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