WW Clubs and Groups - 50 or more pounds, #50

If you have 50 or more pounds to lose, jump on in and join us. You will be sure to get a warm welcome. :)

TGIF!! Wow... this week flew by for me!!

I had my weigh in on Thurs... goodbye to another pound!! That makes 5 pounds gone! Geez, I NEVER want to see the 240s again.

Rebecca I am inspired by your BAGGY jean story! I have a pair of jeans I wanted to wear for my signing-up weigh in.... but I COULD NOT BUTTON them. Heck, I missed it by 3 inches-- I couldn't close the jeans. Well, I tried them today... and ugghhh... grunt.. suck it in... hold my breath... I GOT THEM ON!! These will certainly be my inspiration and measuring stick for my progress! It will be a proud day for me when these are baggy like yours!!

Regarding the satsumas... are they also known as clementines? We get them in early December, packed in 10x14 inch wooden crates, shipped in from Spain. They are small like the tangerine, but super tender, easy to peel, and they are as sweet as candy and no pits. As fast as I buy them, my kids gobble them up! Who would complain about that! But the season is short and over by January.

Sara what interesting things you are studying and experiencing in school! It certainly gives your brain a work out! Other than college students, who would be reading and analyzing rituals, the KKK, and peace talks! Good for you! What a great experience.

Janet/Kudzu.. you can slap my wrist... as I was reading your post about the KKK and Mississippi, I had to admit I wondered what you might have experienced with the KKK--- not you personally, but in your town or region. Thanks for setting the record straight. It's just like many people stereotype Jersey folks as "tawking like dis jus cuz thaze from Joizee!!" Believe me, only some folks from the towns closest to NYC tawk like dat! lol Liz do any people comment on your accent or lack of accent during your training sessions?

Nancy in TC...hello and welcome! Two more things to add to your "Things to Eat While in Philadelphia" are hot preztels with mustard from a street vendor, and some GOOD EAST COAST PIZZA!! It's like no other pizza! NY/NJ/Phili pie rules!! Oh, and see... it's often called pie and not pizza! But don't ask for "tomato pie" unless you want a super thin crust! Oh, and I shouldn't
forget to recommend having a sub or hero sandwich. Fresh cut deli (meats and cheese) heaped with thin cut lettuce, tomato, onion, oil and vinegar, and hot peppers on a torpedo roll is not just another sandwich!! Believe me, these foods might be imitated elsewhere, but nothing can compare!!

JOYce have a fun family weekend!

Carol follow your doctor's advice and have a quiet weekend. Maybe rent a video or read a good book. How about the Disney Production of "Anne of Avonlea" the turn of the century story set in Maine featuring Anne of GreenGables? My video store has about 4-6 hours of episodes. So good. If you want to read a good family saga book, I just loved Rosamund Pilcher's ShellSeekers. It is set in modern time with flashbacks to WWII/Europe. Fabulous story you can lose yourself in! Incredible character development and understanding. It's the kind of book you don't want to end.

TexasLady have you recovered from the Rodeo yet? It sounds like a full night!

This weekend, I am off with 3 of my kids to my sister and brother-in-law's house at the Jersey shore. It will be fun to walk the winter beach and hunt for treasures. Brrr the water temp is 32degrees! My oldest son (15) is staying home. He has stage crew practice for the HS production of Sound of Music. He'll be busy all day Saturday. My sister will have him in for dinner. But he wants to spend the night alone. He stays busy with his model RR, the computer and tapes of RobotWars! Time will go fast for all of us.

Hi to Jan and Kendra!!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND, Everyone.

