Hey ladies! Just wanted everyone to know that I will be out of town this weekend --- leaving first thing in the morning -- and may not have much (if any) internet access. Have a good weekend!

Hi all I've been real busy at work my boss is off for 2 weeks and my other co worker took off for his new year and I've been slammed. Its been years since I've felt this busy. I finially had to destress at work so I went to wendy's for a buger fires and a frosty. And I just finish my familys deep rest tea. Its a herbal tea with a minty flavor, honey and burbon and yeah I'm totally relaxed now. I'm off to bed as 5 am comes quick and if I'm lucky I'll get off at 7:30pm.

Litchick: I use the BMI calculator here on 3FC.

Hey all,

It is midnight plus 1 minute. lol. I am on my way to bed but wanted to stop in and catch up so I don't get too far behind.

Catherine: Sorry if you are disappointed about the extra class! When things like that happen to me I tend to try to just know that God knows best and what we can and can't handle at the time with what is coming down the road. Hugs to you anyway.

Ratkitten: I tried on every single one of the new clothes this evening and some don't quite fit me the way I like them to. Most fit fine and a few are off to someone else for their use. I just wanted to add that it has made such a world of difference for me to start talking kind to myself. Even in my head talking. Please don't be mean to you. You are special and deserve wonderful words. Hugs.

Peggy: I am so proud of you for deciding to not stay away anymore. So happy also that you have a good family.

Debbie: I enjoyed shopping but would honestly have enjoyed it more if I had gone alone. I took a friend and she was a downer honestly. Oh, well, I'll know better next time. I love to do most crafts from scrap booking, painting ceramics, floral, you name it I will try it and more than likely I'll enjoy it. My mom was an artist along with being paranoid scitzo. She was an excellent singer and could paint or draw anything free hand and she designed clothes for all my barbies when I was a girl. My sister and I had the very best barbie clothes of anyone we knew and barbie furniture made with real wood and Mom would cover them with tiny nails, stuffing and beautiful material. She won tons of prizes for her art work and I guess I got a bit of that in me. lol. My stepmom is also very artistic and we enjoy doing crafts together.

Battle: Congrats on the size 24 being part of your wardrobe. I agree totally with you about giving away clothes, well anything else that you can't use for that matter, to those who need it. I can recall the frustration to find clothes that looked decent for work when I was working.

Nancy: Great NSV! I am so proud of you hun.

Val: It's okay if the pants are not your favorite size right now. Keep up the wonderful work and they soon will be too big. Hugs and study hard.

Heather: Have a great time out of town. You will be missed.

John: get plenty of rest.

I just wanted to tell you all a formula that you probably all know but just in case there are any people that don't know it. This is the one that the Life insurance companies use and therefore the Dr's offices use it too for BMI calculations.

Take your current body weight and multiply it by 703

Example. I was at 510 pounds X 703 = 358,530

Take that number and divide it twice by your height in inches.

Example, My number was 358,530 divided by my heighth in inches 5' 9 and 1/2 = 69.5 inches /358,530 =5,159 divide that number by height again
5,159/69.5 = 75 BMI for me.

Hope that helps someone if not, lol just ignore it. Well, off to bed now.

Blessinsg to you all,
Annie

annie~ Holy moley!! I just noticed your ticker! You have smoked right past me!!! WTG chick!!!! I am so proud of you!!!

Annie, look at you! We're going to be doing the countdown to THREE hundred before we know it! I'm very happy for you...so many big changes still to come. :)

Battle - Glad you have some 'new' pants! That's really nice when that happens.

Peggy - Wonderful that you're down to your ticker weight so quickly. The rest of the 60's will fly by with your renewed focus. Yay!

I'm wearing the new size 22 dress I bought at Reitman's 15 pounds ago for the first time today. I feel great in it! I love when you love what you're wearing. That feeling had escaped me for so long at my higher weight.

It just got very dark and gloomy and started to rain. I like days like this sometimes. I'm off for the weekend as well for a last couple of days at the cottage and to enjoy a traditional country fall fair in the small town nearby.

Morning everyone!

Didn't have time at home to check in so I figured I would pop in here at work. I have a *busy* day today. Only working until noon, then lots of errands and pups to the vet, etc. I won't be able to get my walk in until tonight, but this AM stopped at Walmart and parked as far away as I could. Figure I should get my extra steps in when I can.

Today is casual day at the office. YEAH! NSV today was to try on a long sleve t-shirt (Size Mens XL) that I got back in 2000 when I was last at my current weight (doing Atkins at the time) and only wore a handful of times before it was too small. I was SO psyched putting it on this AM. It has a beautiful scene painted on the back with a black lab in it. I love it and I refused to get rid of it when I got too big to wear it. Woohoo! I am wearing a pair of Lee Rider jeans (size 22) that I bought at Walmart a few weeks ago. They are starting to get a *tad* loose, so this AM...I bought the same jeans (darker color) in a 20 and am going to use them as motivation to keep myself commmitted to getting healthy and to keep going.

Have a great day everyone!! :hug::hug:

Hi girls and guys
Only down a lb this week. I'll take it considering my choices werent great for a few of the days and I had a great loss last week. Better to have lost than gained :)

Hi All,

I’m tired :yawn: I didn’t get much sleep last night because hubby was having trouble sleeping because of his Chostocronditis was playing up. Then I had to get up early to go for blood tests. I came home, had breakfast and as much as I really wanted to go back to bed I exercised. I’ve since exercised some more, had lunch and as soon as both girls are on their way to their various destinations for the weekend Daren and I are going grocery shopping. I will be ready to drop by the time we get home :rofl: Oh well I can have a nice lazy day tomorrow, apart from the laundry and more exercise :D

Metachick - you made Toronto sound so wonderful you’ve got me really fancying a trip there. Shame it’s so far away :lol: Oh well, I’ll just add it to the list of places I want to see.

Brenda - glad you aren’t giving up, getting back on track can be so hard at times. I’m glad you are ready willing and able to do it :hug: Great news on that 1 lb down :cp: Going off track on the weekend didn’t do too much damage then!!

Annie - yay finally I don’t owe you an email :cp: Did you get yourself some pretty new underwear yesterday when you went shopping? I read that you took a friend with you and she brought you down a bit. Was that you walking buddy? She still having a bad time of it?

Rat - how are you doing OP today? I know you went over your points the other day, but at least you rode your bike too, so you know that will have helped to limit any damage it might have done. When I go over my points, or have a binge I always say blow the exercise too. I should try to always make myself do it regardless of what I eat, I won’t feel so bad then :D

Debbie - :yes: it does feel great to be staying OP and doing all the exercise I can. It’s so weird though, but because I have been so good and done so much more exercise I expect to get on the scales and be like half way to goal :rofl: I KNOW I’ll be lucky to have lost 2 or 3 lbs as it’s only been 5 days being OP, but now that I am on track again I want to be skinny yesterday :D

Ooooh what’s the Leslie Sansone ‘Walk and Muscle’ DVD like? I have got the normal WATP videos, and the ‘Walk and Jog’ one but I’ve not even heard of the ‘Walk and Muscle’ one. Would you recommend it? I love that she’s branching out and doing more than just the walking videos, it’s good to have to work up a sweat especially with her jogging or as she put it the ‘boosted walking’ sections :lol:

Nancy - just 7 lbs to go to have lost 100 lbs, that is so wonderful. I shall be watching your ticker and will be getting ready to congratulate you on such a fab achievement!!

That’s wonderful that you had such a nice compliment from that woman you mentioned. Is she the one you scared off with your dietary advice :lol: Me, whenever I get asked how I’ve lost my weight, I just say WW all the way, and when they ask what I can eat I honestly say ‘whatever I want’!! I do also say that I can have a big slice of pizza if I want, but that as a plate of fish with a pile of vegetables is more filling and for less points, then I’d rather have that. So they know I do have to make choices but CAN choose the less healthy and filling option :D

As for Ugly Betty it’s one of my fave shows, I LOVE it!! We’ve only seen series one so far over here but I am anxiously waiting for series 2 to start.

