did you know that the box of godiva chocolate really says...
GO-DIVA....lol
so that would be a good campaign...for the DIVA in your life...only the best chocolate will do...GoDiva....

Rainbow-I wanted to say something about the thread you started on attitude. I do not post anywhere but the weekly thread because the skinnier women never post here. They sometimes do in other threads in the 300+. I realize that is a serious bias on my part, but I find it hard to take advice from someone who only had to lose 40 pounds. They can't know what my life is like and the real struggle that I go through on a daily basis. So please don't think I'm ignoring you, I'm ignoring them. See, and you guys think I'm so nice. Anyway, I try to stay positive, but can't always. I've been doing this for 6 years now, and probably have that long left to go. I couldn't stay positive all that time. I have seen many people come with a fire like someone fresh from a old fashioned tent revival. They can't maintain that high indefinitely, and if their whole weight loss is based on that, they fall away. I'm a big baseball fan. I often think in those terms, and we always say that the test of a great pitcher isn't the games when they are pitching well, it's the games where they just don't have their stuff. Those games are where they have to battle. That's my life most of the time. I have games where my curveball is working well, and stretches where I do good to just get it over the plate.

Hi ladies. I'm sorry I haven't posted in a couple weeks. It has been a whirlwind here. My maternal grandma died at the age of 54 due to a heart attack. Last week, at the age of 52, my mom had a heart attack. Thank God it was fairly minor, and she is still here with us. Unfortunately that has put a lot of 'stuff' on my plate, because I have to care for both her and my dad, as well as work, watch my sister's kids (because my mom is unable to, and my sister does not have another sitter due to my nephew's disability), and still manage to hold it together.

Work has been hectic. I have the crisis line, which means I'm pretty much on call 24/7. We currently only have two active advocates for the crisis line,and I am one of the two - which means I've had the phone for the last couple weeks. The cases are never cut and dry, the people are rarely as appreciative as one would think, and it's very stressful. But, then there are those who truly appreciate what we do, and they make it easier to get through the days where there's no appreciation at all.

As you can probably guess, there are a lot of negative things going on. I have to admit that I am barely hanging on some days. But, there are also some positive things going on, and those are making the days where I don't feel like continuing to battle easier to handle. One of our biggest 'great' moments this week was the end of a landmark sexual assault case for us. The guy was finally sentenced and received 5-15 years in prison after a very long fight. The woman is now able to find closure, and her appreciation has been a breath of fresh air.

My mom's heart attack was a wake up call, to say the least. But, even with it being a wake up call, I still haven't had the energy to get up and make dinner, and we have eaten out a lot (other than her.. she has a very strict diet right now). So I am working on that. I realized that I am the only one who can stop this cycle. I am my only hope of not having a heart attack in my 50s.

I have been eating better, but know that I can do more, too. So there's my goal. No more eating out. No more excuses - tired or not, it's not an option. And next week? I'll tackle the exercise department. One thing at a time. That's the only way I'll get it done.

Take care everyone, and I hope to be able to post more soon. I hope everyone is doing well, and you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

Guilt for letting it go
 

Hi guys,

I posted yesterday about the NIU shooting. I had nightmares about it all last night, but got up today and worked to "let it go". I now find myself thinking "these things happen"...which is true. And I also find myself feeling guilty because I don't feel horribly distraught. Anyway, I will try to let go of the guilt, and be happy that "only 5" people were killed (there were 162 people registered in the class....and with 3 guns....could have been more casualities).

On to other things. I have made the menu and grocery list for the coming week. I will have three late work days....as we are undergoing our last regulatory audit for quite a while (thank goodness). But I am going to try to be very prepared with good and good for me foods. I am also going to get my butt on to the torture device...I mean elliptical... at least 3 days this coming week....and DDR at least 2. Time to take control of my life...because no one else is going to. :)

This weekend we are having our taxes done, and some major house cleaning. I feel the need to purge the mess. DH worries when I say purge, as he fears I will toss out his toys (Star Wars stuff and the likes). He need not worry though. My hope is to be very productive tomorrow and some of the day Sunday...and then relax before the long week next week.

