Annie - we're going to the Mexican Riviera too - can't wait!

Happy Halloween gang...

Let me start by saying...dang I love candy. And it loves me. I am certain I used each and every flex point I had, and the remaining candy is going to work with DH. But, I rode the bike for 30 minutes....3rd night in a row. Still didn't want to do it, but tough noogies.

That's it for me tonight.

Take care and be well,
Angie

OMG, we just had such a dogfight here! Seriously, our 2 pugs were going after each other!!

Actually, it SOUNDED awful, but when they do this they seem to not hurt each other in the slightest. A fight for dominance I'm sure -- and these days, the "puppy" whose 2 1/2 seems to win more often. I HATE the fights. Nothing gets my heart racing more than listening to dogs I love sound like they're tearing each other apart.

anyhoo...
We stayed away from the house tonight to avoid candy temptations. I found out Halloween is a good time to get your hair cut!

Carol-I have a horrible knee, and the only exercise that has ever worked well for me is water aerobics. I just lived for it, and I will be allowed to restart again in 30 months (I’m not allowed to get a leisure pass to the city pool until 36 months after I became a permanent resident of Canada).

Annie-They trick or treat here, but I think most kids do it at the big mall. Last year at this time we already had a couple of feet of snow on the ground, so you wouldn’t have been able to tell what their costumes were under the parkas and snow boots. We live in a security building, so it hasn’t been a problem anyway. It’s just the candy in the stores that is the danger. My basset used to love Halloween. He always had his own costume, and we’d go off to the mall with boys. He always loved being around kids.

Angie-When I did a long “bike” ride once, I got a video tape of a bike trip through Ireland. It was from the bike’s perspective. I also got a big bike map for the wall to record my miles on. They have a whole series of tapes like that, bike trips, and rowing trips for people who use rowing machines.

I have had no candy today, and there is none in the house. That feels pretty good. I got caught up in one of my classes, and hope to completely get caught up with the other one tonight or tomorrow morning. That really feels good.

Happy HallOween yall!! I know this is a night when most are tempted. I walked with my teens lol...yes they still trick or treat! Hubby bought candy to pass out that I dont like..so I did good there. And I am drinking alot more water since I have committed to exercise.

Heather OMG about the dogfight!!!! That is just not a good thing. And it is very hard to break up!

Carol..good luck on the trip!! I know about the Hubby thing. They don't get it..they can't. Mine always says I just don't think about "you" being that size..LOl gotta love them.

Tonight has been really hard for me...I just want to eat and eat. I was going to my Mom's because she always has cookies, the Otis Spunkmeyer ones, but I didn't. I was going to make oatmeal cookies, had everything out and ready to put in the bowl, but put everything back. Then I was going to make pudding, but didn't even get started on that. I've had all my calories for the day...but I want more. So here I am. TOM ended a week ago last Monday, but for some reason, it's starting again today. My body is so whacked out right now, I don't know what's going on. So I sit and drink water.

Heather, it IS so awful to hear when dogs fight. I'm glad yours don't do any real harm to each other.

Annie, that sounds like it will be such a fun trip especially with your family!!

Catherine, yeah them rotten little critters are really bad. They even tore down our duct system under the house last year...1200 bucks later and it still isn't right. One side of the house is warm, while the other is just blowing cold air, and money down the tubes!! Hubby has got to get under there again and see whats up.

Battle, you're so lucky not to have the cravings!!!

Well, I should be able to handle the rest of the night. I'm going to let the dogs out, take a shower and go to bed and read.
Night all,
Debbie

Good morning! Thanks so much for all the sore tooth commiseration, and thanks as well for reminding me that 5 pounds IS a loss and nothing to sniff at.

I'm up .5 pounds again today for no good reason. lol We daily weighers have to have the steel to ride out the fluctuations, that's for sure. It's certainly not from Halloween candy, because I didn't have any. One absolute blessing of my work over the last 6 or 7 months is the complete elimination of food triggers. I still have the occasional emotional or whatever triggers, but there is simply no food left on the planet that will cause me to binge in the absense of some other issue.

