money has nothing to do with it! Maybe DH should use his uncle's sudden interest in your housing to ask for a raise! LOL!

Got to go, a client is calling.

Susan

Morning!

I have been up since 7, but just did not check in until now. I have finished the pot of coffee, solved the puzzle of spider solitaire with four suits twice, snuggled with the cat for an hour, read up on pastel techniques and looked over some posted art work on the artists' forum, and now I am tired and feel like crawling back into bed!

I was reading on Mercola's web site about the probiotics he recommends. I am mainly hoping to find solutions for systemic yeast infections, which I am sure I have. Anyone have problems with candida albicans? What do you do to keep it under control?

My Penzey's order came yesterday. I was going to do Atkins induction, but I just could not get over the temptation to have a piece of cinnamon toast with the Penzey's cinnamon. MMmmmmm! There is nothing like it! Its the highest grade available in the US, and has a pungent bite to it that is unlike the bland cinnamon available in grocery stores. I also got some true cinnamon, and I can't wait to try it. Cinnamon available in the US is almost always cassia bark, and not true cinnamon. Its close to the real thing, but for connoisseurs, there is a huge difference. I aspire to connoisseur-dom, so I got both kinds. Supposedly, cinnamon helps with insulin efficiency, and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. It has also been shown to help in weight control. I will keep you posted on how it works for me! ;)

FILLISE: I hope you have a suitcase with wheels. Sounds like you are going to be quite the social butterfly while at the convention! If you meet anyone famous, take pictures! ;)

JACK: Are you kidding about Costco carrying caskets? Ew! Reminds me of the movie Pollyanna.... I would chose a pine box if it were legal. Who cares? Its not like it has to be comfortable or anything.

TEENSY: I am glad you are not lost! I miss you! Hurry back.

KENG: Kids are so funny! You apologize once, and they think they can pull a guilt trip on you everytime you have to reprimand them! Mine were masters at it. Of course, they learned from the best, as did I! My mother was wonderfully talented at it. James Dobson's books helped me a lot when my kids were young.

HEART: I agree with Fillise..perhaps its time for your hubby to point out to his uncle that trying to support a family of four on $12 a hour is hard enough, without thinking about building a house. My single son makes $11 an hour, and has trouble making ends meet. Shame on his uncle for paying him so little!

FRUIT: That is great that you are going to look into adoption. I hope and pray you will be blessed, as well as be a blessing.

:wave: to anyone I missed!

I think I am out of hiding now. :) Recently I went through a bad spell with my weight and was very moody so I thought I'd leave the board. Eat a few bad things and get all better. LOL It didn't work exactly that way but I think I am coming out of it. I think what's so hard is being at the same weight for 3 years and all the weight charts telling me I am still over weight. A few weeks ago my weight was staying closer to 160 than the normal 154 and I was feeling like such a failure. I'm staying closer to 155 now. It more like a battle than way of life at times. I just want to eat like everyone else and not gain weight...not gonna happen. But enough of that...just kinda wanted to share what was going on.

I'm cooking breakfast for the crew so I will sneak back on later...hopefully...when I have a tad more time.

You guys are the best and I sure did miss ya'll.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

I was going to be lazy, crawl in bed and read a book. The phone rang, and it was Ruth wanting me to go work out with her. I thought, why not? So instead of napping, I got in 30 minutes of exercise at Curves. It felt good! Now I am eating some Smart Balance popcorn. It has no trans fats, and I kept looking for something salty and crunchy, so I thought this was better than going for the two brownies that were beginning to beckon me.

COUNTRY: Its good to see you. I sure do miss you when you desert us. :( How tall are you? I would SO love to weigh 160....gosh, I would be happy just being under 200! I do know what you mean about being able to eat like other people. When I do, I gain. If I am not on program, I gain. I have to stay on program to maintain. It sucks.

ALRIGHT, IT'S WED, AND WE ONLY HAVE 3 PAGES OF POSTS...WHERE IS EVERYONE??????

Happy WIW. I was at 120#'s this morning. I got up at 4:30 to go to the gym, and then went to my doctor for a full physical. I had to fast since they were taking blood, so I was starved when I got out of there. BUT, I only had 1/2 of a Trioplex bar and a plum. I can get through a workout without eating, but I like to eat right after.

Has anyone heard of Omega Eggs? I heard that Trader Joes carries them and they are supposed to be the very healthy fat eggs. I'll have to read up on them. I usually just mix one of my eggs with egg white if I want an omelette, but if there is a healthier alternative then I am all into checking it out.

My weight was at 122#'s at the doctor's office, with clothes on...I did take off my tennis shoes though :lol: . It is so nice to finally see those numbers on the scale. A woman, at the gym this morning, was asking me if I had met my goals yet and told me that I was looking really good. That was a great boost. I told her that I exceeded my weight goals, by far... but definately have goals now to tone up and stay healthy.

I have to go by the Naturopathic office to pick up some supps today, and then will run into Whole Foods for some Almond and Oat flour. I am going to drop Britt off with her dad (she doesn't know it yet), and he is going to take her bowling and to play some arcade type games and take her to dinner. He wanted to do this before school starts.

BOB: EWWWW...I could not stand Mirna. Charla was fine, but Mirna made me crazy...I also dislike Colin and Christy. I am pulling for either Chip & Kim or Brandon & Nicole or even the bowling moms. I don't like the twins too much. I'd say sorry that Charla and Mirna are gone, but I'm not....you'll have to pick a new favorite :lol: :lol: .

Monet: Hope all the lab results are improved. I've heard of people making positive changes by clearing up candida in their systems. Glad you found your blender and that it works well. I've also heard of all the health benefits of cinnamon. I love it and eat it on anything I can. You said that you got the Penzey's cinnamon and true cinnamon; what's the difference? I know Penzey's is higher grade, but what makes it different than the true cinnamon? Just curious. So sorry Laura had to witness something like that...those kinds of things tend to stay with you for awhile.

Fruit: Congratulations on your desicion to adopt. I wish you all the luck with the process, and hope it happens quickly for you.

Toni: Who do you want to win on Amazing Race?

Fillise: Hope you get your pedometer soon and it is accurate. It is so exciting to keep track. Britt asks me all the time, "how many steps have you done?" Congrats on the loss!!! Keep up the great work.

heart: If you don't have high energy, then that is even more impressive that you muster up all that energy. Great attitude about not letting those women keep you from working out, right alongside of them. You just kick their butt! Not sure why people have to make problems, but so many do. Those friend you mentioned are the true friends you really want; forget about all the others.

Ken: Hang in there, Mama. You are a great mom and Jess knows it. Good luck at the dentist; don't hyperventilate!

Teensy: Howdy stranger!

Jack-K: That's kinda eerie...caskets? Come on! Good luck tomorrow. I pray all goes well for you!

Country: Thanks for sharing your frustrations with us; that's what we are here for. Please come post more often, even if you just need to vent. We miss having you around.

Wow, where'd the morning go? I'll have to be making lunch soon!

Take care,
Nat

HiedieHo All!

Off and running. Went shopping. I am going to a BBQ tonight for the choir and my job is the pickles, Olives, etc.

I have heard from my friend today. The power is back on, said she missed her showers. They hard tree damage as did their neighbors and they have been out trying to clear it away. Also helping neighbors. She said they had 120 mph winds and it was scary as you know what. I was so glad to hear from her.

Yesterday was a good day. The drummer (who also sings a song or two) and saxophonist couldn't be with us, so we just filled
in for their solo numbers. I love to get the audience to participate. I am working on refreshing my memory on "The Preacher and the Bear" for next month's novelty tune. I love to do fun songs!

TONI: See above about friend. My DIL planted a tomato plant which is huge, but has not done diddly squat bearing. You make me drool....homemade apple butter. We made it every year, takes time but we had to have it! At the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival in Kutztown, PA. they demonstrated how it was made in bygone times, huge vats with paddles on hinged sticks to be able to keep their distance from the wood fire. The festival is always in July, what a job to be demonstrating then! It takes hours so they did shifts.

KEN: We all get bad moods. Unfortunately it seems to be human nature to share it with those nearest and dearest. Your kids know that is not the way you usually are. You explain and apologize and they go off on another tangent. I think sometimes it affects us more than them.

BOB: Thanks for the info, very nice of you to relieve my mind a bit.

MONET: Hope the ear heals soon and you feel better in general. Laura may have been shaken and sick, but she is to be commended for doing what had to be done.

FRUIT: So glad to hear about adoption start-up. It is a process, you don't need credentials to be a parent naturally, but adoptive parents are special. I think they are better prepared when the time comes. You and Terry are such happy, loving people you will be great parents. My sister says it is worth all the paperwork, etc., she did it twice. Prayers as always.

HEART: People can be insensitive. I'd be venting too. Jus consider the source. People who are like that are making up for their own feeling of inadequacy.

Time to watch "As Time Goes By"


May Good Things Happen

Shirley

Hey, guys. Just got home from exercise class. Afterwards, everybody went and ate at the Salad Factory, couldn't go because I'm broke...oh, well. Ya'll I didn't get to sleep until 2 am, and up at 6! I was so tired doing the 9 am class(where the snoots are). I just went thru the motions without having that extra bounce that I planned on,lol. I sticked around for the seniors class and actually taught it. It's alot slower than the other classes. I still messed up 3 or 4 times. My mind just went blank, duh. But the ladies are so much nicer in that class and told me I did good anyways. Monday they all want to get together after class and go to Applebee's. They picked Applebee's because it has a Weight Watcher menu. Wonder if it's SB legal...I hope I'll have enough money to go(I'll need to buy Boogie's lunch,too.). I'm also going out this Saturday evening with my ladies from my church exercise class. I hope hubby works a couple hours overtime,lol. This is the part I like, the fun of it. Some people are just way too serious for me. I could tell that Cynthia was still upset by the ladies in the 9 am class because she kept talking about it. I told her that if it doesn't bother me, then not to let it get to her. I do feel bad for her because I could tell her knees were bothering her during the class and she had to still go at it because of the snoots. Man, my stomach is growling..time for lunch! Here's my menu for the day..

BF- was 2 eggs and 2 1/2 slices bacon --cup of 2 % milk.
Snack- Granny Smith apple, diet coke
Lunch- hmmm...I think I will make another one of my famous tuna salads(veggies, cheese, egg, peppers, tuna, Ranch dressing)--diet coke(yea, I know!!) You would think I would be burned out on these salads, but I love em.
Supper- Chicken breast cooked in Ranchero sauce probably topped with a bit of cheese, green beans, and not really sure, maybe some brocolli and cheese?

Oh yea, WIW- sucks! Hehe...I'm up 3 pounds from last week. That's what I get for being an oinker this past weekend. I took my measurements and everything was the same EXCEPT for my stomach. I was right, it's bigger. A whole inch in the waist and 1/2 an inch in my gut. Hopefully, it'll go back down when I lose these 3 or 4 pounds lingering.

Sorry I can't make this long. I didn't sleep a wink last night. I have a yeast infection and am on my way to get medicine. So Monet I can feel for you.... But I'm so excited I lost 5 lbs. this week. This has been my first weight loss in ages, and I know its cause I ate good over the week end. Yippee!!!! Will try to come back later...

Happy WIW today!

