300+ Weekly Thread #1217
 

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support, inspiration, and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.


There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!

Toni - LOVELY! :D I was in awe of your quilts and loved all of them teehee! :D TY for sharing!

****
Happy Monday everyone.

I'm waking up, got up late, couldn't sleep last night. I'm hoping to get back to my normal grind tomorrow, walk in the early morning, etc. Today I'm going to focus on getting back on the exercise routine. I so easily slip off of it that it is bothering me now. I need to do it. I wonder why I struggle so much with the exercise. It is like I struggle to get myself to do it, but once I do I love it. That doesn't make sense.

I wish I was more active. I hate staying inside my apartment all day. I'm missing the sun and things.

Hope everyone is well! *HUGS*

Hey, are we really going to end June with less than 15,000 exercise minutes?? Say it ain't so!!!!

EVERYONE is invited to participate!! Just track your minutes and post them on the stickied thread!!

morning all...

Toni: Love your quilts!!

Realist: $9 gym..oh man that is awesome.

Heather: I wish I had minutes to add :(

As for me: Yesterday hubby and I had a bit of a fight..and we hardley ever fight anymore. Basically my cousin came over, the one that we use to take care of. Anyhow, I "thought" my hubby said that he would take him to my brothers. I guess I misunderstood. He said he would take him over there if he was picking up our oldest son from his gf, which he wasnt because he had a ride. So about 9:30 I get a text on my phone. It was from hubby. I thought hubby was in his room folding laundry, but he was in there laying down after taking a sleeping pill. So I went in there and we had words. Then he proceeds to tell me that I never listen to him. I said I misunderstood him. I told him that I would leave early to work and take him home. I also got the "your family" talk. It seems like such a stupid pidley argument, and it is. But soemtimes he drags the "your family" part in it and that really upsets me. His family is not so wonderful either.lol. The reason my cousin can't stay here is because hubby and I both don't trust him all that well. LONG story.

BUT after the argument..at 10 pm at night..I went straight to the kitchen and had a bowl of cereal without even paying attention to what I was doing!!! Sooo the "stress" eating is back, and i gotta find a way to STOp it.

Ladies, thanks for all the compliments on my quilts! If anyone else is a quilter and has links, I'd love to see them.
Today is my second day back on the "writing it all down" mode. It is what worked for me so well last year so I am getting back into it.

Results for the Spring 300+ Challenge
 

Here's the results ladies!!
Congrats to all who went to the bitter end!!

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the MIA, thanks for noticing Ang.

I had my job interview and it went well they told me 130 people applied and they called in 25 for interviews. I felt blessed to be one of the 25. They told me I wouldn't be hearing from them unless I got the job and they weren't making any decisions until July 10th. I came home and worked late into the night to get ready for my yard sale. On Thursday I got a call in the morning from the lady I interviewd with. I was so surprised but they called 10 of us in for 2nd interviews and some testing. I had to go there on Thursday at 3 p.m. They gave us 25 minutes for our test and I got it done in 12. I went over it again to make sure I wasn't making any obvious mistakes and I couldn't find any so they were impressed that I finished so quickly. They called me in to another panel interview with their supervisors. So, 3 supervisors for the Child support division state of Idaho. I did the interview and again they said I won't hear from them unless I am chosen on the 10th of July. On Friday I had the yard sale, pretty successful, and I got a phone call from 2 of the supervisors that I had interviewed with. They offered me whichever opening I wanted. They all paid the same but the one I chose was no customer contact except mail and phone. That works better for me. The supervisors I spoke with on Friday said they were so impressed with me and they liked me so much that they wanted to hire me right on the spot but utnil they tested me they couldn't. They said they have never seen anyone do the test so quickly before with such precision. I was so proud of myself and frankly very surprised that they chose me. They said because they were so impressed with me they decided not to wait until the 10th to make up their minds. They said that their supervisor who was also in the interview told them to snag me up. lol. I start work on the 13th. It is not a saleried position which is something I am looking forward to. I have been saleried for soooo long in all my jobs and had to work until it is done basically and on weekends. This job is the highest paying job I have ever had and it is hourly. They are sticklers about taking breaks and lunches and not working any overtime.