BattleAx - :woohoo: on getting into those size 24 pants, and all it took was you losing another 5 lbs. It’s amazing what a difference just 5 lbs can make. That’s one of the reasons I am so keen to lose what I can before I go away. I know it won’t sound like much in the scheme of things, but I am sure that 14 lbs which is what I’d like to lose by then, will have me fitting on those rides much more comfortably! You are right though that by making new rides have bigger seats it could very well make it too easy for people to stay comfortable at bigger weights and not realise that they really should lose some. On the other hand, I am still glad they do the bigger sized seats because at least I should definitely get on those rides and my money won’t be wasted :yes:

Why are you terrified of wasps? Were you stung as a child or something? I was stung when I was little, in the mouth :eek: I had left an open can of soda in the car when I went to some place with my parents, and when we got back in the car I had a drink only to find that a wasp had flown in the can!! Luckily it only stung me on my gum and mum got the sting out, so I was OK. I guess it should have made me worried about wasps, but more than anything it just taught me NEVER to drink from a can that’s been left open :rofl: As for dealing with wasps or any creepy crawlies now, I don’t have much choice :lol: because Daren and both girls hate anything like that. Can’t say I am keen myself, but hey, somebody’s got to get them out of the house :yes:

Heather - I don’t know if you will see this in time, but just in case, have a lovely weekend :D

John - I love the sound of your family’s deep rest tea, sounds like it really does the job. Sorry work is ‘slamming’ you now. I hope it will calm down soon :yes:

OK well I best make a move, got to get ready to go out now. Take care all and have a great weekend.

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Hiya ladies - just a fly by to say hello and I am still reading all your comments but with just starting my registered nurse post and with so much to learn I don't have much time at the mo to post. Anyway, weight is going good, it is on a VERY slow gradual drop, without me having to really 'do' much. The fact I walk about like a headless chicken on the wards all day is helping I think!! I love the fact that I have changed what I do with food slightly so it feels very gradual and natural. Unfortunately its not a quick fix change, but I guess as long as it is going down I should be happy!

I love love love my job! Its so great - so much responsiblity but being qualified is just great and getting to look after a team of patients every day is brilliant!! And will hopefully get progressively easier as the weight comes off.

All is good at home, kids doing great and hubby and little doggie too. Not realy exercising other than walking the dog, but think I will join the exercise goal for October to get some swimming in too as I do miss it.

Nancy - I love reading your posts and find your thoughts very interesting indeed. You are doing so amazing weight and exercise wise - well done!!

Ammi - good to hear you are doing so well on the downward slope, don;t be impatient I think you are doing amazing. i went to Alton Towers and Drayton Manor this summer and fitted in nearly everything and I am so so much heavier than you I really do predict you will be pleasantly suprised..

Annie - how is your recovery going hun?? I hope ok and the weight loss looks amazing, you have worked so hard you really do deserve everything good coming your way!!

Everyone else - sorry really do have to leave it here for now but wanted to say hi and I am still on the gradual decrease plan!!

Em xx

I'm trying to stay off my feet right now. I have a football game tonight, so I expect to be covered in hot chocolate again. I have lost 4 of the 8 pounds I gained on my binge last weekend. I'm sure that was the water portion. I'm hoping to sweat the rest off tonight. It will be about 5 degrees at game time, that's 40's for you Americans. Went to the doctor yesterday. It was so nice to only see 4 prescriptions instead of 5 this time. I'm going to like it even more when I go to pick them up and pay for them this afternoon. It's always nice when you can drop one of the expensive ones. 20% of a lot is still a lot. I have thus far refused to take the PG test just because my husband wants me to so bad. Honest to God, he tried to float a butter dish in the toilet so I wouldn't notice when I got up to go this morning without my glasses on. I was raised by a practical joker. He'll have to come up with something a lot better than that to catch me.

Brenda: Yea to you on another -1. I say going down is better than up! lol.

Meta: Congrats on a size 22 How exciting to be able to buy clothes without going to a "special store".

Peggy: Wow, congrats to you too. Your outfit sounds so cute and comfy. I'm happy that you got to wear your cute doggie shirt again.

Ammi: I hope Darren feels better soon. Poor guy. Thanks for the emails and yup it is Dee dee who was a drag. I only brought her because she said she needed a new bra desperately. I ended up buying her 2 bras and 1 sweat shirt in exchange for her coming to clean my house really good on Wednesday before my Uncle and Cousin come to visit.

Emily: So happy to see you post whenever you can. I wonder about our smiling Em quite often. Glad things are going so great for you hun.

Catherine: Congrats on loosing 4 of the 8. Great job. Also congrats on less meds. I myself know that feeling first hand. After this week I don't have to take anymore high blood pressure meds and I already don't have to take my water retention meds. Now, to just get rid of the potassium meds and the to protect my gall bladder while I loose wegit qucikly and all I will be taking is vitamins. It is exciting. The butter dish in the potty was so great. It made me smile. Sneaking man ya got there. lol. Don't over do it at the game today!

Well, everyone else. Hugs and hope you are all doing well. I am just zonin a bit about to go do a couple of errands. My niece Lindsey who has been with us all summer is leaving back for school tomorrow morning at 4 or 5 am. I will miss her so much.

Blessing to you all,
Annie

Hi All,

I am feeling so proud of myself today. I went grocery shopping this evening and we ended up taking so long that it was way past my meal time. But despite wanting to pick up everything I shouldn’t in the shop, I still bought all healthy low fat stuff, and instead of buying a bar of chocolate to eat while we waited for the taxi I bought an apple. How good am I :rofl:

Em - lovely to see you posting. It’s good to hear that you have made such a great life style change that without doing anything very big you are feeling better and the weight is still coming off :cp: I am glad to hear you are so happy in your work too, it must be lovely doing a job that you really love, and it helps with the weight loss too with all that walking :D

What rides did you fit on at Alton Towers? I may be lighter than you,but I am also shorter, and I am sure most of my weight is in my butt and thighs so I really am concerned about fitting in those ride seats. Did all the main rides have dummy seats before the queue so you can test to see if you fit?

Catherine - great news about losing 4 of those 8 lbs. Like you said, the others shouldn’t be far behind. Hope you don’t get too much hot choc over you at the football game :lol:

Annie - lol I did remember Dee Dee’s name, I just wasn’t sure if maybe she came on 3 fat chicks so I didn’t want to mention her by name. I hope she does an excellent job of cleaning your house seeing as you’ve already bought those things for her.

Okie dokie, time to go chill in front of the TV now. Finally some relaxing time. Take care all,

Hugs,

Ammi :crazy:

Nancy, :congrat: to you on your 2 lbs gone! Also that was a great NSV.
It's always so great when people start to notice the weight loss. Keep up the good work!!

Battleax, Wow! Size 24!! That is so fantastic that you can wear them now. That's my next size down and I can't wait!! Sorry to hear about your struggle with exercise. I know that you will get right back on track.

Peggy, you handled the pizza so well. I'm a total pizza-aholic too and to even have a small in the house, I would of eaten half. Good choice on the salad too. You certainly can be proud of yourself, as I am. So glad you can wear that pretty long sleeved shirt again. It's so fun to go in to the too small clothes and find that they fit again. I just did that with
one of my shirts, and now it's almost too big...what a great feeling!

John, don't work too hard...mmmm a frosty...how I miss those.

Annie, how lucky to have a Mom who did all that for you! Sorry the shopping experience wasn't as much fun as it could of been. Next time, go get yourself a pedi and a mani, and do some more clothes shopping. That puzzle I was doing, well I think there were some kitty and doggie paws in it. It turned up I was missing 3 pieces. darn it!! The kitties like to knock the pieces on the floor and then our new dog, Marilyn, ate them. Sheesh!

Meta, how exciting to be in a size 22 dress! That's fantastic!! And what the topper is, is that you feel so good in it. Keep up the good work. So many great NSV's on here lately.

Brenda, yeah!! Down another pound I see!

Ammi, yes, I certainly would recommend the walk and muscle dvd. You walk one mile while doing upper body exercises with 3 lbs weights. It's a good workout and I really did work up a sweat. I got this one when I ordered those 7 Dvds. It was a website selling them for only around 24 bucks and that was including shipping. Normally it would of been $159 for those. It was a great deal and I couldn't pass it up.I haven't tried the walk and jog yet..still have to build up to that one. Good choice on the apple!!!

Hi Em! Good to see you back. I'm so happy for you on your job. There's nothing better than having a job that you love. All that walking just at work is such good exercise.

Catherine, I've gotta say..that was pretty funny on the butter dish in the toilet. I just sat here and cracked up. Thank you for that. It's pretty cold there now isn't it, so maybe having hot chocolate all over you will keep you warm..lol. Come on...take the test..we're all dying to know!!

Hubby and I went out and did our shopping today. Bought alot of goodies for the salads since I've been eating at least one a day. Also some fruit. Yum! I really don't crave sweets at all anymore but if I do, I have the 100 calorie packs. I just love those. Especially the Lorna Doone ones. Tonight we are going to go out. He wants to go karaoke..nope..I don't sing but I like to watch people. Other than that, yardwork probably this weekend...again.
Debbie

Hi everybody! Wow I have not been here in ages. Life suddenly became a zoo. :) But I do miss everyone and hope to check in again more often.

