Debbie-I'm not sure that I am ever going to be done. Why is it when you organize that every freaking thing ends up in the middle of the floor. It looks like a bomb has gone off. For instance, I added a smaller shelf to the top of the horizontal book shelf that our DVD etc. is on. So the electronics got moved up, I had all my cords and wires so nice and neat that there was no slack, so I had to pull up slack from behind the speakers on the other side of the room which meant moving the cords up the line, that meant pulling up thresholds and pulling the cords through the clips on the wall too. One splice came loose, so out came the electrical tape, and finally got everything plugged back in, and broke the switch on the surge protector, so then had to replace that, and re-plug everything else in. So hours spent, and basically it doesn't look like I did anything.

Well, I guess the honeymoon is officially over. We had our first real fight. Himself decided to put in an offer on another condo as an investment without consulting me. After I sat him down and we looked at the numbers, he had neglected to figure in things like taxes, insurance, and condo fees. When he saw that it was a bad investment, he was grateful that someone had out bid him. He is officially grounded from the check book. I didn't get to raise my voice even. I'm a Southern woman, I wanted to throw plates at the very least for my first fight. He is so in the dog house, and knows it. I was so mad my hair turned red. The babies in my family are all born with pale red hair that darkens to blond and then brown as we get older, but when the light hits it just right, you can see a little red cast. When I get mad though, the red seems to pop. I haven't decided on how much penance will be required, but it will be a lot.

Good afternoon all,

Well, I got my missing 30 mins done on the treadmill this morning. I also went and finished with the berry bushes (finally). I staked and tied up all the different ones we've planted. I also took some time and hacked lots of the grape vine. You're supposed to prune it during the dormant stage, but there were snow drifts on it a that time of year. I think it's actually a very bad time of year to trim it, but it had to be done. When I was finished the male cardinal came down and sat on the vine and chirped at me. I think he was concerned. The cardinals sometimes get more grapes than we do. I think it was a couple of years ago, but I was checking the fruit and found the mother cardinal in the vine with the baby. It was like 'see, here's the yummy fruit we can eat in a week or so'.

And I found the gooseberry bush behind the boysenberries. It's actually in pretty good shape, although I need to go look out my pruning book and prune it back. It's been fighting for survival and it's huge, so I'll likely trim it back. And the cherry tree is almost in full bloom, but it's kind of early. We're supposed to get a cold snap next week. I hope it doesn't effect the cherries. We don't usually get a lot (birds again), but I'll protect some of the bunches if the yield is good.

Debi - since a couple of days have passed since your post I hope your daughter is better. I agree with you, I'd never choose to stay in a house where someone was sick.

TheWalrus - glad to hear that you got your project finished, and a little time off. Take care of that leg during your recovery.

Catherine - my parents had Saskatoon berries in the old house. If I remember they were great for jams and pies and such, but not the best for just plain raw eating. I like the idea of the urban sharecroppers. I'm thinking that the bed the boysenberries came out of would make a good early cold weather crop spot. Since it doesn't get as much sun it might do for lettuce and/or peas or something like that. This year we're getting some work done on the fence, and then it will likely either just stay with a layer of mulch, or some annuals. That's kind of funny about the dog food. It is amazing though when you try lifting things that you carried for so long though, isn't it? I was doing squats with 65 pounds on Friday and thinking that they should be easier since I used to carry more than that on my legs. Although to be fair I didn't do squats back then. :) You mentioned one of my favourite shows there - Designing Women. I keep hoping that they will eventually release it on DVD. I bought the 'best of' DVD, but keep hoping for at least the early years of it on DVD.

Julee - cars are a necessary evil. I had a big long rant, but deleted it. A good local shop is always worth going to.

Annie - the haircut will do for now. The first time it looks good, but as it goes on I'll lose the layers. I will break down and let a professional cut it at some point. It just seemed simpler to do it myself. Congrats on the loss! I definitely think you should celebrate the 50% mark. I've got two milestones that I'm looking at. The first is 281, which is one pound lighter than I was when I ended up in the hospital. When I hit it I'm back to being lighter than I've been for probably 20 years. The second one is 203.5 (the half my weight mark).