They have been cutting back like most states so who knows how long it will last but at least I will have a paycheck again for a while. Such a blessings.

After our yardsale was over on Saturday we took the rest of the stuff to the thrift store. We made $312 and put the whole thing in our savings account. That felt wonderful to do that. I started feeling very sick on Saturday night and by Sunday morning I was running a fever. I had the flu like some 24 or 48 hour bug. I am feeling so much better now though.

I haven't had a chance to read much of anyone's posts but wanted to say welcome back to Beth and Toni. Glad to see you.

Thanks everyone for keeping me in their prayers and thoughts when I was going for this job.

Blessings all,
Annie

Hi all,

I didn't completely waste the day today. I so need structure though. I went for a walk at 9am and I was soaking wet with sweat by the time I was done. I am just not ready for summer time. I then reserved a hotel for DH and my anniversary down in Albuquerque for October (to see the balloon festival). The best part of that is it is a 3 day free stay since I was able to use Hyatt points I have obtained through work travel. Yay! I did get my steps in (10,133 so far today) and my activity goal (1:23 so far). The bodybugg tracks your activity, which is awesome. It doesn't count activity for me while just leisurely walking about and such, but I still take the total of the day and then subtract 15 minutes as "fluff" time. Hopefully I will get my steps and time in tomorrow as well. I am feeling pretty unmotivated.

Annie - congrats on the job!!

That's about it for me for now.

Later taters,
Angie

Annie,
I am so happy to hear about your glowing report on the job! Sounds like they are seeing your worth. It is strange but we rarely see our own, it takes someone else to point it out.

Hey ladies *hugs*

Bazz - I think your reasons sound wonderful and you can do this. I was one of those people who gained their way during the 20s. I have to say that depresses me, but you know now that I'm 30 I'm choosing to start over and live again. Part of my living is taking a trip, I have a very close friend in London I would like to visit. We have been planning to finally meet for awhile now...

Annie - WOOHOOO! CONGRATS!!!! :D :D :D You rock!

Toni - I thought your colors for your quilts were so pretty. :D I love the darker ones, the ones that I felt reminded me of a misty night, and the lighter pink ones were so happy and full of life! :D

***
Well, I didn't get up at the crack of dawn, but did get up about half an hour ago. Going to jump into working soon and get my personal stuff FINALLY done this week or over the next two weeks; I have a lot to do including putting my blog back up and online. Been awhile...

I went to the bookstore yesterday and purchased a book about emotional eating...looked interesting so I'm gong to give it a go. I'm also going to start writing down my meals, things I eat, and then plotting out how I felt about it. So, if I'm emotional and I eat something bad, perhaps I can find a way to cope without using food. I dunno, seems like something to try.

I'm currently stuck at my weight, but getting back into activity. I got a fab book on juicing and smoothies and I'm going to plan this into my diet more. Then perhaps I'll go full speed into a juice feast, but some of the recipes look so good and I wouldn't have thought of them otherwise. :D

Hope everyone is well. I'm wanting to get back outside, perhaps I will this afternoon for a walk or something.

*HUGS*

Just a quickie, I'm off to my parent's house for a few days (tues night-Sunday) for our 10th wedding anniversary. We will get built in babysitters (woohoo!!!) so we get to go out for a few drinks and a meal at night, sans the boys. Oldest son is still here, he's staying at home so we're locking our room as he's being such a TOTAL swine.
Annie WOOHOOO!!!!!!! SO PLEASED you got the job!xxxxxxx
Beth, GREAT SEEING YOU AGAIN!!! (I take it your mum won't be selling me the Gazelle then, lol!!!) Are you following W/W again or another plan? Give your Mum a big hug from me, tell her I REALLY miss our chats.xxxxxxxxx
Well gotta finish of the packing ...
xxxxxxsharon

morning ladies...

Annie: WTG on the NEW job lady!! That is so awesome that they "chased" you for the job!!!!

