Debi - be glad you have a life - obviously your sil does not. I'd like to see her go toe to toe with anyone of us regarding this. I think she has sunk lower than low.

Trust me - we can take her. Hugs girlfriend.

As for me I am down another 1/2 pound. Slow and steady - right now I seem to be losing inches - normally I don't lose pounds and inches at the same time so at least I am seeing progress somewhere. I wore new clothes today - that fit - I will try to post pics later - but for now - back to the grind.

Hugs to everyone except the evil SIL.
Carol

Ok girls this is my last post...............


































TILL I GET BACK FROM SEEING MY SON!!!!!!!!
hehehehehehehehe


just had to tease you all!

we are waiting on oldest DD to get here ....she had to work today so she is driving in (1 1/2 hours away) she is about 13miles out of town......so should be any minute!

I'm afraid I will not be able to catch up on personals during the trip......however will have a laptop with us so I might find a min or two here or there from the hotel room.
They have a pool & a gym so I plan to swim & workout!!! even if its at midnight! LOL

I checked my weight this morning.........now this is not an official weigh in........but I lost another pound!!! which brings me to 40lbs lost!!!!! So as long as I can maintain that loss till monday I will be estatic!!!!

ok chickies gotta get the car loaded up ready to take off when DD gets here.........we still have to drive 1hour south of us to pick up Son's girlfriend...........then start our 15hour trip!!! YICKS!!! LOL but its all good it will be well worth it!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!

Debi don't sweat the SIL...........(in case you are reading SIL stands for Sister In Law) ...........she was RUDE and STUPID to invade your privacy! Don't let her get you off track on your plan!!!! HUGS GF!

ttyl
Bernice

Luan: So sorry that spinning hurt you. Hugs.

Kayley: You are so beautiful! You looked pretty without make up too Hun.

Degrame: I am sickend by your SIL's behavior. What a a$$! Please don't leave here. Keep coming back and show her you have friends here. Hugs.

Battle Hi girl!

Catherine: I just wanted to tell you that I am honestly truly so proud of your efforts that you always give for God. Huge Hugs to you my friend! Also, I think I would be prertty good at the shopping cart in the snow! That really is a workout. I have done it many times since moving to Idaho. lol. I think I will pass on the ice slipping.

Debbie: Yippeeeeeee! I'm so happy that Marilyn got adopted. What a relief you must feel. So many dogs from shelters get such good homes so rest assured your Marilyn will have a happy and sadie fighting free life! Good luck to you at work sweetie.

Carol: Woohoo for getting down another 1/2 pound! I agree that it is so scary to get rid of clothes that are too big. I cleaned out my closet again yesterday and got all of the size 26 things out for someone else. I got into the many boxes of size 22/24 things that people have given me and tried on all the pants. They all fit so I brought those into my wardrobe. There are about 4 pairs of capri jeans and some white linen pants that would be so pretty for summer. There is a pair of black capri type pants too. Only thing is that I hate shirts to be short on me because of my huge tummy so that is an issue I am trying to get over.

DH went to his physical this morning. I am sooooo happy. He got a clean bill of health. He got some exercises for plantars and he talked to his new Dr. about a Visectomy. That honestly makes me sad. I always wanted kids soooo much and now, well, I am almost 42 and not able to have children until I am at least 18 months out of my surgery so I would be 43 or close to it before I was able to start having children. DH doesn't want children now saying he feels he is too old. He will be 44 in Oct. His Mom was 40 when he was born and his dad was 47 so his memories of his parents were of tired people. I know we can adopt and all but I just always wanted to have a child. I know that I will get over it and it is probably just because TOM is still not here and I am emotional. We have a happy life but I wish I would have tried harder to lose weight earlier in life so I could possibly have been a mom. I guess I am just grieving a bit. Okay, whine fest over now.

Hope you all have a wonderful op, water drinking day. Oh ya, DH and I just went and played Tennis. lol. WE stunk at it but we played for 30 minutes. Something I haven't done in 20 something years. It felt nice to not be too scared to try.

blessings all,
Annie

Kayley, good things to do happen at walmart, don't they? Especially meeting someone and falling in love. I wish you both the best in your life together. I'm nosy too, I like to see what they buy. :rofl:

Debi, I still can't believe she even confessed to getting into your personal computer stuff. Amazing!

Carol, 1/2 pound is great progress, and to be honest, I would rather lose the inches. It shows alot faster!! Yay for the new clothes!

Bernice, have fun and let your son know that WE are also very proud of him!!!

Annie, YAY for hubby's clean bill of health. I bet that was such a relief for both of you. You know, you're not really too old to have children. Look at all the stars having children later in life. Whichever you two decide, make sure it's right for BOTH of you. You don't want to have regrets later. I had one son, and so many times I wish I had of had more. Mainly for him, to have had someone else to play with and grow up with and maybe even a little sister to protect....but God knows best. :hug:
Sounds like you have a whole new wardrobe with all the clothes that you've got. Feels so good to get into smaller sizes, doesn't it?

I'm doing terrible at eating today. I think I'm nervous about going to work and I'm making terrible decisions about food. I'm panicking about packing my lunch and water. I don't want to have to be running back and forth to the bathroom while trying to do my job. Help, I'm stressing!!!
Debbie

I wish a safe journey to Dmpls!! Have a great time!!

Annie, you are rocking girl. I have to wear long shirts too cuz of my hated tummy. Good news about DH's clean bill of health. BTW, a vasectomy takes a while to take effect. There's still leetle swimmers that escape at first. hehe. Sorry for WTMI.. eep!

Deb, you'll do fine at your new job! It's not my lunch packing I have trouble with, it's the availablity of bad snacks in the vending machines that get me. Bah.

Hugs to all,
Ratkat

Just lurking around trying to figure out who everyone is and what is going on in their lives. You are all amazing people!

I wish I could reply to everyone, but just don't remember it all or who is who. But, Julia stuck in my mind and I just wanted to send her a hug! I don't know your circumstances but just felt for you today. Someone else commented that when marriage goes right it is wonderful....I am one of those lucky ones. Hubby and I have been married for 19 years this year and it is wonderful. He is my true soulmate. He loves me unconditionaly, and once you all get to know me you will realize that makes him a very special man...LOL.

