300+And Ready to Try Again....#899
 

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 and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We often use a "Topic of the Day" for discussion.

Motivational Monday
Tuesday Tips
Wednesday Wish List .. and What you are doing to obtain it.
Thankful Thursday
FUN Friday ... don't wait until you lose your weight.
Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Share your Success Sunday

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We often find them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations.

We have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, and more. 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.

WELCOME!

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for Amazon on any page in the forum, or by clicking on the button on the main 3FC page at www.3fatchicks.com . A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's like $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

Sharon – I haven’t had a hernia, so I can’t tell you. I would definitely get it checked out by a doctor. It is better to be sure than worry about it and/or have it get worse.

Ammi – Yeah, I think the airfare might kill that idea. I really need to get out of my work funk. I am usually so dedicated and enthusiastic. Right now I just feel so apathetic. I show up, I get my job done, but nothing more than that. I don’t like it and I need to change, but I’m not sure how.

Misti – Your cruise sounds fantastic! I have never been on one, but I hope to soon. You definitely look younger than you are.

Crock – Excellent news from the doc!

Julee – Your dinner sounds fabulous. I have the same problem with the things Andrew likes, although mostly it is backwards. Sometimes he will tell me he didn’t like a certain something (like black olives) and I get it in my head that he doesn’t like all olives.

Kayley – I am glad to hear that your counselor is taking the slow road and not just putting you on medication right away. It may be that medication is the way to go, and from Ammi and Dogpal we certainly know that the right medication can make a world of difference, but it is good he is taking the time to work with you.

Zelma – It is always hard to go back to work after a break. Your routine gets thrown out of whack a bit and you need to readjust. If you are feeling tired you should definitely go to the doctor to get it checked out. Glad the chiropractor helped with your knees. I don’t think even when I drop the weight that I will ever be able to job because of my knees. My family is known to have weak knees and my aunt just needed knee replacement at 60 years old.

Luan – Glad to hear things are going so well. I am with you on disliking teachers that treat adults like they are in kindergarten.

Valerie – Good to see you! We miss you when you are away. Definitely try and enjoy those perks when you can, and I’m glad to hear your puppy is ok.

Maria Lucia – I’m not sure about sugar causing joint pain, but it could definitely be the case. I have started taking glucosomine and MSM (recommended by my brother's GF who is a physical therapist) and they seem to help. The weight coming off probably helps too, but my knees do still give me trouble. If you haven’t left already, I would suggest taking an Advil before you go. Part of the pain is probably from inflammation, and Advil helps with that. Glad things are going so well with your therapist. I have been thinking of going back to someone I saw awhile ago, but I would have to get off work to do it, and with all my other doctors’ appointments right now I don’t think I can spare the time.

Dogpal – That is so cool that you are getting out to Curves all the time now. I have never had a manicure, but I may brave one some day. My problem is that in the same way that some people cringe when they hear nails down a chalk board, I cringe when I hear nails being filed by an emery board. Don’t know why, but it really gets me. Oh, and your puppies are too cute!

Tracey – Hang in there! You will be feeling better soon and getting out in the beautiful NY spring time before you know it!


Well, I am waiting for my BF to be done with some work so he can take me to my car which was in the shop yesterday for some maintenance. I am going to have to spend a good bit in the next few months on new tires and a 60,000 mile check-up. I can’t believe I have only had it for 3 years. But, I am taking care of it so hopefully it should last me 200,000 at least. When I get my car back I will go do some shopping. I have some things to pick up for our trip next week. Andrew has to work all day, so I am on my own. Tomorrow we are going to a play that a friend of mine was working on, and that should be fun. Otherwise, I am getting my finances into Quicken so that I can have some serious money talks with Andrew once he isn’t working. He does his stuff in Quicken, but I haven’t been so diligent about it.

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday.

Morning Ladies...well i am doing house cleaning and going bowling later...that is about it for me. I think my allergies have turned into a cold! That is what happens everytime the weather changes..and we are about to get into the 100s here in arizona so that is what I go through! I know this is gonna sound strange..hehehe BUT why do we keep changing thread numbers??? No biggie just curious..guess I am new to the whole thread thing..lol...see ya ladies later.

How can it already be a bad day at 9:52 am? I woke up and checked my email and got an email from one of my bridesmaids. She had expressed to me a while back that she thought it might be cost prohibitive to be in the wedding. We had a long talk about it, I helped her find some alternative plane flights, and she said she would get back to me within the week. Thatw as well over a month ago, if not more. So this morning she emaild me and respectfully bowed out. I am sure that I saw it coming, but it doesn't make me any less sad. On top of that, one of my othe bridesmaids here in town is a royal pain in my A$$. It was a total mistak to ask her to be in the wedding to begin with...it was a very impulsive move and I regret it daily. She is jealous over the fact that I am getting the big nice wedding, she is always seeking attention in inappropriate ways, and she is an emotional loose cannon. We have barely spoken in 2 months and she dosn't return my calls and emails. Her husband is one of Jason's good friends and he is also in the wedding. I do not want to cause problems for Jason, but I am about to reach my breaking point. I warned him last night that if she either causes problems at the shower or if she cheeses out of it then I am kicking her out.

This makes me sad though because I always dreamed of a wedding where I was surrounded by my closest friends on my wedding day and we are all smiling and happy. I wanted to have pictures of all of us together. Now, I am down to 4 and it's looking like I'll be down to 3. Jason has 6 people on his side. I feel like a friendless loser. There really isn't anyone else I can think of to take their places, and the other problem is that the skirts for the bridesmaids got discontinued and I don't think they can be ordered. I will have Mishel's skirt to use..but I think it's a size 12 and if Sarah is out I'll have a size 8 to use as well...*sigh*

Today's goal is to kick this feeling without eating my way through it.

Hello All,

I have a question to ask. Does anybody suffer with soreness under your belly? I have terrible problems myself and after I shower every night Daren has to put nappy (diaper) rash cream under there for me. If anybody else has problems, what do you do to help prevent it? I asked the doctor if I should use medicated powder under my belly, but she said no she wouldn't advise it. So I have come to ask the people who perhaps know from experience what I can do to help prevent the soreness.