Let me see if I can pull some personals out of my sleeve...

Catherine...congrats on your prizes. I love free stuff. I wouldn't be able to do a spa day....I don't want anyone rubbingmy rolls...other than my DH. He is a good rubber. :)

Battle...I hope you shake the illness soon. Don't shake it too hard though, as I don't want it flying over here.

Carol...I hope the skipping of the alcohol works for you.

Ratkity...I am SO happy you are back. You were sorely missed. I miss the science geek. :) I am glad you found the rope that was left for you to climb out of the rut.

Debbie...Maybe if you put a no soliciting sign on your door...TOM couldn't come? Seriously, if he pops up too often, you gotta get to the Dr. We don't want you having issues. We like you too much. :)

Hi Annie, Nancy, Anne, Rainbow....and the rest I missed. I think I may turn in soon....hope you all have a fabulous weekend if I am too productive to make it online.

Take care and be well,
Angie

Tina: Sorry that you had a bad day. Hugs to better days ahead.

Julee: Whomever wrote that about you is a very shallow person. More than likely saying things like that makes them feel better about their own insecurities. Hugs.

Catherine: I am so happy that your dinner was a good one. congrats on the prizes too!

Battle: Hugs and sorry you are sick. Congrats getting back to your ticker weight.

Debbie: Woohoo to getting to 293 so quickly. You are rockin it.

Rainbow: Glad your V' Day was so lovely.

DMPLS: love the avatar and your cuttie pie little osito is a doll baby.

Brandnewme: I missed ya. Glad to see you around and so very sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. Hugs sweetie. What good incentive to get healthy. Break that cycle so when you have children they will have a good role model in their mamma!

Angie: Hi girl.

Okay well, I stepped out of the office today around noon to grab a sandwich from the deli down the street for myself and a coworker and when I walked back in my co workers were all huddled together BAWLING! I was like....what the heck? The secretary we recently hired looked at me and said, "We didn't get the contract, RFP". My heart truly went out to my co workers but, I can't honestly say I am not sad or even truly worried or ???? I think the bosses in the company I work for don't treat the employees very well at all and they needed to not be so cocky about things. The new company may or may not offer us all jobs. I have a job until April 1st and after that who knows. I have been doing some job searching here and there with applications and resume out and I know that God has a plan.... Remind me of that in a month or so when I am whinning okay! lol. Any way, I was so excited to hear that not only do we not have to work on Sunday now for that all day into the night training, We get most of Monday off to for President's day. We are all required to come to a meeting, Lunch provided, at 11:30 on Monday to discuss what happens next basically. Some of the bosses are saying that they are going to appeal the discision and fight it. I think that is silly and they need to let it go. WE came in 4th out of 5 companies. They worked hard on the RFP but the top 3 got bids were looked at and ours was thrown out. If WE had come in 2nd place okay, maybe appeal but come on 4th place? LOL. Anyway, I am pretty much at peace becuase I do not enjoy taking away people's food stamps and I look forward to moving onto something without that much effect on people's lives. I do have to say that after that announcement came over we had an intake scheduled for 30 people and my two co workers who are supposed to help me pretty much fell apart for the next 1/2 hour! One of them had to go home early and the other one sucked it up and did fine. Thankfully only 8 people showed up out of those 30 scheduled. lol. It was a weird rest of the afternoon I have to say. Life is rarely dull.

I hope you are all doing well and being good girls and if there are any guys here, I don't think so but if so, good boys too.

Blessings all,
Annie

Hello Everyone,

Things have been 'different' over the past few weeks.

