Debbie - wow, that's cool about your in-laws, you never know, i might know them. Paducah is a small town!

DMPLS - you've got to share with me some low-fat mexican dishes. i would swear that i was part mexican with all of the mexican food that i eat and adore! also, my brother lives in E-Town, specifically Cecilia. Know where that is?

Rainbow - wow, what a wonderful night! My husband is a youth pastor and has taken a group of h.s. kids to Charleston on a mission trip the past 3 years. they love going there!

debi - I hate to hear that you are sick!

Sandy - I'm in Owensboro, i know you werent asking me but i'm also in KY and close to IN. lol Did you go see Senator Clinton tonight?




Ok, so today was pretty hectic! I worked 1/2 a day then had to do a mad dash through wal-mart. I made my Father in law a sugar free easter basket. This man is pretty stubborn and it doesn't matter how much the doctor tries to scare him into eating right for a diabetic he won't. So i bought him all kinds of sugar free candy and cookies and fruit. My mother in law kept saying "see they do have stuff you can eat" makes me wonder if he didn't "believe" in sugar free foods! lol But you should have seen him. He wouldn't let anyone get near his basket. LOL! We even put a card in there from the Easter Bunny. It was cute! After shopping for the basket we then ran to get the taxes done and Praise God we don't owe this year! With the DH being a minster they are exempt from a lot of taxes and usually we end up owing the state but not this year, we got $7 back from the state! LOL after that it was baby shower time. We are expecting a niece in June and "we" are planning a shower for the baby. It's so exciting! so now i'm elbow deep in invitations that I should be filling out! LOL

Then we went to visit Uncle Bill (Zack's uncle), he is having a triple by-pass tomorrow morning. He went in on wednesday to have a stint put in but they could not do it b/c he had 90% blockage in his main artery so they told him that they had to do the triple by-pass. Please keep him in your prayers. They begin prep at 5:30 am tomorrow and it's supposed to take about 5 hrs in all, he is 67 and was a heavy smoker.

Well I'm off to bed. Thanks you all!

:cb: Lauren :cb:

Lauren yes I know where cecilia is I live just north of there!
I am going to link to my Daily Plate recipes for a few of my recipes.....the smothered burritos show high but if you sub in lowfat cream of chicken or mushroom as well as fat free sour cream it makes it lighter and you don't use ALL of the sauce when you serve......which their counting says you do....so I used their figures but, kept in mind the less sauce I served the lower calorie it was.

Ceviche- Seafood dish almost looks like Salsa(Pico de Gallo) but can be served as a main dish on tostada shells (bake them instead of frying) or you can eat with crackers or chips(whole grain type)
http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutriti...-low-fat_14970

Spanish Rice- this recipe calls for EVOO however I have used Pam on the pot which lowers the calories from fat tremendously!
http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutriti...ish-rice_15445

Smothered Chicken Burritos-again subing lowfat soup & sour cream lowers the fat content and do not use all the sauce when serving, since that is where most of your calories are LOL. I always make way too much sauce haven't figured out how to cut that back.

http://www.thedailyplate.com/nutriti...burritos_15443

When I think of others I will let you know. There is also a salsa fish taco recipe that someone from here posted......I've served that about once a week with baked flour tostada shells. DH loves this!

hope that helps!

Well I've gotta get ready for work I ran late yesterday! Thank Goodness its Friday!!!

talk to you all later
Bernice

good morrrrrnnnning everyone :)
i hope that everyone is doing well and feeling fit!
Thank you ALL so much for all of your kind words and Nigel of course is beaming and feeling like he won an award for the husband of the year, thanks to all of your comments :) thank you!

Bernice...WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO for new batteries! and way to go for hanging in there and not letting that stupid scale "trick" you into binge eating after displaying the wrong numbers. That takes inner strength, something you always display!

Lauren, thanks for your lovely compliments. I love Charleston. Hopefully one day you can come visit too.

Johnnie, you are just the sweetest thing! Thank you so much for your sweet words.

Sandy...thank you for your kind words and for making me feel like a princess! I don't often feel "pretty"....I remember feeling like the queen of the ball at my wedding last year. It was the first time I wore a wedding dress and I loved it! (was married at 18 at justice of peace before) Having a real wedding makes the day so much more special. I used to say, when I was married before, for 21 years, that I didn't need a wedding to feel married. Well, that may be true, but I am thankful that this time I could play the cinderella part and dress up and I distinctly remember just "feeling" so beautiful. When I got the pictures back, I still looked like me, heavy overweight and a bit frumpy...and the pictures reflected nothing like the feeling I felt that day. I said to Nigel, this is how beautiful people must feel everyday. Nigel gets upset when I say things like that. He is super supportive of me and dislikes it if I even put myself down a tiny bit. Still, the night out on the town, brought similar feelings. I can tell you, riding in a Limo can make you feel like a celebrity! I am blessed indeed. I learned a long time ago, that if you want to be treated like a Queen, then treat your husband like a King...and you know what...it is so true! Nigel IS the King of my heart!