Clementines!! I know what they are! :) thanks NANCY
Linda brought me part of the crate that she bought, when I was so sick!
They are not as large as my tangerines, but it is nice that they are soooo sweet and have no seeds.
Your trip to the shore sounds like "my cup of tea" ENJOY!!

~~~~
JOYce

[This message has been edited by gmalil (edited 02-16-2001).]

Good morning!
NYNancy, I love those Clementines too! What part of the Jersey shore were you headed to this weekend? When I was growing up in Philly we went to Wildwood Crest every summer. Boy has it changed from those days!!!And Atlantic City, of course, is a world of it's own! Congratulations on the pound loss!! Thats 4 sticks of butter off your hips forever! :D

I've got to work this morning (not this early, but I couldn't sleep in), but then the rest of the weekend I'll spend doing what I'm told- BORED,BORED, BORED!! It's supposed to be cold and windy anyhow, once the rain stops, so it sounds like a good indoor weekend.
Jan,speaking of weather, what are the temps going to be in your area that first weekend in March? Warmer than here, I know, but I wasn't sure if the 80's you all have been having are typical now!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Carol

Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a great weekend.

NJNancy, congratulations on 5 pounds gone forever. That is terrific!!

I'll make a deal with you...I won't slap your wrist if you won't slap mine. I LOVED your rendition of a "Joize" accent, and I'm guilty as charged...that is exactly the accent I think of when I hear New Jersey. I've never thought of it in a negative way though. I love how different areas of the country have different accents. I'll never forget the first time that Carol and I spoke on the phone. Some of her first words were "you DO sound southern." She was so cute! :D

I hope you and the kids are having a great time at the shore. That sounds so wonderful to me. I also hope that your son is having an equally good time at home alone. I'm sure he is. Concerning your curiosity about the KKK, all I can say is that I have never really been exposed to them or their dealings. I'm sure that they are here, but I think that now there are factions all over the country (even up north). Every few years they will blow through here and have a rally, but usually the people protesting them far out number the KKK. They mostly just make fools of themselves.

About the clementines...they sound EXACTLY like the satsumas I was talking about...super sweet, easy to peel, no seeds, and the season is very short. Now I am curious if they are the same things as the other girls were also calling satsumas. I want to know why I can't get them for a longer period of time.

Carol, I can answer your question about what kind of weather Texas will be having the first of March, and the answer is...WHO KNOWS?? http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif Thursday's high was 81 here, and last night we had wind chills in the teens. I know that we won't be in Houston, but Texaslady's weather is usually the very same as ours. I saw something the other day that was making fun of some things in the south, and one of them was the weather...the only place where your local weather forcast will be "high 68, low in the teens." How true! My best advice to you (and me since I will be in the same boat) is for us to wait and watch their five-day forcast right before we leave. More than likely (unless a cold front has come through) their temps will be mild (in the high 60's/low 70's) with night temps a little cooler. Jan had mentioned that some of the wildflowers are already starting to bud out. I can't wait to see them. Wildflowers are my favorite flowers...if that makes any sense!

Now to the topic of weight. I am so disgusted and angry with myself. I have purposely avoided reporting any gains or losses lately because I was hoping that I was going to get back on track. However, last night as I sat in the Lonestar Steak House at 10:30 pm stuffing myself with a ribeye, loaded potato, salad and bread, I knew that I was out of control again...and the place was PACKED. What is wrong with everybody. Don't they know that they shouldn't be eating such heavy foods so late at night?? ;) We had been out shopping for prom dresses and closed the mall down. I never intended to be out so late, but there we all were...starving and tired. Krysten's boyfriend was with us and they both said that they didn't want any fast food so off we went to the Lonestar. I was so full by the time we got home. I was also exhausted, so I fell asleep immediately. I still felt so sick this morning that we didn't even attempt to go to church. I had talked about how my metabolism goes into overdrive every December and how I can eat and not gain, but that metabolism has definitely slowed back down while my eating has continued on. I had lost 40 pounds and now this morning I discovered that I have gained 15 back. WHY oh WHY do I keep doing this?? I thought that I was finally on the right path and had gotten my mindset right. Those of you who have posted here since the beginning know how good I was doing. I am SO SICK of this rollercoaster ride. I'm not giving up...NO WAY! Like Jenny used to say...what is the alternative. I know what happens though. I will have my mind completely focused and then I will let myself slip a little...and it snowballs. Y'all will remember that this all started last year when we went on vacation. I took a week off and I have never gotten completely back into focus since then...and now here I am having to start over once again. I haven't even been eating things that I really love...I've just been eating. The other night I wanted something to munch on and couldn't find anything so I ate cream cheese on low fat Triscuits. I HATE Triscuits. They taste like cardboard to me (not that I have ever eaten cardboard). The only reason they were even in the house was because I had accidently picked up a box thinking they were low fat wheat thins (which I love). The REALLY terrible part is that I know I can have anything on WW and stay OP if I plan ahead. There is nothing that I have to give up. WW is not hard to follow...SO WHY DON'T I JUST DO IT???? I had really started to feel and look so much better. Why wouldn't that be enough to keep me going?? Now my biggest fear about flying in two weeks is if the seat belt will go around me. I'm serious...do y'all think it will??

I'm off to plan my eating for the day. I will be okay. I'm just having a really bad WW moment. Doing WW at home has its disadvantages, and not being accountable is the biggest one for me. I am going to make myself report my gains and losses here no matter what...and hopefully, being around Jan, Texaslady and Carol in March will rub off on me. For those of you who haven't posted here long, these three women have continued the downward path for as long as I have been posting here...almost a year. Carol has only had one gain in that entire time. They may not have lost every week, but they certainly didn't gain. That is why they are where they are and I am where I am.

Sorry for the long post...I needed to vent! :mad:

Have a wonderful and Blessed Sunday everyone!

Janet (Kudzu)

[This message has been edited by Kudzu (edited 02-18-2001).]

Wow - its been quiet in here again this week-end!

Janet - I feel your anguish, really I do! I have been unable to get totally focused on ths program since before Christmas. Oh, I still manage to lose a little here and there but that wonderful mindset I had at the beginning is long gone. I don't know how to get it back either. As far as your situation is concerned, all I can suggest it that you put the brakes now right this minute, forget what has happened in the last few months, and focus on not gaining one more pound. For me, I count it a success when I haven't gained anything - not necessarily that I have not lost anything! And I am very conscious of what I eat - it is not often that I throw caution to the wind and eat whenever and whatever I want (because if I had, I would defnitely be in your postition right now too), but even though I am aware of what I am eating, I still cannot manage to be totally and completely on program for more than a few days at a time. I suppose that it the reason I have not gained - but it sure itsn't helping me lose much. Perhaps the four of us can give each other a big shot in the morale when we get together in a couple weeks!!! Tell Carol to bring her biggest WW needle! :D
And don't worry about that seat belt - I am sure it will be fine. Heck, if it fit me the last time I flew (70 pounds ago) - it will fit little ol' you! By the way, did you and your dd find that prom dress?

Carol - I'm worried about you. Didn't hear from you yesterday. How's your back? I hope the rest and treatments are helping.

This week-end just flew by. I am so tired of cramming everything that doesn't get done during the week into 2 short days!! I ran myself silly both Sat and Sun. All of a sudden, its Monday! Imagine that. Don't feel like I even had any time off! Wish I could afford to cut back to working only 4 days a week. Guess I should be careful what I say - I might get what I long for and I don't think the boss would be willing to pay me 5 days pay for 4 days work! I think we may have lost a rather large client so I should probably just be grateful if I don't get laid off. Actually, I am pretty sure that they would not do that but they probably would reassign me to a different area. If I can't do the kind of work I know and enjoy, I may have to follow Jan's lead and get out my resume and polish it up.

Nancy, did you enjoy your trip to the shore this week-end? That's still a little too chilly for me althought I LOVE the beach and water! But there's no place any colder when its damp, rainy and cold! But it still has a particular kind of beauty even then! How did your teen do at "home alone"? I was always blessed with a responsible teen - even though she drove me nuts! I can think of only one or two times that she allowed friends to push her into a decision that she knew was wrong - or at least only the two times that I am aware of!!! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif There's something to be said about ignorance and bliss! And huge congrats on the big loss this week! 5 pounds is absolutely fantastic!

