Hi Sandy, :woohoo: on the 8 of 12 lbs gone!!

Ratkity, I love my slippers too!! Last year I had lions but I noticed this year that most of them are coming out with me putting my foot in their mouths. I like em better when the face is facing out better. I saw the bear claw ones too, they have em in pink even! Better get yourself out there and buy some slippers!!
I bet your babies looked so pretty sitting at the door like that. Pictures.....pictures please!!
Sorry to hear about the hives. I hear they can be pretty painful so take care of yourself.

Carol, You'll have no problem losing those 14 lbs by your cruise time!!! I know you can do it!!!

Catherine, just picturing that dog with the sticky mousetraps is waaaaay too funny!!

Sharon, too bad you couldn't have gone to see Ammi and her family. Have you two met before? I know what you mean about the flap of skin hanging. Mine looks so awful and I have to wear tops that will cover it or I'm totally self conscience of it and feel like everyone is zeroing in on it. Ugh....I hope it thins down too!!

Hi Lil...:welcome:

Annie, sounds like you have enough meat to last you for a while!!! Yum!!
I got the pumpkin....I remembered you got yourself some and it just sounded so fall-like and smells even better. And they were 50% off right now so I got the lotion and the body wash. I also got some great coupons in the mail and one they gave in store, so I plan on going back and getting the one with fig (my fave) and try another new one. They all smell soooooooo good!!
Good luck on getting the county job...that would just be fantastic....great benefits!!

Nancy, a dance class sounds like so much fun. What kind of dancing is it? It seems when we get close to a major goal, (your 100 lb mark) we tend to sabotage ourselves. I wonder what we are afraid of?

Battle, that is so amazing how quickly you are going thru sizes!!! How exciting to be able to go to regular stores and see clothes in your size now. I can't wait for that day.

I got some tops from Lane Bryant catalog yesterday in size 2x. They are really a bit too large but I can wear them for a while. I hate sending stuff back and will be so glad when I can find pretty clothes in stores. I think I'm going to start looking for clothes in stores now too. Just hearing Battle going to stores and finding clothes has inspired me to get out there!!!
Have a good night!
Debbie

Hi everyone. I have a few minutes before I need to get started on my school work so I thought I'd check in.

BattleAx - You mentioned the after Halloween candy "on sale". That usually gets me every year too (and the after Christmas, after Valentine's, after Easter ;) ). One thing my WW leader told us was it's not a bargain if you have to pay for WW for a few more weeks to take off whatever you gained by eating the candy. :lol: That has always stuck with me. So I haven't bought any Halloween candy. But at work our office does a big party for the kids to come and trick or treat and this year we had buckets and buckets of full sized candy bars everywhere. I will admit I caved in. But I am back on track now. And as for your "long pants". I can relate to that. I am always glad to see that happen since I always have problems finding pants that are long enough. Even the tall sizes are sometimes too short. :mad:

Heather - That would upset me too to see my dogs fighting. Well, I only have one but I have a cat too. For the most part they get along. but I remember a few years ago I had found a little stray dog. And actually, she looked like she was mixed with a pug. She was the sweetest little thing and after trying and trying to find her owners with no luck I decided I would just keep her since she was so low-key and even-tempered. So I decided it was time to introduce her to my little dog Buster. Up til then I had kept them separate because Buster is not so low-key and even-tempered. ;) I was worried Buster would start a fight. Nope, that sweet little girl dog took one look at Buster and proceeded to kick his butt! Buster kept trying to run away but she would catch him again. I was horrified but somehow finally broke it up. No one was hurt, but it was really funny how quickly my feelings for that dog changed when she went after my baby! She did not get a home with me afterall. Don't feel bad for her though, a lady I work with ended up taking her and now she has a nice home where she gets to sleep in bed and be treated like a baby. She really was a sweet dog, she just needed to be an only child!

As for me, nothing much new to report. I am looking forward to the end of November when I take my last tests for the semester and will have a month off before starting up again. This weekend will be busy finalizing our group project we have to present next week, writing a couple of short case analyses, and studying for my statistics test. After this week is thru, the rest of the semester should be all down-hill. Neither of my finals are comprehensive, so that helps.

Other than that, my other activity is my boot camp class in the mornings. It's been going pretty well. Some days my alarm goes off at 5AM and I think "I hate this! Why I am doing this? I want to quit!" Other days everything is just fine. I have not shown huge results on the scale yet but for the first time several people have commented that I look like I am losing weight so something must be happening.

