Julee: It is so nice and I agree awkward when a stranger compliments you. You are very beautiful though. Nice to see others notice it too. :)

Angels: I'm sure that the 4 pounds is water weight. Glad that you found a friend at work where you guys can support each other.

Carol: Congrats on the "release". I also did some "releasing" but just back down from 264 to 262 again. I will have to check out the salmon burgers. I buy the turkey burgers and I bought chicken and buffalo ones too. Have a great time at the lake.

Debi: Congrats on the Grandaughter!

Catherine: Did you enjoy the FuFu? You are so adventurous when you eat all of the exotic food. I am such a chicken. lol. It snowed here yesterday!!!!!! I was so upset to see it but luckily it didn't stay on the ground.

Luan: Hugs, Hugs, Hugs.

Well, Off to my last day of work before I fly to Long Beach tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful day. I drank my shake and also 32 oz. of water already this am. I'm off to a great start on that. So before 8 a.m. and I have 52 oz. under my belt, so to speak. lol.

Blessings all,
Annie

Good morning everyone!

I just got back from a walk in the park . . . better weather today, so I did the full 5 miles. I managed to stay fully on plan yesterday, and am off to a good start today . . . so maybe I'll hit my calorie deficit goal for the week after all, despite a slow start on Sunday and Monday.

dgramie -- I've had the same experience with friends . . . I think they really do just see beyond the exterior at some point

debbie -- glad your weather warmed up enough for you to get outside - ours cooled off after some storms, so it's bearable now. I'm like that too sometimes - I just have to put on my shoes and get out the door before I start thinking too much

annie -- congratulations on your great month at curves, and enjoy that pool - it sounds wonderful

Catherine -- glad to hear the signing was so successful . . . and I've gotta admit that I'm also curious about the yo-yo strings

Heather -- glad you enjoyed the spa . . . you've gotten me motivated to make an appointment

Bernice -- sorry you didn't get the job you wanted, but it sounds like you're very much needed where you are

Cyn -- glad the carpooling is working out

Luan -- sorry to hear you're having such a tough time. I have a close friend staying with me on an extended basis and we're having some serious issues, so I understand how difficult it can be to get some perspective on problems with someone when you're around them too d*** much

Julee -- congratulations on the compliments from the mailman - it's so nice to be noticed when it's done in a respectful way like that

Carol -- congratulations on the "release"

Just a quick note before I run...if you are also looking for nice lean alternatives to red meat, try ostrich or emu if you can find them around in stores. Slightly gamy but nicely flavored and VERY lean.

Happy day to everyone...and Luan...HUGS.....sadly we don't get to pick them.

Luan-I haven't spoken to my mother in over 4 years now. I can't visit because she lives with a pedophile who says things to me that my father would have killed him over. My mother in law got our first wedding canceled, and then tried to have me deported. My husband's youngest sister swindled him out of $200,000 on a house deal, and in order to get at least 10 cents on the dollar back, he had to agree to never be in the same room with her. He violates it, and she can sue us, so he didn't get to go to his aunt's or his uncle's funeral's in the last 6 weeks, so I definitely understand about difficult family. If it makes you feel any better, in the years I did family law, I saw very few Beaver Cleaver families. Most were just like yours.

Annie/Carol-I needed the yo-yo strings for my yo-yos. Fireballs take a special kind. I wanted the colored ones, but they only had white in stock. You wear them out by actually using the yo-yo. It's good rehab for my bad shoulder. Using the little elastic bands are boring. Everyone needs some whimsy in their life. Besides, yo-yos can make pretty good weapons against mashers at bus stops, and I also use mine as a gavel when chairing women's meetings. I do like being memorable. When someone says "who?" I want them to say, "you know that large woman with the yo-yo." Today I'm doing more traditional. I've got my Duncan Imperial out.

Julie-Don't forget Buffalo. That's lean, and not at all gamey.

I was going to say Buffalo too! It's very yummy and very lean!

Annie, ya gotta take a pic of your pretty pearly whites! Have a safe trip tomorrow if I don't get on here later.

Julee, ooooooooo oogled!!! Even though it's by another man, it still sounds exciting to be noticed in sucha way!

Carol, YAY on almost another pound gone!!

Catherine, we have our heater set at 64, and it came on AGAIN, this morning. I don't think either of us are going to see the sun ever again. You deserved to splurge after your book launch. I'm just excited to know someone famous!!! Every time I read your post, I get more intrigued about your life. Himself is very lucky to have such a adventurous, smart, and funny lady.

