Sugar Shakers - Sugarbusters Weekly Support Board 7/18 - 7/24

Welcome to Sugarbusters!

This is the Sugarbusters support board, where anyone following, or interested in following, Sugarbusters is welcome to come for discussion, and support. We hope you will become a part of our great group!

We try to have different themes for different days of the week.

MONDAY: MMM, or Metal Monster Monday, is when we weigh in, and post our progress. This is voluntary.

TUESDAY: Is tip day- we try to share a tip, or two to help each other.

WEDNESDAY: Is Wonderful Wednesday. On Wednesdays, we share something wonderful about our selves, or our lives.

THURSDAY: Is Thirst Day! A reminder to drink your water! Its a good day to share a recipe too! :)

FRIDAY: Is FF, for Friday funnies. Everyone needs a laugh on Friday!


You are welcome to post questions, vent frustrations, whatever, but please be respectful of others and their beliefs.


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=904000#post904000




NEWBIES: To post a reply, please hit reply and NOT new thread.

Good Morning! Its a brand new week, and this is MMM- Metal Monster Monday! The first ever! :dance: I hope everyone has a great experience to start the tradition off with! I did! I am down two pounds- almost another half, but the stupid MM could not settle on it, it just kept stopping 1/2 a pound higher! :(

I would like to remind everyone of ongoing challenges:

1. Get your exercise! Moderate exercise is the best for fat burning, so if nothing else, take a leisurely stroll each day!

2. Drink your water! A dehydrated body can't give up fat!

3. Plan to succeed! Plan your menus and have a game plan for events such as parties.

4. Remember the tortoise and the hare. Slow and steady wins the race!

Hi. I'm off to take my 2 mile walk but wanted to get my weight posted for MMM--our first ever. I lost 2 pounds this week and am down to 168.5. I am planning to up my caloric intake every day this week. I don't want my body to get settled in to knowing what to expect and going into plateau mode. Don't know if this will work, but it gives me a nice variety. Hope everyone has a happy result on the MM.

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;44;126;0;1/c/168.5/t/120/s/173/k/f3ae/weight.png

Wednesday, July 20 is CindyLCing's Birthday!


Happy Birthday, Cindy!

:hb::balloons: :gift: :balloons::woo: :balloons: :hb:

MMM...okay, so I'm at 160 this morning. Not bad since I've not been exercising AT ALL. It's soooo darn hot out and has been so for about two weeks. And humid as all get out. We have the air conditioner in the living room window and the whole family has been lazy and not going outside, so I talked DH into getting out the big blow-up pool...the kind you have filter and add chemicals to, but that you take down in the winter. He didn't want to put it up this year because it pretty much kills the grass under where you put it and then we end up with crop circles in the yard. I say, I don't care. The kids love to splash around in it and cool off and I love it because it gets the kids and I out of the house and away from the friggen TV screen. So, the pool is finishing up filling this morning and after we get back from DS's clarinet lesson we are going to see Charley and the Chocolate Factory. I'm on a fence about this movie because I think Johnny Depp makes a creepy Willy Wonka...but we got the Gamecube game the other day and it seems kinda like a nice movie to take them to...and I'd rather have the screen viewing be an 'event' like a movie, rather than just vegging out on the couch like they've done all weekend.

On the upside, we've taken the boat out quite a bit lately. And DH and I have gotten really sunburned :dizzy: . Seems we're really dilligent with putting sunblock on the kids, but then we use spf 6 for ourselves because I want to get a tan, but forget how much the sun reflects off the water and then DH and I are putting Lanacane on each other. :^: You'd think we'd learn. Anyhow...we take out boat to Sand Bay, where my mom and dad live, and put out the anchor and go swimming and visit gramma (well, actually raid gramma's fridge for a diet coke). Such a nice way to spend an afternoon. Our boat is the only nice, extravagant thing I've ever owned. It makes me feel like I'm really rich :lol: My DH wants to trade it in for a really big one with the room downstairs and all that and I just want to keep this one forever. I just love it. DH had a big boat when we first met and I hated it. If I want to sit in a living room and watch TV, I can stay home. When I'm on a boat I want to be out in the sun, and his old boat had about a two foot by two foot place to be outside, and then if someone decided to fish, that took care of that with that nasty hook flying around. With our little puddle jumper, DH and DS can fish in the back while DD and I sunbathe in the front seats.

Anyhow...enough about boating...I have to drum up something legal for breakfast.

Talk to you guys later on.

Kris

PS...I managed to attach a picture of us that my mom took from the dock of the bay. ;)

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!!

If you are reading this during the hours of 8-4 p.m. then you've already guessed...I'm home SICK AGAIN!!!

My left ear is stopped up beyond hearing, the congestion in my lungs is unbelievable, my nose won't stop running, I'm sweating like a hog from fever (had to get up and will have to change my bed!....no, I didn't wet the bed, it's from the sweating!)

BOB is just flat out down for the count...AGAIN!!!

I'll check in later....

BOB

OOPS...SORRY!!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CINDY!!!

BOB

Hey all.
I'm back from Illinois. I somehow picked up a respiratory infection while I was there. I'm miserable. THe trip was great. I got my fill of corn fields. I have a Dr appt at noon. I'll be back on for more info after that...

I weighed in at exactly the same, no more, no less. I guess that's a good thing, just wish it was better! ;) We swam in my in laws pool yesterday and had a good time. Rachel and I are going to get a haircut today so we will look good to go back to school two weeks from today. Sean will stay home as my husband "buzzes" his hair and he doesn't want to just sit around in a beauty shop. Can't imagine why not! :lol: I can't believe how the summer flies. Next thing you know it will be Christmas! Well, I need to go. Hope everyone has a wonderful MMM!

Good morning. Just weighed in for MM Monday and I've lost 3.5 lbs. Don't know how I did that but think it was a good idea I gave away my birthday candy. It gives me some real inspiration to do better.

Cindy- Happy Birthday to youuuuuuu! Hope you have a really good one. Enjoy your day....

Monet- Woopie on the two lbs. And you know you'll have the other 1/2 next week to go along with what ever else you lose......

Tech- Love the picture of your boat. It looks like such a nice one. And you all seem to have such fun on it.

Bob- Darn I can't believe you're sick again. Bless your heart. I'm sending love and prayers your way. Rest lots today and get well.

Talitha- Sorry you're sick as well. Hope you heal quickly. Rest up today and get over that nasty stuff...

Thin- Hope your hair cut turns out great... Have a really good day and stay cool.

Love this weigh in on Monday. It starts the week out and ends the week end.

Happy MMM!

I think I like this change. Seems like everyone is losing today and that is wonderful. Me, I stayed the same as WIW so I guess the water problem is gone and all that is left is fat and vacation gain. That's ok, I'm rearing to go today. Got up and did the TM for 20 minutes (jogging a lot) got my pedometer on (1200 steps and its only 10:30) and journaling my food. I am curious to see the calories. Sometimes I don't think I eat enough. Eating for the weekend was good.

I made this dessert I saw in a magazine.
I package of Sf jellow (4 oz) I used the 6 oz box
1 cup boiling water
2 cups ice cream (I used SF frozen yogurt)
Disolved the jello in the hot water, add ice cream until mixed. Refrigerate, top with whipped cream.

DH and SIL loved it. The rest of us could not decide if we liked the texture. It was good. Nice summer dessert.


Monet, thanks for starting the board. I like your challenges for this week. I'm game! Congrats on the 2 pound loss. Maybe this Rosedale thing is whatyour body needed.

Gator, Congrats on your 2 pb loss too. That is great. Great strategy for tricking the plateau. Hope it works.

Tech, We vegged out all weekend too. Drove me out of my mind. I have to be doing something. I'm surprised you got to go out on your boat, I thoughtyou all were getting lots of rain from Dennis this weekend. Your boat is almost like the one we used to have. Our front was all open with 2 bench seats on each side. We loved it and when the girls started playing sports, we didn't have time to go to the lake so we got rid of it. Now they want another one. I know we won't go there again. Glad you enjoy it. Hope that sunburn eases up.

Bob, I can't believe you have all that crud again. You need to see what is going on with you. You shouldn't be that sick so often. Maybe you need to see a specialist (internist or something like that). Get some rest. Hope you feel better soon.

Talitha, Glad you are home safe and sound, but sorry about your infection. You & Bob keep it to yourselves and don't pass it along here.

Thin, Staying the same is better than gaining. I'm in the same boat. Please don't mention the "C" work. It will be here before you blink your eyes, plus I am not ready for cold weather.

Toni, :cheer: 3.5 pounds is awesome. Keep up the good work. That should help keep you on track. Have a great day.

Cindy, in case I forget on Wed, Have a Happy Birthday :balloons: :hat:

Have a great day, be back later.

Good Morning:

I forgot to weigh until after I ate BF...dummy me! I have been sleeping in the spare room since I have this monitor on, so I don't wake up DH. Our spare room is across the house from my room where the scale is. Anyway...after BF, I was 123#, so I was probably 122.5# before, and that would have me at about the same at WIW last week, I think.

O.K., since we are all discussing supps here, I'll list the ones I am currently taking (I've cut a lot out the past few months). I take Acidophilus, Vitamin C ascorbate (2000 - 4000mg per day), Kyolic Garlic, Fish Oil, CoQ10, BioCalth Calcium supps, Ruby Reds & Pefect Food (whole food concentrates). I used to take a lot more too, but have tried to decide the ones that I really need the most, and stick to those.

We will be leaving here in a little while to go to swim lessons, and then to get the oil changed, and may stop to see if we can get some of Britt's school supplies before they are too picked over.

Monet: Holy Toledo...how do you remember to take all those supps? You need an hourly pill box reminder instead of a daily one :lol: . Congrats on the loss. I think our first MMM will be a big success.

Gator: MMM is positive for you too. Keep up the good work!!

Tech: Did you enjoy the movie? I am sure you enjoyed the pool. We have one of those hard plastic little ones that the kids enjoy spashing around in. We haven't even taken it out lately....it's too hot here to even swim (ha). It is supposed to hit 118 today. The boat outings sound like so much fun! Thanks for sharing the picture. I was watching a show on the Travel channel the other day, showing houseboats; there is so much money out there....I think some people just live on their boats and don't have a home on land. Some of them were over 100 feet long.

BOB: ((((HUGS))))). Get some rest!! I hope when you feel better, you will take Monet & Gator's advice and get on some healthy supplementation. It makes all the difference in the world, getting that immunity healthy. Anytime, my DH felt a cold or something coming on, he would get into my Vit. C ascorbate and take some, and it always kept him from getting sick. He now takes it every day, like me. Other than that horrible throat infection I had a few months ago, I have been well for well over a year...my allergies don't even affect me as much. I was also getting those cold sores on a regular basis (2-3 mos), and I haven't had one of those now for 15 months. A lot can be said for the right kind of supplementation.

Talitha: Welcome home; sorry you caught the crud while away. I hope you feel better soon!

Thin: I hear ya! We were watching home videos on Saturday night, and it happened to be one with Christmas on it from a few years ago. Britt asked me when it would be Christmas again. I said...it's going to be a long time (in her eyes). I then thought, school starts in about 5 weeks, and then 2 months after that it is Halloween, and then one month beyond that Thanksgiving, and then Christmas is here....gheez time sure flies. It will be here before we know it.

Toni: Congrats on the loss!! That is fantastic. If you are anything like me, you lose when you grieve. I hope you are keeping your head up high and thinking happy thoughts. Have a great week!!

Jack: Wow, what a positive start to the day. You Rock!! Good luck tomorrow with your test; I'll be anxious to hear the results.

Well, I am going to have to go wake Lane up to start getting her ready to go. Our electicity was out for a few hours last night, so the kids stayed up playing with flashlights and didn't go to bed until late. My early bird, Britt, was still up at the crack of dawn though.

I'll check in later. Have a great OP day!!
Nat

Woo hoo! I just got back from grocery shopping at (the dreaded) Wal Mart (which I hate! HATE! I really hate that place, but its the only place that carries a few things...) and Harry's Whole Foods. I spent way more than I wanted to. BUT, I had bought a new bra at WM, and while changing into it, decided to try the scale one more time! :) It was down another full pound! (I don't know why I tend to weigh less later in the morning...but I do!) It was almost 1.5 pounds, but settled on 1. I apologized to it for cussing it out this morning and shoving it with violence back into the corner..... :s:

I will be back later this afternoon! I am expecting a friend over for lunch...gotta go fix it! :)

Monet,
Stats show that a person should weigh at 9:30a.m. They will be at their lowest weight of the day.

BOB

Good Afternoon, everyone! My friend just left. We had stuffed eggplant slices for lunch. I ate a lot, and so did she. ( she is really thin, and young, so she can get away with it! LOL)

I found something really exciting at the store this morning...diet 7UP with splenda! It was in a two liter bottle, but I got it anyway. I am on my second glass, and really enjoying it. There are so many things a lemon lime soda will come in handy for....like punch, and homemade wine coolers...

I am almost finished with the border on the wrap I am making for my friend with cancer. My young friend who came for lunch is a very talented crocheter, so she showed me how to do the edge right. I am pleased with how nicely it is turning out. I have to finish the baby blanket I have started, and then make another one for another young friend at church. All this knitting is keeping me out of the kitchen! :)

I need to go do some afternoon chores, so I will check back in a bit! :wave:

I am a little disappointed in my steps so far. 2200 and it is 5:00 Of course I didn't wear it when I was on the treadmill and once today I noticed it was not registering. I think 1 mile is 3000 steps. Still journaling. Up to 800 calories and only have had a mini bagel with pb, salad with turkey, bacon bits, cheese, mushrooms. strawberries. Even though the salad dressing is legal, it is calorie laden. Have to fix dinner for tonight and tomorrow night since we have a meeting tomorrow right after work and the girls play VB at 8:45 so I hope I have time to get some wt training in. Also have to fix lunches.