Debbie: Hugs. You will do fine at work! Is it a "Super" Walmart? I hope it is a ton of fun working there. I think I would have a hard time not spending all my money on things I see people buy that I want. lol.

Rat: Yep, The Dr. mentioned the "little swimmers" that will remain for a bit. lol.

Sandy: I am one of the very lucky in love ones too. I have been married to my very best friend since I turned 19. So, for almost 23 years now. lol. I always try to count my blessings when I see someone who wasn't so very lucky and needs prayers.

Well, I rode my exercise bike for 30 minutes while I played the Cabela's "Big Game Hunter". I wouldn't hunt in real life unless life depended on it even though I grew up with hunting constantly and married a hunter but it sure is fun on the game. A huge buck just bashed me to bits. lol. I managed to do my bike without even thinking about it though. That was the best part. 30 minutes went buy so quickly that maybe I'll ride again later when I get home from my Tuesday night group meeting.

Wish me luck cause I am going to give away a ton of size 26 clothes that I have been clinging to for dear life.

Blessings,
Annie

Well i talked with another sisterinlaw and she said the one SIL had made comments about me coming here and posting. She told her to leave me alone and she said it was to much fun to see what we talked about. I told her to feel free to join in our chats.LOL
I have everything safe where she cant get anything else.
I did ok eating overall today...had to really fight the urge to eat a slice of cheese cake from schwans.
Debbie_ good luck at the job..hubby was a manager of walmart before he got sick. Great benefits!!!!!! YOu will do great!! I have faith in you hun!!

Hiya Peeps - I posted new pics - I can see a difference in clothes that fit better, I'm glad i went shopping.

Debi - I continue to be appalled by your sils behavior - cyber rape as Catherine put it is as close as I can come to words. Bet she didn't think you would expose her to us did she? She cannot stop the support and friendship you have given here.

Dinner is ready and I need to pack - road trip for one night tomorrow - I'll try to get back for more personals later.

Move you bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hello ladies!

I saw a couple of people mentioning lurkers, so I figured I'd pop my head out and say hi. I really do come and read here everyday, but I don't post because I usually don't feel like I can be an equal contributor to the group because oftentimes I'm so wiped out from school and life in general that I don't feel like I have the energy to come up with stuff to say... Haha.

Things have been going well with me and I'm still with Jed, for those of you who remember me talking about him before. He graduates from law school this weekend and I'm really proud of him and happy for him, although he's sort of in a transitional phase right now considering he hasn't found a job yet and this will be the first time in 20-something years that he won't be going to school in the fall.

Along that same vein, in the past few weeks I've seriously questioned what I want to do with my life, which I guess is normal for a college student. I originally had been fairly set on going to medical school and being a doctor, but at this point I feel like my motivations were impure and more materialistic than anything else. I really feel my calling is more in academics, probably getting a PhD and teaching at a university, hopefully. This is seriously frightening to me considering the fact that getting an MD only takes 4 years whereas a PhD usually takes 6-8 years, sometimes longer. And to top it all off I'm debating on changing my major from International Relations to English, because I figure if I'm going to be teaching anyway I might as well not think "practically" and just go for what I'm passionate about. Scary, life changing stuff going on. I think the best plan for now is to take a few more courses in English and a few more in Int'l. Relations so that I can make a more informed decision and see where my talents lead me. My problem is basically that I love too many things and would be sad to have to pick just one... haha.

As far as weight loss goes, I've been doing fairly well. I've actually been exercising 5X a week for the past few months. The exercise bug finally got me! Now I get really cranky if I don't get to work out, partially because it's so fun to be on the elliptical, sweatin' it to the music on my mp3 player.

I'm pretty zonked right now, considering I had two finals today and woke up pretty early to get some last minute studying in, so I think I'm going to call it a night.

Take care all,
Lindsey

Carol you look simply fab! That is a cute outfit!

Lindsey, w00h00 .. you keep up the GREAT work!!! I wish the exercise bug would bite me harder. I like to do certain things, but motivation is hard to come by when I get off work mentally exhausted.

You look fabbo!!!

Luv,
Ratkitten

Not too much time to post, but I wanted to say.....WOW Carol, you look great. You carry your weight really well. I hope I look that good at 291.

w00h00 Carol! That new outfit totally flatters your loss. BTW, whose pool is that? Do you get to swim? I'm totally jealous if you do .. hehe.

Luv,
Rat

Lindsey-Join in when you can, we are all busy. It is always good to hear what everyone is doing.
dgramie-praise to the sil who told the other sil to "BUTT OUT!" Don't let it get to you as that is what she wants. She wants it to get to us too! Well, news is. . . It won't. We love who you are. She needs to learn that.
Annie- Tennis! Good for you. I played in high school but not sure if I could do it now. Think about the kids more. You are both very young and have so much love and so much more energy now. Hugs!
Debbie54- I LEFT THE LITTLE SISTER!!!! I am sure it was traumatic for both, I received a call from the younger one 5 minutes after I walked out the door. The older one I am sure was all drama! I think you should not worry about having to go to the bathroom, you NEED to drink your water. Your health is much too important.
Kayleystar- daughter is 16 and everything turns into drama! HA! HA!
Carol- yeah 1/2 lb. is gone and not returning. We all wish for both lbs. and inches, I am one or the other too. Keep going you are looking so awesome. You should hold your head high, pics are beautiful.
Bernice-Yeah it's 1 lb. lost forever!!!!
Ratkitten- can you pack snacks?
I need to go drink water. Penny

Thank you all for the nice comments about the clothes that fit - it really makes me feel different too.

Rat - it is our pool BUT right now by "our" I mean it's for the pups - it is not heated and a much too cool for me. Gracie couldn't wait for us to get the cover completely off - she jumped right in. Gypsy thinks she is a Hollywood starlet and just lounges in the step. It's never been this late for us to have a human venture in.

I did a 5k again tonight and the tops of my feet are killing me - what's that all about - has never happened before???