I was up a pound today, no biggie but mainly I need to limit my illegal stuff which I had a lot last week with my neighbor...lol, for the purpose of my blood sugar control. I know they are fine right now but I don't want to put my guard down :) Thanks for all your kind words on my terrible moods yesterday. I know posting here will keep me in control...LOL. I really appreciate all your help and support :)

Yeahhhhh!!!! I finally went to the dentist and dh had his first dentiast appointment since 5 years ago...lol. Gosh, I was tensed and had butterflies in my tummy all morning and at the appointment. I just couldn't wait to get it over with. When the hygenist looked into my mouth, I thought she was going to faint...lol. Well, she was extremely nice and made sure that I was okay with the treatment she was doing from time to time. Looks like for now, I need to go back for deep cleaning (3 to 4 times to cover the whole mouth) and that's it!! If they find anything else, then they will proceed from there. They also prescribed me and dh a medicine to help the gums heal better. I was so worried that I might need any majoy surgery since I really haven't been to a dentist for a long time. Gosh, it was such a relief and accomplishment everytime I concur my fear. I feel more powerful now...LOL. I am so glad my friends recommend this dentist to us, he seems like an honest man and very friendly too. Whewwww!!! LOL. Can you tell I am really relief?? LOL. Sorry for babbling about going to the dentist since yesterday...lol. Okay, lets get back to SB related. My menu so far :

Breakfast : 1 piece of ww toast with a salmon patti. Water.

Snack : No snack since I was at dentist the dentist office.

Lunch : Baked salmon with some Jamaican jerk marinade, leftover squash casserole and pasta.

Snack : Fruit salad. May add some yogurt.

Dinner : Not sure what yet.

JACK-K : Sorry the scale went up and like you said, there was reasons behind it. Hope the swelling goes down soon. 3 miles is a lot to me (I am in terrible shape) but I know that you can do it!!

FILLISE : Congrats on your 2 lbs loss! Glad you slept in and get the rest you needed.

MONET : I have not heard of Penzey's cinnamon, must be so tasty than the regular one we get at store. I love cinnamon and will try to use in on anything that will go well with it. I have not read any book from James Dobson but have heard so much about him. I have mostly read "Parenting With Love and Logic" and love it. I put lotsa the practices to work and since then parenting has been less stressful. I actually learnt of this book from my church when they were having a parenting class based on that book. I definitely have to borrow James Dobson's book from my church. I am all up for improving my parenting skills and keeping up with Jess with new ideas and suggestions...LOL. I used to think otherwise and would only do what I knew, basically from my mom which isn't bad but now I realized there are more ways and some are better ways and less stressful and mostly important, every kids are different. WTG in going to Curves today. I bet that feels so good.

COUNTRYMOM : Hi there!! We have missed you. Hey, don't went into hiding when you are not doing well. I was in a terrible mood yesterday and couldn't stay away from this board...lol. I just needed to report to someone and keep myself in check so I don't go too overboard. You need your friends mroe when you are struggling, so don't go hiding again :)

PANCHO : I am sure your physical's results will come back fine. You are certainly a healthy role model for us :)

SEF : Thanks for your kind words. Jess is definitely very forgiving and I, for one do not like to see how I acted yesterday. I am certainly trying to find out better way to deal with my mood swings when it comes once every month.

HEART : You certainly have a great attitude about the "snoots" in the 9 am class. You di the right thing. It is their loss :)

TONI : Sorry about your infection. Hopefully that get under control soon. WTG on that 5 lbs loss!! Wow...5 lbs are fantastic!! Woo Hooo, it calls for celebration!! See...every little effort you make helps and if you ever get to the discouraging stage again, remember this 5 lbs loss and you will get over those hard times again. WTG!!

Alright...time to get my snack in. I am really craving for fruits or actually my body is :)
Will check in later!!

Julia

Evening every buddy!!!

I had a pretty good day until this afternoon when we learned that two of our team members were going to be out of work for the next two weeks! MORE WORK!!!

MONET....I have the BRAUN HAND MIXER and I wouldn't or couldn't do without it! I've have it for about 15 yrs and it's still as good today as it was the day I brought it home! You won't be sorry to have one!

I found this article that I wanted to share with y'all! It's so sad!

Couch-bound woman's death raises questions
By Jose Lambiet

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

At 478 pounds, Gayle Grinds had become the invisible woman.

Her neighbors never knew Grinds was among them, even though she lived in her small, fading, green row house in the Golden Gate community south of Stuart for 10 years.

Social services agencies hadn't heard of her; Grinds got by on Social Security checks while suffering from life-threatening obesity. Visitors rarely came. Grinds lived in a squalid home with a man unable to care for her, stuck too far from the stove to cook, too far from the bathroom to take a shower.

Rescuers had to fabricate a makeshift stretcher big enough to accommodate 478-pound Gayle Grinds when they came to her home Aug. 10.
Strangely, there is no trace of Grinds in the 1981 Martin County High School yearbook, even though she attended that school for four years. Her name isn't there. Her picture is missing.

It is as if she never existed.

"My mom didn't like anyone taking pictures of her," said Grinds' 14-year-old adopted daughter, Deanna. "She was a proud woman."

Grinds would have turned 40 on Aug. 27. She died early Aug. 11 at Martin Memorial Hospital South. Her case was so disturbing that some members of the ER crew that night sought counseling, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

Grinds had been lying on a dirty burgundy-and-gray fabric couch in her living room for most of the past six years when family members called 911 late on Aug. 10 to report that Grinds was having difficulty breathing. Unwashed for months, lying in her own excrement, couch fabric intertwined with the skin of her back, Grinds screamed in pain when the rescuers, clad in protective gear, tried to lift her.

They had to fabricate a makeshift stretcher big enough to accommodate Grinds, a 4-foot-10 woman who weighed 140 pounds more than the 7-foot-1 Shaquille O'Neal, but they couldn't fit her into an ambulance. With Grinds still fused to the couch, they laid her on a borrowed trailer pulled by a pickup. Surgeons never had time to separate her from the couch. She died less than two hours after being hospitalized.

While her death certificate lists "morbid obesity" as the cause of her passing, police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding Grinds' care. Criminal neglect charges, they said, are possible.

Humiliation began with a fall

Earlier in her life, things were different for Grinds.

In her 20s, she was visible in the community where she lived at the time, a blighted, high-crime complex of $100-a-month rental units in East Stuart. Gregarious, already 300 pounds but mobile, Grinds was known as a great cook who loved to pass around her fried chicken and fish. She had a giant appetite, but she told friends a thyroid problem made her obese.

Former neighbors said she already lived with Herman Thomas, a roofer who was with her until the end. At the time, Thomas was bringing home enough of a paycheck to buy a small Japanese car that Grinds used to drive residents to the supermarket or church.

"Gayle Grinds?" repeated Alice Robertson, a longtime resident of the Tarpon Commons complex. "Everybody knew her. She was a nice lady. You couldn't help liking her. She was well-adjusted. You could hear her laugh all over the complex. She stood out because she was so big."

Although she didn't have any children of her own, Grinds asked a local judge to award her custody of a 9-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl orphaned when Grinds' younger sister, Jessie, died at 25. She also was known to watch other residents' children.

"She was a good mother to us," said Deanna, the girl whose custody Grinds was awarded in 1992. "She was buying us stuff all the time. She taught me to cook."

About the same time, however, Grinds' life changed in the few seconds it takes to lose one's footing.

Years of humiliation started with a fall.

"She was just walking in the complex, and she fell in mud," Robertson said. "I remember waiting for the ambulance with her. She was in pain. She was lying in mud, and no one could lift her up until the ambulance came. She broke her leg pretty bad."

According to Robertson and another neighbor at the complex, John Harris, it took Grinds almost a year to recover. While she was laid up with pins in her left leg, she gained another 100 pounds. For a time, she got around in a wheelchair, then with the help of a walker. Eventually, she became mobile again, and in 1994 moved a few miles south to Golden Gate, into her last home.

Couch an island of no return

In 1998, said Vivian Kendricks, Grinds' older sister, she fell again and broke the same leg. She sought treatment and recovered, Kendricks said, but never left her couch again.

"There is one thing that kept my sister on that couch — fear," Kendricks said. "She had been in such pain when she broke her leg that she was too afraid it would happen again."

Thomas, Grinds' longtime boyfriend, could not be located after Grinds' death. But several of Grinds' acquaintances said he couldn't take care of her — except to get her basic groceries.

Basically jobless, Thomas looks 20 years older than his 54 years. Criminal records show he has been arrested on drug- and alcohol-related charges, including a DUI on his bicycle in 2002. He was described by one Golden Gate neighbor as someone who did little more than sit alone in the yard for most of the day, drinking bottles of Budweiser while Grinds lay on the couch.

Then, just as Grinds needed help the most, relatives also were in trouble. Her younger brother, Clifford Grinds, was arrested 14 times in Martin County in the past 20 years on charges ranging from cocaine possession to assault and robbery. He was sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison. And Marcus, the son that Grinds adopted from her sister, last year was arrested for allegedly trying to shoplift a camera from a Stuart Wal-Mart.

One cousin in an ideal position to help said she didn't know about Grinds' problems. When Grinds adopted her niece and nephew, court documents show, she listed her cousin Evelyn Harris as the person who would take care of them if she died. That cousin is a family support worker for the state's Department of Children and Families in Stuart, which has a unit charged with taking care of adults who can't take care of themselves. By law, DCF workers must report cases of children or adults in need of services.

Harris, a 23-year DCF veteran, hung up on a reporter when asked about Grinds. Later, she put out a statement through the department's public relations office.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my cousin," she wrote. "I had no knowledge of the condition of my cousin or the home, as I had not been inside the home for more than five years. Had I known about the condition of my cousin and the home, I would of course have done something."

All of Harris' work evaluations at DCF showed performance ranging from "exceeding expectations" to "outstanding."

DCF later issued this statement by Christine Demetriades, a DCF public information officer: "After looking into this matter, the Department of Children and Families has no reason to believe there was any misconduct on the part of our employee Ms. Harris. Ms. Harris has always been a very capable and caring employee."

Deplorable living conditions

On her couch — mostly watching television, Kendricks said — Grinds sank into depression, according to an acquaintance who visited her three years ago. The home became so squalid that some of Grinds' friends who used her to watch their kids stopped taking them there.

The stench of stale urine and feces still emanated from the home two days after Grinds died, reaching the street 90 feet away, and at least two adjacent properties. Scrawny cats jumped in and out of the house through a broken floor-level window.

When the fire-rescue crew arrived at the house, they found a sparsely furnished home with no air conditioning and letters piled on a table with cockroaches eating their way through the envelopes. Around the space where Grinds' couch had been, they saw dozens of empty Publix soda cans strewn on the floor. Empty bags of Doritos, Ruffles chips, an ice-cream cone wrapper and rotting, maggot-infested oranges had been thrown on the floor among unwashed pants, T-shirts and underwear.

A television and stereo equipment were on the floor — bare concrete in some parts. In the kitchen, the fridge wasn't working and contained several plates of decomposing food. Two bedrooms had mattresses on the floor, including one partly burned, among clothes, paperwork and more food wrappers.

Two of Grinds' three surviving siblings couldn't explain why rescuers found her in such a shape. Brother Clifford Grinds, now out of jail and living 5 miles away, said he loved his sister.

"She was the sweetest person I knew," he said. "If we knew things were so bad, we would have done something." He declined to comment further.

And sister Vivian Kendricks said she did visit Grinds once in a while, washing her on her couch and cooking for her. She didn't remember the last time she saw Grinds and said nothing seemed to be wrong with her lifestyle.

"I know she started feeling real bad two weeks ago," Kendricks said. "But she had asthma. My sister was hard-headed. She just wouldn't get off that couch."

Kendricks said people in her neighborhood of East Stuart have been looking at her differently since the news spread.

"Some say we should go to jail for letting her deteriorate," the 44-year-old Kendricks said. "Why should we go to jail? Gayle was a grown woman. She could make her own decisions."


I'm off to fix supper....I'll check in later!

BOB

Hi everyone:

I just wanted to check in with today's menu. I think I ate too much, but oh well...we'll see.