Job-wise, we started our new school year and I started my new position(s). The ICT role is still getting off the ground as we have to do lots of stocktake sorts of things before we can really get going. My Music teaching role is VERY hectic. I have 12 different classes from Grade 1 to 4. I didn't expect that range, so I've had a lot of extra planning to do. I have kind of enjoyed it so far, but I would feel MUCH better if I was more organised. I taught my first choir lesson on Friday and it was FANTASTIC! I had 75 kids, from grades 4 to 7, turn up for that first lesson. Last year's choir had just over 30 students I think. I may have 'pushed' the idea a little too much I think. I don't know whether all 75 kids will stay in the choir, but 92 originally showed an interest, so I hope it doesn't get bigger than Ben Hur. They sounded SO good on Friday though, with the larger numbers. I had a great time with them.

Weight-wise, about three weeks ago I decided enough was enough. My weight had shot to 83kg/183lbs, probably about 4lbs of which was hormonally caused, but the rest was ME. I knew that I had been lax about things and having just a 'little' extra of a few things. They were healthy, but it was still extra stuff that I really didn't need. So, I simply decided that I couldn't let it go on like that, so I went back to smaller portions (normal portions, not too small, just not that little 'extra') and tried to fit a little more exercise in. Music teaching helps with that! I spend a LOT of time bouncing and dancing around. The last two mornings I have weighed in at 77kg/170lbs, which I am EXTREMELY happy about. I want to see it a couple more days to feel confident enough to move my ticker, but at least I know I'm on the right track.

I got Neil to take photos of me today because I was having an "I feel beautiful" day. I liked my outfit and it showed me that my waist had returned! I'm not sure at what weight my waist actually reappears, but it is nice to see it again.

I have a feeling that seeing that lower number on the scale had a lot to do with the way I was feeling today, but I also think that I am simply feeling a little healthier with the better eating I have been doing lately.

I had a minor melt-down during the week (hormonal maybe?) and doubted whether I should actually be considering being in the Chorus and planning on going to the international competition. But somewhere along the way I changed my mind - actually I think the fantastic choir practice with the kids reassured me that I may have SOME idea what I am doing and perhaps a little talent - and today Neil and I booked our tickets to Hawaii. We are staying there for just under two weeks and are getting quite excited about it all. We pay for the tickets Monday and we almost have enough for the accomodation, so now we just keep saving for the 'play' money. We have been doing REALLY well with cutting back on our spending and have been able to save a good chunk of our pay, so hopefully we won't have to do any penny pinching while we are away.

So... that is pretty much me for the moment. Now for just a few comments before bed.

Debbie - I am truly sorry for what your son is putting you through at the moment. I don't, for ONE second, believe that the DIL has any good intentions at all when she contacts you. It seems that she simply wants to dig the knife in just that little further. I know it will hurt, but could you write and tell your son that you love him dearly, but at the moment you simply hurt too much and need some breathing space before you contact each other again? I'm not exactly sure how you would word this, but I know that I have had to put space between myself and family members before (not children though, so I may be WAY off base here) when they were making my life miserable.
I hope that you get some peace from this soon, as you certainly deserve the best, not what they are giving you at the moment.

Angie - I can understand that you felt a little bad about not being overly distraught over the shooting, but we can honestly only take so much of this stuff on board before it becomes overwhelming. We have to save a little of ourselves for our own sanity, and if that means blocking out some of the bad stuff going on around us, then we have to do it.
I hope that you get all that productive stuff out of the way and have some time left over to relax over the weekend.

Annie - I can remember when you were so excited about starting this job, and you felt as though you could make a major difference in the lives of so many people, but it seems as though you have just come across one obstacle after another and it hasn't turned out to be as fulfilling as you had hoped. I hope you find something perfectly suited to you soon. You have a heart of gold and I just KNOW that there is a great job out there waiting for you.

Catherine - I take my hat off to you for the amount of exercise you manage to do in the pool. I think I would have legs like jelly after spending that much time in the water. Do your muscles ache for days afterwards?
I sometimes feel bad when I just don't get it when someone has to lose something like 10 or 15 pounds. They say that they have the same struggles we do, and I WANT to understand them, but I must be missing something. At the moment I would like to lose another 10lbs, but the main reason for that is because I have a fear of gaining weight back, and I want 'breathing' room for TOM visits and the such. But I don't really NEED to lose the weight, so mentally this is a whole different ball game from when I started at 353lbs. I am able to 'live' life at the size I am currently, and I am not simply 'existing'. I would just LIKE to lose a little more weight. That makes the world of difference I believe! Well... maybe I am not expressing myself clearly, but I am trying to look at the world through their eyes and I must have blinkers on, because I just 'don't get it'.

