Happy Monday All!!

2FatCats-Glad things are still on track for you and your are doing well!

MrsTrying - I am sorry that DH is getting sick from his meds and that you are having a rough TOM cycle. I am right there with you this month, last night I did not get hardly any sleep, the night sweats and nightmares I get during my cycle are driving me crazy. Love, Love Love the pictures. Thank you for sharing them.

June - I am sorry to hear about the problems your brother is having. Bi polar is hard enough to deal with the right meds when they start messing with them, ugh, it gets out of control. Hope things get better soon.

I did not have a good food weekend. I really need to get my head on straight and figure out why I am not losing. I need to break the start/stop cycle that has been stalling my weight loss efforts and keeping me stuck for the last year. I did not sleep well at all last night so I did not get up and exercise this morning. I hope I can get it done tonight because I really do not want to get too far off track.
Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!!

Happy Monday! :D

Weigh in day...down 1 pound. Finally hit the 10 pound loss mark. Hopefully it's not related to TOM, as is often the case (yes, I lose during TOM instead of gain like everyone else). Weekend was ok. Went skiing Friday, but only for a half-day. Should have gone longer, but just so sleepy! Saturday and Sunday were kind of a waste. I didn't do much...read, some household chores, etc. but nothing that exerted myself. It's hard to keep under the calorie count I'm not moving. Went over both days. I've got to figure out why I'm so lazy on the weekends (when I'm home anyway).

Zumbachica: Nice to see you! Hope you're getting things figured out!

NEMom: I have a 3 day weekend every other week, but yes, 9 hour days can be taxing! Don't give up trying. Life's struggles often get in the way. The key is that you're not reverting back to old habits and putting the weight back on. Sometimes the more stressful and chaotic life gets, the more you can be nice to yourself by eating right and finding time to exercise. I'm thinking of you!

2FatCats: Hope you're having a great, on-plan day!

kelijpa: I hate the saying, but it's true: slow and steady wins the race! I'm slow too, but determined not to give up! You hang in there too.

bbrides: Yes, there will be many hiccups along the way. And you're right, one mis-step doesn't derail the whole program. Sounds like your head is in the right place!

junem: Sorry to hear about your brother. It's so hard when the ones we love are hurting, especially when we're so far away and can't help.

trukmek: It's not fat I crave, but sugar. Some days are better than others. Recognizing the problem is half the battle. Hang in there!

MrsTryingAgain: I'm sorry you're off-track a little. You've had a lot on your plate these last 2 weeks, focusing on H's recovery. Add a crazy TOM on top (with cravings) and you've got a lot to deal with. But you haven't quit walking (love the pics...I think the purple flowers are on a vinca vine...but don't quote me on that) so you're still headed in the right direction. One day at a time...

LuvCats: Keeping my fingers crossed for your weigh in tomorrow. Glad you're still on-plan!

petra65: You too have a lot going on. Your husband is quite a guy to be staying with his mom like that. Hope those anitbiotics kick in quick. I'm the one who asked about sugar. I've never been able to fully detox from it. The headaches and other withdrawl symptoms become intolerable. Kudos to you for successfully kicking the sugar habit!

Morning All:

Just a quick hello and tip o' the day:

Going bra/undies shopping is always an adventure when my husband tags along. He picks out the skimpiest little string-looking things and says, "these would look great on you!" Yeah...if you could find them.... No matter my weight - he is convinced that dental floss is comfortable.
In the spirit of things, I grabbed a tiny little see-thru number at the dept store and turned around while 'modeling' it in front of my body.

Here's the TIP: Ensure that BEFORE you say something totally inappropriate in the lingerie section that your hubby hasn't wandered off and some other gal's spouse isn't standing near you.:o

^hahahaha! 2FatCats! I can totally picture this.

Sounds like those checking in today had a nice weekend and stayed OP. I did, too. Hoping to see some sort of result this week be it looser pants or a dropping scale.

I took DD to the allergist today for the first time. She has had bad seasonal allergies and they are getting worse and medication doesn't seem to really help. They did the skin prick test and also did a lung function test on her, which I thought was unusual. But the doc said that because people with eczema tend to have asthma, we should check her.

Well, guess what? She DOES have asthma and it's bad! I was so shocked - she's never exhibited any symptoms of asthma. The only thing that sometimes happened to her was that her undereye area would get purple during allergy season. We've never seen her having troubles breathing or wheezing.

I feel like rotten mother of the year. She just turned 11 and we've never addressed this. Now she's on meds and should have a lot of improvement soon. Still, I feel so bad that we didn't get her help sooner.

Don't feel bad, Ukemama; you got her help when she needed it, that's what's important.

NEMom, thanks for the words; i am meeting with her therapist today. I find this rather intimidating, because the discussion will be in german, and in spite of 20 odd years over here, I'm never sure if I'm really making myself understood.

On the weight front, this morning is weigh in day. I am hanging in there, but feel like I need a re-focus. Will work on that.

Spring would help a lot, dang blang it!:mad:

Sorry I didn't reply to everyone- I'm navigating on my ipad in bed at 5 a.m.. Later this week I hope to find time to sit down at my real computer and spend some more time with it. For now, look for me in the weigh in thread, for better or for worse!