Hugs,
Carol

Good evening ladies,

Sorry I've been so absent, but it's likely going to be touch and go for at least another couple of weeks. Well, unless it rains. I've been doing lots of stuff outside the last couple of days (and even did a little cleaning indoors). Part of what I was doing the last few days is getting the pots ready for planting. While doing this I scrubbed the winter dirt off the patio (with the pool brush, but that's not as easy as it sounds). I'd have to go back outside to check, but it's somewhere between 53 and 55 pots that are done. I also got this insane idea to start another project. Hey, I might as well since I'm home at the moment. We've had kiwi vines up the side of the garage for the last 9 or 10 years. They grow a lot, fruit little, and if you're not careful they fall off when they're ripe. They're actually mini kiwis, about the size of a grape. Anyway, in the end we decided that they were history. I spent part of the morning and afternoon cutting and clipping the vines back to a small stump. Late in the day I decided just to see how hard a job it was going to be. I put the fork into the ground, the plant moved easily, and except for the two-foot long roots it actually came out pretty easily. So did plant 2 and 3. I was thinking how easy this task had been until I got to the last plant. I suspect it was planted too close to the edge of the bed and the roots had spread down instead of out. Well, there was a point I didn't think it was ever going to come out. I mean it was loose, I put my entire weight behind it and it didn't budge. I did eventually get it cut out with the spade, although it's a good thing I only plan to make this a vegetable patch.

I've still got to clean the bed up a bit and dig in some better soil. Then I think I'll just put the umbrella out for the table and relax for a couple of days. Of course, then I'll need to start planting. This weekend coming up is our long weekend (Victoria Day), but I'll likely wait until Tuesday to start planting (depending on the forecast). It's a full moon and we'll usually get a lovely clear night... and if it's cold, definitely frost.

Before I do personals and perhaps forget - Annie and Carol - how nice to see updated pictures. How lovely you're both looking. I brought some clothes downstairs the other day to take some myself, but I looked at the hair that needs colouring (think white ring around my face) so mine will be a week or so, until after I've coloured my hair. And if I get really busy, it might not be until near the end of the month when friends of mine are coming for dinner. :)

So, I'm on plan, just busy. I have skimmed the threads last week and this one, but I'm only going to try and do some personals from this week. For anyone who is new, or returning, a big :welcome: For others like myself who are lurking.... :wave:

Debi - so sorry to hear about your problems with SIL. I used to (decades ago) do security checks on computers in an audit capacity. People really do think that they're passwords are unique. However, most people who know them can guess eventually. The key is to find something that makes sense to you, but most people wouldn't think of. Years ago I used to use michiamo as a password. (mi chiamo) It's Italian for 'my name is'. I don't know why I used it, but I'm not Italian, I don't speak the language. It was a holdover from a possible trip to Rome that never happened. It was also nothing anyone would have guessed. Anyway, I see that your user name has changed, so best of luck with SIL. We all speak fairly candidly, and I suppose there are some things we say here that we wouldn't want known by others.

Kayleystar - although I understand the desire to be a lesser weight fast, it really isn't likely worth it in the long run. I also saw your comment about losing 60 pounds on Atkins and now being higher than your start. That doesn't sound like Atkins is really a good choice for you. It sounds like dropping weight fast sent you spiralling back to bad eating habits, or your body learned to live on too little food and nothing could stop the weight from coming back. As the maid of honor isn't it better to find an alternate dress, and be healthy and a little lighter at that time. Rapid weight loss done badly can also lead to hair loss. I know, I've been there. Anyway, whatever happens, I hope you enjoy the wedding.

Julia - sorry to hear about the issues with DH. I definitely can't help with relationship issues, but I do hope you find a way to work through them.

Debbie - they always say that the best exercise is one that you enjoy, so dance away! I think the theory is that if you enjoy it you're going to keep it up. And hey, congrats on the new job. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to stick to your eating plan. Keeping your protein levels up with meals and snacks might help you stretch out long breaks if you have them. And of course, planning everything so you're not buying a little something to get you through a tough time...

Penny - wow, and I thought I'd been busy. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate at the moment. Good luck!

Julee/Annie - I've come to the conclusion that a small amount of really good ice cream is better than all the sinless/low cal/etc. type stuff. Oh, and Julee - glad you and MIL seem to be getting along a little better.

TheWalrus - a couple of bad choices can be overcome by drinking lots of water. It seems odd, but when you're retaining water it really does seem to help. No matter that you didn't lose weight, just enjoy your vacation.

Bernice - you need to have some fat on your body. There's so much information about how much body fat you should have, but let's say 22-25%. I tried to work backwards, but the numbers didn't quite make sense to me. Let's put it this way, you're not aiming for zero! And also, caliper measurements are not the most accurate form of body fat % (although if done by the same person over time it will show you changes well). You likely won't read this though (just saw your other post). Hope you have a good visit with your son.

Angie - congrats on getting under 350. Every milestone is important!

Annie - sorry you're not feeling well. Is it possible to freeze some of hubby's little swimmers (wasn't sure if I used the actual word if it would be blocked)? My mother was 38 when I was born, and you know, I never really thought of her as an old parent. At 80 she's still way more active than women 10 and 20-years younger. It might be possible to leave your options open just in case you change your mind.

Penny - I remember my teen years a little, and if they really needed a chaperone, they likely wouldn't have been telling you that they were coming. :)

Lindsey - I hope you figure out what path your future will take. I've made a couple of turns and changes myself over the years (and going back to college myself in the fall). It seems almost ridiculous that we have to decide what we want to do with the rest of our lives in our 20s, doesn't it?

Catherine - I always love reading your posts. They're so fun (yes, even the toe one!). Hope things are good with you.

Well, I think that's it for me. It's technically past the time I usually step away from the computer, so if I missed anyone - another :wave:

(of course, just my luck, the site isn't answering, so I'll go change and come back in a few minutes)

Bernice – I hope that you have a wonderful and SAFE trip!! Have a marvelous time!

Annie – Awww, thanks for the sweet comment. :) I hope that you & your DH are able to make the decision on the vasectomy that is right for you both. My fiancé had one almost 2 years ago, and it was a great decision on our part. But everyone, and every couple is different.

Debbie – I hope that you have a GREAT first day!! I’m sure you’ll do fine. :) I over-stress all the time, too, though, so I definitely know how you feel!!

Dgramie – Still irks me what your SIL did. Ugh. But good for you for not giving in to the piece of cheesecake!! I was horrible today, and ate a piece of pizza. Ugh.

Carol – I must say, you are looking FABULOUS!!!! Keep it up!

