Penny - how nice of your daughter - I've had a couple people tell me that - I guess I should watch to find out.

carol_ are you going to send the storms east to me?? I dont want more rain.I got so spoiled after just being outside on monday.I felt so fresh and alive that evening. Be careful on your trip.

Penny_ hugs to you for dealing with teens, tough love is hard but at times they need it.

Julees congrad on the money and follow your heart with what to do with it. Paying off credit cards is smart. I agree about the gambling part also. Hubby loves to gamble and I hate it. I work to hard to throw money away!!!
You can have alot of fun in Vegas without gambling.

anne_I had to give a lesson in sharing today. It was no fun for anyone. Being 2 is so hard!! I dont really blame you for not wanting to share your treadmill. I dont like sharing my computer with my youngest because it always seems to act up after she has been on it.

dmpls- did you get your clothes gone thru?? Find anything exciting? I pulled a pair of capris out of my summer clothes bag ( that is still sitting in my bedroom floor) and found 14 dollars. I was happy.lol

Talked to my sister who lives away from here tonight. She didnt know that I have been dieting and she was so happy to hear about my loss...then i got the lecture about keeping it off this time around. She was such great support before when i was loosing and then kinda upset with me for gaining it back(90 lbs). I told her this time im eating real food 4 or 5 times a day. She is a big ww person and has stayed slim by doing it. She wants pictures as I loose. Made me feel special just talking with her!! I hate that we live 7 hours apart.
well im going to go and watch some tv and try to get motivated to work on my bedroom piles
debi

Julee - congrats on the $$$! I agree pay credit cards off then cut them up! maybe vehicle, then you HAVE to get something for you! YOU deserve it.

Debimitch - I know how tough it is being away from sister. I live a couple hours away and sometimes it seems farther. Keep your chin up! I love it when I find $ in clothes. What are you going to do with your $14?

Catherine: I did buy some undies from Lane Bryant cause the kind I get there are so darn comfy. They are microfiber ones and they feel great. They were also on sale and I had 50% off coupons on top of the sale. I am so amazed when I get things to try on in a size 22 and they fit like a charm. I still don't see myself as any smaller. I mean I do in pictures but daily I just think I'm still the same old size and it amazes me to fit into smaller clothes than 5X's. I have never even been into a Victoria's Secret store and as a matter of fact whenever I see one at the mall in the past I have actually crossed the mall to not walk in front of it. I realized this yesterday when I was at the mall and saw Victoria's Secret and almost crossed the mall. I made myself not only walk past but I took a good looooong look inside. I guess I always thought that nothing in there would fit me and I have no business even looking. I don't know. There was some real fear there. Hopefully next time I go to the mall I will make myself go into the store and look around. I'm so proud of you Catherine for going to the counselor and trying to get past PTSD or at least get through some of it. Huge Hugs to you.

Carol: I would love to see more on your trainer. What an inspiration. I was thinking about approaching the pool manager at the pool that I love to swim at and ask her if she would ever be willing to let me teach a class or two of water fitness. I would love to do that and hopefully inspire someone else just like me last year that didn't think it would ever be possible to feel better about themselves. Have a safe trip!!

Walrus: Now my friend, the sky is the limit on exercising without your cast, within reason I'm sure. Have a blast and enjoy your movement. Remember, if the scale does say that you have gained, it is okay. It is just a number that you are starting back at.

Debbie: Sorry that your water heater is acting up. That stinks. It makes me smile so big that Sadie is happy again! Hugs and cheers for Sadie and her mom! I think sometime this summer I will plan a trip over to meet you. I have never been west in Washington much past Spokane or the turn off on the road South when I am driving to Boise through there. I am really considering planning a summer weekend trip and maybe we can hang and have lunch or something. Provide gas doesn't break me that is lol. Hugs.

Anne: Wow, I didn't realize you could do so much more with the turkey fryer than.... well... fry. lol. You are so creative and talented. I'm glad that you are not having to job hunt right now while you are trying to do school. Good for you.

Bernice: I have to say, new clothes are kind of fun. I must have tried on 3 outfits before deciding on a pair of dress pants and a blouse for me job interview today. Most of the things I have in my closet are pretty new to me. Before I would try so hard to keep my clothes as long as possible because it was soooo difficult to get clothes in my size that I felt looked decent. I mean they really didn't look so great looking back but, I thought they did back then. Now, I can't be so attached to clothes and I feel so blessed that people are ahead of me on the weight loss so they are passing their clothes to me. We are having an exchange on this next Tuesday and I'm sure I will have plenty of clothes to give to others like they have given them to me. Great job on all the cleaning you have been doing by the way.

Brnadnewme: Hi sweetie. SO sorry things are not the best right now. Hugs and more hugs. come back when you can. I miss you.

Johnnie: I hope that your body starts feeling better very soon. Hugs.

Julia: Woohooo to you on -11.5 pounds. You are doing so awesome. Congrats hun.

Julee: I'm so proud of you for standing your ground and doing what ever you think is best with the money that you sung your little heart out for. Cheers to you! I think perhaps on the weight loss things maybe some people just truly don't know that they won't drop weight like melting butter. I mean, common sense says eat less, move more and you will loose. I know that until I was blessed with coming here and meeting all of you that is when I learned that you have to feed your body to get it to give up fat. Maybe they will learn as they go. As far as Queen Latifah. I too was so bummed about her cowing down I felt to the weight loss thing but then I though maybe she is just trying to get healthy. As we all know there are some not so fun things that can go along with obesity. I was on 2 different high blood pressure meds, meds for swelling, potassium etc. Maybe she got news like that and thought uh oh, I better do something. I can only hope that she didn't decide that Hollywood needs her to be slim and trim.

Penny: Hugs to you on your bad day and your job. I hope it isn't as bad as you are fearing.

