[Lauren H]

Judy, what a sane approach.

Lin, that's great you're working the program into your temp project. And way to go on getting the temp assignment, too. (I'm terrible on a switchboard!)

Well, the trip to Houston was eventful. I didn't track, but I did eat healthfully -- mostly seafood. The scales are up a tad, but that's mostly period gain I suspect. (TOM looms.) Or maybe it's the bananas foster I had at the restaurant Tuesday night ...

Unfortunately, while in Houston I had a close encounter with a vicious speed bump. I was walking in the client's parking garage, and somehow ... I tripped over a speed bump! I fell forward, but somehow managed to push myself back hard enough to avoid hitting my face. I rolled over onto my back, which had a backpack strapped to it (I was carrying my laptop computer).

Fortunately, I didn't break anything. But I badly sprained my right arm, which is now in a sling and makes typing interesting. This will put my weight-lifting on hold for a while. It also makes tying shoes interesting.

On the way back, I sat in front of a row that had two agents escorting two prisoners in handcuffs. Their discussion was VERY interesting. One of the prisoners had been an elementary school teacher! We also flew over a couple tornadoes.

On the ground, I couldn't drive, so my company had to call a limo service to drive me home. Late last night DH and I went back to pick up our car. (A friend drove us.)

Finally, I discovered the joys of narcotics. (The doctor in Houston perscribed me some for pain.) They basically completely knocked me out, so I had to quit taking them.

Hope your week has been less eventful than mine!

--Lauren

[Lin S]

Hi, Turtles,

It's great to hear from you all.

Judy, you sound exactly like me. I, too, refuse to be super hungry. I get sick if I follow any kind of program that causes that. I learned that in my past experiences. I also refuse to eat disgusting foods hoping they will help me lose weight. I learned that the effect of doing that is that I get tired of doing it and stop. Both of those two things eventually end up in regaining what I lost, and usually more. Guess what? I'm with Lauren. I'm trying really hard to stop doing what experience tells me doesn't work for me, even if a lot of people think it's the only way to succeed.
As for those two things, they're my line. If I cannot eat food I enjoy and feel satisfied (not overstuffed), I'd rather stay fat, thank you. Strong words, but I think I can eat food I enjoy and be satisfied and lose weight, even if it is slow.

Tell your family we turtles are rooting for them. They can post, too, or just lurk, if they wish.

BTW--I'm still laughing about you apologizing to the wordy turtles about a post that's too long! We all have had our long, longer, and longest posts. And the originator of the club is one of the worst offenders.

Lauren, I'm sorry you're eventful week didn't contain a greater quantity of pleasant events! I hope your arm gets well soon. Meanwhile, hang in there. And don't let yourself get discouraged if reducing your exercise level means you maintain for a while. Do the best you can with the circimstances you've been given. That's all anyone can do.
I have the same problem with narcotics. I had a bronchitis infection once and had to take cough medicine with codeine. It wasn't an option and I slept for a week. I hated it.

Things are going so-so. I really dislike most things that I have in the kitchen to pack for breakfast. So, Paul and I were a little early today and we went to McDonalds. When I got home and recalculated my points, I discovered that I had enough banked points to cover my breakfast. What's really weird is that my planned meals for tomorrow are really low in points, but they are big in bulk, so they fill me up. I'm planning to eat the same breakfast because I need the points! Next week, after I can go to the store, I will have a better breakfast to eat. Egg McMuffins are one of the few fast foods I like, but I don't like to have them too often. I actually prefer my son's homemade, lowfat version.

As for the rest, I really, really am hating the switchboard. I'm competent at it. I just don't like it and I'm glad I only have to do it for another week. I hate the commute more. If I could work from 7-4, like Paul does, it would be OK. But we don't get home until sometime between 6:30 and 7:00 pm. By the time I get dinner and do the minimum stuff I need to do to get ready for work, it's bedtime. I'm sneaking in some time here.

My kids aren't keeping up with what we need them to do if both of us are doing that commute. They did OK, for one day. I'm not sure I will take more jobs unless they're temp to perm and a job I might really want to do. I don't think it's worth the price. I'll keep you all posted. I've got to go get some sleep.

Happy turtlin'!

Lin
272/229/lower

[Itryharder]

Lauren,
Egads! I've heard of tough trips, but let's not get ridiculous. My goodness. Okay--it's done and now you have to heal. Take it as easy as you can, feel the hugs coming your way (but not on the arm that's in a sling),
and keep sending yourself good positive loving messages. "I'm so smart to have protected my head, gee, wasn't it good that I didn't break my leg," You know the tricks--turn a bad time into one that's bearable. This time will pass and it will be history. Good luck on your WW program. You really did very well in Houston with your food, so that's a big plus. Have a happy Easter with your crew and your potluck supper!

Lin,
Sorry the temp job isn't more to your liking. I think it's great that you've got the food working out well. To me, every day I can make my food and staying OP my top priority, I consider myself successful. The boys will need to kick in a little more, but this is new to them too.
If you can, relax your standards a bit and just get through the next week. You're putting in a long day with the commute, so I wish you the best as far as energy, etc. that you need. Have a happy Easter and enjoy this time of your life.

I've got my daughter here today and she's into making a Martha Stewart type of treat for Easter that looks like it will be nigh on impossible, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
My son and daughter-in-law will be coming later today and I've got to get the house clean so I can't chat any longer. I've got an hour before my daughter and hubby come back and an awful lot to do in that time.

You all stay well, be happy , and keep on keepin' on in the magnificent slo turtles way. Hey, we're so great we should be TORTOISES!

Love,
Judy

[Lauren H]

Thanks for the hugs, Judy. I need them!

I'm up 3 POUNDS this week. Yes, TOM looms. But more importantly, I didn't track this week. I didn't eat a ton either. But there you are.

At times like this, I'm sorely tempted to do more "diet" things in order to get the weight off. No, it didn't work for me in the past, and yes, I'm speaking out of frustration here. Hopefully I'll get past it.

On the brighter side, my measurements aren't up. So it's got to be mostly water.

I'll be tracking again after Easter. Not much point in tracking today, since I'll be way under points (we eat very little the day before Easter), and I have decided not to track on Easter day, which will be a caloric catastrophe and that's OK.

Lin, I'm glad the switchboard isn't permanent. FWIW, I'm seriously disliking my job at the moment, too. The work itself is reasonably OK (when I get past all the meetings), but the politics and the way things are going -- and, yes, the yet-another-looming layoff coming up (rumored to be this coming Friday) -- are really getting to me. I just plain hate corporate America and need to find a way to make money in spite of it.

Well, didn't mean for this to be such a downer. Aside from my weight, I'm actually really enjoying this wonderful time of year. Have a wonderful holiday, everyone.

--Lauren

[Lin S]

Hi, Turtles,

I'm starting nubmer 26--See you all there!

Happy turtlin'!

Li n