Julia - the TOM stuff is just something we have to deal with. At least when you're up around that time you understand why. I suspect my weigh-in tomorrow will be affected for the same reason, but such is life. At least we're having gorgeous weather for this time of year. Oh, and silly as it sounds, but if you're bloated, drinking more water usually does help.

Debbie - so did you actually put the 70lbs of dog food into the aisle? Congrats on finding a substitute for the chocolate craving. I notice that the chocolate protein shakes have completely stopped me from craving chocolate. I'm not sure it was my worst vice, but I could easily go through a pound box in a short period of time. I still tend to mix the chocolate powder with a fruit one, but it is kind of like a chocolate shake. If I wasn't so lazy I could use the blender and some ice to make it even more like a shake. Then I'd have to clean the blender though. I just saw your later post and I completely understand the frustration. After having an unbelievably good loss in March, my April is mediocre. Although I've upped my food a little I also know I've been more active in the garden as well. I've decided I'm not going to worry about it for the moment. Do you take measurements? I only ask because I'm seeing a few changes in the last few weeks in measurements, even though the scale isn't moving as much. I'm actually considering getting my body fat % done (although it's very scary). They have a Bod Pod about 2 hours aways (near a friends place that I'll be visiting at the end of May). It uses air instead of water to get an accurate number. It's one of those things I'm not sure I want to know, but for later on, maybe I should know.

Lauren - congrats on the loss!

BattleAx - I haven't quite decided if I'll ever be okay with those trigger foods. I'd like to think so, but for me, the reality may be that I don't. That's okay though, I'll figure out a way to make it work. If nothing else, I'll eventually buy really small amounts of things I want. Although I've managed to stay away from the soy nuts. They used to be something that I would eat lots of 'because they're really a good food'. Now I just keep an ounce (weighed) in a small container. When I go for them, that's what I take. The berries should be good this year, although smaller yields from some of the changes we've made. The cherries look good, as do the grapes. We also have two apple trees and two pear trees, although they haven't given us much fruit. Mainly because the blasted squirrels generally get them. On the low-cal foods, I went through a roasted veggie phase a while back. Take a mix of veggies and toss them with a little olive oil (I use a spray oil, same concept) and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic and basil. Roast at 400F until done and toss on a little balsamic vinegar. Cauliflower pieces, brussel sprouts (halved), and onion (slices) need about 30-40 mins. Green beans need about 15.

Carol - I feel like I need something new on the menu lately. I took some shrimp out of the freezer for tonight's dinner. I also made a white chili with cauliflower last week (crockpot) served with some chicken/turkey sausages. I've got some pork shoulder all trimmed and divided in the freezer but haven't quite decided what to do with it. It's somewhat destined for the crockpot, just haven't decided what recipe yet. I can my own salsa as well. It took me a couple of years to get it the way I wanted it. I char some of the tomatoes on the barbecue, drop them in the blender, and make a thick base with vinegar, spices, and our homemade hot sauce - to which we add chopped fresh tomato, onions, and green pepper to just before canning. I think maybe I'll make some this fall (as we're getting low).

Ruby2sday - you're in a unique situation with the restaurant. However, depending on how much control you have over the menu, you could turn that to your advantage. Challenge the chef to create some 'I can't believe this is healthy' dishes and deserts. I suspect that the customers will appreciate it as well.

Johnnie - just breath out next time. (kidding) Hopefully you'll see that under 300 number next week!

Bernice - glad you're having a good weekend. It's surprising the longer you stay away from some kinds of food how badly you react to them. I've noticed since I started cutting the worst of the stuff out of my diet (years back mainly) that I no longer have the bad indigestion that I used to get. If I'm not online tomorrow - :bday2:

Jill - how nice that you can get some errands done with your parents coming. I own one of those lovely SUVs (not so lovely with gas prices). However, it's amazing how much I can put in the back of it with the seats down. I don't get much delivered, I can bring it myself.

Ratkitten - when we were on the freighter, one of the stops was in New Jersey. We went down to Atlantic City by bus (returning by train) and it was a great day. It was late January last year, but it was a lovely warmish day. Just a perfect day out.