This is a complete 180 degree change from the past. I bought my candy a couple of weeks ago and it just sat there until last night causing me no distress whatsoever. I have a ton left because I bought too much and our weather was horrible. This causes me no distress either. I'll just bring it to work and here it will sit in the community dish, you guessed it, causing me no distress. lol This has absolutely nothing to do with willpower or any particular strength of mine. It's a blessing of intuitive eating and I'm completely grateful, and have to remember how much of a big deal it is when I'm fretting about slow loss.

Annie - I'm sorry you didn't get the job you hoped for. That can feel very dissapointing in the moment, and job hunting can be such a tough thing. I know that every single major disappointment in my life has revealed itself as a blessing with time. It will all make sense when you find yourself where you're truly meant to be.

Catherine. Stop telling people you had two feet of snow at Halloween last year. You're making the country look bad! I'm in Ontario and I forget just how friggin *north* some of our major cities are. Most especially Edmonton. Someday when I have money to burn (dream) I'd love to travel to the northernmost reaches - Nunavut etc. It's an entirely different world, and I'd love to see it.

Peggy - I thought you might be interested to know that I completed my first two batches of soap! They are curing now, and will definintely be functional. However, I think I need to go to scent school. lol I think I'm really going to love the challenge of creating evermore beautiful, pampering and useful things.

Debbie - I'm LATE with this, but it's been on my mind. I'm glad you had some brief contact with your son. It's a step. Such a hard thing to be patient with. My only child is twelve (almost thirteen) and still 'mine'. The complications brought by the teen and early adult years must be so hard to bear sometimes. I can't image not being as close as we are now. Hugs and thinking of you.

Everybody have a great day!

Carol: Oh, I am so glad. You can tell me all about your cruise and what I should know. I hope you have sooo much fun.

angie: Good job on biking.

Heather: Sorry your babies are fighting. It shouldn't be too much more time before one of them is "the new king". I know my dogs went through that too and now it is pretty stable around here with the exception of an occasional growl fest over their toys. lol.

Catherine: Thanks for explaining about Halloween in Canada. Good job getting your school work caught up. Keep it up. What did you dress your Basset in? I'd love to see that. I want one so much. I think they are so dear little faces with long ears.

Cyn: You are making great changes with more water and more exercise. You are doing so well.

Debbie: Sorry that last night was a struggle. I hope it ended up being a better night for you.

Meta: Thanks for the words about the job. I know you are right. There will be a much better place for me someday. I just need to be patient and let it happen. lol.

I layed in bed last night next to DH while he slept and I watched a silly scary show called "Ghost Hunters Live". It was entertaining. I kept falling asleep around midnight so I finally turned the channel because I don't like to fall asleep right after something scary. I got to sleep in until 8 a.m. today! My doggies were not bugging me at all. This morning I am going to pick up Joel's venison. It is ready having been cut and wrapped. I am going to try to make it to the gym today too. I want to start November with a great day of exercise.

Hope you all have a great day and don't taste too many leftover candies.
Blessings,
Annie

Meta, I read somewhere where our kids are just on loan from God, and then they go out into the world and explore, dream, and live. We did our job by nurturing, loving, and teaching. I have to look at it this way in order to make it thru this hurtful time. Thank you for thinking of me. In time I hope he will realize what happened and come home. I did hear from him a week ago, and they were inquiring about the stuff they left behind and he was suppose to call and let me know when he would be able to get over here, but he never called back. My dil has sent 2 cards to my Dad only, telling him what a wonderful life they are having and they moved down south of us somewhere. No address, no phone number, no nothing. I figure it's just another way to keep the turmoil in our family because she was never close to my Dad in the first place, but that was the only one they were talking to when they left.
I guess the intuitive eating is working well for you. I agree with you on the daily weighers, I'm one of them, and it is hard to see it go up and down so much but I know I can't NOT weigh, so I take it in stride. Don't worry about that little ol 1/2 lb, it will be gone and more very soon.