Beth: Great list!!

Jacquie: What is the name of the book? I am such an emotional eater..would love to check it out.

As for me: Didn't sleep well last night. I was tossing and turning. Don't know what that was all about. Talked to my brother more about us moving in with him in that house. I guess it is almost a for sure thing. So maybe in September we will be moving. I am glad this is only a 4 day work week for us. So friday..I think I am taking the kids and going swimming. :) It will be HOT enough! I will try and post some pics of the pieces that I am doing for my star quilt. We put that in the pictures section right????

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!

Alone time doesn't really agree with me. Today (my second work day off mind you) I have accomplished nothing (except eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's, a piece of cake, and a Reese's Peanut Butter cup). I feel like I am struggling with depression, although that doesn't really compute. Brian is merely at work, but I find myself bored. I should be doing something, but just not really doing anything. Today seems like a loss. It's hot outside, so...not really planning on walking. Tomorrow I get my hair done, so hopefully I will do something else as well. Not sure what else.

That's about it from me.

Later all,
Angie

Hey all,

I know I'm barely around lately, but I still do lurk now and then. Probably not enough to keep up with how everyone is doing though. I was chatting with a friend of mine this morning (long story but she was dropping something off as I finished my walk, but she was just stopping by to say she forgot what she was bringing), and I admitted that I'm really just a little bored. The weather has been on again / off again good, but I think it's more about not having school (or work) to go to.

Oh well, in a couple of weeks I'll start with some of the canning. I made apricot jam (from frozen fruit) about a week ago, and cherry season will be upon us soon. It was funny, but my mother and I were talking casually about how much fruit we'll likely get... and decided it would definitely have to be two trips! Last year I did 20lbs of sweet cherries (into pint jars) and 60lbs of sour cherries (into quart jars) and close to 40lbs of peaches (into quart jars), and I have to admit - we ran out a while back. That sounds unbelievable for two people, doesn't it? However, considering I just had a 5oz nectarine and 7oz of cherries with my lunch... probably not all that unbelievable. :D

A few quickie personals before I sign off:

Annie - congrats on the job! I'm not surprised that they were so impressed. We all know how fantastic you are.

Debi - I'm sorry to read about hubby's problems. I hope you get some results (good ones) soon.

Catherine - I used to love giving big parties, but now I'm not as sure I'm into it. What I do remember is that leftovers were dangerous. Last time we had a big group in (Christmas) I made everyone up a plate of cookies to take home. We made a lot and I didn't want them left here.

Angie - as far as I've come, I honestly can't trust myself with things like ice cream, cake, etc. They are even things I didn't eat all that often, but I can't start a pint without finishing it. I know when you live with other people it's not possible, but I just don't buy them anymore.

Julia - don't you just love this summer we're having? Not! I hope life is treating you well.

Carol - sounds like you're doing the big projects there. I think I did most of mine last summer, so in theory I should just relax this summer and enjoy myself. :)

Debbie - I was thinking about you today - I bought Washington State cherries (yum). They always beat ours here by a couple of weeks.

Cyn - I'm so not a morning person with the walking, but I'm quite proud of myself that I haven't given up on it. I got rained on Friday morning, and a few drops of rain today, but I've pretty much been at it non-stop (5 days a week) since late April. There was one week I don't think I went more than once, but other than that I've been pretty good. I'm sure your walks are warmer that mine, so best of luck!

Well, I've gone well past my self-imposed limit at the keyboard, so I'll stop there and wish everyone else a good week. Tomorrow here is Canada Day, although all it meant for me this year is that I had to go to Costco today as it will be closed tomorrow. :p

Annie - WOOOOOHOOOOO - so happy to hear about the job. I think this is the one for you. Can't wait to hear more about it.

Angie - I love my structure/routine. Even the weekend throws me at times. I'm off now until Monday and trying to formulate a plan.