Luan, um...I don't even know what to say. All I can do is :hug: you and hope it makes things a little better. I've had family problems too, and they aren't easy to get thru, or over. All you can do is do what's best for you and let the rest of them figure things out for themselves.

I'm off to get my shoes on and then out for my walk. I think I'll put some beans in my pocket and then each time around, I can transfer one to the other pocket and know how many laps I do. I'm too busy singing to the animals with my MP3 to be bothered with counting. Hmmm....singing to the animals, I bet that's why I saw a stampede outta the woods yesterday!
toodles
Debbie

I guess I forgot Buffalo because I don't eat red meat and it's slips my mind. TOM TOM go away...come again when you'r eready to play nice with the other kids and not make me have such bad cramps...

hugs julee_ Tom is a bad bad boy!! i am having a snacky day. Im still within my calories but all i can think of is what to eat next. Guess i better lay off till dinner now. Not sure why im so hungry today. Thank God i dont have these days often!! going to go for a long walk after dinner tonight.

Debbie- good idea with the beans...i actually use pennys on my window seal to track my water intake. I also write them down daily>

my draling nephew feel asleep watching tv and his mom said now he wont sleep till 1am . I cant stay awake till 1 am.Im to old for this...i think im use to 2 yrs olds not 9 yrs olds.LOL
debi

I also like iguana, if it's cooked right. If not, it's kind of greasy/soapy. I never cared for squirrel which was a passion of my grandfather's. My baby brother threatened to get out my grandfather's squirrel gun to come after himself if he didn't marry me proper. I think he still has nightmares of rednecks sneaking across the border with shotguns.

Ria: That avatar pic is so cute. Is that you? I will try to enjoy the pool. Great job walking 5 miles!

Catherine: So, when you do your book tour you can start out with a yo yo show! I'd love it.

Debbie: I will take a photo of my new straight teeth soon. Hope you enjoyed your walk.

Well, I gotta go pack. Just excited and nervous for my trip. I always get soooo homesick for my sweetie pie. We are rarely away from each other for more than a few days and this is going to be an almost 2 week trip!!!

If I can't check back in tomorrow, I'm hoping to before I go, but if not. Hugs and take care everyone.

Blessings,
Annie

Hi all,

Just a short note! You all are great! I exercised today walked 45 min And mowed the lawn for 15.. Lol tomorrow I will be so stiff! HAVE A GOOD TRIP DOGPAL!!

I just mowed half the lawn, and boy am I cranky.

Annie-I don't do any tricks, so a yo-yo demonstration would be really boring.

Hey All - how many can we sign up from the 300+ thread to do the July 4th 5k??? I told Gary I would help recruit - I may wear you out - read all about it in the support forum - who's in? The Easter 5k is what really got me moving with any distance, extended time - let's see how many of us can do it - bike - walk - run - swim - dance, etc. LET'S GET MOVING and have a great turnout!

C'mon - don't make me do it alone!

Can I do it on Canada Day?

Carol -- I'll join the 5k!

Catherine -- Yep, you can do it on Canada Day. Anytime July 2-6.

The thread is on the Weight Loss Support page if anyone wants to join!

Okay, ANOTHER quickie.
Luan, I'm so sorry things are bad, isn't there anything that can be done to REMOVE your relatives from the house, like saying your Gran is in danger from them or something? I don't know what to say except YOu are good & always remember, I truly believe that we get what we deserve, even if it takes a while, hang in there. I hope you get some good news or a change in circumstances real soon.xxxxxx
Annie, lol on the teeth my oldest son was the same, his teeth 'itched' for a few days!!! So glad you are enjoying your new job.I really thought your hubby was going to be with you, still it will be fun to be sisters together again & have a 'girly'time.xxxxxx
I have been reading the posts but I've been really down, worries over money & the car, arguements with hubby AND a bad shoulder which is making me feel sick with pain. I didn't want to be a downer so I'm just mentioning it so you know why I've not been posting much. Not heard from either job I applied for...sigh... Anyway I really need to RE-commit to OP & exercise, so here I am...trying AGAIN.
Julee, good for you, ANY compliment from a guy is nice, as long as it's not RUDE (naughty).You made me laugh with the 'no pants', in the UK pants are NOT trousers but UNDERWEAR, lol!!xxxxx
ok gotta try & get housework done as I've not done anything for days! the shame!
xxxxsharon

Thanks Catherine and Heather - I promised Gary I could get 5 of us to signup! Heather - any chance we could put an announcement at the top of this forum? I've been doing them since he started but it is sometimes hard to find.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Greetings all!

I'm in for the 5k !!

Luan, I'm sorry your family is giving you such grief. Mine did a while back and time has taken care of a lot of seemingly unresolvable issues. Hugs to you while you go through this difficult time.