Annie, ewwww spooky tv night!!! Glad you got to sleep in though. How many pounds of venison did you get? Have a good time at the gym.

I made it thru last night fine and doing great this morning. No trick or treaters, but I didn't think we would get any. Instead of doing the lid for the trash bin, I got out there and did some weeding so I can see my bulbs come up next year. It was cold, but I got over half of them pulled...then it rained so I don't know if it will dry enough to get the rest pulled today.
Have an OP day!!
Debbie

Just a quick hello.
Things are crazy at work.
Still lots of politics and it only promises to
get worse.
I've not been exactly OP, but better than before. I've lost 8 of the 12 pounds I'd gained. Not wonderful, but still going down. My goal is to weigh less in April than I do now. Losing anything in the winter is a major event since last year is the first winter EVER I didn't gain.
Sorry no personals.
My best to all.

Hello my peeps!

I have started personals a bizillion times and gotten pulled away by work.. geesh, they expect me to work at work?!! hehe.

I handed out gummy eyeballs last night to the trick or treaters.. I had about 40 kids. I saw a lot of spidermen. There was one tiny girl that was Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. She was cute with her ruby red sparklie shoes. Her comment on the way down the sidewalk was priceless "man, my feet hurt!" hehe.

I sat outside with the candy, and the dogs sat at the glass storm door looking absolutely cute. No barking or anything. They looked like pictures. Everyone oooooo'd and ahhhh'd over how good they were and how gorgeous they were.

Some kids at the house down the street made a "coffin" and were scaring the trick or treaters as they came up the walkway. There was much screaming and lots of fun had by all.

Sharon, I'm so sorry about your lousey internet. Bad spells sent! hehe.

Yay Battle, go go long pants!! I love it. I just started wearing smaller pants, so they are a little too short for me right now. I think I got all your TOM cravings this month! bleh.. hehe. Oh yeah, I used to do the bargin candy at 50% off.

Toris, you are doing great with your morning exercise. I can't do exercise in the morning. It takes too much coordination! hehe.

Donna, sorry about your nephew's ma being so psycho. You are right, we are not doormats!

Annie, w00h00 on scoring big time with the clothes!! I love great hauls like that. I need to get my butt to the local thrift store for more pants. The job you get will be the right one for you! Anyone who hires you will be getting a fabulous lady!!

Meta, get that tooth thingie under control!! I agree, 5 lbs in a month might not have been YOUR goal, but it's still fabbo.

Deb, I keep forgetting to tell you that I love those psychodelic slippers in your picts!! hehe. I miss my old bear claw slippers. I think a puppy of mine ate them. Ut oh about the rodents. That's not fun to clean up.

Wavies to Leesa and Cyn and Sandy~~~ Yay for walking Jessie! Ut oh GGG, don't be hurting them knees!

Catherine, guess what I got in my mouth the next day.. a canker sore. Bleh. I am glad you are home safe and sound and you are getting your school stuff taken care of.. be careful with that noggin of yours!

Realist, I got these icky looking gummy eyeballs to give out at halloween.. the kids love em! Just for giggles, I tried one.. BLEH! I spit it out. Good deal on riding the bike.

Heather, yeah doggies fight like that. More noise and posturing than anything. My old dog used to put the younger golden in his place all the time. Never had any blood. My current goldens are so close in age that they act like litter mates and sleep and love all over each other. They are so goofy!

Hugs to all and many sorries if I missed anyone.. I lub you all!

Ratkity

Donna, I figured out how to do my name in glitter!!!
Finally

Hi Hi Hi - at last my week is over - I think the dogs even know. For some reason it's been a long week for all of us. I am struggling with the iron monster. As a daily weigher I still need to see something happen. I understand the fluctuations but have much trouble with no movement. OK OK enough whining. We are 6 weeks away from our cruise and my goal is to lose 14 lbs. Someone mentioned losing 5 lbs in October so you know me - had to see where I was - I lost 8. I must admit I feel great with that 8 - certainly I wish it was more although I feel such a resolve that I have gained so much in this time.