Morning all!

Magicsusan, I hope the appointment goes well today. Be strong! BTW, I had to do a double-take when I saw your weight goals. At first I said, "Sixty pounds?!?!" and then I saw the kilogram notation. Whoops! Wish I could still blame my crooked reading on the vertigo.

My FIL is coming in from AZ tonight. He is taking us out to dinner - at an Italian place. I need to get online and see if there is some non-pasta/low carb option for me. I will have to resist the wine, too. My FIL has a terrible habit of ordering several bottles of wine and then filling people's glasses for them - as in almost up to the top of the glass. You can tell him you're done or not drinking and he doesn't stop. I'm thinking about going to the extreme and telling him I can't drink because I'm pregnant -which certainly isn't the case. I guess that would be pretty mean. :devil:

Happy thoughts to everyone!

Kristy - Just read your Sunday post. I didn't know about getting pinched if you didn't wear green until church on Sunday morning (and I'm 45). I don't know how I missed this tradition all these years, but I'm so glad I had put on green nail polish and avoided the pain! I just read an interesting thought in Reader's Digest that registered true to me, so I'll quote it here for your consideration:

"Imagine it this way; In front of you is a dashboard, just like in your car. One of the gauges is willpower. When that needle is pointing to full, you are cruising along, ignoring all the fatty foods that make you heavy. But each time you're tempted by something and tap a little willpower to avoid it, the needle slips a bit. After a full day of denying yourself, your willpower is on empty - and that's why you go elbow-deep into a bag of chips. So a little indulgence - a cookie at breakfast or the occasional cheat meal - keeps that needle tending toward full and strengthens your willpower over the long haul."
[Readers' Digest, April 2012, page 156]

I know that when I stray away from healthy eating even a little I guilt myself so severely for failing that I stray "elbow-deep" making everything worse. I'm going to start allowing small indulgences, and not guilt myself over it, to help keep my willpower stronger...this makes sense to me!

MrsTryingAgain...got any good fishing holes up that way? I got my license a couple of weeks ago so I could take my son out to use the fishing stuff he got for Christmas, but don't know where to go other than the mountains (which I don't want to drive). You aren't that far from me (Sacramento). Also love the pics you post, thanks for sharing.

petra65...it's nice that your DH is helping your dad out. I understand the frustration of him being the only one though. I have an aunt who is all alone, and I'm the only one who ever calls her just because. I do it because I know she can't get out very easily, and she seems to be very lonely. She never had kids and we are all the family she has left.

NEmom...hang in there, that scale is bound to budge eventually.

Moondance...wtg on the pound down! Hope it's not TOM either.

2fatcats...that would be very embarrassing! I've done similar with my son, but not while lingerie shopping! Too funny!

ukemama...my son was diagnosed for the first time at the same age. He would also get the dark circles, but never the wheezing. He did finally get a cough that would not go away, which was how his doctor found it. Maybe it's just an age thing and so you wouldn't have known anyway. Enjoy the visit with your FIL tonight, and hope you find something edible at the restaurant. Good luck on the wine thing.

I'm retaining fluid right now, so stepping on the scale has been a little depressing. I had bought a nutri-bullet to start making my own juices/power drinks, though. So far my daughter and I are using it a lot. Just need more recipes that don't have so much fruit in them. We've been experimenting with some good and some yuck results, LOL

Kristy

Happy Tuesday! :D

My new lifestyle is really being challenged right now. It's hard to not fall back into old habits (and sacrifices, really). Do I workout after work like I do every day or skip it and go watch DD#2 play in a tennis match? These are the priorities I'm faced with.

2FatCats: LOL! I can just picture the scenario... So, what did the guy do?

ukemama: Hey, don't feel bad about the asthma thing. You're doing the best you know how. When DD#1 was 4, she had a broken wrist for 4 days before we finally took her to the Dr. You're taking care of it now and that's the point. As for your FIL, what if there isn't a glass on the table for him to fill for you? I'm sorry he doesn't respect your choices. Some folks are just like that. Good plan to look ahead at the menu. Good luck tonight!

Magicsusan: Don't let the therapist intimidate you. Her job is to understand what you're saying. It's probably not as bad as you're fearing anyway. Hang in there...spring is on the way (officially tomorrow!!).

Lisarsmiles: I can't believe you've never heard of the pinching thing. Did you go to elementary school? ;) Thank goodness for fingernail polish! The dashboard analogy is interesting . The key is to have just one cookie, not the whole box. Portion control is where I struggle. Sounds like its helpful to you...GOOD!

trukmek: Fishing is such a great past time! Hope you get rid of the extra fluids soon. If it's too frustrating, don't get on the scale at all until it's gone.

Hope everyone else has a great, on-plan day!

Wow the idea of having no sugar/soda seems unfathomable to me, Petra. Great job at being healthy! Hope things improve for DH & his family.

I hate days after I don't sleep well, NEMom. They are no fun. Hang in there you will get back to losing!

Moondance: What are your weeks like? Are they crazy busy? If so your body might simply be crashing on the weekends. Yay for the loss. Keep it going! Editing to add: We crossposted. Uggh @ the choice between workout and go to a kids sporting event. Maybe you could go to the tennis game but stand where you can run/march in place?