I got a $150 a month rent increase so decided to move... my lease is up Oct. 30 and I was so fortunate to find a place immediately where a guy bought a house and is moving out of his apartment. It is almost the same rent as I would pay here but much larger and nicer! So I have been frantically packing and painting the walls I painted different colors. :) Sooooooo much to do!!!

Oh and would you believe... a couple at church gave me a REALLY nice treadmill! They will keep it for me until I move. Has the arm tension thing, etc. Yay!

More later... God's blessings to all.

LitChick!

OMGosh, your black beauties are gorgeous!!! The window picture is precious.

I miss my old black cat, Wicket. She was a great cat with a fabulous personality. Captn kitty (my long haired black cat) is 17 yrs old and still hanging in there. Ratkity is my 15 yr old tortishell psychokitty. It's hysterical to see my golden retriever, Buffy, giving Captn's head a good tongue soaking. Captn loves it. He quit cleaning himself a while ago and he thinks Buffy is doing a decent job. Old Spithead. Psychokat hates my goldens and the other golden, Charlie, loves to chase her into the bedroom. All during the golden-cat show, I have a neurotic parrot screaming encouragement to both sides hehe. Never a dull moment in my house!!

Give those cuties a hug for me,
Luv,
RK

TGIF, everyone!

Story, oddly enough, one time my hair started falling out and for some reason when I changed my shampoo it stopped. Probably just a strange coincidence, but I still won't use Herbal Essences shampoo... Hope everything goes well with the tests!

Torister, I get the same kind of response from people when they ask me what I'm doing to lose my weight. It's like they expect for you to mention some top secret to weight loss, like eating mung bean sprouts with each meal or something ridiculous like that! I love pizza as well, but the only way I trust it for me is to buy the frozen pizzas (Amy's brand because they're made of high quality stuff so it's not as cardboard-like). For some reason I can control myself with those much better... probably because they show me right on the box how many calories I'm eating. Maybe if Pizza Hut put it right in front of my face like that I'd put that 3rd slice down... haha.

Annie, thanks! Look at all of that weight just falling off of you! You're going to pass me up before long, I'm sure. Lane Bryant has my favorite underwear (and bras oddly enough). Avenue's are okay as well, don't know if you have one of those near you. I usually like to shop alone or with my mom, because it seems anytime I take my friends they always end up making fun of the things I like. One time in recent memory was when I was with my friend Makana at Forever 21 (a juniors shop that I felt VERY awkward in) and I found a purse I liked. She forced me to put it down and said "Okay, we have to go before you buy something horrible like THAT :lol:"... I went back the next day and bought it. I felt like a coward and defiant at the same time... haha

Ratkity, my hair is layered and does the weird flippy thing as well, mostly because I usually sleep on it wet. The only reason my hair looks remotely straight is because I used the straighening iron on it... not so well, might I add. I don't know why mine never looks as straight as other peoples... probably because they're more patient than I am with sectioning their hair. Might also be that they have more expensive tools than I do...

Catherine, that's a bummer that they're not going to let you take that class. If you really want to that bad, I agree that she's probably not the final authority. In either case, I'm sure you'll think of lots of fun and interesting ways to mess with her!

Nancy, way to go on the NSV and -2 lbs! I've only watched bits and pieces of Ugly Betty, but I liked what I saw. For some reason I have a hard time getting into shows, probably because I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up! Maybe I'll have to invest in the DVDs like you.

BattleAx, congrats on fitting into those pants! I'm actually planning on heading to Lane Bryant sometime this weekend to look at jeans. I was never impressed with them in the past, but I figured I'd at least look.

Wyllenn, hope you have a good time out of town wherever you are!

John, sorry you're feeling so slammed at work.

Meta, hope that fall fair is lots of fun! I always love things like that. As of right now, I'm trying to find a friend to go with to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. I've only been to the one in Texas before that's the largest in the country, so it'd be nice to see what other RenFests have to offer. I don't want to buy a costume right now, as they're expensive and I'm not planning on being able to wear it next year! If only I could sew... haha

Brenda, hey, a 1 lb loss is great! Like you said, better to have lost than to have gained. Every lb you lose gets you a little bit closer to goal!

Ammi, I hope Daren feels better! Great job on keeping control while in the grocery store. I'm always tempted to buy yummy looking things there... especially the yummy things disguised as health foods... like the whole grain cookies and things like that.

EmilyMay, that's great that you love your job! I'd say that all of that running around the halls will definitely help with your weight loss... every little bit helps!

Debbie, I love karaoke! I like to sing, but only if the mood is right and I can actually find a song I know all of the words to. Watching people is always the most fun though. One time I saw a group of 5 men who looked like they had just come from a business dinner (in suits and ties) sing "My Heart Will Go On"... well, one was singing, the rest were pretending to be Kate Winslet when she was stretching her arms out on the front of the ship... haha

Misti, a larger and nicer home is always better in my book! Sounds like a great find!

Everyone else, :wave:



I had a great day today. We got our economics quizzes back today and my instructor said that only two people in our class (there's 77 people) made a 21/21 (100% in other words)... and I was one of them! She even later kind of announced it to the class, so I hope no one hates me! Haha.

I took a nap after I got home from school which proved to be a bad idea. I really needed to go to the store to pick up a few vital things I needed for today, but decided I was too tired. After my nap, it was even harder to drag myself up and out to the store, but I went and I'm glad I did as I found some new interesting foods to try. For dessert I'm trying one of my new Nature's Promise Fruit, Flax & Fiber Whole Grain muffins... 8g of fiber and 180 calories, which really isn't bad at all for a muffin.

Tomorrow from 1-3 I get to work at Fun Day with the rest of the Math & Computer Science club. I hope it's fun and we have nice weather because it's supposed to rain tomorrow morning. We're making bubbles with the kids out of these 3-D geometric models of some sort... not exactly sure, but it sounds good to me!

That's about it for me. Everyone have a great OP weekend!

IMO Lane Bryant has the best panties and bras. The underwear lasts longer than any other plus-size brands I've tried. It's expensive, but if you shop the sales it's not bad, when considering how long they last.

Avenue's is nice, but it doesn't last as long.

I've tried the panties in the package at discount stores, and of course they're not nearly as nice, but they do the job. I bought some recently because my budget is really tight. I have been disappointed in how long they last. Before you know it, they have holes.

ETA: OK, I know someone talked about buying underwear at Lane Bryant. I can't find the post now, but I swear this response isn't coming out of left field! :-)

Annie-I'm surprised they didn't take your gallbladder when they did the surgery. In Florida, they would take it out as part of the surgery.

Ammi-It warmed up just enough, that they didn't want hot chocolate today. They gave free tickets away to back to school kids, and we went through popcorn, corndogs, and hotdogs. 56,000 screaming kids. We ran out of everything.

Debbie-Can you come do my yard work? I need to mow, and himself won't let me because I might hurt myself. It's not going to cut itself, and he wouldn't even know how to start the thing.

Misti-Lots of people are having their rent raised here because of the boom. 1 bedroom apartments are going for $750.

Lindsey-I can take the class, but they wouldn't pay for it. I'm going to be content with what I'm allowed. He agreed with them about it, so maybe they are right about it. It just means I'll have more time to blow the curve in the other two classes.

Just spent 6+ hours on my feet. I seem to be taking fewer and fewer breaks. I guess I'm getting stronger, or more used to being in pain. They gave away free tickets to kids going back to school, and it was like a horde of 56,000 locusts descending on us. They ate everything that wasn't nailed down. They ate all the popcorn, and we started with 15 lawn and leaf bags stuffed full. We don't even get to find out how the game is going except for hearing the cheers or cannons going off with scores. We have to ask the ushers on the way out the door what the score is. I've only got one more game this fall because we will miss 2 while traveling. If we don't make the playoffs that is. I don't know how we could possibly make the playoffs at this point. It has been hard, but has been so good for my self esteem.

Hi Catherine... you can't FIND a 1 bedroom apartment around here for $750! Almost impossible to find one under $900 and most at least $950 and up. Yikes!

Glad to hear you are getting stronger! Yay for you.

G'morning all!

Misti, yay for new digs! Geesh, and a treadmill. I hate packing to move. I haven't moved in 6 years.. one more year and it'll be a record! I have noticed that I accumulate some odd things and don't have the purging that moving does. I'm getting better at throwing things away.

