Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm taking the day off and headed to the spa this morning for a massage and facial. Glorious!

Good Morning Ladies!

I'm back to the 21st century after a week in the middle-ages. Mississippi was quite nice, warm but not too hot, although it got darn nippy at night! I took a pottery class, got a sunburn, cooked over an open fire and drank my first mint julip. All in all, a wonderful, relaxing time but I'm glad to be back in my own bed.

I'm not weighing until Friday when I've had a few days of actual water-drinking and better food choices to see what damage I did. I ate very poorly, but then again, I walked like crazy, so maybe it won't be too bad.

Work piled up while I was gone, so I better get to it.

Later!

Good afternoon all, and happy St. Patrick's Day!

Heather - that sounds like a good way to spend the morning. I'm sure you had a good time.

Lilion - welcome back to the 21st century. Have we improved any? Hang on, mint juleps? Those don't sound very medieval! I used to think that they sounded so refined... you know, the ladies sitting on the porch drinking mint juleps. I mean really, with the exception of a little mint and (sometimes) sugar, it's just bourbon, and lots of it. Those lovely southern ladies must have been tipsy. Anyway, it sounds like you had a good time, and that's the most important thing.

Good morning ladies, How is it going?

We had a really rough weekend weather wise. I spent the day glued to th tv all day Sat. My children all live in the Atlanta area, except for my son who was also in the path of the storms. Talk about something that will make you age! The hail and rain got to us after 10 that night. I hate night time storms! I don't like them at any time but night time is worse.

Lilion, glad to see you back! Sounds as if you enjoyed yourself, and that is good.

Heather, oooh, I want to go to the spa! We should all pamper ourselves once in awhile.

Anne, what's up? Wish I had your dedication to exercise.

Hi Val and Bearcub. And a big hello to anyone else I missed.

Take care, Ta for now....Ruth

Anne, the mint juleps were a bit of a joke. You see, for a number of reasons, my group is the only one (of the 19 Kingdoms in the SCA) that doesn't do "fencing". And as it turns out there is a large fencing battle right behind the area we camp in. So it has become a tradition for our group to take up prime viewing area and basically make fun of the fencers. This year we had gumbo and mint juleps on the "veranda", and a single member of our group had actually traveled to a neighboring Kingdom to be authorized to fence. So we had "an army of one" on the field. (Until another of our group decided to streak the battlefield – but that's another story.)

Hard to explain, but it was all in good fun. And you are right. I had no idea what was in a mint julep until I took a drink. On top of the Benadryl I was taking, it was time for a nap soon after!

Good afternoon all,

Somehow I thought it was still morning but the clock tells me I'm wrong. We're back to gray days with a little rain today. It could be worse, as I think it was to be freezing rain.

Ruth - I agree with you, for some reasons night time storms seem the worst. Although every now and then we'll get those daytime storms where it's almost dark. Those aren't fun at all. Strangely I remember driving around Atlanta many years ago in a torrential storm. You know it's bad when the trucks are pulling off the road to wait it out, so we did too.

Lilion - I love gumbo. We brought back a cookbook many years ago from a restaurant in New Orleans (Court of the Two Sisters) and they have the best gumbo recipe. I still have some of it in the freezer, although I'm not taking it too often. I'd made it before I went back to calorie counting. I estimated the calories but since I rarely follow recipes exactly I know I might be out. When it's done though I will definitely be making more.

I'm doing pretty good, although I may be a little absent over the next three weeks. I have to take a math test for my college course. It won't affect my admission, but it might mean I have to take a prep course. I found a site online which might help jog my memory a little. I've decided I'll study for the test and see how it goes.

Oh, and Ruth, I really kind of like the exercising. I think that's why I can keep it up so well. I may procrastinate some days before doing it, but I'm always happy I did. Walking on the treadmill makes me feel good, with a nice sweat. I've discovered I really enjoy the strength training. I'm still very much a beginner, but lifting a 25-pound barbell wasn't hard (this tells me I need to add more weight, but I'm going slowly). I'm beginning to understand those jokes about being 'pumped up'. Even when I'm sweating bullets and finishing up with a walk I feel, ummm, powerful. It's kind of funny, but in a good way I think. And I'm really looking forward to us opening the pool this year so I can do some laps and perhaps a good amount of treading water and such.

In an odd way, being unemployed and feeling very bad about it turned into something really good. I'll end up with the education that I wanted to start taking years ago, but wouldn't quit a job to do. It also gives me the time to get back into the weight loss mode. So it ended up being a good thing. Plus I had the trip of a lifetime (sailed around the world on a freighter) last winter. So things are good.