Well, am off to run a few errands now. Take care everyone. :grouphug:

BattleAx -- I didn't start this journey for the clothing options, but OMG, what a BONUS! When I was actively losing, I also would buy clothes when they were a wee bit tight, and usually within a few weeks, they fit! And the choices! Just wait -- it gets even better!

I've now had the strategy of buying clothes a wee bit tight backfire. I did that last spring and then gained weight and STILL can't fit in those clothes. These days, I buy things that fit as I'm not losing!


Xena -- That dog story cracked me up!! But I think I know exactly what you mean!

Heather - The candy is definitely gone! I took the little bit that I had left over in to work where I am not tempted to eat it. Next year it is only stuff I really don’t like – either that or I will go out for the evening.

Ratkity – That is so strange that you get hives this time of year. It also sucks that the one thing that takes care of them the best makes you want to sleep all the time. I wish Benedryl didn’t have that drowsy side effect.

Carol – Favorite soup? I am not much of a cook, so I love the ones in the boxes – either Trader Joe’s or Imagine Foods. The Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato is AWESOME.

Battle – That is so cool that you are into the 22’s and able to shop at the better stores. I can’t wait to be able to shop at Marshalls etc. again. Maybe I am there now, but I haven’t given it a try recently.

Meta – It is so true – I KNOW that there are 3500 calories in a pound and I know that I didn’t eat that much, yet the scale is up 5 pounds. Totally crazy. I know I just need to keep on going – it is getting there in the end that counts.

Debbie – That is great that the 2x’s were a bit large. I would send them back now and get the next lower size. You want to be getting things that are a bit too small for you now – not too big.

Deb – That is so cool that you are getting comments! Have you been taking measurements?


The class this morning was GREAT! I worked up quite a sweat and I can really feel my muscles, but the whole hour was so enjoyable I didn’t want it to end. It is called Nia (http://www.nianow.com/) and I would highly recommend it. It was very freeform and flowing and focused on multiple different aspects such as flexibility, agility, mobility, etc. The teacher also does a 90 minute yoga class afterwards and I think I will try and stay for that next week. I am seriously thinking of joining that gym so that I can start taking classes. They have several different locations near me and they have a pool as well in the one I went to today. I just have to work on my budget to make sure I can afford it because it isn’t cheap. However, this really is the most important thing for me right now – to be inspired about moving, so if I need to spend some money, so be it.

I am waiting for my landlord to get here to help me with a few things in my apartment. I am feeling really ticked off at the moment because 1) he is late, 2) when I moved in he told me the windows were in good shape and they are anything but! I have been trying to close the storm windows and have only been successful with about half of them. I also need to go buy sticks for several of the windows that won’t stay shut because they are missing pulleys (they are old style windows). I removed my air-conditioner from the bedroom this morning as well and I need to get that stowed away. I should get back to it I guess.

Hi all,
I've missed way too much to do personals. I just wanted to check in with you all instead of lurking about and being all quiet. Things aren't looking good with school for alot of reasons. I'm not doing well with my classes and if i don't pay 600 and something dollars they are going to kick me out and we don't have that kind of money. We're hoping that a student loan will come through in time but i don't think it will make it by the 8th. I've also been feeling down on and off again but that's just part of my issues. I haven't been exercising like i should and i was bad with the halloween candy. My dad never turned on the porch light when it was dark because he didn't feel like getting up and getting the door. My mom was helping me with my homework and he was supposed to be manning the door. Well since he never turned on the light we had a ton of candy left that had to be eaten. I have a weakness for candy. So that was just bad.
On the plus side i did loose 2 pounds. So maybe i wasn't too bad. Ok i'm gonna stop whining. I hope everyone is doing ok. Well i'm off for now.
~Carrie~

(Yet another) Return of the MIA...

I finally have my computer at home working, sorta. For the moment anyway.

QUESTION :
Can anyone tell me the name of that organization that doesn't tell you what program to follow exactly, but they have support meetings? I don't wanna do WW because I just don't want to learn the whole point thing. I'm still an SBD kind of girl. I really want to have a physical weigh in and place to be accountable. I THINK Jilly used to be a member of that group, and I THINK it starts with an "L" (or was it "T"?) - but don't make me swear to it. I thought we had a group on 3FC for it, but can't find it.