Crock - I am sorry that you didn't get to go fishing, but it sounds like you were better off staying at your friends and letting Austin have some more time with his Nonnie :D I am glad to hear you are feeling much better. Good luck with your WI tomorrow, not that you'll need it!

Tracey - that sucks that you are feeling so unwell. I must commend you though for being so annoyed at not being able to exercise. When I am ill I just want to lay in bed and die (well not literally lol), I don't give a thought about not being able to exercise. I hope you will be feeling much beter and able to exercise again soon.

Nancy - I am sorry you are unhappy in your work, and I hope you will figure out a way to either leave, or sort something out so that you aren't unhappy there anymore.

Good luck for when you have those money talks with Andrew.

Cyn - I think the threads change after every 30 or so posts so that it doesn't take as long for the threads to open for people on dial up. At least I think that is the main reason. I am sure somebody will be able to tell you for sure.

Sorry that your allergies have turned into a cold. Feel better soon :hug:

Julee - that's a shame that one of your bridesmaids has had to pull out of the wedding, and that you are having to deal with another bridesmaid that you wish you had never asked to do the job. Ah the joys of having a big wedding huh :dizzy:

Please don't feel like a friendless loser, you will still have a wonderful day with 3 or 6 bridesmaids, and you know that those that have dropped out haven't done so because they can't be bothered. They are still your friends and are probably as gutted as you are that they can't attend your wedding. Now if only those spare dresses were a size 30, or at least larger sizes, I am sure a couple of us here would love to fill them for you :D

Okie dokie, it's time for bed now, so I shall see you all tomorrow :D

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Ammi:

Thanks for the cheer up. I went to the gym and worked out my stuff there. Had a bit of a cry and came up with a plan B. I think I have found the perfect replacement, so I will talk to her next weekend when I see her in person. Had a super lunch with the girls and then hit Target. I tried on the CUTEST dress...and I walked around the store with it for a while to see if I reallllly wanted it. it would have been perfect for the shower and the engagement party...but in the end it would have required a separate shopping trip for the right bra (strapless, low front and low back) and that was more than I could handle. I did get some dead sexy shoes though so all was not lost. I also did one of those shopping trips where I loaded up the cart and in the end got rid of a chunk of it. So I passed on 2 pairs of earrings, a necklace, some undies, a skirt and the dress...but did get the sports bras and Mothers' Day cards..which was the original purpose of the trip. Mission accomplished.

I am starting to see a slight bit of definition in my ankles and my forearms...which is nice. Oy my abs are SORE!!!

I am going to enjoy the rest of today and not stress over the other things that are going on. It is a gorgeous day...about 73 and sunny with a slight breeze, the door is open, and I am going to dinner and a play tonight with Jason and one of our friends.

Au revoir mes amies!

grr i just lost my post after i hit send.... going to do housework as I just got in from my scrapbook weekend. Will talk to you all later tonight.... a clean house is calling my name!

Brenda :wave:

Hello all! Haven't posted since earlier in the week so I've been reading through about 4 threads that I completely missed. I finally went to a WW meeting today. I have skipped the past 3 weeks. I was up 4.6 pounds. I am trying to change my mindset into think I CAN do it. I hate being this heavy. And with summer coming on and the heat here in TX, well, I just dread the thought of it. My goal this week is to try to face one day at a time.

As for my work challenges, we did have the meeting to re-assign the workload so that I am not under so much pressure. I thanked my boss for doing it because he really did give me free reign to decide what tasks I wanted to off-load onto The Princess. That is the good part. The bad part is that The Princess has no initiative whatsoever and already has vacation days planned during the busiest time of the month when she is supposed to be doing some of her newly assigned tasks. She lacks any sort of work ethic or sense of responsiblity from what I can tell. I am almost afraid it will be MORE work trying to get her to do her work than if I would just do it. I still find myself extremely frustrated at the situation. But I need to find a way to let it go.....before I get fired for mouthing off to my boss.

Ammi - I do get tender under my belly sometimes. For a long time I was putting diaper rash ointment under there each day. Then I got a yeast infection there from it staying damp all the time and was using anti-fungal spray to clear that up. I have stopped using the ointment except on days that it does feel sore. I don't really have a solution except when it gets sore, I try my best to keep it dry...even going to far as to tuck a soft cloth in there to soak up moisture and to keep skin from rubbing on skin. I sympathize with you. I know it's not very fun to deal with and is something I look forward to getting rid of as I move down the scale. Oh, and as for your comment earlier about Taylor resembling George Clooney, I don't thnk so, but I know others who do...so maybe you don't need glasses after all. ;) To me he looks like a combination of Jay Leno and Mark Cuban, who is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks (NBA team).

Nancy - A couple of threads back you posted your analysis of your cookie craving. I was most impressed at that. You are doing really well at identifying your triggers. I admire your self-knowledge.

dogpal - Your pups are so cute. Dogs are just the best friends to have, aren't they? I am a dog-lover too. I have a little mutt dog named Buster and a cat too. I love them like kids too. :)

Julee - I am sorry your bridesmaids are causing you stress. Weddings can really stress people out. The thing I remember about mine is that I don't remember much! I was so busy worrying about stuff because I didn't really have any help. Try to remember that the most important thing is you and your groom and focus on that. None of the rest of it matters.

Zelma - The change in you from your before picture is nothing short of amazing. You should be so proud of yourself for that accomplishment. The perserverance you showed in keeping at it to achieve such a weight loss is incredible. You inspire us all and I am glad you are here to show us that it CAN be done!

I'd like to post personals to you all, but I am just too far behind in the threads. But please know that even if I don't post to you I have read all the posts and feel blessed to have found this board and all you wonderful women on it. It is a godsend for me to know others who share my struggle.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Ammi ,have you tried corn starch? i use that for my rashes that i get from sweating. allso when i had my radiation treatments i was told to try witch hazel in my bath water. it helped with the burns.