BF: 1/2 Trioplex bar & a plum
Snack: Dr. Kracker crackers w/ laughing cow lite cheese
Lunch: Basmati rice w/chicken, broth & chicken soup & large salad w/ vinegar/oil dressing
mid-day: In & Out protein burger
Snack: 2 legal cookies
Dinner: 1 egg and some add'l egg whites scrambled with onions, mushrooms, red peppers, fresh spinach & salsa & 1 slice WW toast w/ Smart Balance butter

I have also had about 65 oz of water today.

I will be going to the gym tomorrow a.m., and then to the dermatologist to have this mole removed. I will check in when I get back home.

Have a good evening!
Nat

Ah, I'm full. I had the Ranchero chicken with cheese, green beans, and instead of brocolli(was out), had a side salad with Ranch dressing. I also need to add to my menu- yogurt for afternoon snack. I feel like I've eaten too much today. But I think my menu looks okay. The day has been pretty uneventful. Besides exercise class I really haven't done anything, picked up the house and cooked, that's about it. Just one of those days. I should be exhausted with the lack of sleep last night, but I'm not tired yet. Hope it changes soon.

Toni- That's awesome! I know you're estactic about your weight loss. I know I would be. It's great to have a good loss like that after not losing for awhile. I think I kinda can remember what that feels like,lol. Hopefully, it will be me soon.

All this talk about the dentist...I haven't been since I was 18 years old!! I'm terrified of them. I know that I should be taking better care of my teeth, at least I floss,lol.

Evening!

Dinner was chili with cinnamon, and Penzey's med. chili powder. Great stuff! I put some cheddar cheese and sour cream on it. For a nightcap, Tom and I had some decaf coffee fixed with a stick of Ceylon cinnamon in it. Yum!

BOB: That is a sad story. That poor woman needed help. It sounds like what she was eating was all carby junk. No wonder she got so big! And you wonder, are there others out there like her?

PANCHO: You mentioned Omega eggs...I use organic eggs, which are naturally lower in Omega 6 and higher in Omega 3s. I think it has something to do with the feed they give the chickens. The flavor is so much better than regular eggs. I will occasionally use the four grain cage free eggs when I don't want to pay the extra 50 cents a dozen for organic, but I usually feel like the organic is worth it. We eat a lot of eggs around here. I will have two or three for breakfast most mornings.

HEART: I go to the dentist twice a year because insurance pays for it. I am one of those with excellent teeth, though, and I really don't need to go. If you brush and floss, and don't eat sugar, your teeth are probably going to be better than someone who eats sugar. You really SHOULD go once in a while just to make sure.

I have to go make smoothies for Tom, and portion out his cottage cheese, and stuff. At least the new blender makes short work of the smoothies....

Good night all! Sweet dreams! :wave:

Talk about a busy day. Busy doing what I don't know but it went pretty fast. :) After my walk this evening the kids noticed that one of our horses Honey was hurt. She is dang near impossible to catch but Britt's fella came over and got her with a rope. It still took about an hour or so. She will be fine but it's such a pain when they aren't overly friendly.

Monet..I'm about 5' 7". ooo your dinner sounds so good. I love chili. Especially in the winter. It really warms your tummy and sticks to your ribs.

Bob...how very sad that someone could sit somewhere long enough for the sofa to grow to them and no one notice. It breaks my heart that somone would have to lead that kind of life.

Heart....your dinner sounds good also. I think I'm a tad hungry. :) Just teasin' I'm not hungry but it does sound good. I've really been enjoying chicken a lot more than normal this summer. You work out so hard...I feel like a lazy bones. WTG You should be so proud of yourself. I'm sorry the 9 am ladies are being mean.

Toni...woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!! five pounds is awesome.

Poncho..howdy. Sound like you are working your little tail off also. Good job.

Julia..thank you. You are such a sweetheart. I'm sure your little girl has already forgotten that mom had a bad day. They are so good at loving and forgiving.

Hey Sef. ((hugzz))

Missy...saying a prayer for you as you start this new adventure.

Susan..howdy woman.

Jackie-K...praying your last treatment is the easiest of all and destroys all the bad cells and you get a clean bill of health when it's all over. (((hugzz)))

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Good EARLY morning to you ladies!

I just had to let you all know my latest good news....you know that custody case I was involved in with one of my students from last school year? Well, the dad got custody!!!! We are soooo excited! :D Yesterday was my first day back at school and I had to go to court in the morning to testify in behalf of the father. The mother's attorney was trying to make me out to have some grudge against the mother. I taught her daughter 3 years ago and he was trying to say that I had problems with her from that and that I was trying to get back at her! How ABSURD! Then the mother got on the stand and tried to bad mouth me - she said that I was over exaggerating everything and that she didn't like me as a teacher (if that's the case, why didn't she have her son taken out of my class when he was put in it!?) In the end, it seems that my testimony was very important to the case - the judge kept referring back to my testimony when he was making his ruling. Now, my boss laughed and said that I need to wear a bullet proof vest to school! OH MY! The only sad thing about the situation is that the boy won't be coming to our school anymore. I will miss him. But, I will be sure to keep in touch with the family. You know the best part...after the custody was granted to the dad, the mom didn't even cry- didn't shed 1 tear!!! After a few minutes, she asked if she could claim the child on her taxes for the year?!?!!!!!! :eek: So, what does that tell you about her. She's all about the child support - I guess that's why she has 3 kids for 3 different men! UGH! The best part is the judge said that she will have to pay child support - they said they didn't want her money....his attorney said - NO it's the law she at least has to pay the minimum - $100/month! HA!

HEART: I can't believe all of the snootiness going around you lately!!! WTG on not letting them get to you!

BOB: Thanks for the e-card! You are the bestest!


Well, let me run - I need to get ready for work!

A quick check-in this morning. Good to see Country back and fruit so happy! I like it when a day starts out with good news! Now if only we could hear from Gator today. . .

Susan

I totally agree with Fillise....

I am having a hard time getting started this morning. I need to go get the coffee going. That always helps. Tom told me last night one of the single guys from church is coming over for dinner. I usually make dinner for my massage therapist on Thursdays too, so I think I am going to make something easy, and make beef curry. I can make whole wheat noodles, or brown rice to serve it on, and with a salad it makes a very nice meal. I usually put potatoes in it, but I am not sure if I will or not. My massage therapist and her family all do South Beach, so they don't want the potatoes either. I need to run to the store and get more carrots and celery.

I am really sore from working out two days in a row. I may try and get over there again today just to get over some of the stiffness.

FRUIT: I am so glad that dad got custody. Thank you for testifying for the case! I wish people were willing to stick their necks out for truth. The mother sounds awful.

COUNTRY: At 5'7", 155 to 160 is not a bad weight. You are rather active, working with horses, and taking care of family - homeschooling, cooking, cleaning... You may not have more weight to lose. I am 5'8" and when I was 160 to 165 in college, I was pretty thin. Insurance companies are the ones who make up those weight charts, and we know what they are like.....

Ok, I am going to make some coffee.... be back later! :wave:

Good Morning

This is a drive-by. I am super busy here and I have to leave at 11:30 for my LAST treatment :dance:

Did get out and walk about 1 mile last night. Slower than I like, but at least we got out there. This morning I couldn't sleep so I went again for about 35 minutes. I want to go every day a little and build back up. I hope it will help with the bond pain next week and I'm not too tired to get out there.

Just a couple replies:

Toni, WTG on the 5 lbs. that is awesome.

Bob, I read that women weighed 600 lbs.

Country, so glad you are back. Hey, we can help with moods. Stay put.

Monet, Ken, Heart, :wave: have a great day.

Anyone else I missed :grouphug: Not intentional.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Hey, all. Not much going on. My life is pretty uneventful,lol. I did get a nice surprise with the scale this AM. It's down 2 from yesterday. I wonder if the Taco Salad the other night made me hold on to some fluid. Anyway, I'm still up 1 more pound from last week and 2 pounds total from my low. I'll get there. I'm feeling very non-energetic today. I usually exercise a bit when I'm in a energy slump. But I don't want to overdo it today because I have 2 classes this evening. I might drink a sf energy drink in awhile. Our local news reported the other night that our county has $10,000,000 to give out in loans for houses strictly for low-income families. The guy that runs it won't be back in his office until next week. And I know there are probably ALOT of people waiting. But I would just LOVE to have a house of my own. Yes, I own this mobile home, and it's cute, but it's simply no comparison to having a HOUSE. Definetly need the room. SO I'm asking if you'll say a little prayer for us, that we'll qualify for it. The only thing I can think of that would deny us is that we have too much debt(therefore they would be thinking we wouldn't have enough monies to pay the mortgage). Anyway, here's my menu for the day:

Bf- was 5 strawberries and LC yogurt
Snack- about an hour later I had 4 oz. cup of NSA applesauce(craving fruit today)
Lunch- will be the same as yesterday...salad made with LS tuna, veggies, peppers, 1 egg, Ranch dressing and Diet Coke
Snack- probably a can Carborite drink
Supper- I'm cooking pinto beans and sausage in the crockpot. When done, I top it with cheese, salsa, and sour cream. The rest of the family eats cornbread with it. This is really good. And dry pintos don't have as much carbs as I thought once you subtract the fiber(14 g per serving). So you only end up with 8 starchy carbs a serving. Good thing, since I usually eat 2 bowls!! This is an inexpensive and good supper. I add onion, jalapenos, tomatoes, bay leaves, a touch of cajun seasoning, pepper, garlic, and bay leaves to the beans and sausage. SO it's an easy recipe.

BOB- That really was sad. I have so many questions about it. Like why did her family who lived close, didn't care enough to come by more regularly? It's not like that happened overnight. And why didn't she reach out for help? Why did she allow herself to be in that continued situation?

I forgot to add an orange to my BF part of the menu.

Good afternoon,

I woke up this morning feeling tired, just not sleep-deprived tired, it's something else, more like pregnant tired...LOL. No, I don't believe that I am pregnant :) I think last week or so I had a day like that when I felt blahhh and lost my taste bud and appetite. I usually get better towards the evening. My menu for today :

Breakfast : 1 piece of ww toast with butter, cinnamon, and drops of Agave. 2 scrambled eggs. Water.

Snack : Missed it since I was really full.

Lunch : Herbed skillet chicken with mushrooms, onions and bell-peppers. Baked sweet potatoes and a salad, if not a stir-fry veges.

Snack : Fruit salad. and maybe yogurt.

Dinner : Not sure yet since I do not have the appetite for anything. There are some ribs cooking in the crockpot at this moment but it won't be ready until 8pm tonight so that will be for tomorrow.

I have to go make lunch (yep, late as usual) and will try to reply later when I feel better.

Good day everyone!!

Julia

Not much going on at the Roth house this morning. Zachary is finishing up his lessons. The other two finished really early. A major blessing.

Jack-K...praying all goes well this morning. You have done such an excellent job of taking care of yourself while you have been going through treatment. So many people would have just chunked it all and did their own thing. You should be so proud of yourself.

Heart..praying you can get the housing.

Missy...awesome that the little boy is going to be where things will be better for him. I can't believe his mama didn't cry. There would be no consoling me.

Julia...sorry you are feeling kinda puney this afternoon.

Monet...thank you. I know you struggle with your thyroid and other problems and still keep on keeping on. There are just times I get so mad that I can't make goal even after lowing my goal. When I had my eating disorder I was SO thin. But I'm gonna be happy to be where I am and not pout. I think there are just certain times I feel pouty. Like when everyone is scarfing everything...LOL I forgot to mention yesterday how sorry I am for your daughter. Praying God will comfort her and take away and lasting painful memories from the accident. What an awesome young lady to sit and comfort the victim.

