haha... I walked to hubby's work again. He looks at me and goes "so.. who gave you the ride this time? " Right after that, he made me drink water again...lol

I don't think I'll do it tomorrow. I'll walk somewhere else. The ladies there today were all acting like I was going to drop (ohh... you need a cold rag or some ice. That's a far distance.. it's warm outside... you should sit). It sorta made me feel like an invalid... bah!

Sharon, yes, all of that and more. The one that bothers me the most is the memory loss. I don't know if it's selective or not....LOL I don't really take anything for it, so I don't even know what to suggest for ya.

Annie, Enjoy your lazy day and have fun at your therapy session. I bet it's so interesting to meet all of those people that are going thru the same changes as you.

Catherine, PM me too! I really want to read your story.

Ratkity, awww poor Bikerchick! That sucks about the seat. No, the owls aren't dropping envelopes, LOL, just looking for mice to eat!!

I transplanted the tomato plants into bigger little pots. We have about 12 of them. I don't think all of them will make it once they are planted outside, at least I hope they don't! LOL What would I do with all those tomatos??? If they do all make it, I guess I will learn to can and give them out to the neighbors. the cabbage and lettuce are taller too. Hopefully we will be able to get the outside garden ready for the plants once it warms up a little more.

Our tulips are finally open too! They're so pretty. I hope to go to the tulip fields this weekend too. If ours are open, those should bet too.

How many fat grams do you ladies eat a day? I've been eating around 30-45 grams a day on 1800 calories a day. I was looking around the internet last night and it says I should be eating around 50-70 grams a day. I'm guessing that is why I've got super dry skin and my hair is falling out. Here I was thinking it was due to our cruddy well water with the bleach in it.
Keep movin' and groovin'
Debbie
p.s. I'm trying to post this but it's telling me the server is too busy so I'm hoping as I keep hitting the submit button, that it's not actually posting each time!!!

Debbie -- Regarding fat, the "rules" I've seen range a lot, but suggest that you get from 15-35% of your calories from fat (big range, I know). Each gram of fat is 9 calories, so at 1800 calories that's 30- 70 grams. Sounds like you've been on the low end -- which could lead to the dry skin and falling out hair!!!

There are lots of ways to get "good" unsaturated fats: olive oil, olives, avocado, fish, nuts or nut butters...

Hi ladies,

I'm having a hungry day, which is no surprise given that my body has been fed a lot of calories and junk for a full week. I've already eaten most of the day's allotment and it's only 3:30. I'll make it, but it will take a few good days to normalize.

-------
Annie: When I was a student, and after when I took professional-related tests, I was always the first person done with the tests. It used to unnerve me, because I'd think for sure I must have missed the complexity of the questions or something, and did poorly. However, most of the time I did well. I'm the kind of person who either knows the answer/how to go about getting the answer, or I don't. It's either right there in front, or it's nowhere.

I hope one of the county jobs come through, or another desirable job comes through. I feel very positive that something will. You are smart and a hard worker, and have a beautiful, caring way about you.

Heatherdw: Look at you! Losing more lbs. and setting the world on fire with your exercise. This is what it's all about.

Carol: Woo hoo girl! The scale and non-scale victories are piling on!

Debbie: I don't know how many grams of fat I eat, but I am guessing it's on the higher end of the healthy range. Generally I try to get the full spectrum of nutrients in my diet. I find that a moderate amount of fat helps keep me full.

DMPLS: Congrats on your loss!

Rat: Why do we always seem to be on the same eating/emotions cycle! It's crazy!


Oh well, I know there are lots of people I missed, but will try to catch up soon.

Have a great day, everyone.

Rat-I'm feeling better, I've gotten cranky. When I started running a fever, we got pretty scared that I'd end up back in the hospital. I was able to shake this off after about 36 hours, so I guess my immune system is working again. As soon as I get my strength back, I can go back to the pool. I got exhausted just walking in the grocery store today.