I swam today for an hour and my arms are sooooo tired. I can tell I have been slacking off in that department. I love the water I'm just too darn lazy to get my butt there and do it. I had a 2nd job interview at the Dr.'s office and he was so nice but the pay is loooooooowww. When I got home there was a letter from the County saying they received my application and they will be calling me for an interview if they want to. lol. and there was a message on the phone from a company here in the town where I live that received my resume and they want me to come in and fill out an application and have a possible interview tomorrow.

I stopped by to see a friend that works where I used to work, the job with the mean boss, and the executive director there offered me a job. She said I could work part time any amount I want, full time anything just come back and tell her what I want to be paid. The mean boss came out and begged me to come back too. I need the money so bad but I just am ugh! I am torn. I am asking you dear friends if you pray to please pray that God will give me wisdom on this one. I was thinking about going in there and telling her what pay I wanted but also telling her I won't promise anything and if the other job does come up in the next week or 4 that I will take it. If they don't like that then I won't come help them out. They are really struggling. I also will make it clear that I don't want the mean boss to be emailing me negative things all the time. UGh! Please say a prayer for me that I will be smart and also that I will do what God's will is for me.

Well, off to drink some nice cold tea.

Blessings all,
Annie

Annie-My last trip to Victoria's Secret was in Florida before my first trip to Canada. A nun took me. It was beyond weird trying on expensive undies with a nun, and she was very naughty on top of everything else. I was horrified, and the shop clerk, when she found out she was a nun, knew she wasn't going to make a sale, so ignored us. That just meant the crazy nun didn't have any supervision. She said she did it because I hadn't had enough "hanging out with the girls" experiences. Now I know why.

Julee-I'm pretty sure I haven't been a size 6 since I was 6. I can't remember the last time I even weighed. I just take everything one day at a time, do the best I can, and try to be as healthy as possible. I did take some twisted pleasure in proving the doctors wrong. You see a fat women come in with any kind of chest/stomach pain, and all they can think about is heart attack. The cardiologist who had to be drug in at 2am to do the angiogram said that he had never seen such a strong heart ejection. I tried to tell them that if I was going to have a heart attack it would have been in the pool trying to outdo the instructors. You can rant all you want. I do.

Julee, I agree with the rest of the ladies. Definitely pay off the credit cards and get the car fixed. And have fun in Vegas if you go. The spa sounds like heaven.

Julia, 11.5?? That is just fan-damn-tastic!!! And the 8 inches is pretty wonderful too.

Carol, hope the storms aren't too bad. Just stay safe and take care.
You do look a little like the lady on TBL, I think her name is Kelly

Penny, boy the airlines are just cancelling every where left and right. I hope your son gets to his destination soon and safely.

Debi, I could imagine it's pretty hard not having your sister closer. I don't have a sister but I always wanted one. My brother and I aren't that close and he lives in San Diego and we only talk once in a great while. Just enjoy the talks and time that you do have with her when you can.

Annie, that would be so fun if you did make the trip west. We could definitely go out and do lunch and walk around. There is lots to do here or just go and sit by the water over in Anacortes which isn't that far. If gas does get too high, maybe we could meet at a half way point.
How did the meeting go last night? I think it's so wonderful that you all trade clothes so they get good use out of them and saves all of you so much money while you're going thru the sizes so quickly.

My seedlings are just growing like crazy. I can't wait to get the area all set up to replant them outside. We need to bring in some dirt to build it up and then bring a good soil or compost to put on top of that. It rains here so much I want to make sure that it's high enough to where things won't get washed away.
The people that live down the road from us have go soooooooooo many new little cows. They are sooo cute!!! They're getting to have quite a little herd there.
You can definitely tell that spring is here.
keep movin' and groovin'

First off I want to say I read through alot of your posts and want to do personals but will wait on it till later.


We went to church tonight and DD wanted to go with the youth (they go to a nursing home once a month) But DH & I felt apprehensive about her riding with other teens and there was only one adult going the youth pastor (YOUNG male) So we spoke to DD's girlfriend's Mom and she decided to go with them and asked if I wanted to go with her.......so I went with the youth and Dh stayed for service. ALL that to say this......

We sang songs room to room & prayed for the elderly....the last room we went to was "Granny's" room EVERYONE in the building calls her that....she will be 98yrs old at the end of this month.....she was crocheting a blanket and had tons of yarn on bookshelves. She loved us singing and after about the 5th song she starting singing "You are my Sweetheart...." to the tune of "You are my Sunshine..." The other mother and I and my daughter joined in.....and Granny got so excited.......she asked us to sing it to her.....well we told her we only knew it as sunshine........she said thats fine.......so we started singing and boy it flooded me with memories of my own mother......that was the song she sang to all of us as children and to her grandkids......my DD turns to me and looked at me cuz she knew how this song makes me feel.....well just then Granny looked up at me and smiled the sweetest smile and the water started pouring from my eyes.....I couldn't stop it! the other youth probably thought I was some silly ole mom crying like that.....but it just touched me, I could see my mother in the elderly lady even though she didn't resemble my mother in the slightest.

ok........so after church we went to grab coffee.......the couple that went with us ate diner and we had just coffee (YIPPEE) lol I didn't even want anything!!!

after this DH said lets stop by walmart.....we need vegies....so we picked up some things and DH asked if I would like some new pants.........he knows my pants are fitting me loose well I looked around and ALL they had was Jeans or capris (I have alot of vericus veins and spider veins so do not like to ware them to much) I did find some kaki colored jeans that I thought were cute....so I took a 24 into the dressing room.....a tank shirt with a summer sweater to ware over it.....tried everything on the pants fit perfect the tank was a 16/18 and it fit! the sweater fit but I thought it made me look prego so decided against it........but my tummy has issues......I have a scar from surgery and it is a HUGE crack from belly button to pelvic.......so these pants are lower waisted and my crack is petruding on the top of the waistband.....it isn't because the pants were to tight and my flab was hanging over the waistband.....its just the way my tummy is now after the surgery!!!!!!!!!!! DH liked the way they fit everywhere else........and he even sugested maybe another shirt with them..........but I saw them as very unattractive.......so i didn't get them.......he went and found me a 26 and I wanted to cry.....I DONT WANT TO BUY ANOTHER PAIR OF 26's!!!!!!!!!!!! He was so sweet he didn't get upset even though I snapped at him and said I dont need anymore 26's ..........so he went and found me another top in a 16/18 and said try this on.......well it fit perfectly...........so I got it more to let him know I appriciated him trying than really wanting the shirt......