Anne – I was on South Beach before, and really, I just gave up. I could have kept up with the diet, and I just stopped. I wasn’t craving the bad food or anything. A LOT of the reason that I gained was due to me being switched around on different meds about a year ago. I’m not going to say that’s the entire problem, but my depression, and subsequent diagnosis of being bi-polar really sent me for a loop, and I spent the majority of 2007 is an extreme depressive state, and that’s when I gained back the weight from before. Again, not using it as an excuse. I have no one (or pill) to place the blame on.

Right now, I just need to get a good kick start! I don’t plan to stay on Atkins for a very long time. I need to drop 50-75 lbs, and then I’m going back on Weight Watchers. It’s much more do-able for me in the long run.

As for the dress…..I’m getting it altered. There’s no way around it. I spent $200 on that dress, and there’s a no return policy. And with the color she picked…it’d be really hard to find an exact color match, ya know? I just hope the seamstress is able to alter it! I’m going to do my best to lose the inches between now & then, so there’s not as MUCH that needs to be altered. Hehe.

Well, that’s all I’ve got. I’m up past my ‘bedtime’, and I have a LONG day ahead of me tomorrow! Have to return the scale I bought today, because it doesn’t work! Ugh!

My 22nd Birthday is soon. I'm pretty excited. Hehe.

Dgramie::: OMG about the stalker!!! Maybe she is jealous of your online relationship!! Hope all works out for the best. :mad:

Berniece::Don’t scare us like that!!!! I am sooo glad you get to see your son! Do me a favor…give him a hug for me for protecting our freedom so that we can come here at chat with his mom!! I seriously mean that! Being a soldier is the most brave and honorable thing!! :hug:

Carol::: you look amazing darling!! Love the new pics!:o

Lindsey:: I have the workout bug too!! That is great that you exercise that many times and go to school! :running:

Anne::how exciting to be getting ready for gardening..so jealous here!:tantrum:

Kayley: The YMCA is great. I can take the whole family for only 63.00 a month. And there is so much to do there!!:jig:

Well no YMCA tonight. I have 2 sick kids and a sick hubby. I almost feel guilty for not going. BUT have no fear Wednesday I will go for sure. BTW my friend that stiffed me about going..she does not even ask me about the Y anymore. I asked her today if she was still going to join and she said “don’t know” I tell ya.

Have a great night everyone!!

Annie-My parents were also 40 and 47 when I was born, and I don't remember them when they didn't have gray hair and bi-focals. They were pretty tired by the time I came around, but that was because there's 19 years difference between me and my oldest brother. I also didn't think I could get pregnant at 43, let alone several times. We had also talked about adopting, but with our health issues, I think it would be hard to get approved. We travel so much that it would also put a stop to that. I'm always open to God's will about such things, I just wish occasionally that he'd let me in on what it is.

Carol: I loved, loved your pics. You look so beautiful and amazing. It is so great when you wear clothes that fit. I think I should try it sometime. lol. Hugs.

Lindsey: Hi there girl. Glad to see you are doing well. Congrats to your Jed! Your hair looks so adorable. I love it.

Penny: I think DH and I should have another talk a longer and more serious one about the whole "kid" thing. Thanks for the input. I truly appreciate it and it gives me more to think about instead of an immediately answer of "I'm too old".

Anne: I missed you and am very glad you checked in. I understand though. You have been quite the busy lady. Can't wait to see the new pics of you.

Kayley: Yep. I remember when Andrew isn't it? Had the visectomy. As I mentioned to Penny above I will have to give it a lot of thought.

Catherine: My Dad was so active growing up and still is. He is now 73 and still doesn lots of hunting and horse back riding etc. My mom was what is considered a young age when she had me but growing up she was not active and never did things with us. I guess it depends on the person. I am going to give it more thought and lots of prayer. The most important thing to consider and I honestly haven't done that yet. Thanks for reminding me what I need to do. Hugs. How was the soccer game? Did you see Becks? Did you kill anyone with a frozen hot dog?

Well, time for bed all.

Blessings,
Annie

Cyn – Another thing that I like about the YMCA is that they have a scholarship program. Since I don’t make very much money each year, they look at your W-2 forms, and judge how much you get off each month, between 10%-80%. I ended up getting 70% off a month, so I can go for $12 a month….which is much more do-able to me, instead of the $40 a month it normally costs.

Annie – Well, I am definitely keeping you in my thoughts, and I hope you two are able to come to a decision. :)

Okay, it’s off to work for me! I have a field trip today; taking a bunch of 7 year olds to the zoo. Luckily, I just have to drive them, I don’t have to watch them! I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to go in the zoo, or if I’m going to do some shopping! I’m thinking the latter might win. ;)

Since I have the field trip, no gym between shifts, so I’m going to try and go after work, although it’s usually insanely busy around 5. I might go do all my running around, and then try and hit the gym. Have to exchange that scale at Walmart, and pick up the cake for the Bridal Shower;

Also, yesterday, I veered off plan. I had a piece and a half of pizza. But it’s alright. Back on plan 100% today. :)

Have a great day, all!!