Lindsey, wow, a shampoo that messed with your hair that bad? Eeeep. I have the straightest hair known to mankind. When it's humid, it goes flat looks like I haven't washed it. I know my friends with fluffy hair hate the humidity for the opposite problem.

Battle, a friend of mine gave me all her Victoria Secret bras (in a multitude of colors too!) when she lost weight. It took losing 100 lbs, but they all fit! yay! They have lasted forever too. Oh, and I hear ya about cheapo undies. Holes and elastic boings early on.

Catherine, get Himself to rub those feet! Oh maybe not. He'll wear you out more..nvm.. hehe. yay for more strength!!! It's amazing what you guys serve during games. You don't wanna know what apartments go for in the burbs of DC. The icky side of town, they go for $1100 for a studio if you can find one. Right now, I couldn't afford to buy my own house if it was on the market.

Nancy, you are my hero!!! You keep going girl. I love your enthusiasm and NSVs!!

Wyllenn, see you when you get back! Have a good weekend.

More to come!

Luv,
Ratkity

Well, I gained 2.6 lbs this week. It was a combo of bad eating choices, more exercise, and TOM. I am back on track today. I rode my bike yesterday and kept telling myself that I was not a number on a scale. On a good note, I rode faster on average than I ever have.. hehe.

I have been thinking about intense feelings and my food coping skills. The fears and feelings have been surfacing periodically.

For example, my little sis (who has also has lost 100 lbs; now a size 10) was working with a client on software testing. She was being nice to the client and chatting about general things. Well, her colleges accused her of flirting with the guy because he whispered something to my sister. The whisper had to do with the product potentially not performing and he didn't want the other tester to hear it. What fear did this surface? That because of my reduced size, people now see me as a sexual person and being friendly is now seen as flirting. Being fat, I am seen as asexual and general chatting is not seen as a threat.

What does this mean? Some problems go away as a result of losing weight and some more appear?

As I mull some of these things over, my eating goes out the window.

That's about it for now. I'm rambling.

Luv and Hugs,
RK

I, too, wish I could have found a 1 bedroom for $750. That's what I was paying when I lived in a suburb of Houston last year... here in Salisbury (probably because it's a college town and apartments aren't exactly plentiful) you can only get a really crummy apartment for like $850. There are also house rentals around here, but they're mostly in very bad areas of town and look like they're falling apart. Oh! And it seems all of the less expensive places to live don't allow pets, which I guess makes sense but was bad luck for me... The only decent apartment complex remotely near school doesn't even have 1 bedroom apartments, so I ended up with a 2 bedroom, which ended up being good because I have a lot of stuff so the extra bedroom became a study...

Okay, sorry for rambling... haha

Lindsey - Netflix!! They not only have movies, but all the TV shows - plus you can get tons of workout dvds. I love it.

I mentioned it on the exercise thread, but not here yet and I am so mad!! There is something wrong with my left foot that is causing pain when I have been on the elliptical for anything other than a few minutes. I did the bike on Thursday for 30 minutes and that made my butt hurt really badly (the gym bikes have no padding)! I will have to be careful and go to the doctor next week if I can get an appointment. Argh! It is so disappointing to have this happening.

Lesley - What cute kitties!! I keep thinking about getting one, but I haven't decided yet. I am lucky enough to be in an apartment that allows them, but so many don't.

Hi Everyone~~:wave:

Hope you're all having a really good day. I am doing pretty good despite my message to Annie ;). I am doing very well after my operation. I am not on any pain pills--right now--I have been taking one at night because of the strain on my back all day and I figure it will help me sleep better. It sounds funny, doesn't it, that my back is feeling the strain more than anything else, but it does. The doctor said that is normal. For years my back did most of the work and now it has to realign itself or something to let my abs do some of the work. Plus, all these freaking tubes--okay, it's only 3 :p--don't let me lean against the counter correctly to do things like wash my hands or brush my teeth without back strain.

But even though the recovery is not much fun, I would do this again. I needed this for me--even though I still have a lot of weight to lose. I wasn't getting anywhere with losing the belly and I was getting myself all depressed and I gained about 15 lbs. back. I would not suggest that anyone do this unless they are closer to their goal weight--or at goal :)--but for me it was the right decision.

I actually saw myself in a full length mirror yesterday and I almost cried. I look normal meaning I don't have the big buddha belly there in my way. I just look like I am overweight and have some weight to lose and not like I'm a round beachball. I can walk easier and wipe easier--(sorry if that's TMI:o ) and I cannot wait until I get the tubes out and the doctors okay to get back to the gym. I have my drive and uumppff back, if you know what I mean. :D So that's why for me this was the right decision at this time. I wrote more about it in endlessly’s thread, “Another Odd Questions”. Now, I'll try to get to as many personals as I can. :)

Ack!:fr: Darn it Annie--I just figured out my BMI with that formula that you gave us--not so LOL. It came up 43.3 *sigh* Oh well--I knew it would be pretty depressing. *shrug*

Now, for my real comments ;) I am so, so glad that you’re doing well after your surgery. You have one of the greatest attitudes that I’ve seen here and you deserve to live your life happy and FREE. (I agree with Zelma on her “Freedom” post.) I love the new pics you have up, by the way, and I am glad you chose the close up of you and your sweetie as your new avatar. You look so pretty and you are radiant, my friend. You keep up the good work because you have so many people—even just here—who love and support you.

I’m sorry you’re going to be missing Lindsey, but she can always come back to visit. :) And congrats on being off all of that medication. You sound so happy and you deserve it

Hi Em :wave: Nice to see you again. It sounds like you’re doing it just right you know? Losing the weight shouldn’t be a struggle—it should be effortless and easy especially if you aren’t really trying—which is how it sounds to me. I am so happy that it’s happening that way for you because it’ll be permanent that way. I am most happy though, because the joy that you are experiencing in your new job just shines through. :cp: You are the kind of person the medical community needs! Kudos to you. :hug:

Catherine--:rofl: about your hubby and the butter dish. Obviously he’s hoping and WE’RE all hoping for you and we cannot wait to find out. My fingers are crossed for you because that would just be so wonderful. You are such an incredible person that people only want the most wonderful stuff for you. :hug: Good for you on losing 4 of the 8 lbs. :cp: How was the game, by the way? Did you have a good time?

I know how relieved you must be about losing one of your prescriptions. I only had prescriptions because of my recent surgery, but when one of them came back as $256 :o I just about fainted. Like you said, even 20% off of a lot still ends up being a lot. So good for you.

Ammi—you ARE good girl. I would have given in and bought myself that chocolate bar. :rofl: Well, maybe not. I don’t think you really have that much to worry about at the amusement park. You are ONLY 1” shorter than Em is. I hope that you have fun and I am looking forward to living vicariously through you as you tell us all about how much fun you are going to have. I love, love, love, love, love roller coasters and rides and such so I am JEALOUS. And honey—if you can’t fit on a ride—you don’t ride it. You’ll still have fun though and you’ll be able to fit on everything. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

You’re one of my new MySpace friends, by the way. I haven’t really been able to do anything with my page lately but I’m hoping to soon. Anyone else—if you want my MySpace address it’s www.myspace.com/dolfingirl2000 I accept everyone who I know plus some music acts. I don’t go to everyone’s page every day, but I do go look at them. :)

Nancy--:cp: for you on that NSV and on the –2. I am so inspired by you. You are on fire and I expect it won’t be long before we’re seeing that –100. You keep going girl!

Debbie—how was the karaoke? Good for you on craving the fruit and eating so much salad. :D I have found that I want fruits and vegetables more than junk food most of the time now too. I will tell you that I’m afraid to buy myself the 100 calorie packs because knowing me—1 won’t be enough. :| :rofl: It’s raining here in MA today, but I’ll be honest—I don’t do yardwork anyway. That’s the bf’s job. I do the most of the house work.

Misti—good things happen don’t they? A bigger, nicer apartment for almost the same amount of money, a nice new treadmill—it always makes me happen when nice things happen to people I know. Have fun and come back and post as soon as you can. I don’t get to post a lot, but I do read almost daily, and I like seeing your smiling face.

Sorry everyone, but I have to go. We NOW need a new coffee maker since my coffee pot just broke. The bf wants to go out now so I have to go. I’ll try to come back later.