DD and fiance went to a marriage workshop at the church on Saturday. She called me afterward and said - Mom, guess what? Matt and I are exact polar opposites (according to a personality test they gave everyone)! I told her I could have saved her $100 and 8 hours of time and told her that before they went. Its funny how others can see what we can't.

Joyce - how's you and your? Hope everyone is over the crud now. You stay so busy with your church activities - I wonder if they realize how lucky they are to have you so involved?

Janet - you are right on about our weather. It was freezing here again Sat. morning after being nearly 80 on Thursday. Supposed to be back up in the 70's this week but it was pretty darn chilly here Sat and Sun (this morning, too). I keep hoping spring can't be too far away - but in my heart I know we are still going to have some cold days and nights sprinkled in among the warm ones - all the way to Easter. We all need to keep our fingers crossed for some of the really nice stuff when we get together.

Time for me to get in line on the road. Have a great Monday, everyone.

HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY!! Today is a holiday for me, so I thought that I would get a quick post in to let you all know that I'm feeling much better. I got all of my old WW materials out yesterday, and really tried to get back into that mindset that had allowed me to lose so much weight. I'm going to start doing the one thing that has always gotten me through, and that is to take things one day/one meal at a time...and look forward, not back. One part of me wishes that I could stop thinking about food all the time. I wake up thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast, and then I immediately start thinking about the next meal. It drives me crazy. On the other hand, I know that when I stop obsessing about food that could be the trigger that allows me to fall back into old ways. I know that this is a lifestyle change, but part of me still thinks of it as a diet and that is what I have to work on. I know it, but I need to "live" it.

Texaslady, I share your concern for Carol. That is not like her to go so long without posting. I wanted to tell her about the "sign" that I got yesterday. I know y'all are getting sick of hearing me talk about being afraid to fly, and I was just starting to feel a little more confident when the airline called. I had been wondering why I hadn't received my tickets, and the phone call yesterday explained it. They had been returned for insufficient address. The girl read me the address, and it was my complete address. She (and I) couldn't understand why they would have been returned, and nothing like that has ever happened with my mail before. I have a great mailman who knows me and has delivered things with half my address on them. Is it a sign?? Things like that don't usually bother me at all, but I felt so uneasy after that phone call. They are going to FedEx the tickets. My daughter heard me telling a friend who had called about what happened. After I got off the phone, Krysten said "it would have been a sign if your flight was today...or if you never got them...this was NOT a sign." Kids are so wise.

Texaslady, that was so cute about your DD and her fiance being polar opposites and your response to her about how you could have saved her the time and money she spent finding that out. How true that it is so easy for others to see what we can't about ourselves. DD and I did not find a prom dress yet, but we are going this afternoon when she gets out of school to look at the shop where we found last year's dress. They are a little more expensive, but it's very small and I love the people who own it. They were so sweet last year and went to a lot of extra expense and trouble to make sure that our dress arrived in time.

Nancy, I hope y'all had a great time at the shore. How did your son do home alone?

Well, I have rambled long enough. I'm off to get a shower and do some housecleaning before DD gets home from school. She has early dismissal this year since it is her senior year and she only lacked a few credits. We didn't get to do that when I was in school. Of course, we didn't even have air conditioning when I was in school...and couldn't even wear pants until I was in high school. Boy have things changed. While we were out shopping Saturday, I noticed that all the new spring clothes looked like they were straight out of my closet from the 60's and 70's. I told Krysten that if I had known that my daughter would want those clothes one day I would have saved them. The kids are even wearing Wallabies. Do y'all remember them?? We wore them in high school, but all the kids here think they are something brand new.

Have a wonderful OP day. It is a glorious day here...bright and sunny and mild. I can't wait to get outside!!

Janet (Kudzu)

Hi! This will be really brief, but I wanted to answer Janet and Texaslady's concern about my not posting for so long. I have the "crud", or the flu or whatever. Fever's been 101 to over 102 since Saturday night. All I'm doing is sleeping! Should be good for the weight- haven't been eating either. I plan to try to work tomorrow. I'll post more then.
Janet, hang in there!!!!
Carol

Carol, GET WELL SOON!! I'm so sorry that you are sick. This season has seemed especially harsh for the "crud" and the flu. We have had so many people at work who have been sick for weeks. It just seems to linger and linger. I certainly hope that isn't the case for you. I want you feeling great for our get-together!! :)

Today has been a really good OP day. I feel like I may be back on track after hitting bottom again, but I don't want to talk about it too much for fear of jinxing it. :p

One other good thing happened today (well, actually two because we found a prom dress). I had gone to a friend's house late last night to take some things that she wanted to borrow. I had laid my wallet on top of my car so that I could load some things. As I was laying it on the hood, I thought to myself "Janet, don't do that because you are going to forget it." This afternoon the phone rang and this man asked me if I had lost something. I told him that I didn't think so, but he continued to ask me to think and told me that he wanted me to describe it. I told him that I had no idea what he was talking about, so he finally asked me what I kept my checks and credit cards in...and it hit me. This man lives at least two miles from my house and I've noticed him because he walks this HUGE Great Dane everyday. This dog is so striking...black and white and as big as a horse. Anyway, he said that he was out jogging and walking his Great Dane on the main road from my house and noticed the wallet. He said he couldn't figure out how it got there because he knew it was too heavy to fly out the window. http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif Even if I had noticed that it was missing, I would never have thought to look in that area. God certainly had his hand in this one. It was also strange because up until about 2 yesterday afternoon, I had those 12 N'Sync tickets in my wallet...plus I have been keeping my DD's money that she's been earning from her job. She's going to Gulf Shores for spring break and I didn't want her to lose it. Something told me the other night to take that money out and leave it at my house. Anyway, I was really lucky that such a nice man found the wallet. Krysten was quick to point out that she would have probably gotten yelled at if it had been her. She was right, and it gave me some food for thought.

I know y'all are thinking how I'm the only person you know who can make a short story long! Sorry...I know I can ramble! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//dizzy.gif

Have a good OP Tuesday!

Janet (Kudzu)

Morning, ladies!

Janet - What the heck were you doing up so late last night? Don't you know you have to go to work this morning! I laughed at your wallet story - and yes, you were very, very lucky to have someone find the wallet who was willing to return it. Can't imagine that happening in Houston! Thought about you at lunch yesterday when a co-worker told me she had waited in line to buy N'Sync tickets here this week-end. I don't think she did a marathon like you described. Around here they give out wristbands with numbers on them to everyone in line and then they draw matching numbers from a bowl. The person with that numbered band is now "first" in line and everyone else lines up numerically behind the first person. Following this logic, the person who walks up at 10:00 the day the tickets go on sale has the same chance as someone who's been in line since 6 AM. So if you are lucky and have a good number, you don't have to stand in line too long. Everyone has the same chance and that discourages people camping out for days to be first in line. They do this for the rodeo and for all big concerts like N'Sync, etc. I am glad you are feeling more on track. Just remember to take it one hour at a time - even 5 minutes at a time if that's necessary!

Carol - Gosh, you just can't catch a break! First your back and now the crud. As widespread as the crud is, people in my office have been exceedingly healthy this year. I don't think anyone has had this latest strain of junk - knock on wood! Take it easy and don't go back to work too soon - you will just relapse! We need you to be on that plane March 2.

Where is everyone else? Jan, Nancy(s), Kendra, Saara, Joyce, Liz, Rebecca - anyone? You guys have been way too quiet! Let us hear from you.

Time for me to duck out the door. Its a little foggy this a.m. - that's what happens when you have 100% humidity all the time! But its supposed to clear off a bit and get into the 70's today! :) I sure hope we can hang on to our warm temperatures for the get together! I'm crossing my fingers!

Good Morning Everyone

Had a busy weekend with DH being home the whole weekend. He had Monday off so we went shopping!! :D