Debi....I am sending you prayers and asking God to take away that crappy sickness! I pray you are well soon love.

Debbie54...aww honey, I sure wish you were feeling better! I love your posts...they are always so uplifting. Get well soon!!!

Annieeeee...you sure are looking FABULOUS!! Its exciting to see your new pics on your avatar as you change them and lose weight. You are doing an amazing job. Thank you for your very loving comments. I am trying to learn how to be a girlie girl!

hugs to everyone
rainbowsmiles

Good Morning All!

Debi: So sorry you are so sick. Take care of yourself and take all your medicine. :getwell:

Bernice: Glad the battery in the scale worked, but sorry to hear about cell phone problems. I think you should definitely call the insurance company back and keep asking for someone higher up until you can get some results. I have seen my tenacious roommate do this with customer service people and she usually gets favorable results. You know what they say about the squeaky wheel. Also, thanks for the recipe links. I am definitely going to try them, especially the burritos.

Yesterday I threw away the first of my "too big" clothes. I haven't bought anything new in years because I just couldn't get excited about new clothes because of my size, so the clothes I threw away were wayyyy to worn to be given away. I am now down from tight size 32 to being able to fit into most of my size 26 clothes that have been packed away for about 7 or 8 years now. So I am feeling pretty good about that and am now setting my eye on those size 24 items packed under the size 26.

Wishing everyone a good Good Friday staying OP and drinking your water!

Thanks for all the get well wishes. Im sure in a few days I will be back to normal.
Sandy- I live in north west Ky. Im about where IL and IN and KY all meet.

dmpls_ glad it was the batteries on the scales. I know mine worked one day and went haywire the next morning. Not sure how often lithium batteries need to be replaced.

rosebud- what church do you go to. My daughter still hasnt found a church home in Owensboro. She has visited a few but not really comfortable with the ones she has visited.

well im going to go back to bed.

debbie hope you are feeling better today.

Hi Annie! I see you're on line!

I lost the post I started last night, but catching up was hopeless anyways. Someone - RAINBOW I think - asked if DH drives truck. Yes. I did too for most of the years from '95 to '06. Being home is WOOOOOONDERFUL!

SANDY - YEEEE-HAH! As president of ESMOID (Evil Step-Mothers Of Innocent Darlings) I can sympathize about truly rotten SDs. I'm driving to NY for Easter, partly because I love folks and will get to see Dad & Sis, but I'm especially glad I don't have to see the little witch. She puts an ugly knot in family get-togethers. I'm glad you're (somewhat) rid of yours. They never really go away tho.

Well, I've made it to day 4 - again. But since Day One has been so elusive, I'm very pleased. Was tempted, but passed when offered orange 3 musketeers bars this morning, no matter how small they were. I've gotten obsessive about the scale each morning, which for me is a very good thing. If I'm not checking it, then I'm avoiding it, and I think we all know why I'd do THAT.

Best wishes every one!

Debbie: Hope you feel better very soon. HUGS

Walrus: Hugs to you

Sandy: Woohoo on the SD moving out! So happy for you as I know what an source of sorrow and pain she has been over the years.

Johnnie: Yipee to size 26's You rock.

Debimitch: sorry you are so sick. Hugs and chicken soup!

Lauren: I'll pray for Uncle Bill's surgery to go well. Hugs.

Rainbow: I noticed you only have 1 more to go before you get another cheer guy for you goals. Way to go girl.

Vallieee: Hi my friend. Hugs to ya.

WEll, yesterday was my last day at the old icky work place. I decided to go see my sister in Montana yesterday and spend the night with her. I drove the 2 1/2 hours to her house and wasn't there 2 minutes when I started getting a severe headache from her diesel heater. It was snowing and cold so had to have the heater on. I gave her all of the gifts I brought for her and I had purchased some of those wonderful muffins from costco instead of a birthday cake for her to have variety and I know she doesn't like frosting. So, took lots of pictures and visited. Had lots of laughs and about 8:30 p.m. headed home. I should have gotten a hotel because I hit a horrid snow storm coming over Look Out Pass in Montana and again it got bad over 4th of July Pass in Idaho. The very worst part of the drive was so slick I actually had to put it in 4 wheel drive right out side of Coeur d' Alene about 13 miles from my house. I did make it home safe and sound and was happy to be home with hubby and fur babies. I did get 3 calls on my answering machine for interviews. 1 of them is a 2nd interview at the small amusement park near here. The other 2 are as receptionist/secretary type close by. Who knows maybe it will be just the right fit for now. I am feeling less scared about making the choice to end my employment early.

I updated my weight loss tracker as I'm down 4 more pounds. I am thrilled to be out of the 280's forever and so looking forward to getting to my next goal of 270. I have a perfect charm for my bracelet all picked out already.

