Hi Everyone~~

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 --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 ) 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. 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! 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 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. You are the kind of person the medical community needs! Kudos to you.

Catherine-- 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. Good for you on losing 4 of the 8 lbs. 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 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. 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-- 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. 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. :| 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.

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. 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! 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! 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! 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!

____________________________________

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!

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!

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!!! I hate having it, but at least I knew when it was comming!! This not knowing crap is making me nutz!!


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!!!


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!!


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!!


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. (Just don't go find a bag of chocolate!!!)


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.


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, 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!!


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. 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

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 ). 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!!

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 Wales 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 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 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

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

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 arty:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Lesley - your kitties are so gorgeous, I love black cats. I used to have one which I aptly named Sooty 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

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 So I definitely sympathise with you for not knowing when you are due on

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

on another 3 lbs gone, you are doing amazingly well

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

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

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

Hugs,

Ammi

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)