Rainbowsmiles - It sounds as though you had a perfect Valentine's evening. What a romantic couple! Our day was very quiet, and we didn't get gifts, because we are saving for our trip in November, but we wrote some very sweet notes to each other, which were extremely mushy. I cried when I read Neil's and that was all I needed - to be reminded how much I am loved. *sigh*

Carol - After reading your post about alcohol I am VERY happy that I don't drink! Well, I may have a wine perhaps once a year, if that, but it goes straight to my head, so I try to avoid it. I have read a few posts where people talk about the lower calorie drinks, so maybe you can try some of them.

DMPLS - I am glad that you are able to eat now, but I am sorry that you and your family have been sick. How awful that hubby was so bad he had to go into hospital! I think I would have asked to have a bed next to him if it was Neil. We have hardly been apart since we met nine and a half years ago. Pathetic huh?
I hope you are all feeling 100% soon.

Brandnewme - I am SO sorry to hear about your mother's heart attack. I know it must have been terrifying for you. I must admit that the most reassuring thing to me about losing the weight is that I am SO much healthier now. My last blood work was extremely good and the doctor told me that I would find it hard to see cholesterol better than mine (2.7). That made me smile for a LONG time. I truly want to be healthy, and the smaller size is simply a bonus.
I hope that your mother makes a full recovery soon, and things settle down in your life. It sounds as though your plate is pretty much overflowing at the moment with family and work commitments. Don't forget to take time for YOU, and don't burn out.

Oops... I have just realised the time and I had better head off to bed.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Take care,

Zelma

Julee -- A comment like that would bug me too, even though I wouldn't want it to. Then you have to get past it, I suppose!

HeatherDW -- Don't forget that after you eat a big meal you weigh more simply because of the weight of the food that hasn't digested yet! Not to mention retaining water!

There are many more posts I'd like to make, but I have to gear up for a busy day of grading and groceries. Fun stuff...

G'morning Peeps!

I didn't want to get up at my normal time, but the animals thought otherwise. Seems like I'll have to take a nap later. In the middle of the night, Charley (my golden retriever) seemed to have something stuck in his throat. He wasn't wheezing or coughing, just constantly swallowing. Poor baby. I massaged him and he relaxed and went to sleep. He's ok this morning, but neither of us got any sleep!

Heatherdw, I know how hard it is to be positive. Having a great valentine's day helped! You have a special hubby.

Peggy, I have dual sump pumps in my basement. If the power goes out, I have a couple hours to get my generator running. I've had a water pipe burst before and cleaning up water isn't fun!! Good job staying OP.

Oh no Dmpls!! I hope feel better soon. I'm sorry that your DH ended up in the hospital, but it's for the best that they found his blood sugar up. Over 140, you start to lose your eyesight. Being sick makes blood sugar go up as well as IVs, so 240 is more than likely the highest he'll see. (oops, forgot to introduce myself as the resident scientist and immunologist.. hehe). Your poodle looks like a sweetie! I'm owned by two goofy golden retrievers, 2 geriatric cats and a neurotic parrot. They are such a part of my life. Just a heads up about the forum gremlins, they love to eat LONG posts. I write everything in Notepad and copy it over. No more lost posts!!

Annie, wow.. 4 out of 5 companies and they want to appeal?? The reviewers will secretly laugh at the attempt. Meanwhile, they are making more work for the reviewers because now they have to respond to an appeal. I like your attitude and can see the determination in your words to find something that gives back instead of takes. There's a job out there for you and those people will get a winner when you find it!

Tina, wow you are working hard!! Your DH is trying. Gotta love the attempts lol.