Hey Girls!
 

Hi Everyone!

Just thought I'd pop in and see how you all are doing! Things here have been terribly difficult.

THANKS to AMMI and DOGPAL for checking in on me - I love you guys!!

We found out our nearly 9 year old son has Reactive Attachment Disorder and is Bi-Polar. I'm Bi-Polar so that isn't scary to us, but the RAD is very serious and he has a severe case of it. These are the people that never attach and have no conscience. I'm so scared for this child's future - for those who don't know, we adopted our 4 youngest children. This child was over 3 years old when he came to us and had many issues - the Lord led us to adopt each of our children and we will do whatever we can to help him.

The hardest part of the past few months was when he lied to his teacher and told her we had locked him in his room and wouldn't feed him. The stupid teacher believed him, even knowing his history, and called DCFS. They opened a case against us and it has been a nightmare.

Being falsely accused is SO difficult. I have a degree in elementary/special ed and can't work with kids for 5 years now. I was borderline suicidal when all this went down because my kids are my life. We adopted these children out of love - how could we abuse them? It hurt so bad to think that the teacher and social worker at school would think that. The Principal, who is our friend down the street, BEGGED them to not call, but they did -

So there you have it in a nutshell - my psychologist and psychiatrist switched my meds - I'm now on Effexor and Lamictal (which is a mood stabilizer) - all this because the people at school believed my psychotic child - he lies, steals and has NO conscience and they believed him and didn't even call us. SIGH -

Please keep praying for us and AJ - he needs the prayers more than I do, that's for sure - God Love Him -

I hope you are all doing well - I can't read all the posts - it's so hard just to concentrate on anything - but I'm getting better daily -

Lori
__________________

Nancy: Thanks for the comments on my furbabies. I just adore them. If there is a school around where you live for nail techs, I would go there. They don't use clippers. Only files. To my experience, they are very gentle and very good. I love going and getting that massage on my arms and hands. It is amazing how relaxing it can be.

Julee: Hugs to you. I'm sure it will all work out for the very, very best. Hang in there. Don't let this wrench ruin your lovely plans.

Xena: Glad that your boss kept to his word and re-assigned the workload. Hopefully the princess will pull her head out and start working. Congrats on going back to ww no matter what the weight is.

Lori: So happy to see you back. I have been praying for your situation and I will continue to pray. Please don't let it get you so far down where you don't want to be alive. You have a beautiful family even if one is a bit mixed up. I know that your husband and other kids and your mom and dad, not to mention your friends here would sure miss the heck out of you. If you ever feel like that again, please talk to someone about it. You are too special to feel so lonely. My brother that passed away in November last year at Thanksgiving commited suicide and everytime I hear that someone gets that low down, I just ache thinking about how low you must feel to consider that no life is better than life. We love you so. Everything will be ok! Take one day at a time. I know you know that God will not give you more than you can handle! Hugs to you. This message is with lots of love.

Blessings everyone,
Dogpal

For those of you not on the exercise thread:

Dogpal - I certainly believe you are right, God never gives one more than one can handle. In Spanish, we say "Dios apreta pero no ahorca" which is one of my mom's favorite sayings. It translates literally to "God will squeez your neck but not suffocate you." I like the English version better! LOL

Xena - good for you for exercising and not getting discouraged for the weight gain. And good for you for standing up to your boss and getting work taken off your plate. Best of luck with the "princess."

Lori - I am sending you much support.

I'm having another hard day today around my breakup. When I was in therapy this week, my therapist said that I had "being alone" tied up with "being abandoned." "You were abandoned a long time ago," she said referring to my childhood and to my Dad who stopped talking to me 10 years ago. "Now, you are a single woman - it doesn't get more alone than that. But you aren't being abandoned." You know, she hit the nail right on the head. That is how I feel - like this little powerless kid who's been abandoned. She promised we would work on that. I'm very happy she is in my corner.

OK, I'm going to have myself a good cry. It always helps. :-)

Next Weigh in
 

My next weight in will be Wednesday May 10th in the evening and I plan on staying at the meeting again.

:carrot: So far so good, we go out alot to eat at a nice resturant close to home.

I've cut out any gravy, french fries, homefries, battered fish & chips and when I have a salad I make sure the salad dressing is on the side, that way I can dip it in [just a little though]. Very little potato and diffently no butter. No butter on my toast either.

:flow1: The reason we go out alot is, my boyfriend has Mutiple Sclerosis and during the week I go to work all day than he's at home bored to death and wants to go out. He has had MS for 20 yrs. I've known him for 8 yrs. [4 as a friend and 4 yrs now as my boyfriend]. He's such a great guy. But, I must say at times it poops me out working than helping him after work. Don't get me wrong he can do some things but he is not able to go without his walker or wheelchair for to long. He helps as much as he can.

I'm able to convince him to stay in sometimes. Usually on Saturday night we have dinner at home and watch a movie.

Well I will close off now and go back to reading some of your postings.

All the best.:wave:

I have that problem a lot... and I generally sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch there and rub it in a bit. If I still get a rash I use a bit of Benedryl gel -- helps cure it up fast.

Good Morning All,

Oh my goodness, somebody is cooking bacon, they must have their windows open and the smell is coming into my bedroom. Oh how cruel. I love the smell of bacon, even more than the taste of it :lol: Good job I have had my breakfast or I would be way too tempted to go make myself a bacon buttie (sandwich).

I have decided to have a day off the housework today. I have a pile of email to catch up on, and I need to write to my mum so I can put her letter in with the card I have bought her for Mother's Day. So I will just have an easy day doing those things.

Julee - I am so glad that you are feeling better now and that you have a friend in mind to replace the one that has had to pull out of the wedding.