Hope you are all doing wonderfully well. Have a super lovely Easter.

Blessings and Peace,
Annie

I bit the bullet and started on a knitting project for my sister's upcoming baby. It was a hard thing to do. I'm *trying* to stay optimistic and tell myself it will be my turn soon. I keep reminding myself that by the time she has the baby in October, I *could* be pregnant. At the very least, I should be skinnier, right? :D

I'm up a bit less then a pound today but my period is coming and I guess that could have something to do with it. I think I'm going to attempt the WATP 2 mile walk. I REALLY REALLY want her new set of DVD's but I don't have the $$ for it right now.

Sandy, I try to drink fluids, but only getting half of what I normally drink. But I guess some is better than none.
Glad to hear you'll have peace in your household not that the evil SD has moved out.
I'm not in Kentucky. My in-laws live there though. I'm in the state of Washington.

Debi, You're probably right about getting to the doctor. I'm so stubborn though. I'll ride it out til the end. I'm feeling somewhat human today. I took a nice long hot shower last night. It was heaven. Really warmed me up. I hope you start feeling better. I know it can be miserable.

Bernice, sorry to hear about the cell dying. I bet you feel lost without it. Maybe they will compensate you some how. You did a great workout. GO GO GO!

Lauren, lol, that is great news about your Dad and his Easter basket. At least you can get him some goodies that are good for his diabetes. I'll keep your Uncle in my prayers.

Johnnie, YAY for getting rid of those too big clothes.What a great feeling huh? Just knowing the weight is going away is so rewarding.

Valerie, great news on making it to day 4. You're doing a great job!!

Annie, I'm so glad that you got away from that terrible job. I'm sure you'll find something that will be the best for now. The amusement park would get my vote, but I'm a sucker for those kinds of places. LOL...when I used to fit. I probably do now.
I'm so glad you made it home safely. That must of been pretty scary. Take care and rest now.
And :yahoo: for being out of the 280s. ...I'm right behind you!!!

Heather dw, that's wonderful that you are being so thoughtful about making the blanket.I know that had to be a big step for you, but I also knew, you had it in you. Yep, you could be pregnant by then AND definitely thinner. Good attitude!!

Well, I'm alive but still pretty sick. I've got this cough that wreaks havoc on me. My kidneys hurt or it could be from just laying around so much. Anyhow, I lost 5 lbs this week but I think some of it will come back because I tend to lose a lot of fluids when I'm sick. It just all goes WHOOSH!!! I'll do everything I can to keep it off though.
Have a great Good Friday, reflect on what the day means.
hugs
Debbie

Ok.. whew.. I did the 2 mile WATP. I had to take a 2 minute break about halfway through while the DVD was paused but then I powered through the rest. According to fitday, that's only 166 cals burned? That doesn't seem right :p

It’s official. I have officially reached an age where foods containing beans and hot chili pepper are no longer a good idea for breakfast. The taste testing at 4 a.m. when I turned off the crock pot probably didn’t help, and having another helping for lunch has surely done me in. The term ‘belly-ache’ is taking on new meaning.

When did this happen?? It sounded like such a good idea at the time – all those veggies in one bowl….

Hello my chickies,

I am definitely fighting off a bug, and hope to keep up the good fight. I want to go home and go to bed, but I am not exactly sick, just feeling low energy and that there is a bug in my system.

Plan wise, I'm on fire, ready to power through some more pounds. I love when staying on plan is easy. I'll bask in it while the feeling lasts.

Sandy: I hope you find another job soon. No one should have to take the kind of abuse you do at work. I think I probably would have given someone a piece of my mind for raising their voice at me, and walked out if they continued, not that this would have been the best thing to do when bills needed to be paid.

It is weird how we get in the dumps and just can't seem to do this lifestyle change, and then other days nothing will stop us. I wish we could bottle the good days.

Annie: Congrats on your big loss!

Texark: Nice to see you. How great does it feel to be wearing the smaller clothes! You go!

Val: Congrats on making to Day 4. It is a huge accomplishment to get back into the plan.

Heatherdw: Excellent choice to do something nice for your sis' baby.

To everyone else: Have a wonderful day. Hugs to you all.

Things are nuts around here. I think there should be a law against having to clean house for your own birthday party. At least this year it isn't during Lent, so I can have it on the actual day. We always had to have it on the closest Sunday because so many people give up sweets for lent that the birthday cake would just sit there looking at everyone. Sundays don't count in the 40 days, so they were safe. This year Easter is so early, that my birthday is after. We are going to have a hot dog bar. Dead animal flesh ones on one side, and tofu ones for me on the other. I'm having soy chili for mine, the rest of the animals are getting beef. I even got whole wheat buns for me, and the regular ones for everyone else. I was not consulted about the cake. I think himself was afraid I'd tofu that too. If no one shows up, then he's going to be eating hot dogs until Pentecost. Serves him right too. I didn't want a party. He put on the invitations, "the grouch finally agreed to a party." I'm going to slip him a tofu dog just for spite.