Hugs to everybody.

Love,
Crystle

Good Morning all:

Anyone heard anything from Gator yet? How 'bout Deb?

I forgot to log my steps the past few days:
Tues = 11,180 - I DID NOT work out that day, and took off just before bed
Wed = 13,014 - I DID work out on this day, and took off just before bed
Thursd = 8,306, so far - I DID work out this morning, and it is going to be a busy day so I will have a high total count this evening. This is so much fun!

I already went to the gym this a.m., to Home Depot to buy my sister a plant (they are moving into their new home today), and to the dermatologist to have mole removed & biopsied.

In a while we will be leaving to go meet Britt's teacher, run by my mom's house, run by my sister's new house, and then back home for awhile. I then have to go to Britt's school this evening for a parent orientation.

Britt had a blast bowling with her dad last night. This place puts up bumpers so the kids don't get gutter balls. They also played some video type games, had dinner and went out for ice cream; she was wired when she got home, it was hard to get her into bed :lol: . But, those memories are priceless.

It's overcast and rainy here today; oh, how I love the rain.

So far today:
BF: 1/2 Trioplex bar
Snack: SF, Soy latte
Snack: Oat/Almond muffin (legal)
Will have some fruit soon
Water: AT least 32 oz

Monet: I found some omega eggs when I was at Whole Foods yesterday. I bought a dozen, but they were pretty pricey. They will last me awhile since I don't eat eggs that often, and when I do, I mix with egg whites. One egg pretty much equals the daily allowance for cholesterol. I heard a study awhile back that even 1 egg a day for women may be too much. Who knows!
I wish I lived closer to you; I'd be over for dinner every night :lol: ; you seem to be such a great cook. No wonder DS wanted to move back home.

Country: I hope Honey is feeling better. Did you figure out how she got hurt?

Fruit: Congrats on the custody case; it must be nice to have such an impact on the course of a child's life. I cannot believe the mother had the gall to ask about a tax deduction; what an idiot!

Jack-K: Good job getting that walk in. Thoughts & prayers are with you today!!

Howdy to Fillise & heart and anyone else I may have missed.

Have a great OP day.

Take care,
Nat

Good afternoon, everyone!

I just finished up two batches of oat bran muffins to stock the freezer for Tom's breakfasts. He has been whining that we were out of them for a week now. :) Poor guy... Now he has blueberry and apple cinnamon ones. The blueberry ones I added some orange extract to...oh, wow! Its Penzey's pure orange extract and it just MADE the muffins! They are SO good!

I picked a huge bag of cherry tomatoes this morning, and ran them over to the church office to the administrator. He is Italian, and loves tomatoes. His got drowned in all the rain in the spring. Ours didn't, since my pokey husband did not plant them until late! Being a procrastinator at times has its advantages!

PANCHO: Well, if you love rain, and want to eat my cooking every night, you really ought to move to Georgia. :) Why don't you hop a plane one weekend, and come visit? Check it out... We can drive over to Auburn and see Fillise, and zip down to the south end of town and meet Julia... Wouldn't it be a blast? I believe BOB talked to Deb, and she is fine. The hurricane was not near Miami, so she was ok there. I do know Orlando was hit with 75 mph winds, and Gator lives near my sister in law, who was going to be without power for four or five days, according to my mother in law. I am guessing Gator is without power, and may have had some damage from the winds. I just wish Debbie would try calling her. I can't find her number, or I would. I am going to keep looking. I did have it at one point....

COUNTRY: Thanks for the kind words about Laura. She is a good girl and generally very caring. I know the accident freaked her out, since her best friend was killed in a car accident four years ago. I don't think she has really dealt with her feelings on that yet. For years she refused to talk about it at all. She is better now, but it sure has taken a long time.

KENG: I have those lazy, don't want to do anything days too. I call them mono days, from when I had mono and had to stay in bed for six weeks. Once in a while, a mono day is very restorative. I hope you are not fighting a virus or something. If being lethargic continues, do see your doctor to see if there is a physical cause for it. Thyroid problems can make you feel out of it, as can a few other things, like infection, or even a candida problem.

JACK: I will be thinking of you this afternoon, and praying for you. I am so glad this is the last treatment. I will be anxious to hear what they tell you after its all over.

I think I will go take a snooze. My steps are right at 3900 for the day so far. This is not great, but not as bad as I thought it might be. I would like to get in more, so I am going to try and walk around more as I am cooking tonight! :) I counted, and I can walk the circle from the kitchen, to the living room, through the dining room and back to the kitchen and its about 30 steps. If I keep walking around in circles it won't take long to get the count up! ;)

I'm posting a few pics from our vacation. Not happy with the way they turned out. Really need to invest in a better camera. There are 7 total.

Here are the other 2. In the 1st one, I'm on the swing(wearing hat) at Dinosaur Adventure Land and the second photo is our goldfish pond that RObby and I built this summer.

Good afternoon everyone. Started my day with a dear friend coming over for coffee. We had such a nice chat it made my day. My DH had to go in early for work today so its kind of lonely in the house. Wonder if I would think that if he was working days... B- peanut butter toast, L-scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. S- apple D- A giant bowl of my homemade vegetable soup, S- peach or orange.

Bob- I had read that story before and it makes me so sad. What has happened to people that they're so busy in the world they can't stop for a minute and check on a love one.

Pancho- Good luck at the dermatologist with your mole removal. What are those Dr. Kracker crackers?

heartmom- Your lunch sounds so yummy I could bite your post! LOL... I'm scared to death of the dentist. And just dread going... And its getting time for a check up and cleaning... eeeeekkkkkk

Monet- These spices you're getting sound wonderful. Wish my DH would eat healthier like your DH. I would gladley make him a smoothie or anything but he's fallen off the wagon and eats awful..

CountryMom- Glad your horse was okay. I can imagine what a big job it is to take care of them. Its so good to see you posting again.

fruitloupe- Wow thats so good that the little boy is going to be with his DAd. Its sad his Mother didn't even cry. It was great you could help in the case.

Jack-K- I'm praying for you and your last treatment. You're sure to be admired on how you've managed yourself durning this.

Kengjw- You've sure had a rough week. I hope things get better for you. Maybe you're coming down with a virus or something...

Guess I'm done so I'll go for now.....

I just finished watering the plants outside. Gosh, it took me over an hour to water those trees and shrubs. It was soaking wet as I sweat so much in the the hot sun. I thought of watering them later in the evening but don't feel like dealing with those bugs and mosquitoes at that time. So, that is my exercise for the day...LOL. Had some fruit salad which was extremely refreshing especially after that "hardwork" out in the yard...LOL.

Okay, I will try get as much replies in as possible :

HEART : Lets just say, you are not holding the record of not seeing a dentist :) The last time I saw a dentist was in my school and he and his staff was extremely intimidating. I would never forget how scary those experiences at the clinic were...lol. However, I am ready to move on and save my teeth so that was why I decided to visit a dentist...lol. It definitely wasn't as scary as my mind made it to be. Afterall, my dh's paid for the insurance, we better make good use of it :) Thanks for sharing those pics. Your have 2 cute kids and I know just how where they get those good looks from :) You look great! Will keep you in my prayers for the loan :)

BOB : What a disturbing story and so sad. Life is too short to give it up on ourselves:(

COUNTRY : Glad to "see" more of you here. Glad Honey will be fine ;)

FRUIT : Wow, great news! Well, the truth always win, now or eventually :) Good job fruit!! I once testified for my friend on a custody case as well. Both are great parents but unfortunately one of them wanted a full custody of the daughter so tried to make the other feel bad. At the end, the judge knew all the drama and ruled fairly, both has equal custody :)

JACK-K : Hip! Hip! Horray!! Your last treatment!! LOL. Hope the last went smoothly and less discomfort.

PANCHO : Looks like you have been a busy bee today :) How was your mole removal? Hopefully it was easy and painless. I told dh that it is time for him to take Jess out for a date. He wanted to but his efforts are not showing...lol. He has no idea where to bring her and what to do. I gave him some suggestion but he hasn't take it yet. So, I am still hoping. I am sure Jess would be so thrilled and she loves going out with dh even to run errands. That would be such a sweet thing that Jess and dh would cherish and remember for a long time to come. Now, I only have to wait for it to happen :)

MONET : I can almost smell your wonderful spices from here. Yum...can imagine how good it must be. Good suggestion, we can all get together for a legal SB meal and then dessert...LOL. Seriously, if you do come my way, let me know :) Thanks Monet, I am feeling slightly better and will observes if I continue to feel this way. I am supposed to go for my annual check-up in Sept so hopefully don't have to see my dr before then. Don't like to visit him too often...LOL but he is awesome. I highly recommend him to anyone.

TONI : Your day with your friend is my kind of day...lol. I love having friends over and coffee or tea and chit-chat the time away. Unfortunately they are mostly working or far away. Thanks for your concern, hopefully I am not coming up with something...that would not be good since I might spread it to dd :(

Guess that's for now. Hope Gator checks in soon. I am sure she missed us as much as we missed her. Hope she is safe.

Julia

Y'all have GOT to TRY THIS....it's so cute....

http://quiz.ravenblack.net/flavour.pl

BOB

Ok, BOB, what flavor were you? hmmm?

The curry tonight turned out pretty good. I threw in a few kefir lime leaves and it just made it sing! Everyone chowed down and enjoyed it.

I don't have to go do the worship guides in the morning, so I am going to paint with my pastels! I can't wait! I carried all the boxes I have downstairs and I will set up a board to work on on my easel tomorrow. I have a few reference photos to work from, and I am hoping to get a few things done. I need to quit dreaming and just start working to get over this artist's block I am suffering from. It really is frustrating.

So far today I have gotten 6,442 steps. I will probably get in another 100 or so before I crawl in bed. That is better than I have done before, but still not up to the 10k they suggest. I did not work out today, so that would have taken it up another 2k, I think. Still too low! Having the pedometer is very eye opening for me, to gauge my amount of activity. I knew I was not getting in enough, but I did not realize how far from ideal I was! Now I have to come up with ideas on how to increase the steps each day. Any suggestions are welcome....

Its about time for bed. Sweet dreams everyone!

Evening all-- It's late again so this will be short. Finished canning the rest of my berries today. We had gone back and picked 6 buckets on Saturday. I froze most of them, made syrup and finished off by canning what was left. Oh, and I made dh a blackberry pie. I did enjoy one slice.....and I have to say it is the best pie I have ever made......delish!! Now I just have to keep from eating anymore......not because it isn't legal.....it is. Just because I don't need it.....just want it!!

I sure don't know what my problem is but I can't seem to hold it together anymore. I go a week totally OP and then stick something full of sugar in my mouth!!! Need to get myself back to a full OP mode!! Any suggestions??

Jackie-- My Mom told me about the caskets at Costco......what next?? The cemetary plots?? I think I am about done with my fruits. We (my Mom and I ) will start making salsa and other tomato products soon. My fruits will sure taste good this winter when everything is out of season and what you buy at the store has no flavor and costs an arm and leg!! Yipee.....tomorrow is your last treatment.....praying for an easy one with no discomforts!!

Monet-- Sounds like you are busy as usual. I try to eat a tsp of cinnamon every day......I had heard that it had a lot of health benefits too. Mine is only out of the grocery store though. Your's probably has a lot more flavor. LOL!! So sorry that your daughter had to witness that horrible accident.

Country-- Nice to hear from you. We have all been thinking of you. It has been quite a struggle for me too lately. I don't know what has gotten in to me. I go a week or so and do wonderful.....then start stuffing my face with sweets. I completely controlled myself for over 3 years, don't know what has happened to change that. Like you said, maybe it is the stuck scales.......(((shrugs)))

Pancho-- You have done a great job on not only losing the weight, but also maintaining it. You have every right to be proud of yourself.....we are all very proud of your accomplishments!!