It may be because I was emotional over "Granny" already and disappointed that the pants didn't fit the way I wanted them to.....I don't know but in that dressing room I thought how can I have lost 32lbs already and STILL can't fit into ONE size lower pants????

OK I think Im through my vent sorry but I just know that you girls have been through this and you would understand better than anyone!!

I said it before and I want you all to realize what I meant by it.................we call our brother's wives sister-in-laws........because we have a connection to them through our brothers.............or through our husbands......well I truly feel I have a connection with each of you .....a connection through LOSS...........weight loss............ so my new term for each of you is SISTERS-IN-LOSS!!!!

Your sis-in-loss
BErNICE

Morning Peeps - Bernice - how lovely of you - the song floods me with memories too. My dearest aunt was having her last visit with one of her great granddaughters and she asked her to sing the Haley song - which is You Are My Sunshine - I misted reading your post - reminds me so of Aunt Lou who sang along too. You are much braver than I am - I will not try clothes on in a dressing room - rather take more time - take them home and return them as needed. How sweet of DH - glad you got the shirt.

The storms started early last night and still storming bad here. Flood warnings are everywhere. I am a bit worried about the trip home - it's about a 3 hour drive. When I drove down yesterday the water was already lapping the highway in places.

I'm celebrating a big NSV for me this morning - normally when I am on the road I get something to eat and bring it back to my room. Last night I sat in a restaurant and ate dinner. I won't go so far as to say I was completely comfortable but it is certainly something I would not have done 50 lbs ago. Next time I will take a book.

OK - time to pack up, get to the office for the morning and head the boat north.

Move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Down another -.2. I guess my body likes being at 2k calories. :?:
I think what I will do is go at near 2k most of the time and then throw in a 1700 or 1800 every once in a while to throw it off, see how that goes :D

I tell ya.. weight loss is trial and error for me.

Up one last night..oh well..could be anything...not eating enough with my stomach thing...a little constipated....TOM coming.whatever

Bernice...DH sings that to me sometimes at night when we are going to sleep. What a lovely story.

Happy Thursday....and yes I feel better post-rant.

Up late today! suppoe to get up at 8am.....stayed up till 5am and missed the alarm......

taking DD to spend time with her sister gotta run an errand and then drop her off at her sister's college she can stay with her in the dorm rooms. Since she is on her spring break she wanted to go spend some time with her sister.

I was suppose to be there at 11am......since it is now 11:30 and I am waiting on DD to get stuff together.....we will more than likely not get there till 3 LOL

ohhhh well at least Im rested! DH has his late class tonight so he wont be home till 10ish......

So I finally went to bed and felt very sad and discussed with my body.............I told DH I don't think my tummy will go anywhere.........I still cannot do much in way of ab sculpting routines........my abs have been torn through so many times in a row during all my surgeries that they have issues.....I do touch on them but when attempting "ab only" exercises I KNOW they don't function properly!

Well I'm off for a couple hour drive (one there and one back)

your sis-in-law
BErNICE

I am going to finish my !@@$%^ term paper today or die trying. I think my problem with these papers is that I pick boring topics. I like the text, the lecture the class discussion, even reflection papers, but term papers seem to be chewing me up. I don't know whether I'm picking bad topics, or if it is just the process of trying to put the thing together. It is possible it is my brain injury making the process harder. The process may be forcing my brain to use or go across a part that was damaged. It could be I just find it boring, and am at a stage in my life where I have no desire for boring. It's not the writing. I can churn out 2000 words in an hour when I get cooking. It's got to be the content or process that is throwing me.

Just ANOTHER quickie, I'm in the middle of mowing/strimming the lawn, or half that I didn't finish yesterday.
Julee, YEP that money is yours, :hug:do what you like with it, if YOU hadn't WON it it wouldn't be there to spend. I get what you're saying about instant gratification, ok we didn't get fat overnight & we won't get slim overnight. Though I understand when someone is working EXTRA hard to lose & nothing happens one week or two/three, it must be frustrating to see others doing less & losing more even though they have less to lose than you do, I know, it's happened to me at various slimming clubs.xxxxx
Annie, HUGS & fingers crossed for the job, I'm still waiting to hear from my tutor as to whether he'll be my referee.xxxxxx
I planted some seeds with the boys yesterday, mowed half the lawn & then had to sit down, lol, our garden is very hilly the mower is an old petrol one & weighs a ton so my arms & legs are aching today! Today I finished mowing then went around the edges & their swing & trees with the strimmer, so my fingers & hands are all shaky now, lol. I'm just getting a breather before we go & plant more seeds into trays. This is the first year the boys are interested in plants & watching things grow, poor Aiden wanted to see if his seeds had grown, as they were only planted 24 hours ago...he was disappointed!;) lol Next door's Magnolia trees are in bloom, three 'star' ones & two ordinary ones, they smell so beautiful, I feel intoxicated when I walk down the garden. I feel like sitting on the bottom patio & just BREATHING in those gorgeous smells!
Well I'd better go, hugs to everyone:hug:xxxxxx
Sorry I can't 'chat' to you all.
xxxxsharon

Bernice, what a touching story you told about your night. And the trip to see "Grandma" sounds like it might have done you some good and healing. I'm glad you got that time with her and you also brought a big smile to a woman who needed you as well. Sorry the size smaller don't fit the way you want them to. But on the other hand, you are doing great and shouldn't let that get you down. The time will come, it just takes a while.
Yes, I consider all of you ladies my sisters in loss too. What a great term that is. Sometimes we are sisters in sweat too, as Leslie Sansone says.

Carol, please take extra care as you drive thru the storms. We'll all be glad when you get home safely. And hurray on the NSV. I still hardly go anywhere without hubby. :lol:

heather dw, let me tell ya, it is for all of us!!