Wow! Three of us have birthdays within a few days. Mine is 3/22.

rofl Catherine! I likes Himself's humor!! Happy almost Bday!

This link was shared on another board I belong to, but I believe it's worth sharing here. Made me feel wayyyy better.

"Why the Scales Lie by Renee Cloe

http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspart...ight/scale.htm


It's just a neat and simple explanation of what we are weighing when we step on the scale every morning (or a bizillion times during the day).

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkat

Catherine!!!! OOHHH what a good laugh I got out of your slipping a tofu dog to you DH!!! I hope you have a great bday! sorry you have to clean house before the party and more than likely afterward......

Anne Congrats on getting out of the 280's!!! can't wait for me to be saying that!!!

I'm so happy today was friday! We watched a movie with the kids today....then made some flower crafts with our kids.....and then had melt down city LOL so the easter board game we created didn't get played and two of our kids lost their goody bags because of poor behavior.....ohhh I sure hope next week is better!!!! LOL
I guess I just have to keep telling myself "I am burning calories running after an unruly student" LOL 30 mins of restling with a student to keep his shoes out of the washer or him from throwing another students shoes out the window or in the toilet!!! LOL (YES these are the kind of battles I deal with) wonder how many calories that burns LOL

well I guess this Easter for the first time in 23yrs we will not be having dinner at our house with our kids.....we are taking our ham & fixings to my Son's apartment since he has to work till 4pm and his fiance is off work........but they both have to be back for classes on Mon....we decided to take the stuff to them and cook it there. We will have 3 of our 4 kids with us ........it will be difficult on me without DS#2 but I did get our 3rd letter from him....he said he got our package however he wasn't able to eat anything we sent him.......bummer! we sent him almost $20 worth of candy & cookies for him to share with the guys......but oh well I guess the Drill's got some good treats! LOL

well I'm gonna start dinner DH isn't due home till 6 and he will want to eat immediately.....lol we are both starved by that time.....we are getting use to eating early!

Debbie: I'm saving you a place on the "under 280" bench! Congrats on -5!

heather: Great job doing WATP.

Val: Hugs to you on the belly ache

Battle: Happy Birthday! I hope you have a truly lovely day.

Catherine: Sounds like your birthday will be lots of fun. I just got some veggie corn dogs and I love them. They are so tasty and full of protein and not so much fat. I am going to buy some tofurkey dogs from costco I think. I like these corn dogs so much.

Well, I just bought 3 pairs of pants on sale. I bought 1 pair of size 24 jeans and went ahead and bought 2 pairs of size 22 dress pants. I can get them on and zipped but that is about all. lol.

Blessings all,
Annie

I am so glad today is over with. I ended up babysitting today even though I really felt bad. One mom couldnt get a back up sitter. Hubby really helped out today!!! He even hid eggs outside for the hunt. I feel guilty in a way. They are almost 2 and I got to see the thrill in their eyes as they went after the eggs. It even took them a while to realise they were full of candy. I hope they have the same precious expressions on sunday for their moms to enjoy!
ONe little one mom must not know im dieting she gave me a huge bag of candy. Hubby is eating on it now. I told him to save me one hersey kiss(25 calories).
My chest is really sore from all the coughing....cant wait to get over this mess!!
Its going to be a kinda sad Easter weekend here. Son and daughter have decided to stay away becasue they dont want to get sick. Youngest daughter has to work all day long. SO it will just be me and hubby for lunch. I usually make ham and all the fixings. Guess i can do something else this year.
I did get the Easter Basket made for the baby-to-be. I filled eggs with baby socks and washclothes and nail clippers and a few rattles. I got an adorable curious george and put him in the middle. Im afraid its going to be a long time till oct.
Have a great EAster weekend everyone...happy bday to all having birthdays.
debi

Hi Peeps - hope everyone is enjoying their day. I've had a really nice day. I went to the dentist for my 6 month check up -knowing I've had a toothache for about a month. No cavities but an abcess that requires a trip to the endodontist. That really doesn't bother me as I've had quite a bit of dental work done. DH was also off today so we went shopping for birthday gifts for his 3 year old grandson. It was fun but I so know why kids have everything these days - we could have bought out the store. We came away with a Cars tent that comes with a sleeping bag, backpack and its own water bottle, a pair of Thomas the Train tennis shoes and a pair of summer sandals. Then we went to lunch where my evil SS joined us - that wasn't even as bad as usual. Later we went to a local pub and watched some basketball. It was great to be out - almost like a date in the daytime - LOL.

Sounds like we need to have a little birthday party around here too! Anybody need size 7 Thomas shoes?