Now, must study math!

Hi ladies,

I've eaten at the Court of Two Sisters. I was a junion in high school and on a honor society trip. High school students running rampant on Bourbon street at all hours of the night. Much different times than now. I can't remember what we ate but I'm sure it seemed exotic to us country kids.

I've been doing pretty good with my workouts. I do much better when I go to the fitness center. I'm up to 50 minutes of cardio when I'm there. I can't seem to get into it at home though. I need a couple more exercise times per week to make more of a difference. Our insurance company is requesting information so the lap-bands are being considered.

I've also been doing taxes for my brother and nephew. It just seemed stupid for them to be paying an accountant to use turbo tax when I buy it for our taxes anyway. Not like his are hard or anything. This way I also know that he's bothered to do his taxes and not do something stupid.

Its also time to get busy with the studying. I got my exam application ready to go in the mail which will happen this week. I'm planning on sitting for the first part in August so better quit procrastinating. Which is why I have been on the computer a lot less this week.

Anyone watching any of the reality shows? I'm finding it very annoying that they are stretching what used to be one hour shows into two hour shows. I'm also cutting back on TV that I watch. I will say that I'm watching American Idol because there is a Missouri guy on there that is from the same town where we used to live. I didn't know him but its cool that he's from the same area. Hate his hair though. Like that matters.

The dogs are all doing pretty good. We're getting Zeke house trained. He's never been in a house before and doesn't have a clue on how to behave. But with my trusty water bottle, he's learning. He's also loving it and resists going outside as much as possible. We had a very large concrete pad poured back by the garden area. We have a 12x24 six foot kennel to set up on the pad. We've also got dog houses on order. Except for Danni and Zeke, they are wanting to be outside more and more. Great because that's where they are headed on a more regulaer basis. They won't be permanently banished to the outside but I need reclaim my house.

Work has been work. I did find out for sure that my new boss will no longer be my boss and I will have to report to someone in Omaha. I don't know how its going to play out. Either he's out and I report to Omaha with more responsibility or maybe I'm out too. I don't know but maybe I'm ready for that. That bit of news really rocked me last week. Not that it scared me but more that I am highly disappointed. I had finally gotten to a point where I was really enjoying work and working for the new boss. It had been years since I could say that I really enjoyed my job. That lasted all of three months. Whatever will be, will be. If I could spell it the way Doris Day sang it; I would!

Lilion - Glad you had such a great time. You really needed that after all the work crap you've had for so long. I might have to check into the mint juleps for sleep aids.

Ruth - I love thunderstorms but not the tornadoes. I take it that everyone made it okay with no damage from the storms?

Heather - Spa day sounds wonderful. Are you on semester break?

Anne - If I had to take a math test, I'd be in serious trouble. Good luck on your refresher and the test.

I better get some studying done. to all!

Terri -- Yes, I'm on "break". Which means I still have to work to prep my courses and get caught up in other ways, but don't have to work as hard!

Anne -- I really enjoy weight lifting. It's been great to watch my improvement since I started!!

I've been busy away from the computer-- doing some shopping even. It's been nice!

Greetings all!

Just a short pop-in. Work is really busy - amazing how that happens when you go away for a week - so I haven't got a lot of internet time.

Terri, good to see one of your long, newsy posts! Sounds like things are going pretty well, job/boss situation notwithstanding. I always figure that one is a perk if it's good anymore. Funny how I used to take the good feeling at work as a gimme. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you just the same! You know, Zeke in the house reminded me of my FIL telling me about Mac. I'd warned them that those pups of mine don't signal the need to go potty well. FIL said Mac walked up to him and looked at him and he said "what's up pup?" At which time Mac walked around a bit, then went back to him. After about three times, he turned around and just did his business right in front of my FIL. I was mortified when he told me, but he laughed and said, "Well, to be fair to the dog, he was trying to tell me, I just wasn't getting the message."

Anne (and Terri) I wanted to go to the Court of Two Sisters last time I was in New Orleans. I wanted to go for Sunday brunch. I just think that would be so cool - the jazz brunch they serve. But at $20+ per person, we decided to do something else. Darn my natural cheapskatedness!

The scale is looking BAD ladies. How anyone could put on like 8 lbs in one week is beyond me - but apparently I managed. It's more annoying than concerning at this point. It puts me at like 20 lbs regained since last fall. NOT good. Not to mention that my new clothes don't fit. Thank God that it's nearly spring and I will be able to start my 1/2 mile walks to work. DH also isn't getting any exercise - so the plan is to start walking the dogs a mile or two after I get home from work too. Together with the elliptical and watching what I eat, I'll hopefully be back into my summer clothes before summer is over!