Catherine, hope you get done with that terribly boring paper soon. :rofl: Really though, I'm sure it will turn out great, look who's writing it!

Sharon, have fun getting the rest of the yard mowed and getting those seeds planted.

All of our seeds have started growing except the peppers for some reason. I don't know if they will ever sprout.
With my WI looming for tomorrow, I'm hoping I won't do something to sabotage myself. So keep your fingers crossed for me. I've done great all week on staying OP. I threw out the leftover frosting from Jim's B-Day cake. I just can't trust myself with that kind of thing in the house. You would think that after all this time, I would be able to, but once a food-aholic, always a food-aholic.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying OP and movin' and groovin'
Debbie

sending prayers your way carol....hope the storms pass quickly.
hugs
rainbowsmiles

Hi everyone:

I'm a little frustrated today because my gimpy leg is bugging me. I took yesterday off because I was pushing it when I had my guests here, but today it's still achy and swollen -- phooey! It's not reinjured -- no way with how careful I've been! -- just not used to moving and to not being elevated most of the day.

I'm also finding it more difficult to be back on plan than I thought foodwise. I'm finding that once again, I'm just not hungry until dinnertime. So yesterday I got home and had a bagel with cream cheese and some Oreos (!). Last night was two baked potatoes and a salad. I think today we'll try for some actual protein! :) Though I had no lunch again today...and there's a bad reason for it. One of my contractors brought me a Starbucks frozen drink, topped with whipped cream and filled with caffeine! Now I'm all twitchy (I usually don't drink caffeine -- as in ever!) and wish I could channel my energy into something useful, like walking around.

Ok, rant over! I will hopefully get a little walk/limp/hobble in with my husband tonight, which will help! But saints preserve me from the Oreos! :D

I'm going to pray that when I weigh in next week (I've been doing it on Mondays) I'm not as heavy as I feel!

Oh, and a final thought for all those feeling stuck -- I've had to keep reminding myself that standing still is not moving backward! So even if you're not seeing the progress that you've earned (and I know you have earned it!), you're still better off than you were before you began the journey! Rock on!!!

good afternoon everyone,
Storms are looming here. Its 75 but to windy to take the kids out to play. I have window open and they think the wind blowing in it is just the most fun thing ever.THey are all about the same size now and look so cute waving out the window.
dmpls_ you are doing awesome. Dont let walmart sizes upset you. I have to pick and choose what i wear from walmart. I have a pair of 24s i cant get in yet. But i have alot of 20 i can get in. It may have just been that pair of pants.
debbie& sharon-we planted seeds over the weekend and so far the only thing sprouted is the sunflowers. I think I may use egg cartons and plant a few more seeds. I can hardly wait to see all the plants sprout. It will sure make eating healthy alot cheaper this summer.

catherine _ i bet everything you write is wonderful. I know i look forward to reading your posts.

well the indians are getting wild better go for now
debi

I just wanted to let ya'll know that I will be gone a couple of weeks and possibly a bit longer. My FIL passed away today at 4:15 CST. We will be going to KS to help get MIL settled into assisted living and get the house taken care of.

brandnewme...I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Be careful and know we are praying for you and your family. Hugs

Good evening all,

So yesterday evening I went over the finances and cashed some of the last of my savings out. (Not retirement savings, they're untouched.) It will cover my school fees, books, etc. for the first year, and some expenses up to that point. So, then of course, I went out and bought weights. Nah, I'd planned on that. Nice PowerBlock dumbbells that are adjustable and if I ever need more than 50lbs each I can expand them. I don't think I'll need more, but who knows. I also bought 2 25lb plates to add to the barbell. That should keep me going for a while. I didn't even embarass myself carrying the two plates out to the car. The sales guy carried the dumbbells. :)

Then I started cleaning out the family room, although I will have to continue tomorrow (or the weekend, depending on my time tomorrow). I'm trying to force myself into the spring cleaning mode. It's not working out that well so far!

And I had two NSVs this week, on thinking about it. The first was Tuesday when I was off at the college. It would have been reasonable to plan on picking up some lunch, but I rearranged my breakfast and took almonds and an orange with me. I ended up getting back earlier than expected, with the orange intact. The other one was from last night. I'm actually copying this in from my blog last night. The title was cravings.

"I’m not saying that they’re gone for good, but wow, no real cravings in the grocery store. I had about 200 calories left for the day, and kind of half heartedly looked at a few things. Even thinking if I found something I really wanted I’d consider it even if it put me over. I paused and looked at the Häagen-Dazs raspberry sorbet. Not too bad at 120 / half-cup. Heck, even the entire container wouldn’t put me over by even 300 calories…

I put it back.

I wandered down the aisle with the chips, but other than to pause to consider if we had any tostidos (we take them with homemade chili) didn’t even look at them. I considered the pistachios, but I decided that they were too expensive. And really, I eat soy nuts and almonds, so they would really have been an acceptable purchase.

I saw 100-cal packs of chips and such, but honestly, they’re such a rip off (price-wise). Thought the same about popcorn mini packs. I considered buying popping corn, but just couldn’t be bothered. Even saw those cute looking mini chocolate bars at the checkout.

Nothing, not even tempted.

It’s a mini victory, but a nice one. Late night (usually after work) shopping used to be when I stocked up. And not always on inherently bad thing. Just my own secret little stash of stuff just for me. It doesn’t mean that it won’t happen tomorrow, or the next day, but tonight the demons are in complete control."

Penny - I do hope she's learned from her hard lessons. It sounds like she's way too trusting. It's probably a good thing to discuss carrying a lot of cash isn't a great idea. I suppose the money thing will be tough, but do try and enjoy your unexpected free time. I've done the 6 (and 7) day a week thing. It wears you down without you even noticing sometimes.

Debi - I always had the line 'does not play well with others' on my report cards in public school. I'm perfectly easy to get along with, as long as people do things my way. :lol: And yes, I've said that (to people who would understand) when working.

