I have survived the first 12 hours apart. Laugh it up everyone. We spend 90% of our time together during the week. He even comes to choir practice with me. We call him the choir groupie, and make him change the hymn numbers on the boards, and fetch and carry the microphones and stands. We're actually on the phone right now. We have that unlimited long distance, and he'll sit on the phone there while he watches tv in the hotel room. He's regaling me with the room service he's eating, grilled salmon and shrimp with Cajun calamari. That's a lot of sea food for anyone. If he starts describing the pecan pie, I'm going to hang up on him.
You can do it Catherine!! I'd hang up on him about the pie too. There's only so much Himself can get away with before it's not cute anymore. hehe. I'm so glad you have unlimited phone service. It makes the separation less stressful. Hang in there!
For those asking where in California I am, I am in Victorville. One of a bunch of little towns on the way to Vegas. I am three hours from there and 90 minutes from LA. The earthquake we felt was up in the mountains in Wrightwood. That's something like 45 minutes away from here. I can only imagine how it actually felt up there.
gggirls ~ The pool in our complex is so small and during the summer, well, let me say that parents seem to fail to teach their children that the pool is not a huge toilet. That being said, I rather stay away from that.
MetaChick ~ I am so wanting to go and buy a couple new things, but I think that right now it's safer to not buy anything. I can't even lie and say that wearing clothes that once fit well and are now loose isn't a great feeling though.
Debbie ~ Yeah, for me not having to have a fill right now is a very good thing. That's not to say that I may not have to have one down the line though, just not right now. My boyfriend and I have found that riding out an earthquake in bed is rather fun. We live on the top floor of a two story building, so I can only imagine our neighbours are praying that we don't get one where our bed falls through the floor or something like that. Unfortunately when this last one hit, my boyfriend's cat was sleep on the back of our living room couch and she fell straight off the back and onto the floor. Freaked the poor thing out.
Ratkitten ~ I have another friend that feels that way about the earthquake thing. She moved from here to TX and into what they call Tornado Alley. Fortunately she has had to only weather one small one in the last few years though.
I managed to go back out and walk this morning, I even got my boyfriend to go with me. That is a major accomplishment considering that he works nights and comes home and goes to sleep. I finally had to break down and buy new bras this week as well. I was sad that I had to go down a size, but thrilled that I had to go down a size. Does that make any sense? Best way to explain it is, I was sad because my "girls" are shrinking (and starting to look like the skin on my arms BTW), but I am happy that I can really see a loss somewhere in my body other than my face and my friggin' fingers.
As always, I hope everyone is having a good week and if not, you are in my prayers.
Luan: Thanks for the good wishes on my interview. Unfortunately it got cancelled. I'm okay with it though. I know that one of these jobs I have applied for will want to meet me in person. lol.
Storey: Maybe you could check out a Physical Therapy place. Lots of them have little pools where you can tether yourself to the wall. That is what I did for about a year until I felt more comfy going to the gym pool. It is a great alternative and there are people of ALL Shapes and sizes going there. Huge congrats on your size 22/24. I have so many brand new things in my closet in that size and can't wait to be in it. I am still a 26/28 I'd say more towards the 28 than the 26 though.
Carol: Yipee for days off.
Catherine: Hugs to you on your hubby being away. No laughing from me here. I have been married since I was 19 to my hubby and I miss him to tears literally whenever he goes away. I am so glad taht he is back from hunting. He got a deer today and so did my dad so they will be staying home now I think unless they try for an elk again. At any rate. Hugs.
Mybody: Good for you doing 70 minutes of cardio. Wow girl. I'm impressed
Sharon: I hope you find out all good things when you go to the DR.
Midnight: Congrats on -1.5 pounds! Way to go.
Donna: Hi girl.
Meta: Thanks Sweetie. I hope you have a great time seeing Queen.
Debbie: I think you gave us over here your winds tonight. Wowza. Thank you for all the kind words about my brother John. I hope it helps someone else as much as it has changed my life.
Val: Woooo hooo! I am so happy for you to ride Gabe. I had a feeling you would end up riding him. You did so well. NOw, do not dwell on what could have been in the weight loss dept. Just jump to it girl. Hugs.
Battle: Yes, it is a new day. Drink lots of water so that wine can just flow right out like it flowed in. lol.