I have to share my wonderful story...I was getting ready yesterday morning to go and I knew that my "baggy" jeans were in the wash so I was sure that the pair that I would put on would be so tight that I wouldn't be able to breathe...well, was I mistaken! They were huge! Made me feel so good. All this hard work is paying off. And then we went to Taco Bell for lunch (fast food is not diet friendly) and I ate two tacos and drank water. Not a big feat there, but I left feeling full. I think I may actually be learning something on this plan. :D

Janet- How lucky that you have such an honest neighbor! I remember once seeing a car with a cup on the back bumper. They drove like that for miles. I am just glad that you got your wallet back!

Well ladies, I better get my tush in motion. I have an exercise bike calling my name!

Big hello's to everyone!

have a great day!

Rebecca

------------------
This above all: to thine own self be true...
~William Shakespeare~

I'm back! I can't say how much I have missed reading these posts everyday. Not only is everyone here such inspiration (wish I had baggy jeans LOL) but I everyone welcomed us newbies so warmly and openly I feel like I have known every one for years instead of a few weeks!

I'm with you Janet. I have had such a difficult time staying on track. I think if I didn't excercise everyday I would be back to the origional weight. I did real well last week while I was training ( and that catered food smelled heavenly everyday) But come the weekend I walked around with my mouth open eating everything in site. And it didn't help I was visiting a friend of mine in Boston who loves to cook and snack. And of course, is a size 8 on a bad day. And she doesn't even have those "skinny people" habits of only eating a little. She eats like a horse. Hate those good metabolisms.
Even today I can't seem to get back on track. Planned well but just haven't stuck on it.

And Kudzu, you are lucky having such a nice man find your wallet. And even luckier the great dane did not eat it.

Have a great day everyone.

Carol, I am so sorry to hear you're down with the flu! I hope you were able to stay in and rest, and are feeling better. Re: your question on the weather, like Janet says, it's SO unpredictable. Right now it's warm and pleasant, but it would be wise to bring along a sweater or light jacket just in case. March can be hot in Laredo, so you'll want cool, comfortable clothes for that, good walking shoes, and maybe jeans to wear to the ranch, if you'd like to try out the paddleboat.

Janet, I am so glad you're back on track. Don't be so down on yourself, though! You have lost 25 pounds, and are heading back down as we speak; that's quite an achievement. What a great story about your wallet being found! I love to hear how honest people are still around.

Texaslady, sorry for being awol; the weekend was so pretty, I spent most of it outdoors planting flowers. Then yesterday, had to give a workshop in Victoria. I know just what you mean about losing focus; I've been hovering around the same weight for way too long now. Although I'm not totally discouraged by that, I do wonder where that original motivation went, that kept me losing steadily at the beginning. I mean, we've all made major progress in changing behaviors and overall lifestyle, which is key, but the pounds are coming off so slowly now! You are so right, though, I *know* that we can help each other recapture that spirit!

NJNancy, congrats on the pound lost! Tell us about your weekend at the beach? Did you do lots of beachcombing? I'm with you, I enjoy the beach more in winter than in summer; it's a great place to just walk and think.

Liz, welcome back! Way to go, resisting all that catered food. (Why is it that caterers so seldom put out healthy stuff? Maybe it's far easier to make high-fat foods that please everyone, but a bit harder, or more expensive, to fix healthier fare. Do you think?)

Rebecca, another wonderful pair of baggy jeans; terrific! All that exercise certainly *is* paying off! You said y'all went shopping; did you buy some new clothes? Congrats on staying OP at Taco Bell; that's not easy. (Their Taco Salad, under the new rules, is 21 points! Whew! That's what I used to order there, before I knew better. Tacos are a *much* better choice, at just 4 pts.)

Hi to JOYce, Kendra, Saara, and Nancy in TC; hope your week is off to a great start!
Regards,
Jan

Hi ladies! How was everyone's Tuesday?
The fever part of my crud is gone, so I went to work- shouldn't have maybe, but couldn't not, if you know what I mean. I still have the cough/throat/sinus stuff, but this too shall pass in good time! One good thing about being too sick to get out of bed all weekend was that my back is MUCH better now! :) "Every cloud..." as the saying goes.

Okay, Janet, have you been saying your "I love to fly exercises" every day?? You have a smart daughter!! I'll go one step farther in the "sign" theory: I figure if, while you are in line to board the plane, two large birds swoop down from the ceiling and one takes your ticket and the other your carry on, then that's a sign!! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif I think all of us have been sluggish in the motivation department lately- I have a feeling that on our weekend get together we can get each other motivated again!!! And good for you for starting anew!! How lucky you were that such a nice, honest man found your wallet!!! :cool: And I have another dumb question- what are Wallabies (other than the fuzzy little animal that looks like a kangeroo)??? I'm older than you, so they can't be before my time. Maybe they didn't have them in PA?
Texaslady, how was your drive in during the fog? Traffic was probably heavy too, it being the day after a holiday. The wrist band idea for tickets is really interesting- I never heard of that before, but it would sure help! With my luck, though, I'd probably just give up on tickets altogether- I'm not one of those naturally lucky people! :D
Rebecca, GREAT!!! Another pair of jeans bites the dust!!! I chuckled at you comment about maybe "learning something" on this plan. That's one of the things I like about it- there's a lot of flexibility, but along the way you learn to make healthy coices on your own.
Liz, I'm glad you had fun in Boston, but aren't skinny friends who can eat anything and everything the worst thing to deal with? Hang in there- you'll get back on track!
Jan, I used to do the same thing (pre WW) at Taco Bell. I'd get the Taco Salad somehow thinking it was healthier!

Well, I've got to run. Hi to everybody. Talk to you all tomorrow.
Carol

Good morning everyone!

Rymsh, I am glad you are feeling better. Just be careful that you don't do too much too soon. Relapses can be such a pain.

JanetMae: planting flowers sounds like a wonderful way to spend the weekend. What type of flowers were you putting in? It's not too early to plant? This yardwork business is a relatively new thing for me. I owned a condo in Boston and didn't have any yardwork to do before. I really would like to work on my yard this year. The skanky ex used to do it (and not a good job, I might add) so I am not quite sure when I can start the spring thing.NjNancy,is it too early to do things in our area? I figured mid-march might be the right time to start (can you tell I am the type of person who likes to plan things? Although I admit sometimes I get carried much to far with my schedule)

I am DETERMINED to get back on track today. I tried visualizing my sucess this morning before I got out of bed. Some one talked about the stalling technique when the munchies hit you. I'll try that too.

Everyone have a great day!

Morning, girls! Welcome to Wednesday!

Rebecca - WAY TO GO! I love, love, LOVE baggy pants stories! :D I do believe that you need to go to the store and buy smaller jeans! We wouldn't want you to lose your britches! (think Janet could tell you about that, as I recall!) You are doing just fantastic - keep it up!

Carol - Yes, you probably should have stayed home at least another day if your crud is anything like what was going on around here. My dd missed 4 days of work when she had it. But we all do what we have to do. Glad your back is a bit better, too. Hopefully, you will be back up to snuff soon - want you feeling A-OK by March 2!

Jan, how far a drive is it to Laredo from your place? I have my fingers crossed that we can have some wonderfully warm weather next week-end, but I haven't heard any long range forecasts. And even if I had, I certainly wouldn't believe them. Our weather guy has been more wrong than right this year.

Liz - Welcome back! We missed you. I don't know how you and Janet manage to stay on track when you have to eat out so much (like when giving workshops). That is so hard for me. All I have to do is smell that wonderful stuff and my resolve just melts into a puddle! Just pull yourself back up onto program and go on from this moment. That's what we all do - moment to moment, day to day.

Janet - Gee, I don't think you are likely to experience Carol's version of a "sign" so I guess you better just get on that plane and get here ASAP. It can't be a very long flight from there to here - couple hours at the most? Heck, you will hardly get up before its time to come down. So don't be http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//nervous.gif, OK? You will do just fine.

Time for me to scoot. Fog wasn't terribly bad yesterday and once I got into town it was just about gone. I love the fact that the days are getting longer now! It is really just about dawn now when I leave home - which means I drive to work in some light now. I just hate it when its dark when I leave home in the mornings, dark during the commute, and dark when I leave to come back home! Yuck! This is definitely a sign that spring is not TOO far away. :)

Hi to Joyce, Nancy(s), Saara and any lurkers hanging around! Crystal, Kendra, Lynne, Kermit - what happened to you girls? We miss you.

Carol, glad your fever's gone; are you feeling any better today? Are you getting enough rest?