2FatCats: ROFL that is tooooo funny. My oldest used to work for VS. She said in general men (at the store shopping with a female) tended to respond in 2 ways: 1) They would stop at the outside doors as if there was an invisible "do not cross" line and would not budge. 2) They would stop at the end of the pink section (not a whole lot of sexy underwear in that... more sweats and tops type stuff) at that same invisible line.

Ukemama: If your dd didn't have any signs how could you know? Even if there were some signs you (I assume, lol) aren't a doctor. You did something when you saw something that needed attention. As for FIL and wine... are you trying to get PG and or might be soon? If so you could say you aren't drinking because you are trying.

Lol Magicsusan even posting at 5 a.m. would be amazing for me. I am so not a morning person. Good luck on refocusing. You can do it!

I love that food for thought about willpower, Lisa. Thanks for sharing it! Sounds like you've got a good plan in place. Oh, and ha ha my daughter did the green nail polish too.

We have a magic bullet, Kristy. I imagine it is about the same as your machine. I haven't used it a whole lot but I can see the potential.

As for me, I'm down .2 this week. More than acceptable after eating out 2x this week. This week I am preparing to fly to go see my oldest daughter in CA. Plus teaching my youngest DD to drive just began Sunday. She has today off school so hopefully we can find another empty parking lot and do a little work.

So-so day...Over-ate, walked. Still struggling with my TOM. I'm soooo ready for my monthly visitor to leave! I'm hoping tomorrow will be more productive.

trukmek: Yes! Lots of fishing! Right this moment H is sorting through his fishing "stuff" (I have another word for it! ;) ) There is Lake Oroville, some ponds, the Feather River. H has a fondness though for some of the mt. rivers in the hills around here & one coastal lake. But the moment he gets the OK from the dr. & a licence...he is probably going to HOUND me to take him somewhere to throw a lure or nightcrawler at some fishy, fishy, fishy. He loves to fish for trout, bass, blue gill, etc.

Moondance: I also think it is Vinca. Bidwell Park used to belong to the Bidwell's (a very wealthy, prominent familiy), it was also used to film the 1938 movie Adventures of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn. It's an awesome place to walk. You will find things like Camelias, roses & other things that you'd find in yards growing there. Two parts of the park are actual swimming "pools", if such at thing could be classified by a creek being the "pool". Either way, it's a great place.

NEMom: I need to get my head on straight too! I think that is why H & I need a vaca!!! We can't seem to get the rest/rejuvination we need. But once we get the okay from the dr. & our tax return back, I'm putting in for time OFF!!!! Hope things are going better with your son. I think of you two often. :hug::hug:

:dust::dust::dust::dust::dust:
I'm sure we can all use this to help us get through the rest of this week! More laters!!!

Moondance - definitely Vinca. It can be so invasive it's like a weed!

NEMom - I feel for you on the plateau thing. I am so frustrated. Weigh in day today - NOTHING lost still. Yesterday I made the mistake if telling my female boss how disappointed I was with being so good yet seeing no results. To which she responded, "Well, how about just eating right and exercising?" Umm, yeah...that's what I HAVE been doing. Remind me to never discuss weight loss with 90# woman who eats half a yogurt for lunch and declares she's "too full" to finish the rest.

MrsTryingAgain - I think you are more than overdue for a vacation. I hope it comes soon!

I was a good girl last night. I had a salmon salad, a piece of bread the size of a golf ball and one glass of red wine. FIL was not pushing wine on anyone! Yeah!

ETA: Forgot to add this -thanks to all for making me feel like less of a schmuck for getting a late diagnosis on DD's asthma. Better late than never. She has felt so much better these last two mornings with her new meds and I'm so happy for that!

Happy Wednesday wonderful ladies! Make it through today and we are halfway through the week.

Ukemama- So glad your DD is feeling better on new meds. I can totally relate to the mommy guilt for not catching things sooner. If only we really could read minds or have a crystal ball, being a parent would be so much easier.

Moondance-You are one busy momma. It's a tough choice - work out or support your children in their activities. I would probably have to choose watching the activities because the time they participate is so short and I would feel like the one I miss I would miss their best performance or moves. Def. rough decisions.

LvCats Yeah for the loss! Expicially with eating out 2x. Teaching teenagers to drive - Oh boy do I remember those days. All I can say is, better you than me. LOL - Good luck.

Mrs.Trying-Vacation - oh boy I feel ya there. I am hoping once we get the weekend house we can finally have a vacation or at least some relaxing long weekends. My DH is a fishing freak too and so is his dad. They now have 2 boats to fish in and I can't lett you how many rods and reels he has. Drives me nuts! Thank you so much for you thoughts of my son and I. Brings tears to my eyes that somone I have never met cares so much. Thank you.