Keep doing good people. You matter and you deserve it. I, for one, am very proud of the efforts each and every one of you shares here every day and even though I don’t post every day—you all keep me somewhat in line because of your stories. Have a great Saturday. :grouphug:

:wave: Vicki

Hello Ladies,

Well, I'm back home for a few minutes from taking Mojo (the larger black cat) to the vet. When I got home last night I noticed his left eye was squinting and there was discharge. Figuring it was the result of a scratch between him and Jack (it's happened before when my older cat gave Mojo a too rough, but probably well deserved, swat) I found a vet that was open this morning and took him in. Got some drops and now we're back home. But I'm having to keep them separated for a couple days so now Jack's sequestered in a spare room. I swear, it's just like having kids sometimes!

Catherine, sounds like you are keeping busy! I hope you're able to take some time out to relax amidst it all. That's great that you're able to stop taking one of your meds. PG test ... are you pregnant??

Story, I hope things get worked out with your thyroid and you're back to feeling better soon.

Peggy, your family is in for a surprise, aren't they! I'm trying to post here more often, too - it definitely helps with my motivation. :congrat: on fitting into those smaller clothes!

Donna, wow, five cats - that's great you're able to give a home and love to them. Kitties are crazy, aren't they! My husband says he forgot how rambunctious they could be. Jack has taken to sleeping at the top of his pillow at night, which is cute now but may not be quite so roomy a few months down the road!

Ammi, wow, you're doing awesome! 100 minutes a day! :carrot: That's one of the things I need to improve on, the amount of exercise I do.

Meta, congrats on getting past the halfway mark and fitting into a pretty dress! :woohoo: I love rainy days sometimes, too - but it's been mostly bright sunshine these past few months. When the rain comes, it's usually at night.

Nancy, you are sooooo close to that 100lb milestone! You should be very proud of all you've done to get to this point.

Battle, those pants may not be as loose as you'd like, but they fit, and that's more than you could say 5lbs ago - I call that an NSV for sure! :cp: Thanks for telling me the BMI - I never even thought to check here (duh). I've only been in Avenue a couple times but I find all their clothes have this flimsy, low quality feel to them, like within a few washes they'd be all misshapen, etc.

Sue, glad to hear you were able to find a new place - and getting a treadmill, too!

Rat, Wicket was one of the names I'd thought of for Jack, but no go. He's more of a Jack personality, anyway. I did want to name him Kipling (as in Rudyard) but hubby said unless were were living in the Hamptons that it wouldn't fly either. Yet another marriage compromise! I love that shot of them in the window, too - a bird in a tree outside had caught their attention and I just happened to be there with the camera. :) My 'baby' Khayman, a tuxedo cat, died a couple years ago and I still miss him. But having Mojo (and now Jack) has done a lot to keep that life that animals bring into the house.

Lindsey, congrats on the perfect test score!

Brenda, one pound down is one more pound closer to goal! :woohoo:

____________________________________

OK, I'm off to a used book sale that my local library is holding - not that I need any more books, of course! Hope everyone has a great day!

Hi everybody!

Lindsey, I sure "get" what you mean about the apartments... I would be jumping over the clouds to find a 1 BR for $750. :) I got raised to $980 for 650 square feet, no fireplace, nice enough but nothing special. BUT I am SO thankful to God for the way He provided the new place.

A friend advised me to take a survey of the area and find out what other places were going for and what they had... so I went to rent.com and searched out the area; printed out 13 sheets. Well the THIRD place I called said they had just gotten notice from a guy who bought a house (which is why he knew so far in advance) and it would be available the last of October. My lease is up Oct. 30!! So I rented it in AUGUST for the end of October!

832 square feet and they are totally remodeling it... new carpet, everything. It has ceiling fans... one in dining room and I asked about bedroom and they said they would put one in for me. CORNER brick wood burning fireplace with mantle. Hot tub, spa, fitness center, newly remodeled pool. FREE use of the cabana... for $959! It will still be an increase over what I have been paying but hey at least if I am paying for it I want to HAVE it! :)

I have mixed feelings as I sure have not been getting official exercise... BUT I have repainted a bunch of walls which I painted different colors, dug out all the closets and storage locker, packed boxes, hauled out junk and giveaway items... painted two bookshelves... so I am DEFINITELY not sitting around and it SHOULD count as exercise LOL.

Oh and where I live now they are building a huge shopping mall/condos right in front of the place! Where I am moving, my deck looks out on a creek (down in a ravine) and it is a protected wetland so they CANNOT build a shopping mall in my front yard LOL because in Washington State it is illegal to develop in the protected wetlands!! It is nice as I can hear the creek gurgling... it is so grown up now that I can't even see it but in winter I will be able to.

Vicki, thanks for your encouraging words! :hug:

God's blessings
Sue

Battle-There are no Lane Bryant’s here or Catherine’s (where I used to be able to buy pantyhose that actually fit). There is Pennington’s, but I haven’t gone in there yet. I will soon, or I’ll have to start going commando.

Sue-The main problem with apartments isn’t that they cost $750(in the prostitute part of town). The main problem is that a year ago they were $300. What apartments there are here, are all converting to condos. Just south of Edmonton, an apartment built with public funds for the disabled, was converted to condos, and sold right out from under the residents. Some of them had the new owners raise rent $1000/mon. When people are used to paying 30% of their income for their housing, and then get bumped to 50-75% in 6 months, they just get paralyzed. We had a tent city of homeless this summer that had over 200 people in it. The city is clearing it out this week, and the ones left will just go camp out in the river valley. We had 3000 homeless last winter living outside. I don’t know how they survive it. It’s hitting freezing at night now, and the city thinks that shutting the tent city down will force these people to get apartments like they have some choice in it. The oil boom has hit this town like an atomic bomb.

Rat-I did have him rub icyhot on my feet last night. It actually really helped. Himself didn’t mind. He’s actually a foot person if you know what I mean. I will admit that my hands and feet are my best features. I have long, skinny, delicate fingers. My mom was a hand model, and I was offered the same at one point except the tips of my middle fingers are a little crooked from too many basketball induced jammed fingers. My toes are so long, that I can actually hold a pen and write with my feet. Well, my right one anyway. Turns out I’m not just right handed but also right footed. I have trouble keeping his hands off my feet, and now that I know that icyhot helps with the tendonitis, I guess I’ll have to let him have his way with me.

There are a lot of things that surface when we lose weight. It’s like they have been in suspended animation. I’m at a size right now that instead of being ignored, or treated with revulsion, I’m getting hit on. Unfortunately I’m attracting lesbians, and older foreign men. When I’m out mowing, or shoveling snow, I can’t keep the old men away. I’m viewed as some kind of hard working, stout, farm girl type, and I think I remind them of their mommas in the old country. One 60ish Polish guy made a pass at me right in front of my husband who’s 6’5”/350lbs. That took guts. Maybe he thought he was my brother. We are built a bit alike. It’s also lots of other little things, like guys opening doors or offering seats on the bus. When we are large, we really are viewed as being asexual. When you start to feel better about yourself, it really shows in the way you carry yourself, and in the way you dress, etc. I will be the first to admit that it is scary, and it is real easy to escape back into that protective shell that food, and the resultant suit of fat that we wear, can provide. There’s a movie called “Defending your Life.” It’s about going to the other side, and having to defend your life before you can go on. If you need to learn more, they send you back to Earth. What they are looking at is fear, and how we overcome it. Rent it if you’ve never seen it.

Nancy-When I used to use gym bikes, I had a towel that I hid a pad in. I could put it over the seat, be much more comfortable, and it just looked like I was sitting on a towel. Lots of people use towels in the gym for hygiene reasons.

Vicki-I actually do have a good time at the games. They are so physically hard, but I do love the feeling of being indispensable. When stuff runs right, and things are ready and available when requested, it feels really great. We can get there at 3pm, and get everything unpacked, and prepped. We get the ovens and steamer going, so that the people who work, and can’t come in until 4 or 5, can walk in, have their stations ready to go, and go right to work. They lady who actually runs the concession is a 1st grade teacher, and when she came in about 4:30 she said she had a very stressful week because one of her students was diagnosed with cancer. I live a simple life, with very little real world stress, and sometimes forget how hard the rat race is on everyone else. Being able to tell her when she got there that everything was handled and we’d be ready to open on time was very gratifying.

Lesley-I’m convinced I’m not, and my husband is convinced I am. We are fussing about me taking the test. I’ve had 4 miscarriages in the last 2 years, and just feel like as long as I don’t take the test, I’m not. Then I can more easily tell myself that I’ve just started late, rather than having had another miscarriage. I’ve had every test in the book, and the only things left are just my age (45) or I may have had some structural damage done to my uterus when I was injured that makes my body reject at a certain point. There is nothing that can be done about either possibility. Frankly when dealing with women my age, doctors are more experienced in dealing with trying to figure out why they can’t get pregnant, not stay pregnant. It would actually be dangerous for me to carry a child to term, so I accept these things as God just taking care of me, but it doesn’t make it any easier to endure. Not wanting to find out is kind of my way of protecting myself a bit.