Debbie - hope you are feeling better - please take care of yourself - rest and lots of fluids. HOORAY on the 5 lbs gone forever.

Debi - you too! Any better this evening?

Annie - glad you are home safe and sound. Sounds like you should have got a hotel. Does the headache go away when you leave the area where the heater is? New clothes - how exciting for you. So which job would you really like? Any word on the part time job with the fire department?

Bernice - enjoy your Easter dinner. It's not about the place but about family being together. You have made sure that can happen - you are one great mom.

Battle - rest and fluids please for you. Do you have a full social calendar for the weekend? I hope you can take some time for you to recoup. Hugs to you my friend. Happy birthday to you!!!

Johnnie - how are you today?

Val - great to see you! Don't ya just hate it when you body starts not liking things you love. Yay on day 4.

Catherine - how are tofu dogs? DH can't tell the difference between turkey dogs and his regular dogs so now its always turkey - as is the smoked sausage. Happy Birthday hugs to you!!!

Hiya RK - how goes it? Still feeling the strength? Bike riding this weekend?

Heatherdw - good for you on the blanket for the baby. Great job on the exercise. Are you in any of the flooding areas? We're dry here - for now.

Sandy - could you detour to Alabama via Missouri?

Susan - what a wonderful evening Nigel created for you. You looked smashing - very beautiful. That is a moment you will savor for a lifetime - he's gonna have a hard time topping that one.

Hope everyone has a great evening. Don't forget - move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

Heather -- rock on with the baby blanket! I've been contemplating starting a sweater for myself in a size smaller than I am now -- with the hope that by the time I finish it (ha ha ha ha ha) I'll fit it and that will give me a constant, daily reminder of what I'm trying to achieve!

Don't know if you're all tired of my updates, but today I was able to walk (back and forth on the path) for about 30 minutes today -- woo hoo!

DMPLS - thanks a bunch for the recipes! Actually my brother is the middle school band director for East Hardin Middle School and the asst. at Central High School. And my sister-in-law teaches english at Larue Middle. It sure is a small world! I will let you know how the dishes turn out. My mother-in-law is dating a mexican but he is tall and a bean pole so he doesn't have to worry about cooking low-fat and it's hard for him to teach me how to cook the dishes too! lol but he cooks GOOD! Thanks again!

Debi- it's First Free Will Baptist Church out on West 5th Street Rd down from Jack C Fisher Park. She is very welcome! just let me know if she decides to come and i'll watch for her and make her feel welcome!

Heather- I don't think the FitDay calories are right on the workouts. b/c the treadmil says a lot more calories then that, plus it's figuring too from your weight and age on the treadmil. so i haven't been looking at that just knowing that i've done it is a lot! PLUS when you weight train, you are burning while you are doing it and then you continue to burn afterwards. You will have a baby someday, when it's God's timing for you :D

DMPLS - you taking Easter dinner sounds like something my parents would do, they live in Paducah, I'm in Owensboro, and my brother is in Cecilia, we are all spread out. They bought an RV a couple of years ago and put most of the miles on it driving the WKY Parkway. lol

Thank you for all of the prayers. Uncle Bill made it through the surgery alright and DH went to visit him around 5 this evening and he said his chest hurt... really??? lol he's something else. i wish you all could know him!

here's another request, last night one of my co-workers witnessed a REAL bad wreck. a speeding truck hit a h.s. kid on a moped. while at the hospital today DH ran into an old neighbor of his. turns out that this man was the boys father. he said that he isn't doing real well. Please pray for him as he is recovering from a terrible wreck.

Well it's movie night with the DH. i'm really enjoying you all! thanks for the warm welcomes :D

:cb: Lauren :cb:

It's almost tomorrow.. so Happy Bday Battle!!!

Luv,
Ratkity

Now who was the third one I missed?

ggirls: Luckily, the flooding is to the south of us but it is crazy down there.

thewalrus: This is what I am working on now:
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/baby.html
By the time I finish all of that, maybe we'll know if it's a boy or a girl and I can make some more stuff!

rosebud: I'm so glad that your uncle is doing alright. That story about the H.S kid is terrible. I'll be praying that he makes it through this.

Val!!! You silly woman.. just thinking of that firey stuff makes my tummy hurt (in my old age...hehe). In my younger years, I'd never think twice about eating that stuff. *sigh*

Hugs!
RK

Hope you have a great birthday Battle
:bday2you:

Pretty! I have a baby blanket to work on, too, but I bought the pattern because I thought it was pretty...and then looked at what you have to do. Yikes. I'll be hitting the yarn store tomorrow for advice on the two sweaters I'm stuck on -- but I'm up to 4 sweater backs done (4 fronts and 8 sleeves to go!).

It's beautiful here today -- can't wait to get out and move around a little :) Hope you all have good weather and feel great!