Our dryer broke last night.

Bob, Guess I am going to have to bring my scale to work and get naked and weigh every day at 9:30. :fr:

Monet, Wow another pound during the middle of the day. I bet it is more tomorrow.

Nat, how are swimming lessons going? Do the girls like them?

Got to run, have a great evening.

Hi everyone:

Update:
Talk about turning a great day into a bummer. I was in the middle of Wal-Mart buying some school supplies for Britt, when my phone rang. It was the doctor's office calling to say that they were concerned with a few of the readings they got back from this company, and they want to refer me to a cardiolgist. I am so depressed; I wanna cry :( . I have always been so good to my body and have never done anything abusive; I can't imagine what could be wrong. So many thoughts are going through my head right now, and I can't even think straight, so I'll try to get back on later for replies.

Have a great day!
Nat

I only have a few mins right now but need to give a BIG {{{hugs}}} to Nat. I am so sorry for another bad news and I cannot imagine your frustration right now. Please know that we are here for you...anytime, anyday. On a positive note, whatever "issues" the dr found can now be addressed and treated. Nat, I will pray for you and hope the "issues" are minor and that you will find strength to deal with whatever comes your way. {{{hugs}}}

Julia

I, too, don't have time for replies except for Nat. :grouphug: I'm so sorry you heard unpositive news from the doctor, but I couldn't agree more with Julia. Now the doctor knows what the problem is and you can nip it in the bud right away. Prayers for you will be included in our nighttime bedside prayers after storytime.

We love ya!! Kris

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes.
Today hasnt been such a good day but Im trying to make the best of it.
We did get a huge storm with more much needed rain so that was nice and it cooled down our HOT day.
DD and I decided tonight to join a gym. We are going to go wed night to get a tour and get signed up. Ive been tossing around the idea for a while now and decided just to go for it. She figured with their track we can still get in our hour walks during the winter time. Plus I need to kick things up a gear and Im just dont seem to be doing it at home. To easy to get in a rut and do the same ole exercises.

Nat- prayers and best wishes to you that everything will be fine.

Bob- is that weight in at 9:30 effective even if youve eaten breakfast ?

Talitha- hope you feel better soon..
You too Bob....

Kris- the boat looks like lots of fun.

Happy birthday 1 day and 1.25 hours early to Cindy. Hope your day on Wednesday is great. Hope you are already celebrating. :balloons:

Jackie--Here is a good salad dressing recipe. Get a bottle of Good Seasons Italian dressing--the empty bottle that comes with a package or two of the Italian dressing mix attached to the side. Then, instead of following the Good Seasons recipe, where the vinegar line is on the bottle, put the oil (canola) to reach the vinegar line. Then add enough red wine vinegar to reach half way to the top line, which is the oil line. Then add the packet of dressing mix. Then fill to the top line, the oil line with water. Shake and store in the fridge. Occasionally I mix balsamic and red wine vinegar. It's really good and is about 25 calories per Tablespoon.

Jackie--You can have some of my steps. I got almost 22000 today!!! So, as you can guess, I am just beat. I did my walk this morning, and actually walked a little further so I could check on a house that is being built. I wanted to see how far along they have gotten it. Then I went out to a mall and walked all over looking for just the right coverlet for my bed. I didn't find any, so went to another mall, and ended up back at a mall close to my house. Then shopping at Publix, Costco and Lowes. So I got a ton of steps. I'll be glad to hit the hay, which I am gonna do right now. :)

BOB--If you weigh at 9:30, do you not eat until then?

Hey all! My daughter Rachel and I had a girls day out today and got haircuts, pedicures and I had my eyebrows waxed. I feel like a new person! :smug: I have never had a wax and by the end my eyes were watering! Geez! I like the look so I'll have to decide if it is worth the pain every couple of weeks! :lol:
We're getting ready to go back to school, and I'm trying to figure out some good snacks to take with me. :hun: I know fruit would be good and cheese and triscuits would be Ok. What other crackers do you guys enjoy that are legal, or do you have other suggestions? I have a mini frige in my clinic, and there is a microwave in the teacher's lounge.

Nat-Good luck! I think it is a good thing to figure this out and treat it early. :grouphug:

Cindy_Happy Birthday! :gift:

Kris- We enjoy the water too! Unfortunately the only boat we have is an inflatable raft thingy Coleman boat. The kids love to putter around in it. We are going camping on the lake this weekend and they will go all around the campsite in it. :beach:

Everyone else- :wave:

Just flying by on my way to bed... Dinner was chicken in a low carb whole wheat tortilla, with guacamole, lettuce and a touch of low fat cheese. I drank another glass of diet 7UP with splenda...love it!

I finished the shawl for my friend, and ripped out my baby blanket about 12 rows to correct a big mistake. I can't wait to get it done! Now that i know how to crochet an edge, I am looking forward to playing with it. :)

OK, Tom is going to turn out the lights on me! Night!

Sweet dreams!

SOMETHING'S WRONG IF I'M THE FIRST TO POST!!!


That's right, if you're reading this between the hours of 8-4p.m. I'm STILL HOME WITH THE CRUD!!!

I did make it to the shower this morning, but got so dizzy that I had to hold on to Kate's grab bars for fear that I was going down! I swear, I believe it's from all the built up snot in my head. It feels like a tom tom drum!

The article I read a few years ago said that you can indeed eat your breakfast before weighing at 9:30 a.m. Supposedly, all the fluids in your body get to where they are supposed to be by that time. Try it and let me know...it works for me!

I'm crawling back into bed...I'll check in later

Thanks for all the well wishes!

BOB

BOB: I'll bet that shower will help clear the crud out of your head. Which is why you probably got so dizzy. I hope you get this out of your system once and for all. You know you've been out sick more than your fair share when you're as eager to get back to work as you are. :lol: Seriously, though... :grouphug: ...to you...

Monet: Sounds like some nice shells will be grand around your new afghan. And I see you had 7up for a drink with dinner. I never see anyone having Crystle Light with Splenda. Is there a reason? I've been drinking Crystle Light iced tea like a sponge. Should I not be?

Thin: I had a pedicure day with my DD on my birthday...but just pedicures. Sounds like you had a GREAT girls' day with Rachel. And I don't know of any other crackers that are legal...if you hear of any, let me know!! :D

Cindy: :woo: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :woo: Hope you get lots of great stuff...or at least a great day.

Toni: 3.5 lbs down!! Wow...that's a nice chunck off!! Keep it up!!

Jack: Dennis missed us completely. We've been nothing but HOT, HUMID AND STICKY!! The last time we were on the boat, I took off my shorts and jumped right in the water off the swim platform! I NEVER do that...I'm one of those whimps that has to ease their way in. Not this week... :^: We have the open bow, too...it was covered in the picture. Our boat is the absolute most extravagant thing I've ever owned. Who cares if we'll be paying for it until Kyle goes to college :lol: The one my husband had before was so big...just going down the river a few miles cost soooo much in gas. Just turning on the engine, I could hear 'cha-ching, cha-ching!' What a gas guzzler!! Our next boat (when Kyle's off to college) will be a sail boat and we'll take weeks off and go on long trips just the two of us. :smug: At least that's the plan...

Nat: The movie was better than I thought it would be, but Johnny Depp was a little creepy...but good...Willy Wonka. It was more like Willy Wonka meets Edward Scissorhands. Same director and star. My son LOVED it. And the kids were in the pool from 3:30 till 6:30 when I had to bribe them out with Spaghettios!! :lol: We'll be back in it again today, unless I can con them into going to Sand Bay, where we take out boat and where my mom lives, and play on the beach with me and make a sandcastle.

Okay...I think I'm going to Watertown today to buy an outdoor firepit for the backyard. We got a Mosquito Deleto this spring because we never go in the backyard after dusk for fear of beign eaten alive. So, the other day I was out watering things and realized I hadn't gotten a bit in weeks!! :D I told DH that we should get a firepit like my mom and dad have that has a lid on it and a screen and we could have a campfire most nights and make smores for the kids.

I'm half way through Harry Potter. I just love these books...every chapter's a page-turner. I HAVE to stay away from the HP Spoiler thread over in General Chatter for people that have already read the book. I ended up finding out who dies and who Harry ends up romantically linked to. Which I can't wait to read about...

Anyhow...have to go get the kids their apple jacks. Will stop by later on...

Kris

Forgot my menu from yesterday:

BF: One slice of WW toast with peanut butter. Coffee with Splenda and half n half

Lunch: Cup of Wendy's chili and diet soda and illegal movie popcorn.

Dinner: Tilapia breaded in WW flour and egg and fried in olive oil, green beans straight from the garden and two slices of cantaloupe

Unlimited supply of Crystle Light iced tea, sweetened with Splenda.

I just have to say, thank the powers that be for Splenda. I get serious headaches from aspartame and would not survive this diet without a sweetener. And it's so good, too...

Okay...off to get the day rolling...Kris

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute....... Work this out as you read.
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to
have chocolate. (more than once but less than 10)

2. Multiply this number by 2 (Just to be bold)

3. Add 5. (for Sunday)

4. Multiply it by 50.

I'll wait while you get the calculator.................

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1755

If you haven't, add 1754 ......

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number (i.e., how many times
you want to have chocolate each week).


The next two numbers are .........YOUR AGE!


(Oh YES, it is!!!!!)


THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2005) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND
WHILE IT LASTS

Well, I'm back. Illinois was lovely. I didn't get as much spinning in with my aunt as I expected, but I may be going back in a few months, and I'll leave the kids this time. I did get some beautiful roving to spin at home. Am I confusing anyone? I don't remember if I ever mentioined that my aunt gave me a spinning wheel last year for my bday and I have been learning to spin my own yarn. I've been a knot/crochetting addict for 2 years now, so this was the logical next step. I haven't spun much, but I really enjoy it. And I haven't made anything with my own yarn yet. My aunt lives by herself in the country (Ill). She used to breed angora goats and rabbits for spinning the wool. She's amazing!!! My next step is to get a triangle look and start weaving.
My cousin hosted a skincare class with some friends for me while I was up there. I was able to write the whole trip off as a business trip. She's even thinking about becoming a consultant, which means I could fly back up in a few months to do a 'kick-off' for her, and get some more spinning in.

All of a sudden it looks like I may be doing alot of traveling. I am going to Kansas next month and Louisville, KY in October. I also have 2 potential trips to New York city and Dallas to give skincare classes. It's been so much fun!

My car broke down again last night on the way to give a class. I can't believe it. We just spent $900 last month to fix it. I had a meeting this morning that I had to cancel because of it, and some drop offs to do. I can't believe this car. It's a 2000 VW Passat. We still owe $4600 on it, and we have spent over $7000 on repairs in the last 2 years. I don't know what to do. It's amazing that a stupid car can cause so much financial trouble.

Monet- Let's make a knit date! You can come over for coffee one time while the kids are napping. They take a 3 hour nap from 1:30-4:30, so any day would be good.

BOB- Oh My God!! That chocolate thing is amazing!!!!!! I always want to pick stuff like that apart and figure out how it works mathmatically. I just don't have the time, but I'm intrigued... I wish I could comeover and watch some movies to be miserable together.

Tech- I love those firepits. My neighbor has one and we love to relax around it after the kids are in bed

Good morning everyone..

I think I didn't sleep too bad last night since I feel not as tired today. I woke up hungry and had a taste for french toast so decided to make some. Needless to say, I had a big breakfast and I am stuffed :)

Yesterday was half productive and half just plain tired and lazy. The first part of the day, I was so wiped out and would fall asleep on the couch. In the afternoon, I decided to get out of the house and took Jess to Walmart to get her school list shopping done. After that, I was pretty wiped out. So much for my "nesting" energy and I hope they come back because I need them...lol. Oh, I went to my 33 weeks dr appointment yesterday morning. Everything is well, Junior is growing as he should. The next appointment will be 2 weeks away.

Tentative menu for today :

Breakfast : 2 ww french toast, scrambled eggs with spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms and cheese. 1 cup of soymilk.

Snack : Fruit salad.

Lunch : Probably ham and cheese sandwich with a mixed green salad with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado and onions.

Snack : Fruits and nuts.

Dinner : Clueless at this moment.

Some replies :

MONET : Thanks for setting up the board yesterday and posting the new changes. I like weigh-in Monday as well although I hardly participate. I think it will help us remember to eat well during weekends as well. Love your mountains pics, so serene and peaceful...ahhhh :) LOL....Jess and I went to Walmart yesterday as well. I don't like that place either but for some things, I will go there but only when everyone is working...lol. By the way, I tried to look for your "stuffed eggplant" recipe but couldn't find it. I love eggplant so would love to try your recipe if it is not too much work...lol. I am so lazy lately and can't even plan my menu properly :(

GATOR : WTG on the 2 lbs loss. That is fantastic!!

CINDY : Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! I want to wish you tomorrow but afraid that I will forget so might as well do it today. Any plan to celebrate your birthday?

TECH : We are hot and humid here too and makes me want to stay in all the time but I know I shouldn't because I will fall asleep easily on the couch :)

BOB : You sure have some nasty bugs hanging around you. Gosh, I wish I can just go to your house and "swat" them off you for making you so sicked!! I hope you feel better soon and definitely don't forget those vitamins.

TALITHA : {{{hugs}}} So sorry you are sick too. Hope your dr will be able to give you some relief. Get well soon.

THIN : No weight gain is definitely an achievement by itself because it is so easy to gain. WTG!! 2 more weeks till school start? My, time sure flies and I hope Christmas doesn't come as soon as you mentioned...lol. Jess school starts in Aug 15th and I am not looking forward to it. Glad you had a great time with your dd...doing some well-deserved pampering :)

TONI : Congrats on losing 3.5 lbs. Wow...excellent work Toni! You are doing great! I do not have pets so I do not understand exactly how you feel from losing your precious dog but I am imagining losing a special member of the family. He is definitely in good hands now and in no more pain. Hope you feel better already.