Liz, I planted marigolds, dianthus, lavender, and caladium bulbs, took out some of the winter veggies and planted tomatoes, yellow squash, and strawberries. It's usually ok to plant by this date, tho' we sometimes have late frosts; will keep fingers crossed. Found some info for your region at: http://gardening.about.com/homegarden/gardening/blreg-midatlantic.htm if you want to look up spring planting dates. Gardening is a good way to keep out of the kitchen, for me; and it's hard to snack when your hands are muddy!

Texaslady, it's about 3 hours to Laredo, on a really good road. And you're right, the weather is so unpredictable here; so far, though, it's looking great!

Have been giving another workshop all day today, so I'm looking forward to getting the last of the plants in the ground this afternoon. Guess I'd better get going! Everyone have a good Wed. evening...
Jan

Good morning! I hope everyone is having a good, op week!
We're due for some snow later today- not a lot, just 2-3 inches, but enough to make a disaster out of tonight's and possible tomorrow's rush hour. This area does NOT deal with snow well- being from Pennsylvania I find it almost funny- until I have to get out on the roads with these people! :eek:
I met a friend for dinner at the Red Lobster last night. Boy, what a change from the last time we were there a couple months ago! The menu was downsized considerable (no steamed shrimp of any kind, for example, and the potato was the smallest I'd ever seen and was barely warm, as were the veggies. I got broiled salmon ( the only thing I could get that wasn't either in a casserole with heavy sauce, fried or $25(lobster). The fish was good, but the rest was disappointing. Even the cheese biscuits were undercooked. I wonder if the place is having financial problems? You wouldn't know it by the parking lot evry day!
Liz, how did the day go for you? Were you able to stay on track? You can do it- we're all pulling for you!!
Texaslady, how nice that you are seeing some signs of spring! I just can't wait! Our trees are starting to bud, which is a good sign (except for those allergic to them!) :D. I hope today's bitter cold and winds with the snow don't damage them. Yup- you and I have to keep Janet's mindset on moving toward that airport!! Actually, encouraging her helps me too- I'm not a whole lot more thrilled with flying than she is! I'm lad I got my "crud" now and not next week!!! I should be all healed by flight day!
Jan, thanks for the kind thoughts. Had I been able to take a couple more days off it would have been better, but i really couldn't. I am pretty much going to bed shortly after I get home so I can get plenty of rest- the old body isn't giving me much of a choice! :) Your planting sounds wonderful- and I liked the idea about not being able to snack with your hands muddy!! I always plant myself some pots and flower boxes for my patio, but it's still way too early for that here.
Janet, you just HAVE to tell the group your open sunroof story!!!!!
Saara, Joyce,Rebecca,both Nancys and anyone I may have missed, I hope you all are doing well.
Gotta run- work calls. Have a good day, everyone!
Carol

Can't stay. Its late and I'm late too! Hit the snooze button too many times! :(

Just wanted to say good morning everyone and that I will check in again later if I can. Carol, glad you are on the mend, so to speak. Janet - what open sunroof story?????

Gotta go.

One Day one program! I am so excited. Yesterday was hard, but I did it. Kept on thinking about you all supporting me and I made it through the day (and evening)Now for the next day......

Janet Mae, thanks for the link. I checked it out briefly and there is some real good information there. The only disappointment is that it looks like I really need to wait until the end of March, beginning of April to really start things rolling. But it suggests some indoors thiings to prep with so I will start to make my lists. I love lists. Must have a million of them.

Rymsh, IMHO Red Lobster is overpriced and the quality of the fish is not all that good. Legal's seafood (do you have any of them?) is also overpriced but the quality and selection is much better. In Boston, I was used to having a seafood restaurant every half a block, but here in NJ have not been able to find one I like (actuall have not been able to find one at all)

TexasLady-My company is sending me to your neck of the woods for a 3 day seminar. It is going to be held in Dalla/Fort worth at the airport hotel. Probably will never get to leave the hotel (they ususally keep us realy busy) but I am looking forward to brathing that "Texas Air"

And what is the "open sunroof story"?


Here's to everyone's day. Hope it goes well.

Hi Everyone,

I’m back. The weekend was a lot of fun – but it sure is hard to eat on program at a hockey game.

NJNancy – thanks for the tips on what to eat in Phili. I’ve started to make a list and then will try to figure out how to fit it into the program. Hopefully I’ll do enough sight seeing and will walk everything off.

After catching up on all the new posts I think there must be something in the air – All Over The World! I am having the same motivation problems. I start out the day ok and then something just takes over and I can’t seem to control myself. I know that I am getting to that “time of the month” so I have started to take Pamprim to see if that will help control the urges. I have gained 1.5 pounds since the first of the year and it is feeling like 40. Hopefully I can get back on track real soon.

I am going to the grocery store to pick up some of my old standbys and then will spend the evening cutting and dicing and cooking so I can have some good food in the house.

Carol – how is your back doing? Whenever I hear of people with back problems I just shudder and then go into my preaching about taking care of it right away. If one Dr. doesn’t take it serious – go find another. I think if I had been a little more forceful when I first started having problems I would have been able to take care of it with therapy instead of having to resort to surgery. Keep on those Dr’s and treat your back right. Are you over the crud yet? The people in my office have really been hit hard. I am still keeping it at bay – but since I haven’t had much down time over the last week I think my resistance is going down. After the chop session tonight I am going to wrap up in an afghan and just veg out.

Texaslady – Is your weather getting any better? It seems that you have been having a lot of fog lately. I don’t envy you having to drive in fog. We had –3 temps this morning and now it is snowing like crazy. I can’t wait for warmer weather. We need to have a major thaw.


Justliz – Congrats on being on program! Just string those days together and see how great you feel.

Carol – I have been longing for Red Lobster – but after your report I think I will stay away.

Hi to everyone else. Hopefully I can catch up on what’s going on now that I will be home for a while.

Nancy in TC

Hey everybody!

I had weigh in yesterday and lost .9! Pretty soon I will be at my 10%. Feels like I have been doing this forever and not going very far, but I must look at the bigger picture right? That's what I keep hearing from my family, but they aren't the ones fighting this battle. Oh well, dig in my heels and give it my best shot.

Jan- Planting flowers already? Oooh, I am so jealous. Pretty soon you will be able to see all that hard work with beautiful flowers! And I will still be waiting for the snow to melt. :D

I think I am suffering from the winter blues. Yep, I am. Yesterday at our meeting some of us were talking about how we feel more energetic, etc. when winter is over. Right now it seems like we are all in "polar bear" mode, eating to keep our layer of winter warmth! But soon, soon, soon, the blues will go away and spring will be here. Maybe thats why I don't feel the motivation, I feel like doing nothing. Think so?

But, I better get a move on. Maybe I can get some of the things done on my "to-do" list. I do my stuff (exercise, computer stuff) and then I get lazy and don't wanna do the rest. :o


Rebecca

[This message has been edited by xstitchingal (edited 02-22-2001).]

Rebecca,

I'm with you on the winter blah's and eating to keep my layers of fat like a polar bear. Maybe spring will be right around the corner and we can come out of hibernation!!!

Nancy in TC

Hello from snowy So. Maryland! Boy, what a mess we've had in this area today since our snow started about 11 this morning! In Virginia just south of DC there was a 116- yup, 116-car pile up! This happened shortly after the snow started- apparently the temperature was such that when the stuff started falling, route 95 became an ice rink. One person was killed, I heard- mostly fender bender stuff otherwise though.The road's still closed- and probably will be for another 8 hours! Then not too far from there they had a 35 car pile up. The county I work in has had over 200 accidents this afternoon. We've only had about 4 inches, and it's now about done, but it sure has been something else! We closed and went home at noon. The roads were slick but ok if you just took your time. I got home ok, but passed several accidents- most involving idiots in 4wd vehicles who decided that 4 wheel drive means you can go 60 mph on ice! Like I said, this is not a good snow area! Tomorrow is my morning in Virginia- we'll see what goes, I guess! I'm not exactly looking forward to it.
Well, I've certainly told y'all more than you ever wanted to know about that!!! :D
Texaslady, don't you just hate to oversleep? It just throws the whole day off, it seems!!! How was the rest of your day?
Liz, good for you!! One day op is a victory worth celebrating any time!!!
Nancy in TC, my back's doing much better, thanks. Being flat on my back for 3 days with the flu or crud last weekend seemed to help my back, if nothing else! I have my first PT tomorrow- seems sort of a moot point right now since I'm sort of back to baseline again and I know and do my back exercises regularly anyhow, but I guess I'll go and get the heat/ultrsound/traction treatments he suggested. But she gets only one shot at me- if she gets over aggressive and makes me worse, that's the end of it. I've been there before. We nurses are stubborn people and very opinionated about what's inflicted on our bodies!!!! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif
Rebecca, congratulations on the -.9, and on nearing the 10% mark!!! I think you have a good point about the winter blahs being related to the motivational problems we all seem to be sharing lately. It makes sense. Seasonal Affective Disorder causes depression, and most of us with weight issues tend to eat when depressed. Bring on spring so we can get out and move!!!

Well, I'd better finish my laundry and other chores while I'm in the mood. Have a great evening, everyone. Talk to you tomorrow.
Carol

Morning, ladies! TGIF Day! Yea!

Carol - I saw all that snow on the news last night - or at least I saw what D.C. got and I know you are not far from there. I guess you left extra early this a.m. to make it to Virginia. You be careful now. Hopefully your heating and ultrasound treatments will help your back. My dd said those worked wonders for her on her last bad spell.

Nancy & Rebecca - I just do not know how you girls stand all that winter! I lived in Kansas for many years and I just hated it. Especially when it gets to be about this time of year and through March & April. I am a south Texas girl and this time of year always means spring is coming - it was so depressing in Kansas to know that spring didn't "spring" for good until almost May. Seems we always had a February thaw for about a week- just enough to get everyone's hopes up and then we would get zapped with cold again. It really gave me the blahs so I can completely understand your winter blues - even if you are used to the winter stuff! Wish you could be here. Its been in the 60 & 70 now off and on for a couple weeks with a front or two thrown in to take us back to the 30's & 40's once in a while at night. But hopefully we are just about over any really cold stuff for us.

Liz - Hey, one OP day is great! Now you need to get a string of them going. I think it is Saara who uses a calendar and keeps track of hers visually. When are you coming to Dallas-FW? My dd went to college in Fort Worth and I made many a trip there. I don't know much about the Dallas area, but I really love Fort Worth. It is about 30 miles west of Dallas but worth a side trip if you have time. It has a whole different "feel" than Dallas - at least I think so.

Rebecca - congrats on yet another loss! You are doing SO WELL! We are really proud of your efforts. The slower it comes off, the more time you have to learn how to keep it off! Good girl!

Jan - You have more energy than I. I need to get out and clean up my flowerbeds, but I have been too lazy. Its supposed to rain here tonight and tomorrow so I guess it will be too muddy to do so this week-end - TOO BAD! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif Hey, what is your zip code? (you can e-mail me with it if you want).
I thought I would keep an eye on your local weather forecast for the upcoming get-together! The 5 day forecast for here doesn't look too bad temperature wise - hopefully it will hold on for next week-end.

Janet - we are still waiting for the sunroof story!

Gotta go now. Everyone have a great week-end!

Hi everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while, but as you know I'm pretty busy with school and work. I didn't even realize how busy I've been till my boss told me that I ended up working about 130 hours this month (only 21 of them to go...). That's way too much! So hopefully I'll be working half of that next month. Also my conflict resolution course is keeping me very occupied at the moment as we're getting closer to the actual negotiations. Yesterday was a hard day since we had to negotiate about where our talks are held, whose hosting, and what should be in the invitation. It was so much harder than I'd ever thought. And I'm sure it's still much more hard in real life... But I'll tell you more after next Thursday.

I did have a few days off this week, and on Wednesday a class was cancelled so I pretty much stayed home and watched some movies and relaxed. I'm trying to find the time to go to the gym, too. Hopefully on Sunday I'll go. It got freezing cold again today, but at least the sun is shining! :) The days are getting longer and longer, I usually don't get up before 9, but one day had to get to the university by 8, and I was so surprised to notice that it was actually light outside at 8! And it doesn't get dark till about 6pm. Wow, it's almost spring time...

Well, I weighed in today, and had lost a pound. I wasn't expecting a loss, so I was happy. I'm still having some motivational problems, but hanging in there. But I'm sure proud of myself for continuing the fight and not giving up as I have done so many times before. Huge thanks to all of you for the wonderful support you're all giving me!!! My roommate also joined WW today.

Oh boy, I have to run. I don't want to be late from work... Have a good friday everyone!!! Saara.

Morning everyone!

Rymish: I heard about that accident in Maryland. It wasn't as bad here in North Jersey but it still made my normal 40 minute commute into almost 2 hours. I had to work until 8 last night so at least I missed the worst part of the traffic. But it still amazed me the number of cars that were abandoned right in the middle of the travel lanes!

Texaslady: Our meeting is mid march. They usually have things planned for us so I hope that it includes at least a little sight seeing. Or at least one dinner in a real "texas" type restaraunt. The hokier the better. And if they could throw in a cowboy I would be in heaven.....

Second day did not go too good. Some one brought in some pastries and of course I did not stop at one...and then I moved onto the vending machines..cheez.

Which actually reminds me of something that I meant to ask everyone. Since starting ww have your eating habits changed. Other than eating "healthier foods", that is, lower fat higher fiber, more fruits and veggies, mine haven't changed one iota. I still could eat from the moment I get up till the moment I go to bed. Has any of you changed into a three meal plus two snacks a day person if you weren't before? Is it something that maybe I should strive for?

Well at least I got my excercise in with all the shoveling.

everyone have a great day

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Texaslady - it’s sunny here now – I just wish it would warm up. I have lived here all my life so I can’t imagine what it would be like having it any other way. It just seems that some years winter drags on to long. I do like the fact that the days are getting longer. It’s daylight when I go to work and when I go home. Mid winter it’s dark both ways. I would love to have you 60-70 degree weather for a while.

Rymish – wow – what a mess on your highways. I can’t imagine how long it took them to move all those cars out of the way. Have things straightened around today?

Saaro – Congrats on your 1 pound loss. You put in a lot of hours for just working part time. Sounds like you really needed that day to just crap out. Hopefully you got your engines revved up again and can go and take on the world.

Justliz – I don’t think Weight Watchers has changed my eating habits but other studying that I have been doing has. I have been following Dr. Weil for a while and have tried to adopt a healthier style of eating. I try to use organic when I can and try and stay away from red meats and oils that have been hydrogenated (sp?) I also try to follow the Mediterranean style of eating with an emphasis on whole grains. If I stick to it I do ok and it works in real well with the points system.

I did a mile on the treat mill this morning and if I can convince my hubby that we don;t need to go out tonight - I'm hoping for another mile.

I guess I better get back to work. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Nancy in TC

Carol, I heard about that pileup on the news; how awful! Sure hope you had a safe drive today, and that you can stay in this weekend! Of course, no way do you get to stay in NEXT weekend; I can hardly wait! I'm finding myself talking to those bluebonnet plants outside, telling them to hurry up and bloom so y'all can enjoy them.

Liz, if you love lists, you would *really* enjoy a Palm! It does lists, addresses, to-dos, memos, appts, WW journal, and so much more. I couldn't function without mine! Way to go staying OP, and taking it one day at a time; that's the way to do it!

Nancy in TC, what a good idea, cutting up veggies and such ahead of time. That'll save you time in the kitchen later in the week, so that you can cook healthy stuff. I've found that being on WW means I spend lots more time cooking, which is ok because I enjoy that, but it can lead to a real time crunch!

Rebecca, congrats, another pound gone! Almost at 10 percent, too, that's great; be sure to tell us when you get your keyring and we'll all celebrate with you (virtually)! :) I'm sorry you're having some winter blues, but you're right, spring is on the way. I kind of miss seeing snow, since I grew up north of Boston and loved winter sports.

Hi Texaslady! It's 78118, and you're right, I think - hope - we'll have good weather for our weekend. It's rainy now, but will clear up tomorrow. All in all, though, I'd prefer Laredo in the rain to Laredo in scorching heat ...

Saara, wow, you have really put in the hours! That's good news about your roommate joining WW. I think you said she likes to cook, too? Fantastic...

Well, so much for the coffeebreak; guess I'd better get back to work. Lots of loose ends to tie up today. DH took off this afternoon to take Dad to his ophthalmologist; hope the news is at least status quo.

Janet, what is this sunroof story? We are all in suspense ...

Hi everyone! TGIF! Our weather is much better today!
The final on that accident was 128 cars, 1 death, 14 fairly serious injuries, and about 100 minor injuries. It took them till about 10 pm to get the road clear enough to reopen(it happened at 11AM). Obviously there's huge amounts of news coverage of the thing here- the pictures are unbelievable! Then there was a 35 car pile up north of Baltimore. Not a good day for our general area!!