Heart-- I think those ladies are a tab bit jealous. You have done such a great job.....and it shows!! They are probably wishing that they had done as well and were asked to teach the class.

Toni-- Congrats on the 5 pounds......awesome job!!

Keng-- Glad your fears about going to the dentist were unfounded. lt is a very unpleasant chore isn't it. I need to get in.....but because of the rising costs of insurance they canceled all of the retiree's benefits. It sucks.....I keep putting it off, and I shouldn't. I have lost a small filling, and have a loose crown. Soon......yes, soon!!

BOB-- What a sad story. I am so glad that I see my family once a week!! I had seen an episode of Third Watch once where they had a huge woman who's heart was failing. They had to put her on a door, and then knock out a wall to get her out of a building where the elevator didn't work. Sure makes you think doesn't it??

Fruit-- Glad your court appearance helped for the father to get custody. My sister is a teacher in ELKO, NV and she said that in Las Vegas teacher's have to have two cars.....one to drive to school and another one for every day chores and errands. The gangs are so bad that the second car is a safety precaution. Isn't that sad.....I just don't understand it. Hats off to all of you teachers!! For where would we be without you??

Well, that's all folks.....sweet dreams!! Sugar Free ones I hope!!

Good Friday Morning

Chemo went fine yesterday. Other than my appt was at 12:45, blood, dr, and then chemo. Signed in for chemo at 1:50 and they took me back at 3:00, didnt' start it until 3:30. Didn't get done until 5:30. i don't mind the wait, but I have to go back in 24 hours an get my shot so I was worried it would be too late. They said they would be there late tonight. I hope so.
Feelfine today other than I woke up at 2:00 and couldn't go back to sleep. Got up at 3:00 and watch the Olympics until 4:45, DH alarms goes off at 5:00 so I still couldn't sleep so I got up at 5:45 and took a walk until 6:30. We did get in a walk last night too. My legs were restless so I thought it might help.
I am not taking the dose pack this time in hope to prevent the thrush. We will see. I still had to take steroids Wed, thurs and today. I may skip tonights dose. She said I could start back on my Celebrex if I have any bone pain.

I will go back in 4 weeks and she will give me Tamoxifen to start after our trip.

Heart, saying a little prayer that you can qualify for that housing. the kids are getting so big and you are getting smaller.

Ken, hope you got some rest and feel better today.

County, we all have times like that. So many can't eat all they want and never gain and the rest of us struggle. We jsut have to try a little harder and be proud of what we have done so far.

Nat, how is your mom doing? Good luck with that mole today.

Monet, kids deal with grief so differently. I think b.c they think they are invinsible. Send me some of those muffins. Have fun with yourpastels today.

Toni, what a nice way to start your day with a friend.

Teensy, how long does your homemade salsa last?


Have a great day. If I don't get back have a great weekend and talk to you Monday.

Am I the first to post today??? It's already 8a.m. here, and later everywhere else. I guess we are just at an official slowdown around here.

I will probably check posts a little later, but prob. won't be back on until Mon. We will leave this afternoon to head up north to stay at a cabin for a few days. It will be nice to get out of the heat, and enjoy some quality family time before the rush of the school year moves in on Monday.

The mole removal went fine, but he went pretty deep. The mole was pretty small, but the incision is about 1/2 inch with two stitches in it. I think I ripped a stitch last night though. I moved a certain way and it hurt like crap, and then I noticed that it was bleeding through the band-aid. I put some ice on it when I went to bed last night and today it feels better. I had to schedule an appt. in 2 weeks to have sutures removed.

I went to the 1st grade orientation last night, and it was very eye-opening. I think Britt will enjoy herself this year. She gets three recess periods (one right after lunch, and one morning, and one afternoon). She will also have art class, music, worship, library time, computers, science, etc...They are real good about getting those kids up and moving every 30 minutes or so, so they are not sitting in one spot for too long. They said that we are welcome in the classroom anytime, and Lane and I can even go meet Britt for lunch whenever we want; they are both excited about that.

My body is so weird. I only ate 1/2 Trioplex bar, some flax chips dipped in black beans, salsa, lite sour cream, and cheese plus a handful of grapes before we left yesterday. I went several hours without food, and felt kinda light-headed when we got home (this could have been due to the mole removal, but who knows). Well, I proceeded to eat everything in sight (even though legal), and even stopped at Sonic on my way home last night for a hot fudge milkshake. The number on the scale this a.m. = 118.5#'s. Go figure!

My steps yesterday ended up being 14,074. I did workout, and I had a really busy day, so I wasn't surprised. So far today, I am only at 1,555.

Monet: All this talk about these Penzey's products makes me want to try them; do they have a website? A trip to visit all my SB friends would be awesome once I convince my DH that you aren't all a bunch or pornographic, crazy serial killer lunatics :lol: . He is so clueless. He still doesn't understand how someone can make friends online without meeting them. I told him that it is probably the best way; that way you don't pass premature judgements, and by the time you meet them you already know them and love them. Gheez! Thanks for the update on Deb; I hope we hear from Gator soon! Don't get dizzy walking those circles (ha); you are doing better with your steps. Once you get those workouts in, it really ups those steps. There are times I check my ped after working out, and I have accumulated 4,500 steps or more during one workout.

Heart: Thanks for sharing the pics. You guys must have had a fantastic time. I wish you luck on qualifying for the low-income household!!! When would you hear back on that?

Toni: I learned about the Dr. Kracker crackers here. I know JackieO eats them and I think Sef or Melf might to. They are hearty crackers made with whole grains and no preservatives or additives. They do not have a real long shelf life because they are so fresh. I am not supposed to be eating ww, so I get the spelt ones with sunflower seeds. They are actually pretty hard textured though, but I enjoy them...it's nice to have lots of different alternatives.

Ken: My DH had been good about scheduling daddy/daughter days, and Britt looks so forward to them. He hasn't started them with Lane yet, since she just turned two. He will probably start with her once she is about 3 or so. Before that, it's pretty limited what a dad is "willing" to do with a child :lol: . The older Jess gets, the more your DH will want to do with her. I remember the first time DH took Britt to Home Depot with him; she was around 3. He lost her! When I heard the story, my heart dropped. I guess she was hiding there in a display right by him but he didn't know it, and was running around the store looking for her. He learned real quick not to take your eyes off of your child for a second. I guess that is why I am guilty of putting Lane in her stroller so much of the time; she doesn't mind it, and I know where she's at. Did you find your energy?

Teensy: YUMMY...a blackberry pie sounds delish! I am not sure anyone can give you any advice that you haven't already heard. We have all been where you are, and we will all be there again at one point or another. You, of all people, know what needs to be done. Just buckle down and do it. Thanks for the stroker. It is always nice to know that your efforts are being recognized. The diet is a crucial part of it all, but I have really worked hard on the exercise aspect of it too, and that can be the hard part at times....getting the motivation to get there and JUST DO IT (isn't that a Nike commercial?).

Jack-K: HALLELUJAH!!!!! CONGRATS ON HAVING YOUR LAST TREATMENT. I hope you don't get any negative side-effects this time. The Olympics at 3 a.m.???? My mom is recovering pretty well. She had some bleeding a few days ago, but this is a signal for her to slow down. I think she is getting stir-crazy, sitting around and not being able to get up and go. She works so hard on her weight too, and can't do the things that she normally does to keep it under control during recovery times. Thanks for asking.

I will check in to at least read posts later, but if I don't post again, please have a wonderful OP weekend.

Take care,
Nat

Monet is in La la land.... I have been painting all morning. I finished one landscape, and started a rather stylized painting of a window and a wheelbarrow with a pot of geraniums next to it. The window scene is taking a long time. The landscape I did with my hard pastels, which were interesting. The window scene I am doing with soft pastels. I am having to learn the medium while trying to brush up on drawing skills at the same time, as I have never used pastels before. Its actually kind of fun.

PANCHO: Tell your hubby I am an ok person....I was on staff in the children's ministry at this church: www.Perimeter.org for close to seven years. I taught at their school for two or three. Now I am a member of this church: www.redeemernet.org and serve as the head of their arts ministry. I would be willing to supply references if it would help! I am serious...it would be awesome if you could come spend a long weekend! We would have a blast! And I can personally vouch for Fillise...she was a professor at Auburn, and director of CE at First Presbyterian, Auburn. I met some of the older folks from there when she drove them to Atlanta to the art museum. They loved her...not a surprise at all! I even let her stay here in my house for a weekend, and lived to tell about it ! ;) Penzey's does have a web page. Here is the link: http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html I think their prices are pretty good, but even if they are not the best prices, they are the best quality! If you like chili, try their chili powders! Oh wow! Fabulous! I use their tellicherry peppercorns. Their basil is better than any I have ever had before with the exception of fresh.

JACK: I am so glad you are done with those treatments now! I hope this one won't have any bad side effects. What trip are you going on? I have this feeling I should know the answer to that, but don't. :???:

TEENSY: MMmmmm! Blackberry pie! My mother in law used to fix blackberry cobbler, but my hubby's family is weird...they won't eat blackberries unless the seeds are strained out. So her cobbler was basically sweetened juice on the bottom and a crust on the top! Weirdos! Now I want a piece of pie...

Good afternoon..

Woke up around 7.30 am today, so no more sleep in...lol. I feel better today except still a little grunchy... at my dh...lol. Sometimes I think he is really not aware that when everyone else are sleeping (especially at night), he needs to be slightly less noisy??? Gerr!!! Anyway, I married him and I can tolerate that :)

My menu for today :

Breakfast : 2 medium pancakes, 1.5 scrambled eggs with cheese. Water.

No snack because I was still full plus dh dragged me outside to help him with the lawn...lol.

Lunch : Crockpot "asian" ribs over spaghetti noodles and stir-fry veges of broccoli, cauliflower, onions, red bell pepper and garlic.

Snack : Fruit salad.

Dinner : Leftover ribs, spaghetti and a mixed green salad.

Some replies :

BOB : Yes, what flavour were you? I am tea...LOL.

Cor blimey, I taste like Tea.

I am a subtle flavour, quiet and polite, gentle, almost ambient. My presence in crowds will often go unnoticed. Best not to spill me on your clothes though, I can leave a nasty stain.

MONET : Glad the curry turned out fine. I really have to get some of the kaffir lime leaves next time when I go to Buford. WTG Monet, keep those artsy talent of yours flowing. Sounds so difficult for me. I cannot draw...lol and definitely not artsy or crafty...lol. I belong to an Evangelical church here in south of Atlanta and they have a private/homeschool program here which I believe is affliated with Perimeter Christian School. Jess should be joining program on 1st grade.

TEENSY : More canning?:) I have never tasted a blackberry pie before but can imagine how tasty it would be. Your family is lucky to be able to enjoy all those yummy jams you made :) Hey, don't give up, go back to one meal at a time and praise yourself at every good decision you made and don't focus on the not-so-good decisions because they are in the past now. The good ones will give you strength to move forward. {{hugs}} I actually find the dental appointment I had very pleasant and had I know that this is how it is going to be, I would have gone earlier...lol. This dentist and his staff are awesome!! I am so blessed to found them.

JACK-K : Glad your chemo went fine. I am sure it must be a great relief and a great burden off your shoulder. Wow...you did it!!! My MIL is a multiple breast cancer survivor and I salute her!