I think I'm in self destruct mode, and I have to snap out of it. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe it's panic at my friend's situation, although my reaction to that was and should be to straighten up. Maybe I'm afraid of never riding Gabe to the level I feel he deserves or I desire, so I'm trying to destroy myself that way. I don't know, but one minute I'm eating really well, and the next I'm eating chocolate or pizza - Dark chocolate and veggie pizza, but that's still SO not the way to lose weight.

Anyway, please let me know if you can think of whatever the name of that organization is.

In other news, Gabe will be coming back to his new home on about the 12th-15th. There's an indoor arena there so I'll have no excuse to not ride every night. The dark & cold of winter may be descending on NE Ohio, but I'll be riding anyway, and hopefully when the flowers emerge in spring, Gabe will be confident and much better trained, and I want to be confident and much healthier AND a much better, more conditioned rider. That, or I'll have a horse for sale.

Thanks to all of you who've been so supportive when I told you about my friend with cancer. I really didn't know what to say to her, but you've helped me feel more comfortable. It's just so sad, but there's no time to waste feeling sorry for myself.

CONGRATS to all you beautiful winners and fighters!

AND HAPPY 'FALL BACK' to those of you on daylight savings starting tonight. YEAH! An extra hour of sleep!

Val, I think you are thinking of TOPS, take of weight sensibly. It has a $1 meeting fee I think. I've never been.

I understand needing to be accountable. I do WW online.

You better not have a horse for sale in the spring!! Gabe loves you and you are a great mommy. Hang in there!

Luv,
Ratkity

Yes! That's it. THANKS! I've been searching the net and couldn't get that to come up. THANKS again! As for Gabe loving me - he loves "Uncle Ken" right now, but he'll be loving me alone soon enough.

Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Nancy: I'm so glad that you enjoyed your new class. I hope you continue to enjoy it. I hope that your Landlord finally made an appearance and got all the things done he should have.

Rat: I think we will have fun on our cruise too. I sure hope so. My sisters can be very tricky though and I am praying they don't get angry at each other and then we become a show on tv about a family member who didn't come back from a cruise because another family member pushed her over board. lol.

Battle: I am so happy for you on getting to shop in other stores. I can't wait honestly. You gave me so much hope and inspiration today about your clothes story.

Debbie: I took a hot bubble bath this morning in the pumpkin wash. I loved every minute of it mostly because I FIT SO MUCH BETTER IN THE TUB! Congrats on needing smaller clothes. Make a trip over here and I'll take you to Ross and anywhere else you want to go shopping. Seriously, I'd love to have you come for a visit any time.

Xena: Hi sweetie.

Carrie: Sorry that school isn't going the greatest for you. Congrats on the 2 pounds gone though. Hugs.

Val: Hi sweetie pie. Glad to see you and big hugs to you.

Well, I had an interview today at Noon. It went okay I think. Never know really what the people are actually thinking. I do have 2 more this week. One I really, really want on Tuesday at a place called SL Start. It would be helping people with disabilities to fill out job applications and other paper work related things. The one on Thursday is my final one with Kootenai county. It is at the Justice Building.

Blessings to you all,
Annie

OMG if any of you live in the south, get out while you can. if i eat one more deep fried thing im seriously going to die.

i did have an amazing time tho, we roasted a whole pig.

Annie, if my family can make it through a cruise, anyone's can. At the time, we were on the edge of pushing each other off the boat hehe. The boat is big enough to do your own thing and then meet up for a nice meal. Food is served 23.5 hrs a day everywhere on the ship. The stuff scattered on deck might look good, but it's icky tasting. Stick to the dining halls!

Hugs!
Ratkity

Morning Peeps

RK - thanks for the cruise advice - that's my biggest worry is that I need to taste EVERYTHING (more than once). Hubby isn't a big eater at all so I plan to stick with him for food times. What do you feel like you get from WW online? I've considered it but can't come up with enough benefits - your help is appreciated (as always).

Annie - I'm hoping I can bring you some food strategy - even though you have not asked - I feel accountable to help you with how it can be done correctly. Isn't it funny - we can be more easily accountable to others than to ourselves.

Valerie - you've had a big shock - take a deep breath and when you release it just let it all go - then the next breath is a fresh start. Talk out loud to Gabe - he's a great listener. And visualize what the two of you will look like in spring.

Carrie - nice to see you. Hugs to you!