Hi Everyone,

Just an update of my latest exploits. Well, life hasn’t really been that exciting, but “exploits” sounds better than ‘usual old stuff’.

We just got back yesterday from visiting my mum in the country. We spent a few days there and caught up with my brother and sister and their families as well. It was an enjoyable few days, but it is always nice to be home. We are half-way through the second week of the holidays, which means we go back to work on Monday. I am running PD for half the staff on Monday and I am still working through my presentation.

This morning I get to go for an hour long ‘deluxe’ manicure. Last year I got a gift certificate from one of my student teachers for a massage and I don’t really want a massage, so was able to swap it for a manicure. This weekend we are heading down south to my nephew’s wedding, which I am hoping will be lovely. I am also hoping that the weather will warm up, because at the moment the days are a little chilly and the nights are even chillier and I have a summerish outfit chosen to wear. I don’t want to change the outfit, so fingers crossed that things will warm up nicely, just for me. I think I have found something that I can throw across my shoulders that will match the outfit if needed.

I have spent a lot of my holidays organising our trip this Dec/Jan. We ended up deciding against going over to Florida, as it was going to add about $1000 each to the cost of the flights. We are not spending a week and a bit in Hawaii (mostly in Honolulu), a week in Las Vegas and a week and a half in Las Angeles/Anaheim and San Diego. We went to LA and San Diego on our last trip a few years ago, but we were a little rushed, so we decided it would be great to go back and see some of the things we missed last time. If anyone has any suggestions of things (other than the usual touristy things such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego Zoo/Animal Park, Sea World) we would love to hear about them.

We have booked the flights and most of the hotels, but some hotels don’t take bookings this far ahead, so we are having trouble selecting/booking hotels in LA and San Diego. We need to keep looking for those. We are going to get a three day pass for Disneyland and a 3-in-1 pass for the parks in San Diego. We will probably also get a VIP pass for Universal Studios. Other than that, we aren’t sure what we are doing for sure. We are contemplating going for a day trip to Tijuana, Mexico and may take at least one day trip to another island in Hawaii. We will probably hire a car in LA – to head down to Anaheim and San Diego – and also for a couple of days in Las Vegas if we decide to head to Mt Charleston (I would get to see snow!) or Hoover Dam. We were thinking of taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, but aren’t sure now weather-wise. We may have to think more about that one too.

So… once again, if you have ANY suggestions at all, we would love to hear them.

Also, we would LOVE to meet people over there, so if anyone lives anywhere near those locations – JULEE and LUAN? – maybe we could meet up for a coffee or lunch.

I am now going to go and catch up on my reading so I can get some personal replies posted.

Take care,

Zelma

Zelma-You might want to be careful about Tijuana. There is such a large drug war going on there right now that so many police were being killed, that the president has sent in army troops. I love Mexico, and have spent many months there over the years without once feeling in danger, but right now I wouldn't go to Tijuana, Juarez or Acapulco, and pretty much any part of the state of Chiapas. They wouldn't target you, but there's always a chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Bernice - Glad to see you, you have been missed. for your 4 lbs gone forever ... you are doing great just blowing through those challenges right and left.

Battle - Glad to see you also, been missing you. Don't beat up on yourself for the last week. I have noted that when you do veer off course, you always seem to right yourself and get going again and that's the important thing. You are taking the right steps to get back on track and your body will normalize in no time.

Heather_dw - Congrats on your HUGE NSV You are progressing more and more each day.

Debi - Glad your hubby's med levels were ok. I hope his doctor visit today was productive as well. How nice to have a place to watch the hummingbirds. Somewhere along the way our feeder that was outside my front room window was taken down. I can't remember why, but after reading your post I think it's time to buy another one.

ProfHeather - Welcome back, glad you enjoyed your trip.

Carol - 2.5 down - you are really moving it on down my friend.