JACK : I think you are doing great even with no loss. That is an achievement by itself since we can gain weight so easily. I don't think I eat a lot but I KNOW I eat a lot...lol. I love food and that's why I love SB :)

PANCHO : {{{hugs}}} I am thinking of you and keep doing a good job as you have always been with yourself and your body.

Got to go now...dh is home so he might need to use the computer plus Jess is doing some strange things to get my attention. Check in later. Good day everyone!

Julia

I just finished breakfast... three high Omega 3 eggs (660mg each!!!) and espresso with cream. I also had a Tablespoon of lemon flavored cod liver oil! Thankfully, the talking back is lemon flavored and not fishy.... :lol3:

PANCHO: How upsetting to get that message from the doctor! But, don't borrow trouble! I know you are worried, but wait until you hear what their concerns are before you get upset. <<hug>> Many is the time the doctors office gave me some cryptic, short message, but it was not as bad as my imagination lead me to believe. Lets hope and pray its the same with you.

BOB: Do I have to come down there and make chicken soup and get your butt back on the track to wellness? You know, another thing to think about is this: snorting salt water. Tom does this three or four times a day at the recommendation of his Ear Nose and Throat doctor. You mix 1 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, and put the glass under your nose, then suck it up through your nose. It sounds gross, and does take a bit of getting used to. It will run through your nose to your throat, and may make you gag some, BUT, it cleans out the nasal cavities and sinuses, and flushes out infection. He has had one cold since he started doing this about four years ago! Its amazing! The doctor does it too, and has told Tom some funny stories about it. I will save those for another day.... I found when I had mono 'snorting' as we call it, was what finally helped me turn the corner and start to mend. Before I started snorting, I could not breathe at all. My throat was about swollen closed, and my nose was stopped up. The warm salt water eased both.

TECH: Your Crystal Light is made with splenda? Here all I can find is aspartame ones! Its funny...my friend who was over yesterday is a health food nut, and she hates splenda as much as aspartame. We muscle test each other on different foods and supplements, and she muscle tested me for Splenda...and it showed I should not use it. So yesterday at lunch, when we said a blessing over the food, she prayed for protection from Splenda for me! We both cracked up....

THIN: I can not believe school starts in just a few weeks! Where did the summer go!?

GATOR: I have been to the Costco you go to I bet! My sister in law took me there with her when we were down there. Good job on the steps! I actually remembered to put on my pedometer this morning. I may go out to the big mall just to walk. I better leave my credit cards in the car though! ;)

CINDY: I am sorry you were having a bad day. I hope today is better. I would love to join a gym! Especially one with a track! Sounds great!

JACK: Bummer about your dryer! Is it really bad? Or can it be fixed? I know how disappointing it can be to look at the pedometer and see a low number! Sometimes, mine registers TOO well, and then it looks too good and I go, wait a minute! Thankfully, mine has a little button that lets you adjust the sensitivity. I got mine at Wal-Mart for about $10. Such a deal...

KENG: :wave: How are you feeling? :) Hey, I would love to drive down to your neck of the woods to meet. Are you up for that? How far are you from that outlet mall on I-75? (I am just trying to figure out about where you are...)

Ok, I need to go get some stuff done. Last night, I pulled out about 12 rows of knitting to correct a mistake I had made, and now I feel like I am behind! I need to get this blanket done for the shower next weekend! :eek:

TALITHA: We were posting at the same time! Wow...a spinner! I have a friend who went to a folk school in NC to learn to spin. She has an antique wheel. I will have to introduce you two...she lives in Decatur and I think you would like each other. :) I had a bit of spinning experience with a drop spindle in college. I have a length of yarn my roommate gave me back then.... I would love getting together, but you will have to promise not to laugh at my ignorance! I can't even follow a pattern! It has to be a square or a rectangle! I may push myself and try a triangle. woo woo!

KENG: I am glad you liked the pix! :)

Talitha--Welcome back. We missed you. I have a friend who has several dogs and cats and uses their fur, that she gets by brushing them, to knit things.

I am taking it a little easier today after walking almost 8 miles yesterday. I don't feel the driving need to get out there and walk after my "marathon." I do have a lot of chores. I need to press the new dust ruffle for the new bed and get the headboard ready to be raised, because our new bed is much higher than our low waterbed. I also have to drive across town to pick up a pump to empty our waterbed first thing tomorrow morning.

I had a great day foodwise yesterday. I felt like I ate a ton, but didn't have a ton of calories.
BF--Shredded wheat n' bran with strawberries and 1/2 nectarine, sk. milk.
Snack--I strawberry protein shake--made at home and then taken with me in the car.
Lunch--8 oz. stir fried beef and broccoli and carrots. Got it at a Publix with a Chinese food counter, and ate it at the store at about 2 pm.!! It was the last of the batch, and I didn't see any oil in the bottom of the pan. 8 cherries
Supper--2 3/4 oz. roasted pork tenderloin. Oven roasted lo carb potato slices seasoned with garlic salt, pan sautéed Vidalia onions and apple slices. Green salad of Boston lettuce, 1/4 avocado and tomato slices with lo cal dressing.
Was down 1/2 pound this morning.

BOB--Get better soon.

Teensy--You doin' OK?

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;44;126;0;1/c/168/t/120/s/173/k/2000/weight.png

Talitha: What skincare products do you sell? I'm a 'retired' hairdresser. I had to quit because of a serious reaction to the chemicals in the perms, colors and sprays. I suffered, hoping it would go away, for ten years. It was horrible, my hands were always bleeding and infected, so I went back to college and became a secretary. Anyhow...I MISS hairdressing (I stopped in 1993) and would love to get back into some sort of 'appearance enhancement' feild, whether it be nails or pedicures or facials/skincare. I love talking to people and making them look good and feeling better about themselves. And that yarn spinning...I would LOVE that!! You sound like you had a wonderful trip. I wish I had a relative to visit like your aunt!! :( I crochet TONS and specialize in baby sweaters, bonnets and booties...and two-strand afghans for my neices and nephews going to college. My favorite hook is my N hook for this.

Monet: While I admit that Splenda isn't all that regular sugar could be for me...it's definitely better than aspartame. Just the aftertaste of aspartame is gross, not to mention the headaches I'd get if I ate too much of it...which is easy to do because it's snuck in so many things that are 'low fat'...which I don't eat anymore on SB!! :smug:

Bob: Cute age test...it worked for me, too..and I had a laugh after I got my calculator and read, "I'll wait for you to get the calculator..." :lol3:

Julia: Glad Junior is growing per doctor's orders. You're so lucky...I loved being pregnant. Especially just after DD went off to school and after MY junior was born, I had all day while she was at school to tend to the new little one. Now I'm panicking with him ready to go to preschool and then...next year...kindergarden!! I'll be left home all alone with nobody to coddle. I know...I'll get used to it...but it isn't going to be easy...at ALL. :(

Okay, so I think we've decided to go in our own backyard and enjoy the pool and sandbox today and go to the beach tomorrow after clarinet lessons, which are across the street from my mom's house. As long as I have water to get wet in and a breeze, I'm fine. Of course, the pool only goes up to my hips...but it's better than nothing. My DH says that next summer we're getting a permanent pool with some substance to it and a deck. We'll see...

My tomatoes are finally getting the slightest bit of an orange tinge to them. Finally. The plants are all falling over with the tomatoes. I know...the wire tube thingies. This is my first year and I'm considering it a learning year. Next year, I'll have wire tube thingies...this year, everything's growing so much, I can hardly keep up!! The green beans are nice and controllable. ;)

Boy I didn't think I would ever get here today. Pedometer is working better today, almost 5,000 steps. It is amazing how much "extra" food we eat when you count calories. It really makes you think about what you eat. Even though we are eating OP, the calories could be way out of control and that could cause a stall or gain. This journaling has made me very aware of what I am eating. I think it is working as the scale was down 3 pounds this morning. Where is WIW when you need it. :lol:

Got my workout in last night and all my dinners and lunches fixed. Boy it takes a lot longer when you measure everything. I am trying to stay at 1400 calories. I hope that is a correct number to use. Last night I only had about 1300 if that is correct. It is hard to figure the calories for casaroles and stuff that is mixed up.

Sure didn't want to get up and workout this morning, but the more I layed there the guiltier I got and knew I didn't want to do it tonight so I pulled myself out of bed and on the TM. Then someone messed up the TV (satellite) and I couldn't get it fixed so I had to walk in silence. Made it longer. So I played a game about jogging a minute and walking a minute. It made it go faster.

BF; 2 hardboiled eggs
Lunch, tuna, cottage cheese with peaches, carrots and dip.
dinner: Rigatoni and maybe a salad.

Nat, try not to worry (easier said then done). It is probably nothing just something that needs to be followed up with a specialist. I hope you can get an appointment quickly so you don't have to agonize for a long time. Take your DH with you and line up a sitter. This is you time. Sending many prayers and hugs your way.

Cindy, great going joing the gym. We have a home gym, but always think I would do better it I belonged to an outside one. I hope it helps. Sending prayers for your DD and family. Keep us posted.

Gator, thanks for the recipe. Next time I'm at the store I will get some. That was one thing I liked about SB is that you can have regular dressings withint he 3 gram limit. But they are loaded with calories and fat. It is amazing the calories we take in and don't realize. Fixing my lunch takes a lot longer, measuring and weighing and recording. But it really makes you think about putting something in your mouth. I was going to fix eggs this morning and I ususally add a dab of cheese. Thought about the calories and decided on hard boiled eggs instead. My pedometer was not right yesterday. After I got home I got about 2000 steps in 2 hours compared to all day. So far today I have almost 5000. Now it beeps at me and goes blank then comes right back to where it was. Can't figure that out yet.

Thin, The Sou Beach wheat crackers are great. They come in individual packages and taste like wheat thins. How about nuts. Oh I love a pedicure. Never had my eyebrows waxed as I don't have much there to begin with and after chemo and the drugs for my RA, they won't grow in.

Monet, I haven't tried the 7-Up with Splenda yet. I never like any diet Sprite or 7-Up so I am hoping it is better. The coke isn't bad. Seems like a little aftertaste. Still don't know what is wrong with the dryer. DH looked at it but couldn't figure out how to get the back off. (time to call a repairman I think). He will look at it again tonight and hopefully it is just a belt or something simple. I sure don't have money for a new dryer right now.

Bob, Sorry you still feel so bad. :grouhug: Hope you feel better soon.

Tech: Is your tea decaf? I thought it only counted toward your water if it was decaf. I normally stick to water. it is easier. But love ice tea. I love spaghettios. You had to mention them now I am craving them.

Talitha, I live in Louisville, KY so let me know when you are coming and maybe we can meet for lunch or something. Hope you are feeling better today.

julia, Your bodyis telling you to get some rest. Listen to it. Northing wrong with having lazy days. You deserve them.


Got to go. Be back later I hope.

I'm getting very lonely on the exercise board. Where is everyone? I know many of you are exercising.

Jackie--Sounds like you need to get a better pedometer.

Tech--Your summer sounds like a summer in Florida. Hot!! It is raining here and has been rainy all day, with bursts of dry weather. I have class tonight, so probably will be driving in a traffic mess, which happens every time it is rainy during rush hour.

Food today so far:
Breakfast--homemade meusli with fruits. Skimmed milk
Lunch--1 egg salad sandwich (1 oz. WW bread with chopped egg, 1/2 T. lo cal mayo, mustard) 1/2 C blackeyed peas, 1 Cup tomato basil soup, 20 cherries)
Dinner--It will not be a lot since I ate a lot of calorie dense foods for lunch. Probably 2 0z. WW noodles with spaghetti sauce.

Jack: My iced tea is decaf. I make sure so the kids can have it or else they'll stay awake forever!! :lol: And spaghettios are pure evil, I tell you!! :devil: EVIL!! Especially the ones with the little hot dogs :lol:

Gator: the big difference between NNY summers and Florida summers is ours only last about a month!! :lol: July is the hottest, then August has lots of rainy days mixed with some warm ones and then Labor Day is like Mother Nature hits a switch and shorts/Tshirt weather is fast history. I'd rather have it like this...I get repusively angry when I'm hot and sweaty. I'm a new woman with our new air conditioner!! :lol:

Tonight DD has her first soccer game with her new age level. She's nervous because she's now the youngest...She's used to playing with the little kids and, let's just say she's not really athletic. The only time I"ve ever seen her kick the ball was when it bounced off her legs by accident. So, I'm nervous for her now because with the little kids, if you do poorly, it's okay, but now with the older kids, she might get some jeering if she's not too great. She wants to do it, though, so more power to her. Let's just hope for the best.

She's doing great with her clarinet. Which I'm glad of...she loves music...

Okay...of to make my WW pasta with sauteed veggies. Kris

Well, being stuck at home all day was a good thing afterall. Ididn't get my sales call in, but the lady actually decided that she will drive to me tomorrow so that I don't have to worry about the car situation. Her daughter has severe acne and is desperate for some help. I'm so glad that she's that eager.
I got some unpacking and cleaning done, spent some great time with my babies, and had someone drop by for a hearcut. Rather than paying me, she stopped at the store and got me some rice milk, fresh veggies and a rotisserie chicken for dinner. What a friend!! It was her 1 year old's first cut. He looked like such a big boy when I was done! And now I at least have dinner taken care of. I plan to go grocery shopping with my DH's car after the kids are in bed. I'm leaning towards splurging on some of that 7UP with Splenda. I don't typically drink any sodas, b/c I'm allergic to caffeine. But 7UP is ok for a treat every now and then.