The patio is finished I'm excited (and a bit proud) to say. It was more work than I originally thought but I do know that I personally did at least 70% of the work. DH and his son helped at different times throughout the process but you're right I'm tooting my own horn - never would I have thought I could accomplish this. I really enjoyed working with the stone - I figure I have moved each stone at least 5 times - there were 2600+ lbs of stone - can you see my muscles?

We're getting ready for our annual July 4th pool party - this year there will be two - one on Friday will be a general open house for all ages and Saturday will be about a dozen close friends - all adults. I'm looking forward to both followed by a nice quiet day of R&R on Sunday. First though I need to address my not sleeping issue - may be time for some Tylenol PM.

Hugs to all,
Carol

Hi everyone,

I'm still here, just mostly in lurker mode. I'm still playing with the same 5 lbs. I'm not feeling well--I have a low level migraine that is probably PMS related. Hopefully the sickness will pass quickly and I can enjoy some days off from work. I'm heading north to visit some state parks before it's too late and the state closes them due to the financial crisis.

I didn't get the job I was interviewing for. The hiring manager said there was a reorganization and the position has been canceled. Meanwhile my employer just took a big hit and the company is on extremely shaky ground.

I really need a break.

Annie, huge congratulations on your job. You deserve it and more.

It is so nice to have a place where women have expierenced the same things. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and IR...It is frustrating to lose weight but now my dr says she will not help me with a fertility drug to have a baby until I get the weight under control...Does anyone have any suggestions on what worked for them?

Good Morning all,

The past two days have been so rough for me. I think because I was sick and was just weak. I did manage over an hour of cardio yesterday evening and finally posted my June minute total on the June thread. I am feeling more energetic this morning and decided to eat a bowl of sugar free oatmeal with some protein powder in it. It sure fills me up and lasts for such a long time. I slacked off on taking my vitamins for about 3 weeks, shame on me. That is so important and necessary after you have wls.

Angie: I have never been to the baloon festival but I have seen photos of it. They are amazing and so beautiful. I hope you have a better day today. Maybe go out of the house and window shop at a mall for some waking exercise.

Sharon: Have fun at your parents. Congrats to you on your anniversary too.

Anne: Happy Canada day! Is it like the 4th of July in America?

Carol: I'm so happy and proud of you for all of the work you did. You must feel so proud and I bet Ed is even prouder! I hope your parties are a huge success my friend and you enjoy yourself tons.

Jacquie: I heard that a very good emotional type book for over eaters is one called, "Body Clutter". I haven't read it so no recommendation from me I have just heard it is good.

Beth: I love your avatar photo. It is very modelesque! Pretty, pretty! I'm very proud of you for sticking to plan. Way to go.

Shay: Welcome! I have never been diagnosed with PCOS but I think that I did suffer from it. I just didn't go to the Gyno Dr. for over 10 years. I'm glad that your Dr. is helping you and you seem happy with what he/she is suggesting. Good luck hon.

Well, I think I am pretty well caught up. Thank you so much to everyone, Toni you too, for congratulating me on the job.

Battle sweetie: I'm sorry that you didn't get the job. I'm sure there will be another one. They are crazy but sometimes when they do that type thing another opening happens. Hugs. That is so sad that some of the state parks may be closing. I was born in CA and have been to pretty much all of the state parks there and it just makes me so sad. I hope you enjoy yourself.

Blessings all,
Annie

Pretty much, but in a lower-key Canadian way. Although I do know some people who have big barbecues, etc. We just never have. I was trying not to be judgemental the other day in line at the grocery store. The woman was buying (approx):

9 dozen hot dogs
9 dozen white buns
At least 12 x 2 litre bottles of root beer
A number of boxes of cake mix
canned frosting

No lettuce, no fruit, etc.

Although, to be fair, perhaps that was her addition for the party. :^:

Annie-Do you suppose either of us will ever get over not understanding why someone would want us to work with them, or value us? We spent so many years of our lives de-valuing ourselves, that we still are baffled when people gush over us. You are going to be great in your new job.