Thank you all for the dancing encouragement - it will be fun. We'll see about getting some pictures to share. No more sidelines for me.

Battle - HOORAY for no cravings! I wish I was in your office - we had candy and treats everywhere.

Catherine - hope you are catching up on your rest and your school work. What an amazing life you are leading - an amazing life for an amazing lady. I need to check in to water aerobics again - I have done them in the past and really enjoyed them - thank you for the suggestion. I also love the long bike ride thoughts. I actually am thinking of getting hubby an X box or PS2 for Christmas so I can then get DDR for Valentines day - always thinking.

Annie - when do you go on your cruise - have you been before? this is our first and was so happy when we chose the Mexican Riviera - especially since we are going in December. What cruise line are you using? BTW how's the job search? New clothes to boot - you've had a great week - keep it up.

Angie - that's great that you rode the bike - even with the candy. I wish I could learn to use that tool. Seems I am either ON or OFF. And when I'm off I don't stop with just candy and I certainly don't exercise.

Heather - we have two big dogs that are each over 75 lbs and both think they are lap dogs. When one is in the role of lapdog the other takes on the fighter role - even dogs want what they can't have. We laugh that they are identical twins - even though one is a lab and one a labradoodle - one yellow - one black. Connected to each other like identical twins though.

Cyn - how cool is that that you got your exercise while out trick or treating with the kids. Yes - I think we all have great hubbies behind us.

Debbie - as I read about going to your moms - everything out to make cookies - I felt like the words were coming from my mouth. Glad you put everything back. 50 pounds - WOW - 50 pounds - FANTASTIC - gogogogo.

Meta - glad to see another daily weigher. Impressive behavior changes for you. As you look back did you see it coming or did you just wake up one day and see the change?

Sandy - great job on taking off the 8 lbs. Sorry to hear about the continuing issues at work. Just one more day this week and you'll be able to rejuvenate over the weekend.

RK - GUMMY EYEBALLS - YUCK. I'm so jealous that your dogs are so well behaved. We are making headway - they are both about 1 1/2 years old so hopefully by spring they will be a bit more settled.

Off to fix dinner - seems like a doggy conversation from me tonight - oh well, they're my babies and I'm in good company with all the dog lovers here.

Hugs to you all,
Carol

GGG, I was so surprised that my goofy goldens did the picture perfect posture (hehe) at the storm door. No barking, no whining. They were enthralled by the little strangers and that Mom was giving the strangers stuff. The kids saw the dogs first (the porch swing is off to the left, behind the cover of bushes). I could hear the kids saying "ut oh, big dogs.. but they are just sitting there". It was all too cute! My two are 4 and 5 years old and they are both about 85 lbs a piece. Both think they are lap dogs too!

Well, I have a full body of hives... yes, the big itchy whelts. I haven't had these in over 6 years. Good thing I have some strong meds for them. They always happen in November and my old allergist said it was environmental. I was so busy today at work! I thought I saw a hive early today, but ran off to the meeting I was late for... then another meeting.. then another. The day just ran on and on. Then I ran to the gym, did my workout and came home. Fed the monsters, and THEN and only then noticed that hives were all under my gym clothes. Bleh! This allergy med (adarax) is supposed to knock a horse down (makes ya sleepy). There must be a ton of histamine in my body from the hives cuz I'm not sleepy at all. These stupid hives start on my saddlebags and migrate to my thighs and rear. I don't mind those as much as the stray one on one of my girls!! ACK! hehe.

The good news is that I exercised, ate some brussel sprouts (fresh, today was the last day at the local farmer's market), and had just refilled the itchie meds (yay for being in date!).

Hugs to all!
Luv,
Ratkity

Annie -- I will actually be sad if the younger doggie becomes the alpha. Neither dog is really an 'alpha' all other things being equal. But the older dog is my baby and I personally will be said if he's not 'top dog'. It appears however, that I have little say in the matter!!!