Brief check in before crashing. Seems I'm always tired these days.

LILION, sounds like your vacation was great. Too bad the scale is so jealous of your getaway that it's being hostile. Take revenge: have a salad. That'll teach it!!

HEATHER, sounds like you're having a good time on break. I've never had a facial, but it sounds devine.

RUTH, I hope all the storms have bypassed you and yours. I just can't BELIEVE the weather this year. We've had more winter than the last 15 years combined - and that's just in the last month!

I've been OP for 3 whole days now, which is bordering on a miracle at this point. The scale is already responding. I just hope I can stay with it. I feel really focused, like success was inevitable, but then I always do... right up until a cheat becomes a binge becomes longer term disaster. But for now, one day at a time, I'm hanging in there.

There's been a useless girl sharing my office for the last month, but she was FINALLY canned this week and replaced with a mature, intelligent go-getter type. What a relief.

Rode Gabe on another little outdoor ride last Saturday. As we returned we were met by 3 arabians racing up to the fence, snorting and bucking. I was briefly worried that he might join in - that sort of behavior is VERY contagious in horses. But he came around amazingly well. It all worked out.

Ladies, I can't finish. I'm wiped out. I hope you're all doing well, in all aspects of your lives, as well as with this weight thing. I'll keep trying to post more. You gals help keep my head in the right place. I miss you when I'm gone.

I wonder what ever happened to Barb in Dallas?

Good morning ladies, I hope you are having a good Friday on this Good Friday.

I have got a good case of allergy from all of the pollen. The whole nine yards, sneezing, coughing and snotting! LOL! Yeah, and the chunky stuff we all love to spit up. Now that I have grossed you out I will shut up on that subject.

The last line of storms didn't do us any damage in this part of Ga. anyway. I know everyone in Atlanta was fearing the worst after last Sat. What a mess!

The scale is still sitting at the same weight! GRRR! I am doing all I can think of to get it to move, but so far, nothing works.

Val, I am glad you got inspired again. Believe me I know how hard that is and how easy it is to get off track and lose sight of what we are trying to accomplish. Anybody that thinks losing weight is easy is nuts! Even my DH will say that you just need to push away from the table. He doesn't say that directly to me, he makes it about someone else that is overweight. Makes me want to clobber him with something...like the cake he is sitting there eating!

Lilion, ME, ME, I have told you that I can put on ten lbs. in one weekend and I am not kidding! That eight lbs will be gone before you know it. Maybe a lot of it is water? Well, at least you enjoyed your vacation from work.

To all of you other ladies, Hi! I have to run for now. Take care, Ruth

Good Morning Ladies!

Well the "official" WI was as expected. I'm not changing my weight on my signiture until the end of the month though. That's my new "thing", so I have a week to try to get some of that extra back off. I'm working on it.

Valerie, good for you - OP for three days is great! And I'm glad that you got a good office mate now. Hope that works out.

Ruth, I think your description of your allergies may have bordered on TMI for the morning! I found out I may well be allergic to Mississippi while I was gone. I know I have an allergy to something. Without a daily dose of Zyrtec I itch uncontrollably. I was on Allegra for a whie and it stopped working and they switched me. Still, in MS it wasn't enough. It must be pollen, because I was taking Benedryl on top of the Zyrtec and still itched like crazy. Luckily, coming back to MO stopped it after a day or so. I just hope when our pollen hits here the meds are enough. I can't function on Benedryl.

I have three things to accomplish this weekend. First, I have lunch with a friend on Saturday, then I have to go to Columbia to get the pottery I made on vacation fired. (I missed the kiln firing in MS.) I'd LOVE to take a real wheel-throwing pottery class and get good at it. It's something I've found I enjoy SO much, but there's just no where around here that gives classes. But at least I found a "paint-your-own" pottery place that has a kiln I can use for the one bowl I made. Then I plan on buying several big bags of garden soil and filling up my garden spot and planting my peas, lettuce and spinach. Hopefully I will get something to grow and survive the squirrels this year. Sunday I'll probably end up at the office.

Got to run. Time for the alligators to be unleashed!

Morning ladies,

Yay for Friday!

The farrier came out last night. Its been so long since he'd been able to work on them because of the weather. I left work early and it was a great afternoon. All three horses behaved pretty darn well. Usually someone acts like a big horse's a$$. Not this time. Maybe they are growing up! It was wonderful to mess with them. I especially loved being nose to nose and just smelling them.