It's just started thundering outside. Jake is sleeping and Selah is watching Juana La Iguana on TV. (The spanish version of Barney, but an iguana instead)
I'm going hard core tomorrow. I did well on my trip until Friday when I started heading home. I can't even tell you how much junk I ate! I feel gross.

I'm going to soak some black beans tonight for tomorrow. I love them. They are on, aren't they? I really need to get my SB book back from my mom to refresh my memory. I've just skimmed through the Weigh Down Workshop and the Maker's Diet. I'm really liking the MD, but not sire If I can afford to go full force with it yet.

I'm so glad that so many of us are into 'yarnwork'. I especially love to make gifts. We made a decision several years ago to stop buying gifts. We make almost everything, and are known for it. Birthdays, weddings, baby showers, holidays. we have so much as Americans and there is just so much wast. If I'm going to bless someone I want it to be by my work and my time, not by how much I spend. Even with Selah at 2yrs old we will get crafts and make something for her friends parties. People will actually reqest something that they saw me give someone else, b/c they know that I will make them something. It's really fun.

MONET- Where do you shop for yarn? There are some great little yarn shops down here near Decatur. I got the wool from a specialty shop in Illinois, but I LOVE working with different yarns.

GATOR- My aunt had spun pet fur for people before. It's much more difficult, she says, and I don't know how I would do with my allergies. I would like to try it sometime, though.

Jack- The conference is OCT 6-8th at the Kentucky International Convention Center. I'd love to meet you :)

Tech- That's so similar to me! I started an apprenticeship as a cosmotoligist and could not continue because I had reactions to so many products. That's what has been so amazing about this! My sister owns a salon here in Buckhead and also had problems with allergies. She is considing adding the whole line to her salon. The website is www.arbonne.com . It is a network marketing company, but nothing like MK. THey have health and nutrition products, too. There are many ways to sell them. Send me a PM with your address and I will send you a 'curiosity pack' with some samples to try out.

Good afternoon:

I went to the cardiologist this morning for my scheduled stress test. I am really kinda upset; they gave me a nucleur medicine test without me even really knowing it. They told me that they were going to hook me up to an IV (I thought this was to keep my hydrated while on the treadmill, since they told me no food or drink this morning prior), and then take some images and then put me on the treadmill and then take more images. Once they took me to get the images, I asked them if they were taking x-rays. The tech then said, "no, it's nucleur"....I said, "what? Is that what is in my IV?" He said, yes, and then tried to reassure me that it wasn't enough to be harmful, and that 1/2 of it would be out of my body in 6 hours. I've heard enough about that to know that it can be harmful....dyes running through your blood stream...how could it not be? I will take an epsom salt bath this evening to pull out some of it.....any other suggestions? They then did the stress test, and nothing too much out of the ordinary showed up on that, but they will call me tomorrow with all the results. I then go in for the echo on July 27th. He told me for now to cut out all caffeine, including chocolate, which I already have, and to run all supplements I am taking past my doctor. I will make a list and bring that to her on my follow-up appt. next month. They want me to continue wearing the event monitor for the next 2-3 weeks to continue to monitor me. So, it's a wait and see situation.

My Dh met me with the girls after my appt. and then I took them to the dollar store, and then to Whole Foods. I bought 5 bottle of light agave, and 3 dark. I don't get to Whole Foods that much, so I like to stock up when I am there. They also have the Nana's cookie bars; those are great; we all like them here. I bought some more of the spelt sunflower crackers that I used to get. Britt has her pom/cheer class tonight at 5:30, so it will be a late dinner for us.

Lane has her 3-yr check-up tomorrow and her Hep A shot; I haven't told her about that yet!

Ken: Thanks so much for the sweet post and prayers. I read yours and Tech's yesterday evening and it brought tears to my eyes....it's nice to know that people I "don't even know" can care so much. I am glad to hear that JR is doing well. Is Jess going to preschool again or to Pre-K this year?

Tech: Thanks for the kind words and prayers; it means so much! The pool sounds like fun; we hope to get a "real" pool put in in the next few years as well....I can't wait. It will sure make these summers a little more bearable. Have you tried Agave yet for a sweetener? You should; it is delicious!

Cindy: In case I forget tomorrow...have a FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you enjoy your gym experience; it will be nice to have a workout partner. Thanks for the prayers.

Gator: 22,000 steps? Is that a record for you? That is awesome!!

Thin: I am envious of your girl's day out; it sounds like a lot of fun. There are triscuit wedges too; I don't know if you have tried them. You can get yogurt, lowfat cottage cheese, Kashi granola bars. Do you have Whole Food near you? They have some spelt crackers, and Annie's natural crackers. Trader Joes has a multi-grain pita chip as well. Have you tried the Laughing Cow Lite cheese wedges?

BOB: Sorry to hear you are still home and not feeling any better. I hope you are back on your feet soon!

Talitha: A spinning wheel? That sounds so neat and like such fun. What skincare products do you sell? Sorry to hear about your car; what a piece of work! We have a '98 explorer that has 240,000 miles on it that is just plugging away just fine. We also have a '02 Tahoe that we just spent $1,600 on repairs/tune-ups. You just never know when you get a vehicle if it will be reliable or not. Are you feeling better today? Have fun with your travels over the next few months.

Monet: Those are such logical words...you sound reasonable like my DH. He said to me, "you can't change what's happened to this point...you just need to take the next step and figure out what to do from here." One step at a time. You'll get the blanket done in time and it will be beautiful!!

Jack: Glad journaling is working for you. Congrats on the loss. Way to go on the treadmill even with no TV/radio; that's dedication!

I gotta feed the kiddos....I'll check in later!
Nat

Just a fly by... I went to Costco and walked. I mean, walked! I did shop some when I was done walking, but I had a blast! I got in 4000 steps while I was there, ran into a lady I used to see at Curves all the time who is trying to talk me into joining the gym she goes to now...all in air conditioning! :s:

Lunch was leftover eggplant, and some nuts. After lunch, I talked Laura, who was being unusually talkative, into helping me pick blueberries. We got half a gallon, and then I picked tomatoes and cukes. I had to stop when I ran out of room in my bucket! :yikes: I will probably go out later and pick more. There are tons of cherry tomatoes I missed.

I am sore, and stiff this afternoon. I think when I lose any pounds, it releases the toxins stored in the fat cells into my system. So I am drinking tons of water and trying to keep moving. I already took my cod liver oil.... (its not too ewwy! its lemon flavored)

Ok, gotta go help get Tom ready for a meeting...will return later! :wave:

GOOD EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!

Fell asleep in my computer chair, and at some point climbed up in the bed and slep until 5:10 p.m. I feel better and will be going back to work tomorrow. My fever broke and slept through a deadly electrical storm!

No time for replys, got to fix supper.....but I'll be back a little later!

Thanks to ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR WELL WISHES!!! They meant so much!

Later

BOB

First.. Here is something that my Dad sent to me. Thought it was good for a laugh!

WORDS WOMEN USE


******************************
FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.



FIVE MINUTES
If she is getting dressed, this is half an hour. Five minutes is only five
minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game
before helping around the house.

NOTHING
This is the calm before the storm. This means "something," and you should
be on your toes. Arguments that begin with 'Nothing' usually end in "Fine"

GO AHEAD
This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it.



LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often
misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and
wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you
over "Nothing"

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a
man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before
deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're
welcome.



Send this to the men you know to warn them about future arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology!
And send it to your women friends to give them a good laugh


Bob- Glad to hear you're feeling better! :cheer:

Pancho- Monet and I have discussed getting together for some shopping, but I don't know when I am going to come up with the time. I think the nearest Harry's is about 1 hour away. :(

Tech- my daughter moved up to a new dance level this year and has told me that she is the youngest and shortest ofthe new group. She and her best friend moved up together and are the only two not on pointe yet. I think that means it won't be long. We will get to see them perform for the first time in September at this huge arts and crafts fair that they go to every year. :dance: :cb:

Jack-I will have to look for those crackers. Thanks!

Everyone else- Have a great evening and stay cool! :sunny: :wave:

THIN: And Monet is still willing... it would be worth the time, even if it is a ways...how far are you from Cumming? I can get there in 30 minutes.... You just come, buy a couple of the stuff you can't get anywhere else and when you run out, stock up again with another trip. Once you know what you need from there, it is easy. Also, they are building a new Whole Foods at State Bridge and 141...I am willing to bet that will be closer for you. I have not seen the stuff Pancho mentioned but then, I have not looked for it yet. I just love their olive bar, and dairy stuff...to mention a few things.

Monet- I live in Ball Ground. North Cherokee, almost in Pickens County. I can go out Hwy. 20 and be in Cumming in maybe 30-40mins. Do they have a whole foods there? I was thinking of Marietta or Roswell for Harry's.

Me, too! Me, too! I would drive to Cummings to meet at Harry's :) I'm just all about meeting people.

I had Corn on the cob for dinner with the rotisserie chicken and fresh green beans. Yumm.....

Hey, all. Man, I'm tired, I'm working with Robby this week and it stinks. After we got thru today, I had to go teach exercise. So I'm going to make this short. Let me start by saying that I "did" make it 7 whole days without a single cheat, and then came yesterday evening...I had 2 bags M&M's and a couple of cookies. UGH! I expected the scale to be up a pound this AM, but 3 is not what I had in mind!! Now, I know that it wasn't possible to gain 3 from that, but boy did that piss me off. Oh yea, MMM..I was down a tad to 169.5, then up 3 this morning. I think it's fluid. Especially being in the heat all day. My skin is swollen and my legs feel heavy. I've drank a ton of water today, but don't know if it's flushing out. I'll be glad when this week is thru and I'm back in the AC!! My menu today wasn't totally OP..Bf, was running late, had an Atkins bar. Lunch- 2/3 chicken breast(fried, but no skin or crust), greens, butterbeans, and some green beans. Snack(illegal, my no-no)a NutriGrain cereal bar. Supper- bowl of chili with beans and sour cream. I don't understand why I'm having such a terrible time with hunger lately. Food just isn't holding me like it should. There are times when I know I shouldn't be hungry, but my stomach growls anyway. But I can't keep eating or I will gain, even if it's a wise choice, calories are calories. It sounds like alot of you had a great MMM, good. I hope I see a better # on the scale tomorrow.

NAT- I'm thinking of you, hope it's nothing at all.
Thin- those were funny.
Bob- Feeling better yet?

I'm tired, goodnite!

Oh yea, I did want to mention that when I ate the M&M's yesterday, they didn't taste the same, not as good(too bad that didn't stop me). They tasted more sugary if that makes sense.

I got in my 10k steps today. I had to walk around the bedroom a few times and up and down the hall, but I hit 10018, so I am happy! :) I picked up James from work and we went to the grocery store. Actually, we went to two grocery stores. I should be set now for at least a week...but there is no telling with this crew. I juiced some watermelon for James tonight...and it was very very hard not to eat any. It smelled good and my mouth was just all set for it. I did not eat it though, and it struck me that that is the first thing that has been attractive to me like that in two weeks. Yay!

I am going to go get ready for bed, and if I have time before Tom is ready, I am going to knit! Sweet dreams all!


THIN & TALITHA: No, there is not a Harry's or Whole Foods in Cumming...I was just trying to get an idea of where THIN lives... There is a Harry's in Roswell, and one in Gwinnett. I shop at the one in Gwinnett. They are building one at 141 and State Bridge, which will probably be the closest one to you, THIN. We could meet in Cumming, just to meet, and if you wanted something, like agave or some other hard to find item, I could just bring it to where ever we meet. Talitha, we could meet up and maybe even ride together?? THIN, how long would it take you to get to say, Clairmont at 85? (the little idea wheels are rolling in my head here...)

Heart--Congratulations for your good week. Keep it up. And keep trying to figure out why you might be afraid of reaching goal. Here's another question: When you decided to have the M & M's (it was a decision you made) why did you have TWO bags instead of one? Inquiring minds want to know. :)

Gotta go to work today. Got the waterbed drained this morning and it is looking like a big flat square pancake.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Good Morning! I did not sleep very well, but got up when Tom left this morning at 7, as I was not able to feel 'comfortable' in bed. Last night, my hip joints started really bothering me. I am not sure why, as the fish oil had been helping tremendously. I honestly think that when my body begins to burn off fat, it releases toxins...which in turn aggravate my Lupus.

Today is WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY. I hope everyone can share something.

I will be back later, and hopefully have something to share then. I have to go light a fire under James or he will never get to work!

Breakfast: two omega-3 eggs, poached, coffee with half and half, handful of soaked almonds.

Good morning,

I feel good this morning, definitely not as tired. Nothing much planned for today except some housework which needed to be done badly. What fun.

Menu today :

Breakfast : 1 ww waffle, 3 small sausages and a small bowl of fruit salad. (Need to go get my soymilk today).

Snack : Cantelope

Lunch : Beef stew, sauteed green beans and brown rice.

Snack : Fruits and nuts.

Dinner : Not exactly sure yet.

Some replies :

MONET : I am terrible at any road directions. I know from Atlanta, you have to take I-85 south to Fayetteville. Does that give you a better idea? From downtown Atl, it will take you about 35 to 40 mins to get to my place. I have a more complete directions if you want to see it...I can either PM you or email it to you but I need you email address again. WTG on getting in over 10K steps. That is fantastic!

JACK : You are right, my body is telling me to rest but the problem seems to be I am already resting too much...lol. I always take breaks in between my cleaning so I don't overdo.