Janet, you're probably ready to shoot me for bringing up the sunroof story! Come on, girl- tell 'em about it. I think it's hysterical!!! I'd tell them, but it's your story!!
Texaslady, I left later than usual this morning so I'd be travelling the icy roads in the daylight. Traffic was really light- schools all over the area were closed, and the government was on liberal leave, so I think after the mess Thursday a lot of people took off. My PT appt was this afternoon- I thought at 2:30. I had debated whether to go, because things are pretty good by now and I know what exercises to do. But, I decided to go. I got home from work about 12:45 and figured I'd lie down for an hour. My phone rang about 2:15- it was the pt place. My appointment was at 1:30, not 2:30! :rolleyes: I swear I'm brainless this week- I never do that sort of thing. So, I don't know if I'll reschedule or not- I'll see how the weekend goes.
Saara, I'm glad you're going to cut back your work hours a little!! You work too hard!!! Congratulations on the pound lost! :D Maybe your roomie would like to join our group.
Liz, I'm glad you had slightly better weather than we had yesterday, but a 40 minute commute that takes 2 hours is far from fun! I'm sorry yesterday was such a struggle, but don't beat yourself up about it. Just pick yourself up and start again! You asked about eating habit changes- in the 16 months I've been in WW, I think mine have changed drastically. I've learned what triggers overeating in me, and I've learned to deal with it in a healthier way. I was introduced to the phrase "point worthy" by these wonderful ladies- and I've learned that if something I really want but "shouldn't" have is point worthy to me at the time, I can have it if I allow for it. I'm a grazer- I don't rigidly adhere to 3 meals 2 snacks. What works for me is to eat something at least every 3 hours- it keeps me from pigging out, and helps keep what's left of my metabolism in gear. I've learned the joys of peeled baby carrots , and that warm liquids help me feel full. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've learned what I can and can't change about myself, and how to adapt. One major change I've made is that I haven't bought butter in over a year (I was a butterholic, and I now only use "I Can't Believe its not Butter" spray) and I don't even miss it.
Nancy TC, I'm glad you at least got a little sunshine!! When does spring usually appear in your area?
Jan, I'm glad I'm not the only person who talks to plants! :) How did things go with the eye doctor's visit for your dad?
Joyce, how's everyone in your house feeling?

What's the weekend hold for everyone? I may go in to work for a few hours, but I'm not sure. Today is my dd's 32nd birthday, so I want to catch up with her at some point and maybe take them out to dinner. Other than that, nothing much.
Well, I've rambled long enough. Have a good evening, everyone!
Carol

Morning!

So nice not to be working! Of course there is a zillion things to fit into this weekend so I just wanted to send a quick hello to eveyone.
I stayed op yesterday. Am so excited. I took the time to make sure I had things in the house I could eat for low points and tried to stay very busy the whole day.

Gotta run...will try to check in during the rest of the day to see how everyone is doing.

Hi everyone! Ahhhh it's Saturday!!

Mom's taxi service for today (so far!!)is just one way to the bowling alley for the boys's league in the morning. And then my oldest son to the HS for the evening performance of The Sound of Music. He has a cast party tonight, so the pick up won't be until 1-- 1:30!!! Should I drive in my jammies??!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Our weekend to the shore (specifically Brigantine, Carol. It is just north of Atlantic City) was great... BUT WHAT WAS I THINKING? It was BITTERLY COLD!! The wind was gusting at 30 mph... the wind chill was 13!!!! Uh... we stayed in the nice warm house and did a jigsaw puzzle!! My parents came down, and it was a nice 3 generation visit. I had no interest to be blown around on the beach! In retrospect, I should have done a quick visit to the sand, but it just wasn't in me at the time.

Oldest son did fine at home. Stayed up till 1 am....slept in till 1pm!!!!!! No one was getting his Sunday "good morning call," ( and my cell phone was having trouble connecting-- maybe the wind was blowing the signal away!), so that made for a couple of tense hours. Of course, when my sister went to my house, he was in his room with music on and the door closed, so he did not hear any phones or doorbells!! Hey... what's the problem? He knew he was okay.... why was everyone else so aggitated?? He did a good job taking care of the cat, and managing the lights and window coverings. He's a good kid! I'll have to be clearer about the phone call check-ins!

My weigh in this week showed a HALF POUND DOWN!! That makes 5.5!! YEAH.

We had about 5 inches of snow on Thursday. It was powdery, so it was easy to shovel. But it has covered up the yard and gardens...again, so Spring planting is on the mental back burner... again!! But I did buy a pack of sunflower seeds. Instead of being the single stalk/single flower, these from Burpee called Henri Wilde are multibranced/multiflower. Should be pretty!

Liz, I use April 25 (a family birthday) as the last day for a frost here in central NJ. And my treat for Mother's Day to spend time planting!

Jan, you sure get the jump on us with gardening!! Your flowers and veggies should be great! With your tomatoes, you'll be harvesting by May??? Ours are not peak until August!

[This message has been edited by NJNancy (edited 02-24-2001).]

Hi Liz! Way to go on staying OP yesterday, and planning so well for today too. I know you'll see great results at your meeting! Have a terrific, OP Saturday!

Carol, glad that awful weather is letting up; hope you can stay home and relax, instead of going to work again today. That's such good advice you gave Liz; that "points worthy" idea has helped me a lot, too. Also, recognizing those triggers and handling them differently; that's so crucial. As always, you are right on target! Thanks for asking about Dad. As we feared, though, he has lost more of his sight, and had to have a laser treatment yesterday. (He's had about 9 over the last 3 years.) He's dealing with it well, though, and at least the treatment has stopped its progression for now.

DH went with me on my walk this morning, which was so great. (I've found that my early morning walks, 2 miles, have really helped me feel better and deal with stress.) I just made us our weekend breakfast, Aunt Jemima whole wheat pancakes w/fresh strawberries; if you use, for two people, 1/2 cup mix, 1/2 cup soy milk, and the egg white only, leaving out the butter, they are still great and only 2 points per serving! 140 cal, 3g fiber, 1 g fat, counting the milk. Then add a point or less for the berries.

Everyone have a great Saturday! We're planning to do errands and clean house today, maybe watch our favorite cooking shows on PBS. (Ever notice how Lydia uses gallons of olive oil on that Italian cooking show? Ewww...) My favorite show is Rick Bayless' series on Mexico; gave DH the book for his birthday last month. Anyone else watch those, & have a favorite?

Regards,
Jan

Nancy, we were posting at the same time. Congrats on your half pound! Way to go! 5.5 pounds lighter; I'll bet you're feeling more energy already.
Sounds like your son did great when y'all were gone, but the phone thing reminds me of a story about my dh, when he was a little boy (much younger than your son). First time his parents left him home alone, to have dinner at their friend's house 20 miles away, he watched a Twilight Zone episode where aliens called all these scientists, and when each answered the phone it exploded. Just about then his folks called to check on him; no WAY was he answering that phone, nuh uh. They raced home, and he was in big trouble!
And yes, we do get to plant early here in S.Texas, but while your spring gardens are in full bloom, ours have been blasted by the summer heat. Our best gardening season is really fall, but it's a gamble sometimes. Good luck with your garden! (You too, Liz!)
Jan

Remember me?
:o
Sorry it has been so long. I have never felt so awful for so long! My 'crud' ended up going to sinuses and eyes. But am finally feeling human again. as are the rest of the family.

Nancy, I appreciated reading about your son staying home alone. Melissa wants to do that this summer when we take our vacation, and I'm sure we will let her...after all, she is 18 and will have graduated from HS.
I'm the only one that worries! dh thinks it is fine. :) and it will be.

Re: gardens... while I was teaching, my classroom was an acre and a half and I had a great garden! but since retirement, I leave it mostly up to dh. he does a great job. At work, my students did most of the cleanup, weeding etc. They were all Developmentally disabled in a Voc Ed program, and got paid for the work they did. they love there work, as I did! I go back once in a while to visit. Last time was just before Mother got sick, and the guys picked persimmons for me, with my promise to make them cookies. ALAS, I haven't done it yet! but the fruit is in the freezer, so will do that this week!

Dh and some friends and I are finally going to go out tonight to celebrate my birthday!
Only a month late! My friend and I chose a very nice restaurant, that we haven't been to in ages, we think we deserve something very special. (she missed her bday, too, because we were doing a church dinner that night)

At Bible study this week, a leader from last year came up and said I was looking really good...and then kind of whispered.."what have you been doing" . It is so rewarding when someone finally notices a weight loss!
Skinny people can't possibly understand what we go thru!...and how hard it is!

Time to get my 'cleaning crew' out of bed! They would sleep til noon if I let them!
They both have a few chores to do on Saturday morning.

Happy OP weekend to all!
~~~~
JOYce