My book has been on Amazon about a month, and it's sold out twice. Someone must be using it for firewood or something. The new therapy is very hard. On Monday I had to describe the attack three times in a row, on tape, and I have to listen to it again every day for the next week. It is supposed to make it so familiar that it is no longer scary enough to cause flashbacks, or something like that. It's such an intense therapy that you can't do it if you have ever thought about suicide. I can't imagine trying to do it during the school year.

Anne - I think that was me in line - oh no I had 12 dozen hot dogs and buns and no soda.

:o

Oops! I admit, I'm not a huge hot dog fan. And I never feed children who might not eat other items. Seriously... 12 dozen?

Unfortunately - 12 dozen is true - but they are turkey dogs. This year with the 4th being on Saturday we are hosting pool parties Friday and Saturday - Friday lots of kids.

I lost a battle this afternoon with the peanut butter jar. It is now in the trash. Not a great way to start a new month. But I did start with 45 minutes of exercise.

Hiya my Peeps,

Annie, you rock!!! I can see them clammoring to get you, even if you don't see it. I'm so proud of you and your impending new job.

GGG, yay for exercise. I'll forgive you for the peanut butter if you forgive my evening snack-a-thons. hehe. Yay for pool parties!!! Hugs to your doggies.

Glad your biz is doing well Kaylee!

I ate a salad tonight *gasp* (for those who don't know, I hate veggies).

This has actually been a good week regarding emo-eating. Therapy must be working a little.

Hugs to all! (and my lurkers)

Ratkity

But see, you said turkey dogs. See, you're trying for better options. The ones here were just the standard old hot dogs. :)

I've still found that there are certain things I can't keep in the house. Maybe that will change, maybe it won't. I've got a while to figure that out in the end. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Hi all,

Today was a better day, stayed within calories, got my steps in as well as my activity minutes. Tomorrow I will be packing up stuff for our camping trip, so I think I have plenty to do tomorrow. Yay.

Carol - I am a peanut butter fan as well.

Talk to you all later,
Angie

ok BAD DAY!!!

I was feeling great today until about 3 pm..then I notice that is when I start to get the "sad" feelings. It is so friggin weird! I really gotta figure that out!

DINNER 2 night bad bad choice. We have not had fast food for dinner in a long time..hubby was next door helping the neighbor with his jeep..no dinner ready. I got home late because I am not carpooling for a week since my friend is out of town. So he comes home late and says what do you want me to go get to eat. I SHOULD HAVE AGREEDED WITH MY OLDER SON FOR SUBWAY! But oh no I wasnted greasy! We had Mcdonalds..and let me tell you as I sit here typing I am paying for it! My stomach already hurts!!

WHY WHY WHY...do I do this to myself! I know that food MAY taste good on my lips..but I will pay for it later!

Here's to learning!

Anne: I bet she is having a party like our dear Carol. I have so many bags of chips in my pantry right now for company that is coming. I guess we do things when we are not thinking about others. I know their are plenty of good healthy things to eat at my house too. I usually have snack and junk foods at my house I just don't eat them ore rarely eat them.

Catherine: You hit the nail on the head. I hope that we can start feeling better about ourselves with the therapy we are going to. My past isn't nearly as scary and dreadful as the things that happened to you. Congrats on the book. I'm sure that the people buying it are reading it. I won't be surprised if you show up on Oprah someday. Hugs.

Kayley: Woo hoo for the new game. I especially like the DDR thing. I don't have one but I do wnt one. I hope you have a blast.

Rat: Woo hoo to eating better. I am hopefully listening to you that the emotional eating can get better.

Angie: I'm glad that you had a better day today. Hugs.

Cyn: Tomorrow is another day. You will do better on Thursday. Keep on trying and soon you will have a great day.

Well, Joel and I worked out tonight super hard. We added some weight lifting and some cardio. The elliptical kicks my bootie. I did it for a half hour. I enjoy it so much just remembering that I couldn't do it before now. I feel so lucky and blessed. I am hoping that my weight will start to move. I seemed jpretty hungry tonight. Not feeling hungry but rather like I needed something. I couldn't figure it out and then I remembered that I tried to eat dinner, pork chops and coldn't eat them so I skipped dinner.