Nancy: Thanks for the info on the laughing cow cheese. I was really wondering about it. I hope you can find a new workout partner or something to make the gym fun again.
Rat: Yes, my brother was living an unheathly life most of his life. About 3 months before his death he met a woman he wanted to marry and was not drinking anymore or doing anymore prescription drugs. He did smoke like a train. He had an anuerism in his aorta (sp) He died so quickly. Hugs.
Jessiebug: Welcome. I hope you enjoy our corner of the world. The people here are amazing and I love them all.
Well, my interview was cancelled and I'm okay with it. I am really wanting a permanent job and that one was a temporary one. I know someone will call me.
My hubby and my Dad both got a deer today each so they will hopefully be staying home tomorrow. I'm not sure if they will be elk hunting or not. I know that I am going to make some jerkey though for sure. I am not a huge fan of venison except when it is jerkey. lol.
Everyone have a wonderful Weekend.
Blessings,
Annie
Howdy all..Well I chopped my hair off!! LOl It is a good thing! I decided that I was tired of having long short lifeless hair..so I changed my Avitar too! Heck I even put on makeup for the occation..something I have not done in a while. The shorter hair forces me to get up in the am...look at myself in the mirror and say...Your Worth it!
TOM is gone too!! So I began my walking tonight!
I am going to post a question on its own thread..lol figured that would be better then here. LOL I will figure this message board out yet!
I spent the evening making my throw/shawl to go with my gown. Gold on the outside, and some kind of micro fiber material inside that looks like faux black sheep skin, but is supposed to be weatherproof. I figure it should take 30 minutes to actually sew it tomorrow. It's kind of a skinny poncho really. I only have to go from the hotel to the shuttle to Rideau Hall, and then inside. It's going to be the equivalent of going to a formal dinner at the White House. This is where they entertain visiting heads of states, and make presentations of medals to returning war heros. I guess I have the right to be as nervous and freaked out as I want to. Finishing school was a long time ago, so hopefully I will remember which fork and spoon to use. One of our deals was that I wouldn't have to wear any more dresses, and it hasn't worked out that way. I thought I was going to get to lead a simple, quiet life up here, and instead it is press conferences and cameras. I still haven't forgiven him for bringing CBC national video cameras into our living room with only an hour's notice. He keeps telling me that things are going to settle down eventually. For someone who was invisible for over a decade, and has serious body image issues, he's really pushing my envelope. The national organization has asked me to sit with him at a press conference next week. I'm going to have to tell him the story of John Glenn's wife. He keeps telling me that he wants me to go to these things with him because he wants to show me off. That seems so crazy to me.
Well some good news, finally I’ve had an appt to see the consultant at the hospital. It’s Monday at 9.30. I had sent my doctor at her request pictures of how much the ‘lesions’ have spread in two weeks and she emailed the consultant with them. So I don’t know if it was the pictures or perhaps the pictures and a bit of nagging from my doctor, but yay, I’ve got an appt!! that it all goes well and I get some course of treatment to try straight away
Patti - if you did manage to read up on GA, I have the generalised kind which means instead of it just being one little patch somewhere, it’s a lot and it’s spread out. I always have to go for the special stuff huh They also say that normally when the lesions heal you won’t have scarring. But the ones that have healed of mine I have nasty scars, so I guess I have to be the exception to the rule there too!
How are you feeling now, are you getting those energy levels back up ready for your exercising again on Monday?
Midnight - oh me too, me too, I really hope that I can have some treatment for this GA starting on Monday. I know he might want to take a biopsy but I just hope he won’t want to wait for the results before at least trying me with some course of treatment.
on the 1.5 lbs down Though I nearly died when I read what you said your starting weight was *818.5* bit of a typo there
Heather - uh oh, now you’ve given me the go ahead to moan and vent all I want you might not shut me up Thanks
Angie - I love to hear about people’s experiences with ‘spirits’. Unfortunately I’ve never had any myself, but I am definitely open minded about it all. Well I would have to be considering my hubby has had plenty of experiences with it all himself!
Thanks for your kind words about my GA and how I deal with it. As I told the doctor though, I have to laugh or I’ll cry Besides, as bad as it looks and feels I know there are so many people who are suffering far more than me in this world, and I really feel guilty for when I do let myself have a pity party now and then.