Annie - WTG on your test. Like you and Battle I usually was the first to finish test also. It would sometimes leave me doubting myself, but in the end I usually always did well. You are really rocking this job hunt thing. I'm so happy you have so many opportunities. I know after your last experience you will choose carefully whatever is best for you.

Julia - Good job on the hot chocolate. I also don't like to tell people I'm trying to lose weight.

Sharon - Here's the good news about menopause. Most of the symptoms you are experiencing now will go away once you get through it. I was lucky in that I transitioned fairly easily so I never tried any herbal or prescribed remedies. I really didn't experience hot flashes, but boy those mood swings , made PMS look like a very slight irritation. The memory thing I don't know, with me I don't know if it is menopause related or just age creeping up on me. I can tell you that it is great to not have TOM any longer, no PMS, no water weight gain every month (of course that excuse would come in handy on my off weeks lol). Unfortunately my love of chocolate had nothing at all to do with TOM or menopause, I still have that as strongly as ever.

Debbie - I usually eat about 30 - 60 fat grams a day also. I take medication that makes my hair fall out and my skin dry, so it's hard for me to tell whether that's from my medication or lack of fat Sounds like your veggies are doing well. It's been a learning experience for me to read all the posts from you northerners that have to start seeds inside in pots. Down here they just go directly into the ground sometime in March or so.

Catherine, Annie & Debbie - all you people still with cold weather and snow, as I sit here posting it is 80 degrees at 7:14 pm. I'll try my best to push my gorgeous weather on up to ya'll. But only if you will return the favor and push me down some cool around August when I'm dying from 100+ degree temps .

Went shopping this past weekend and bought a new top and pants, can't even remember the last time I bought anything new to wear, years and years. Anyway, I got size 24 for both, thinking they would probably not fit or be too tight but I would "shrink" into them. Tried them on when I got home and they fit perfectly! I looked in the full length mirror and surprise, surprise, I actually do look smaller with clothes that actually fit and are not too big.

I'm off to do dishes. Hope everyone has a wonderful evening.

Hello all,

I'm starting this before dinner, but I suspect it will be after when I get it posted. I meant to check in yesterday but I was quite busy, and very tired by the end of the night. I have been working in the garden a little on top of my usual exercise schedule, and it's harder than I thought! However, the berry bushes are moved now, and tomorrow I'll trim up the ones we didn't move and maybe fill them in a little as well. Then the remaining ones will have to be dug out and we'll try and get the neighbours to take them.

Jill - Yes, I think you need to see a real doctor (ie. one who listens). I think that's the part of the US system I don't quite get (the HMOs). Although it can be tough in some areas here to find a family physician (because they aren't accepting new patients), you pretty much find someone who fits with you. And changing doctors when you change jobs just seems odd. I've had occasional high BP readings, but sometimes quite normal. The family doctor seems to think it's very much stress related. The funny thing is it seems to be the stress of going into the doctor's office. The last time I was there he suggested that I just drop in one day and get one of the nurses to take it. I did and it was fine. I was also working in a plant where there was a nurse there every few weeks so I had her do it - also fine. So for the moment we're not doing anything about it, just keeping an eye on it. I've always been tense in doctor's offices, and worse in the dentist's. I also signed up for the challenge. I figured why not? Good luck to us all!

Annie - I seem to be back to normal. It didn't interfere with any of my exercising yesterday, although I did feel it doing one of the barbell squat sets. I ended the day with other aches and pains, but they were all better by this morning. This seems to be the way I end my days, with something aching. However a little heat and a good night's sleep and I'm back to a relatively normal level. The Salvation Army job does sound like it would have wonderful side benefits. Good luck. I just read your post about the test. I've always been nervous when I finish a test too fast, although it almost always turns out to be good. I suspect that in a week or so you're going to be juggling offers.