I’ve got my feet up. They actually feel better than they should. I’m going to use the icy hot every day for awhile to see it that helps. I’ve got to finish my pants suit today, because I’ve got a thing with the Archbishop tomorrow. Oh, and I’m supposed to make some kind of cake to take. Oh Joy, I get to make a cake.

Hello Everyone!:wave:

Just another day in Mom Taxi ****. I can't wait for the other car to be fixed!! They said another week or 2. I may not make it.
I am repenting for the bazillion mini chocolate bars I had the last few days. I had a leftover bag from Sammi's party, which is always dangerous...and it has been calling me ever since. I broke down and opened it...at least the kiddies(and Brooke-the girlfriend) were here too. Now it is gone and I can be normal again. You would think the migranes I get from it would stop me. I am having some PMS symptoms, but still no TOM since June!!! :yikes: I hate having it, but at least I knew when it was comming!! This not knowing crap is making me nutz!!:crazy:


Catherine: I just saw the movie you were talking about last week!!! It was a really good one. I don't ever remember it in the movies. You are such a smart and insiteful woman!! I too am attracting old men and also African-Americans...I tease the kids and tell them that it's because of the stereotype of liking the boobies and junk in the trunk. They just shake their heads at me. Oh, and I usually get my undies from WalMart or other stores like that...the JMS(just my size) ones are very reasonable and a good fit. I am into comfort not the frilly lacey stuff. And don't get me started about thongs...In my "day" we wore those on our feet!!!:rofl:


Lesley: Your Jack is beautiful! So is Mojo...they could be brothers!! We had a cat when I was younger named Felix and he looked just like yours. He was so black that in the sunshine he almost looked purple. Oh, and we "only" have 4 kitties...we have a "Pitadore" named Brittney too. So that makes five. Jack is terrified of her, when all she wants to do is give him a big kiss. He'll just have to get over it. At least Oreo is warming up to him and now has a new playmate. The other 2...not so happy that he is here. That's why we keep him downstairs in Sammi's room during the day, and upstairs in the boys room at night. You are so right...it's just like having a new baby! He can fly around the room like a loony, and I too have forgotten what it's like. I was thinking about what it will be like to pull him out of the XMas tree every five seconds this year!!:dizzy:


Vicki: I am glad your surgery went well, and am soooooooo jealous!! That is the one part of my body that I dislike the most. I would love to do a tummy tuck, but I don't know if I can handle the pain. Although, I have no feeling in the front from 2 c-sections, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Now I just need to find a "sugar-daddy" to pay for it!! Enjoy your new bod, and I hope you heal quickly!!:hug:


RK: I can't believe your sister's co-workers would react like that. Sometimes people are jealous of other's successes and are just plain mean. You will probably lose those 2.6lbs next week when TOM is over. You know the drill...it's just the water weight...blahdy blah...and I know that won't make you feel much better, but you will get through it.:hug: (Just don't go find a bag of chocolate!!!:lol3:)


Debbie: I love kareoke, but I haven't sung in front of anyone since before I was married. I used to sing in a band, and do musicals. Now I just live vicariously through my daughter. It used to be because of the weight, but now it is because I feel I am too old to show off anymore. I hope you had fun!!!


Annie: Sorry Lindsay had to leave...I know you loved having her. I am sure she is just as sad to leave as you are to have her go. :hug:


Enjoy the rest of the Weekend!!

Sue, It's so good to see you back. You really lucked out on the apartment.
I'm sure you're going to love your new place. What colors did you choose? Have fun packing..ugh!
You're new place sounds really nice, and considering all that you will have, the price isn't that bad. I'm sure that fitness center is going to go to good use. Yep, I would say all the painting counts for exercise!!

Lindsay, :bravo: to you on your grade for class!! That's really great. I hope it doesn't rain on your fun day. It's wonderful that you go out and enjoy special times with kids. The karaoke was pretty funny. We started out at this new bar in the bowling alley but the karaoke lady that was putting on the show is all out for her friends instead of the newbie type people. So we went to the
Eagles Club where we usually go and brought some friends with us from the other place. There is always great singers there so it was alot of fun.

Catherine, sure! I'll just hop on my riding mower and be right up!!! I still haven't gotten to my gardens yet. I mowed half of the lawn and then I started making another planter. I'm making one where the middle will be stones,brick or concrete for a sitting area, then it's going to have flowers and other plants all the way around it with an archway as an entrance. Sort
of like a room outside. I don't think I will get it all done before the rain starts but it's a beginning. Maybe I will take some pics as I progress. STill have to get to those planters though.
Rest those poor feet, you probably are so much stronger than you
realize. Make a cake you can't stand, that's how I handle things like that!

Ratkity, what you said is true and probably on alot of our minds. It's so easy to be at a heavy weight and realize that people don't take us seriously. At least that is how I think thin people think about us heavy-weights. Like it
impairs our minds or something. It's fat people, not brain farts! personally I think those people that were thinking your sister was flirty, are simply jealous of her so they have to start problems. It's sad how some people think.
Sorry about the weight gain but you're probably right, it's the exercise making your body hang on to it. It will come off in no time, I'm sure of it!!

Nancy, sorry to hear about your foot and your butt. Doesn't sound like much fun. Hope you get in to see the doctor and find out what's going on.

Annie, sorry Lindsay is leaving. It's always a comfort to have family around.

Donna, o how I DON'T miss those mom taxi days. Hopefully you will get your car back soon.

Well, I gotta get offa my fanny here and get back to the gardens. I hope to transplant some plants that I already have growing from one planter to another. I want this garden to sort of be fantasy. Real tiny little flowered
plants, a gazing ball, things like that. I think it will turn out pretty.
Have a good day and stay OP!!
Debbie

Hi everyone,

No time for personals right now, but there are are a lot of NSVs and losses to acknowledge when I can. Congrats to all the losers, and hugs to all the members struggling today.

I just came back from shopping. I am now able to shop at Mervyn's (similar to Kohl's) and many other department stores, now that size 24 fits. It's another step in reclaiming my personhood (or so it seems) within society. Now that I can fit into the largest size the main stores are willing to sell, it's as if I'm let back into the world. I don't know if it's good to see things this way, but this is how it feels to me.

Oh yeah, I'm down 3 lbs. to 295. 10% of my body weight is gone, and I'm 25% of the way to goal.

Another week done and in the books. Checked my weight and I've gone from 331.8 to 331.4 lol my goal is 330 by Nov 11th which is my B-day. If I could work out i'd more then likely be less but yeah that will be another week due to work.

I used to live in a place called Yoe, PA which is outside of york PA my 660 Sq ft apt was 330 That was from 98 to 00. My place when I lived in DC was 569.00 all utilities inculded. it dropped to 469.00 after I helped the new owers out. However this was SW DC and very very bad area. they found 2 dead bodies in the trunk of a car that was parked next to mine. I could even tell there were bodies there cause the winded had been blowing in from across the sewage treatment plant. I now pay 789 up here in Northern MD however I'm going to have to start looking again cause 10% yearly increases out due my 3 to 6% yearly wage increase.

1 bd apartments start at $1500 here.

Wow, it seems like it got really late really fast!!


Ratkity, my hair used to be exactly like that, but I guess it got damaged from when I was dying it. I've completely given that up so that my normal healthy hair will return and hopefully it won't do weird flippy frizzy things anymore. I know exactly what you mean about us being seen as sexual beings as we lose weight and having to adjust to that... unfortunately I attract attention from the wrong kind of men right now. Older, creepy men.... gross.

Nancy, how could I forget Netflix? I've always meant to get a subscription, but never do... maybe that'll be my treat for my next mini goal. I know how upsetting it is to try and be more active, only to have a strange injury/pain pop up and put a halt to it. I hope that you get that all sorted out soon.

Vicki, it's good that you're doing well after your surgery and are feeling normal now. That sounds like it would be an incredible feeling.

Catherine, it's nice that you have someone to rub icy hot on your feet, even if he is a "foot person". I'd like for someone to do that for me, but I'm very self conscious about my feet... they're dry and cracked and I have plantar warts that keep coming back no matter how many times I have them lasered off. I've even tried Vicks Vaporub on them but to no avail... but I digress... haha. I remember when I was in high school icy hot was a weapon, especially in the field house.