Life on the home front has been, can I say STRESSFUL!! Work is crazy and home is crazy. My son is doing better but we are still working through some things. Now, not only am I worried about my son but I am finding out that I now have problems with my foster son. It is hard to put into words all of my conflicting emotions. There are too many 'bad' things that I never thought I would have to deal with that I do have to face. Its like the light and sunshine in my home is being covered with storm clouds and darkness. I want to be an ostridge and put my head in the sand but I can't and it sucks.
My eating has been Eh, could be better, could be worse. I am still working on C2K5 program but am struggeling and have had to move back some steps in the program. My mind has been weak and instead of pushing through and completing the running, I allow myself to stop and take a walking break. I know most of it is mind over matter and my mind is weak right now.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each of you for being 'here' for me and for caring about my son.

I'm checking in - still plodding along. My oldest daughter and her family are here for their spring break, and it's harder counting calories with company. I was thought I was being so good yesterday - skipped all the yummy muffins and doughnuts we picked up for breakfast, ate my regular lunch, and had the lowest calorie plate at Olive Garden for dinner last night. Then came home and had a couple glasses of wine while we sat and visited, which led to some crackers and cheese. I thought I had done pretty good, but when I sat down and added it up, I was at 2000 calories for the day! And they're going to be here for 4 more days! I am committed to get my exercise in while they're here, but the treadmill is in the baby's room, and he naps a lot. It's going to be a challenge, but my goal is to at least not gain while they're here. If I have to lose those same 2 pounds I keep going up and down one more time, I'm liable to go ballistic!
Have a good week everyone - and I'll check in when I can. Gotta go squeeze those grandkids some more!

Happy Wednesday! :D

Yesterday was a great, on-plan day! Came in under my calorie limit and added weight training to my exercise regime. Scale still said 191 this morning, so the loss may be real (not skewed by TOM). DH went to tennis match, so I worked out. I'll go to a make-up match today instead. Pretty happy about that...now if I could just sleep...

ukemama: I've got a woman in my office like that too. I don't see how she can function with the little food she consumes. Guess that's why she weighs 90#'s. I don't discuss my weight loss with any co-workers. I'm sooo glad your DD is feeling better already! And hooray for non-wine-pushing-FIL's!

MrsTryingAgain: Bidwell Park. For some reason it's ringing a bell. I've never been to that part of CA so it can't be that. It's the name Bidwell. Must have heard it in a movie or TV show at some time. Anyway, it's lovely, especially the wildlife! It must not be too far from your home. How lucky! Keep the pics coming.

LuvCats: Yes part of it is just recovery from the work week. But I also think it's a mental block. After 25 years of housekeeping, I'm just tired of doing it. I hate doing most of it, so I put it off as long as I can. Actually, I think that's one of my eating triggers...to avoid working. Or, looking to get energy from food so I'll do the work, even though I don't want to. Either way, I consume food when I'm not really hungry. Have a wonderful time in CA with your DD. I'm sure you miss her!

Have a great, on-plan day everyone! :sunny: Oh...and happy first day of Spring!!! :flow1::flow1::flow1:

Good morning everyone!

Moondance...so glad DH could attend the tennis match, freeing you up to get that workout in. Sounds like TOM didn't mess with your mind on the weight loss, which is awesome! It's the real deal! Yah!

Linda...what is the weather like? Put the baby in the stroller, take the grandkids to a park to play, and walk around the playground! I did that with my nephew when I wasn't working. He loved getting out to play and I could still get a workout in. Plus it gave me someone to visit with while walking to/from the park. Love the mind of a child...it's so innocent!

NEMom...glad that you son is improving, and hope your foster-son can make progress too. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and if you have to take walking breaks...it's still better than nothing! Keep going, you are doing a good job!

ukemama...sounds like you have a deliciously healthy dinner! Thank goodness with the non-pushy FIL!

MrsTryingAgain...my plan was to take my son out this weekend, but today is rainy...so might not make it. He hates eating fish (except ultra low sodium tuna...because it has no flavor, LOL) but loves fishing. He's never caught anything, though. I'm just hoping that if/when he does catch something, it's trout because I wouldn't know what's edible and what's not otherwise, LOL

LuvCats...a nutri-bullet has a more powerful motor than the magic bullet...and costs about twice as much! Oh well, it's getting used and that's what matters. I consider it a good investment with as much as we've used it lately. WTG on the weight loss, despite eating out twice this week. We have a family goal of eating out one meal per week and so far we've managed to stay in that goal...with the exception of my mom taking my son out to fast food on Wednesdays. We all need to lose weight in my house, so we've been trying to work together on the diet thing.

Not much else going on. A bit worried about if I will still have a job by the end of the week next week. I'm an only parent so I need the paychecks...and both my son and I have disabilities, so we need the medical insurance! Can't do anything about it right now, though, so trying to not think about it much.

Fair day. Still over-ate some. Walked some. Felt really super tired for some reason, I really hope that I'm not coming down with something. Maybe my anemia has raised it's ugly head again. :( I just dawned on me as I'm sitting here typing, that I haven't taken my iron this TOM. Ooooops. Maybe if I get back on my vitamin regiment I'll feel more like me.
Did get a haircut. I haven't had it this short in a loooong time! Don't know how I feel about it. Maybe it'll grow on me? ;)

trukmek: Yeah, we got quite a bit of rain, too. I'm not complaining, we need it! I want there to be water in the lakes, streams, & rivers this summer when I go camping!!!