Well, I think I am caught up now.

Blessings and sleep tight all,
Annie

Hello ladies,
Life is so crazy here this summer. Hubby went to the dr on monday and all the new test came back normal. We are still working on getting his blood thinned out.Its a process! We are suppost to get a call and tell us when his heart cath will take place. We do know that he has some blockage..just unsure how much. He is still having chest pain and has to take nitro every few days. I am literally sleeping with one eye open all the time.
I am trying to eat right and do a good job most of the time. I lost .6last week. I still havent made it to the 100lb mark. Hubby isnt allowed to do any real exercise till after the heart cath. He is able to mow the yard but has to do it in sections.
I am truly scared to death...but I also know how lucky we are to still have him with us after the blood clots in the lung.
WE got the roof on the house and the guys should be back next week to start the painting process and replacing my post on the front porch. I cant wait to have my house finished. I really need to spend some time and do some deep cleaning inside next week.
I feel like I am just in survival mode right now....hugs to all

deb, hang in there girl! I understand survival mode. You still lost weight!!! That is fabulous! Just check with us every now and then to update us on your DH.

Just FYI, my mom was experiencing chest pains after finally taking meds to lower her blood pressure. She was on nitro and went to the ER at least 3x. She is fit as a fiddle at age 76 and was dismayed and very upset she had to take BP meds (she hates hates hates pills!). The chest pains ended up being anxiety induced. Doesn't make them less scary!! I'm just saying that there's a chance everyone is so wound up over this scare DH has had, that some of those pains might be mentally induced. I think you both will relax more when the cath is over. Keep being as vigilant as ever, but keep in mind that the above could be happening.

Not to add any more to your plate, but you both might want to seek out some support group or think about some mediation type yoga.

Hugs to you and DH!!
Luv,
Ratkity

Bazz - Well I'm totally not a city person, so you can imagine my fear and such about visiting a place like London. I also have NEVER been out of the US, so wow culture shock! lol We'll see how it goes when I finally do get there. I want to lose weight before going, just 60 more pounds if I can get myself sorted.

Cyn - The book I'm reading is: Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food by Susan Albers. So far she is basing her book on Buddha teachings, so I thought that was interesting. So far I'm liking it, but it is hard for me to read. I have to face up to things, so I think this is going to be more of a journey or a start of one. I dunno.

Annie - I think I'll check that book out. :D I am wanting to tackle this issue I have..you know face my demons so to speak. My past is and was traumatic at times and I know that shaped me into who I am today. The thing is, I'm finding it hard to stand up and move forward completely. It is like I struggle and sometimes I think I'm the only one struggling out there, even though I know deep down that is not true. I mean we all struggle in different ways. I think it is a feeling of being alone or within myself. So I eat, so I took a chance on this book I'm reading and thought "why not start dealing with this, maybe I'm ready"

Anne - I never was a hot dog fan either, but I do really want to try a Puka Dog, from Hawaii. OOOOOOOOO and they have VEGGIE dogs! :D The thing looks awesome! BOOO I have never been to Hawaii, but if I ever do go I'm getting one of those dogs!

*****
Lately I've been frustrated. In fact today I wanted to chuck my scale out of my front door. I've struggled with the same seven pounds for months now, but you know I guess when your body goes through changes it does what it does. With the pills and now a new change, slight change with the birth control pills, it is causing me to be sick (not as bad as previous months) and I guess retain water or something. I weighed myself yesterday and it said 286, I cried. Today I weigh myself it says 280, I growl. So, I'm not sure what I weigh! I'm bloated and feeling sickly and retaining water...Booooooo! lol BOOOOOO!

I know that being drugged up has the advantages, you know not dealing with severe and dark depression every month, but apart of me always will think I should have handled it without drugs. I mean I'm 31 years old now and my body is doing things. Like I feel this pull to have children, even though I don't want children right now. When I'm around kids I feel "motherly." I guess my point is that I'm starting to see that our bodies do what they do and you can't just will them not to do those things. Like my skin sagging...i mean I can possibly use the "force" and Jedi things back in place, but that is in my imagination. At the end of the day there is going to be sag and I'm going to get plastic surgery.