TECH : I would love to see little kids playing sports like soccer etc. I missed the environment for T-ball and soccer for dd this year (for summer) but next year, I hope to enroll Jess in one of the games. I can imagine how cute those little buggers are trying to kick the ball...lol. Sounds like your dd is doing well :)

PANCHO : I would be just as upset if my dr didn't tell me exactly what kind of test they are performing to me...especially something that might be potentially harmful. I hope the harmful effects are min and out of your system by now. Nat, it is hard not to care for anyone here, eventhough we haven't meet, it feels like I have know a lot about you. That is why I love our daily updates here, it is like chatting with old friends :) I am definitely glad your dr is concerned because prevention is definitely much better. Mostly likely there is nothing alarming at all but after all the tests and check-ups she put you thru, you always feel so much better knowing how your body is doing....lol. I am so glad I had the colonscopy done already (although the colon dr strongly believe it wasn't necessary) because I know I don't have to worry about it hopefully until I am 50 years old...lol. As far as being pre-diabetic, I am so thankful my dr care enough to do more tests on me so now I know what I can do to prevent being diabetic. I remember being so disappointed and sad at one point but now I am glad that I am not in the dark about what is going on in my body. {{{hugs}}} Jess had her 4 year old check up in April and I didn't tell her that she needed some shots. I suspected but wasn't sure. She couldn't remember her last shots either so she was so happy to be at the dr office. When she had the shots (4 of them total), she was so shocked!! She cried and cried and told me she hated shots now!! lol. She did well though and I promised her than next year there will be no shots which is true...lol. She still talk about the shots sometimes but not as terrified now :) Hope Lane's appointment was easy and as painless as possible :) Oh, Jess will start her K-4 this Aug.

BOB : I am glad you are starting to feel better but still got to take it easy and give your body more time to recuperate.

THIN : Thanks for the laugh..on Words Women Use. Sooo true...lol.

HEART : You must be sleeping good at night with all the hardwork. If you are working hard, you might need more food. Make sure you have snacks pack up with you so chances of eating illegal stuff is lesser. You are still doing well :)

Everyone else...hello...chat with you all later.

Julia

Monet-I have no idea where Clairmont is... :shrug: I don't do alot of driving around Atlanta. I tend to stay in the north metro area. I can go 372 to Roswell, 575 to Marietta, or Hwy. 20 to the Cumming area. We also go out 369 towards Dawsonville to the outlet mall on 400 for shopping occasionally. As a matter of fact, we will be crossing over 400 on Friday when we go to Lake Lanier for our camping weekend. :cool: I am more familiar with these areas. I really like where we live, as we are away from everywhere, yet not too far. We also go North 575 to 515 to Ellijay. My husband is a manager at the Pepsi plant up there. Well,I'll go now. I need to start sorting through the basement to find the tents, etc.

Good Wonderful Wednesday:

I can't think of anything specific right now, except for it being another beautiful day, and the sun is shining, the birds are singing, we are healthy and alive....is that good enough? Ha!

I guess, I would say that it is "wonderful" to be a kid and say whatever you want without people taking offense. Lane and I were waiting for Britt to get out of her pom class last night. There was a dad waiting for his daughter too. He was looking past us to see his dd in class, and Lane looks at me and says, "Mommy, what is he looking at?" Before I could say anything, she looks at the guy and says, "What are you lookin' at?" It sounded so demanding and kinda mean. He looked at her and said, "Oh, I'm just watching my daughter in that class...she's the one in the red." So, Lane goes over and looks in the window to make sure she knows which one is his daughter. It is so funny that Britt was so ultra shy at this age and wouldn't even look at a man, much less talk to him, and Lane talks to anyone, and says whatever is on her mind. My DH and Britt and Lane went to Petsmart one day. Britt went in to the bathroom with Lane, and my DH decided he'd go too. Lane told Britt she was going to go out with Dad (not knowing he was in the restroom), and walked out of the bathroom and was wandering around Petsmart looking for him. She wasn't even scared or worried. A manager found her wandering and found my DH and Britt. I've already had to have Stranger Danger talks with her, and she is only 3.

Anyhow....I was at 121.5# this morning. I had 1 slice of Ezekial toast with Polaner fruit and Egg beaters. It was pretty good.

Today, Lane has her well-check, and I may bring Britt by Old Navy to see if we can find some pastel solid polos for school. I still have to find her some skorts too.

Monet: Way to go on those steps...that's impressive. It's not too tough to do when you stay busy, huh? Your garden (fruits & veggies) make me so envious.

BOB: I hope you are taking it easy today at work.

Heart: I was wondering where you were; I forgot you were working with DH this week. I know that Gatorade has sugar in it, but you may want to get some (or something like it) to replace the electrolytes you are losing while out there in that heat. You can mix half and half with water, but your body probably needs it. Way to go staying OP for a week. Sorry to hear about the M&M splurge; they always seem to get me too. I don't buy them anymore, so they are not tempting for me. I used to think that if I had the mini sized bags and ate one when I wanted to that it wouldn't hurt too much, but when you are eating one everyday, it adds up.

Ken: I know what you are saying. This is such a close-knit group, and you really feel like you belong here. I care about everyone on here, and so many of you all have been included in many prayers. You seem to have some diligent doctors, and it will pay off in the long run. At least now you know that you don't need another colonoscopy for a long time. AND, what a relief to know about the pre-diabetes before it got to be something that was out of control and difficult to manage. How sad that Jess was excited to be at the doctor and then they stuck her 4 times. I am sure Lane will be the same way....poor kids.

I am really hoping to get some sleep soon! I turned off this darn monitor about 12:30, and then Lane woke up (she is scared of the shadows in her room from having her night light on). I was up with her until 1:30, and then Britt was up before 7 a.m. I have not had a full night's sleep in about 9 days now. It's gotta get better soon.
Well, have a wonderful OP Wednesday. I will check in later.

Take care,
Nat

Happy Wednesday, Seems funny not having WIW.

Got a 2 1/4 mile walk in last night and about 30 minutes of wts. We had a meeting and didn't get home until 7:30 and then had to eat dinner so it was almost 9 before we got to walk. Boy was I sweating.

Got up this morning and did the TM. Hope to get my wts in tonight. I have to fix dinner and fix pizza dough for tomorrow night and we have to leave at 7:30. So I will have to hustle or get some help :lol:

Good news, my DD sold their house. So they can start looking for one for them and could be moving out by the end of August or so. It reallsy hasn't been that bad for any of us.

Gator, my pedometer cost between $30-$40 you would think it would be ok. Yesterday it was working great. 7,000 steps went I left to go home. We went for a walk and I check to see if it was working and it was and it only added about 50 steps and we walked for 2 1/4 miles. Go figure. How many calories are you trying to keep undera day?

Tech, I always liked the ones with meatballs. Still not good. I also love the Franco American spaghetti in a can. No wonder I am fat. Hope your DD does ok in soccerr.

Talitha, the Convention center is downtown and I work right onthe outskirts of downtown, not 5 minutes away. I would love to meet you for lunch. Let me know when it gets closer and I will give you my phone #.

Nat, so glad to hear nothing major was wrong. I guess the nuclear test is the best way to check it out. Drink lots of water, maybe that will help. Still sending prayers that all turns out ok.

Monet, WTg on your walking. You are always running into someone you know. You remind me of my DH. Wow that's alot of fruit and veggies.

Bob, glad you are feeling better and will go back to work.

Thin, cute joke.

Laurie, You should be sweating all that fluid out working outdoors. Our bodies are so hard to understand. 7 days is great. Just don't let those M&M's trigger a binge.

Julia, hope you are resting today.

I hope I didn't miss anyone, I got reading and forgot to make notes. Have a great day.

AFTERNOON ALL YOU BUSTIN BUDDYS!!


Went to work this morning but.....went down hill rapidly! I'm now home http://bestsmileys.com/sick/2.gif freezing and am convinced I have the flu! http://bestsmileys.com/sick/3.gif Have to go to the http://bestsmileys.com/medical/3.gif . but can't do so unless I got by http://bestsmileys.com/medical/5.gif because I'm still dizzy. I'll try to get in to see him in the morning and let him make the choice on if I go back to work or stay home the rest of the week.
I'm trying my best to stay away from Kate as I don't need her down and out!

Sorry no replies, I"m going back to http://bestsmileys.com/sick/1.gif


BOB

Jackie--Maybe it's not your pedometer, but just what you were wearing it on that particular day. If I wear mine on something with a soft elastic waist, it won't register right at all. And it has to be on something where the waistband doesn't tend to fold over so that the pedo is not "upright." I hope that is all your problem was, because $30-$40 is plenty to spend on one of those things. I am rotating around 1200 calories, sometimes a little lower, and sometimes a little higher. If I ever get to my goal weight, then I can slowly move the calories up to 1500 to see if I can maintain at that level. At my age, I know I just can't eat as many calories that I did in my 30's and 40's (even 50's!) so I'm hoping that I can get up to 1500 and maintain easily. Wow, here I am talking about maintaining, when I still have 48 pounds to go.

WW--That's Wonderful Wednesday--well, they are bringing our new bed this afternoon in a couple of hours, so that's a good thing. My DH will think it is wonderful. And we are getting ready to go out of town either at noon tomorrow (probably won't that early) or 6 am. on Friday morning. And that's wonderful too. And SEC football starts in less than 2 months. THAT's pretty wonderful. :)

I still have some work to do in our bedroom to get ready for the delivery people, so will make this short.

Lunch was a can of tuna with homemade mayo and some olives. I have been snacking on too many nuts today too. Can just smelling watermelon set you off on a hunger binge? I am beginning to believe it can....

I have been knitting and talking to the girls most of the day. I need to go find something to fix the guys for dinner. They would probably like salmon, but I just can't get excited about it. I may be naughty, and fix something with ground beef. I have collards, so I want something that will go with them. Like a meatloaf??! I really need to think of something that uses tomatoes, and LOTS of them! My counters are covered with the things!

BOB: Feel better soon!

GATOR: I hope the new bed is comfy!

PANCHO: Hope the doctor's appt for Lane went ok.

KENG: Fayetteville...ah yes! I live about 20 minutes north of downtown, so it would take me an hour to get there. That is totally cool though. I really don't mind. I am wondering if we could talk Fillise into driving over. She is off 85 in Alabama...I just can't remember how far it is...something like two hours total...so many not too bad for her to your area. If I do drive down there, you will have to let me know if I can bring you anything...like from Harry's/Whole Foods, or the Buford Hwy Farmer's Market! :)

JACK: Great news about your daughter's house! I bet you will miss them some though! :)

THIN: Perhaps we should plan to meet sometime at the Dawsonville outlet mall. I know right where that is, and its not too bad a drive for me.

HEART: Getting back on plan as soon as possible after a screw up is important..sounds like you are doing pretty well! You are going to figure this out, cause you are one determined woman! :)

Gator, I have been doing around 1400, would like to do less but I'm afraid I will starve. :lol: It is really an eye opener. Many times I would grab some cheese or protien to hold me over until a meal and tht was a lot of extra calories. I don't know what's with the pedometer. I' ready to put it back in the drawer. Have a great trip. I'm looking forward to SEC football also. Of course UK will suck again, but it is still fun.

Monet, yes I will miss them, but I got used to my 'empty nest" and sorta liked it. Send me some maters. My family is dying for some home grown ones.

Nat, I saw on the news where 13 people died in Phoenix due to the heat. Wow. Did Emily hit anywhere near you? I saw where they were hoping for some wind and rain to ease the forrest fires.

I fogot to post my menu today:
BF: 2 eggs 1/4 of a sausage (turned my stomach so I fed the rest to the dog)
1/2 milk
Lunch: salad, red cabbage, cheese, mushrooms, turkey, lf dressing.
snack: 46 cashews (yes I counted out 1 serving)
Dinner: either chicken fajitas or quesadillias or a meatless tostoda.

Have a great evening everyone.

I have been thinking about what to share for wonderful Wed and can't think of anything else except my big girl, Jess. She drives me nuts today for consistently not listening to me but she also filled me with so much joy. No matter how mischievous she gets, she has such kind and warm heart. I can't help but love her more everyday. We were watching "Birth Day" on Discovery Channel earlier and just a little while ago, Jess gave birth to a baby girl...LOL. I was the dr that delivery my "grandchild"...LOL. Yes, I know she didn't get pregnant but somehow she did have a baby in her belly. Gosh, I had such good laugh and thought what a wonderful day it is. Okay, need to go check on her, she is up to something :)

Julia

Jackie--Fiddle around with the pedo and see if you can get it working. How many years old is it? My old one was over 5 years and after I got my new one, I discovered that the old one was not counting all the steps. I get quite a few more on my 2 mile route than the old one counted. The pedo company told me that they eventually get "tired" and are not as good at counting when they get really old. I find that if I wear it, then I will go out and take an extra walk at the end of the day if I haven't reached 10000 yet. In fact, that is what I'm gonna do tonight. My DH also wears a pedo and we both need to get some more steps in. I need about 5000 more! As far as the food, yes, I agree it is hard. This week I'm at 1100. I find that I can cut a little bit here and there and make it through the day OK. For example, a breakfast of 1/2 cup of oatmeal, cooked with some dried cherries, and then just 1/4 cup skimmed milk is fairly low in Kcal, but will stick with me pretty well. Big salads with lots of lettuce and low cal stuff also help. Then, of course, there's the lo cal meats like shrimp and chicken breast that also make it easier to keep the numbers down. I've found that if I drink a wonderful glass of iced tea, with fresh lemon and maybe some stevia for sweetener, then it also keeps me feeling "full." Jackie, you are losing on 1400, aren't you. I hope that I can also. I suspect that next week when we are on our trip, I will be at 1400 - 1500 per day. I probably won't show a loss when I get back, but just hope I don't gain.