Moondance: John Bidwell worked for John Sutter (CA gold rush), found gold around my stomping grounds, he was involved in politics & agriculture, he ran for governor & even President. The park the he & his wife Annie gave to the city of Chico covers about 3,600+ acres! There is the downtown plaza, the Bidwell Mansion, & what is called upper & lower parks. It also has over 85 miles of trails of all kinds..from super easy bike/walk trails to streinous hiking trails. That's why I LOVE taking H there!!! :) We can be to great walking trails in about 10 mins!!!

NEMom: Ah, yes, stress. A seeming constant companion. UGH!!! But don't give up! Eating right, getting some exercise & decent rest actually helps us cope, remember that!!
I do try to send positive vibes to you & yours, because I know what it is like to struggle (suffer?) with mental issues. Depression runs deep in my family. Unfortunately it has led to some of my siblings to reach for things like drugs/alcohol in excess. I've been in treatment, on medications...I find that if I focus on my health it doesn't seem to get such a death grip on me. But I have no qualms about going back if I feel myself slipping into that darkness again.

ukemama: Yup, vinca. It is a crazy invasive vine, but it's flowers can be soo pretty. There's also other vines that have tried to take over the park, but it's probably been there since the 1800s, I don't think it'll win. Vaca! While I was getting a haircut, I let H loose in a store that specializes in fishing gear & he had a ball!!! He said he's even dreamt about it!!! :lol:

Headin' for bed. Have an early day at work. joy. BE HEALTHY!!!

Good morning wonderful ladies!!!
It is snowing here today, really, it's the end of March and we are getting snow still. Yuck!

Food and exercise are okay. Nothing exciting to report. My scale is slowly going down so that maybe, just maybe, in the next couple of days I will be back to 166 (again).
I am having a big event at work on March 30 and needed to get a new dress for the event because I am about 8lbs heavier than the last time I wore my fancy black dress and know it will be too tight and squish my ladies in the front. I ended up getting a dress one size bigger than I wanted to but I want to be comfortable (although I have to wear heals so don't know how comfortable I will actually be) and I do not want the dress to be so tight it is restrictive. Good thing is it was on a really good clearance sale so even if I just wear it once, it will be okay.
I have a 21 year old daughter who has really been working on losing weight and getting in shape. She wants to rock a binki this summer, which she will. She said to me yesterday that she felt like something was wrong with her because she no longer craves fastfood, she would rather eat a grilled chicken salad or cook for herself. She said she ate a mini cupcake the other day and felt guilty about it. I told her that I was so proud of her learning to live a healthy lifestyle so young and that when she has children of her own she will pass on her healthy lifestyle to her kids. I did not teach my kids at a young age to eat well and exercise. We always had junk around and so I am proud she is so dedicated to exercise and a healthy diet now.
Okie, enough mom bragging. Hope you all have a great day!

Happy Thursday! :D

trukmek: If your son catches a trout, think he would eat it? When my DD#2 was about 5 y/o she caught her first fish (trout). We promptly cleaned it, took it back to our campsite and cooked it over the fire. She was literally sucking the bones for meat she loved it so much. I'm so sorry about the job worries! I hope everything turns out ok for you!

MrsTryingAgain: Take that iron, girl! Question: what happens to you when you don't take it? I ask because my last blood test indicated I'm borderline low-iron, but wasn't instructed to supplement. I wonder if I would feel better if I do. Bidwell Park sounds wonderful! I'm envious you have something like that so close!

NEMom: You should brag! How great that your daughter is learning this early. I didn't do a good job of it either (nor did my mom) and I passed down some bad habits. Fortunately they're thriving (and doing better weight-wise) despite me! Your work event sounds fun and how great that you found a dress at such a low cost!

Took this picture in my backyard last evening. The deer got to most of the crocus, but a few made it through. Of course it's supposed to snow this weekend so they'll be ruined, but that seems to be the usual course of action for these early risers!

NEMom - Brag away! I think we are all happy to read positive things like that!

trukmek - Hope things improve soon job-wise.

Moondance - Our crocusi (Is that the plural of crocus?) are past blooming, but snow is coming our way in Ohio, too. DD has a soccer tournament this weekend and we have been advised that it "WILL NOT" (their words) be postponed due to weather conditions. I'm making DH take her. :devil:

I am thinking that I need to switch up my dieting plan. This Wonderslim stuff just doesn't seem to be doing a darn thing. I'm never hungry, but I'm not losing weight or inches - in fact, my belly seems bigger. No, I am not preggers and don't want to be! I've tried this eating plan for over a month and have no results.

I am thinking that I will try the Dukan diet. For me, high protein has always helped me lose weight. What ruins it for me is when I add carbs in. With Wonderslim, I am eating at least 100g carbs a day. I like Dukan's idea to not allow your body to get accustomed to certain caloric or food composition intake. I am wondering if my body gets too comfortable once I eat the same things and have more than 60g carbs a day. What bugs me is that I still have 4 weeks of Wonderslim meals left!

I need ideas. DD needs a new piano. She's a pretty good player and our piano is on it's last legs. When I got it tuned the last time, the tuner said, "It's time to let this go." I need a clever way to convince DH to part with money to buy DD (who is by far his favorite child) a new piano. I hate being married to an accountant sometimes. I feel like I always have to show him the "value" of a purchase!:rolleyes: My trick is to make it seem like it was HIS idea all along. Just can't think of what to do this time...

