[katrinabgood]

Buh-bye...I have to go to work!

Hope to see LOTS of posts tomorrow! myself included...

[2cute2Bfat]

I'm BACK !!!!

After the last person headed for home last Sunday ... I headed back to Missouri to see my sister. She was really in a LOT of pain and a deep depression. I have been there ever since.
She did not feel she got very good care in the hospital and she got lots of bad news. They finally sent her home but she has to be on oxygen 24/7. This scares her to death because we witnessed my mom on oxygen 24/7 for 9+ years. She only remembers the worst years.. the last years of my mom's. life. They still do not know if the surgery solved her problems yet. She is very worried that she went through all of this **** for nothing. Please add her to any prayers. thanks.

The hotel I stayed in did not have Internet for the public.. only access for your own laptop and I don't have a laptop. My sister did not have Internet at her home either. The only hope would have been the library but I was never able to get there.

Barb... I loved the few photos you were able to post. I am sorry that I am one of those unwilling to have my photos on the open forum. I am not too bashful .... I am protecting my husband. I do not want to go into long details... but .. I am not willing for anyone in my hometown to know who writes my posts nor see just how fat I really am. It could be a real embarrassment for my husband. I hope you all can understand ... without more details.

Thin... I am so glad you had a nicer drive home than your drive here.
Thanks for the info on the "Center of the Universe" and the tower thing. Did they have a paper I can get or did they just know about it.?? It was soooo GREAT getting to meet you.
One of my biggest regrets this last weekend is that I don't think I gave you a proper THANK YOU for everything you gave all of us.. and me personally.
{{{ THANK YOU SOO MUCH !! }}} {{{ HUGS }}}

Susie... I bet your husband was glad to see you come home. I know how much he missed you. I bet Andrew was really glad too.

Terri... Yes, you can buy WW items without belonging. I have bought my daughter cookbooks and misc items many times as gifts and they never ask me if I am a member... they only want my money. LOL
There sure was a LOT of controversy about that John Stevens on American Idol.
I agree ... he needed to be voted off longgggggggg ago. It certainly was not fair to Jennifer last week. I feel sorry for John.. but I think even he knew he should have been gone long ago. This year sure isn't as good as last year.

MissMeliss ... sorry.. no photos of me. I always send some photos in my Christmas cards so stick around and I will be sending some then...if not sooner. Just no photos on the open forum for anyone to see.

Barbg.. I am still waiting to hear what your husband's adventures were. Spill the beans!!! LOL
My husband liked your t-shirt... I will have to keep his hands off. LOL

Kat... My husband LOVES gambling... if it is not too far to drive he would be ready to go in a NY minute. LOL What the heck is a New York minute anyway????

Lucky... WINTER FLING !!!! Brrrrrrrr !!!!! You better watch out what you ask for. You just might get it. LOL
If we get snowed in... you may have to keep us for a month or two until you defrost.
You mentioned the "no feelings" about the "facts". I learned in OA to write and share. You do it over and over again until you figure out what exactly your feelings are. We have self taught ourselves to not feel. You can teach yourself to feel too.

Lisa... I want to start DrPhil's book too. Maybe we should start a thread for a book study. Start May 1st and discuss one chapter every week. You game?? Anyone else? We can start a new chapter every Monday.
RM ... Congratulations on not gaining an ounce. I think Barbg maintained too this last weekend. I did too.

Ingrid... We LOVE "wallflowers" here. We love to watch you come into bloom.
You could not find a nicer group of women to learn how to be more outgoing with.
You are doing soooo GREAT !!!! -43.5lbs !!!!!!

Syn... thanks for all the nice compliments. {{ HUGS }} Glad you made it home safe and sound. You and I are going to get serious about this weight loss. Next year's spring fling I am going to make a "BEFORE and NOW " board. And we BOTH are going to be thinner and MORE MOBILE. I have already exercised 3 times in the hotel pool. You need to get more flexible for .... "you know who" LOL

If I missed anyone I am sorry. I have been gone so long I had a LOT of catching up to do so I was in a hurry. I will try to catch you next time.

[Terri in MO]

Good morning ladies!

2Cute - Good to see you and such a great post. I was worried that something had happened with your sister. Both of you are in my prayers because this is hard for you too. Great job on doing exercise this week. Get serious, or I'll come down there and kick your butt. Because, now I know where you live.

Lucky - I have been meaning to respond to your comments about not having feelings about the reasons you overeat. I agree with 2Cute - you've got to journal your way through this because writing things out can help get to the feelings. I use the journal system here. Dr Phil has also talked about the fact that the feelings can be gone but what's left is a habit. And the payoff is the comfort of the routine. That is what I found about myself. The reasons and the emotion of why I eat too much were all so long ago. And the reason why I was still doing it was because it felt safe to continue in old ways instead of shaking things up and find new ways to feel good. For instance, my home is my haven. Its where I come to get away from the world (mainly work and all its stress). Well, my habits at home are my haven too. And that included being lazy and eating. Once I realized what I was doing, its been easier to make new habits that are more comforting - like eating healthier food and exercising. That doesn't mean that I have this cured and all bad habits are gone. They still lurk around and I have to consiously change my ways every day. Does that make any sense? Hope that helps! How's the ball?

Syn - Good to see another post this week! You too can do this so join in with 2Cute and get serious! You ARE worth it.

Kat - How's your dad and FIL? Too bad airline tickets are so much or else I'd crash Atlantic City. I'd love to come out that way in the fall.

Thin - How's the new floor? Did you do vinyl or wood? We did vinyl a couple of years ago that looks like ceramic tile. Love it!

Yesterday, I went to DSW - Designer Shoe Warehouse - looking for new sandal type shoes to wear to work. I never thought this would be true but it is possible to have too many pairs of shoes in one place. I had a horrible time finding what I wanted because there were too many to choose from. Plus, I have to be careful about what I buy because I don't think my foot is healed enough for just any shoe. Oy vey! what a decision.

I've had three OP days and plan on making today a fourth. I was kind of lazy this morning and only did a few yoga and pilates stretches.

Time to get dressed and off to work.

Make today a fabulous day!

[ageoldie]

Lucky I agree with what you say about not feeling anything about why you overeat. I've said many times, I know with my mind what/how to eat and be healthy, but I can't make myself do what I know.
Of course when I was a bowler, I didn't understand why I didn't have every game be 300, because I KNEW exactly what to do to roll a strike. I just didn't do it!!!

Terri I agree about DSW!!! I try to stay away because they have toooo many choices! (and I don't make decisions easily)

I too have had 3 OP days and on my way to the health club to start day #4

Hope everyone else has a great day!

[ljs1223]

Good morning all!

2Cute I think a thread for a book study would be an awesome idea! Anyone else up to it?? I ordered mine online last week and it hasn't come yet. I'm hoping it will be here today or tomorrow!

I also think that there should be a Winter Fling - Minnesota's nice - even in winter! And if ya get snowed in, oh well - there's lots of things to do

I agree that John needed to go in Idol. Honestly, none of them did the Latin music very good. They just didn't have it.

I was too busy to post/read yesterday so I'm a little behind. My Grandparents are both pretty sick so I took my girls to see them yesterday. It was a looooooong trip to Minneapolis, but it needed to be done. I wanted them to be able to see them in case the worst happens before we can get there again. Sooooo, needless to say, I had an EXTREMELY unhealthy eating day yesterday The girls begged me to stop at so they could have a breakfast burrito. Of course I had to get one as well. Then, my aunt & uncle wanted a quick lunch so they suggested at the hospital. Ugh, I did have a chicken salad (the crispy - I can't quite do their grilled - looks to rubbery). But, the calories & fat grams in the dressings are AWFUL! Today I hope to be back on track. I'm pretty tired and am going to take it easy.

today is our 3 yr anniversary! Woo hoo! We already took a weekend mid-April and went away to celebrate (the first time without the kids since our honeymoon!) and it was so nice. We'll probably just lay low tonight.

One last question before I go - when I try to register for the journal section it takes me to a page that says, "invalid page request." I've sent an e-mail for technical support (last week!) but haven't heard anything. Any techies know how to fix/get around that?

Hope everyone has an awesome day!


Lisa

[2cute2Bfat]

Good morning everyone.
Lisa... I have never tried to go to the journal section so I can be of no help... but I am sure someone will be able to help you soon.
We will start a book study thread on Monday.... anyone who wants to join start reading Chapter one. Each week we will discuss each new chapter.

Today is THANKFUL THURSDAY.
I am sooooo thankful for my health. Seeing my sister makes me appreciate it BIG TIME. I appreciate the opportunity to eat healthy today.
I appreciate the opportunity to exercise today.
I appreciate my husband today.

Like they say... "I complain about my feet hurting until I see someone with no feet." or something like that.
Thankful Thursday... Lets hear it ... what are you thankful for?

[LuckyLadyBug]

Starting a thread for a book study and doing Dr. Phil is an EXCELLANT idea, 2Cute. (I may need more intensive work than reading his book once!!!)

Your

We have self taught ourselves to not feel. You can teach yourself to feel too.

really hit me in the heart!!!!

Terri:

you've got to journal your way through this because writing things out can help get to the feelings.

I have written in the past and never seem to get to the feelings. Maybe because I do it alone and don't let anyone read what I write. Sometimes it just seemed like a "pity party" and that isn't what I think at all. As I said, I seem to need feedback to make any progress.