Sharon, I hear ya about money. I'm dealing with the bank right now to get things in control. The bad part is that my current "Beau" and I had an "oopsie" moment and there's always a chance of a little ratkitten running around (so far negative). If that happens (has happened?), then money gets even tighter! Never a dull moment. I'm trying not to emo-eat. Always a struggle during stress!

Hugs and Luv to all!
Ratkity

HI...things here are so busy. I still have my nephew here. I will have all 3 little ones today also.
I totally blew my plan yesterday.I had mexican after having a snacky day. Oh well today is a new day.I will drink lots of water today to help flush out all that horrible food. Im putting on green beans early so i dont talk myself out of eating them.LOL I have decided to watch my carbs a bit closer today. I have been eating more starchy carbs and i think that is increasing my hunger. Its so much harder to eat right when you have other people in the house. After today it should be back to just us...so maybe i can get past this point.
carol_ i will sign up for the 5K.

sharon_ sorry your in pain...and all the other issues going on. Glad you are back with us!! life is just hard right now with all the increase in prices. I think all the US is starting to feel the crunch.I know we sure are!! I know its costing me more to feed me and hubby and daughter( when she is home) than it did when i was feeding all 5 of us plus half the neighborhood kids.

heather_HI

angel_ great job on the exercise

catherine_ i get cranky when i mow too.LOL

story - the tape measure is amazing at times even when the scales arent!!!

annie- have an awesome visit!!

julee- hope your feeling better today. TOM doesnt play nice at times!!!

Im off to get dressed and decide if im going to walk before the little ones get here or if im giong to do housework.
I am challenging everyone to drink as much water as possible today.Im aiming for gallon. I have to flush out all that salty mexican food!!
debi

rat_ hi...we were posting at the same time. hope things work out for you . Hugs

Angels: Great job with the exercise and mowing.

Catherine: Sorry you are cranky. Hopefully not today. Just working a yo you would be exciting to me. I can't do it at all. lol.

Carol: I will sign up for the 5K when I get back.

Sharon: Hugs to you hun.

Rat: Hugs to you too.

Debi: You are right. Today is a new day and drink, drink, drink your water

Well, I am signing off for a few weeks. Hopefully you are all good girls while I'm away. Take care and drink your water.

Blessings,
Annie

Good morning everyone!

I made my calorie deficit goal yesterday (-1,142), so that's two days in a row. :carrot: I'm on track so far today, but it was one of those "just do it" mornings . . . I woke up around 7:30 and logged onto the computer even though I know I need to do my walk early before it gets too hot . . . I had a bad case of the "I just don't wannas" :tantrum: but forced myself out the door by 8:15. I'm really glad I did the whole 5 miles, because my college roommate has some pieces in a group art show that's opening today -- the extra calories burned will come in handy since I'll be negotiating a wine/cheese/crackers minefield this evening. :bomb:

Catherine -- thanks for the info on the yoyos . . . very interesting!

Annie -- yup, it's me @ age 4 . . . have a great trip!

Story -- your insurance co's wellness program sounds really nice - I wish my insurance co offered something like that. Kudos to you for taking advantage of it.

Sharon -- I hope things lighten up for you soon, and that getting your fitness mojo back will help you deal with everything else -- I'm going thru some personal problems with a very close friend at the moment, and I've felt a lot better able to handle it since getting back on track with my fitness program this week.

Have a great day everyone!

Well, it doesn't look like I'm going to be mowing again. He's going to arrange for someone else to start doing it. There are many areas on a slope, and I basically have to manhandle the mower, and it's been hard on my bad shoulder. I'm also kind of scared of slipping. I'm not walking with crutches anymore, and only use my cane when I get tired, but I'm still a bit unsure on my feet at times. It's fear more than inability.

I think I'm finally starting to unwind from Monday. Now I just have to get ready for my radio/phone interview. He better be home then, or I'm liable to not answer the phone. It's a Native radio show, and I didn't understand at first why they would want to interview me about my book, but he explained that fighting against racists is definitely something his listeners want to hear about. I'll be glad when all this stuff calms down.

Carol, <dragging feet, complaining along the way, kicking dirt up as I go>, ok, sign me up

Story, good for you on not grazing. That can be so dangerous!! I'm glad to hear you got a handle on the eating. I think I'm finally there too and even am getting in some exercise. I would love to join a gym, and you're so fortunate for working for a company that allows that. Have fun!