Sorry no time to respond to each of you. Leaving for sunny CA in an hour to visit my oldest daughter. Have a great weekend everyone! :)

Ukemama. Look for a good used piano. You can save a lot of money and can still get a good instrument. My husband is really cheap too which is comical in our house because I earn the money. I guess I'm glad he is careful not to waste it.

I've been lurking and reading posts the past few days. DH is still staying at the hospital with his mother. Hopefully, last night was the end of that. I have been struggling with a sinus infection. Took some antibiotics but it is slow to clear. Work has been stressful with other people being off and having to cover but they cover for me when I'm not there so it all works out.

I'm having second thoughts about weight loss surgery. I've had to put it off for several months because I have to see a cardiologist first and I seem to be doing alright on my own.

DD really put the heat on DH last night at dinner about the piano - to the point of being ridiculously comical. Man, that girl could charm the scales off a snake! He still didn't seem on board, though.

I then told him I was thinking about picking up another PT job at Lowe's as a nursery garden worker (my dream job!) to bring in some extra money to cover the piano costs. DD didn't know that I was considering this and had a fit. "Weekends and nights are our FAMILY time!!" She wailed.

And that's what clicked with DH. That, and telling him that there is an interest-free payment plan.

Petra - I hope you feel better soon and make a comfortable decision with the surgery.

Wow. It has been quiet here for a couple days. My life will hopefully get back to a little more normalcy this week. No one is on vacation at work- although I'm starting to feel like I need one, and MIL is out of the hospital and at the nursing home for rehab so DH will be home every night.

Hope everyone had a good weekend and is managing the Easter candy. We went grocery shopping last night and I couldn't get past that candy display fast enough.

It's Monday morning again. Why does this happen every week???

Late start this morning. I did do the run/walk thing on the treadmill this morning. I decided to back track on the C25K program because I felt like I was pushing myself too much. Waked 5 Minutes/Ran 5 Minutes. Repeated 3 times.
Food this weekend was so so. Could have been better and it has been worse. I am up a little on the scale this morning but I am pretty sure it is mostly water so hoping to be back to 166 by the end of the week.

Petra-Glad your MIL in out of the hospital. Good job staying away from the Easter candy. I made the decision this weekend that I am going to allow myself one piece of good carrot cake on Easter. I love me a good carrot cake.

UkMama-Did you get a new piano this weekend? Glad your DD was able to talk your hubby into one. We got a new dishwasher this weekend. I have wanted one forever and my DH was never on board. I kind of snuck it up on him this weekend. He got it installed and now I can't wait to run a load.

Have a good one all.

Happy Monday! :D

ukemama: Did the soccer tourney take place in the snow? We had another 10" at our house on Saturday. It's official...I'm done with winter! Is there a new (used) piano on your horizon? What did you decide about switching diet plans?

LuvCats: I'm sure you're enjoying your time with DD in CA. Hope it's sunny!

petra65: Has your sinus infection improved? Those can be so miserable! Weight loss surgery is a big decision. Sounds like you're not going into it lightly and assuming it's the fix-all to losing weight. Glad the MIL is improving. That's stressful too. And don't get me started on Easter candy... At least after this holiday, there isn't another one that pushes candy. Basically from Halloween through Easter there is candy on the shelves.

NEMom: Ooo...I love new appliances! Our washer & dryer is over 20 years old. I can't wait for them to break down so I can get new ones! I think you have a good plan for the carrot cake. This way there is no deprivation.

Hope everyone else has a great, On plan day!

NEMom - Hooray for the new dishwasher!! That is one appliance I can not live without.

We are finalizing the piano purchase this week. I am feeling more comfortable with the investment. I have done my research and we have DH on board. Hooray!

Yes, Moondance, DD's soccer tournament was played in the snow - and the freezing rain/ice, and the sleet and the wind. We got six inches of various "stuff" last night. Wish it wasn't spring break because then I'd have a snow day! LOL!

Re: dishwashers

We have lived here for over 7 years - used the dw twice. I want to take it out. I'd really rather have cabinets there. Hub says that everyone else wants a dishwasher - we'll need one there when we sell. That's his stock answer for every one of my projects. We have no intention of selling, though - unless it's to move back to Europe. If only....

I'n back reading up on what's going on with everyone. I am changing programs for awhile because I just got bored with the MRC plan. I am trying Atkins for a few weeks and see how it goes. I am having issues with vomiting for no explained reason. It just hits me without warning. I am over last week's flu episode so I don't know what is going on. If it continues for several more weeks, I think I will ask my primary care physician for a referral to a stomach doc as the medications I take for my numerous ailments may be affecting my stomach.

I sure do wish we would get some of that snow ya'll talk about. We got 4.5 inches of rain yesterday. The sun was out today but the wind blew up to 45 MPH most of the day. DH and I put 3 loads of laundry on the clothesline and they were dry in a couple of hours even though the temperatures were on the cool side (54).

I made it to the pool today for 50 minutes of good exercise. My joints were so achy and tight and boy did I feel better when I got done. I plan to go on Wednesday and Thursday also.