:bday2you: Everyone Celebrating a birthday!

debimitch: :getwell:

Carol: :cofdate: I love that you and hubby had some time together. The headache went almost immediately away once I got out of that house. Yesterday when I was unpacking my over night bag I happend to smell the shirt that I had brought with me to wear the next day at my sister's house and it smelled like diesel so bad I just put it in the washer. The job at the fire dept, I haven't heard from them yet but that is kind of how they do things here, lol. They gather the million of apps for a month or so then choose about 10 or 20 to interview then narrow that down. It is such a process. I do have 4 interviews this week with 4 different companies. 1 of them is a 2nd interview with Silverwood Theme park. The job I really want and I quit early for is not supposed to start until about the middle or towards the end of April. I wish the lady had told me that before she told me to give notice! Oh well, I feel so much lighter and freer being gone from my last employment.

Walrus: :cheer: Great job doing all that walking. I am not tired of hearing it or cheering you on. I remember when I first was able to do some moving around after being so out of shape, I talked non-stop about it. Be proud of yourself!

Lauren: I will be praying for your neighbor's son. Glad :D Uncle Bill is doing well.

Well, I don't know what the day holds today. I went to bed before 9 last night because I was so tired and today I am brigh eyed and bushy tailed at 6 a.m. lol. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter :easter2:if I don't talk to you again until after.

Blessings,
Annie

Thank you for your birthday wishes! I received a very nice birthday gift this morning. I'm back down to ticker weight. That makes up for the fact that I also received TOM today, who is here early, and that I was up at 5:45 am even though I planned to sleep in until 9. lol

Yesterday, when I came home, there were flowers waiting for me in the lobby, sent by a friend in another state I have had since college.

Today, some friends are taking me out to brunch for my birthday. The restaurant menu is online, and I've already planned my meal. After brunch, I'm spending the afternoon/evening with a friend, and we will decide what to do as we go along. No set plans, but I'm sure it will involve more restaurant eating.

Today is a day to be happy and grateful for all my blessings, and there are many of them. A biggie is that I'm celebrating my 47th birthday 73 lbs (or more) thinner than my 46th birthday.

You here at 3fc are another one of the blessings in my life.

Battle - enjoy your day. You deserve it. To think you are 73 lbs lighter - what an accomplishment. Happy Day to you.

I will echo what Battle said - everyone here is such a blessing - you all are what has made the difference to me in the weight loss journey this time. When I've felt like throwing in the towel all I need to do is read the success stories, or what each of you is doing to jump your current hurdle. Thank you so much.

Move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

Carol & Lauren thanks for the nice comments on our Easter plans!

I can remember my mom packing up our Easter dinner one time cuz my brother (then married and having problems) who lived across town didn't want to come to dinner cuz his wife was causing friction within the family....My mom packed everything and DRAGGED my father along with and we surprised my brother & his WIFE LOL still remember the look of shock my sis-in-law had on her face when we showed up. My mom could make her worst enemy feel kindness and never blink an eye! She taught me to roll with the punches of life.....boy I'm missing her today! Dad's bday is tomorrow (he passed in 05 with Mom passing in 00) wish I lived near the graveside to take him flowers and mom some for tomorrow! I need to plan ahead next year maybe I can get my sis to do it for me....or just have them delivered to the Graveside....

Well DS's fiance just called, Dh wants to drive down there tonight after she gets off work so we can spend some time with them. She called because she wanted to know what she can serve us for breakfast & lunch.....she didn't want to feed us something that we couldn't eat on our diets.....so I told her I would bring something to make for breakfast and for lunch we could eat sandwiches (i can plug in the calories) She said well ok what kind of sandwiches? hehehhe she is so sweet! I told her just grab some turkey ham or chicken breast slices and that is fine LOL she was so worried. I think I will make a pudding pie (sugar free of course) this way we can have dessert for Easter dinner!


I have a question for anyone who can answer it LOL
I tried to post it on the announcement forum where the FAQ is but I can't post a new topic there for some reason.
When you guys are on 3FC for awhile to you get bumped as well? And (this is actually my question) when you do get bumped and relogin does it always bump you back to the main page? or when you login does it keep you on the actual forum you were on. I really dislike this happening and was wondering why it did that. Other forums with the same script 3FC uses, that I go to, do not do this. I was just curious. Since I log in usually first thing in the morning and I'm usually rushing the few mins it takes to re login and then find the forum topic that I was on is very aggrevating.

Hope all those that are having bdays enjoy their days!

Everyone else have a BLESSED Easter!

Im feeling a little more alive today.I went to bed before 9 last night and didnt get up till 9 this morning. I am washing my sheets...trying to degerm my house. Im staying in my robe today.
Battle_ Have a wonderful day!!! That is so awesome that You weigh so much less than last year...plus you really look young. I had guessed you alot younger!! I am 44.
dmpls- have an awesome easter. Enjoy your kids...
rosebud - I will tell daughter about your church what time does worship start on sunday?
walrus_ i dont knit but i do crochet and i have thought about doing a blanket for grandbaby . I just dont know if my daughter inlaw would apperciate it. I would hate to spend all that time making one and then her not use it.

catherine_ hope you are having a great bday weekend>

I also thank GOd for each and everyone of you!! I know it is making my weigh loss alot more fun .
Happy EAster weekend.
debi

First off...HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of the Birthday babes!!! I hope you all have/had/will have wonderful days and wonderful years.