Oh Julee!!! While I've never had someone publically comment like to me, I had a friend tell me the same thing. I was wearing clothes WAY too big and very unflattering. I even was despondant over a picture and showed the peeps here... guess what was said? Get some fitting clothes! hehe. I'm sorry it hit you so hard *hugs* to you. Perhaps that anon person was well meaning. Typed words are hard to get true means out of it.. especially just one sentence.

Go Go Catherine!! I love how you tear up the water aerobics. You are so sweet to donate your door prize winnings. I agree about the massage stuff that have been said... I have no desire for someone to "rub mah rolls"! I don't have a DH, so I'm strictly a hands off geeky scientist. I've never had Lebanese food, but absolutely love Greek. OHHHH I meant to tell you... I finally got to "taste" Ice Wine. A friend of mine gave me a very small box of ice wine chocolates from Canada for helping her with a last minute presentation for work. Apparently, grapes are harvested frozen off the vine and then processed into wine, giving it a very interesting taste.

Battle, that was a funny story about the Dr. Ut oh, sick again? It must be because you go to many social functions and meet with lots of different folks. Any decision about moving?

Debbie, glad the warm blankie helped! Yeah, it's hard to believe I used to be wet blankie most of my life. hehe. I was an Eeyore, even though not as cute as he is! hehe. As I get older, I find I can let the petty stuff go easier and easier.

Rainbow, your VDay sounded like dream!!! You are so lucky to have such a clued-in DH. Many of the DH's here seem to be the cream of the crop. About your positive post...I'm waiting for you to start it up (cuz it's your idea) because I have some things that help me. Like Catherine, I find people who only have to lose 10 lbs and have never had the struggles we have will post on threads all over the forum and not understand the audience of the post. I'm waiting for the start!

GGG, I'm glad I don't drink. It hurts my tummy something fierce! I've seen the calorie count of that stuff. In my youth, I used to go out partying and drinking some of the fruity fancy things.. EEEP! Talk about calories! I am still smiling over your Rock.

Wow Brandnewme, talk about plate overflowing! Special and gentle hugs for you and the loss of your grandma. I'm glad your Mom is still with you. It is a wake up call, but then, I've never been one to respond to crisis' by working on me. I tend to be the calm in the storm and help others around me, forgetting about my needs. I hope you get to take a breather and remember how important your health is.

Realist, I'm so sorry about your nightmares. This episode was totally not predictable and it appears as if there were no signs. You are clearly empathetic and caring. Saying "these things happen", meaning you don't have control over these things doesn't mean that you can't grieve. I'm glad you've talked about it here. Ya know, I got my taxes done and the silly gov't sent me a corrected W-2 (I work for the gobernment)!! Geeeesh. Amendment time. It makes a dollar difference, but still. Thanks for the kind words about missing me. I'm still climbing, but at least I'm moving with the help of you peeps here. You are so special to me!

Zelma, wow, you've been busy! It must be rewarding to get 75 kids to sing all together and to get them to do it the first time ... shows how great of a teacher you are!!! I know you've been uncomfortable about your weight gain and I'm happy you have begun bouncing around more.. hehe. I love your new pictures and can tell you felt as beautiful as you looked. The pictures show it radiating from you!

Heather, back to grading! How are you doing? I've missed your posts even though I know this is your busy time.

Ammi, I miss you!

Hugs and Luv to all, especially the lurkers!

Ratkity

Ratkitten -- I'm feeling overwhelmed! I know I'll make it through, but my eating is off and I've skipped some exercise... I did get to the gym early today, so at least I got something physical done. Now, if I can knock some grading off, I'll feel even better...

Woo Hoo! My plateau broke, and I'm out of the 260s! I also stepped over the halfway point to goal! Yippee!

-----
Zelma, I love reading your posts. I'm so happy you lost the weight you wanted and are feeling beautiful. You are beautiful.

More later, peeps!

Good Morning Everyone
Happy Saturday
I love keeping my food journal…I can look at a glance over the past 5 weeks, and then adjust certain days to get the menu combination much better. Sometimes I think it’s not WHAT you eat exactly, but the combination!