Debbie - how are you feeling now, in less of an hormonal funk I hope. I must admit that yesterday I went off plan a lot lol. It was a bit of comfort eating, but also just a nice break from how strict I have been for the last 3 weeks. Daren and I went to the Pizza Hut for our lunch, and also there was a French market in town and we bought two huge slices of their Vanilla Custard Tarts. Oh boy oh boy oh boy, were they the most delicious thing I have ever eaten or what!!! Good job the market has gone today or I would be back there buying more
yes indeed I can imagine if I let you, Catherine and indeed all the lovely ladies here who have been so supportive of me loose on the consultant, he really wouldn’t know what hit him. As annoyed as I get I always worry about really letting rip at a doctor just in case they don’t give me their full support and proper treatment when I do get to see them. As it is I am worried about Monday thinking the guy will be really stroppy with me because he was pushed into giving me that urgent appt
Annie - you sound just like Daren and I love you both for it He says I am beautiful no matter how much of me is covered in GA This from the man who won’t go outside the door unless he has covered up even one zit if he has one
I am so glad though of course not surprised that the doctor told you you are doing so well. It’s great too that although your body is in starvation mode you still lost 4 lbs. It sounds so weird to hear how you struggled to eat that tiny amount of jerky. Is that something that will improve over time or will you always have such a tiny appetite.
on doing so great at the pool too, and that spell in the hot tub sounded heavenly. Now if only Joel could have been in there with you and the hot tub was at home
I’m sorry your job interview got cancelled, but good for you for not letting it get you down. You certainly have applied for plenty of jobs and you just know you will get some interviews soon
I think lol on your dad and Joel getting a deer each, are they happy with that now, are they going to stop hunting or will they want to try to get more?
Story - I’m glad that all went well at the doctors and that you didn’t need another ‘fill’ yet. Sounds like everything is going to plan
Wonderful wonderful NSVs, how great that your jeans are falling off you even if your mom does joke that you look like a thug Great too that the jeans you bought in the smaller size a couple of months ago now fit you perfectly I reckon NSVs like that beat the scale ones anytime!!
I am glad you aren’t in so much pain now and that you managed to get out and walk for a while, that must be such a relief to you
I think I am the same as you when it comes to little earthquakes, they give me a buzz too, just so long as there’s no damage done The last little tremor we had here was when I was in hospital a couple of years ago. It was about 3 am and I was doped up on pain relief. I thought I was dreaming that everything was moving When hubby came to visit he asked me if I had felt the tremor and then I realised it wasn’t my drug induced imagination
Carol - I can imagine the buzz you will get when you don’t have to move that big weight to 300 anymore How come you have that kind of scale? I thought it was only hospitals that had them anymore?
I’m not sure there are any new treatments for GA because the information I found was all the up to date stuff on the Internet. In fact when my doctor diagnosed me she brought up some Internet sites so that I could see for myself the similarities of what I have and the pictures of other people with it. The daft thing is that when she rang to explain it to the consultant, and said about her concern and how she wanted me to be seen quickly by him, he pretty much said I can’t have GA because it doesn’t develop so quickly and I MUST have eczema!! Yet she and I both looked at the pictures on the Internet, both looked at my lesions and they are exactly the same. Even when the consultant saw my pics he got in touch with my doctor and said he still doesn’t think it’s GA, but he’ll know better when he sees me in person and can run some tests!!! My doc told me she will eat her computer if it’s not GA, and I just reckon the consultant didn’t want to admit to her he was wrong!!
Catherine - I am not sure if GA is described as an auto immune problem, but I know the fact that I suffer with problems because of my immune system that it’s certainly not helping things. You are right that light therapy has been known to be a help as a treatment, but about a trip to the Dead Sea being funded by the NHS. I’ll be lucky if they supply me with my own ‘light box’ to have daily treatment at home
How are you coping now that hubby is away for a couple of days. You and I sound very alike, I wouldn’t cope very well at all without Daren here. Thankfully he’s never been away from me in all the time I’ve known him, not even to work, but that time is coming and I know I’m going to hate it. I hope you don’t go too mad with the food while hubby is away, but I also hope you don’t starve yourself
Ayah - good for you for giving yourself that little shove and working out even though you had practically talked yourself out of it. It’s amazing how great it feels afterwards isn’t it, knowing you could have been totally lazy, but that you pushed yourself and got something done
Sharon - sorry I didn’t get on MSN yesterday, I was worn out so I slept rather than going online. Today I feel like that stupid cold is threatening again, I just wish it would come so it could go again rather than tease me like this.