2FatCats - OMG, if I didn't have a dishwasher, my family would starve! It's not that I don't like to cook, it's that I refuse to wash dishes. I had to wash them my whole life because it was the "girl's" job. My two brothers would use dishes just to make more work for me. I still get angry thinking about it!

It's still snowing here. But, the birds are chirping spring songs like CRAZY! They know what's going on. Gives you hope.

Yoga this morning. Weigh in tomorrow. If the scale hasn't moved, I'm changing strategies.

ukemama: There's just two of us - me and the DH - not that many dishes! But according to my DH, I use every dish in the cabinets when I cook. We share the dw-ing. He is a lousy washer, though. Or he WAS. I would have to rewash every dish he 'cleaned'. UNTIL - I got smart a few years back. I put the dirty plate on the top of the stack then asked him to grab a plate so I could serve the food. Then had him grab one of the glasses he had 'cleaned'. He actually noticed the grossness...I told him he washed it and called it good - he could eat off it. He got the message. Only took 13 years...now if he would just look around the kitchen when he does dishes. If it's not in the sink, it doesn't exist to him.

On a personal note - since losing weight my bras don't fit. So I have spent two weekends trying on bra after bra after bra and countless hours combing the internet for the perfect bra. I have oodles of side spillage and figured it was armpit fat/loose skin from being heavy/thin/heavy/thin (just learned it could be migrated breast tissue??) Who knew it was from wearing a band that was WAY too big and letting the girls ooze out over the last 30 years. Sigh. Never too old to learn something, I suppose! :o My mom never helped me (bodies were dirty and not to be talked about - never got the s-e-x talk, either) and my much older sisters were married and gone by the time I hit puberty. Plus they are shaped totally different than me and more-than-generously endowed. If the cup fit your head - it would be a little small for them! No help. I always thought I got the short end of the stick - I'm the tallest girl and the one who could carry them off but the boobs went to my sisters. :mad: I got lots of hair, though.:smug:
I have always thought I wore a 36A/B, and when heavy a 38Bish. I just measured my ribcage then added 4 or 5 to make it an even number. Turns out that isn't how it's done. I probably should have realized when my straps always fell off. I just figured it was because I didn't have enough in the cup area to keep them on.
Now it seems I need a 32C/D!!! Holy moly, bat man! I lose weight and GAIN boobs! Sign me up!

Happy Tuesday! :D

Not in a happy mood today. My "new" job isn't living up to it's promises and I'm quite unhappy about it. With all the work I'm putting into my weight loss, it's coming off pretty slowly and I'm getting frustrated. I'm sick of winter (5 degrees with wind chill factor). Phew. Thanks for letting me vent.

2FatCats: I can totally relate! My DH says the same thing about painting walls or just about any kind of home "improvement". If another buyer won't like it, he doesn't want to do it. We've been in the house 19.5 years. Oooh...Bigger girls, eh? Pretty cool I think!

ukemama: Hooray for the new piano!! Your story about your brothers made me laugh. My brother was malicious too...but so was I!...the sibling rivalry thing.

firegirl441: Your vomiting issue doesn't sound fun at all! Hope you get it figured out!! I'm headed to your neck of the woods (Savannah) at the end of next week for a short vacation with my crazy aunts. Is rain typical for this time of year?

Good morning everyone! I am home from my daughter's. The dog and cat (well especially 1 of the 3 cats) were ecstatic. It is a little strange being home alone though. Lol I guess this is a preview for when youngest DD is out of the house permanently in less than 2 years. We had a great time. Luckily only 1# of it was added to me. It could have been much worth. Back to work time, lol.

Good job with the swimming Firegirl. Keep it up!

Lol ukemama for now I'm doing all the dishes by hand. Don't want them piling up while I'm alone. I agree the gained cupboard would be nice but it's not to be for us either.

2FatCats: Lol my oldest used to work for Victoria's Secret. My daughter's are all much more endowed than I am. I used to hate only being a B (or C if you go down 1 band size but I hate the feel of tighter bands). They are all D or DD.

Moondance: I did have a great time at my daughter's, thank you. I hope your job gets better. Hope spring comes soon!

Ukemama- I am totally with you on the dishwasher thing. I had to wash dishes by hand for our family of 5 growing up. I now say that if I have to hand wash dishes, I'd rather starve.

2Fatcats- I've been having bra issues for awhile too. I guess I may need to go get measured again. You know some of those stores will measure you and help fit you.

Firegirl- I'm not sure waiting a few weeks on the vomiting is a good idea. All that vomiting is not good for your body on many levels.

My boss brought us all brownies from a local bakery yesterday in honor of Doctors Day which is apparently some time this week. I brought mine home thinking DH would be happy to have something sweet in the house but much to my surprise he didn't want them in the house either. He gave them to the little girl next door.

It has been unusually cold here too. We've had a couple days in the 70 s but mostly still in the 60 s. hopefully it will warm up here soon. Once it gets hot, it goes to unbearable rather quickly.

I guess it's time to get up and get ready for work. Have a good day everyone.

Happy Wednesday! :D

Status quo here.