I had to laugh when you said how you put a load of stuff in your shopping trolley and ended up putting much of it back. I often do that myself. I think yes I really want something and then I think well I could put the money towards something more practical or whatever and I talk myself out of buying it. Glad to know I am not the only one. It's a shame that you didn't end up buying that dress though, it sounds like you loved it. I just hope you have something else you can wear for the bridal shower etc that makes you feel just as nice in it.

Woohoo on seeing definition now in your ankles and forearms, you are doing so well and you are going to be one gorgeous bride :D

Brenda - oh I forgot about the scrapbook weekend, and there I was wondering if you were ok. I wish I had a better memory!! How did the weekend go, I hope you had a wonderful time.

Xena - sorry to hear about your gain on the scales, but hey, it wasn't that much, it could have been much worse. I am sure you will lose it again quick smart. I think it's hard to get into the mindset of losing weight because we know how much we need to lose and sometimes it just seems impossible. That's where setting mini goals comes in so handy. It's much easier to diet when you think ok, I want to lose 30 lbs, and then you get to that goal, feel fantastic because of it, then set your next goal.

Thanks for the advice about my under tummy soreness. Do you mind me asking what a yeast infection looks like? I ask because Daren says I have a patch under my tummy that looks like a load of white 'stuff' that doesn't come off when he cleans it for me. I see my doctor tomorrow, perhaps I will ask her about it. She is a really nice doctor but I still hate the thought of lifting my big stomach for her to see under it!

I want to know how Princess got her job in the first place. How many people these days want to hire somebody who doesn't know how to work on their own initiative! She sounds like a right twit, it's not Kellie Pickler is it, :lol: Well I just hope that in the long run you do end up with an easier work load.

Oh and thank you for telling me that you know some people that think Taylor resembles George Clooney. It's not that he looks like him per se, it's that he, in my opinion has the same eyes and of course hair colour.

Patti - no I haven't tried corn starch, but I am willing to give anything a go. I am going to try every suggestion I have had and hopefully one of them will work! As for the witch hazel, I quite like the sound of putting that in the bath, I still have to be careful of my old surgical wounds, and I am sure witch hazel will do them the world of good as well as hopefully my tummy.

Hope you are staying away from those scales :D

Lori - THANK YOU for coming back and posting, it's great to see you here. I am so sorry you have been having such a hard time of it recently. I know you are very upset that the people at school chose to believe your son rather than you over the allegations that he made. I am sure it's not that they believed him, but that they have to follow the rules, and investigate all allegations. Anybody that knows you would know that you would never mistreat a child, or any living thing. But like I said rules are rules, even it they suck.

I like what MariaLucia said, the saying God will squeeze your neck, but not suffocate you. I guess that's something to remember.

Take care and I hope you get chance to post again, and/or email soon :hug:

Annie - I am loving watching your ticker go down, you are getting closer and closer to that first goal :cheer:

MariaLucia - sorry to hear you hurt your knee in dance class, but am glad to hear that you have figured out a way to do that paticular move in future without getting the same injury.

I have to say again how great your therapist sounds. I am sure in time you will be feeling so much better about all that bothers you. By the time you feel ready to leave therapy, and have lost your weight, you are going to be a totally new woman!!

Elaine - ok weigh in is on Wednesday, I am glad all is going well, and I am sure you are going to see a loss. It must be so difficult going out for meals so often, you are so good making the right choices where you can. Did you put a lot of your weight on since being with your BF?

Crock - hope you are having a super Sunday, any Nascar to watch today?

Nancy - do you remember the Cybermen in Dr Who? They are making an appearance in next weeks Dr Who over here. Daren used to be scared of them as a kid, but I wasn't, it was always those horrid Daleks that freaked me out!!

Misti - thanks for your advice on the belly thing, I can't do the talc thing because my doctor said no way should I do that. It's a shame really because it always makes me feel fresher when I do use it. As for the cornstarch, Patti suggested that too, I just have to figure out where to buy it from. Benydryl gel I haven't heard of, so I will ask my doctor about that one.

How are the preparations going towards your cruise, are you getting all those things done that need doing before you go?

Ok well I am going to make a move now, time to get onto those emails. Hope everybody is having a good weekend,

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Just a quickie, as the weather has been so good here, until today,:( sigh, I have been watching my sons playing down the garden. I can't leave them for a minute, they fight, pull up flowers or find dirt to throw at one another,:devil: so I've not been on the pc or done much housework. Today is catch-up day.
Lori, I remember you and it must hurt that the teacher never considered that your son was lying or thought to contact you first. I know about kids with problems, my oldest son has anger/behavioural probs & my middle son is Autistic, I really admire you for 'choosing' your kids,:hug: I would never have had kids if I knew they were going to be like this. Be strong and know we are all thinking of you & sending you love.:hug:
Julee, it is such a pain when people are being weird/jealous/selfish, :mad: we had a massive wedding, my two sisters and my two neices were bridesmaids. I am the oldest of three girls, my youngest sis did whatever I needed, except she requested 'no frills or puffy/fussy dresses', which I would never do anyway, my middle sis, mother of my neices moaned about everything, couldn't make the fittings, and to cap it all I was late for my own wedding as I HAD TO GET HER DAUGHTERS READY on the day!!!! My poor dad had to lace me into my dress, he was so embarassed:o !!! My hubby wanted to go abroad, at times I wish we had;) . BUT there are so many things which if planned down to the last detail, go smoothly and you will be suprised how help, support & love come from unexpected, but wonderful places.:hug: Try to relax, if you have two fantastic bridesmaids, its surely better than six surly/ jealous/moaning ones.:hug:
Ammi, I am ok, thanks for your concern. I have put a new version of beta up, (which really messed up my internet connection for some reason it kept wanting to work offline:mad: ) hope you have updated too so we can 'chat' later.
Sorry about not replying to everyone, I will try & catch up tomorrow.
I have to go now, my tummy seems a bit better so I am off to exercise.
xxxsharon:carrot:

good morning! Ammi i have stayed away from the scales this weekend but am soooo tempted to take a peek!

Hi Everyone!