Catherine (yes, again) - that's so funny about the red hair. In my baby pictures I'm a strawberry blond. Our family does the same cycle, except faster. I was blonde by age 5, brunette by probably 12 (with sun touched blonde), and the dark brown came at about 15, with the white hairs. My mother got them at 13 so I got a couple of years grace. Now it's mainly white although the hairdresser who used to colour it told me there was still a bit of brown at the back, mixed with white. People don't understand that when I say my hair is white, that it's almost completely white. On the colour I've gone back to my reddish roots, though not a strawberry blonde.

Well, I'm going to see if I can convince my mother to go for a swim. It looks kind of stormy out, so we'll see what it's like out. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I got my Saturday baking out of the way yesterday so tomorrow maybe I can have a rest day. Well, except for the garden of course. That you just have to do when the weather is good.

Howdy all..

Boy Ive been gone a few days and you ladies just chat up a storm lol. I love it though. I've been reading.

I went to the Dr today for my check up for my thyroid meds. I weigh 340. When I was at the dr last year I was 351. So in a year I didnt gain but actually lost a few. IMAGINE if I tried lol.

Well summer time is fastly approaching here in Arizona sooooo it will soon be swimming time. I love swimming!!

Toodles hope yall have a great day!

Anne- The problem with the Designing Women DVD is the music. It's just like what happened with WKRP. They didn't get the rights to use the music on the sound track for the DVD because they didn't exist back then. It would make the cost like $500. For WKRP they substituted the music which I've heard really hurt the DVD, but for Designing Women, I can't imagine the music would be that important, so I hope they work something out, because I'd sure like to have it.

Catherine - it's funny, but WKRP used to run in syndication with other music, which was slightly odd since you could tell that the music didn't match. I'm now trying to remember what music was in the background, since I don't remember it being integral to the shows. Although sometimes you don't remember until you watch something again. I'm just sorry I didn't at least tape them when they were still on the air. I loved Julia's so-called Terminator Tirades.

http://www.designingwomenonline.com/...s/Tirades.html
(my fav would be the first one I think - the great debate between men and women)

I went to the grocery store..and got stopped by a complete stranger who wanted to compliment me on my dress and how nice I looked in it. I took a risk today and wore a sundress with thin straps. It is a pretty pattern and light and airy...and had a high empire waist with a sash belt that ties in the back. The top part is sort of gathered...it's very figure forgiving becuase of the lines. I got the thing at Target...but it was nice to feel like my efforts are paying off...at least a little bit.

Then I came home and busted out a page of labels and marked everything that I bought with how many points and what a serving is. I bought a lot of carbs....probably since I am so deprived from Passover...and wanted to keep things in check. I am thrilled to be able to eat normal lunches gain next week. Hallelujah...the matza will go in the trash!!!

Anne: LOVE your recipe for roasted veggies. The balsamic makes a HUGE difference on brussels sprouts...it really cuts the bitterness. I hit up the local farmer's market sometimes and get some flavored balsamics and use those. I had one that was infused with pear...and it was heavenly. I wish DH and I could make do with only one car....but this is LA and we both work 13 miles + from home and the bus just is not an option for us. We do opt for mass transit on occasion...we actually have a great subway system here that is reliable, cheap and air conditioned...so sometimes it's very helpful.

Back to the heat...I absolutely refuse to cook tonight. Turning on the oven is simply NOT an option.

Catherine...you waited a long time for a first fight...but now you get to find out how great it is to make up afterwards :) (wink wink nudge nudge) Oh my goodness...I'm so inappropriate.

Julee, that was a great summation of our weight loss journey and it always comes back to be vigilant in what we eat and sooner or later we will get that weight off. You said it perfectly and even got my buns in gear again to become more aware of what I'm shoving in my mouth...so thanks!

Catherine, poor poor Himself. He made a very big mistake in doing that. Thank goodness he WAS outbid...definitely.

Anne, yes I take measurements around the first of each month. I lost some but not alot but a loss is a loss. And I like the inches going away almost better than the weight loss. By the time I got to the store, and in the dog food aisle, I forgot all about putting the bags on the floor to see how much 70lbs looks. The aisles were so close, and people were going up and down, that it would of just been too much trouble and block people. I wish we had a super Walmart!! So maybe next time when it's not so packed, I'll give it a try.
Did you go for a swim?