PANCHO : A trip to the mountain sounds great especially at this weather. Dh and I are in the process of planning a trip to the beach. I think we will most probably go to Destin, FL since dh has 40% off at one of the resorts there. I am so looking forward to our vacation beach time. Jess loves the beach and so do I. You are right, when Jess was a baby, dh actually spent less time with her than than he is now. It seems like he didn't know what to do with her at those times...LOL. Now, dh loves to bring her out occasionally but having a problem answering all her questions...LOL. She is always yakking....all the time!! LOL. Sometimes, I tease her, okay, see if you can stay quiet for 1 min!! LOL. Kids....so cute! Have a good trip!!

That's for now. Will check back later!

Julia

AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!!!


OK...OK....BOB TASTES LIKE BEEF!!!! Guess that's why I love it so! I've been licking my hand, but dang if I can taste it!

NAT....I had a mole removed from my should blade, and my Doc went deep too. I knew right then that I would NEVER be a SWIMSUIT MODEL!!!!!

JACKIE....Glad to hear the treatment went well. Have a great weekend.

KEN..DO you taste like tea?????? Did you lick your hand????

MONET...OK MISSY!!!! WHAT DID YOU TASTE LIKE?????

COLLEEN...what did you taste like?

OK...Here are your MOVIE PICKS FOR THE WEEKEND:

CONNIE AND CARLA

HIDALGO

TAKING LIVES

TIPTOES

GODSEND

THE HUMAN STAIN


As usual...I'll let y'all know....

I'm off to start my movie marathon....they all have to be back Sunday morning!

BOB

OK GALS.....here's ANOTHER game....

I went WAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY back and picked My Little Margie and still got beat!

Give it a whirl....it's a hoot

http://www.guessthename.com/


BOB

Hey, guys. Not much going on. Yesterday, I was so ticked off for a couple of reasons that I won't go into. But anyway, I just didn't feel like eating much at supper and only had 2/3 bowl of beans instead of my usual 1 1/2-2 bowls. The scale was good to me again today, back to my low of 163...WOOHOO!! I've noticed a decrease in my appetite, too. I haven't been back that long from running errands in town. I'm way behind on my water intake today. For BF, I had a 2 egg ham n' cheese omelette. I only had a Carborite drink for lunch since I was busy. Not for sure what supper will be. But it will be legal. I didn't feel like exercising today. Maybe I'll get a workout in tomorrow.

Jack-k- Now how long will it be before they know if you're cancer-free?
Pancho- I don't know how long it will take before I know if I get approved or declined. I just hope I can get an appt sometime soon.
BOB- I heard tiptoes is awful. Hidalgo is pretty good.

Alright, I'm going to see what flava I am..,lol.

BOB: Chocolate...a bit naughty, but nice. It fits.

KENG: That is interesting about the homeschool program. I homeschooled my kids for about seven years. They also went to Perimeter school for a year or two. All except Laura. She is the youngest, and by the time she was ready for school, we had moved into a good district, so I sent her to public school. Long story there.... The church we now attend was started by Perimeter Ministries International, before it folded, so we are associated with Perimeter. It is smaller, more artsy, and much more intellectual in its approach, which appeals to us. I don't t know what it is about men and being quiet while others are sleeping, but I think its a universal problem. My hubby wakes me up almost every morning by slamming drawers and things in the bathroom. Maybe its Freudian?

HEART: Hope you can get in on that housing stuff. It sure would be great for you. Thanks for the mention of water intake...made me run for a refill on my water jar!

We are going to watch a movie tonight. Ruth had Love Actually rented, and its due back tomorrow, so she gave it to us to watch tonight. I love romantic comedies, so I hope its good!

Going to go find something to nibble on. I am feeling rather snacky. I should go work on my painting, but I did that for hours today, and I need a break. Its coming along nicely, but I need to step back and think about it some. :)

Good evening everyone. Looks like I've missed you all today. I wish I got on here earlier. Had a really nice day today. I went grocery shopping this morning and got it all done and put away. Then lunch with my sister and niece. Who was over the moon she made the chancelor's list in colledge. I'm glad its Friday... B- peanut butter toast, L- grilled fish, beans, and a salad , S- walnuts and an apple earlier. D- homemade vegetable soup. I'm having some green tea right now and its so good.

Bob- Get this I am BREAD... LOL Forgot what else I said except I could also be tea.

Monet- What a wonderful way to enjoy yourself drawing and painting. You have the most talent! Thanks for putting up the spice web site. I went there and ordered a catalog. I want some good chili powder.

Kengjw- Gosh your menu is making me hungry. It sounds so good.. Do you ever make buckwheat pancakes?

heartmom- Woo Hoo on the good scale. Hope you're over your mad...

Well off I go. Be good to yourself on the week end...

Teensybean- I froze a gallon of blackberries to make jam out of. I really would like to try the no sugar one. But waiting to see if I'm going to have to give this for gifts or not. I love blackberry pie. Did you make it using splenda?

Jack-K- I'm so pleased you had your last chemo. Hope you come through this one without many side affects.

Pancho- Thanks for telling me about Dr. Krackers.

Evening! Love Actually was ok. I think they confused love with sexual attraction, but that is typical. I did not enjoy it as much as I should have since my ear was ringing badly tonight, and I could not hear clearly enough to understand what they were saying half the time. The English accents usually don't throw me, but factor in the reverberation in my ear, the ringing and that, and I couldn't catch the dialog.

I had such a blast today, working with the pastels. I ordered two books from Amazon..one on pastels and one on anatomy. I think I will paint some nudes! :O I spent some time earlier researching classes, and also different brands of pastels. I found a box I want to get of 80 half sticks for $50. My dear, patient husband is going to take away my credit cards and computer if I buy anything else right now! :s: I may get them anyway....

Off to do some more research! Will check in tomorrow! Oh, and eating tonight was not good! I ate some Smart Balance popcorn, and a couple oat bran muffins, and nothing else. Not a very balanced menu today!

Good morning!! It is strange to say good morning at 12 am when it is dark outside...lol. Yep, another late night which I love. So, if I complain about being tired in the morning, ignore me...lol. I had everything in my menu today except I treated myself a 1/2 cup of ice-cream, topped with some walnuts. Yum!

BOB : I had to laugh when you said, you licked yourself to see if you tasted like beef...LOL. You know, I had to try licking my hand and I actually did taste like tea, mild but slightly bitter. Maybe it's my tongue...lol. BOB, I played that 2nd game but I beat the website? I was thinking of Lord of The Rings, The Return Of The Kings...lol.

HEART : Congrats on losing more lbs. Sorry you were ticked off. Whatever reasons there were, I hope you feel better already.

MONET : Wow, homeschooled for 7 years?? Awesome! Dh wanted me to try homeschooling Jess and I wasn't sure if I qualify and certainly didn't want to ruin Jess's future. The more I read about homeschooling, the more I like it and decided that I wanted to give it a try before I say "no". Later, I found out that my church has this private/homeschool extension kind of school in my church premises and went to check it out with dh. I love it. The classes were small, the teachers were great plus the parents get to be very involved in the school. Couldn't be better. As for my dh, I am not taking his insensitivity as personal as when we first got married. Sometimes after he came home from work around 2 am and he walked into the room and started to talk to me like I wasn't asleep at all. At times, when I decided to stay up a little later and then decided to go to bed at 2am, he asked, "tired already"?? Hello??!!! 2 am and Jess is going to be awake in few hours and I don't get to sleep in!! Gerrrr!!! LOL. Painting nudes?? LOL You must be on a roll and having so much fun with your painting. Awesome :)

TONI : Glad you had a nice day. You did two of my fav things, grocery shopping and had lunch with family, what can be more lovely? :) Congrats to your niece! Yes, I have made buckwheat pancakes (from ArrowHead Mills) and still do ocassionally. I usually just have some whole wheat pancakes. Yum! I have to agree that lunch and dinner were delish especially the ribs. It turned out good. I am liking my crockpot, wish dh would let me leave it on when we are not around or when we are sleeping.

Looks like it's time to call it a night. Dh should be home soon. See you all tomorrow.

Julia

Hello ladies. Not much going on today. Dh has to work this weekend, so I spent the day making stuff for his lunches and breakfasts. I usually fry some breakfast meats and boil some eggs so he can eat on the way up north. I will go to my Grandma's and visit with everyone for a bit tomorrow.

Eating was okay today but seemed like I was always hungry.

B--1/2 c oatmeal made with water, 1 oz FF milk, 3.5 oz blackberries and a Lite 85 yogurt.

Snack--4 thin slices Carl Budding sliced Beef, and 5 small red plums.

L--Turkey burger patty, tomatoes, cucumber and red pepper. 1 SF Nips

Snack-- peanuts and 1 peach

D-- Cube steak, tomatoes, cucumber and for dessert 1 slice SF Blackberry pie.


Jackie-- The salsa is canned and lasts for a year. I don't think you are supposed to keep it longer than that, but I know my Mom does. Some of her stuff is pretty old, but she says as long as it stays sealed she uses it. So glad that your last treatment is over. My Grandmother and one of her daughters are both on Tomoxifen. The worst is over, and now you can work on feeling better. Your body has been through a lot, and you have held up like a trooper. (((HUGS)))

Pancho-- Yes, I know what I need to do, just don't know why it is so hard all of a sudden. It has been so easy for so long........Enjoy your weekend, and some cooler temperatures!! Then, back to school!!

Monet-- This was the best pie I have ever made!! I did use a bit of quick cooking tapioca as a thickener. I hope it is legal....... Enjoy your movie.

Keng-- Thanks for the pep talk......I had never had a blackberry pie before either.....it is the BOMB!! These berries were as big around as my thumbs, and no sweeteners were needed at all......I want to go back and pick some more!!

BOB-- I taste like BREAD!! And if I were not bread, I would be vanilla. Hope I am at least WW!!

Toni-- These berries were so sweet that for the pie I didn't need to add any sweetener at all. For my jam I added a small amount of liquid Splenda after I cooked it.

Well, see you all sometime tomorrow.

Good Morning

Just wanted to check in and wish everyone a good SB weekend. Sorry I have been MIA. Don't have any real excuses except that I have been busy - but then who isn't. :). I am down a bit this week - yesterday I was down to 194.5 which is 1/2 pound below my lowest which I reported a couple of months ago. Was up again to 196.5 this morning - maybe all that popcorn I had last night while I was watcbing the Olympics. :(. I'm glad it is beginning to go down again though as next week I will be away and will have to eat in restaurants all week. I only hope I have the willpower to resist the bread and the fries etc. Eating has been quite good lately. Even though I have had some things not op like bagels for lunch a few times I haven't been snacking too much. Sometimes I just need a change after all the salads and chicken and veggies etc.

Jack-K - Glad to hear that you have had your last chemo treatment. That must be a relief for you. Hope everything goes well with you and you don't have the problems that you had with your previous treatments. {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}.

Fruitloupe - Hope things go well with you in the adoption process. Whoever gets you for a Mom will be a lucky kid. You are a really loving and caring person.

Monet - Have fun with your painting.

BOB - I also was beef. Yucks. The alternative was alcohol.

Heart - Hope you are lucky in getting the house or apartment that you would like. I'll be sending good vibes your way.

Well I have to get going. I am off to see a couple of my grandkids in a soccer tournament. It's an all day affair but I will probably only see a couple each of their games. The first game was at 8.30 am. Too early for me as I had to go to the store to get some buns and meat etc for a picnic lunch. I won't be around at all next week until maybe the weekend.

Sorry I can't reply to everyone but thinking of you all.

Marie.

MORNING EVERY BUDDY!!!!