After that, I passed on laying down on the couch, which did cross my mind. I went to the fitness center for a workout. I did 32 minutes on the treadmill; 5 on the elliptical; and 15 on the bike. I think I'm finding out that I'm not a fast walker so I ran the incline up as high as it would go. I did work my way up to the highest level. But that stride felt more natural - killer but more natural. So I'm wondering if I should alternate between fast walking (+3mph) at low incline one session and maybe slower (3 mph) at higher incline on the next workout? Or just choose whichever feels best?

I was a little annoyed because there was a teenager there with her parents last night who monopolized the ab machine. I wanted to tell her that if she is that worried about the belly that she has that she needed to get to humping on the treadmill or elliptical instead of trying to do 500 reps on the ab machine which she was doing in poor form. What I found most annoying is that she jumped on it as I was working my way down the row of machines. I didn't get to use it at all because she was jacking around on it for more than 20 minutes. Clueless about gym ettiquette. But her parents were there so I didn't feel like getting in a redneck tussle at the fitness center. (No one can get offended by that and trash me because I grew up in that redneck area so I'm allowed to call my kind that!)

We have lots of outdoor projects planned for the weekend. One is get the dog kennel put together and a roof put on it. Another is to get the fence back up to block the horses off part of the pasture. Time to reseed and let the grass grow. Then there is the normal housework, paperwork and laundry chores. I need to get things on Ebay because I want to buy new tack that matches my saddle. And of course, there must be cardio done this weekend. Gotta change the lazy weekend mode. Oh yeah and I really need to try to ride a horse this weekend. They are both going to the farrier for a couple of weeks this spring for tune-ups and for him to take them trail riding. The trainer last year didn't have them long enough to really trail ride them much. This guy will. I'm okay with that. I got to ride them last year and I can do the other training stuff as long as I know they are okay on the trail. All the more reason to get off my lazy butt and keep changing our habits.

I've been doing pretty good about tracking my food and keeping my calories at 1500 per day or less. However, I'm only seeing small progress on the scale. I'm undecided on if I should just stick with this at this level or drop it down to 1400 per day. Thoughts?

Tulips that I planted last year are coming up. Yay! I love tulips. I planted other bulbs too so I need to check them out as well.

to all! I better get this posted and get busy.

RUTH - POLLEN? I don't think we'll ever have pollen up here in the Buckeye again. I'm so sick of storms - and there's another one coming in tonight for my drive up to Buffalo for the holiday with Dad & Sis. You cracked me up, wanting to hit your DH with his cake. Thanks for understanding. It just doesn't get easier, this losing weight, but it still needs to be done. We'll just keep on chuggin'.

LILION, My dad is SO in to pottery! He started with a small kiln in the basement, and fnally built a shed & bought a kiln that's taller than I am. When I said it was huge, he said "Oh, I just got the SMALL one." Yikes. Anything bigger and he could run a crematorium. Anyway, he goes to clinics all over the country to learn about glazes and stuff. He's even been to Japan 2 or 3 times, and spent time learning about their pottery and glazes. He was an educator before retiring, and he could lecture both your ears and at least one leg off if you showed any interest in the craft. I love that HE loves it so much. It's a pretty cool thing to be doing. I hope you find somewhere to learn it, but beware: I think it could become almost as expensive as horsing around. Maybe not quite.

TERRI, your FARRIER is going to ride your horses? Just making sure I understood you. It's great to have him put some miles and experience on your horses before taking off thru the woods yourself. Definately safer! And the SMELL of them? (Horses, not farriers) Yea- I totally understand. It's wonderful - as long as they aren't shedding too much. That would probably kill our friends with alergies.

Doing good here on day 4. Made some chili in the crock pot overnight. From the feel in my tummy, tho - it might not have been such a good idea to have some for breakfast, and again for lunch - lol! I'm not much of an egg or cereal eater, especially after those years on the road. Food's food, regardless of the clock, so yes I eat chili for breakfast. We used to joke that my favorite breakfast was a fish sandwich, but then again, I drove nights and ate breakfast at 10pm.

Sadly, I haven't been able to ride all week since DH's been home. Now I'm headed up to NY for the weekend, and then I have to ride in front of Ken (the trainer) on Monday. I wish I had a chance to get on before then. I can't believe how much I'm missing riding now that Gabe and I are starting to 'click' so well. I'm really craving barn time, so I certainly understand how TERRI is feeling about the weather breaking so she can get out there.

It just HAS to be time to start thinking about planting veg gardens! - even if we don't all live where the pollen is growing. My daffodils have been struggling for a couple weeks now, although the crocuses are still no where to be seen.

Back to work...