Here's one pic of the tulip garden. I posted the rest of the pics of the tulip fields on the picture thread. It was just beautiful!!! All the colors and different kinds of tulips is just amazing. We went to the Roozengarten which is sort of famous in these parts. It's pretty much a formal garden and then you can drive to a different location for the fields and fields of flowers.
Just found out my brother is coming with his wife and step son at the end of July. Boy have I got alot of cleaning to do!!! Plus we have to make the yards look pretty. It's been 5 years since we've seen him and I hope to look alot thinner. He's never been up to Washington so we'll take him to all the sights.
For those of you waiting for the government rebate check, we heard that they are coming out a week ahead of time, so keep an eyeball out for it!!
Have a great day
Debbie

Julee - it's funny, but I don't really like brussels sprouts, but I love them roasted. I should have added that if you like mushrooms don't roast them with the rest of the veggies, but add them in at the end. I used to do eggplant, onion and mushrooms (also quite nice), but the mushrooms tend to blacken the other vegetables. And how nice to have a stranger complement your clothes.

Debbie - yes we did go for a swim. It didn't actually rain, but while I was prepping stuff for dinner we had some thunder. The pictures you posted are beautiful. Our daffodils are at full bloom and there are a few tulips out today. As much as I love the summer flowers, the spring ones just seem more lovely. I suppose it's because their the first colour after our long winters.

Debbie - the fields are beautiful. Our anniversary is coming up on Friday - sometimes DH surprises me by duplicating my wedding bouquet which was all flowers from our gardens - tulips, daffodils, roses, queen anne's lace, daisies and iris - after seeing your pics I hope he remembers to see the florist. Even though summer is my favorite season my favorite flowers are the spring bulbs.

Julee - what a great day you have had. Sorry to be ignorant but what are fit flops? I agree with Debbie - your comments were right on.

Catherine - so how long has the honeymoon lasted? We have an agreement - can't spend over XXX amount without the other at least being made aware of it - any major gift included. I think a condo qualifies for me as over XXX.

Anne - I need to try veggies that way - sounds wonderful. I am loving the steamfresh bags right now. Veggies seem to come out much fresher than in the steamer or microwave. I'd also like to learn more about your salsa recipe with the roasted tomatoes (and the white chilli with cauliflower).

Cyn - HI!

Hi to everyone! I'm beat tonight - we worked outside before I went swimming today. We dug out an arbor that we had put in cement - but first the climbing roses had to be cut back and then dug out. I think I had a workout before I ever hit the water. I was the only one who showed up today so my trainer let me do my own thing. I work much harder on my own than when he leads us.

Hugs,
Carol

Hi everyone!

Well, today was the big, bad(-for-you) meal that I've been looking forward to, and even though it was delicious, I definitely didn't feel good after -- which is reassuring (?) :)

I think I've pushed my leg a little too far this week, and it's time for a day off, so tomorrow we're planning a relaxing day -- we'll watch some MacGyver on DVD (my husband's fabulous gift to me when I broke my leg) and have some small slices of pizza with lots of fresh tomato sauce and some beer. Yay! I'm hoping for some salad, too, and maybe, if I'm in a little less pain, a nice walk while the weather holds out.

Heather_dw, I don't know if it's too late, and I'm sorry, but I do think that the term whining is a little harsh, but please know that all of us here -- whether or not you agree with us -- hope for nothing but the best for you and want to help you in any way we can to help you make your goals. We know you'd do it for us, too! So please don't give up -- on us or on you!

Hope you all are having great weekends -- and remembering to drink water even when you're in these gloriously unstructured days!

Hello again my Peeps!

I just got home a little while ago from Atlantic City. I gave my big sis a tiny happy bday balloon, an itty bitty cake (bigger than a cupcake) and a funny card. She was happy I made it up to the Borgata (the place we both love) and got to spend time with her and her hubby and some friends. We ate dinner at a nice steak restaurant and have leftovers for tomorrow! It was yummy! They all ate dessert, but I passed. Not because I didn't want it, but I was totally full. I even ate some roasted veggies :) (rem, I'm one of those insane veggie haters).