Annie - it really was a perfect thing (the outdoor gas burner being what I loved about it). We used to have one on an old barbecue, but never used it much at the time. I suspect that improvising (ie. cheap) nature comes from my mother. I think we all have a problem seeing ourselves as we lose weight. I have some pictures from 369 and tried comparing them to ones taken recently at 322. I mean, that's almost 50 pounds difference, and I really can't see it. My face is about the only thing I can look at see the changes. And even now as I've moved down a few pounds from that picture I feel like my face isn't as thin. I suspect it's just shedding a little more and will take a few more pounds to show thinner again. It's nice to be wanted at the old job. I do hope that you get another option soon. That way you'll decide with your heart, not your pocketbook. :)

Catherine - I know what you mean about the heart issues. During my hospital stay I got assigned a doctor (on ER call) whose main speciality was heart related. He discharged me (with a drainage tube still in) and I had to visit his office for follow-up. They tried twice to do an ECG (or something like it), and I refused. Mainly because I felt it was simply a way to bill the gov't more money.

Debbie - we're getting a little antsy about working outside in the garden. It's probably a little too early, but after the horrible winter I think we want it so badly to be spring (even summer).

Bernice - I've never truly understood sizing, but there does seem to be a big difference when you get into the plus sizes. It can depend on cut as well. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it will come. You may also find that until close to your goal weight that your tummy might be a problem area. Everyone has areas that are the last to go. Just think though, you've lost 32 pounds, and that's great.

Carol - hey, congrats on that NSV. Each one is fantastic when they occur.

Heather_dw - hmmm, still weighing in daily. I really do think it will drive you crazy. I was looking at my daily weights and they're all up/down and back/forth. I never worry about it until the end of the week. In fact, lately I've been more interested in the monthly changes.

Sharon - I'm very jealous of your weather. We've finally got some crocus and snowdrops blooming, but the grass is only starting to green up. I am glad that you're enjoying the weather though. Yes, even the mowing of the grass!

TheWalrus - I suspect the leg will likely bother you for a while. I'm not good with the patience thing, but do try. And yes, I think some protein will help.

Becky - I'm so sorry about your FIL. A death in the family is so hard to go through. As well as taking care of your MIL, make sure you take care of yourself.

Well, I think that's it for me at the moment. Only a couple of hours before bedtime, and then another day. I hope everyone has a good one. :D

I had an NSV today!

I was wearing walmart pants AND a wamart shirt. I bought the shirt a few weeks ago on clearance for 7 dollars. It's a pretty sunny yellow and has 3/4 length sleeves. It is what they consider a "5x" though. I usually don't wear wal-mart shirts because consider them too shirt to cover stomach flab. I decided to wear some snug (but not tight) dark navy pants and this yellow shirt it falls a few inches below the waist. I felt self-conscious but hubby said that it made me look skinny and to wear it.

We were stopping at McDonald's for a few things (I still stayed in my calories, no worries) and I saw my mom getting into the Drive-thru. She stopped and rolled down her window and we said hello and stuff. I saw that she gave me a lookover. When we got home, hubby had to call her to ask a question and then he handed me the phone. I asked her "hey did you think my shirt was too short today?" She said "No, I think you looked nice. You can really tell you've lost the weight" I said "it's 15 pounds" and she says "yes, you can tell! It wasn't too short at all!"

She might have been trying to make me feel better but I'll take it :D
:carrot:

Hi Peeps - I'm home - via hail, torrential rains and tornado warnings. I got back in time to go workout at my normal class. Thank you all for your concern for my safety.

I have that great OP, in control feeling lately. I so wish I could bottle this for the time I struggle. It was a successfull trip and I think that helped my confidence and strength - even though no one has noticed my weight loss yet.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Walrus, I would imagine your leg is going to take a while before it feels normal or acts normal. Just take it easy on the poor thing, it's been thru alot.

Debi, to have those little kids would be such a blessing. And it's even better because you can send them home after you've played with them all day. I can just see all their little faces pressed up against the window and oohing and aahing at the wind. How cute!

brandnewme, sorry to hear about your FIL. Take it easy and hope things work out with the house and all.

Anne, you're really moving along on those weights. Good for you! You're going to be one buff lady when you get where you want to be. Great NSV's too!!

heather dw, The outfit sounds really cute. I love the yellows! I'm so glad that your mom praised you for all your efforts. Makes it all worth while. Keep it up!!

Carol, YAY your home safely! Whew, I bet that was some ride home.

I went and ordered some clothes from an online site. I kept telling myself I wouldn't do that any more but when I'm bored, I shop, one way or the other. :lol: So I went to clearance and they had some winter stuff on sale. I got a really nice cardigan sweater for like $8.88 which I bought in a large, because come **** or high water, by next winter, I'm gonna be there or smaller!! I also got a cute flannel shirt with plaid flannel pants for 6.99 (totally not what I would wear normally, but this was really cute), just something to lounge around in, and I got that in a large too. I'm totally excited because I think this is what I needed to get my butt back in gear to lose again. I DID start TOM too, so that was a relief to know that's what caused some of the weight gain.
Hope all are having a great night!
Debbie

Heather_dw - great stuff on the shirt NSV. I think I've shopped online so much I never even think to look in local stores for clothing. Although I've been in WalMarts I don't think I've been in the one here since it opened a couple of years ago. It's a store you have to plan to visit as it's north of us (kind of out of the way from where we usually shop). I'll have to visit it in the fall when I need a few things.

Carol - yikes, I guess I never think of tornados when people mention storm warnings. It's a rarity around here, so I just think of thunder and lightening when people say storm. Hope everything is good weather wise tomorrow.