Monet--as long as you are driving, why don't you just come a little bit more south and bring me some of your tomatoes. :)

http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;44;126;0;1/c/168/t/120/s/173/k/2000/weight.png

Gawd...anyone got any tips on getting your enormous dog to NOT yank your arm out by the shoulder when you take him for a walk? Sheesh...I haven't been walking Junior since school was out a month ago and he's developed some bad habits. It used to be that he'd only do that if he saw a squirrel or another dog, but now it's just consant pulling. He's getting so big and strong...my hand is purple by the time I get home. We watch the Dog Whisperer on Animal Planet and he makes it seem so easy. :( One minute he has a dog barking and jumping and pulling and then all of a sudden the dog it as docile as a baby. And the jumping :mad: ... He's like Tigger!! He's so bouncy flouncy trouncy!! I love it because he's always so darn happy to see us, but at 60lbs during shorts/bathing suit season...it's just not fun.

Anyhow..any tips would be greatly appreciated...gotta run and fix dinner. I might be bad and have a pina colada after dinner...or maybe a margurita...DD is over at gramma's house :devil: . As long as my size 12's are still fitting nicely, the pina coladas count as marriage counceling after DH has been gone for a few days... :smug:

Anyhow...I still have a tentative goal to get to 155 by Aug. 1, but in reality, I've decided that size 12 is fine for the summer and that once the potato salads and white hamburger buns...and ice cream...are gone for the summer, I still have plenty of time to work on size 10 for November...my ultimate goal after my shameless bawling in Old Navy on my last birthday, growing out of my size 16's. After that, size 6, here I come...and DD can give me back my shorts!! :lol:

Okay...off to go work on my chicken and salad. I cut up my first green pepper from my garden..it was still a baby...only about three inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide...but I needed it for my salad. I'm shopping tomorrow and will leave the rest to grow to adulthood before picking anymore :lol: I've had quite a few green beans...but how long do I have to wait for my tomatoes to get red? It's driving me nuts!!

Kris...replies later on...

GATOR: How about you meet me half way?

JACK: Walmart sells an Omron pedometer for about $10. I have two...one needs a new battery and I have been too lazy to find one, so I just bought another pedometer. It works well, and you can adjust the sensitivity on it, which I find helps a lot. It comes in a number of nice colors too. I have a purple and a blue one! :)

KENG: I would say your wonderful thing to share is pretty wonderful!

TECH: On the tomatoes getting ripe, I would venture to guess the next time you plan to go away for the weekend they will all get ripe. Mine are ripening in groups...I think the stinkers planned it to drive me nuts! And if it rains, like it does almost every day here in the summer, they split! Grrr! Seriously, it took mine about two to three weeks to start ripening after they all formed on the vines.

Thanks, Monet. I keep going in the backyard and hoping to find some pale orange showing through. They are so heavy and since I didn't really stake them up, they're falling over, etc, etc. As I said, this is my learning year with gardening. I think every year is a learning year, but this is the big first year for me, so next year, I'll have those fancy wire things surrounding them ;)

Ken: That's a cute story with Jess. ;) I love this age...they're so cute from about 3 till they go off to school... They're still cute after school, but they start to loose that wonderful imagination and then peer pressure things kick in and...well...they're just not preschoolers anymore :(

BOB: Gee whiz...I hope you are feeling better soon. :grouphug:

Nat: :lol3: Britt just kills me. What a spitfire she sounds like. My son's funniest thing: Yesterday the phone rang and he insisted on answering it, so I picked up in the kitchen to see who it was after he's picked up in the living room...it was a telemarketer. I'm like, this is gonna be GREAT! So, the guy just rattles off his speech at lightning speed and here's DS going "I know, I know, I KNOOOOWW!" and then the guy stopped and said..."Can I speak to an adult?" and DS says, "Yeah, surrre..." and hung up. :rofl: I haven't laughed that hard in DAYS...

Jack: My mom used to make us Franco American spaghetti with 'steamers' (boiled hot dogs) for dinner. For dinner....like for my dad, too!! My husband would kill me. But we loved it. They'll be having spaghettios tonight again since DH is out of town again tonight. I'll try and stay legal :lol: Actually, shouldn't be too hard with him out of the house...maybe I'll have tilapia again. AND make some for DD because she tried mine last time Ihad it and she loved it!! Never too early to get that Omega 3 in their systems!!

Okay, gotta run...story hour in 1 hour, 15 mns...if I don't get moving now, I'll be scrambling!!

Oh...and now that I've decided to 'maintain' till summer's over, I'm down to 158 again. Which is good, but now I have to remain legal and attempt to 'ride the wave' and maybe loose a few. Maybe I should have margueritas with DH more often!! :lol:

Hey Everybody. Duer to all of the car trouble, I'm stuck at my mom's house in Marietta for the last 3 days. I'll get on a little later with more details.

Happy Thursday!

Wish it were Friday.

Had my echocardiagram today, but of course they can't tell you anything. Have to wait 3 days for the doctor to get the report. Lovely.

Went off and forgot my lunch today. Yesterday I forgot my purse. Geez, te chemo brain is really bad this week. So now I have to figure out something legal and low cal to go get. Probably a salad from McDonalds.

Got my wt training in last night and the TM this morning. 4 days of 2 times a day. Hope I can keep it up.

I made the prettiest pizza dough last night. I don't know what I did, but it was the best I have ever made. Now I have to figure out how I can find the calories in it. I can figure the toppings.

Gator, I got my pedometer for Christmas last year so it is new. It is probably me. I'm not too swift with electronic things. I will probably lower the calories next week I wanted a week on checking them to see how I am doing. Not losing on vacation is a great thing, it's the gain that kills me.

Tech, maybe try obiedience training. I love the pina colada is considered "marriage counseling" I totally agree.

Julia, Jess is so cute. Their minds are always working.

Bob, since you have not posted, I assume you are at the docs or back at work. Hope you are feeling better today.

Monet, where is Country? Have a great day :wave"

Good Thursday morning:

I hope you all are having a good day so far. The bugman just left and the kids are playing with some new toys Lane got yesterday.

I am glad to have a pretty laid back day today. We have to return some books to the library and some videos to Blockbuster, and then I'll take the girls out for frozen yogurt. Yesterday was really busy. We went to Old Navy to shop for school clothes for Britt; we found almost everything we needed. The have the skorts/shorts/pants with adjustable waists there, which I need for Britt because she is so thin. She fits into a size 6 perfect, but they are way too short, so we have to get a size 7 and adjust it to the tightest around the waist. I was able to get her 3 skorts, 1 pair of shorts, 3 short- sleeved polos and 3 long-sleeved polos. We also got her some socks and underwear and a new pair of shoes. She still has some clothes from last year that are in good condition still. So, she should be set now. We then went to Toys R Us for Lane to pick out some stuff (her grandparents sent her some money for her birthday). We then went to Lane's dr. appt. and then to the grocery store...it was a long day.

Delaney was a trooper at the dr's office yesterday. I told her about the shot right before they came in to do it, so she wouldn't be upset for too long. This is such Delaney behavior. I hugged her while they gave her the shot, and she tightened up a bit, but never cried. The nurse then said, "now we'll put a pretty Little Kitty band-aid on here." She then started whining, saying that she didn't want a Little Kitty band-aid. She is the most argumentative child I've known, and she is only 3. She is so defiant and argues for the sake of argument. You could tell her the sky is blue and she'll tell you it's purple.

I got a call from the cardiologist office yesterday saying that all the tests so far have come back normal. I still have to get the echo next week, and I'm still wearing this annoying event monitor, but hope I can take it off after the echo next week.

Jack: I am so impressed with your exercise; keep it up!! I can't wait to get back to a normal exercise routine again. Congrats to DD on the sale of her house. I have been drinking lots of water to flush out my system, and I took another epsom salt bath last night. Most of those heat related deaths that you heard of are homeless people; I'm surprised the count is not higher. I think we should see some remnants of Emily by tomorrow or Saturday. We really do need the rain for the fires. I'll keep praying for good echo results for you.

BOB: Sorry you ended up at home again; I hope you can get to the doctor today.

Gator: How was the new bed? Where are you going this weekend?

Monet: I wish I was there to help you eat those tomatoes; I love fresh tomatoes!!

Ken: I loved the Jess story. Britt was giving birth to her baby dolls for months after Lane was born; she and Lane still do it. We used to watch Baby Story on TLC together.

Tech: Sorry JR is getting to be so much trouble walking lately. I really think a good obedience class would do him good; I think Petsmart even offers them; do you have one of those closeby? The obedience classes really helped our Golden Retriever a lot. She learned some basic commands and walks on a leash well, and also obeys the other commands (sit, stay, down, off...etc..). I love your son's telephone etiquette....I think I'll borrow him for awhile :lol: .

Talitha: Hang in there.

Teensy: How are you doing? How's the pup?

Toni: Where are you?

Country: Where in the world have you been?

Heart: I hope you are staying hydrated!

Melf: How's that shoulder?

Cindy: How are you doing? How's dad?

Anyone else I missed...hello!!

Have a great OP day!
Nat

Well, guys, the bed was really nice. It was sooooo much easier to make than the water bed, and I actually made the bed this morning, which is something I normally didn't do with the WB. This temperpedic is sorta water-beddy in feeling, sorta soft and squishy, but underneath, a firmness that the waterbed did not have. We got the temperpedic Celebrity" bed, which has a softer foam "pillow top" and it was very easy to sleep on my side. No aches and pains this morning. Also, this new bed does not transmit any motion to me if my DH is restless and tossing and turning, whereas I could always tell he was moving on the WB.

Got my walk in this morning, and have had my good breakfast and lunch and am off to pick up some vitamins. We are leaving at the crack of dawn tomorrow, so I won't be on tomorrow, and will be gone for the entire week. May get to post at my sister's but don't know for sure.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and a great week.

AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!!

Went to the http://bestsmileys.com/medical/3.gif this morning and
I've got full blown bronchitis. He has started me on 800mg Augmentin
and taken me out of work until Monday. I'm sure that I'm not the best liked member of the team right now.

I'm getting ready to crawl up in the bed http://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/1.gif and get the rest that I so need.


Later

BOB

Jess and I just came back from a playdate with some new friends we met at the Food Fair my county organized in May. We met while we were all waiting for our funnel cakes and I realized that I had some unused tickets so I gave it to them. We chatted and then exchanged phone numbers. They have a 5 year old dd and they played well together. The best thing is, we live so close to each other...like 5 mins away....lol. I had lunch at their house earlier and she made delicious fried rice and spring roll...yum! I didn't eat too much but it was so good I almost couldn't stop. That was a nice playdate and I invited them to my house fo the next playdate next Tuesday. It would be fun.

PANCHO : I have to agree...it is definitely wonderful to be a kid, you can basically get away with many things...lol. It is so funny to hear what comes out of kids' mouth. Lane is such a trip! lol. Jess has her fair share of "honesty". One day, while we were at Home Depot, she saw this cashier who is on the "large" side (her behind was facing us) and Jess just pointed at her "behind" and asked me "mommy, she has a big "b*tt*...LOL. I was shocked and embarrassed and prayed and hope that lady didn't hear us. I told Jess that it wasn't nice to say that about anyone but she replied that she was just being honest and she didn't say anything bad...LOL. I know she is right because her intention was just pure honesty and observation. She had asked me once why "that man has no hair"? LOL. Recently, she has learnt the word "fat" and started to use it. Now, when is this going to end? lol. Kids are so cute but can be so "deadly"...lol. Glad the tests have come back normal, keep us posted. Oh, you are not alone in having an "argumentative" child. Jess is a challenge for me especially the more she grows. She yearns for her independence so badly that she needs to be right and have her say, no matter she is right or wrong. When I tell her something which she might not know, she will tell me "I know". Lately, it has been quite a challenge to parent her but I am holding up...lol.

JACK : Congrats on the sale of your dds house. That is be a relief for them. Are they going to be looking at a house close to yours? Thanks for your reminder, I am resting well :) 1400 calories, I will definitely starve. I am such a big eater and would definitely go over 1400 calories.

BOB : Oh dear...I feel for you. You went thru so much already. I hope the antibiotic will work quickly and give you some relief. {{{hugs}}}

GATOR : New bed, how exciting. I am glad you and your husband loves it.

MONET : Yes, I estimate that it will take you an hour to get to Fayetteville. It usually takes us about 1 hour to visit our friend up north :) Fillise is welcome at my house too. Thanks for your offer, if I need anything from Harrys or Whole Food, I will let you know :)

TECH : Sorry, I am clueless when it comes to animals. I know when we have a pet (which shouldn't be long), I will be posting "help" messages here too :)

TALITHA : Hope your car get fixed soon :)


Julia

I just have a second...there is a nasty storm brewing. Big thunders...I need to go find my poor cats.

TECH: Have you tried a choker collar? You may need an electrical cattle prod! The big moose! :)

GATOR: I went and looked at that kind of bed. Sounds divine!

JULIA: When Fillise gets back, lets talk about getting together. I bet Talitha will be up for the drive too! :)

Ok, I have to run! <<hugs>> to everyone, oh, and:

BOB: Hope you feel better soon!

Just a quickie tropical update...

All my friends in Florida...Franklin's comin over to play!! (anyone with kids under 10 should know why I put it that way...from the Franklin preschool TV show... :dizzy: anyhow)...

Franklin is still 'just' a tropical storm, but they're saying that conditions are favorable for him to continue to develop. Right now he's pretty much loitering over the bahamas and is pretty well UNorganized, so who knows where it will go.

Okay...have to go pour more coffee...

I'm taking the kids to a place called Old MacDonald's Farm today...it's a nice small petting zoo about a half hour away. DD always has loved it and she still does, but at 11, she can't divulge just how much she likes it because we might think she's a baby...you know...that age. DS, on the other hand, is going to LOVE the cows and the goats and horses and pigs, etc...