It’s a lovely sunny, yet chilly day today, so I am getting all my washing done and out on the line. Once it’s all hanging outside I might have another sleep and hopefully I’ll wake up feeling better. If I do I’ll be putting MSN on and will look for you for a chat. If I don’t catch you then I hope the weather stays this nice tomorrow and that you have a lovely time in Nottingham at that festival. Oh by the way I read the other day that the Robin Hood series (the one you hate lol) is actually filmed in Bulgaria!!! So much for it being Nottingham Forrest
Hope all goes well at your scan on Monday, you'll have to let me know how you get on
Donna - yes Daren is trying his best to make me feel better and yes he’s pampering me. Mind you I’m still having to do all the chores myself, lol, maybe when I need to sleep later today I’ll tell him to fetch the washing in at least when it’s dry Aww actually I wouldn’t need to be down or asleep to ask him to help. It’s just he’s not very good when it comes to housework etc, so I always prefer to do it myself
Meta - thanks for the smile you gave me when I read that you won’t ever whine on here again til my skin condition has got better Between you and the other ladies I definitely felt my spirits lifted yesterday when I read all your posts. Now I really must nag that consultant to get me sorted out, I can’t be responsible for your bursting a blood vessel if you can’t come here and vent/whine when you need to
Glad you got such a treat watching that Queen concert on the big screen in HD! I love their music. Last year we went to see We Will Rock You, we loved it, and my SD still goes on and on about it. Partly because she loved the music and the atmosphere in the theatre, but also because she got a crush on one of the actors
Peggy - wow you were lucky to see Queen performing live, I guess since Freddie died and concerts can be no more that it’s even more special for you that you saw them perform
Val - how wonderful that you got to ride Gabe and that it all went so well. I totally hear you on how you know you should have been at a much lighter weight by now and that you’ve not lost much at all this year. I am in exactly the same boat. When I booked my tickets to go to Alton Towers at the end of this month I had worked out I would practically be at goal. The idea was that the trip was to celebrate Daren’s 40th birthday and celebrate my getting to goal and being able to easily get on all the rides. Instead I am worried that I won’t fit or will at least have to really squeeze onto the rides and I am so annoyed that I didn’t lose the weight I should have this year!! Oh well onwards and downwards for us both even if it is belatedly to our plans
BattleAx - oh yes the dreaded alcohol, it always leads to eating doesn’t it. If I have a drink or 6 I always get the munchies and I can gain 7 lbs by the next time I weigh. I hope you don’t have such a bad gain especially as you have got yourself straight back on the straight and narrow
Nancy - I love those cheese triangles, we have Laughing Cow ones over here, but I get ones called Dairy Lee. They are only half a point each and I tend to use them instead of margarine. One of my fave sandwiches is a cheese spread and smoked ham one, mmmmm Wow never thought I would drool over something low fat and healthy
RK - it’s funny isn’t it how we focus on ourselves in videos and photos whereas we should be focusing on what’s going on, like how you said most people were enjoying watching the piñata being hit in the video but you were focusing on how big you looked!! I’ve not been in a home video for about 13 years for that very reason, but when we go to Alton Towers they make DVDs of your day there. You were a wrist band and in certain places through the park the band triggers a camera to film you and your group and of course on most of the rides that happens too, then they put it all together and you can buy the DVD at the end of the day. I’m actually going to pay for one of those DVDs although I am still the size of a house AND have my skin condition as well! How’s that for brave I’ll probably watch it once then hide it
Thanks for your kind words about wanting to be part of a posse to sort out some care for my GA. Thankfully it’s not necessary and I’ll hopefully get that care on Monday
Jessiebug - I reckon you are getting one of the best kind of exercises there is when it comes to cleaning houses. I swear I work up just as much of a sweat just vacuuming through my tiny house as I do doing half an hour on my spin bike!!
Cyn - I’m loving your new hair style and am loving even more that it’s making you get up and say that you are worth it! You ARE worth it, no matter what your hair is like, but I know what it’s like to have a good hair day and to feel good and I am so happy you feel like that I think it’s time I got my hair cut
OK time to go hang out another lot of washing. I love that the sun is shining today, it certainly helps to lift my spirits. Take care all and thanks so much for all your support and kind thoughts and words about me getting my GA treated
I was actually on my way to bed, but I wanted to do a few quick catch-ups now or I'll probably run out of time tomorrow as well.