Debbie - no hubby, that's my mother I'm doing the work with. Although I did live with someone for a while, I've never found that one person I'd want to spend the rest of my life with. It's probably more complicated than that, because I also have a tendancy to push people away who try to even start a relationship. About 12 years ago (after my father died) my mother and I pooled resources and bought a house together in a different city than we were both living in. I suppose I've become quite comfortable with that situation (good and bad). Anyway, glad to hear that Sadie is good, and hope that Marilyn finds a good home. It's funny you mention the weather, but we have time-shift channels and I missed Desperate Housewives the other night and so I recorded it from the west coast channel. I think it probably is a Seattle station. I was watching it yesterday and heard the word snow during one of the news breaks and kind of did a double-take. Oh, and I eat about 30% of my calories from fat. I really mostly aim for 30% protein and let the rest fall into place. When I raised the protein the fat content came up as well. I looked back for April and it's running 31% average. So at 1800 calories I'd be eating 60grams. I'm eating more than that though.

Carol - one of the guys I used to work with was doing the ballroom lessons with his then girlfriend. I think she originally had to drag him to it, but he ended up enjoying it more than she did. I'm not sure that his new girlfriend was into it either. He used to joke about having all those skills and nobody to dance with. And congrats on the 2.25 pounds!

Bernice - congrats on the loss, and catch up when you have the time. In the meantime keep OP and have fun.

Vicki - hello there. I sometimes feel the same (that my life is boring and I have nothing to say), but do speak up every now and then. I'm very jealous of you being in Florida and at the beach. Hope you have a great time.

BattleAx - holidays can be horrid times for staying on track. Even entertaining in general can be tough. As we slowly come towards summer weather (still a couple of months off really) I know that I'll want to have friends over, and my mother will want to have family over for dinner. Since I do the cooking I can control the meals, but, it's the appetizers and the drinks I'll have the most trouble with. Getting the foods out that trigger bad eating was a good first step to getting back on track. This week will be different.

Heather_dw - congrats on not one, but two walks. The number of calories burned are less important than the fact that you did it. I think you're right though, tomorrow pick somewhere else.

Debi - we used to see hummingbirds often, but not so much lately. I suspect it has more to do with what plants we're putting in the pots (they seem to like fuschia and hanging geraniums a lot), although I did see one or two last summer. We used to have a feeder, but I'm not a fan of the wasps we seem to get more than the birds.

Catherine - your forecast still looks good for the end of the week, so just hold on. If they're right, on Monday you'll be back to thinking that spring is coming. Ours is going to do the opposite, stay nice until the weekend and then drop a fair bit. Although I notice that once again they're calling for rain tomorrow morning. I do hope it's wrong as it just won't work into my plans for the day!

Julia - that was a good job with the hot chocolate. I agree about not wanting to many people to know, but it does create problems. We had two neighbours come back from vacation recently bearing gifts. The first one brought lime juice (this was a welcome gift). I use it to make a drink in the summer, which isn't too bad using Splenda. So this was a good choice. The other one brought some kind of chocolate covered coconut candy. It hasn't been opened, but it's got a best before date sometime in August. We'll put it out for company, but that's not really nice, is it? I think I looked at the calorie count and they're like 150 for one. And it's probably not even something I'd like. Can you tell I'm trying to convince myself of this?

Sharon - yellow jackets are a type of wasp. They tend to be more agressive (ie. stinging even when not threatened). We've had wasp nests before (little fruit wasps) and they'll fly over your head when your gardening and don't do any harm. They're actually quite nice as they are great pollinators. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_jacket

Ratkitten - I'm not sure what happened to the concept of customer service. Some companies get it, and others don't. When I was looking for a specific type of dumbbell I sent two emails off to companies listed as distributors. Wanting to know what they carried, did they have any in stock. One gave me a prompt reply - the other never did. Why put an email address on a website if you're never going to check and/or reply. They were both in different cities so I didn't want to head out of town unless I knew they had them in stock. Especially with the price of gas. Okay, rant over, but it's not the first such experience. It's to the point where good responses (phone and email) are such a surprise. Glad you got yours sorted out. I suppose it will be a day or so before your alter ego will be let out to play.