Nancy - wow - the dancing sounds like so much fun - and to do yoga after. How long have you been exercising in a gym? I just can't bring myself to do it publicly yet - I am researching our local hospital's program which is more discreet and you can work with a personal trainer.

Debbie - your slippers made me laugh - our pups just met my Grinch slippers - hilarious - two big dogs - one 75 lbs and one 100 lbs scared of slippers. By the way I finally tried the jeans on - I thought they were a 26 but are a 24 - I will try them on each 5 lbs - not sure how long it will take for them to button and then to zip. With some work I did get them pulled all the way up though.

Well we did the Mexican restaurant thing last night. I ordered grilled shrimp - but the chips got me. I haven't had heartburn/indigestion for two months - another benefit of being OP. Today will be a good day - gotta make up for the exercise I didn't do yesterday. The knee feels a bit better today - not sure how I would be handling this whole knee thing if I hadn't started my weight loss journey.

Enjoy the day all.

Carol

Is Determined
 

Hey my name is Patty. I started to lose weight 7 weeks ago. Its slow but then again it didnt show up in a short time either. I started at 315 am now at 306 and will someday get to 160.

Val -- :hug: I hope you can figure out how to get back on track. I hate that feeling of being out of control!

Annie -- :crossed: for you getting that job you want.

Luan -- My husband grew up in KY and worked at a truck plant for a while. He claims virtually everything at the cafe was available fried: vegetables, bread, and even bologna! :yikes:

Carol -- I can't even have one chip at a Mexican restaurant... unless it's the last one!

Patty -- Welcome!! That's great progress so far (it NEVER feels like it's fast enough).

I had a great time shopping yesterday. I bought a purse and gloves... and THREE suede jackets!! (They were blowing out last years inventory, and I had additional discounts, I got 2 under $30 and one under $20!). I also bought a few of sweaters, which are really needed. Last winter I didn't have to teach in the winter, so I pretty much got along with old sweaters that are way too big. I can't not teach this year and need something to wear!

Well, I found TOPS on the net, and it looks like there are about a half dozen meetings held weekly in my area, so I’ll check out a couple of them and see which group I feel most comfortable with, as well as which time and place work best. It looks like it’s $24 a year membership, which is certainly doable as well. I’d like to start back at Curves, but I don’t want to be tied in to a full year contract. The sense of community there is a great attraction, but their hours can be difficult for me. There’s a great local fitness center that I looked at, but I need to have my exercise program in full swing to be able to do it on my own there... although I think I remember that they have classes I could join, which could be a fun option. I’m really hoping TOPS gives me more of a center, and definitely somewhere to be accountable to witnesses, with a regular weigh-in.

ANNIE, I’m glad to see your awesome success, and I’m crossing my fingers that the job you end up at is the very best and most fulfilling, as well as lucrative. Good luck with all o f those! Hugs right back atcha!

LUAN, when my mom moved to the South she sent me a list of advice to northerners moving there. I remember one that said “Save all bacon grease drippings. You will be advised what to do with it later.” I have no idea how anyone stays skinny livin’ down yonder. The pig roast sounds fun.

RATKITY, I’d love to try a cruise some time. I used to think it was just for the bathing beauty type, but I don’t think so anymore. Just sounds like fun now.

CAROL, I think the advice you gave me was the best I could ever have. Breathing deeply even now. Gabe and I will be spending some serious, quality mental health time together as soon as he comes home – for his sake as well as my own. Thanks! The Grinch slipper story had me laughing out loud.

:welcome: PATTY You’re headed in the right direction! Congratulations on the success you've already have!! I hope you find a lot of help here. I know I have!

Thanks HEATHER – I know it’s coming. I just can’t believe the wild cravings that are raging in me right now. Must be hormones. Who knows. But I won’t give up the fight!

Winter. It’s just about here, and that means bird watching in my back yard. Not only have I filled the hanging feeder with all kinds of seed, but yesterday I took an empty planter (10-12 inches wide, 2 inches deep) and filled it with millet, sunflower seed, fruit & nut bird feed and put it on top of the BBQ just outside my window. The nuthatches & chickadees are going nuts out there today. One tiny bird grabbed an almond and took off. Now what do you think he’s gonna do with that?

So far, so good. Breakfast was eggs laid by hens at the barn, a yellow pepper from my own garden, with some cheese and a glass of milk… but no, I don’t personally know the cow. Today will be a good day I hope.