First... I passed my choreography audition on Wednesday night!!!!! That means that I am now able to officially register into the Chorus. I think I am being inducted this coming Wednesday. They said it usually takes a couple of weeks, but they aren't worrying about that I don't think. So now I just have to get working on learning the songs for the Christmas show. We are also doing a Christmas performance in the centre of the city with a men's barbershop style chorus and we have a number of days where we are singing around the city as it gets closer to Christmas. I can't wait!!!
Things are going well at home. I am still battling to lose the few pounds I put on over winter, but I am also wondering whether the medication I was put on for depression has something to do with it. I should be off that by Christmas, so we'll see if that helps at all. I am still eating well and exercising regularly, so everything should be OK. I am not too good with my veggie portions, and often probably have too much, but I am fine with my carbs and protein. I got the Leslie Sansone 5 Mile workout and I am loving that. I do the whole 5 miles and it takes me about an hour, which always feels good. At least I know that I can just do a couple of miles if need be if I don't have the time for it all.
School is going well. I can't remember if I mentioned that I will probably be having a total change of job next year. I have had my own class for 25 years now and next year I think I will have a computing support role for half the week and I will be teaching Junior Music for the other half. I was a little nervous about that at first, and I know I will miss having my own 'babies' and teaching all of the wonderful things that I just LOVE to teach. But I am beginning to look forward to it now as something of an 'adventure', as it will be TOTALLY different and they do say that "a change is as good as a holiday". We'll have to wait and see about that one.
Ammi - I read up about your GA and it doesn't look pleasant at all!!! The pictures were not a pretty sight. I think you have been extremely patient to have put up with it for so long without ending up just taking residence in the hospital waiting room until someone saw you. I am glad you have an appointment Monday and I look forward to hearing some positive news after you see the specialist.
Catherine - I can certainly sympathise with you about missing 'Himself'. I have been with my sweetheart for 9 years and married for over 7 years and I can't bear to be apart from him for very long at all. We both end up in tears if we have to spend a night apart, which thankfully has only happened twice since we got together. We tend to spend every minute together that we can. Neil works at my school (as Head Cleaner/Janitor, and computer technician) so we even get to be together during the work day. We love it and wouldn't have it any other way.
I am SO glad that you decided to wear your wedding dress to the reception. I remember when you posted a pic from your wedding and you looked beautiful, so I think you have made a perfect choice. I know that 'Himself' will be SO proud to have you on his arm for that occasion.
Annie - I am SO impressed with how you are doing. It sounds as though you have come out of this surgery extremely well and you have been so positive about it all.
I have NO idea how you make jerky and I have a feeling I have never eaten any, but it sounds as though it will be a great way for you to get the protein you need, so I hope you get to make heaps of it.
Nancy - I think it was you who said that I look like someone on a dancing show. Sorry, but I can't remember which show, or who the person was, and I don't want to look back through the pages for it in case I lose what I have typed (I have been naughty and am typing directly into the message box, which isn't always a great idea for me). I am sure that your comment was a compliment and I would love to see a picture of the person you said I looked like. Do you know if there is a site I can go to see a pic?
Cyn - I LOVE your new hairstyle. It is much softer around your face. Thank you for changing your avatar so we could see the new you.
Ratkitten - I have to agree with all of the other comments about your pics you posted. It truly is just that your clothes are too baggy and don't show off your new figure as well as they should. I am sure you will still be critical after you see yourself in more fitting clothes (I know I am STILL not really happy with how I look at times) but I am sure you will see a definite improvement from old photos and these newer 'baggy' ones.
Well, I am going to head to bed now. I know I have missed lots of people, but I am making lots of typing mistakes, so I think my brain is ready for a little rest.
Excellent on the walking Story! Oh yeah, the girls... I worry about tripping over them at the end of my journey :laugh: My baby sister and I have a joke about rolling them up before harnessing them in the morning. Right now, my apron is what is bothering me the most because it's been murder trying to find pants that fit over it and aren't too baggy in the rear.
Annie, you are doing so wonderful! I'm so sorry that your bro died so suddenly in the prime of his life. I know he's proud of you today. Do you have other siblings? I'd be lost without my crazy neurotic sisters. I'm hoping that permanent job comes thru for you!!! When I lived in TX, there was a place that made venison summer sausage that was amazing. I like to make venison meatloaf because it's low fat and still has great flavor. I used to grind some beef fat with the venison meat before freezing it (10% ish).