Lesley, I hope that Mojo's eye is feeling better! I've been lucky that whenever I've had cats interact the most they've ever done is rolled around the floor a bit and no one's been injured.

Misti, that new apartment sounds lovely! I'm sure it'll be absolutely wonderful to have a fireplace with a mantle to hang Christmas stockings on. Oh, and I'd definitely count preparations for moving as exercise. Painting and all of that is hard work!

Donna, I always hated having irregular TOM when I was in high school because I lived in constant fear of starting at the most inopportune, embarrassing time, so I understand how you feel.

Debbie, good to hear that you had a fun time at the karaoke bar. I wish I had a friend that would go with me to one now... and more importantly be able to find one that isn't 21+. You'll have to post pictures of your garden when it's all finished. I always liked the idea of having a nice garden, but don't think I'd be able to handle all of the upkeep. Maybe I'll marry a man with a green thumb so I can sit back and enjoy the fruits of his labor... haha.

BattleAx, I know what you mean about feeling like you've been let back into the world. I was so happy when I was able to shop in the department stores again, even if I could only fit into some things. They've closed all of the Mervyn's anywhere around me or where I visit, but I used to like to shop there.

John, great job on the loss this week!

Everyone else, a big hello!! :wave:


Today I had a GREAT day... it seems like they've been plentiful for the past week and I am so thankful for that. I had to work Fun Day today, which turned out to be a blast. I was covered in dishwashing soap and glycerin solution after all was said and done, but I didn't care. I talked to people in the math and cs club and had a great time, and found a new friend who invited me to the ren fest with her friends and then later asked me to lunch. Another girl was going to go with her, but then changed her mind when she decided she shouldn't spend the extra money. It was nice to go out and have lunch with a friend... it's been a long time since I've done that. I didn't exactly eat the best thing in the world, but my options were limited. We went to Ruby Tuesday's and the only vegetarian items on the menu are the avocado quesadillas (appetizer that I ended up ordering as my entree), the broccoli cheese soup, and the salad bar (which I got on the side). Tons and tons of fat from the cheese and the butter on the tortilla, but I still managed to come in a mere 20 cals above my usual daily allowance.

In weight loss news, when I stepped on the scales today it read 299.8!! I thought I would cry when it happened or jump up and down and end up breaking the scale (or my ankle as it were), but I guess I was tired because I had just woken up, so I just went to the computer, changed my ticker, and ate breakfast... business as usual. :lol: I don't know that I'd even be excited about winning the lottery if I found out right after getting out of bed... haha.

I ordered some jeans today from Alloy because I really hate clothes shopping in the store (they usually think that all size 24 people are short anyway). This was a big risk because last time I ordered from them, it was shirts the summer before 9th grade (when I weighed between 260-275) and wore a size 22. I ordered a 3XL, which was WAY too small. It barely fit my friend who wore a size 14. Another friend of mine told me that she orders her jeans from them too (she's a size 20 I believe) and that she had the same problem with the shirts, but that the jeans were okay... so I have my fingers crossed because they were really cute. If they are too small, I'll be able to wear them eventually... so I'm okay either way. I'm hoping they fit though because I'm tired of "diaper butt" in my now too big jeans :lol:

Okay, well I think I've babbled enough for one night. Talk to you all later!

Morning Everyone!

BRRRRRRRRRRRR!! It is chilly here in Mass this AM!! My outside thermometer read 38 degrees! I am *not* complaining as I can put a sweatshirt on and its MUCH better than HOT!! ;) Heck..I can put on multiple layers of cold weather stuff...my sweatshirts are all BIG and I can't part with them...nope.

Have done pretty good food wise this weekend...altho we went to chilli's yesterday and I had fajita quesadillas. I did ask immediately for a take home box and put half of them into the box and put them in a freezer bag in the freezer for DH to use as a snack.

I just did 20 minutes on my bike and today will be a busy day...so wanted to get my "moving" done in case I can't get my walk in later. Lets hope the scale reflects this effort! If not...I know it will at some point.

I went to Wal-mart yesterday to return a pretty deep purple blouse I bought. I am used to Macy's or Kohl's sizing which a 2x is like a 20-22....so on Friday I bought a 2X without looking at the actual sizes. Well...their 2x is an 18-20. I am still about 20 lbs away from this fitting as it should, so I exchanged it for a 3X (blech! but I like the blouse). I also got a pair of black pants in 22 petite (my height must NOT be in my legs :D ). I....ummm...TUCKED IN my shirt and I think I could go out in public without being terribly self conscious! WOW!

OK...gotta go start my chores. Hope to be sitting in front of a roaring fire this afternoon!!

Have a GREAT day everyone!! :hug:

G'morning all!

Tis 47F in the burbs of DC this morning. All windows are open and I have 2 frisky golden retrievers to get me out from under my electric blanket. Psychokity was NOT amused to lose her premier spot on the blanket. I even put on my fuzzy slippers this morning. My mood is much better and I met all my daily goals yesterday - stayed hydrated, OP, ate 1 veggie and exercised!

Dolfin, you are doing FABBO! Keep up the great work. I know you are going thru some discomfort, but hang in there! I'm gonna be doing the same thing in about 40 more pounds. My apron is not to my thighs yet, but I have that itchy line where it folds over and I have to make sure my poor belly button stays clean and dry or it'll get a yeast infection too.

LitChick, I'm glad Mojo has some eyedrops. I also miss the ones that have passed on as well. Wicket was the peacemaker between Ratkity and Captn. They really dislike each other and just tolerate one another's presence, even after 15 years of co-existence. Go figure. I hope you got some great books!!

MistiSue, there's no doubt about it, you get exercise points for painting and packing!! That's some hard work. I hate painting walls. Bleh.

Catherine, oh I hear ya about being hit on by creepy old folks and foreign nationals! I had one guy from Africa follow me around in Lowe's (like Home Depot) and ask for my phone number. He kept telling me how beautiful I was. Creepy, but flattering in an odd way.

Nancy, I hope your foot starts behaving!! You didn't really say what it was doing. I hope it just a funky cramp that can be worked out in time. There are gel seat covers for gym seats out there now! I just saw one while cruising the bicycle web shops (nashbar, performancebike and terrybicycles). They are made just to put on and take off hard gym seats.

Donna, ick about being Mom Taxi due to a car in the shop. You and I have repented for last week's discretions.. now it's time to go forward!!

Debbie, I wanna see garden pictures too! I can't even keep a small flower garden weeded in the front of the house. I know I'll have a bizillion daffodils next year cuz of the 1000 bulbs I planted earlier this year. Dad sent them in a huge box via fedex. He's so funny.

Battle, W00H00 for you!! 3 lbs more bites the dust! What a great NSV for you to be able to shop in a main store. I so understand that.

BigJohn, you are so close to your goal. If I remember, you do quite a lot of exercising going up stairs with your tools. Don't forget to count that!!! It's important. That old apt must have been near Captial Heights.. eww.

Lindsey, YAY for under 300#!!!! Bahahaha, you are so funny. I can't get excited about anything after I wake up either (until caffeine kicks in). My family used to call me TheBear cuz I'd just growl at questions until I was finished with coffee.

Torister, oooo a nice purple shirt! I love purple. Yay for exercise on the bike. I don't tuck in any shirt cuz of my apron. One day, it'll be gone!!

That's all for now!

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkitten

Good morning, everyone!

Got up early so I could get a bit of moving stuff done before church but wanted to check in!

Catherine, yes that is horrid that things have increased so badly that people are being forced out on the street. My rent has gone up 61% in 5 years and I thought THAT was bad. And yes, I will have a nice place for what I pay... but the thing is that around here you can't FIND anything that doesn't have all this stuff... or if you do the rent is only $50 or so less at the most.
With the cost of gas just about doubling and everything else skyrocketing too, it is not easy for most people to make it. I had a friend call the place I am at now and ask the price of a 1BR, 3rd floor in south complex, as I have.. .and they said $1,021!! That is for 659 square feet (supposedly, but I read a review where someone said they measured them and they are only 500...something... don't know if that is true). And that would be plus $30 for a carport and a waiting list.. BUT there is no assigned parking so if you don't get the carport often there is NO place to park and you have to park way up in the other section... I have had to walk the equiv. of two or three blocks from the upper lot carrying my groceries at night before I got the carport. They were going to let me have it for $980 after being here five years and never late on my rent. So I figured if I am going to PAY for all that fancy stuff I am going to HAVE it. :)

Debbie, thanks for visiting my website and your comment in my guestbook. The site hasn't gotten any development lately with all the moving and stuff. Well actually there are some private pages of the moving mess LOL and the new apartment complex. :) I am taking photos as I work and posting my progress. What a mess!!!! :) The new apartment walls are painted a color called "wool skein" which is a light mocha... but they left the doors and baseboards, etc. white so it really shows a gorgeous contrast. I am considering painting one dining room wall bright red. :) There is a breakfast nook which is large enough for the dining table BESIDES the dining room... dining room and living room pretty much one big room so I will divide it off for a fitness room. I gave my couch away as it didn't match the new place... so not sure what I will do. For now I will "build" a couch out of my fiberbed, body pillows, quilts, etc. :)

BattleAx, YIKES... $1500! Not sure where you are but I thought this area was bad!!