Well, my weekend is almost finished again. They just rush by SO quickly. Yesterday was mostly a shopping day, as usual. Groceries, then wandering and window shopping. I actually refrained from buying any more clothes. I impressed myself! We did get a slow cooker. I’ve never had one before, but have heard only good things about them, so I decided that I’d give it a go. I really do NOT like cooking and this sounds like I can just throw lots of stuff in and leave it to do its own thing. That is MY kind of cooking. Today we made chicken and veggie soup. We kinda looked at a recipe that came with the cooker, but only for a couple of amounts and the time. I am not used to having lots of flavouring added to my veggies, so I didn’t need to add all sorts of herbs or whatever. I mainly got the cooker so that I could make soups without salt. I am tired of buying cans of soup and then putting weight on afterwards because of all the salt. All I added to this one was pepper. I LOVE pepper. Other than that it was just one chicken breast, onion, carrot, celery, peas, corn, green beans, cabbage and water. It smells delicious, so I hope it tastes as nice. It made LOTS, so I am planning on freezing a few containers and it should last me a couple of weeks.

Yesterday we also went into the city for a wander. I enjoy walking around the city centre, just to window shop and also to ‘people watch’. You get some interesting people in the city.

Today we started at the markets, buying LOTS of fruit and veg, then we went to the zoo for a wander and to take more photos. The zoo is just the other side of the river, so we walked along the river for 40 minutes after the zoo. It was a cool, but lovely clear day, so the walks at the zoo and along the river were just beautiful.

Other than that I haven’t done a lot today. I SHOULD have been doing lots of housework, but ummm… it just didn’t happen. I am SUCH a bad housekeeper. Luckily hubby is OK with that, or I would have been divorced long ago. The house is usually ‘neat’, but not as clean as it should be.

I’m trying to remember things I wanted to comment on, but I am sure I’ll miss some things, as my memory is BAD and I don’t think I can go back through all the posts that have gone by since my last individuals. I don’t think I’ll get them finished before bed anyway, but I’ll try my best.

Ammi – I used to have the same problem under my tummy, but (touch wood) haven’t had it for a while, even though I still have a pouch of skin. When I showed my doctor she said that the best thing for it was fresh air. So I used to lay on the bed, in my ‘birthday suit’ and ‘air’ it for a while each day. I’d just read a book and move around so that all parts got some air. It really seemed to help. I used to use baby powder as well, but I think the ‘airing’ did the best job. I have a little redness today, but I think that is because I have worked out a little more than usual, and got a little warm. I’m hoping it isn’t the old problem coming back. Oh… and I used to spend most of my time around the house without knickers on, but now I wear knickers all the time, except in bed. I wear full briefs, so that keeps my tummy up and away from the other skin. I think that is helping a lot too. I hope you get yours sorted out, because I can remember how frustrating it used to be – and ITCHY! I used to have a similar problem under my breasts (I know… too much information thank you Zelma) but I ‘aired’ them as well, and wear a bra around the house now, where I used to go ‘braless’ around the house before.

Lori – As a teacher, I can understand the people HAVING to report what your son said, but over here, we have to report to the principal and THEY report it on from there. I would think that they would have to have a really good reason to go above the principal’s head and still report you, after he/she had said not to. I think I would talk to them and find out what made them do that. Seriously, the ‘buck stops’ with the principal here and even though we CAN go over his head, I would only consider that as a final resort if I was pretty sure that he was wrong about not reporting it.
I hope you don’t have something like this happen again. It is pretty bad that you can’t work with children for so many years, especially if the accusation was found to be false. Wouldn’t you need to be ‘charged’ before something like that happened?

Xena – From the sounds of it, just leaving the Princess to her own devices and watching her drown isn’t an option, or I’m sure you would have considered that already. If she doesn’t do her work, is it more work for you because it affects YOUR job, or just because you like to see a job well done. If it is the latter, perhaps you should just bite the bullet and sit back and put up with it. She may have to make some major mistakes, or not do her job at all, before someone notices and decides that she shouldn’t be there anymore. It must be frustrating for you, when you are doing your job and have to watch someone getting paid to do nothing.

Sharon – If you are inside today because of the bad weather, does that mean that your boys have something else to occupy themselves, so they don’t ‘destroy’ each other, or is it just that you can hide away and hope that they don’t do anything TOO bad if they are inside? I hope they behave well for you so you can have a more relaxing day.

Julee – I am SO sorry about the wedding plans not going as smoothly as you would like. I used to wish I’d had a big, flash wedding, instead of the small, VERY private one we had. But hearing so many people talk about the problems they had, I think I’m satisfied with what we did. I hope that your replacement choice accepts the offer and turns out to be wonderful. I think it may be wise of you to drop that other one from the wedding party. I know it will be difficult, but she could end up ruining your day for you, and if there is any way of avoiding that I would take it. She doesn’t sound like the easiest of people to get along with. Still, you also mentioned how hard it would be to get a replacement for her as well, so it sounds as though you are between a rock and a hard place as they say. Good luck!
Oh, and I am VERY impressed that you worked out your frustration at the gym. I’m not sure if you’ve ever been an emotional eater, but I was and I know how wonderful it felt to finally get my stress out through exercise instead of turning to food. I hope you felt great afterwards.

Nancy – My mum has had knee replacement as well, although she was over 70 when she needed it. I have a feeling that I will always have some kind of problem with my knees, but I am also hoping that exercising will help that. My knee is good again today (touch wood) so I have hopes that I can continue jogging as long as I build up to longer distances instead of rushing into things, which I usually do. I have been doing the little exercise, which hopefully help as well.
Good luck with your ‘money talk’ with Andrew. I am pretty lucky with Neil that way. Not that we are any good with money, but we are BOTH bad! Well, not really bad. We still manage to save a little, and we always have enough for the bills, and we only have the house mortgage and one personal loan. We are not in dire straits by any means, but could certainly do better. We tend to just buy things as we need them, rather than wait for special occasions. Then, when it comes to birthdays, Christmas etc, we have to buy extra things because we already have the stuff we planned on getting for those times. Oh well… maybe we’ll get out act together one day.