Anyhow, I hope everyone is well! *HUGS* :D I'm trucking along, frustrated with the weight right now, but you know that is how it goes.

Good Morning all,

Debi: I'm so glad that you checked in. I have been praying for your DH and your and of coarse for you. Hugs sweetie and hang in there. How exciting about your house. There are so many things that Joel and I want to do cosmetically to our house and we do need a new roof too. Hopefully we can start doing things little by little.

Jacquie: I hope that the book helps you tons. You are such a nice warm and friendly lady. Hugs to you hon.

Well, I am having a good day so far. Just got up lol. I slept until 9:00 a.m. I am so drained lately. Joel and I worked our booties off in our home gym last night. I'm not a fan of weight lifting but.... I love, love how cut my arms are looking, except for the huge flapping skin underneath of them. lol. My shoulders look amazing. I feel like one of those body builders that stares at himself in the mirror at times. I find myself looking down at my arms or shoulders when I have a tank top on. Joel will catch my doing it and laugh. I am just in awe of the changes in my body sometimes. I still look at the rest of me and don't see much improvement. I get amazed when I do laundry and when I am hanging my jeans and they look so small to me and I wonder how I fit my fat big ole butt into them but I do and they aren't tight. So much so that I consider trying on a pair of size 12's occasionally. My shirts are all 14's or larges and they are all huge on my shoulders. I may have to try on some smaller shirts and blouses and maybe sneak a pair of 12's into the dressing room just to see.

I just wanted to share this with all of you because I know you remember me when I was in a men's 6X and I couldn't quite wear at 30/32 size pants unless they were made out of stretchy material. Please never give up. Know it is hard work and know that you can do it! Know that you allllllllll have helped me continue forward with your encouragement, love and support.

THANK YOU ALL!

Blessings,
Annie

Hello everyone :)

I havent been here for ages or years lol Dont know why I came to check this site tonight :)
Anyway, I just have to say some congrats, especially to dogpal, whom I remember most. Dont know why, maybe because you had some rough time back then and now I am amazed with what you've achived!!! WOW!

Keep up the good work everyone!

Bye... :)

Lavendel: Thank you and if you ever want to stop in and say hi please do it. I hope you are doing well. I remember you too. How are things? Take care if you don't want to check back in. Glad you did though. You are always welcome here.

blessings,
annie

If I never see another hotdog, frozen or otherwise. We sold 800 burgers, 700 hotdogs, 500 footlongs, 200 corndogs, and 200 smokies. 36 sacks of potato wedges. About 20 lawn and leaf bags full of popcorn. It started to rain halfway through the 2nd quarter, so everyone ran under the stands, and figured while we're here, let's eat. So it was like having two halftime rushes. We had our health department inspection since it was the first regular season game.

Also had a supervisor come in and watch for the first part of the night. Found out later it was because she is trying to figure out what we are doing differently. Before I took over running the kitchen, that stand only made $3-4,000 net a game. Now it is making $15-20,000. The key is to have stuff ready when people want to buy it. They don't wait, the lines are shorter, and people go to the short line. Since we get 10%, it's in our interest to sell as much as we can.

Austin and I get there at 2:30 to clean-up, set up and start the steamers and ovens. When the rest of the workers get there between 4 and 5, they don't have to stand around because we have stuff ready to be put on the buns and wrapped up for the warmer ovens. We open at 6, and the game starts at 7. We leave at halftime, and the ones who came late because they work do the clean up at the end of the night.

I love to complain, but we both enjoy it. My feet are sure hurting today though, and I'll be surprised if himself gets out of bed before noon.

Hi Ladies...

I am on my first day of the 3 day weekend! Today I will get my oil changed and then clean.

Hope everyone has a GREAT 4th!!!

I am a Granny again! My daughter delivered a healthy little boy yesterday about 4 p.m., there is a pic on the picture page if you want to see the cutest little baby in my world.