Catherine, despite the challenges of being married to Himself and all the public changes you have made, you are doing fabulous! Things that take us periodically out of our comfort zone make us grow (kicking and screaming, of course). You are an intelligent, talented and beautiful woman and I know why Himself wants you by his side! If I have to remind you of this fact frequently during your journey, then I am up to the challenge!
Ammi, I think it's a great idea to get the dvd thing at Alton! Amazingly, I have 2 pictures of me at my highest weight. My mom told me she didn't remember me at that size. My Mom is so great though cuz she only sees the beauty inside. Too bad you live so far away. I need someone to wash my clothes and hang them out! If I hang them outside here, they become golden retriever tug toys.
Zelma, oh wow oh wow about the Chorus!!! I know it's a lot of work.. just.. wow. I am impressed and cheering you on! (I'll be the redneck in the audience that hoots and wolf whistles after one of the elegant Xmas songs .. hehehe) I so love music but it's a hobby that I ignore and then pick up. I am trying to find pants that fit, but doesn't look like I need cheek implants hehe. I think in 30lbs, (my 200lb goal) I am getting a tummy tuck!
Hugs and Love to everyone, I'm hoping for another day OP.
Where to begin - things are moving quickly around here. First about me - great news at the ortho surgeon - no surgery - just keep moving - his "best" exercises are walking, swimming and biking. As for the knee being bad for the Mexico trip he wants me to come in two weeks before for a shot of cortisone and he promises no knee pain for the trip. We'll see about that.
I bought a package of WW carrot cake snacks - the one point kind - knowing that it was dangerous for me as I could eat the whole box at once. They are screaming at me - none so far today but I had 3 yesterday. I can't handle that as a treat - nor the 100 cal packs so when these are gone it will be another time until I try again with them.
I checked out the Goddess Dolphina Bellydance workout from netflix - and I watched it while walking on the treadmill. I think I will try a portion of the workout later today (without hubby watching). It looks like it will be something I can do. Getting tired of paying for exercise videos that aren't right for me - not sure why it took me so long to try the Netflix videos since we belong anyway. And I can do it with my shoes off - HAHAHA
Midnight - way to go with the WI - keep up the good work. Hope you enjoyed you Friday.
Meta - isn't it incredible how much value we put in what the scale says. Yes I miss Freddie too - we love to play water volleyball with Queen as the background music - gets you moving!
Debbie - glad to hear you're feeling better - also that the wind has died down some. It's a beautiful day here in the Midwest with highs in the 80's but with highs in the 40's for Monday. Ahhhh - the change of the seasons - yesterday we woke up to leaves turning for the first time this year. Can't wait until it's the tulips popping up instead.
Valerie I am so happy for you that you were able to ride Gabe and will continue to do so. I'm fairly new here but sense your passion. We all need passion to motivate - CONGRATS!!!
Battle - I hear you about the wine/alcohol leading to increased eating. Seems to take away the "control" I have to have over eating - at least for right now. Last night I did have one drink - no off program eating resulted - but I did wake with a headache this morning - hubby called me a lightweight - if only it were in some other sense.
Nancy - thanks for the info. I am searching for the "gray area" - it seems I am only black or white when OP. That doesn't seem to be a slow loss to me at all but a transformation in self. Obviously with the other areas of your life changing you so easily could have chosen a different path. I also wish for plus size exercise groups - I did take a deep water aerobics class at our local hospital that was for overweight people - are there any hospitals in your area with fitness programs? Ours will even provide you with a personal trainer for no charge - I'm looking forward to doing that in the future. Right now I am really excited by the belly dancing video I mentioned earlier.
RK be careful with that foot - maybe some chair or floor exercises? Aren't your dogs the best - goldens are so close to labs - I can't imagine how much fun you must have with them - how old are they? Today I'm going to be brave and take them both to the petfood store with me for a little outing. I'm sure it will be hilarious - hopefully no video recorder running. So what's the status of the shopping trip?
Jessiebug - wanna come clean my house? Welcome - glad you're here.