Cyn – Sorry about the allergy turning into a cold. I have had a couple of colds over the last year or so that started out just like a REALLY bad allergy attack, but turned out to be colds NOT allergies. Perhaps you have not actually had an allergy attack, but it was the cold all along, just building up. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Brenda – I really look forward to hearing about your scrapbook weekend when you have time to post. I hope you had a wonderful time. I wish I could get into scrapbooking. It really sounds like something I would enjoy, but I don’t think I have the time to do it justice at the moment. I got a scrapbook to put our holiday stuff in from last year and it still isn’t finished. I figured the other day that I will just leave it until Sept/Oct, which will be the first anniversary of our holiday and I’ll do it then. It will be nice to relive the trip then.

Maria Lucia – Did you get to spend some time with the daughter of your ex? It sounded as though it meant a lot to you to be able to explain things to her, so I hope you get that opportunity soon. Sorry to hear that things are still bad in that area, although I suppose nobody can be expected to recover from a long-term relationship breakup that soon. Give yourself time and hopefully the pain will ease. I’m SO glad that you have such a good therapist. It sounds as though you have a good relationship with her and lots of faith in her abilities.

Elaine – Sorry to hear about your boyfriend’s MS. That must be SO hard for you both to deal with at times, but he is very lucky to have you with him. Is it possible for you to both go out somewhere OTHER than to dinner in the evenings? I’m sure you’ve thought of that already, but it may help if you are finding that you are eating out too often. Mind you, I suppose it wouldn’t be easy going to some places if your boyfriend needs help getting around. I can’t even make suggestions for where you could go, because I don’t know what is around you that has easy access. At least you are making better choices when you do eat out, so that should help in the long run.
You must have the energy of a couple of people put together to do all that you do. I take my hat off to you. To also be working on making changes to make yourself healthier, is HIGHLY commendable. That takes a lot of time, patience, commitment and inner strength. You obviously have good doses of all of those.

Luan – It sounds as though life is treating you pretty well at the moment. I’m glad you are still enjoying your latest course, even though the teacher isn’t the greatest. Well done on doing SO well at your job! It may not be your dream job, but at least you are doing well there, which shows your commitment.
Do you know what the next course is in your training? Aging and scars etc would be fun! The first part you did with makeup would be fun too, but I’d be forever wanting to experiment on myself. I find myself buying WAY too much makeup lately.

Valerie – Great to see you again! Yep… the holidays seemed to go by WAY too quickly. Still, only 9 more weeks until the next lot. Isn’t that sad, that I am counting down until the next break already. I truly do have a wonderful group of kids, but I am tired of being tired, and with the weather getting colder I have a feeling that I am just going to get even more tired. I really must get that checked out.
I hope we hear more from you when you get time.

Well everyone, sorry that I missed people out, but I must get to bed. I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

Take care,:hug:

Zelma

Hello,

Here I am again, refreshed after my old lady midday nap. I might get used to the early mornings and not need the naps after a while, but for now, they aren't doing me any harm, so why not enjoy them. I woke up and had some of the chicken and mushroom risotto I made last night, and it was even tastier today.

Sharon - happy to see you posting, I just wish I could wave a magic wand to get your boys to calm down a bit. You should be able to actually relax in the garden to enjoy the sunshine, not be constantly watching the boys. Still, just think when they are both in school full time you will be able to get a bit of peace and quiet then :D

Patti - Be strong and move away from the scales!! You know what you have to do, you have to take the batteries out of your scales, or take the plug off, do what you have to do, then give the batteries/plug to somebody with the strict instructions that until you weigh on Friday they are not to give them back to you. Not even if you beg. Now of course you could always go buy more batteries or a new plug, but do you really want to do that :lol:

Zelma - glad you had such a nice day yesterday. Would you do all that window shopping and walking around at the zoo before you lost all your weight. Or is this something you can enjoy so much now, and yet another reward to you for losing all your weight?

How did your soup turn out that you made in your new slow cooker? I have to have a bit more salt in my diet than the average person because of my ostomy, so I am ok sticking with the tinned soups. Though in the winter I do like to make huge pots of vegetable stew, far more filling and less calories than the tinned stuff.

Thanks for your input on the tummy thing. Oh yes mine itches like mad especially at night. Daren even bought me a exfoliating brush so that it would be more gentle for scratching than using my nails. I could scratch myself raw sometimes. Whether I wear knickers or not, I still have my tummy over hang, although somebody did suggest that I wear two pairs of knickers, one lot to go under the belly and the other to go on top as normal. I do need to wear big briefs, not just because of my huge belly, but because of my ostomy pouch. It keeps it all snug and secure. Airing my belly lol, I used to try to do that to help my surgical wound heal. Problem is that just lying on the bed doesn't let the air get to it, I need to physcially be holding my belly up, which is ok at short intervals but not for the long periods of time needed. Under my boobs get sweaty, but touch wood no itchiness or anything, so I still go braless around the house. It's bad enough having to wear them when I go out. I look forward to all that changing when they have shrunk in size and bras can be more comfortable. Thank you again for your help, I will try the airing as much as I can. What a lovely sight for Daren to see :o mind you he has cleaned and dressed all my surgical wounds, in all areas lol so he has seen far worse :D

Still got emails to do, so off I go again, see you all later,

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Good Morning Girls..


I will be touching on some personals later on today,, kinda hard to do with a 4 yr old around your neck...LOL...
Ammi~ Nascar was on last night, A night race at Richmond Virginia,, so I am freed up today,, I will , later on start studying for my Keyboarding II Final that is tomorrow, I need to write a 10 page report on torture, and then Study for Math Finals.. I think I wont even try Math, and just take it this summer, I have retained NOTHING out of that class.. NOTHING!,, the scales showed a 1 lb loss, I dont think I will add it on to the three reported on Friday, I may keep it for the next week loss,, but that would make 4 lbs.. which I can see that , as I have been with the 4 yr old Since Wed... and I can see a pound coming off due to activity.. Not sure what to do with that pound,, Take Care All

Lori -To say you are having a rough patch would be an understatement to the extreme! Bless you for taking these children into your home. I hope everything sorts itself out soon.