Right I've 'caught up' with you all,;) lol, but there's no time to reply to you all. After the few days my parents visited there's tidying up to do, laudry AND I still have a migraine, it's been on & off for three weeks now and my meds aren't stopping them:( so I may have to visit the Dr's AGAIN (they ought to reserve me a seat, poor pathetic wretch that I am, LAFF!!)
Julia, so sorry things are rough at home:hug:, me & hubby have been together just over 13 years and we love each other BUT argue & have fall-outs/bad patches, I hope things improve or that you can get help to find out what's BEST FOR YOU!xxxxxHUGSXXXXX
Annie, I read a while ago about a young-ish woman who like you HAD to have the gastric bypass due to health probs, she wanted children & was warned she MUST NOT get pregnant within 18 months of surgery, well less than a year later she WAS pregnant AND had a healthy baby a few months after that. There is hope, but I KNOW Joel has your best interests at heart, have a good long talk & find out what you can both do. I had my youngest at 38 & 300+lbs, it didn't stop me from playing with him, loving him and caring for him. Friends of my parents adopted,(being unable to have children of their own) having a boy my age & a girl my sister's age, HEY PRESTO when I was expecting my oldest son so was the MUM!!!! Going through the change (or something, lol!) gave her what she'd always wanted & at 48/50(not sure?) She played hockey, basketball etc with her daughter, age is a state of mind, not a number. I know 30yo OLD people & 70 yo YOUNG people! :hug:HUGSxxxxxx (sorry to go onxxx)
Debi What a c*w! I hope Suzanne BANS HER, you know we all love & respect you,:hug: that is her problem, not yours, she must be sick with envy at all your friends & real SISTERS-On-Line.xxxxxx
Carlo/gg I will check out your pics in a mo, congrats on the loss.xxxxxx
Kayley, hey look forward, your friend WANTS YOU, ok if you lose some weight GREAT but remember how SPECIAL you are. I kNOW you can do this.:hug:xxxxxx
My weight was UP on Friday,:mad: I was so angry as I knew I should have lost BUT I've been good & hope it's just hormonal (grrr:mad:) fluctuations causing my puffy hands & legs. It has been VERY hot here (for the UK, lol) 80+ or 28-odd & we had a bbq on Sunday, it was lovely, my two youngest boys playing with their three (boy) cousins, my sis, her hubby, my oldest son (21) & his GF AND my parents, I loved it & got tons of exercise going up & down the garden with food, drinks, napkins etc, I was worn out at the end of it! lol I had a couple of home made chicken, red pepper, tomato & mushroom skewers (marinated in dry sherry, worcestershire sauce & stuff) pretty low cal!lol
Well housework calls, sigh...
xxxxsharon:hug:
xxxxxsharon

Annie - just found out that my aunt who is 42 had her tubal lit undone 6 mos ago and now she is pregnant. Have the talk with DH and see where it leads. Miracles do happen every day!

G'morning Peeps!

Annie, I'm glad you are reconsidering "oldness". My mom is 75 yrs old and rides circles around me on my bicycle. I ride at a pretty good clip, mind you, and she's a pistol!! She's had foot reconstruction so she doesn't do weight intensive exercises, but does weights and swimming and bicycling.

GGG, my pups would LOVE a pool for themselves. I'd have perma-wet doggies hehe. Tops of your feet? I would think that you were tensing your foot as you stepped or you added more incline. when an odd muscle hurts, I try to imagine the opposing muscle. Did I work it extra hard? The pulling on the opposite muscle usually makes the other one hurt too. Of course, this is my odd body's experience. Your mileage my vary.

Wow, Anne! Your potting and planting just made me tired reading it! hehe. You are busy too! I have to weed my 2 remaining blueberry bushes and few strawberries. My cherry trees have itty bitty green cherries on them!!! The birds will prolly eat them, but it's fun to see this year. This is the first year they have fruited.

Kayley, your gym motivation is inspiring. I hate going there at 5pm too. It's so busy!!

Cyn, sorry about the sick family. I hope you don't get it. Too Funny about your friend.

Catherine, I've always been told if you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans. I suppose it works the same way if you ask about His plans. :D I would appreciate a hint now and then, but that doesn't happen either.

Sharon, your bbq sounded divine!! I love family get togethers. The food sounded healthy and made me drool. Of course, all food makes me drool.. hehe. My family is getting together on Memorial day and want me down there. My mom is resorting to guilt now.

Well, time to get moving. Looks like I'm gonna be late to work if I don't get going! BikerChick is itching to ride to work. I have a salad packed and diet sodas so I don't get tempted to wander into the vending machine room for a "soda". Snacks are packed too!

Hugs to all,
Ratkitten

Good morning all,

I'm waiting for my breakfast to settle and then I'm going to see if I can finish up with that new bed from yesterday. The rain hasn't showed yet (now forecast for the afternoon) so maybe I can get it done this morning. There is a tea party here at 2pm which I was hoping to avoid by working outside. I might just hide on the computer instead though. :)

Sandy - personals are optional. I know when I first came I felt like if I wasn't doing them I shouldn't post. In the end it's more important to post about what's going on with you. I usually compose my messages in a small window in Notepad with the website behind it. Otherwise I couldn't keep people straight at times.

Kayleystar - okay, but just be careful. I know firsthand how an obsessive diet can mess with your health. I was doing quite low cal (<1400), with lots of heavy cardio, and very little sleep (4 - 5 hours a night). I did end up affecting my health badly. This doesn't mean it will happen for everyone, but rapid weight loss does affect you in ways you might not think of. Good luck on your goals.

Cyn - I've always found that exercise buddies do more harm than good. Maybe other people have different experiences, but everyone has a different level of commitment. What sounds like a great idea in theory sometimes becomes more difficult in real life. In the end you go when you plan to, and if she ever joins you, then that's better (and you will know that you've affected her in a good way).

Catherine - when you travel, do you always travel together? I'm thinking that maybe being a foster parent might be an option. You might do good instilling your attitudes onto a young impressionable mind.

Annie - I miss you ladies when I'm not here (although I am usually lurking in the background).

Sharon - I was that way with water last week. I literally went up more than 3 pounds in 2 days. I know it was nothing I'd eaten, but it was just plain odd. It took about 3 days for the water to come off, but it did eventually. Sounds like you had a nice bbq on Sunday. I'm still waiting for our first 25C+ day, but not yet. Of course, we have central air conditioning for those really hot days. I know that hot temps in the UK are usually a problem because most people don't have it. Or at least our relatives in Scotland don't (old homes without any kind of forced air heating system).

Ratkitten - it makes me tired thinking about it as well. We always look at the pots in the spring and say we have too many of them (my mother has more in the front, although not as many), but we still continue to plant them all. We've got a few that eventually need to be retired, but I looked at them and decided they would do for another year. Yes, it's official, I'm hopeless. It's not so bad once they're planted though. Some daily watering and a little clipping (which I'm usually bad about) and that's it. Oh, and we have little cherries as well. I agree, the birds will likely get most of them, but I'll probably try tying nets around a few bunches just so we get some.

See, that wasn't so hard. I've still got about 30 mins to when I planned to go outside. I will try and make a daily visit. I know that it doesn't take long to pop it, but once I leave it a couple of days it seems insurmountable. Hope everyone is having a good, on plan, day.

Anne- I am so jealous of all the outside time you are getting and all the planting you are doing!! You go girl! It makes me want too! I have a couple of planters on the front porch but have nothing in them yet. I so wish I had a space for a garden too. But teen daughter works at a market/restaurant so she can get discounts this summer on veggies!! I told her we were going to can alot this year as last year I did very little.
Sharon- Please send some heat this way!! It sounds like you had a nice day with family there! Cherish those moments.