Second...Happy Easter to those who celebrate.

I haven't had much to say lately but I've been reading right along...sorry if I don't make too many personal comments. I am just trying to rest up for this week and now it seems like my cold is coming back.

I spent yesterday doing what I wanted to do..which meant not a speck of work. I was in need of a true day off and I finally got it. I got a haircut...which I am adoring...well I adored it yesterday when she styled it for me and we'll see what I still adore after I shower today and fix it myself. Pictures soon I hope. Then I popped over to a restaurant next to the salon (Salon..who am I kidding? I go to Supercuts) and grabbed lunch. I like their BBQ chicken sandwich..but not the big white bun..so I brought a 1 point tortilla with me, asked for double salad as my sides and had a delicious BBQ chicken wrap.

Then I had to grab some stuff at radio Shack and there was a TJ Maxx next door with a big sign that said "Dress Week" and I am a sucker for a new dress so I went in. I have been looking for a gren dress...and I tried on a cute black and green one..but I didn't adore it and it was $50 so I said no. Then I got ticked off when I tried on the same top in 1X, 2X and 3X and found that not a since one fit me. The 1X was ridiculously small everywhere. The 2X fit...but the arms were about the size of a piece of macaroni and the 3X was a tent...so no dice on the shirt.

The treat was finding 2 dresses that I did love for $30 each. One is a really cute long navy dress with white polka dots. I got it on over my head and marveled at the fact there was no zipper...then I found the side zipper and marvelled at that fact that I didn't have to unzip it. It was a 20...and I am fine with that. It fit great everywhere...except it is a little big in the top. I might be a 20 from the ribs down...but I'm not quite a 20 on top...and I'm not small-busted either...but I am used to this. I'll get a lot of wear out of the dress and it was cut nicely and made my waist lok small.

The big find was an adirable cocktail dress that I can wear to the synagogue gala in June. I still have the dress I wore to the last one...but it needs the zipper replaced (because I busted it at a wedding...grrrr). But this one is precious. Silver top with ruching across the bust and a floaty black bottom. It's about knee length and with some pretty black heels it will look wonderful. It will have to be taken in at the top...certainly the straps...but I can get that done easily enough...and it beats paying $100+ for a dress elsewhere. YAY!

So tonight I'm cooking dinner...and we're talking strategy for tomorrow....

Yes...it's going own. FIL called DH to inform him that MIL is ready to talk and when could it happen. So I told DH to stick to his guns...and it's happening at their house at 11:30 tomorrow and if they try to get us to go out for lunch to talk we are refusing. I want this mess to happen at their house so that if she gets obnoxious again we can leave. In a public place she won't be herself so we want everything out in the open already.

Then we have to go to a going away party for a friend from work and them I am off to work for dress rehearsal and costume fitting for our big show...which opens on Thursday night. This week always wears me out but I am taking some much deserved vacation time (which they are actually lettting me take as sick days because it truly is an issue of both mental and physical health) in the beginning of April. I have joked that I am enrolling in witness protection for the week.

Battle...you are so smart!!! To read the menu before you go for your birthday brunch!!! I try to do that when I go somewhere new so that I know what my options are. One of the reasons we tend to go to the same places is we know what we like and what works for us. My WW leader always tells us to read the menu ahead of time if we can, to not look at the menu at the restaurant and to order first...so we aren't tempted by what sounds good when other people order it.

Wishing you all happy days & sunnky skies...

~Julee

Happy Birthday Battle!!!

BTW...love my new pic Bernice!!!

Will check in later!

My mother called today to tell me that my sister, her hubby and my niece may not be coming to easter dinner because he was in the ER yesterday. He has a kidney stone. They think he should pass it today sometime but he's on vicodin. It wasn't helping, so we was going to go to his parent's place tonight to soak in a hot tub. If he passes it and feels better, they will come tomorrow.

She also told me that she was talking to a neighbor friend of hers. She had commented that she saw me recently, from a distance and said that I had really "lost the weight". I've only lost 12 pounds though? LOL. It's a compliment and I'll TAKE IT.

I've been thinking that maybe I need to do something to make this weight loss faster. Especially if we go on that vacation in October.

**edit**
after knitting for a bit, I decided to do a mile WATP. I did the 2 mile the other day and this is supposed to be my "off day" but I went for it anyways! Yay! 1 more mile than I planned plus 92 oz of water. It's a good day!

Happy Easter to all who are celebrating!