Catherine - I sooo understand missing hubby. I used to be so very lonely when he was gone. Now I'm the one who travels more frequently and I miss home so much. Although I do love when he is gone maybe one night every 3 months or so - gives me time to do me stuff - not that he stops me - just at my schedule. Seems I always do my nails (or if I feel like splurging I'll go for a manicure/pedicure) and soak in the tub. Before you know it he will be back and it will be a wonderful reunion. I am so amazed by people that can sew and to tackle the shawl project. I hope you have pics to share with us.
Story - YUCK to the pool - why do people let their kids act that way. Don't they realize they are swimming in it too - YUCK. Lots of talk about shrinking "girls" around here - I had a dream about getting rid of my excess skin - the doc asked if I wanted breast augmentation while he was doing everything else - I asked what the cost was - he said fifty cents. Go figure - if only.
Annie - wish you weren't so far away as I would hire you in a heartbeat. Glad hubby and dad are back - it's always better when everybody is in their right place.
Cyn - love the new do. And the makeup - does it make you feel even more lovely? It's nice that you took a few extra minutes for yourself. I'm sensing that maybe you don't often do that.
Ammi - I bought the scale from an estate sale a few years ago. The highest it will weigh is 350 - at my highest (that I know of) it was 348.5 - I always have to push the envelope it seems. So relieved to hear you were able to get the appt and that some relief may be on the way. I haven't had a chance to read about it yet but plan to later today - after the bellydancing and trip to the petstore with the girls. We do not have clotheslines at this house for hanging laundry but how I love the smell of air dried sheets and towels. The fresh linen air freshner just doesn't cut it somehow.
Zelma - congratulations again on making the chorus. Is that something you would have tried when you were heavier? I have read your story and came away very motivated by it.
I've done some chores, got the parrot cage all cleaned up for the year (it's the deep down scrubbing done outside).. phew. Then dishes, garbage and misc pickups.
One of my goldens, Charley, was picking at his tailend.. a sure sign of rearend gland troubles. Off to the vet and much money later, he's a happy dog. You can never tell when he isn't happy though.. hehe. The goofy things are outside right now, wallowing in the dust (favorite activity). My cleaning ladies always wonder at the layer of dust they have to clean up every 2 weeks.
GGG, my goldens are 4 and 5 years old. They aren't related, I've only had the younger one for 2 years. He was a rescue/throwaway. Unbelievable!! The only time he freaks out is new situations and then wants to jump up. 99% of the time he's a gentleman and a sweetie. Both dogs act like littermates and sleep all over each other and love on each other. Buffy (the blueberry bush slayer) is a sweetie too. Neither one of them can be calm unless they are sleeping lol. Goldens are perpetual puppies! I'm currently waiting on the cable guy. After that, perhaps some shopping!
Cyn, I love the new hair and avatar! I love a new haircut. It's a lot like new sneakers. Makes me wanna bounce around!
Ratkitten - I had to chuckle about the 'cheek implants'. I was actually EXTREMELY surprised that I didn't have a bum after I had lost my weight. I always thought I had a huge butt! But that was one of the first things that I noticed had almost disappeared. So, yep, I have a saggy rear end in the clothing department. Mind you, perhaps I just need to spend a little more money and buy some tailored pants. I tend to find a pair that I really like (from a cheaper department store) and I have about 8 pairs in different colours. Oops! ALL have saggy rear ends. Oh well... at least people know I don't have a big butt. LOL
Carol - Joining the chorus is something I simply wouldn't have considered when I was bigger. It is something I have wanted to do for years, but my weight/confidence held me back. I certainly take my hat off to people who can do anything they want when they are larger. I just wasn't one of those people. I wouldn't get up in front of a school assembly if they PAID me. Now you can hardly keep me off the stage. I have given out Honour Certificates on a few occasions and I have even lead the whole school in singing the school song and the national anthem. I LOVED IT! Losing the weight has opened up SO much for me that I didn't even know I was missing out on before.
It's going to be a nice day here I think. Not as warm as I'd like (21C/68F) but at least it shouldn't rain. Neil and I are taking a dear friend's daughter out for the day shopping and just wandering around. She is almost 13 and having a little trouble at school with friends and the choices they are making. We took her out yesterday and had a lovely time, so we figured to make a full weekend of it. Her mum said that it was exactly what she needed. I actually taught this girl when she was 9 and then I tutored her for a while after that, so we became quite close. I now teach her sister and I think she is feeling that our 'bond' is a little more fragile than it was and perhaps her sister is getting a little more of my attention. So I like to show her how special she is to me now and then. She is SUCH a wonderful person and it is awful to think that she is being hurt by her 'friends' at school.
