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.