Hi everyone! How's the weekend going for you?
Liz, congatulations for your day op, and for planning ahead with the low point snacks! Someone in our group- I think it was Jan- used to commemorate her op days with some pretty stones in a crystal container or something. I do that, based on her idea, for each pound lost. It's a good non-food reward and motivator, I think!
NJNancy, I know just where Brigantine is! I'm sorry the weather was less than cooperative, but glad you had an enjoyable family weekend anyhow. I don't blame you for not hitting the sand- a beach is a little less than welcoming with a 30 mph wind and a 13 degree wind chill!!! :eek: Way to go on the .5 pound loss!!! Keep up the god work!
Jan, I'm sorry your dad's ophthalmology appointment wasn't as good as you'd hoped, but I'm glad the laser treatment helps slow things down.Your 2 mile a.m. walk sounds wonderful- although I don't think you would have wanted to do that here!!! It was a tad nippy this morning! I don't get the cooking channels on my cable system, so my choices are pretty limited. Supposedly that is coming soon, and I'm looking forward to it. I don't cook much anymore, but I enjoy watching the shows and and learning.
Joyce, that crud has really hung on for you!!! What has it been- 3 weeks or more??? I'm glad you are finally on the mend.Mine's only been around a little over a week and I'm totally impatient with it!!I hope you enjoy your belated birthday dinner! How great that someone at church noticed your weight loss efforts!! That makes it all worth while!

I took my dd her birthday present and a cake(for her and her dh's Feb 1st birthday) this morning, then ran errands, including sitting in a car wash line for an hour to get the road salt off my car. Then after my dd got back from using the "day of beauty" certificate I gave her for Xmas, I took them all out to an early dinner. The plan had been for me to then watch my little sweetie afterwards while they went to a movie, but they were less than thrilled with both the choices and the movie times, so they passed on that. And so, that was my day! Tomorrow, if the promised overnight and morning rain doesn't hit, I may take a run up to Trader Joe's- I'm getting low on "staples".
Speaking of Trader Joe's, the also sell the greatest stuff for dry skin- mine's like a snake's in the winter. It's udder balm- the stuff you use on cows. It's only $2.99 for a big jar,and it works great- lots of hospital workers use it because their hands get so nasty from frequent washing. It has sort of a neutral, not totally pleasant smell. However, maybe to a bull it smells wonderful- guess I'd better keep clear of grazing areas when I use it! http://www.3fatchicks.com/ubb//lol.gif.

Gotta run. Have a pleasant Sunday, everyone.
Carol

I triggered page 2 with my post, so I'll start a new thread. Come on over!
Carol