So, we are off to Fremantle, an older part of the city where the major port is, then into the city centre for lunch and a look around. We are catching the train which will mean that Neil can relax as well instead of having to worry about concentrating on the traffic.
I remember last time I started to lose weight, I had started around June a few years back and as soon as the weather started to turn cold, I quit trying. I think it has alot to do with the weather now that I think about it. It's harder to drink the water, harder to eat salads and the like, because everything is cold, and as I tend to get cold easily, it makes it hard for me to stay OP during the colder months.Usually I'm running around in sweat shirts, plus a sweatshirt jacket, sweat pants, socks and slippers, plus when I'm just sitting around, I have an afghan over me too....I know...pathetic.
So I think I've figured out why I haven't been staying OP and now I have to figure out what I can replace my nice cold meals with, that will be enjoyable, easy and WARM!!! I will be making more soups, and having oatmeal in the mornings for my breakfasts, and maybe some eggs and turkey sausage with a slice of toast every so often. My dinner will probably stay the same for the most part as that was my only meal that was warm in the first place. Ok..hopefully I've figured it out and can stay OP now. Any other suggestions would be apppreciated!!
Valerie on riding Gabe! I bet it was the best feeling in the world!! And YES you can lose more and be a better rider!!! I'm glad you've found the motivation to get you in gear to lose more...Thank heavens for Gabe!!!! I am soooooooooo envious of you....horses...gotta love 'em!!!
Sorry to hear about the puter though...that totally sucks!
Battle, yes it is another day and you had your fun and now it's time to get serious...ha ha...look at who's talking! I should listen to myself once in a while huh?
Nancy, that cheese sounds really delish, I will have to try and find it. Sounds really versatile too.
Hope you find an exercise that will be more fun for you to where you don't get bored with it. Let us know what you find.
Hi Ratkity...you've been a busy bee haven't you? Hopefully I will be exercising this coming week. I didn't do diddly squat this last week so you're probably half way to Mexico...wait for me!!!
Hi Jessie, and to our group. You'll get lots of support and by all means...post away!!
Midnight, Have fun with all your exercise gadgets!!
Catherine, lol...just too funny, but so adorable. I'm with you...pecan pie? CLICK!! Sounds like you are going to be in the limelight no matter what if Himself has his way! I think it is so cute that he is so proud of you that he wants to show you off.
Annie, sorry to hear about the interview...but I'm sure you will find a job in no time. I've sort of been wanting to get a job, but I've been out of the work force for so long, I don't know who would hire me and I only did electronics and there are no places like that around me, so I've been trying to get a job at the local store, but they haven't even called or anything yet and I've applied 3 times. Sometimes I think people won't hire me cuz of my weight though too so I think that is why I don't really try either.
Ammi, so glad to hear you got an appointment!!! Hopefully your doc can get it healing before your trip. Take care and let us know what happens.The tarts sound delish!!!
Zelma, I think that would just be so much fun to be in a group and go around singing. Especially when you get to do the traveling that you've mentioned. Congrats on such a great adventure!!!
Cyn, the new avatar is so cute! I like your hair like that.
Well, that's it for me for now. I'm gonna go huddle with my doggie because she isn't feeling well today, so we'll cuddle under the afghan. to you all!
Debbie
That's not to say that I may not have to have one down the line though, just not right now. 
that it all goes well and I get some course of treatment to try straight away 
They also say that normally when the lesions heal you won’t have scarring. But the ones that have healed of mine I have nasty scars, so I guess I have to be the exception to the rule there too!
on the 1.5 lbs down 
Though I nearly died when I read what you said your starting weight was *818.5* bit of a typo there 
Good job the market has gone today or I would be back there buying more 
I think lol on your dad and Joel getting a deer each, are they happy with that now, are they going to stop hunting or will they want to try to get more?
wow you were lucky to see Queen performing live, I guess since Freddie died and concerts can be no more that it’s even more special for you that you saw them perform 
I reckon you are getting one of the best kind of exercises there is when it comes to cleaning houses. I swear I work up just as much of a sweat just vacuuming through my tiny house as I do doing half an hour on my spin bike!! 
to our group. You'll get lots of support and by all means...post away!!