Donna…tell me more about RENT…I bet it was awesome! KUDOS for 2 more pounds lost! Did I ever tell you that your smile in your avatar is contagious!

Becca, OMG…what a gorgeous new pic of you on your avatar! Great to have you back posting! I’m sending you lots of hugs…I hope you feel them. My prayers go out to you love, just keep the faith. God Bless.

Bernice: I love your new picture on your avatar! Soooo cute! I’m so sorry to hear about your hubby in the hospital. Your Valentine’s celebration may only be put off a few days, but your love will last forever! Hang in there.

Annie....omg….I love your dress in your new avatar. That is so pretty and you look amazing in it! Did you try those vicks puffs yet! Haha I’m sorry about your contract. It must be daunting to be thinking about having to find another job. No doubt things will work out in the end. Try to stay positive and hang in there.

Tina…I loved reading about your bar of candy and the take nibbles when you need a smile….made me giggle with the thought…so later…I was nibbling on Nigels neck!! And laughing…and he said, what is so funny…and I said, someone said to take nibbles when you need a smile…so I’m nibbling! LOL!! He and I both cracked up laughing. Now we nibble away anytime we need to smile! THANKS!!

Anne....I have a great spreadsheet that my hubby made me to keep track of my food intake…but I need to make a plan for exercising. You seem to be good at getting your exercising in every day…from what I have read through your posts…what do you do? Do you have a chart or something that keeps you on track?

Yeah Kitten….glad you are out of your FUNK!!! I did find a pic of you on another thread and posted it in my passport and I love your smile! You rubbing your dog Charley made me think...hmmm...Nigel makes noises in his throat...as in SNORING!! maybe if I massage his throat he'd be quiet and I could sleep more soundly.!!!lol

Carol…you have been an amazing new friend to me. I can't thank you enough for all your words of encouragement and your love and support. I wish I lived closer to Missouri...I'd take you out to lunch! You are one of the best inspirational ladies I have found! Thank you so much! You are a very wise woman! Ed is lucky to have you. WE are lucky to have you!

Debbie….I got your PM…regarding your son, thank you for sharing. You have gotten some wonderful words of encouragement here in this thread…and I hope they help ease your mind a bit. Time….time sometimes heals wounds. Sometimes I think about trying again…contacting my dad…but then I think, I can’t go through all that rejection over and over and over, so I just let it be. Inside I think perhaps he thinks about me once in a while, and has a small amount of love hidden somewhere in his heart for me. Just keep on loving your son and just be there for him when he makes the pilgrimage back “home.” BTW what is a DDR? Still laughing about eeyores ears around his mouth hahaha

Peggy….thats awful that you have to work so hard at getting all that water out of your basement. YES…that is exercise! I love how you always seem so positive and staying OP and sending out good vibes! I love you little “guy” putting one foot in front of the other! I can just see you….keeping on keeping on. You are such an inspiration! Keep up the GREAT work!


Voodoo…how are you love? I had a thought...when you lose more weight and that sexy little white top is too big...mail it to me and I will hang it where I can see it every day and let that be my goal shirt to get in to! <wink> That is one sexy top...but it's mostly the lady IN the top that is so sexy! You look great...keep it up!

Zed….those children are lucky to have such a caring a wonderful teacher! I love your posts and have been so encouraged reading your story. It helps me to see that one day I can be there too! Keep smiling, it looks lovely on you.

Heather….I wish I could have your energy all the time. You always seem to have a plate full. I hope you take some special time just for you! Have a great day!


Ami……WHERE ARE YOU?? I miss your posts and your smiling face

Juleeee….I think your idea about losing weight in increments is a good one. I decided to focus on 10 percent at a time goals. That way each time the total amount will get smaller! Maybe I can continue my damage control enough this week from Valentine’s chocolate and marshmallows…to get to my first 10 percent…if not then next week for sure! 50,000 dollarsssssssssssssss!! 50 thousand dollars………!!!! That’s 50,000 reasons not to give a hoot about what someone MIGHT have said…about a blouse! You GO GIRL! YOU ROCK!