SO, I am hoping we can have our book thread and help each other. I feel I can be honest and open with my friends here.

We will start a book study thread on Monday.... anyone who wants to join start reading Chapter one. Each week we will discuss each new chapter.

.

So we will discuss chapter 1 May 3rd through the 9th?????

W A R N I N G

I require a lot of help with this!!!

Later, I am risking my job typing here at work!!!!

[ljs1223]

I am thankful for my beautiful children - for their smiles and their laughter
I am thankful for my wonderful husband
And, I am thankful for my new friends

Lisa

[paperdoll]

i am thankful for family and friends!

also that my son from kentucky is coming home in a few weeks and bringing his GIRL.,should be interesting.

o.k. now i gotta start getting ready. pat

[VermontChick]

Wow, I have so many individual replies to do! Let's hope I hit everyone.

First of all, Atlantic City. I don't think I personally could swing a trip there until June (I live up on the Vermont/NH border, so Atlantic City is about a six hour drive for me). I would need to know how much money it would be (aproximately) cause my new job doesn't even start until mid May. I
just checked online for bus fares, and it's about 100 dollars if y ou buy them in advance, but for some reason they're all like 9 or 10 hours long :/

Barb: I know everyone already thanked you..but THANK YOU (once again) for those warm pictures, you guys look like you are having soooo much fun. You know, I've never been farther west than Ohio Oh, and I'm gonna have to keep a look out for that Propel Water!

2cute: I understand about the open forum thing, you never know who ends up saving them sometimes. I;ve had a couple disturbing experiences regarding photos i have showed people on the net.

Oh darn!! I didn't get a chance to respond to the other long entries (Terri, Kat)...I have to go now though because my ride is leaving NOW..(I cant argue with that, now can i? :/)

I'll post more later tonight!!!

[BarbPA]

Hi Ladies -
I went out during my lunch break today so I should try to make this quick...It's a fabulous day here - sunny, near 80. During lunch I went with a friend to a nearby garden center and bought some annual to pot tonight. I am itching to get outside and plant some pretty, colorful flowers.


I was so happy to see all your Thankful Thursday posts. I have been so down in the dumps with this whole "baby-making" thing that I think I have forgetten all the things in my life to be thankful for.....I have my health, I have a wonderful husband, great friends, a fantastic 3FC family, I have the opportunity to go through IVF whereas I know many in my position may not be able to (thank goodness for insurance), I could go on and on and on.... I am continuing my list in my head. Today has just reminded me to look at the positives in my life! THANK YOU ALL!!!

Back to work I go....personals later, or maybe tomorrow since it's SURVIVOR night!!!

to all!
Barb

[LuckyLadyBug]

I am thankful for all of you, but I have a special thank you to 2Cute for her book thread exactly at a time when I need it!!

T H A N K
Y O U

[ageoldie]

HELP!!!

I've just finished a 2 1/2 hour meeting with the IRS man, and now my stomach is tied up in knots and even though my lunch was wonderful, and I'm slurping water like no tomorrow, I WANT TO EAT!!!

Help me hang in there.

[katrinabgood]

Keep drinking that water, BarbG...then you can honestly say the IRS man drove you to drink!

Okay, book thread...which is a wonderful idea, by the way...and I want to be a part of it, for sure.....I guess I'll have to suck it up and contribute to Dr Phil's millions.....I am notoriously NOT of fan of his! However, in the spirit of camraderie and support, I will do it! ~that, and the fact that nothing else seems to be working at the moment!!

Thankful Thursday...I am thankful for my awesome family, for all of you, for my health, and for reading the best book I've come across in a long time. I highly recommend the five people you meet in heaven, by Mitch Albom. (he also wrote, Tuesday Afternoons with Maury, another wonderful book.) A quick read...it's thought provoking and uplifting...and just so good! Also, I'm thankful for this glorious weather and the pretty flowers popping up all over! Oh yeah...AND the fact that both Dad and FIL are doing well. (thanks for asking, Ter!) My dad got the word yesterday that he will not need chemotherapy after all...he just has to finish up his radiation treatments next week and he's done! Yay Dad!

Atlantic City...hmmm...I was thinking about a day trip there, because it's within an hour or two driving distance for us local chicks...but I'll throw it out there....anyone interested in an overnighter or a weekend?

Okay, I must get out and enjoy the day. NO WORK TONIGHT OR TOMORROW!

love to all...

{{{HUGS}}} and prayers to 2cute and your sister!

[2cute2Bfat]

We had a newcomer start a her own thread because she already knew the rules of a new thread after 28-30 posts.. so I figured I better start the new thread so Shay can post on the ongoing 300+ thread. LOL

So... STOP !!! DO NOT POST HERE !!!!
Instead come join us in # 522 and meet our newest newbie.... SHAY.