Sharon, hope things start looking up for you soon. Take care. :hug:

Ratkity, does that mean a baby biker-chick or guy is on the way? Any news yet? I'm good a crocheting blankets....hint hint

Catherine, you mean calm down for now until your next book? LOL I'm glad you won't be out there mowing the lawn anymore if it's that dangerous for you. We don't need you falling down and hurting yourself again.

Today I think I will be doing a WATP once I get off of here. I've been doing ok on my eating until my dil and son came over last night. They wanted to celebrate Father's Day because they both have to work on the weekend. So she made dinner. It was a nice salad, but then it was spaghetti with sausage and cake. I did have some of each, but I knew it would be something sorta heavy with her, (she loves Italian and Mexican) so I kept my calories low for the day and I don't see a gain today. I'm going to also try and stay away from breads, pastas and the such for a few days and see how that goes. I did it before, and lost pretty well in the beginning of my weight loss when I was trying to get off the meds for diabetes, but I've slipped back in to eating that kind of thing again.
Well, I'm off to do a WATP. Have a great day!
Debbie

I just got a call that all the books are in the mail for those of you that recently PM'd me your addresses. The dog sleds from Canada Post go slow this time of year when there's no snow.

Good job! Merksie for being on track for planning your day and walking!!
Catherine I am excited for you!!I know the phone interview will go great.... I wish I could hear that interview... I am proud that I am talking to a author! You go girl!
Good job Debbie for keeping your Calories low to plan for your special supper!
I had a great day! I work at a nusring Home and I am Activity Director. The seniors and I cooked today!! And I am so pleased I didn't sample the dishes while cooking! I made them try everything to see if we needed more maynaise or seasonings...And I passed the strawberry shortcake and had a bowl of strawberries instead...Made it through a successful lunch club! Just hope I can pass the cookies when we do grandma's kitchen (LOL)
Have a great day all talk to you later going for my walk Angels

Hiya one and all! I have just posted a couple of pics including some of our lovely puppy jack, he is now 5 months old, we've had him since he was 6 weeks, he is such a lovely doggie! We had some nice weather here on Monday, so we went to the beach for a mammoth walk! It was great, both Jack and my husband rich went swimming! I stuck with a cooling paddle!

Weight wise have stayed the same for some time, but now think I will go thro a losing phase as have head in the right place, and with 2 dogs, exercise is not a problem!

Hope everyone is ok and have a great weekend!

Em x

Nice to meet you Emilymay and you lost 33lbs. way to go!!Keep walking those dogs and I know you will lose more! Congrats on the mammoth walk and the swim! you go girl!

Woohooo walked for 60 min......I may be crawling tomorrow!Cross your fingers for me I get weighed tomorrow!Here is my paryer tonight!Scale Scale please be good to me tomorrow! Take care all Angels

thanks for the thoughts everyone. there really isnt any alternative. i cant afford to move out (i just found out im probabally losing my job because theres no work to do) and my aunt blows her money on a car she cant afford and credit cards. (i did her taxes last year and made her swear that she would cancel 8 of them with the money she got back. its a start i guess.) and my cousin just wont leave. theres nothing i can do about it. i mean my aunt takes my grandma to her drs appointments, but not without *****ing about it. i mean for the love of god, you live with your 2 kids in someone elses house practically rent free (she pays half the bills, thats it) the least you can do is take your sick grandmother to the doctor. it just pisses me off.

catherine - i have been through family court since i was a baby (i was ward of the court til i was 18, and in foster care until i was 2). i am all too aware that this is not really all that uncommon. i just want to know how i got shafted with it. how did i get stuck with a FAMILY FULL of crappy people. there is not one person with ANY redeeming qualities. i look at all my friends that go on family trips or have family stuff to do on holidays, i just sit at home. its depressing.

somehow tho, i lost 7 lbs and am really back at 309. so thats a plus i guess.

question - for those of you that have had gastric bypass, what procedure did you have, what were the benefits (aside from the weight loss) and the problems you had. ive been pretty interested in it lately.

ok so I just had to post something about DH.....he is so thrilled!!!

He was getting dressed today and in his stack of jeans one of our Army son's jeans was there by accident. He put them on w/o noticing....and when he got them on he said "what are these!" He took them off and looked at the size they are 33X32 he started in Feb in a 44X32!!!!

Tonight we ran to walmart to get some things.....and I had him try on a couple of different pants and picked him up some Jeans for work........they were only $8!!! Poor guy has been wearing his 44's and some 42's because he keeps telling me he doesn't want to buy jeans just to wear to work.....so I got him a pair.......I think I will go back tomorrow and pick up a few pairs and TOSS his 44's & 42's LOL for Father's day!

Just had to give him some praise about his accomplishment!