Debbie - I'm really amazed at how much I'm enjoying the strength training. I suppose it's a case of the best exercise is one that you'll keep doing, but, weight loss or not, I can see me doing this long term. At some point I should let the guy know who tried to get me started, that I've actually started. I suspect there will be a little 'I told you so'. Maybe I'll wait for a while to let him know. I don't know, the shopping sounds kind of fun (no, I must not shop). I'm going to stick with what I have for the moment. Unless the shorts I have for the summer are falling apart, I'm not buying anything this summer. I even think I have a pair I bought a couple of years ago that weren't a great fit. I'll have to go look them out. I decided when I hit the 300 mark I definitely have to go and try on the clothing in my closet and sort out the stuff that's too big. There's also likely some stuff that will be just right, or even too small. I know I got some stuff at the 282 mark, and even then it wasn't quite big enough, so I should be okay for a bit. Darn, no excuse for shopping....

Anne - I will enjoy the time off! Especially during summertime. I won't have to pay for child care since the older daughter will be working. And I will be able to go camping with the hubby and family and not have to find someone to cover for me! We had so much fun last year. So we are really looking forward to it this year.

I finished my paper. I hope to never write another one like it again. I just hope I can pass the final now. That's all I have left. If my class in fall is this boring, I'm going to start a revolt.

Penny - see, it's a good thing. Funny, but I've begun to see my unemployment as that as well. I'm back on track with my weight loss, and I'm going back to school (something I wanted to do years ago). You're going to have a great time with the family. And likely when you're back they'll appreciate you more.

Catherine - I'm so glad most of my upcoming courses will be technical in nature. Although I remember during a previous problem solving course having to sit through some of the worst presentations ever...

Hi Everyone,

I am on SUCH a high at the moment! This morning I directed the school choir at the Anzac Ceremony. I could not be more proud of the students in the choir and I am also extremely proud of myself. I am proud of the choir because they sang with the passion and pride that I knew they had in them and they pumped out the volume like has never been heard before at the school. I am proud of myself because I have brought them to this place with encouragement, love and a ‘bit’ of nagging and grumbling. I am also proud of myself because I am the person who, a few years ago, you would have never been able to get up in front of anybody to talk publicly or ‘perform’ and today I stood there, in front of 600+ students and 100+ adults and directed 60+ students (aged 9 to 13) while they sang 3 songs on our own and the national anthem.

I truly don’t know how the performance could have gone any better. The kids looked wonderful, they sounded wonderful, they were perfectly behaved and followed my instructions to the letter. I felt as though I looked beautiful. I wore the same dress I wore for my birthday lunch the other day – I posted a pic on the pics page – and I had my hair out, in the same style. There was very little wind, so my hair even stayed where it was supposed to for most of the ceremony.

I am currently in the middle of TOM and I have a head cold, so I am all sniffly and I am constantly losing my voice. I left school early yesterday and went to the doctor to get a medical certificate for yesterday and today, but NOTHING was going to keep me from directing my ‘babies’ today. After morning tea I came home, smiling and ready to rest my voice.

After the ceremony I had SO many staff members and parents come and tell me how wonderful the ceremony was. One gentleman said that he had been reading the notes I sent home telling them how wonderful the choir was sounding and he wondered whether it was just ‘words’, but today proved that I meant every word of it. It was fantastic to see the parents so proud of their kids. I got lots of comments about how wonderful being in the choir was for their children and how much I had improved how the choir felt about themselves and it showed when they performed. I got lots of hugs from parents and students. The kids kept telling me how lovely I looked. At one stage I almost cried as they produced a sound that I KNEW they could produce, but I wasn’t sure whether they would pull it off in public. I have tears in my eyes now as I remember just how extremely wonderful it felt to stand in front of them and help them perform as incredibly well as they did this morning. It is going to take a lot to remove the smile from this face!!!!

Sorry this post is all about ‘me’ again, but I hope that you can still draw something from it for yourselves. I truly didn’t know a number of years ago just what I could actually achieve in my life. I thought I was pretty much where I would be for a long time, and believed that I was happy enough, so didn’t need to try anything else. I was simply ‘cruising’ and didn’t know my true capabilities. Since losing the weight and being more ‘able’ to do things and more confident to “put myself out there” I am doing things that I never DREAMT I would be able to do before. Our principal is going on Long Service Leave for two terms and he told me today that he was so pleased at the changes he had seen in me over the past few years. He said the changes had been amazing and his smile spoke heaps.

I truly hope that you all get the chance some day to see your true potential and show the world what you are made of. I feel as though I am just beginning and I am SO looking forward to the future with excitement. Mushy, but true!

Take care,

Zelma:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Brandnewme, so sorry about your loss:hug:xxxxxxx
Zelma, well so what if your post is ALL about YOU, why not?:) You have done something to be proud of and something :carrot:FABULOUS!!!:carrot: Good for you! You are a role model and what you've achieved and are achieving show us that weight loss isn't JUST about being slim but getting a new, more exciting life!xxxxxx
Well it was colder yesterday and today it's raining AND cold! I have to take the boys into town for a few things & as we walk I'm holding off for a bit in the hope of it stopping. After the hard work yesterday I was really hungry and had a slice of seedy bread (poppy & lots of crunchy, nutty grains)with chocolate spread on,:devil: I don't know if you get NUTELLA spread over there but it's GORGEOUS!! Before I would have been sneaking spoonfulls of it but this week I've resisted & not really wanted it at all! As I was well within my calories and had a craving for something sweet that WASN'T fruit,;) lol I had it. Today was weigh in and I lost...drumroll please.... :carrot:FIVE pounds!!!:carrot: I know it will settle down to 1-2lbs a week, or even less but this big drop has spurred me on. I think the meds have 'crept up on me' as I am doing more, staying OP and generally being more happy & playful.
Ammi is sending me a pic her hubby took of us with his phone as I couldn't find my camera, so as soon as I get it I'll post it. We joked about him 'touching up' the picture as you could see double chins, lol.

bye
xxxxxsharon:hug:

Sharon - 5 pounds - WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO for you.

Can't wait to see the pic of you and Amy.

I'm heading to the office for awhile - that's what travel weeks do for me - I work on my day off. I am still beeming at how well I stayed OP while away from home. It is a huge NSV for me as previously I didn't work hard to stay OP while I was gone. Maybe a mini-vacation. I even investigated the fitness room at the hotel - who knows what will happen next month.

You are all the greatest! You have truly made the difference in this journey for me - being able to share with someone who understands has meant the world to me. Now - move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

Good Morning!

Cahterine - Congrats on finishing your paper. Enjoy the feeling of completing a task.

Zelma - What a great feeling. Nothing like seeing kids to a great job. It is inspiring. Way to go on the awesome leadership.

Sharon - A Fiver success if awesome! Do you measure inches too? I have started to and each time I tell DH he says "I knew I could holder you closer!"

Brandnewme - Our prayers are for you and your family during this time of loss!

Well my best friend called me early this morning to let me know that her bf proposed last night. Needless to say we are all doing the happy dance today! She asked me to be her matron of honour. Whoohoo. More motivation to keep on losing.

Today is a PA day off of school and of course it has to be rainy. That means 6 kids in the house today! DH was awesome and took our middle child with him to work in the truck. So that it would not be a 7 kid in the house day!

Carol - Congrats for staying on plan. I have learned that it makes me feel like wonder woman to stay OP! And I plan on having that wonder woman body too. LOL

Good morning everyone,
well we got lucky and missed all the bad storms last night. Im afraid its going to be to cold to take the kids out today and play...to wet also.

zelma_ congrads...awesome job on yourself and the choir. We are all inspired by your success!!!!!

catherine _ glad you got that paper finished and I know you will do great on the final.

julia- looks like we are going to be inside today also.I can tell its friday and all mine seem tired and irratable after playing outside so much this week.Hopefully they will take a good long nap this afternoon. I really need to get a little housework done while they nap.

Sharon_ great job getting back on plan and loosing 5lbs.

anne_ looks like you will be getting even stronger with all those weights. Our weight machine is old and i dont know how much im lifting. Its a weilder machine. I may try to look it up online and see if it tells. I am a weakling compared to you. I can see alot of defination in my legs i have never had before and my upper body. I need to start doing something for my trunk area.

debbie_ your right my kids are a blessing and i truly enjoy them. BUt as always im so glad its friday and i get the weekend off.I just cant seem to leave the room right now. They are into everything and going 3 different directions...you wouldnt believe all the tiny handprints on my window from yesterday. I will clean them today after they leave. I have learned not to vacum until friday afternoon unless we have a spill or some type.

dmpls_ I hope your enjoying your time off from school and not working to hard.

lauren- we miss you and cant wait to hear how your and zacks weighin went last night.

well guess i better get back to work.
hope everyone has a wonderful friday
debi

:carrot:GOOD MORNING LADIES!!!:carrot:

I feel better today.......maybe it was my crazy sleeping schedule that threw me into a funky mood! LOL

I tried to get some good sleep last night LOL but with the storms and my DD at her sisters dorm.......the dogs kept waking me up! LOL I didn't hear the storm pass through but I guess it was pretty bad.....but quick....so not too much rain.

I finally fell asleep and then my bedroom door crept open....talk about freak out!!! knowing my DD wasn't in the house I knew it wasn't her LOL so I laid there waiting to wake up DH and then heard something next to my bed.....I turned my head and was greeted by my White Lab's nose! LOL she finally settled down and laid down next to the bed....the poodle jumped up on the bed and settled down by my feet.......then once I was asleep again they started moving around again and woke me up! LOL I guess the storm had them worried! DH got up for work and asked me if I wanted to join him downstairs for coffee but I guess I mumbled "not really" and he left for work LOL.......then around 8am I was abruptly woken by Precious(whit lab) jumping up on the bed and wimpering LOL guess she said enough is enough WOMAN GET UP! LOL so I got up and started coffee......

It's a nice, but cold day at least no storms today so far!

I took yesterday off from working around here since I had to take DD over to her sister's and by the time I got back I didn't feel like doing anything.........but today I need to clean up around here!

Found out FASFA needs more paperwork! grrr so last night I spent 3 hours scanning documents and preparing paperwork! thank goodness I actually got that portion of the file cabinet straightened out before this!!! LOL

DH stopped by the house yesterday after work and before his LONG thursday night class while I was still driving back from DD's dorm......and I guess I left 3FC open to my last post.........he said he read it since it was open.......he said you know hun you didn't have to get that shirt just because of me......LOL I told him well I liked the shirt I just felt like crap since the pants fit the way they did! He told me we can go to the mall together and pick out some pants for me that I like if I wanted to! He is so good to me!!! Poor guy at times I treat him like crap, with my mood swings! LOL

I've done better this week about posting on TDP and I actually am doing better about eating between 1800-2100 good calories! Yesterday I did stop by Steak & Shake and got one of their Yogurt & fruit shakes......which I thought would be better than a regular shake!!!!! NOT!!!!!!! LOL after I drank it I looked it up on TDP and it was a little over 500 calories!!!! YIKES wont be doing that too often LOL!

Last night while catching up on all the shows I like to watch and are on at the same time on thursdays (DVR is awesome) I had the munchies....and I wanted chocolate.....I don't have anything in the house......so I made a bag of popcorn and tossed in some marshmellows.....well when pulling out the marshmellows I saw some Hersey's chocolate chips.....so I took about 2 TBS of them and tossed that in the bowl........It was FANTASTIC LOL almost like a candy bar but WAY less calories!!! LOL the whole bag was only 190 calories with the chocolate & marshmellows!!! Now I know a nice filling snack with very little bad fat and it satisfied my chocolate craving!!!


Someone was talking about Nutella!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!! I can sit and eat a whole jar of that stuff!!! LOL so I haven't purchased any lately! I use it to make an awesome cheescake........hmmm DD wants one of those for her Bday maybe I can figure out a LF version of it.....but the Nutella wont be LOL too bad they cant make it FF!!!! LOL I guess it is better Fat since it is from nuts huh?? LOL

ok well I better get my bottom in gear!!!
ttyl
sis-in-loss
BErNICE

Catherine: Woohoo on getting your paper done! Great job.