Cyn...I hope your day is going well. Have a great weekend.

Heatherdw…I really hope you ARE feeling better hun. You are such a beautiful lady. I pray that you find peace within.

Catherine…you said that you ONLY got 75 mins in ….ONLY…and I was thinking, DANG YOU GO LADY…75 mins WOW! That’s incredible! I can’t wait until the core temperature rises here so I can get back into the pool. We heated it during the holidays and it was amazingly fabulous to swim outside in December!….but it’s just too costly to heat year round. Soon…sooon. Don’t you just love ebay! haha

Roisin…I love that little saying SMART…
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-based
…thanks for sharing that! I am working on being more specific…and I see that time based is included…in SMART. Most everyone said they don’t set time limits for fear of not meeting the goal, but I guess I can’t just let a goal go without any time limit…otherwise how will I stay accountable? I was excited to post enough to get my ticker too…so post away…it took me 30 posts before I got my ticker! Keep smiling!

Sandra…hope you are feeling better soon.

Angie….funny you should say that….about me being so positive! I have always been that way. I was a cheerleader growing up so I guess I have always taken to pepping up people! It can be annoying to some I know. Sometimes…it frustrates me. I don’t give up. When I want to do something, I try and try and try until I succeed! I can be OC about some things. Always striving to be better, stronger, more committed. Well, you can see what it got me…my recent fiasco thread of a “pep talk”. I guess this isn’t a High School Pep Rally huh! Well…touché…and to each their own. But thank you for the compliment…it made my day! There is NOTHING wrong with being a realist! I was always taught when growing up to be independently happy. Some people need to let go of the habit of tying their happiness to others. If someone needs for someone else to constantly say, “good job” in order to feel confident, then they have given someone else incredible power over themselves. Instead, they need to find confidence from who they are and what they can be. That was a lesson I always hang on to. I love being a happy go lucky person!

Idealmuse…wow, congrats on getting a size 16!! That’s wonderful! And running too! I can’t even walk far yet, which is why I ride the bicycle. I can ride for hours!...but I can’t even walk around the block yet without pain. How I’d love to be able to run a marathon! I will keep on losing weight and then one day I can post that I ran for 30 mins too! Thanks for sharing and you should post more often. You’ve lost almost 100 pounds!!!!!!!! AMAZING!!!! Way to go!

To anyone I misses....I hope you contine to post and share your stories and successes and that you find the courage to go the distance another day...one day at a time.
hugs to everyone
rainbowsmiles

Good morning Peeps - busy day here but wanted to check in and catch up - lots going on here.

To those of you still under the weather - rest up over this long weekend.

Battle - WOOOOHOOOOOO for you - breaking the plateau and over half way there.

More personals later - the battery in the laptop died (I think) so need to get busy.

Hugs,
Carol

Ok I've not posted for a bit, been reading but just 'meant' to post but got busy reading or something..Now I'm WAY too far behind to comment on everyone's good & bad news.
Julee, sorry about the insensitive git, you are lovely, ignore those sort of people, anonymous, hmmm could be some GORGON for all you know!lolxxxxxx
Rainbow, your posts are so happy & encouraging, a rock eh? Well it lasts longer than any chocolate! I hope you keep it near you to glance at & remmber how lucky you are to have such a fantastic hubby!BTW Ammi has first dibs on any clothes that are too big for me, laff, though unless I STAY OP she will be sending me stuff. Loved the *nibbles*lolxxxxxxx
Zelma, great to see you posting again, I'm plesed you got your waist back, lol! Oh BTW you were right about capitals in 'mum& dad' when used as names, my brain is getting almost as flabby as my tummy!!! WTG on all that singing.xxxxxxxx
Debbie, sorry about your son, I wish I could help, but at times like this we have to let go & just wait & see what happens. Please don't let his b*tch wife upset you or get you to overeat, I bet she secretly wants to see you FATTER, let her see the beautiful woman we all know you are.xxxxxx
I haven't 'seen' Ammi much this week, I know she's had a lot of denist/dctor/hospital appts, just check-ups, nothing serious. They were planning a picnic on Valentine's Day but though it had been sunny it got really cold so I'll wait to hear if they went anywhere.
I've been doing some walking & actually stayng OP, exercised once but overdid it *sore muscles*so I wil have to go again on Monday & take it steady, lol.
Hugs to everyonexxxxx
xxxxsharon