Wooo Hoooo the scales loved me today!!I am down that 4 lbs I was whining about earlier in the week..Plus I am down 3 more!!Yippeee so since May I am down 24 lbs.....Going to do the Happy Dance!!I have a long way to go...But you have to celebrate the small steps!DMpls!!Your husband is doing a great job!!And so are you preparing healthier meals!!Way to go Girl!!Angels

Hello Chickies!

Way to go Angels!!!

DMPLS, that's a great NSV for your hubby. OMGosh it's funny he was wearing pants 11 sizes too big? Poor thing. Tease him about hearing about a "Flasher" near his work. hehe.

Luan, all I can do is give you cyber hugs regarding your family situation. One day, you'll be out of it! Also, I see you as a strong, beautiful and caring person determined to be better than what you see around you. I am honored to know you (even if it's just cyberly). I know the stress of family stuff can wear you down. Remember to take time for yourself to regroup and regain your strength! *hugs*

Catherine, yay for you not mowing! Right now, you need to focus on you and regaining your strength and limb confidence. I can't wait for your murder mystery!!

Deb54, so far, testing is negative for little ratkittens/baby bikerchicks. I told my big sister about the oopsie and she was such a sweetie. When I told her so far all was negative, she told me something about not counting chickens before they hatched or somesuch.. hehe. I think she wants a baby bikerchick. I shall keep you updated!

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkitten

Good morning, everyone!

Well, it's a darn good thing I got my exercise in yesterday morning, because even with it I only managed a calorie deficit of 10 yesterday :o . . . several glasses of wine at the opening, too much pre-dinner bread and too much food at dinner generally. I really need to get a handle on eating in restaurants and at social events . . . it's been my nemesis for a long time! On the other hand, the opening was a lot of fun, and my friend sold one of her pieces :D

I'm fired up to make today & tomorrow good days, since my weigh-in day is Sunday and I want to see results for my first week back on plan! I'm back from the park (beautiful weather here today), and I'm going to plan meals in advance so I'm sure to stay on track with eating.

Angels -- congrats on avoiding the samples while cooking and on getting your exercise in . . . glad to see it resulted in a loss for you! Keep up the great work.

Luan -- congrats on your loss, and here's wishing you some peace in your family situation.

DMPLS -- congrats to your hubby - that's a lot of inches!

Just dragged DH away from his baseball game to take a pic in his new jeans for you all to see. I posted a couple of before shots of him those were taken last year around fall time.

I am so proud of him! He still has a tummy but it is down considerably since before his weight loss!

ttyl
Bernice

Hi everyone!
Hope everything is going well...I've been out of touch for about a week and whew....there's sooo much to catch up on. Glad to know that no one was waiting for me..lol! By the way, Cyn...I'm in AZ near Arrowhead Mall. I did post that before, but it musta got lost. So, I'm off to do the bike. Even though I've been away, I'm still exercisin'! AND...I lost another 3 lbs...not much, but I'll take it since I was at a stand-still for so long! So, may not be back till Monday, so hope everyone has a wonderful weekend..enjoy Father's Day!
Tricia

Cyn & Tricia my son is stationed at Ft. Hauchuca (sp?) an hour south of Tucson! Just booked his flight home for the 4th Weekend!!! I am soooo excited to have him home even though it will be more like just 24hours here at the house! LOL I think I will have to take our Christmas card picture that weekend with ALL the kids & the boys g/f here LOL I know that it will be early but shoot I wont have them all together again till Christmas!!!! hehehe

well we are starting to get those storms that hit Kansas yesterday.....might be bad....but then again who knows our weathermen STINK!!! LOL

I am shutting down the computer for now till these are gone

ttyl
Bernice

This has been a very busy week and i feel like i have met myself coming and going. Eating hasnt been bad but not as good as normal. I am not sure if its the change in my daily rountine with school being out or if its something in my mind. I so bad wanted to get 50lbs off by this weekend. I will be lucky to break even this week.
Time to rethink my plan ...
have a good weekend everyone.
debi

Evening all!

DMPLS, that's a dramatic change I see in BOTH of you!! You should be proud of DH.

Shic, don't let me ever hear you say 3 lbs is not much!!! I'll chase you around and throw water balloons at you! Three pounds is a phenomenal loss and you should be proud :)

Debi, I've had weeks like that. I hope next week goes better.

Well, I did DDR yesterday until I was drenched. Today did a record bike ride speed for 10 miles (13.1 mph). I was really feeling the burn and ran out of energy near the end, but it was still a great bicycle ride. I might get to change my stats again tomorrow.. w00h00!

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkity