Hi ladies,

Its a cold, cold Sunday. I got up early and put a log on the fire and snuggled under a quilt. I like early mornings on the weekend. Actually, I like early mornings except for having to go to work during the week. I just finished watching Mean Girls.

Yesterday we went to look at another place. The house was right but the property was not. DH had fallen in love with the house. He and Sherri had seen it earlier in the week. We took Richard and Linda to look with us to act as semi-neurtral third parties. He's the reality check on land for the horses. If the lot had just a acre more and the north property line had been moved north just a bit, we would be putting an offer on it. But the neighbor's property line lies just to the north of the driveway and is too close to the house for us. That didn't give enough grass area for the horses. **Sigh** I liked the house too and it was so workable for DH and his physical limitations. So we keep looking. We're not trying for perfection - something that meets our needs for a five-year plan. The ultimate plan is a log-cabin home on acres but we have bills to pay (and a job to either keep or lose and replace) over the next five years. However, as I type this out, I'm wondering if we should buy the acreage now and do a doublewide that is anchored but not on a foundation and build the cabin in five years. Hmmmm, something to think about.

Sherri also stopped by our house to do the initial walk-through. She measured, made comments and gave suggestions. I have a list of things to do. I was SOOOO relieved that the list is all doable and nothing that difficult. While I didn't have the house perfectly organized, she said it looks good. I need to turn the cat room (with cowboy cats for the border) into the exercise room and the Americana room into a spare bedroom with baskets and more pillows. Our room only needed a chair removed and maybe some greenery. The purple bathroom was okay. She liked the colors of the house and that it was all done within the last three years. So the things I need to do are organize two closets better, clean ceiling fans, move the exercise equipment into one room and buy some deco things. She suggested I pack up my angels and take out family photos. Plus finish moving stuff to storage. That is such a huge weight off my shoulders. Also, since we did not find something to put a contract on, I'm not freaking out about getting it ready for market by next Monday. By first of March.

I feel so much less stressed and just about ready to get focused again. By 3/1 I should be in good shape to get to working horses too.

Thank you guys for being here to listen to me drone on and on about this. Life has been so incredibly stressful and unfun lately and being able to say it here has helped keep me from stuffing myself with food.

Michelle - Good to see you peeking back in. Happy Birthday to your mom! Good job for getting a small cake and only a pint of ice cream!

Barb.G - I love those Saturday's when I can stay in my pj's. My Mickey Cow pajamas are my favs. I use the belly button trick when riding a horse to keep my lower back in the right position. Guess its handy for many things! However, I'm not sure I have enough control for the zipper thing.

Ruth - I'm glad to see you're still working OP! So whatcha been doing?

2Cute - How fun for your daughter to come home for your birthday. So, Happy Birthday!!! I'm terrible about remembering anybody's birthday anymore. Looks like you did a good job of reining yourself back into control. Old habits are hard to break - time to make new buddies with your daughters!

Fawnice - I've seen the Lippazaner's. They are soo awesome. Enjoy your day for Valentines!

Thin, Valerie, Lilion, Friskie I'm out of time this morning. I need to get ready for Sunday school and drop off a load of stuff at storage before 9:30. Best get scooting.

So I've been sitting here trying to do the zipper thing with the lower ab. Hmm, it can be done more or less.

Have a good one!

Hi everybody hope you are diddling well today ... and indeed all days!

Lillion: Here are my boxer puppies, Daniel is a 2 years old female (Danny for short) or her Kennel name is Kisses N the Night. She is a wee cuddly darling who has to be beside you all the time, very smart too she can whip a sandwich out of your hand at 20 paces which is very good when you are calorie counting. Then on the right is Woodie (or for short stop doing that you stupid hound) who is a one year old male or his other name is Project X - I think that actually stands for - how much devilment can I get up to today before I get caught and booted up the *** (kidding). You can just see it in his eyes. They are half sister and brother and Danny is most definately the Alpha of the two as with any good relationship I think that makes me the Omega, they have me sooo well trained you wouldnt believe it. heheheh!

Woodie is the chewer of the two - so far he has eaten my best shoes, a pair of Jim's slippers, two panels of the garden fence, the tv remote control, 8 buttons of a duvet cover, my passport and for dessert my driving license, a coat and a map. We think is trying to escape bit by bit he only needs to eat a suitcase and he is set You can always recogise Woodie because his tongue is usually sticking out - I have never in my life seen a tongue as long as Woodie's its a good two inches longer than his mouth. Woodie can also whip a sandwich out of your hand but he does not have to move to do it, just picks it off with his tongue. I mentioned this to the breeder who we bought them from and she replied proudly with a huge grin on her face "yes, (sigh) he takes after his father" Enough said about that then....

Michelle: Hope your mum had a wonderful birthday and that you enjoyed yourselves. By the way if you really want to know what Thin pulled from Lillions post look on Ebay .. I have posted it there, the down and dirty goes to the highest bidder by midnight.

Zelma: Thanks for the word document, my you have done so very well you should be incredibly proud of yourself and your pictures - you look fab girl! Well done for your truly amazing achievement.

Ageold: You made me smile about your tree. It made me think back years ago when I used to put the tree in the store room, covered for the dust, and then just hike it out again the following December - well nobody saw it!! And, it was a great time saving tool (cough)

Thin: What kind of Ebay page/business are you setting up I am intrigued. I am an Ebay addict ... at Christmas I spent an absolute fortune on there my hubby had to crow bar me away from the keyboard. Actually he led me away with a bun on a string ... the knows all my buttons.

2cute: What a wonderful surprise that must have been. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I wish you everything you dream of. Hope you enjoy your time together with your daughters catching up, chatting etc I really miss that from my family. When I was younger and lived at home with my parents we used to have a huge kitchen where everybody gathered to chat, eat, swap stories and anecdotes, joke, fight, argue - throw plates and pans at each other, (kidding, kinda) sigh! Wonderful days they were too.

Fawnice: Well done on your loss thats good going girl! Nice to meet you Im new here.

Ruth: Its ok to be on the phone all that time, when you are on the phone you are not eating, or thinking about eating, so phone is generally good. I know what you mean about company coming around and the temptation that ensues. What I try to do it eat beforehand (good angelic things that I can have) so that I am not in the least tempted by the rich suggary, calorie filled, creamy, tongue tingling, scrummy, gorgeous, feast for the eyes - stop me, stop me Im heading for the biscuits ... anyway, I am not so tempted, my name is Friski I am a foodoholic, blah blah.

Barb: I often stay in my PJ's at the weekends its so much more comfortable and relaxed.

Terri: What else are friends for!! Sharing the highs and lows is whats its all about.... I think its really difficult to find the perfect property in the perfect location and if you do thats just wonderful. Usually I have found that either the location isnt right or the house isnt quite right. Sometimes you wish you could move a certain house to a certain location. Its never easy. Good luck.

Disclaimer: Sorry if I missed anything or anyone or confused anything, its my age you know and I didnt get all my pills yet today - also these threads grow so quickly ......

Out of time - should really go clean up as its like a tornado passed through the house

Taataa for now

Friskipixie

Well Thin...I should be doing my report online...but today I bought 2 boxes of hair color to hide the dag-gam grays ib the top of my head, they were on clearance AND I had $5 off two coupons!! Plus the pantene proV shampoo and conditioner with a little side bottle was on clearance AND I had coupons for that too! I also had to buy a filter for the cool mist humidifier in our bedroom. AND I got Andrew a pair of oshkosh pants. Its so hard to find pants for him because his waist is so small and his legs are so long. These pants were a 5T and they had the adjustable waist and the legs can be rolled up, there's a button to keep them up plus they have a button at the top of the zipper but its not a button hole, they velcro shut. He gets frustrated with snaps and buttons because he can't work them well and I don't want him to get frustrated at school and NOT use the bathroom and wet himself. These are perfect for him...they were $12.99 but so worth it so he isn't wearing sweatpants to school every day! The flyer in the news paper was alot of baby stuff...I didn't buy anything from the flyer today! Tomorrow is another day and another dept. store shop! Can't wait!!

OK I gotta get my report done....so I'll check back later!

MichelleK

Good Evning Ladies!

Hey all! It's Sunday night and I'm bored, a bit tired and slightly p---ed off at DH. All of which is not a good thing for the diet as I'm out of points and I really want to eat something fattening. Luckily, I'm also full. I had a great dinner, a Pampered Chef recipe from their "It's Good For You" cookbook, Oven BBQ Chili. But the servings were small and I ended up eating two, 10 pts. Still, really good.

My stupid jaw STILL hurts and I have another dental visit tomorrow for the other filling! That dentist better have a good reason why my jaw is still sore after all this time! I HATE dentists!

I don't know why I'm in such a funk. DH, who does the whole stupid D&D gaming stuff has announced that he'll be going on Friday this week, and he went just a couple of days ago, so that ticks me off. These games last for HOURS! I mean, he goes to school Mon and Wed and now he's gaming once a week. And what do I get to do? I get to sit on my butt at home taking care of the kid and the dogs. This was supposed to be a monthly thing. I told him if this turns into a weekly event, we're going to have a problem. We've never had a fight, but we will, mark my words. In no way is it fair that he's gone three nights a week leaving me at home.

Yeah, I'm griping to no one. Just venting anyway.

Sorry, in a foul mood and no longer have anything to say.

Friski: Nice puppies! They are really pretty. I have a coworker who just got a brindle boxer puppy. He's just the cutest puppy I've ever seen. He's practially tiger striped with white toes (not feet, just toes), a white chest and the tiniest little white stripe on his nose. Makes me want another puppy.

Michelle: Sounds like you got some good buys. My DS lived in sweats for so many years he didn't even like jeans when he was in 2nd grade and I had to make him wear them anyway because the other kids were making fun of his sweatpants!

Terri: Glad to hear that things are calming down. I like your log cabin plan. I've looked at the log homes. Some of them are just beautiful! Maybe some day DH and I will move to more land...but then again, there's the whole no being able to get dinner delivered problem...That was my demand when we house hunted...A place where I could get Chinese delivered!

Also dependent on my still being married to him - instead of killing him for leaving my big butt home all the time while he's out and about...

Yea, back to the bad mood. Later ladies...

I can't believe I've been checking in all day and haven't said Happy Birthday to 2cute!
Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, dear 2 cute!

Happy Birthday to you!

Hopefully you were too busy with your family to notice I wasn't on the ball.

Good Monday morning!

I'm up early and having done my exercise, I'm ready to go back to bed. But, crap its Monday and have to hit the shower instead. WAHHHHH!

My exercise for the day yesterday was moving the tack room to the storage unit. Geez, I have a lot of stuff. We also moved a set of shelves. Slowly but surely its clearing out. And my back isn't killing me so that's good.

Then I stood out in the cold while the farrier worked on two of my horses and one of Richard's. The farrier mentioned child support and I swear I helped pay for it because it was more expensive than before. For some reason, farriers are a breed of people who think they rule the universe instead of them being working stiff like the rest of us.

This morning, I did the Biggest Loser strength and sculpt workout. Great workout. Then 20 minutes on the stationary bike. Maybe I should try

Tonight is equine academy so it will be another late night. I hope we don't have to see any more disemboweled horses with colic or those having neurological issues. Or hear what they do for "research".

Lilion - I hope that today brings a better day. Some days are just like that. You need a day to go to a movie or something. You need some fun! Smack that dentist around!

Thin - Hope you get back to posting soon. Drive-by's don't count!

2Cute - How is your visit with your daughter? Keeping OP???

Friskie - Cute doggies! Funny what we call our pets. I have a big rottie, named Bear short for Bulldozin' Baron von Krapes who is frequently called DUMBA$$ right before Mama, is gonna kick your a$$ to which he looks at me and wags his stub tail. Like he's scared.

Michelle - Happy shopping! Sounds like fun!

to Ruth, Valerie, and everyone else! Must get going before I fall asleep on the couch.

Have a great OP day!

Wow! I just discovered Target has 5T pants that just might fit my kid! The waist is smaller and the pants are longer! I bought 3 pair for him today! I sure hope they work!

Lilion...thats what I'm afraid of...the kids making fun of his sweatpants! But he loves them because they are comfortable and he doesn't have to struggle with the snap or button. He gets frustrated so easily! These pants have a fake drawstring and all elastic waist!

2Cute...omg! I knew the 12th was your birthday but I was so not clued into the date!! I lose track so easily! This is a month of birthdays and anniversaries for my family! Anyways....I sure hope you had the best birthday ever!!

Terri that small cake and pint of ice cream lasted all of 3 days now! Its totally gone! My son had cake for 3 days and so did I! Bad girl!! Just little pieces and little scoops each time though!

Friskipixie...do share now! I couldn't find it on ebay!!

So Thin...what did you buy today? I bought 3 pair of pants for Andrew, a valentine card, a case of crystal light pink lemonade that was marked down to $5, a small teflon frying pan, a box of enntemans mini muffins for Andrew,
seems like nothing for almost $40!!

OK I need to get to bed...I have been fighting a cold for 3 days now and I think its winning!

Have a great night! MichelleK

Happy Valentine's Day!


Now here's some to avoid all the chocolate today!

HI guys !!!!
Thank you for all the birthday wishes. It was a wonderful birthday all weekend longgggg. As you know my daughter surprised me by flying home for my birthday. We had a GREAT weekend together. My food stayed pretty good Friday and Saturday. but Sunday I got a little laxed. I plan to get back to some serious attitude adjustments today.

Let me join Thin in wishing everyone a .......

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY !!!!!

Hi everyone -

I haven't posted in a while, because unfortunately I'm still "stuck" - procrastinating about what plan or program to do. All of you seem so focused most of the time that I feel pathetic in my indecisiveness. I know it's primarily a psychological issue, but whatever therapy I have had in the past hasn't helped and I can't afford it now.

Warning - the next paragraph is thoroughly off topic as regards weight loss -

Do any of you have teenagers? I am a single mom to two daughters (one of them is out of the house - age 26 - with numerous problems - but that is another LONG story), and the one still at home is 18. She dropped out of traditional high school at age 16 to be home schooled, but then fiddle-farted around for about 2 years before saying that she just couldn't do the work at home. I nagged constantly but she just wouldn't study. Now she is planning to get her GED, but isn't getting going on that either. This all drives me nuts, as both my parents were teachers, and I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music myself, so education has always been really important in my family. She is at least working pretty close to full time at a local Petco (we are big animals lovers in our family, so she is good at her job) and contributing most of her paycheck to the family finances, which I need since the Social Security that I have received for her throughout her life due to her father dying when I was pregnant with her got cut last April ($618 a month that I no longer get, but our expenses are the same, since she still lives at home). So ANYWAY, obviously she is basically a good kid, but her latest boyfriend is making me crazy. For a year and a half she dated a boy from our church who works two jobs, goes to school, doesn't drink, smoke, party, etc. and was great to have around. But recently she broke it off, saying he was too immature. Now she is dating a guy who is 27 who is unemployed, drinks, smokes, gambles and smokes weed. Obviously, I'm not thrilled. She says he is really nice and is "hot", but I'm afraid that is the main attraction, that he is "hot". She met him at Petco when she first got that job, but then he got fired. I know that at her age, it is futile to forbid her to see him, as that would only backfire (plus she is legally an adult). But, I just cringe whenever she goes over to his house, wondering what goes on. I'm afraid he will try to take advantage of her as she is so young, plus I remember the stupid things I fell for at that age. Of course if I try to gently mention any of the things I don't think are great, she gets very defensive and doesn't want to talk to me. Any suggestions? Do I just wait and hope it will blow over, pray alot, etc?

I think it also annoys me since I work at home doing transcription and my "fun" when not working was that Alyssa (daughter) and I would watch certain TV shows together every week, and now that she is working so much and has this boyfriend, she doesn't have time for that; PLUS we only have one car between us and whenever she goes over there, I'm stranded at home with no vehicle (as I also am whenver she is at work).

So if anyone managed to wade through all this whining, and has any great suggestions or can relate in any way, I'd love an opinion.

Laelle

Happy Valentines day!, sorry ladies I can't linger right now to post much, but I hope to get back in later. Yesterday I kept getting the server too busy message. I gave up after the second time. Had other things to do. See ya later, Ruth

Just a little mention that I now have a link to my weight loss document on my pics page (link to pics page is under my tracker) as I was worried that some emails weren’t getting through to people who asked me to send it to them. It just seemed like the easier way to go. I converted it to a PDF to make it smaller, so hopefully everyone will be able to open it. It may bore you all silly, but there may be something useful in there. I plan on adding a lot of extra ‘bits’ soon, as I know there are gaps in the information. I just need to set aside some serious time to do that.

Friskipixie – Thank you for the compliments. I am glad the document got through to you. As I mentioned above, I ended up linking to the document in my pics page, which seems easier.

Michelle – It sounds as though you had a lot of success with shopping. I have to confess that shopping has become my all time favourite hobby now. Not good on the pocket, but GREAT for the morale.

Lilion – I am SO sorry about your jaw still hurting. I HATE dentists and only go if I have to, which I know really isn’t the best way to go about things. I just can’t seem to make those regular appointments that I know I should. I am also sorry to hear about your DH being a pain in the you know what. I love having hubby around and would be VERY ‘miffed’ – to put it nicely – if he wanted to be away from home on such a regular basis. If I lived closer I would give him a good swift kick! But I’m not sure my legs will reach from here.

Terri – The cabin on a good-sized plot of land sounds like SUCH a good idea. How peaceful! Good luck with getting your house in order. It took us long enough to just clear out a couple of rooms to make a guest room and a ‘neat’ storage room.

Laelle – I’m sorry, I don’t have kids, so can’t offer you any wise advice. I CAN offer you sympathy and I hope that you can sort out something that will benefit you all… but mostly you.lol Oh, and don’t worry about taking your time deciding upon a ‘program’. There are so many out there that I can understand it being a little confusing. I’m glad that I didn’t have to choose one, and just decided to try to do it myself. I would still be deciding if I had to pick just one way to go. I have read up on South Beach and low GI and a few others and just pick and choose ideas I like from them all. Seems to work for me.

Well, better head off to bed so I am bright and sparkly to face all those little ones tomorrow. Have a lovely day all.

Take care,

Zelma

Happy Valentine's Day Ladies!

First: 2 Cute: I'm so sorry I missed your birthday! I hope it was happy! Sorry!

Zelma: I read your weight loss document. Funny, it sounds so simple, but there's no way it was! Eat less, eat better, exercise more. You really are something to have stuck with it for so long and have come so far. I've been meaning to ask...What grade do you teach? I have great respect for teachers, it's a job I would not have the patience for I'm afraid.

Laelle: Gosh I'm, sorry I don't have any advice. My only child is a boy and he's only 10. My best friends daughter is 15 and they still have some say over her. FWIW, their philosophy is that it's best to have the social events at their house...that way they know what's going on. I don't know how well that translates to a 27 yr old BF (with his own place I assume?) My parent's always used reverse psychology on me...ton's of "I trust you's" and "I know you have morals and that I raised you right and you wouldn't do anything wrong or illegal because you are a good person."

Michelle: Hope that cold is getting better.

Terri: Loved your "pet names" for your pets! Mac and Suzie tend to be "You dog!"

Well, after being mad the whole 3-day weekend, I finally blew up at DH last night. We never fight. Basically, I cried and he apologized. Which is how it should be of course, 'cause he was WRONG! I told him I'm just tired of feeling lonely in my own house! I never get to do anything fun and even when he's home he's playing Texas Hold 'em on the freakin computer or something instead of talking to me. I guess after six years you don't be as lovey-dovey as you are in the beginning, but I don't like how our lives have been lately. I know I overreact. He's a good man, he doesn't drink, doesn't run around with other women. He is home more often than not...I just don't like the way things have been lately. I feel like something has changed in our relationship and not for the better. He said he feels like maybe we've just gotten too "comfortable" - read that "taking me for granted."

I'm looking at a beautiful vase of red roses right now. Even though I know he ordered them before the blow-up...he did pretty good. I suspect he's going to try a little harder to pay attention to us in future. If nothing else, I feel better for having gotten things off my chest. And I think I may have scared him a bit...which is a good thing, cause I was feeling like running away from home!

I just LOVE the new smilies! is just too cute for words! I also am quite fond of but I don't think looks like running...he looks like walking to me!

Must run ladies. It's Valentine's day after all and I have to spread the love!

LILION~ I am glad you and DH got things out in the open,, Man what I would give to have some of your "man" issues, Me being single and alone right now, hey It could be worse,,,, Take Care and I hope you and DH get it all worked out... Take Care ,, Crock!

ZedAus~ I looked at your pics,,,,,, You are truely my new hero.. way to go,.... how long has it taken you ?