Debbie: I think as the weather gets better we will have to plan something. Congrats on the new clothes and purchasing them in a Large!

DmPLS: I loved your story about going to the nursing home and singing. Hugs. Sounds like your night was a rough one. lol.

Carol: Wonderful NSV. I think I told you guys that I recently stopped in at a restaurant on my way home from my parents. It was so liberating to eat alone. Something I would have never ever done before either so I know exactly what you are saying. Hugs to you. You have some so far. Glad you are home safe and sound.

Heatherdw: Wonderful NSV and congrats on the -.2 weight loss!

Julee: hope you feel better soon. Hugs.

Sharon: I love to garden and can't wait to see how much better it is this year weighing 240 pounds less! If I have time I have some seeds to plant and I think I may go do it later. Congrats on -5 pounds! You are donig amazing.

Walrus: I'm sure your leg will take some time to feel better sweetie. No sweat.

Brandnewme: Hugs to you on your loss. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.

Anne: Great NSV that you experienced at the store. Isn't it wonderful when our minds get control of our bodies! Thanks for all the kind words you always have for me. You are so sweet.

Zelma: Congrats to you on your wonderful Choir! I bet it was lovely. You should be so proud of yourself.

I've decided against going back to my former employment. I am not that desperate and I am hopeful that something will come up soon. I did weigh in today and I lost 4 pounds since last Friday. I am soooo close to my next goal and it really makes me want to up my exercise even more to get there but I don't want to hurt myself either. I am thinking about going to my old gym today, still payin for a memeber ship there but probably will just go swim at the same place in Coeur d' Alene. I'm spending the day getting ready for this yard sale tomorrow and Sunday. I have tons of things to price and go through.

Hope you all have a fantastic day and If I don't talk to you again until after the weekend have a great weekend. I am so excited because it is supposed to be in the 70's here this weekend. I should be out fishing not sitting at a yard sale. lol.

Blessings all,
Annie

Oops, I almost forgot. I am changing my ticker for my goal weight to say 170 instead of 160. Just wanted to mention it.

Blessings,
Annie

Annie-I suspect you made the right decision about your old employer. I've been thinking about changing my goal weight to something more realistic too. It's been so long since my ticker has changed that I just haven't gotten around to it.

Zelma-I understand the high that you are on right now. After working on a big production, and having it sound great when it counts is intoxicating.

I guess I don't have any excuse to not get caught up on my housework. I've got no school work, the book is finished and out of my hands, and I'm never going to be able to convince my keeper that I'm well enough to go back to the pool if I can't clean house. It's not that he cares if the house is clean, he knows it matters to me. Busted. The thing is if I have 10 units of energy, and it takes 10 to clean house or 10 to go to the pool, I'd rather spend them at the pool. Knowing I shouldn't just makes me madder.

Wow 3 of the four babysitting kids are gone already. 1 vomited and there4 Dad picked up him and sister. And other mom was done work early. Pigs would fly before the last kids parents would come early.

Anne, I would definitely let the guy know that you started. He'll be thrilled! A long time ago, when I used to spend 2 hours at the gym, I loved doing the weight training. I got so addicted! I wish I could get that feeling back again because it's a high that you can't explain, only experience, which you are doing now. As for the clothes, I'm actually in a size 24 still, but hopefully by next winter, I'll be in a large or smaller so that's what size clothes I ordered. Just one of my little incentive plans.

Catherine, YAY on finishing the paper. I'm betting that was a load offa your mind.
Tell Himself to clean the house and you go swimming! :rofl:

Zelma, that must of been so wonderful to pull that out of the kids and enjoy the beauty of their voices. And such praise from the school and parents!! That's fantastic!!! I hope you feel better soon. Just take it ez now and relax and savor your NSV!

Sharon, :congrat: on the 5 lbs gone!!!

Annie, yay on 4 more pounds thrown to the wayside!!! Gosh I can't even believe how well you've done. You're such a role model. I wouldn't of gone back to that place either after the way they treated you. I'm sure something will come up very soon for you. Good luck on your yard sale. I hope you make all kinds of money!!!

I had my WI today. I lost about 5 of the pounds I gained so I have about 4 more to go to get back to ticker weight. Each TOM I've had in the last three months has been so different.The first one wouldn't stop, the second one I had cramps so bad I couldn't stand, and this one swelled my body up to where my clothes were getting really tight. I wonder if this is part of menopause. You would think I would go to the doc and find out huh?
Today we go shopping. Time to get all my good foods again. I'm trying out a bunch of lo cal recipes I found on the internet and if any of them are good, I'll post them to share.
How many people have signed up for the Biggest Loser on here? How about the 3fc 5k? I'm sort of excited about them both.
Have a great day and enjoy life!
Debbie

I singed up for both debbie. I am excited about the 5K tommorow.I just hope we can walk it without stopping.If we feel tired im planning on doing the other half the next day. I have also thought about walking it here in town instead of at the golf course.Its so hilly out there that it takes alot more energy to walk it. Also its so windy out there. the problem with walking in a small town is everyone stares if you make more than one trip around. Kinda wonder what you are up to. I have always said in our town if they dont know anything about you they make it up.

julia congrads on being done early today with most of them. Its really nice to get a break sometime. I had one throw up this morning also...but he has alot of drainage so mom didnt come. Right now all 3 are sleeping like little angels.LOL

annie_ your progress amazes me!!

debbie I would love to be in a large by winter. I am feeling bloated today. Tom is still a week away...sounds like you might need to go to the dr and get checked to see if your starting the change. HE told me last may that i was starting but that it would be a long road...such a nice thing to have to look forward to.

My house is smelling musty. The carpet is still damp in spots. I think its time to get the vingar out again.

weigh in tommorow and i dont have a good feeling about it...I have been on plan all week( maybe a little low a few days) and drank my water and exercised but i feel bloated and heavy. Will exercise again tonight and see what scales say tommorow. Hubby weighed today and asked if he could throw the scales out the window.LOL

have a good afternoon all