Zelma - we were in San Diego for a very short time last year (less than a day) and we visited Old Town, and the Gaslamp Quarter, and a mall just off the Gaslamp Quarter that was architecturally quite interesting. I found this link at the convention bureau (25 Fun and Free Things to Do in San Diego) - http://www.sandiego.org/article/Visitors/795

Johnnie - congrats on finding that you like your new clothing. I know that's something I'll find hard to do for a while. It will come eventually I suppose.

Well gals, I think that's it for me tonight. I'm going to try and make an early evening of it if I can. Take care all and hope everyone is having a good week.

Well today has been a long day...i try not to worry about hubby while he was on his way to and from the dr but i did!!! Daughter was able to meet him there and sit with him. the dr wants to increase his depokate 500mg per day. He said even though his level is in the range its suppost to be he has found with bipolar it works better at a higher level. He has to get labs again in a week. He is still in pretty bad shape.

My allergies are messed up. My daughter went to get something out of her trunk tonight and everything was wet and molded. NOt sure how it all got wet.We had to throw out 2 blankets and a few bags and books. Everything was covered in mold. She is such a pack rat, it drives me nuts!!!! I think this might have taught her a lesson though. There was no reason for having so many things in her trunk. I am washing a few things that are just wet and praying they come clean ok. The stroller i sprayed down with a mildew spray.
Im not sure it will all come off though.
I came in right on calories today but not satified so i am going to bed. I think i didnt get satified at breakfast and snacked (healthy) today but never got full. oh well at least i didnt go over in calories. I have not drank enough water the last couple of days..
Tommorow is a new day and im praying for a better day!!
Thanks for all your good thought and prayers during this trying time.
debi

aarrg!! im so frustrated! i seriously dont know what to do here

my best friend of literally my entire life. (ive known her since she was born) has told me that she doesnt want to come to my graduation because i have invited her exboyfriend, whom im good friends with, and was before they dated. they dated over 6 years ago and although there was a LOT of drama (no one is disputing hes a jerk) hes still my friend. this is supposed to be an exciting day for me. its the only graduation im going to have, and she cant put bull crap drama from a lifetime ago away for one day. im so hurt right now. i shouldnt have to choose, and i think im not asking too much for her to just suck it up. im inviting 60 people for gods sake. there is a WHOLE football stadium for them to sit in. and she just cant handle it. i just dont know what to do. he has offered to not come, but i dont want that. i shouldnt have to choose. and she has offered to come to the afterparty if i uninvite him, which im not doing. to top it all off shes driving down and taking a weeks vacation to do this whole thing. shes visiting other people too, as shes coming from Montana. i basically told her that if she cant be a grownup then she should save the gas money and not come. in the same breath she said that she didnt want to make this about her, but doesnt care that shes being selfish because she doesnt want to be around him. its not like they have to be anywhere NEAR each other. AAARRRG!!!! i realize that there is a painful history, but she has a TOTALLY different life now. she has a boyfriend (whom shes bringing), a new car, a totally new everything. im not asking her to deal with anything. im not asking her to talk to him or be friends, i just want her there. is that too much to ask?

Johnnie, just let me know when you want the cool weather sent down your way!
The new clothes are a great NSV! I'm so glad that you got some that make you feel so good and ones that fit so you can see how much smaller you've gotten. Keep up the good work!!

Anne, yes we did have snow! It melted pretty fast so it's just wet now. The sun IS shining though. I got out there and did some yardwork too and I didn't get far because my arms gave out. I definitely have to get my weights out and build up some muscle. I'm sucha weakling. I really admire you for all the weight training you've been doing.

Debi, it's great that your daughter got to be with your DH while at the doctor. It must be hard for both of you to have to go thru these trying times.
I tend to go to bed when I'm hungry too, just so I won't eat.
I hope you get your allergies under control. Take care.