As USUAL....Debbie woke me up this morning from a SOUND SLEEP!!! I asked her about Gator's phone # and she said that she might still have it in her computer and will look. She's in a scurry...they leave on Thursday, and now her delema is the rental car. She booked and paid for it some time ago and of course, got a COMPACT....now that Sabrina is meeting up with them up there, she's worried about the size...Michael isn't any small fry! She called them and because she paid already, they won't change the size! I told her to try at the desk and tell them the problem....said she was taking STARBUCKS for BRIBES!!! :coffee:

Something is wrong with my ability to use the colors in a post....guess I'll have to message Suzanne....

Are KEN and BOB the only people who licked their hands???? Come on GIRLS...fess up!!!

Did y'all try the MOVIE/TV game I posted? Anxious to hear if you beat it or if the computer beat you!

Nothing planned for today....LAUNDRY....Yes, TONI....I'm gonna do it today instead of tomorrow!

I'll check in later...

BOB

OK....here's another one to try!!!!

www.smalltime.com/dictator.html

Let's see what you can do with this one......I beat it!!!

BOB

Morning! I think creativity must burn up a lot of calories...I was down four pounds this morning! Needless to say, I was rather pleased by that. Not eating anything for dinner but a bag of Smart balance popcorn may have contributed as well.

We are going to a party tonight...a Tapa party. I am making empanadas. The dough is rather involved. You have to roll it out, spread it with butter, fold it, and refrigerate it several times. I need to go research fillings. I am not keen on the fillings included in the Tapa recipe book I have.

Breakfast was an oat bran muffin, and two eggs, fried, and a piece of toast. Oh, and several cups of coffee with cream. I may have to go fix another pot. I slept late, but still feel rather tired. :coffee:

My poor son went to a party hosted by his company for employees last night. I think he revelled in the free beer a bit too much...he stumbled up to the kitchen looking for a piece of bread an hour ago, and then went back to his room and has not been heard from since! Laura was up early, in a chipper mood. She just finished her weekly chore of vacuuming, and has to go to a CPR class for Curves in a little while, then on to work at Publix until close tonight. School starts for her on Monday...she is going to be one very busy girl! She worked 60 hours this week. She is also going to be one wealthy girl! I wonder if I can finagle some $$ out of her so I can afford more pastels?! :s:

BOB: I beat it too. And I refused to help it stump others by giving it a good question to figure out who my character was.....tee hee!

Hey, guys. I'm posting on the weekend! The scale is still holding steady at 163. I think I'm going to take the 3 day weekend off from exercise and start fresh Monday morning. Speaking of which, I just ordered Slim in 6, I really need help with toning and although I do alot of exercise, I'm just not seeing that good of results. It's suppossed to be here in a couple of weeks. Anyway, last night we ended up eating the buffet at Barnhill's. They didn't have any grilled chicken or other healthy meat on the bar, every meat was fried. So I had 2 plates of veggies and a salad, also had a very small serving of SF custard. This morning I had a big breakfast. Had 2 eggs, 2 1/2 slices of bacon, and a slice of cheese toast, with a cup of CC 2% milk. Has anyone tried the CC OJ? I was wondering if it was worth buying. I'll try to eat a "light" lunch since my supper will be chicken fajitas with beans and ALL the toppings(lots of fat, but legal). Suppossed to meet with my church exercise group at Lapinata this evening. I did the flava quiz. I'm a cross between tea and vanilla. Not doing much right now, haven't even brushed my hair or teeth yet! It's a lazy, rainy day. Hubby is eating up the house, but I'm not going to let him influence me this time. Well, I need to go and do something with my life today.

Rosalie- the 2 pounds are probably fluid retention from the salty popcorn.

Monet- Congrats on the 4 lbs.!!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to stop in yesterday. Mama called and we went over for a visit. It ended up being quite a late night since Robert had to work over. We ended up going to bed around 5:30. My daughter called this morning and woke me up. She told me I had had enough sleep....good thing I love her... :)

This has been a really good week with the scales. I hit 154 for the last two days in a row. So 8 months later I am finally back to my pre holiday weight. A good reminder to be very careful this year. I don't want to regain and relose again. I seriously think it gets harder and takes longer each time.

Monet...how totally neat that you are learning a new medium with your art. I'd love to be able to draw. Since I can't I just play with graphics on the computer. I hope you can get your new pastels. Awesome on the four pound loss.

Heart...woo hoo on being back to your low!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay Bob, I admit I missed a post somewhere and am not sure why people were licking their hand but I did it. :)

Poncho....I hope you didn't do any damage to your stitches and you heal quickly.

Rosalie...good to see you. Enjoy those grandbabies.

Jack-K...woo hoo on the last treatment!!!!!! I hope you are feeling totally awesome for your upcoming trip.

Julia..I hope you ended up getting some rest.

Teensy...hang in there. I agree with you. I think that a total stall just gets discouraging at times when you want so badly to get to goal. You are doing great and look great!!!

Toni....howdy ((hugzz)) Congratulations to yoru niece.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

I have been bad today...LOL. I came back from my neighbor's block party an hour ago. It was a party to help the neighborhood get aquaintance. Isn't it wonderful to have neighbor that put so much efforts? I also go to her house for Thankgivings, sometimes Christmas etc etc...LOL. Yep...a food parasite!! LOL. Since this is the first year (we are a new subdivision but not your typical subdivision though) of this block party, she asked us not to bring anything but ourselves. If we all want to continue having this block party every year, then we will have bring a dish next time. That would be fun! They had hamburgers, hotdogs, potatoes chips and popcorns. I had half of hamburger, 1 hotdog and few chips. Oh, some sweet tea!! Badd....lol. Okay, time to move on :)

For breakfast, I had 2 leftovers medium pancakes, 2 turkey/pork sausages and water. Lunch is of course the bad stuff :). Snack will be fruits and dinner will be better, probably baked fish, brown rice and green beans.

Some replies :

TEENSY : How was your trip at Grandma? Hope you had a great time. Those blackberries must be really good quality to be so sweet. Nothing like nature own sweetness...yum! This year all the blackberries I tried (from the store) were sour. Didn't buy much except blueberries which are sweeter.

ROSALIE : Good to see you. Sounds like you are doing fine :)

BOB : I played the 3 rd one and the first time, it got me! I was thinking of Sally Solomon of 3rd Rock From The Sun, amazing. Then, I thought of the old(est) lady in The Golden Girls which I forgot what her name was and I won!! LOL. The site guessed it close enough, said it was Granny from Beverly Hillbillies. I have not seen that one.

MONET : Guess exercising our brain is just as important...4 lbs!! Awesome! I love empanada. In Malaysia, our empanada are usually filled with curry beef or chicken, potatoes, sardines etc, very tasty. If it is a curry empanada, we called it, curry puff, or sardine puff. My fav is of course, curry puff with potatoes filling. Tapa parties sound interesting, enjoy!

HEARTMOM : Have a good weekend!!

COUNTRY : WTG on your weightloss. You are doing well. Have a good weekend.

Will check in later. Good day everyone!

Julia

It's me again! I'm so bored. Today has been sooo slow and extremely uneventful. I'm simply lazy today. I haven't exercised, or done anything else for that matter. All I've done is get dressed(finally) and ready, cleaned the kitchen(somewhat), cleaned the tub, ate breakfast and lunch, and I've been on the computer. That's it, nothing in between that. Boring. Just sitting around(literally). The house is a wreck but I get so tired of cleaning it, so it can just wait. Oh yea, my lunch ended up being a sandwich made with one piece of bread, dijon mustard, ham, and cheese...followed by a LC yogurt. I really didn't need the bread since I already had 1 slice this morning, and I'm going to be eating refried beans with supper...but I'm so lazy today that I didn't feel like fixing anything that would take longer than 2 minutes to put together,lol. But I'm keeping it SB legal! I was talking to Diane earlier on the phone, and was telling her that this will be my first cheat-free weekend since Easter. And she said nope, you're forgetting about the chips at Lapinata. I informed her that I wouldn't be eating any. I guess I'll be the only one, but I hardly ever eat them anyway, even when I eat there with the family. I've been writing down EVERYTHING I eat and drink all this week. I think it helps a little to look back on it. Well, I'm just rambling because of the boredom,lol.

KENJW- BTW- what's the meaning behind your user name? You know, you're doing alot better than I would have with that block party. After one illegal meal, I turn into a Hoover. Good going on getting back on track.

Pancho- Don't you use the Slim in 6 videos? How do you like them? My upper thighs and stomach need some serious help! If I do these faithfully and don't get some visible results, then I'll just accept that I'll have flabby upper thighs and a flabby gut, and I'll also never order anything else from an infomercial,lol. I have the Lateral Thigh Trainer and I feel it working, but I don't think it's doing much for me though.

Country- Congrats on being back to your low, also. I guess we finally decided enough is enough. Maybe now, we both can get back started losing some weight. I have 20 more that I would like to lose, how about you? I'm 5'8" and I've been to alot of sites and the majority say that my "ideal" weight is around 143. The doctor charts have too big of a range. I've been to some sites that say I should weigh anywhere from 130-160. That's a big range. I finally put in the keyword "ideal" and found some better options.

I just finished my dinner and I overeat too. I made baked basa fish (with spices and parmesan cheese), green beans and onions (recipe from food network) and basmati rice. I don't know but today's dinner seems so yummy, maybe because of today's lunch which wasn't balance. The green beans recipe is so yummy (my best discovery yet) and I pigged out on it and the fish too. I baked 2 pieces of fillet (about 8 oz each) and had 1 1/3 pieces. Jess has 3/4 of the piece. Eating healthy certainly taste good to me :) If anyone likes green beans and want a simple and delicious way to cook it, you have got to try this recipe. I watched Rachael's Ray 30 mins Meals on Food Network and she mentioned that her mom get this recipe from an restaurant that has the best green beans, well, their fav that's. It looked so simple and I said to myself, I have got to try this. It has been my fav since and some friends who tried it, loves it. Thought I promote this recipe here :) I am someone who can't follow the recipe exactly unless I am baking. Instead of chicken broth, I used some chicken bouillion instead (probably 1 tsp, depends on how much green beans you have, add later if not enough). I don't measure the seasoning or how much water I put in, just by feel. When the green beans are cooked to my desire texture and there are still lotsa liquid in the pan, I will reduce the liquid down to probably 1/4 or less to intensify the taste of the dish. It was fantastic. Oh, I also add lotsa chopped garlic to mine. Garlic makes everything taste much better :)

GREEN BEANS AND ONIONS (Foodtv.com)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 to 1 1/4 pounds trimmed green beans – many markets have trimmed raw beans in packages in the fresh produce department in 1 pound packages
Salt

To a medium pan over medium heat add extra-virgin olive oil and butter and onion. Saute onion 3 minutes, add broth and bring to a boil. Add beans, season with salt and cover pan and simmer 8 minutes, until tender

HEART : Looks like it just you and me here?? LOL. My Sat is usually pretty relaxing so I can come here more often. The meaning behind my username is really my name and some initials all mixed together. KENG = My last name (not my surname though, just last name. In my culture, my family/surname is my first name) JW = Julia+my husband's last name. I am rooting for you, no chips! no chips!! LOL. You can do it!!

Alright, dd is waiting for me to take her outside for a walk. I will need a walk since I overeat at my dinner :) Will check in later.

Julia

Just got in from the Tapa party. It was fun. My empanadas were totally SB legal...and they all got eaten! Of course, I helped them disappear, as did Tom. :) I had a few stuffed mushrooms and tried some marinaded tomatoes. I did eat a piece of the birthday cake. It was a large piece, and I ate the icing too!

I had a long and good conversation with one guy at the party who is an artist. His wife is as well. We got into discussing the process, and work that goes into creating. It sure was fun. I am going to get together with his mom, who wants to start dabbling in watercolors, and then with a friend's husband who wants to learn how to draw. This is great, since I need someone to keep me drawing, and having to teach someone else will do that for me. Hooray!