MariaLucia - I hope you are able to feel better about the break up soon. As a divorced person I know it is difficult and it is certainly not made easier by seeing each other everyday at work. :hug:


Ammi - For me the yeast infection was like scaly skin and maybe a little whitish. Like you describe, it didn't matter how much I washed it the scales wouldn't come off. I never actually went to the doctor to be diagnosed as yeast infection but I went and bought anti-fungal spray which caused it to start clearing up almost immediately. The spray was the kind that most people use to clear up athelete's foot, which also is a fungal infection. When your skin stays moist and in the dark all the time, it is a breeding ground for this type of thing. I'd give the spray a try and see if that doesn't help clear it up. Good luck! I know how uncomfortable it is.

Sharon - It does sound like a lot of work keeping two boys in line. I don't have any kids myself and I am not entirely certain I could handle it. Not that I don't like kids, but after living my entire adult life with peace and quiet I am not sure I could adjust to kids. :dizzy:

Zelma - I love my slow cooker. I really should use it more than I do, especially in the summer time because it doesn't make the house hot the way the oven does. As for The Princess situation, it is partly that I want to see the job done right and partly because if she doesn't do her work timely and correct it will affect me and other in the accounting department. Each month as we close books, it is a several step process and different people are responsible for different steps. If one person gets behind or screws up, it messes everyone else up who follows them. I guess that is what is so annoying to me. All of us in accounting work so hard and work long hours and just do what it takes to get our work done timely. This includes NOT scheduling days off right in the middle of the close cycle. It is just part of being an accountant. And it sticks in my craw that the rest of us have to suffer for her lack of committment. As to how she got hired there...that is anyone's guess. Or why she stays....welll, all I can say is my boss fought hard to get her there when a couple of other people were against hiring her. I think if she fails he thinks it will make him look bad and so he does whatever he has to do to protect her. That's just my opinion though.

Crock - A 10 page report on torture?!?!? Sounds interesting in a macabre sort of way. What class is it for?


As for me, nothing much exciting to report for today. I am going shopping to try to find something decent to wear to dinner tomorrow night. We are having dinner at an upscale steak place tomorrow night with our board of directors at work. I dread it. I don't like mixing and mingling at this weight and I certainly don't like shopping for clothes! Then there is the food itself. My plan is to avoid the appetizers, wine, and dessert. I figure if I just stick with a steak, some veggies, and a salad, all won't be lost.

Take care everyone.

Xena~ It is for English 101,,

Well let me say
 

Ammi, You had asked if I gained alot of weight since being with my BF, well let me say I've put on more but not alot since being him. I've been pretty overweight for alot of years. At least my BF doesn't harp on me about my weight. Although this is the first time he has said something since I joined Weight Watchers this time, that he will be upset with me if I don't continue mainly because of my health.

I've been having alot of heart palpatations and have been to see a Cardio Doctor. I go next Friday for a stress test than the Tuesday after that an ultrasound and I have to wear a heart monitor for 24 hrs. believe. Besides being overweight I smoke too! Don't know if I could do both at the same time.

Zelma, Yes at times it can be pretty rough going to work than helping my BF but, I loves him. Once I do get some of the weight off it will hopefully be a little easier on me physcially. Zelma can I ask you how you got your pictures onto your posting. I may look at doing that in the future.

Well, must go now if I missed anyone sorry I will look closer next time so I don't forget anyone.

All the best.

Ammi so far so go on the scales !!how did you like American Idol this week?

Xena - I hope you manage to find something you like to wear for the meal out tomorrow night. Good on you for planning on watching what you are going to eat, cutting out dessert, alcohol and the appetizers. I am still at the stage where I would just say, well I am out, let's enjoy it to the full, and I would eat like a pig. I need to learn to get a handle on that so that I realise I can go out for a meal but it doesn't mean I have to over eat.

Thank you for explaining more about the yeast infection, it does sound just like what I have. I will still ask the doctor to have a look so that she can prescribe me some of that spray. If I get it on script then I don't have to pay for it. I always said that I don't want more surgery, but honestly, if I lose all the weight I need to then I really would love to have a tummy tuck. I am fed up of having an overhang, be it a fat belly, or the sagging skin after dieting. I want a flat tummy please :D

Elaine - I am happy to hear that you have a lot of support from your BF to help you lose weight and that you have his full encouragement to go to WW. I am sure he is worried so much about you especially as you been having palpatations recently. I hope all goes ok when you see the cardio next Friday, and again when you go for your ultra sound and then have to wear that heart monitor the week after that. Hopefully if it's all related to your weight then it will all improve, and go away as your weight comes off.

Patti - :cheer: for your willpower keeping off the scale! I have the opposite problem, I don't want to get on the scales tomorrow, help!!

I really enjoyed American Idol last week, Taylor was amazing, I think he is brilliant even when he does that nutty dancing :D I loved Elliots songs as well, now if only he had a bit more personality I think he would have far more chance of getting into the final. I am glad that Paris was voted out, but now I am going to dread every week because I like all the people that are left and want them all to win!! I didn't hear what the next genre of songs are going to be for them, do you know?

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Nancy~ Taking care of your car is like eating healthy,, we and the car will live longer.. ya know what i mean?


Patti~ Glad to hear you are refraining from the scales.. that is a bad habit to break,,

Cyn~ I have a cousin that lives in Pheonix... never been there but want to go and see the indian aztecs..

Julee~Glad to see your chin up in the last post, I had a comment for the previous, but I will keep it, as you are doing better,,,, Best of Luck and I am sending good vibes your way.

Ammi~ How is it going dear? when do you weigh in?