Hi Ladies,
I'm off to work in a few moments so thought I would pop in here and say "Good Morning"!!!
I've packed a ham and cheese sandwich, with diet coke, fiber 1 bar, and another kind of bar, I forgot what it was, but it's healthy. It's one with yogurt in it. I had cereal, milk and a banana for breakfast. Ick! I hate eating breakfast first thing in the morning. I usually wait a good hour before I even feel like eating.
I'll take my water, but still unsure about how much I'll get to drink.
have a great day! We are suppose to be getting into the 80s the end of the week!
Debbie

good Morning everyone,

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful support i got yesterday,I truly felt violated!! I have protected everything so all she can see is what i type here. I think she is jealous!! I hve wonderful friends here and she cant seem to keep friends( wonder why)

I am a little bit nervous this morning..son and daughter in law may find out what the baby is today. I just pray the baby is healthy!!she is having her dr visit right now....needless to say i have my cellphone right beside me!!LOL

Carol_ I love the new pictures. You look wonderful!!!

dmpls_ know we are thinking of you!! Tell your son we are proud of him and his love for our country!!

anne_ i had missed you!!! Sounds like you are working really hard!!

hugs to everyone.
I will be back later and let yall know if its a boy or a girl. son jokes it twin!!

Good Morning...

I decided last night that I am not going to weigh in today. I know that I was off all week and I was also PMSing. I got TOM last night and I just do not have the energy right now to deal. I'm not going to totally blow off today either...I'm staying focused and starting a new week fresh tomorrow.

Kayley: One of the things that often derails us when we try to lose (especially when we are fully determined and have a big goal) is perfectionist thinking. This is fresh in my mind because my WW leader did an amazing meting on it recently. In your recent posts you talked about being "awful" and "100%"...sort of like the 2 ends of the spectrum. It's those ends that are the problem. We all want to be 100% all of the time...100% on plan with food and exercise and water and tracking and everything else that goes with it. One slip up and suddenly we're "awful" and we begin to berate and punish ourselves...which surely does not make us want to try any harder. What happens next is that hard step...do we recommit ourselvs the nxt day to being focused and mindful of what we are doing or do we just say "oh well...I was awful today and I know that there are so many things coming up..so I may as well just blow off the rest of the week..." For me personally...that's a big reason why I couldn't do a program like Atkins that is so food-limiting. If I felt like I had to go back to the very beginning each time anything not on the plan crossed my lips, I'd sit around all day feeling like a failure and that would get me nowhere but eating. I'm glad that you are getting back up on the horse but you have to adjust your thinking a little bit...if you end every day thinking you were "awful" you may have a harder time than you deserve getting the results you want so badly. Be kind to yourself!!!

I am really hoping and prayingt hat today will be a quiet and uneventful day. I was pretty hurt yesterday when I foudn out that a co-worker of mine (ok we share an office) who is getting marrid in August is having a shower thrown for her in June...and I am not invited. Pretty much everyone else on the professional staff at work is...but I am not. I found out when someone told me about it assuming I was invited. I know that it is her shower and it is her perogative...but now I feel like I am being invited to the wedding out of obligation and not because she wants DH and I there (we know that we are invited) and now I don't know if I want to attend. I invited her to my wedding and she did not come because she had a family obligation...which was cool...and also at the time we had only worked together for 4 months. But now we have worked together for 2 years and I feel so awkward. Oh well.

Annie-The soccer game was insane. When the FIFA junior world cup was here last year, it was mostly little league soccer coaches bringing a dozen 10 year olds. They wanted hotdogs, popcorn, and nachos. Last night was an entirely different crowd. They were all 16-30 year old guys, and they ate everything that wasn’t tied down. We ran out of everything. We cooked 500 hotdogs, 250 footlongs, 500 cheeseburgers, 30 sacks of French fries, 15 lawn and leaf sized sacks of popcorn, and almost ran out of coke. I didn’t get to throw a frozen hotdog because I had to cook them all. At one point we had to go to the big freezers for footlongs, and they were so frozen we had to run hot water over them, to defrost them enough to get them in the steamer. We had lines 20 deep for over an hour. At one point there were fist fights in the lines to get to the front first. One of the women up front, a red-head I wouldn’t mess with in a million years, got yelled at, and the guy asked her where her boss was, and she pointed to the heavens. He said don’t give me that s%^t, and she said she was there volunteering for her church, and that was her boss, take it or leave it. The funniest thing was that the choir leader, who’s one of my best friends, was volunteering last night, and she told me the lady who coordinates the volunteers that watched me every week all winter, wondering when I was going to be back, and watching me go from two big crutches to two half crutches, to one, etc. just hoping I’d be ready for the season. It reminded me of what the basketball coach in highschool said about watching me after my ankle surgery. It is nice to feel needed. The lady who coordinates the concession stands for the stadium sure had a big smile on her face when I checked in, and promptly informed me that she was assigning a trainee to our booth. The girl was about 12 years old, and spent most of her time flirting with one of the security guards. Her job is mostly to make sure we have everything we need, especially change. So now I’m the official newbie trainer for the stadium. All I promised the coordinator, is that I wouldn’t damage her trainee. We’re in a labor shortage, and any help is hard to come by, let alone good help. I can truthfully say I don’t want to eat a hotdog.

Kayley-I always went to the YMCA on a scholarship. Sometimes they’d even let me work it off volunteering behind the desk. It is so nice to find organizations that actually act like they stand for the principals they say they do. I didn’t get to meet the spice girl. I’m fairly certain that she was up in a luxury box, and I somehow think she’s not the hotdog type.

Sharon-I agree with you about age being a state of mind. I’ve been looking at the new spring kites, and am thinking about getting a new parafoil. So sorry about your headache. I know how irritating that can be. Himself has had one for a couple of days and is just miserable. I think it is because everything is blooming here. Summer is so short, that the growing things just go nuts when they can, and you can almost see the pollen in a fog going by.

Rat-I’ve always been convinced that God has to be an Irishman because he’s got quite a sense of humor. I mean have you ever seen a duck billed platypus? That had to take a great sense of humor to create, either that or it was created on the Monday morning after the Superbowl.