Okay...I'm really going now...Kris

Good Morning! Tom is off today, so he can pack up and leave to go camping this afternoon. I am happy for him, but will miss him. I just woke up and he must be downstairs getting stuff together...I am wondering why my cup of espresso did not magically appear on my bedside table, so I will need to go check out the 'manchine' in a minute! :s:

TECH: You are up early! I hope you enjoy the petting zoo! We had one near here I used to love to take the kids to. Ruth would sit in the bunny area with multiple bunnies on her lap. There were deer that would getting ticked off at you if you did not have some food for them. I had a bag once and was feeding a little one, when one of the larger ones butted me in the arm! Nothing is weirder than wild animals gone overly tame!

Ok, Mr. Man just came up and was surprised to see me awake. He said I was sleeping rather soundly when he got up half an hour ago.... I am off to help him fix the espresso.

I slept in until 9am!!! I feel great! THe kids stayed at my mom's because I doing a project at the World Congress Center this afternoon. I'm going to spend the rest of the morning cleaning up my house. It's practically un-liveable! I've still got the lung infection hanging on.

I had a scary experience last night. I took my sister to the tanning bed and decided that I would try it for once. I know it's really bad for me. I used to be a hard core tanner, and I miss how relaxing it was. So I thought one time wouldn't hurt. They had samples of some tingling tanning lotion for $1 so I tried one. Half way through the tan I strated itching everywhere. It was miserable. So much for the relaxation... When I got out I felt sick to my stomach and my whole body was red, except for where I dodn't put the lotion. We left quickly and I decided that I needed to take a shower immediately to wash the stuff off of my skin. By the time I got to the shower I was shaking and even vomitting. I passed out in the shower, and my mom was about to call 911. I was only out for a second, and then I started washing my body off like crazy. I sat on the floor of the shower with the water going for over 1/2 hour and took 2 benadryl. I was fine after that except that the palms of my hands stayed red for hours from the lotion.

Monet- How long will Tom be gone?

Bob- Hope you atrat feeling better soon.


Everyone else- Have a wonderful day!! I have to go get something done while the kids are gone.

Talitha!! Wow...that IS scary!! What are you going to do about it? Did you tell the people at the tanning salon? Wow...I'd think I'd want to know if I were them. That is some reaction!! I'm glad you are better now. Thank Gawd for Benedryl!! About the products you sell...have you ever considered selling them on eBay? I looked it up and they appear to be selling moderately well...better than Avon, anyway.

Monet: I just love going to petting zoos with the kids. It's a nice, quick trip and makes you feel like you've done something without absorbing the entire day :lol: Enjoy your espresso!

PS...check out my ticker...down a pound. I think swimming has been fabulous exercise for me. Two pounds to go and I'm half way to my goal...even though I'm officially 'maintaining' for the summer. ;)

Good morning...

I woke up with a leg cramp this morning, I know it is pretty normal in the last trimester. My leg is still sore from the cramp :(

Jess and I had a fun day yesterday. Our playdate with new friends went great. In the evening, our next door neighbor invited us over for a BBQ. They have company visiting them from Virginia and they are having a BBQ for them because it was their last night there. We had a great time and Jess even get to swim in the pool.

Today, I am going to return some books and tapes at the library and maybe borrow some as well. I might also stop by a consignment store to see if they have any good used stroller and bouncer. Jess never have a bouncer and her stroller wasn't in good condition.

Some replies :

MONET : Sure, lets talk about getting together, hopefully before I get too big and uncomfortable :) My dh is off today as well but he has so much to do for his "building" business. The new buyer is taking over the house today and dh is going to miss his "baby".

TECHWIFE : Have fun at the petting zoo!!

TALITHA : OMG, your tanning incident sounds so scary. I am glad you are okay though. Take it easy today, if you can.

Got to go and start my day. Good day everyone.

Julia

:dance: Yay, Kris! Awesome! You are doing so well!

Gosh, I hit post before I finished that...what a ditz I am!

TALITHA: Wow...I think I would find out what was in that stuff, and try and figure out what ingredient made you react like that. You sure don't want to have a repeat! I am thankful you had your mom around to help! It would have been awful if you were home alone with the kids. Tom is only going to be gone until Sunday evening. They will come back in time for church.

KENG: We were posting at the same time! Let me know what you are up for...and where you want to meet. I don't really mind driving some. It would be easy for me if you can think of a place along the interstate so I can find it easily. Maybe Talitha will be interested, and Fillise..if she has time?!? It would be so much fun to get together! PM me if you want....

Happy Friday.

No big plans for the weekend. Since it is so hot, I intend to find a pool and park it on a raft for the day. Maybe Sunday we will start packing some of DD's stuff.

Got my wts in last night and wanted to take a walk but could not convince DH to go with me. So we went and got sf yogurt instead. I slept right thru my TM workout this morning. I told DH I would get up in 10 minutes when he left and the next thing I knew it was 40 minutes later and I had to hustle to leave on time. Guess I will have to do it tonight or tomorrow.

Even with all that exercise and counting calories, the scale was up 2 lbs today. Go figure. Makes me mad since I only had under 1300 calories yesterday. I don't mind if the scale stays the same, but a gain? If is frustrating.

Nat, I know you are dying to get back to exercising. I hope you can lose that monitor when you get the echo. I hope yours turns out fine.

Bob, Brochitis is going around now ( I know it's not contagious) but several of my friend have it or pneaunomia. Get some rest and get the meds in you and hopefuly you will be better soon.

Julia, kids are very honest (until they figure out it's to their benefit to lie) but that is all in the growing and learining process I guess. It can be funny though. My great nephew (who is 4) told me his friend went back to England to get his green card. Liek he knew what that was. I get lots of leg cramps now, I think from the tamoxifen. Mostly, I get them in the arch of my foot (guess that has something to do with the neuropathies.)

Monet, we got a storm last night too. I don't think ours was bad, I was dead to the world. So do you have any big plans for your weekend alone?

Talitha, wow was a horrible reaction. Was there something different or unusual in that lotion that could have set off that bad of a reaction. Glad you are ok now. I would definately tell the tanning bed people about it.

Tech, you are doing great. :clap: Hope you had fun at the petting zoo.

Bf: Q-Smart bar, coffee
Snack, strawberries
Lunch: lc ww tortilla (small) with beans and cheese and jalepenos and lettuce, strawberries.
Dinner: piece of fish maybe a small salad.

Better get busy here. Be back later.

Good Friday morning:

The weekend is here! Remember to be good this weekend, since we have our second MMM coming up in a few days.

I called my dr's office yesterday, and drilled them about a bunch of stuff. I guess the echo shows the flow of blood through the heart (kinda looks inside the heart), the stress test shows any type of blockages, and the monitor shows heartbeat rhythyms. So, I guess they are all necessary. HOWEVER, the PA told me that I had worn the monitor long enough to see any abnormalities, which were none to be concerned about. So, I was able to disconnect the monitor, for now. I see the cardiologist next Wed., and I will check with him to make sure I don't have to wear it for any longer. I wore it for 9 days, and they typically require 30 days. We'll see. At least I was able to sleep in my own bed without the darn thing beeping all night. I got a pretty good night's rest. Our spare bed is more comfortable than ours, and I have a bad lower back....so we really need to invest in a good bed for our room, eventually. BUT, that may be awhile since we just bought some property up north. It is in the pines, and beautiful. We will eventually build a second home there to escape the summers, and to go on snowy holidays. It is only 3 1/2 hours away.

Lane is starting to go through the being scared phase. She is waking up at night scared. I gave her a flashlight to take to bed to turn on if she needs to. She sees shadows of things from the nightlight. She keeps talking about Heffalumps and Woozles (from Pooh), and I can't convince her that they are not real. She won't even go to the bathroom by herself during the day because she is afraid a heffalump may be hiding around the corner. I think this is the age Britt went through this too. We'll get through it...poor little thing.

I made french toast for BF with Ezekial bread, and egg beaters. I topped it with some smart balance, agave and cinnamon. It was really yummy!

I made buffalo burgers last night and just had mine with a big salad. It was good. I'm not sure what is for dinner yet tonight since kids have their tumbling classes this evening.

Today is bathroom cleaning day (yay), and laundry day.

BOB: Don't worry about what others are feeling about you right now; you can't help being sick. Your boss even sent you home, and I'm sure they'd rather not have you there to get them sick ;) . You just take care of yourself and get better so you can get back to work next week. As soon as you are on your toes again, go get stocked up on those supps. and get your body healthy, and then you won't miss as much work in the future.

Ken: Sounds like a fun playdate. Kids definately are brutally honest. They don't know any difference. My mom told me that when I was a child, we saw an AF/AM man with an afro in the grocery store. I yelled out to my mom, "look at the clown!" Lane always has to pick the "scariest" looking people to talk about....the ones with tattoos all over their body, body piercings everywhere, spiked, colored hair. We were at Starbucks one day, and there was a male there that had all of the above going on. She pointed to him and said, "what's wrong with him." I smiled at him, and said, "nothing, honey." She then said, "what did he do to his hair?" He then said, "It's spiked...do you wanna touch it?" She did and thought it was neat. I took a huge sigh of relief. I then told myself that these people do these things for the attention; they can't be upset about a child noticing them. I remember the "I knows" with Britt....heck she even "knows" more now that she is 7 :lol: . I could say something like...."do you know that when I was little, we didn't have a microwave or a computer." Her reply, "I know." I remember those leg cramps in my calves when I was pregnant. Calcium helped some, but not always.

Tech: Have fun at the farm!!

Monet: I know you will miss Tom, but maybe you can get some more of your knitting done. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?

Talitha: I would definately get ahold of that tanning salon and let them know of your experience and have them write up an incident report. There may be others out there with a similar experience to that product, and it would be good to have something in writing. You may want to find out the ingredients in that product because some self-tanning products or even cosmetics may have similar ingredients. They also should have limited your time in the bed; did they do that? How scary for you! I am glad you are feeling better today. I am glad you were able to get some sleep. I hope your infection clears up soon. Are you on antibiotics or other medication that could have interacted with the tanning product?

Jack: Maybe you are eating too little and your body is hanging on to those calories, especially with the amount of exercising you are doing....it doesn't leave much. You may want to up the calories, or cut back on a little of the exercise and see what works. When I am working out, I am at or over 2000 cals per day, and don't seem to gain. When I am not exercising, I know I am at less.

Enjoy your day!!! I'll try to check in later.

Take care,
Nat

About the tanning salon. I do intend to go back when I pick up the kids tonight and talk to the owner. She was very nice, and I know she would want to know about it. Luckilly, it was a clearance sample. I think she was just trying to get rid of the last few. If she doesn't decide to jsut htrow them out, I may but them myself to dispose of. No one should have to go through that! I think it may be something about the 'tingling' agent. I'm going to get another sample, just to go over the ingredients. I may even write to the company.

I am a little embarased about the whole thing, and I feel like I almost deserve it. Here I am selling the most amazing natural skincare, and even suncare products. I shouldn't be tanning! I'm just so weak! IT's more about the relaxation of laying in a warm tanning bed that the actual tan. I went in there telling my sister "Don't you tell anyone I did this!" It's like a diehard healthfood advocate sneaking into McD's and getting sick from the burger. I kinda was asking for it.

Monet- What are you upto next week? I'm pretty low key, except for a skincare class on Tuesday. You wanna get together for a knit-wit date? I'll call you.

Tech- I have seen that on Ebay. WHen you sign up as a consultant, they specifically request that you do not resell products on third party site's like that. It's to protect the integrity of the products. We have a 45 day garuntee that would not apply to those purchases. I don't feel like it would be fair to the people who are making the purchase to not have the optioin to return if necessary. Also, They tend to be going for what the wholesale price would be anyway. It is more important to let people sign up as wholesale clients and get the discount legitimately. I did look at it, and it is tempting to sell them there. But I don't think I will. I'm doing pretty well without that. I am in my 4th month as a consultant and I've got a great team starting. I want to protect that, even if it means that it will take longer for me to move to the next level.
The products sell differently from Avon or Mary Kay because they are a completely different type of product. THat's what I like about it. I don't feel like there is an advantage to buying Avon or MK over other brands on the market. The advantage to Arbonne is the botanicly based, hypoalergenic formulation with no mineral oils or animal byproducts. No one else has that. They are more expensive, but that't because of the high quality ingredients.

Jack- DO you think it could be a muscle gain? I ate so poorly at my mom's house. I know I'm going to pay for it when I weigh in on Monday!!

Keng- What does your hubbie do? My brother is a contractor. He does really well. SOme of the houses he has worked on are amazing! I think he specializes in trim carpentry.

Pancho- We were posting at the same time. I am not on any antibiotics. I avoid them because I have problems so often with my lungs. I only take them If I have a sever infection and am coughing up blood. I know it sounds gross, but it happens about once a year. If I were to go on antibiotics for all of the times I have lung problems I'm afraid I would become immune. The year that I decided to stop with antibiotics, I had been on them 9 times in 12 months! I did limit my time in the bed to 12 minutes. I have a fairly dark olive skin tone and I rarely burn.
I don't remember ever having a reaction like that to anything, except for the epidural from my first c-section. It was very similar and frightening. I was thinking I may research that. They did a spinal block with my second c-section, because of it.

AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!

Still puny but am taking my medicine! I'm watching the TOUR and it just amazes me how these men keep on going!

MONET...today starts the annual BIRK sale...I'm going to have to muster some strength and get over there. Last year I got three pair for less than the price of one! I need two more pair. They changed the dress code right after I bought mine last year and I need to buy some "code worthy" for work!

KRIS...be extra careful at those petting zoo's. We had a terrible bout with a traveling zoo and ecoli .

TALITHA...OH MY...glad you're ok..that would have scared the fool out of me!

NAT...I'll get those sups just as soon as I can. BELIEVE YOU ME...I hate being sick...seems like I've had more sick days in the last year than I have in the 16yrs that I've been at the Hospital.

JACKIE...We had several storms last night and lost power with each one.

GATOR...I can see why you love the FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE so much. Absolutlely BEAUTIFUL!!!