Hi everyone. Another work week finished. We are closing in on our year-end reporting deadlines and then the hours should scale back. Well, at least until it's time for first quarter reporting. But, that is the cyclical nature of accounting and that is what you sign up for.

Despite the crazy hours, I have been feeling good at work lately. Like there is nothing I can't accomplish or figure out. It's a good feeling. School has been going well. I am taking Economics and Finance this semester. I got a 92 on my first Econ test so was very happy about that. I think I am "getting" Econ this time around. I can tell you in undergrad I never had a clue what they were teaching us! :lol: We haven't had a Finance test yet but I am keeping up and understand how to do the different sorts of problems when have been learning about. It is just a basic Finance 101 sort of class, but still.

On the healthy lifestyle front, I wish I could say I have been experiencing as much success. I continue to fall into the same patterns over and over and need to figure out how to stop it. This time of year is always bad for us in terms of working lots of overtime. That can make me tired, stressed, and pressed for time for personal care. And every year I end up going way off track with my eating and gaining weight. This year is no exception. And since I am unwilling to quit my good-paying accounting job for one that is less stressful and time-consuming I need to figure out how to handle it better. There are other things throwing me off too. I often think I should journal about this stuff and will go out and buy a nice journal or notebook to use but I never seem to get started. I stare at a blank page and have no idea how or where to start.

To those of you who use journaling as a technique for getting to the bottom of your issues, problems, concerns, do you have any pointers? I realize that in order to beat this weight problem permanently I had to address all my "issues". Journalling seems like a good way if I could just get started.

Anyway, enough of my yammering.

Battle - Sorry you are feeling under the weather but great news on the job front! It must be quite a boost to be so sought-after. I look forward to hearing what you decide about this potential opportunity. I am happy to hear you broke your plateau! It's awesome that you have made your halfway mark! :congrat:

Nancy - I am impressed at your getting yourself out into the dating scene. It's so easy to forget to live life as we focus our efforts on losing weight. I can see how it would be distracting though. But that is not necessarily a completely bad thing. ;)

Ratkitten - I know what it's like to lose sleep because of animals. Last night we had some fairly strong thunderstorms on and off all night long. My little Buster (my 11 year old mutt dog) is terrified of storms. So he was awake all night panting in fear and keeping me awake. On top of that he wasn't feeling his best because I had just had him in for a teeth-cleaning and he just didn't seem to be himself for the rest of the afternoon even before the storms...pacing around with his tail between his legs, whimpering. They had sent me home with some pain meds because they thought his mouth might be tender so I gave him one and that seemed to help somewhat. Anyway, he was on edge for one reason or another all afternoon and all night so I didn't get much rest. That's OK though. I love my little guy and would do anything for him. And, thankfully, he seems back to himself today. My little sweet pea! :)

And a big :wave: to Annie, Catherine, Heather, Ammi, Sharon, Debbie, Zelma, Angie, Carol, and all others I know I am missing. Take care, everyone. :hug:

Aha! There's Sharon! Glad you got to post.

Xena, I understand about the tstorm fears. I used to have an old golden that was so terrified of them. My 2 now don't have issues with them (yay). It's one thing to have a little dog scared, but harder to have an 84lb baby scared and pacing on the bed. .. hehe.

Nannnnnnncy, I forgot to tell you how brave you are!! So much so then I. I'm referring to the dating scene stuff. I just hate kissing frogs.. bleh.

Hugs to all!
Ratkity