Lindsey, what a great idea about the Christmas stockings on the fireplace! I actually FOUND two nice ones too in all the packing LOL. Your Fun Day sounds just that!!!!

Ratkitten, yeah I should have signed the exercise sheet for this month, for sure! :) I have been working my butt off LOL. I was glad I had never gotten around to painting walls in the bathroom and bedroom as I had planned as then I would have had to repaint those too. :)

Sorry I don't have a lot of time for personals... but I did try to catch up a bit on reading and how everyone is doing!

Hello All,

Another Sunday and another grey day in not so :sunny: Wales :D I won’t grumble though because it’s been nice weather all week, plus I got all my laundry dried yesterday, so it’s OK for it to be a drab day today.

I’ve stayed OP all week now, and it’s my WI tomorrow. I didn’t weigh last Monday, I weighed on Wednesday, so if I don’t see a loss I won’t panic too much as I know it’s not been a week since I weighed.

Last night I used 6 of my flex points because I had allowed for half a tub of Skinny Cow ice cream. But it was so delicious, I’d never had this flavour before, that I had to eat it all :drool: It was Toffee and Honeycomb! I will even admit that given a choice now of that or Haagen Daaz really fattening but delicious Baileys ice cream, I would go for Skinny Cow every time. NOT because it’s lower cals, but because it is so yummy :drool: I also love their Tropical Smoothies on a stick. YUM, and at only 1 point each I can have one of those with no guilt :yes:

Debbie - I really do like the sound of that Walk and Muscle DVD. I’ve found it on eBay so will order it soon. It’s funny because I worry more about my arm flab than anything else. It’s because I intend to have a tummy tuck and a thigh lift which will deal with those areas, but I don’t want surgery on my arms. My thighs and tummy already have horrendous scars on them, in fact I’m hoping that the thigh lift one will cut away the ones there and I’ll be left with neater scars. But my arms haven’t been operated on and I would rather have the flab than scars. So I am doing my best to limit the flab as much as I can by making sure I do lots of arm work outs. So yep, that DVD sounds perfect. You sure got a bargain on all the ones you bought, how come I always miss out on stuff like that :rofl:

Sue - lovely to see you posting, I hope the move won’t be too stressful, it’s great that you are paying only a little more but are having a much bigger place. When’s the house warming party :party:

Lindsey - :woohoo: I am doing the happy dance for you :cp: :carrot: that’s brilliant news that you are under 300 lbs now :dance: Onwards and downwards :yes:

When my hair was long I tried using straighteners on it, but like you I never seem to get the results like others do. It definitely was down to me not sectioning it properly. Well it’s hard when you do your own hair. I can do my SDs hair beautifully :D

I hear you on those naughty healthy foods. I LOVE seeds, but they have so many points in them that I can hardly have enough to satisfy me. So I just don’t bother. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that if something is healthy it must be low calorie. Shame it’s not!

Thanks for hoping Daren would feel better soon. He is much better now thanks. It’s only me with my stupid skin infection to deal with now. It’s not enough that I am nearly 40 and have to deal with zits, but now I have to deal with infected ones too :mad:

:congrat: on getting 100% on your economics quiz :woohoo: I’m sure your fellow classmates will be envious but they won’t hate you :D

Catherine - I think I’d rather be covered in hot chocolate than suffer 56,000 kids :yikes: I’d have run for the hills :rofl:

Rat - you hit the nail on the head when you said how as we lose weight we are seen as sexual people, as a threat to others even! It’s so stupid isn’t it that as a fat person we can laugh and joke with a male and we are considered just a good laugh, a fun bubbly person. But the minute that fun bubbly person becomes a thin one too then people respond differently. You seem to be worried, and spending time thinking of the problems that could arise from weight loss, but when you compare them to the freedom being thinner brings, I think you’ll see that no matter what, losing weight is the best option. I’m sorry that you had a gain on the scales, but you are right, it IS just a number. You will lose that quickly enough and you will carry on losing. I must remind myself of that when I weigh tomorrow :D

Nancy - I’m sorry you are having a problem with your foot that is hindering your exercise. I know what you mean though. I have a problem with mine, the top of my right foot, just down from the ankle, immediately starts to really hurt as soon as I try to use the Gazelle. I can’t put any weight on it when it starts to act up and it’s so annoying because I love the Gazelle. Fortunately it’s OK when I ride my bike. So at least I get a good work out albeit a different one on that. Do you use the ordinary bike at the gym or the recumbent? I always find the recumbent is far kinder on the butt!

Vicki - so wonderful to see your post, I’ve been wondering how you have been since your surgery. I am so glad that on the whole you are doing well. How long til you have the tubes out? I am assuming you mean drains? I am a big baby and I honestly don’t think I could have surgery if I knew I had to come home with drains still in situ. Over here when you have surgery they won’t let you home until you have had everything like that removed and you’ve been to the toilet and everything is working correctly. I know it means more time in hospital but I feel safest there when I’m all tubed up :rofl: Anyway, I would love if you could PM me, here on MySpace and let me know more about the surgery and recovery. I am determined to have a tummy tuck myself and want to be prepared. I’ve had abdominal surgery before and I have a good idea of the pain involved, but every op is different, so anything you can tell me about it I would much appreciate.

I love that you looked in the mirror and really liked what you saw. It must be an awesome feeling to not look at that “Buddha belly”. I long for the day that I will have be rid of mine. I know I wasn’t sure if you were doing the right thing having your tuck before your final weight loss goal, but it’s so obvious you DID do the right thing and I’m really happy for you :hug:

Lesley - your kitties are so gorgeous, I love black cats. I used to have one which I aptly named Sooty :D He died a not very nice death and since then even though I’ve had other cats I’ve never been able to buy an all black one. Maybe one day I will, but as Daren prefers dogs to cats I think we might end up getting a dog eventually.

100 minutes a day goes by quite fast if you can spread it out. I aim to do half an hour before each meal and then add a little extra in the morning. Of course spreading it through the day means I have to change 3 times because I hate sitting around in sweaty clothes. But apart from the extra laundry I like doing it that way :ebike:

Donna - do you know why TOM hasn’t visited since June? Have you started a new contraceptive or anything? When I was at my fattest weight I used the Implanon contraceptive, the rod that goes into your arm. I didn’t have a period for 5 years. But as I’ve lost weight the Implanon isn’t working the same way, and now I have spotting throughout the month and sometimes a two day period too. I hate it! I was so spoiled never having to have one, now I never know when it’s safe to go without wearing a panty liner :mad: So I definitely sympathise with you for not knowing when you are due on :hug:

BattleAx - I know how you feel about kind of joining the real world again now that you can buy the largest size in what’s considered a ‘normal’ store. In about 3 stores now I can buy their largest size. It’s not quite the same as being able to go into any store, but I’m getting there. It does feel good :D

:congrat: on another 3 lbs gone, you are doing amazingly well :cp:

John - oh boy that’s horrid that where you used to live they found two bodies in the boot of the car parked right next to yours. It really brings home the way of the world when stuff like that happens.

I’m glad to hear you’ve lost weight, and I am sure you’ll have reached your goal of getting to 330 by your birthday :yes:

Peggy - that is awesome that you can tuck in your shirt and feel like you could go out in public and not feel self consciously. I don’t think I will ever ever be able to do that, not even when I have my tummy tuck. I have my ostomy bag to worry about and no matter how hard I try I know I will always be self conscious about that. When that thing fills up it’s like having a balloon down my pants :dizzy:

Well I better go and make a start on the stew I am making for tea. Sadly it won’t make itself :lol: Hope everybody is having a great day. Bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Lindsey- You going to the Ren fair in Crownville over in AA county? That place is a blast. I hoping to get out there in Oct. I'm talking about this http://www.rennfest.com/

Rat- I used to live over by Bolling AFB around Hadley hospital. (its also where 210 turns into south captial st)