I didn't get on the bicycle today, but got to ride with the new seat yesterday. The angle still needs tweaking, but I think it'll work out once it breaks in a bit (it's leather). I am now officially a retro bike geek with that seat. It's an all leather Brooks seat. I'm finding that the more padding on the bicycle seat, the worse my tailend feels. This seat is just leather over a frame.

Julia.. I'm guilty of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!!! I'm soooooo insane! hehe. I'm hoping my insanity becomes more managable as I get older and continue on this healthy journey.

Hugs to everyone. Thanks for the continuing reminders that I'm in this for the long haul!!

Luv,
Ratkity

:bday2::bday2you::celebrate::woo::gift::balloons:b ernice

HOpe your huby got you something wonderful!!
debi

I didnt get here yesterday except to read.
went to a goodwill type store here and found a dress and 2 shirts. I had seen the same dress at Goodys and almost bought it but put it back and have kicked myself ever since for not getting it. Well it was on clearance at Goodys for 14.88 reg 100.00 - I got this one at the goodwill store for 2. It looks new. I dont make a habit of shopping there and i really need to during my weight loss. I was amazed at what nice stuff they have mixed in with the junk. I also got some toys for the kids to play with in the dirt.

Scales didnt like me this week but with TOM being here i still lost .5.
I am not going to make my mother Day goal...but thats ok. I have still done good.

YOungest is back to her bouncy self....thanks anne for asking.

No time for personal...hugs to you all
debi

Thank you Debi! He got me to wake up at 5am!!! LOL He had to work this morning....he planned on carpooling it in with some other guys....(he normally drives 50mins one way to work) .....but the guys where not at the pickup site and he didn't want to be late.....so I drove him all the way in....this was an alternate route than he normally takes......I made it there in less than 30mins!!! only doing a little over the speed limit in places (55 & I went 60)... LOL....I told him he needs to take this route all the time!!! On the way home I drove the speed limit all the way.....even slowing down for school zones(pass 2) just to see how long it would take him with traffic on a weekday.....I got home in 33mins!!! I told him this is his new route to work!!! rofl!!! cuts his drive time each day almost in half!

Well oldest DD & I will leave for church in a bit.....and retreve youngest DD from her friend she spent the night with.....then this afternoon we will all go and pick up DH from work and then go out to eat dinner....Maybe we will drive up to Louisville! Hope its sunny later! I'm enjoying driving DH's convertable!!! LOL

Went with my girls, one of youngest's friends and 5 of oldest's friends....we took up a whole row in the theater! Made me feel like a teenager!!! LOL we watched Baby Momma! REALLY CUTE MOVIE!!! Funny!!! had the whole theater Laughing throughout the movie! I highly recommend it!!! However it is definitely a "chick flick" as my Dh so lovingly calls them! LOL

We drove to the theater with the top down and Chris Brown CD "thumpin" LOL the girls were all dancing with their arms up in the air all the way there LOL boy I am going to miss these times!!!

I better get in the shower and start moving or we will be late!

Bernice

Anne-Yup, those terminator tirades were the best. My husband just got to see that side of me.

Julee-He hasn’t progressed to a wink yet, so we will see.

Debbie-Yes, it is a good thing he was outbid. Our old couch is saggy, and the new ones haven’t been delivered yet, and I doubt I would let him sleep on my new couches anyway. I’m also waiting on my rebate check. Haven’t been to the US in 2 ½ years, but still have to pay taxes there.

Carol-2 ½ years without a fight, and hardly a disagreement. I feel like getting one of those work place accident signs that say how many days since the last industrial accident. He just woke up, and came in apologizing again. He’s being so pathetic, I’m going to have to give in soon, although I am enjoying his trying to make up, he’s even putting the seat down in the bathroom.

Rat-I do feel like a long haul trucker at times too. It’s too hard to think that far sometimes, so I just try to focus on today.

Bernice-When you described the kids all dancing in the car, I had this picture in my head of that scene in Coneheads. Happy Birthday.

There is a big charity book sale this afternoon, and he has already arranged a ride to church for me, a lunch out, and then the book sale. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to make him suffer, but I am enjoying him practically courting me again trying to make up.