Lori~ I am sending good vibes your way to you and your Son..

it is tough but for my own peace of mind i will stay off them til friday! Ammi i was glad Paris was voted off too she was starting to get on my nerves.. i still want Taylor to win strange moves or not!

Finally back from the nifty weekend I had, and decided to play a little game of catch up…don’t wanna miss TOO much now ;)


Zelma – Good to see you, even if it’s only a fly by night, sorta thing! :) I hear ya about the knees after jogging. Granted, I haven’t been jogging as much, but I’ve been adding it in, and boy is it HARD. I probably shouldn’t even be TRYING it at 290 pounds, but I just can’t help myself sometimes! ;)

Ammi – That’s my problem. I know I shouldn’t do it, and believe me, my friends are always like, “you shouldn’t say things like that”, or “don’t be so hard on yourself”…but in High School, that’s what I did so that no one else would make fun of me (or at least not as much)

Luan – Good to see you! Bridesmaids makeup…I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job! :) You’ll have to show us some of your work!

Julee – Thanks…he was recommended to my by my Psychology teacher, as they are good friends. I’m glad I’ve started to go….I just hope it HELPS. Hope you have FUN at the bridal shower! I’ve never been to one…no one I know is getting married yet. :( Oh man…that woman sounds like a royal pain, but I think that’s a good idea…if she causes a ruckus or doesn’t show up, I think that entitles you to kick her out. Sorry your good friend can’t make it. Money sucks.

Val – You’ve returned!!!! So GOOD to see you posting! I hope I’m surprised to. It would make my YEAR if I got a C in that class! Lol

Dogpal – Yes, you need to get a pic of you PRONTO! If I have one, EVERYONE should have one! Lol

Nancy – You know, I didn’t even know that your b/f’s name was Andrew…they’re good ones, aren’t they? :D

Lori – Hi there…don’t think I’ve talked to you yet. Sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate. I wish you the best of luck with everything, huh :hug:




Weighed in this morning, and after being at 295 (again :() for two weeks, I’m back down to 290. Whew.
This weekend was a lot of fun. On Friday night, my friend Ashley came over, and we rented a couple of movies. Watched Brokeback Mountain, and Flight Plan. They were both really good. Although Brokeback Mountain made me cry. Showed me how powerful denial can be ;)
Went mini golfing with Andrew on Saturday, and he beat me by THREE strokes! LOL…it was all in fun, though, and I definitely had some. My friend Jason is manager at the McDonalds that I used to work at, and he said that he was so proud of me for sticking to my diet and exercise, that he grabbed the 4 workout dvds that McDonalds gives out with salads…it’s the little things that put a smile on my face! Hehe
Saturday evening, Andrew and I went out to Silver Beach (right on Lake Michigan). There was a festival going on, that I completely forgot about. But we walked about the mile and a half down to the end of the pier, and watched the sunset, and got some GORGEOUS pictures. I love Lake Michigan in the evening. Then, we walked back.
Today, we went to another park around here, and went on the 2.5 mile hiking trail (their longest one). It was really nice, and I got loads of exercise this weekend.

Enjoy ;)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...erBeach024.jpg
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f3...erBeach008.jpg

Beautiful pictures of the lake, Kayley. Where do you live to be near it? I live in TX, but am originally from Iowa. I always thought if I ever wanted to live in the Midwest again, I'd move to Chicago. I imagine having this fabulously active city life on the shores of the lake. Of course, I am not thinking about the winters. ;) I loved Brokeback Mountain too. I plan to buy it on DVD for one of my 5 pound rewards.


I did find something to wear for tomorrow night. I wouldn't say it is LOVELY, but it will do. It's just a black and white patterned top that I plan to wear with my black pants. I am sure my co-workers will be like, "Oh, Lord, she's wearing the black pants again?!?!?!" Oh well, this is the best I can do for now.

Lori - I'm so glad to see you back! What a sad thing you are facing and dealing with. It's huge challange and I can only send you many hugs and prayers. Sorry I haven't sent any postcards in the last two weeks to your dear Miss A. With the end of the school year approaching rapidly, I better get a few more out or miss the chance!

MariaLucia - <hugs> on your breakup heartache. It doesn't go away quickly, but I appreciated what you passed on from your counselor about the difference in alone & abandoned. Regarding the achy joint question, I had a friend with arthritis and spinal pain that was getting so severe that the Doctor finally refused to increase her pain meds , she was taking so much. She did some research on her own and discovered that 4 major foods (all considered to be nightshade plants I THINK was the term) that contribute to the inflamation that causes joint pain. Tomatoes, white potatoes (sweet potatoes are fine) eggplant and green peppers. She stopped eating those foods and by the end of that year she had first reduced and then eliminated ALL her pain meds. She tells me it takes weeks or even months as the stuff works out of your system. Once she got "clean" so to speak, she can cheat a LITTLE, like mashed pots at Thanksgiving, but if she were to eat potatoes 4 days in a row, by the next week she'd be hurting and it would take a couple weeks to stop again. She's about 60 and swears by this. She says you can look up "nightshade plants" on the net.

Julee, no matter what the bridesmaid count is, you are going to be a gorgous bride, the loveliest thing that man has ever seen, and it will be an awesome day! I vote with the 2 truly dear friends instead of 6 snots. It's really too bad your long distance GF can't make it.

Dogpal - I love your dog pals! Great new avatar!

Everyone - sorry I don't have any more time for personals, although I'd really like to!

FINALLY that last post went thru - I've been trying periodically for hours & figured it was lost.

Kayley - beautiful pics of the lake. I bet it was even prettier in person. CONGRATS on the 290 mark - Wa-HOOO! ** I've been trying to edit some pics down to an allowable # of pixels so I could post them, but I've failed so far. Any advice?

Ah-Oh - back to the books.

Xena - I live in Southwestern Michigan, right near Lake Michigan...and I'm actually only about an hour and a half away from Chicago.

Val - It was magnificent! I host my pics on Photobucket, and post them that way...there's no pixel regulation for doing it that way as of yet. :)