Anne-We usually do travel together. My way actually gets paid most of the time in order to accompany him. I’m supposed to have the rhino trank gun handy in case he gets out of hand. It’s kind of a standing joke that I’m supposed to be his escort, but he’s the one holding my hand and tranking me. I have been a foster parent, one with fetal alcohol, and one with chemical exposure. It was so difficult at times. I was much younger then. They both turned out to be really good men. Most of the foster kids here are either serious fetal alcohol or meth babies. I don’t think I have that in me anymore. In a way, I feel like I’ve raised my kids, but I do feel bad that my husband never had the experience. Although with his illness, I’m not sure having kids around would have been good for him anyway. To say you want to have a child, and actually dealing with the crying and then banging that goes on for the first 5 years, are two different things. We’re the age now that we should have college age kids. Maybe we should adopt a couple of those without extended families. I don’t have to tell you that kids don’t stop needing their parents when they hit 18. Oh, and as to strange passwords, I use the birthdays of former dogs. My mind is kind of swiss cheesed since the head injury, but there are some things I can remember that I shouldn’t be able to.

Debbie- I hope you have a great day at work. Maybe eventually they can put you back in one of the departments where you aren’t tied to a register so you can get your water and pottie breaks in more regular. That’s great about your dog being adopted. I was very relieved that my dog got a good home when I had to leave him behind in Florida. I didn’t care about the material possessions I had to leave, but he was different. He still goes to the ball park to watch little leaguers everyday, so I know he’s happy.

Debi (and her cyberstalker)- So tell us about your sister in law. Does she have self esteem issues that she has to live vicariously? Is she the type that is unattractive, or just unpleasant? Wanting to create that kind of unnecessary drama may be a sign of her having borderline personality disorder. Does your state have an involuntary commitment statute? In Florida we have the Baker Act where someone who acts so outrageously can be held for 72 hours for examination. Perhaps she needs a vacation of that sort to re-boot her brain enough to understand that having appropriate manners is not something whose time has past. I can’t imagine people tolerating such boorish, offensive behavior. In my circle of acquaintances, someone acting in such a manner would have been ostracized and shunned. One doesn’t see such behavior outside of 12 year old girls normally. Make sure you lock your diary, or that may be next.

Carol-Pounds and inches at the same time would be so nice. I think you’re right that we could take the evil sister in law. That would be worth getting on to an airplane for. We’d look like a professional women’s football team descending. I’ll bring the frozen hot dog projectiles, and will leave the frozen oranges to you.

Bernice-Enjoy your son, and give him an extra hug from each of his fat chick aunties. Tell him thankyou for his service, and to stay safe.

Sandys-Welcome. I also married my soulmate. I can be cranky, prickly, and generally eccentric, but he goes along with all of it unconditionally, without complaint. I love to pull practical jokes, but rarely do to him. He has a mental illness, that although it is well controlled by medication, there’s no point in putting stress on a bridge that isn’t up to code in the first place.

Lindsey-Welcome, and don’t be a lurker. You are at a point in your weight loss when it gets really hard. The weight loss slows down and gets harder. You’re also close enough to goal weight that you can almost taste it, and feelings that you can start eating like a “normal” person might start to creep in. The losing is the easy part in comparison. I figure I’ve lost several tons over the years. It’s the keeping it off that takes the real work, and I have yet to master it. I remember when I first got out of lawschool. I literally didn’t know how to not be a student. I ended up going to night school to get another bachelors in theology this time. Now I’m working on a masters on class at a time. I hope I’m still taking classes when I’m 90. I’ll be the most over-educated housewife in Edmonton.

Julee-Sometimes it takes something like this to find out how someone really feels about you. There could have been a number of reasons for not getting invited. I was once excluded like that, and found out later that she had a limit that she was allowed to invite, and felt like I was the least likely to start hating her for not getting invited. Maybe she is going to be serving pork, or some really fattening finger foods and didn’t want to sabotage you. Give her the benefit of the doubt, and go to the wedding. Marriage is hard, and lending support to the beginning of a new one re-enforces your own covenant.

Well, I need to get some work done. I'm not sore after last night, I'm more rubber legged, like all my muscles are full of silly putty. I just found out that something I ordered (a pink breast cancer awareness Yankee ball hat that was for a mother's day fund raiser) is coming by Purolator. I'm preparing myself for battle again. They will deliver this time, on time without hassle, or there will be trouble. I do so love trouble.

Kayley: Have fun today whatever you decide to do!

Sharon: Hugs.

Julia: Thanks

Debbie: Have a super day at work my friend.

Anne: Have fun in the sun!

Julee: I have to say, although it may not help you feel better right now but honestly it truly is her loss to not have you at her shower. Hugs sweetie.

Catherine: I'm so proud of you for not hurting anyone with a hot dog or any other food item. Hope the delivery company is on it's best behavior.

Well, I had a tiny quick talk with Joel and he said we will sit down this weekend and talk things over before WE make the decision. I feel better already.

Blessings all,
Annie

Ratkitten- I think GOD must continuously laugh when I tell him my plans!

Catherine- You always make me smile. You are so positive! Still laughing at frozen hotdog throwing. That would be fun! Maybe you could start practicing on the delivery drivers!!!!

Good afternoon,

Well, I got my outside chores done and, of course, it hasn't rained. According to our weather channel it's raining out... nope, no rain. Of course that's at a local airport (where the weather station is) that's about 30km/20miles away. I've now got a lovely vegetable patch, although still just a touch more clean-up to do in that corner. It's been hidden usually with all the vines that it now needs to be tidied up. No rest for the wicked. I've spent my time wisely this afternoon - looking for liquor! I was posting somewhere else about my favourite summer drink (Pisco Sour). It's a blend of key lime juice, water, sugar (substitute), and Pisco (Chilean/Peruvian brandy). Of course we're making it with a Croatian plum brandy since our lcbo (liquor stores) don't sell Pisco anymore. Then I discovered that they do, but not in our city. So at the moment the local store is trying to see if they can order me some (gotta save that driving time if you can). My mouth is watering at the thought.