Luan, I'm hoping that she will think about it for a while and realize that she's ruining your day and come around and show up at your graduation. At least that is what I'm keeping my fingers crossed for.

Working in the flower beds is really hard, especially this one. I had planted English Daisies and they spread out ALOT and I didn't know that they would do that. So they more or less have taken over the whole bed. I have to dig way down to get the roots and they are so compact that I have to take so much dirt with them, and just throw them away. They have tons of little roots that go everywhere. I am keeping some of them though, to plant out back by one of the big trees. The wind will blow the seeds back so they won't land in the grass anymore. They are so unruly!!!! We're going to have to bring in dirt just to fill the one flower bed back up. So needless to say, my arms are worn out from having the tug of war with those roots. I still have 1/2 a bed to go with those little devils.
I don't know if I mentioned here that I ordered some clothes that were in clearance so they were super cheap. I ordered them in large, hoping that I would be in that size for next winter. Well they got here today and the sweater and the long sleeved tunic already fit me. They are a bit tight, but not really that bad. I don't want to send them back because I really like them and they don't have them in the smaller sizes so I guess I will just keep them. I thought the tunic came with the flannel pants but they didn't so I had to order them and I ordered them in a 16. I KNOW it will be a while before I can fit into those!!
Hope everyone is having a great night
Debbie

Hi ya'll!!! i'm sooooo behind that I have just decided to start here. LOL

things have been going good. last week i was up 4 lbs but that is from not making the BEST choices at the events i was at last week. i'm struggling to get back into the groove of things. i think DH has fallen out of it too and probably won't go to WI with me this week.. I think i'm going to try counting calories instead of exchanges and see how i do with that. i find it easier than trying to figure out the exchange for everything you eat.

Debi - so the quakes woke you guys up too? i didn't feel the 4.5 on Friday morning or the one the other night around 12:40. i was working during the first one and dead asleep on the last one. however i did think our house was going to be ripped off of the foundation during the 5.2. i thought it was a tornado and Zack thought it was the rapture. i'm really glad that there wasn't very much damage. that's always a blessing

well i'm off to bed

nite!

Johnnie WTG I was smiling so much as I read your post, just think a few months ago you were struggling to unpack shopping SITTING DOWN!!! Look at you now! Getting new clothes in smaller sizes is SUCH a treat enjoy it, you deserve it! xxxxxx
Debbie, glad it's not just me suffering!lolxxxxx
Zelma, you lucky thing, getting to meet some of our US 'friends', how long are the flights?xxxxxxx
Catherine, thanks for the PM I'll ty & sort something out soon, at the moment money is really tight but the second I get a few quid together I'll look into the postage costs & exchange rates (would a Visa payment be accepted? I've only bought things from abroad using my visa before, never cheques) Hope it warms up for you soonxxxxx
Luan, great to see you again, I'm sorry your friend is being immature, though I have no advice to offer. If the guy is willing to not go to help you and she isn't willing to give an inch it shows you who is the REAL friend who has YOUR interests at heart. Enjoy your graduation, what is it in, something to do with stage/drama/make-up?xxxxxxx
Ratkitty, ooh why is it guy's bottoms are SO small, no matter how big the rest of them are??lol At least they got back to you & are sorting you out though they really ought to throw in a 'free gift' or something for your trouble!xxxxxx
Gotta go & catch up on housework...sigh... the house is a tip and I don't feel like cleaning, hoovering & dusting lol. I'll have a smoothie & then get on with it!
xxxxsharon

Hi everyone,
I have been around 3FC for a long time, but was out of the loop for the last while. I am back, and ready to try this yet again.

I now find myself weighing even more than I ever have in my life (305) and much more than I ever thought I would have allowed myself to get to.

I've been reading a lot of the posts, and I know that of anyone in the world that could possibly understand, it's all of you.

Today I feel more encouraged and more hopeful than I have in a while, and I can't wait to read your stories, and maybe share some of my own.

Christina