I'm here in a small town in Ontario celebrating Easter with my fiance's parents/family. It's funny because EVERYtime I come here I always seem to spill the beans that I'm on a diet. Well, this time I decided I'm not telling ANYONE (except a few of my best friends ). I seem to always fail when people know. I think it's the high expectations~then I feel I can't do it so I quit. Also, it's people harassing me~how many points is that, are you sure you can eat that, how much weight did you lose...nag, nag, nag. I know they mean well and love me. But tooo much is too much.
I was very proud of myself. On the car ride here (5 hrs). I packed a very healthy snacks...fruit, kashi cereal and yogurt. Although today was iffy I still did pretty good (only went over by 7 points), considering we had easter dinner! For luch I had Subway (no mayo!!!! and tons of veggies) instead of McD's!!! Tomorrow I start out fresh with 35 flex points.
This is a border town, so I went across into the USA and thanks to one of the posts (can't remember was board it was one), but I found the La Tortillia brand tortillia wraps. 80 calories and 14g of fiber for the big ones! That's only 1 poinT!!! WOW!! (someone suggested to put 1 tbsp Peanut butter warm it in the micro and then put a banana in it and wrap it up~I can't wait to try it). I also bought single serve WW cream cheese packets. I think you get 8 in a pkg but heck it's the whole convience thing, I love it!. I'm going across tomorrow as well. I love going to the U.S. It's like a treasure hunt for low point food! But tomorrow afternoon it's back home to Winnipeg.
I'll have to weigh in Moday morning (his mom's scale only gos up to 300 lbs~sheesh)

Betty:

The La Tortilla Factory tortillas (the low carb low fat ones) are amazing. I like to take the packages of WW shredded cheddar and make a "quesadilla" in the toaster oven with them in the morning. They also have a new type made with rye that are even bigger than the other ones and are also 1 point. The WW cream cheese in the mini tubs are to die for. Tonight I made dinner and decided to experiment with twice-baked sweet potatoes. DH and I each had 1/2 of a big potato. I microwaved it, then scopped it out and mixed it with 1 mini tub of the cream cheese (1 pt) and some pumpkin pie spice and then sprinkled some brown sugar twin on the top and finished them in the oven. It was a really nice change from the usual and they were so creamy and decadent...but only 2 points per half a potato.

I am trying an experiment this week sicne I will be at work most every night until at least 10 pm...I am doing what is sort of the Jenny Craig version of WW....a regular breakfast and then a Smart Ones or a Lean Cuisne for lunch and dinner with snacks in between like carrots and 1-2 point things. I just don't have the time or energy to actually put stuff together...but this way I'll know that I am still OP because both brands list WW points on the boxes. I'll also save myself from running out and having to buy lunch and/or dinner every day.

I still have 11 points left...so we're going out for FroYo tonight!!! YAY!

:easter2:

Hi everyone!

We're on our relaxing weekend away -- so far, so nice! Our room is at the opposite end of the hallway from the elevator (as in, it's literally next to the stairwell), and I walked the whole thing three times yesterday -- in, out to dinner, and back from dinner -- and I'm still able to put weight on the leg today!!! Yay :) I'm even starting to hobble around without crutches. It gives me hope! I won't talk about the food because it was fantastic and worth every calorie and also because I made reasonably healthy choices but just have to learn to eat less of everything, even when it tastes fabulous. I did have a bean dish that I'd love to share here because it sounded easy but was, in a meal of yum, one of my favorite dishes: Borlotti bean schiacciata with rosemary and garlic. It was basically what it says -- beans cooked with rosemary and garlic and a little olive oil and salt. Very simple, but man, was it GOOD!!!

Debimitch: I know I don't know anything at all about your family, and I know it's hard to make something that's not appreciated, but I've started trying (not always succeeding, but trying) to think of my knitting projects as things I do for ME and then give away. My husband, of course, still has to tell me that everything I make for him is beyond fabulous -- I think that part was in the wedding vows :D

Happy Easter, everyone -- and here's to new beginnings for all of us!

My hubby is the same way Walrus. He is always so excited about anything i make. I think I might look at moms patterns this next weekend. SHE has so many patterns for crochetting.
My son called me last night and was thrilled with the EASTER BASKET i made for the baby. He also loved the fact that it had something in it for him and his wife.HE loves cadbury eggs so I put some in it for him.
Im not making it to church today...cant stop coughing. I am feeling alot better. I think I will clean on the house and put away my easter bunnies. Also found alot of snowmen dish towels i had left out.
Guess I will go for the clean not cluttered look now.
Im so looking forward to next weekend.MY youngest brother is getting married. Its is going to be so much fun. All 3 of my kids will be home for the wedding. I am going to save up a few calories becasue we are all making finger foods to have for the reception. I think I will look up some healthy recipes this week so I can have something that wont kill my diet.
Have a wonderful day everyone!!
debi