Got home and my son was gone...not sure where he went. I tried calling him on his cell phone, but he did not answer. And here I thought he was stuck here at home, all bored! snicker...

Off to bed for me! Good night all!

Just popping in to say a quick howdy. Not much going on here. I did a little rearrainging earlier to day...drives my hubby batty...LOL

Heart..my goal is 140. I originally had it at 135 and raised it.

Julia...I love garlic in my green beans. Then again I like garlic in almost everything... :) My newest love is lemon grass. Last time I did chicken I had Stormy go pick me several nice blades and I stuffed it and fresh basil under the skin....yum yum Sounds like a very nice block party. It's good you were able to go eat and enjoy. I think that's and important part of sticking with this way of eating.

Monet..how neat to find fellow artist to share your craft with.

Howdy to the rest of you guys!!!

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Hello ladies-- Slow board today. I had a good time at my Grandma's today. Really enjoyed it. Eating was good and the weather was fantastic. Not too hot today, very relaxing. Hubby came over after he got off work, so we stayed a bit later than we usually do, but as I said, we were really having a good time. I usually don't exercise on the weekends but today my nephew's little girl wanted to go see some horses. So we walked about 1/2 mile to the neighbors and back. I had to carry her most of the way back, so I feel I got a pretty good workout.

My menu for the day;

B-- 3 oz venison sausage, 1/2 c Fiber One with 2 oz FF milk, 1 tsp cinnamon and liquid Splenda, Lite 85.

Snack-- Handful of Blackberries.

L-- Grilled Salmon, and a small dab of three different salads, ( 1-- BLT salad, picked out the croutons. 2-- Broccoli, bacon and almond salad. 3-- Tomatoes, onion and cucumbers in sour cream.) The dressings for the first two were a mayo based dressing so were probably higher in fat than I would normally eat......but I didn't eat any of my Grandma's homemade raisin filled cookies!!

D-- Sweet and sour beef (sweetened with Brown Sugar Twin) over 1/2 c brown rice and fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. 1/2 c SF Butterscotch Pudding.

Got in over 100 oz of water today.

Monet-- You must be a woman of many talents....you cook, bake and decorate cakes, do archery, and paint!! Wow.....I wish I had just one talent!!

BOB-- Laundry sure doesn't sound like much fun. It's Saturday, have some fun!! Do something unusual.....

Keng-- We had a blast over at Grandma's today. The weather was nice and a lot of people showed up to visit with. I took over a bunch of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers to give away. Mom had a bunch of fresh yellow squash ready.....I grabbed a couple of those. The yellow crooked neck's are my favorites and mine are not quite ready yet. Yumm.....I know what I am having with our roasted chicken tomorrow night!!

Rosalie-- Congrats on the loss.....all that hard work has paid off.

Country-- WTG girl.....maybe your body just needed to catch up to the weight you had already lost. I think sometime that is what happens. You lose a bunch of weight and then your body needs a rest to get used to the new weight. Sounds good anyway, lol. I am glad the scales finally started moving for you again.

Heart-- WTG!! Sounds like you have made up your mind and are sticking to your guns. You seem very determined and I know you will see results. Let me in on your secret!! I need to get back on plan 100% and STAY OP for more than a few days.

Well gang, I am off to bed. Hubby is working again tomorrow.

Good Morning! I woke up this morning late, with a terrible headache. I forgot to mention last night in my post that I drank a glass of sangria and had a wine cooler. I very rarely drink, since I take medication that you can't have alcohol with, but last night I had forgotten to take the meds with me and thought, why not? Its amazing how low my tolerance is now.... Not sure if the headache was entirely from the wine, it could be a bit hormonal too. Its better now after two cups of coffee! :coffee:

Its a lazy morning sitting in bed, chatting and drinking coffee. I love having church on Sunday evenings! :)

I need some breakfast, so I am going to sign off here...will check in later! :wave:

Morning all! I'm doing a quick check in before I head to church. Was very very bad last night. 4 sour apple martinis, two tequila shots, and something called "sex with an alligator." Not to mention the hamburger and french fries. We were celebrating a friend's birthday. Amazingly, I feel fine this morning (glass of water and two ibuprophen before I went to bed). I do feel bloated though--duh!

I have an election Tuesday--so yesterday was spent campaigning and then shopping for NY. I bought some new walking shoes (Rebok Walk-DMX--LOVE THEM!). I also got a pair of bone low-heeled pumps for $15.00. I should be able to wear them with either pants suits or dress suits and the heel is low enough I should be able to do some walking in them. I still need one more skirt and then I think I'll be set. We leave next Saturday and will be there for a week--I can't wait!!!

Have a great OP day everyone!
Susan

Oh darn it I had several bloody Mary's yesterday. I enjoyed myself but hate what I might have done to my weigh loss this week. Today I've put a pork roast in our crockpot for dinner. Hope it comes out good. Will have it with green beans and a salad. Might make some macaroni salad today. Hope everyone is having a good week end...

Good afternoon,

I have just put Jess down for a nap, after we came back from church. I am tired since I slept late last night, chatted with dh after he came home from work. Well, whose fault is that?? LOL. Anyway, since dh is off today, I will get some break :) My menu for today :

Breakfast : 2 pieces of ww french toast with some Agave syrup and 2 turkey/pork sausauges. Water.

Snack : No snack.

Lunch : Spaghetti and meatballs. Mixed green salad of cucumbers, romaine, spring greens, bacon bits and sprinkles of shredded cheddar cheese.

Snack : Fruit salad.

Dinner : No idea yet. That's usually the case when dh is off :)

Need to go grocery shopping today. I am thinking of shopping at Walmart and see if I can get everything I want there at the budget I usually spent. I didn't like to go to Walmart because there was too many people but there is another store that close to us has less people and better organizing of their goods. So, I might give that store a try.

Dh is waiting for me to watch Lord of The Rings (the 1st one although we have watched all of them) now so I better go. Will get my replies in later.

Good day everyone!

Julia

GOOD SUNDAY AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!!!

It's a beautiful day here on the SUNCOAST....not too hot....no humidity....BUT...the could change!!!! I've already been out to http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/emoticons1/coffee.gif (STARBUCKS), picked up some meds at the drugstore, and a half way trip to the grocery! Now I'm hooked on a mini series..."A WILL OF THEIR OWN"
which I've probably seen a million times....but it's a period piece and I love that sort of movie....

Still have all that laundry to do http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/jostop.gif :eek:

LAURIE....I have to agree on your review of TIPTOES....it was http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/tongue1.gif

MONET....so glad you had a good time at your party....I love TAPAS, but as you know, there are very few of which we can eat! http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/eatpizza.gif

I heard from KIMMY..aka: QUILTER...she said for me to tell all of you hello.

TONI.....MY GAWD WOMAN....why didn't you call me....I would have helped you with that terrible task of tasting all of those http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/emoticons3/TEQ.GIF

SUSAN....I've already told you to be careful, and I know you will, but I won't rest east until you're back from http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/emoticons1/61.gif

COLLEEN....Glad you had a good time at "GRANNY'S" You're lucky to still have yours...

CRYSTLE....Good going on driving the ole hubby crazy http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/gifanime13.gif

JULIA..What is BASA fish? Dont think I've heard of that one...is it a white fish?

Well GIRLFRIENDS guess I had better get started on that laundry!

BOB

OK all you KNOW IT ALL'S.......here's one for you!!!!

http://www.yetanotherdot.com/asp/80s.html

BOB

Hi girls,

I had started posting a couple of weeks ago after a very long time away from the SB WOE. Of course that was right before going on vacation.

Well, we are officially back from vacation. Back to work tomorrow. Trips were great. Lost 7lbs. Yeah!!! But I haven't been OP. I am so afraid to start. It's been so long since I was totally OP. What am I in for. We still have some events coming up. I know there are SB choices just about everywhere you go. It's just a matter of making the right choices. Hopefully it will be easier to make the right choices without the dh next to me saying "but we're on vacation" He's great, but doesn't know how easy it is to make the wrong choice and how hard it is to make the right choice.

Wish me luck. I know its going to be hard. I know SB doesn' t have an actual induction phase, but it's still hard. Any suggestions?

Hope everyone is well. It will probably take me a few days to start catching up to the posts and responding. I don't usually read back very far. Not enough time. But I am interested in how everyone is doing and will start checking in again now that I'm back and will be on routine again. As much as I hate to see vacation end, it's kind of nice to get back to routine. (well sort of :dizzy: )

ttyl :D

Hi everyone,
I hope y'all get to read this, since it's Sunday and may people don't check in on Sunday evenings.
Just wanted to let you know that I'm alive, but don't have internet access. Our power was out for 6 days and the cable lines are still laying across our yard. I have no idea when we will get internet service again. We don't have cable either.
Hurricane Charley did us in. The eye went right over us and we lost 7 huge trees. What once was a beautiful shady oasis of a back yard is a hot and sunny area that resembles a parking lot with grass. Except for the fact that there is still one huge tree laying across our pond. It is really sad and I have been depressed for a week.
BOB, I'm glad you escaped the ravages of that storm as it was horrible. I hope I never am near another hurrican in my life.
Gotta go. I'm still trying to figure out how to log on to my roadrunner account from this computer. Our house escaped any damage--its just the yard. The pile of debris in in the street in front of my house is 10 feet high and goes along the entire front of our property. They say it may be 6 months before they get all the trash picked up. Well, this is an adventure. :(
Talk to you when we get reconnected.

Hey, guys. Just a quickie...I did manage to stay 100% SB legal this weekend....BUT...I totally have been a "legal" Hoover today. My stomach is so bloated from all the crap crammed in it. I had 2/3 a box of cheddar triscuits AND 2/3 half a gallon of NSA ice cream, in addition to bf, lunch, and supper. I'm so embarrassed posting that. And ashamed that I did that. But I guess I could have binged with illegal foods and really made it worse. Next weekend I will work on my portions, etc..it had been awhile since I bought any triscuits or ice cream. Well, it will be alot longer before I buy anymore after what I did today! Hopefully, I'll still be at 163 on WIW. I know if I weigh tomorrow it'll just depress me. Give it a couple of days to "balance out." Tomorrow I need to take Boogie to the pediatrician for a referral for a speech evaluation. Then I'm meeting the exercise girls at Applebee's for lunch. Don't worry, I'll keep it legal and not go overboard. I need to get a workout in for tomorrow morning since I haven't exercised since Thursday.

Gator- so sorry to hear about the trees and the rest of your hard. Thank God you weren't hurt or had any home damage.

Teensy- I think that you've always done better than me with the eating. I do just fine during the week and then comes the weekend...I'm just tired of being at this weight when I know I need to lose 20 more pounds. I've been doing this "cycle" ever since April, time to break it. I know that I didn't do good at all today, but I could have binged like that on illegal ice cream and chips and made it even worse. So I guess it's best to start will small steps and then work our way back into the swing of things, like they used to be.

Had a meeting after church tonight. We went to a Chinese restaurant for it...I had asparagus and shrimp and did not eat any rice. It was not sweet, so I think I did pretty good.

I have my biopsy and ultrasound in the morning. I will try to get on before I have to leave for it, but if I don't, will check in when I get back. I am hoping we will be able to schedule the surgery tomorrow while I am there, and that I will have some choice as to dates.

GATOR: I am so thankful that you are ok. Thank you so much for posting and letting us know. I was so worried! I know how you feel about the damage. We had a tornado go through our neighborhood a few years ago, and it was so depressing! Its almost like living in a war zone, but thankfully, the danger is past and not on going. It will take a while to get things back to some semblance of normal. In the meantime, I am praying for you, and thanking God that he has protected you from any physical harm.