Penny - I'm actually enjoying myself in the garden this year, so that's a good thing. We normally grow tomatoes and peppers in pots, but it will be nice to grow them in the ground. Next year I'll get more organized and perhaps do peas earlier in the year, followed by the tomatoes and peppers. Our backyard has no real garden. It's a pool and a patio, with some side borders and one old rose bed that now has the raspberries. We're definitely doing the intensive gardening, with trees grown up against a fence and lots of pruning. Canning is something I have a love/hate relationship with. I love the results, hate doing it. For the first time in years though I'm actually eating the jam I've made (often I just give it away). Since I've started eating breakfast I manage to work a little touch of jam in about half the days of the week.

Debbie - hope you had a good first day at work. Although like most people you'll likely spent it looking a little like a deer in the headlights. :)

Julee - sorry about the co-worker's shower. Sometimes people don't think. She must have realised that you would hear about it. Look on the bright side, at least you won't have to buy a gift... and avoid eating too sweet cake!

Catherine - now that you mention it, I think I knew about your foster children. Funny, but I've never been a kids kind of person, and I feel that people who aren't good with kids shouldn't have them. I remember doing some temp work for Children's Aid when I was in college. Mainly just typing transcripts, but boy did it open my eyes. And I suspect things aren't any better 20 years later. Anyway, it sounds like you had fun at the soccer game. I suspect that the longer you spend making and serving junk food the less you'll actually want it.

Annie - no sun today but that's probably a good thing. I'm hit and miss about using sunscreen. Partly because sometimes I'm only going out for a few minutes and it turns into an hour. I realised today that my arms are quite brown (althoughthe underside, especially the upper arm flab, is fishbelly white). I need to find some time to try and tan (just a little) the backs of those arms. I think taking some time to discuss your options is a good thing. Good luck.

Anne-my hubby would love the raspberries! He would want jam out of them! So what kind of jam have you made?

I've made raspberry jam in the past, but usually I mix it into other fruits for jam. As the box of jam is just behind me in the crawlspace, we currently have:

Damson Plum, Nectarine, Apricot, Ginger Marmalade, and 6-fruit jam. That last one is what I make when I find too many fruits left over in the freezer. I think it's boysenberry, raspberry, gooseberry, plum, cranberry, and rhubarb (but that's just a guess). It might have nectarines instead of gooseberries. In the past I've also made raspberry/red currant (buying a bush in a couple of weeks) and strawberry rhubarb. I've made jellies before, but I really like jams/conserves much better.

I've tried a couple of others that we obviously didn't like enough to try again. Or perhaps they just fall out of favour. (apple ginger, pear marmalade, blueberry melon, sweet/sour cherry, etc.) Okay, except for the pear marmalade I think most of those other's weren't great. I like the idea of cherry jam, but getting it the right consistency was tricky. It was either too thin (although good with ice cream) or you had to pry it out if it had been put in the fridge!

(Oh, and before you all think we have a huge amount of jam, we're down to less than 18 jars, which for us is low. :) )

LOL...she is my Assistant Rabbi. She is not the host. Everything being servied actually will be kosher...but that just tickled me so much. I'll wait and see how I feel as we get closer to the actual date. I am too hormonal to make sane decisions right now.

Oh Anne..you started writing about jam and I started to drool on the keyboard..especially the ones you made with pears or ginger. I am sucker for homemade anything...and I love wonderful fruits and flavors.

It's about 88 today and they are saying 100+ by Friday. Gross. But it gives me an excuse to not have to cook (too hot).

I had my last meeting last night with my high school youth group exec. board and it's our tradition to let everyone say a few words to the rest of the board about the year. So it came to my turn...and I honestly didn't think i would cry. I usually save that up for our big banquet in June. But I lost it at one point when I was talking to them as a group. They are wonderful kids but at one point this year they were all in crisis for vasrious reasons..all real and all legit..and it broke my heart because I felt at the time that I wasn't going to have the strength to be there for them all year because it was so emotionally draining for me. They were calling me and emailing me contantly needing help, reassurance and love. I'm proud of them all for finding ways to cope.

Then afterwards I had a talk with the one who needs the most help of all...I had sort of a mother-daughter talk with her...because she does not have a mom or anything resembling a mother figure in her life...and I also was raised by a single dad myself. Talked about her body image and the choices she makes regarding what she wears and the messages her clothing sends. She happens to be short and very busty and she likes to look trendy and cute..but a lot of the times her tops are way too revealing and her skirts are too short. I told her I would take her bra shopping if she could get used to the idea that the bra isn't always going to be pretty and lacy and cute...but that it will fit. She is about 5'0" and she is either a 32E or a 34DD...I'm getting her measured. I feel for her..my first bra came to me in a paper lunch bag as a hand-me-down from the daughter of a lady who worked in my dad's office.

Goodness....

Anne-YUM the jam flavors all sound so good! I can't wait to make some this year. I think I am down to 2 or 3 jars.

Julee-Have fun bra shopping and thank you for taking this girl under your wing! You are definitely a blessing to her.

O.K. hubby brought home PB2. Has anyone else tried it? It is really awesome. He bought it in the health food section of our grocery store. It is powdered peanut butter! 75% fat free!! For real! There is also a website with a store locator and recipes to use it in. You can use it in anything you use peanut butter! I like to put the it in to my vanilla protein shakes and he likes to put it into his chocolate shakes! And today he told me that he put some into his yogurt and dipped his apples into it! I will so have to try that! YUM! Our family loves P.B. so this will be awesome to take camping and store on the cupboard shelf if we can keep it there that long. Let me know how ya'll like it!
I put a picture of daughter and me on avatar. I am still trying to figure out how to add pictures to the pic. page though. I'll let you know. Penny

Well my son called today and said they either have a very proper young lady or a bashful little boy.The baby had its legs cross and they couldnt see what it was. It was also sucking its thumb. It was awesome hearing him in awe!! Next ultrasound in a month. Maybe then i can find out what my first grandbaby will be. NOT that it really matters!!!

Catherine_ my SIL is a very pretty woman! Just kinda immature for her age to say the least!!

anne_ I love jams and preserves. My grandma use to make watermellon rind preserves. I can still remember having to eat watermelon so she could make it.I would love to have her recipe!!!

carol and dimples- have a safe trip!!!

Well its about time for idol...wonder who is going home tonight?
Been on track all week and still havent lost what i gained from eating dinner on sunday. I know i ate to much but not this much!!! Im upping my water intake today. Maybe stress is causing me to not loose it!!
have a great night all
debi