JULIA...:wave:

Well my Friends, I hear thunder out there...I"ll be back later

BOB

Hey everyone! I am trying to get Tom ready to get out the door. What is it with men and traveling? I am going to need the weekend without him to recover from everything I am having to do to get him off! We went to WalMart when I got in over 3000 steps. Then we stopped at the package store. (apparently two men can not camp with out at least two six packs of beer! I did not know this! Did you?) Now he is outside folding up 'the palace' as the guys at church named his tent. Its like three rooms and rather large, but a very nice tent. We got it for almost nothing at Costco a few years ago on clearance.

As soon as he gets out of here, I am supposed to head down to the church office to do my volunteer stint with the worship guides. I am not entirely sure I will have any energy left! In fact, if someone notices I am up here on the computer, they will probably freak out! :lol3:

No big plans while he is gone...I hope to finish this knitting project and start the next one. Maybe read some Harry Potter...play on the computer some...

I will be back in a bit... :wave:

Only 30 more minutes and it will be the weekend for me. :D

Eating should be fine. Looking forward to MMM.


Nat, so glad you got that monitor off and everything looked ok. The echo also checks the valve functions to make sure they are opening and closing correctly. Funny about Lane being so scared of the Pooh characters. How do you get thru that? I guess just time and hugs.

Talitha, I don't think you deserved that reaction no matter how sneaky you were. I confess I love to tan too. It is very relaxing. I always fall asleep.

BOB, get some ret this weekend and don't overdo.

Monet, 2 six-packs? Mine always takes much more than that. They would go thru that setting up the tent. Enjoy your weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Talk to you Monday.

Good Morning! Dinner last night disappointed me. We went to a favorite Chinese place and I ordered Mongolian beef. I did not think it through, as it was not a good choice for me. It was way too sweet and I should have gotten seafood. By 10 last night, I was bloated from the salt and MSG, so I hopefully learned my lesson. I stayed up way too late doing nothing significant, and slept poorly. I am going to throw on some clothes and go for a walk this morning.

My only plans for the day are to do some major cleaning in the kitchen, and tonight I have been invited to a BBQ at our Jamaican friends house. I don't know what she is fixing, but she asked me to bring a six pack of Red Stripe so they can make Shandies. I won't be able to drink, so I am safe!

I will check in later and hope I will not be talking to myself! :)

:wave:

Hi everyone,
Just checking in on my DS's computer. Only scanned the posts because we are off to go to the farmers market.
Ate really well yesterday until dinner, which was a wonderful one my DS fixed:
Fresh green beans, fresh corn on the cob (Lonly one ear)!!, about 8 baby back ribs, barbequed, fresh sliced tomato, and a slice of ice cream roll, coated with chocolate sauce!!! :yikes:
Actually, I was kinda hungry all day and kept looking at the clock in the car thinking about when I could eat next. So, it was different to sit down and eat a full meal. I don't even think the corn was that bad---it was all those baby back ribs, and then, of course, the ice cream cake roll. Oh well.
This morning, a 1 cup portion of cheerioes, topped with fresh peach and skimmed milk. I will try to stick to a good salad for lunch.

Jackie--I know the frustration about eating carefully and not losing. It just makes me mad. But--and this should work for you--mad enough to say "I'll show you, d--m body! I'm just gonna stick with this until you lose another pound. So there!!"

Well, gotta go take a shower. Sorry cant reply to everyone. Have a great week. I don't know if I will get back on until I get home.

GOOD SATURDAY AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!


I feel so much better today! I ventured over to the beach this morning to pick up a couple pairs of Birkenstocks. Needed some comfort for work. I spent $200 but saved over $150. If you aren't a "BIRKIE" person like MONET and BOB, you should give them a try...You'll be hooked like we are!

Just watched LANCE come over the finish line...What a way to end a career !!

I'll be back later..I've got to fill up my water jug and get to slurping!

BOB

BOB: What kinds of Birks did you get? I have a pair called Morgan that I just love...they are thin straps, and all black, and look very nice with a dress even. Then I have my plain ones...Arizona I think, that I wear every day. I would love another pair, but just can't justify the $$ right now, as the two pairs I have are sufficient. If I need dressy, theres the Morgans, if I need casual, theres the Arizonas...and if I need something else, too bad! I would rather be barefoot! Speaking of barefoot, Tom went camping up in the mountains this weekend. I left to go do my volunteer stuff before they left, and when I got to the church office, I looked down and noticed I had his flip flops in MY car! I am willing to bet he walks all over the moutains barefooted all weekend! He doesn't have any other sandals... Crazy man! I am glad you are feeling better...now get those vitamins and stay well!

You guys should check out birkenstocks on ebay!! birkenstocks (http://search.ebay.com/birkenstocks_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQcatrefZC6Q QfromZR10QQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQsargnZ-1QQsaslcZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1)

:smug: I do like ebay...

MONET,
I bought the MORGANS today! I love them and they will be perfect for work.
I also got a pair of MADAGASCAR LOAFER CLOGS...I've got four other pair that I wear
and only two of those I can wear to work.
When I finally get up to SPA MONET, we'll be STYLIN!!!

KRIS..Our Birk store over on Siesta Key has a once a year front porch sale. Can't beat the prices. I'm always afraid of knock offs on Ebay..but I do buy some things there. I always buy books from half.com which is a division of Ebay.


BOB

I just got home from my Jamaican friends' party. I was good until she took the patties out of the oven. I ate three. (they are small cocktail size ones..meatpies in case you don't know what they are..stuffed with spicy beef - and the crust is made with white flour for sure!) Then I tasted her potato salad. I will be honest, it was a very generous 'taste'. More like a good spoonful..and I mean a big spoon. I did not drink any of her famous punch...or any Shandies. (Red Stripe and gingerale or lemonade) I had some of the jerk pork, jerk chicken, and a slice of avocado and some salad. I stayed away from the desserts. So, I did not bomb out totally, but I did not do as well as I had hoped to.

I have three or four cats all hanging out by me right now. On the computer, on the desk, under my feet. What is it with cats???

BOB: I do love my Morgans. I think they look rather elegant, even on my fat little feet! :) Lucky you to find such great deals! I should have had you pick some up for me!

TECH: I never thought to look on ebay for Birks! I was amazed! I bought mine on Shoebuy and thought I got a great deal!

I better go check on Laura. She was zonked out on her bed when I got in, and there was a frozen cobbler sitting on top of a pile of stuff in her room! I think she needs to put it back in the freezer if she is not going to eat it! :rolleyes: Kids!

Good morning! It sure is slow this weekend! Breakfast was a two egg omelet with feta, cherry tomatoes and sprouts cooked in almond oil, with espresso (of course!)

I am going to head out to Hobby Lobby and Publix in a bit. I have a prescription to pick up, and I want to see if I can find a row counter for my knitting. The project I am working on now is one that has a change in pattern every ten rows, but the yard is very hard to see individual stitches on, so I am going crazy trying to keep up. I have been making ticks on a piece of paper, but that means I can't knit on it unless I have that paper with me, and I therefore feel inhibited to carry it around with me. You can get this counters that fit right on the needles...so I want to see if they are not too $$....

I got the kitchen into really nice shape yesterday...but then the girls got home. :( It will not take too much work to get it pretty nice again though! Tom will be so happy! The weather has been bright, sunny and very warm here. I hope it was cooler in the mountains for them.

Oh, and just in case you are wondering, the cobbler got baked this morning, and is sitting on the cooktop looking rather decadent. We shall see if she ever eats any of it. There was a cheesecake they took out of the freezer and left in the fridge for weeks. I finally threw it out!

:wave:

A Sunday Afternoon Funny for you guys...since the boards seem to be slow...

The Rude Parrot!

David received a parrot for his birthday. This parrot was fully-grown with
a bad attitude and very rude.

David tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying
polite words, playing soft music, anything that came to mind. Nothing
worked. He yelled at the bird, the bird got worse. He shook the bird and
the bird got madder and ruder.

Finally, in a moment of desperation, David put the parrot in the freezer.
For a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming and
then, suddenly, all was quiet.

David was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird and quickly
opened the freezer door.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto David's arm and said: "I'm sorry that I
offended you with my behavior and actions. I ask for your forgiveness. I
will try to check my behavior..."

David was astounded at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask
what changed him when the parrot continued, "May I ask what exactly the
chicken did?"

:lol3:

Hi all,

We are back!!! I sure was glad to get home. I tried to keep my eating on track but bombed out most of the week. I will be back on track in the morning. We had a great time and went to the Houston Zoo. It was very large...lol...42 acres to be exact. But did get to see animals we have never saw before and the girls got to see banana trees loaded with bananas. And most of the week I got to rest..no cleaning, no cooking, no washing dishes, no washing clothes...it was heaven.....lol. I just wanted everyone to know we made the trip safely and are so glad to be back home. I missed all of you. Most of all I missed getting to eat lots of fruit and getting outside a little. It was to crazy to venture to far without hubby by my side. I will post tomorrow...and getting back to sane eating!!!

:grouphug: :balloons:

OMG-!!!!!!!!!!! I am so ticked!!!!!!!!! I'm to the point of desperation, aggravation, frustration, and almost to the point of saying screw it all!! Let me explain..I've been doing "atkins" the past couple days. I figured it might reset my blood sugar levels and keep me from being so hungry all the time. Well, it did help with the hunger. I get on the scale this morning after noticing that I'm puffy and what do I see...a 7 pound GAIN!! What the heck?!! I got to thinking about my menu and have realized that I've had way more salt than I'm accustomed to. Bacon, sausage, cheese, ranch dressing, prepared foods(like Quizno's low carb salad, Subway's wrap, etc...). Did you know some of that food has your daily intake of sodium in just ONE meal? Maybe okay for most people, but not me. So I'm rather p'oed!! I'm so sick of this!! I was doing okay with just the SB except for the hunger. I was hungry after eating, within 2 hours. And yes, I was getting enough calories. So I decided to do the protein thingy and it helped with hunger pangs(virtually none between meals)but it's just not right for me apparently. I know that I am NOT destined to be this weight or to keep gaining. I stayed around 160 for a long time before I started gaining(by my poor eating). But now that I'm trying to do good and get it off, it just isn't working. The scale keeps going in the wrong direction. I'm so frustrated. I want to get back in my fitted clothes, so badly. I can't afford anymore weight gain. I was starting to drop back down some, got to 169.5 last week and now today I'm at 176 or 177, heck can't remember. Any ideas or advice would be appreciated!

HEART: Ok, let me give you some advice. I probably understand better than anyone the frustration of not making progress. I have tried every diet that is known to man, I think, and it seems nothing works. You have lost over 100 pounds, so obviously, something works. First off, I would suggest you pick your plan, and stick with it. Going back and forth from Atkins to Sugarbusters just sets the stage for confusion and your body can't adjust to either. Atkins is a Ketogenic diet. If you cheat just once, it doesn't work. Sugarbusters is a glycemic diet, if you eat too much fat, or go off plan, it negates the way the diet works. If you are on Sugarbusters, and feel hungry, try adding 'good' fats, like avocado, and almonds (raw, soaked in cold water, drained and refrigerated are extremely good for you) and olive oil to help keep you satiated. I personally think if you are hungry inappropriately, its an insulin reaction, and not true hunger. When you change plans you often do see a gain at first. I know when Teensybean changed to Sugarbusters, she did not lose at first..it took a while. It was the same with me. It took a few weeks after Atkins to see any improvement in the scale. I would say plan out your meals, and keep a journal. You may find that your toast triggers your hunger, or you don't get hungry as soon when you eat eggs, instead of oatmeal. Now the most important thing I think I need to say is this- you seem to be looking for a fast solution, and you may not find it. When you don't lose fast enough, it seems like you get frustrated easily. It appears you set yourself up to fail, and when you do, you get even more frustrated. Here is a suggestion: Hide your scale. Tell yourself you can't weigh for two weeks. Then, eat right, drink your water, purge the crap from the house (your kids and hubby don't need it either) and see what happens. You have done so tremendously well...and are a big inspiration to many of us on here. I personally feel very sure that you CAN do this, and do it right. You just can't be impatient. Don't try for drastic, just make the small changes that will set the stage to help you succeed. Like exchanging the diet sodas for water, and the starchy snacks for celery sticks. I think if you drink plenty of water, and watch the salt, you should be able to get the water weight taken care of in no time. But, the one drawback of Atkins for many people, and why they don't lose on it (myself included) is that too much protein can be turned into sugar by the digestive process, and then stored as fat. Obviously, your system doesn't like too much protein, so get back to Sugarbusters, and try increasing the good fats for satiety. :grouphug: I am glad you came here and vented. I bet others will have advice too.

Thanks Monet. Tomorrow I'm back to Sugarbustin'. Lots of water and I'm going to cut back on my diet cokes to one a day(big step for me). I'll add some nuts for my midmorning snack. I don't think I can stay away from the scale for 2 weeks. HOWEVER, I am planning not to step on it until Friday. Right now I'm disgusted with it. So maybe in 5 days things will look better I'm hoping. I doubt I have time to get on the computer tomorrow(I'm catching up now) since my house is the messiest it has EVER been(haven't touched it in a week!). SO here is an idea of what I'm going to eat tomorrow. I'm eating fruit in the morning because it's on the verge of going bad.

BF- will be plain yogurt and some fruit(either a peach or nectarine)
Snack- 12 almonds
Lunch- large salad made with some chicken, or maybe grilled turkey breast, veggies, parmesean cheese, Casear dressing and 1 diet coke
Snack- Probably 2 celery sticks filled with whipped cream cheese or 1 cup Carb Countdown 2% milk(gotta use it before it goes bad)
Supper- Beef and cabbage casserole(made with cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, seasonings, cheese)

I need to go to sleep!!