LuvCats: Glad you enjoyed your time with DD. Do anything special? I miss my college DD quite a bit and can't wait for her to get home for the summer. You did a great job maintaining things. 1# while travelling is nothing!

petra65: I love that your DH gave the brownie to a neighbor. I probably would have just thrown it away if neither of us wanted it. Dr. Day, huh? Never heard of it. But I guess every day of the year commemorates some group or another now. (Later) I got curious so I looked on a couple of websites. According to one site, today is: National Kite Flying Day, and this week is National Cleaning Week (oh, and Dr. Day is Saturday, the 30th).

Where is everyone else??? Hope you're having a great, on-plan day!

Hi guys! Just realized (after about a week of this lol) that there is this thread. Duh :o I have to be at work in 30 minutes so I will get back on here when I get home and try to "catch up".

Looking forward to getting to know all of you and gleaning some motivation and encouragement from all of you ladies :hug:

Now...off to work. Blech! lol

Moondance, Rain here comes in spells. We have not had rain in two weeks and it doesn't show much of a possibility for the early part of next week either. Our March blew in with a vengeance so April showers may "rain" on us as well. There is a big music festival going on there now with many different styles of music. You may want to check that out and see if it's still going on when you will be there. It looks like the winter temps will be pretty much over too as next week begins a warming trend. I hope your weather is good while here.

Luvcats, Glad you made it home safely from your daughters.

petra55,Congrats on passing on the brownies. I usually feel deprived right after such a decision but by the next day, I am really proud of myself.

Plainsgirl, Glad you found us here. I look forward to "hearing" more about you.

I went back to the pool and exercised for 50 minutes this morning while DH ran our errands. I enjoy having that time to myself. I have not vomited in two days. I am beginning to think it is associated with my not eating regularly. It seems that I am getting sick after skipping a meal and then eating a meal some time later. I am even eating an Atkins treat before retiring at night and I am not waking up nauseated. Thanks for the concern.

Today was fair. Had a walk in the park with H. Still not really on track, but I'm trying!
H & I went to the movies. We saw "Olympus has Fallen". It was pretty good. My eating is kinda off, but I've exercised & had plenty of H2O so not all bad.
If you read my other post about being MIA you'll get why I've been "missing". I think I've got my answer. I'll kinda just have to see how things play out.

2Cats: Might check around to see if any stores in your area offer bra fittings. My aunt owned a dress shop for decades & she'd fit bras all the time. She fit me for mine! Let the person know who's fitting you that you are on a weight loss/fitness journey. This should help them fit you more properly. Good luck! Nothing worse than a poorly fitting bra, except maybe saggy baggy undies! ;)
BTW isn't it awesome when the animals are happy to see you come home? I love it when I come home from work & Agatha is waiting just inside the door. Course she is waiting for dinner, but it's the thought that counts!!! ;)

firegirl: :welcome2: Think you joined while I was MIA. Glad you're feeling better...may it continue! Good job on the exercise! Keep it up!!

plainsgirl: :welcome2: Glad you found us! Hope we can help you reach your goals!

Petra: Good job! Sending those brownies packing! Glad you & hubby were unified in deciding what to do with them! :lol:

Moondance: Sorry the job isn't living up to your expectations. :( I hate when that happens. It makes it so much harder to go with a smile on the face each day. Sending you positive vibes anyways. Cause I sooo get it!! :hug::hug:

Well, I have to go make dinner.
:drill::drill: BE HEALTHY! BE STRONG!! BE AWESOME!!! :drill::drill:

Slow down, March! You're going so fast you passed spring up!

Hi everyone; I have no idea where the time is going. I've been reading along as best I can about you're pianos/ill MILs/swimming/dishwashers you name it. I wish you guys all the best, and need to set aside some time once a week or so to really catch up and respond to you all but at the moment, that isn't happening. I am back to furtive, insomniac 4am postings. Yes, I am under the blanket with the iPad again.

NE mom, DD will start with anti-depressants tomorrow. Might be why I can't sleep. Can totally relate to the having to deal with things I never thought of feeling.

Weight-wise, I'm still comitted, but not as motivated. I'm blaming the weather- cold temps and snow (yes, we are also getting snow) make me reach for hibernation foods. When it's warm, I automatically crave lighter foods- fruit, salads...

Howsomeever; I'm still showing a net loss, even if slow, so screw the scale and try to get back to junk-free and regular(er, lol) exercise. I've been a bit sloppy...

If I could buy spring, I would...

Happy Thursday! :D

Work still sucks, and as I was headed to my car yesterday, a lovely lady I know gave me a small Easter basket full of chocolate eggs. In my frustration and anger over my job, I started eating them without even realizing. After 3 I thought "Hey, stop that! Don't let work ruin your weight goals". And I stopped. Victory for me!!! :carrot:

Headed to Steamboat Springs this evening for a weekend of spring skiing. DD#2 is bringing her boyfriend (she's 16, he's 17). Should be an interesting few days...

Plainsgirl: :welcome2: Welcome to our little corner of the boards. Post often!!

firegirl441: Hope the vomiting has stayed away. No fun! I too would get checked if it doesn't stop. I don't care if it rains while in Savannah next week...as long as it's warm!!

MrsTryingAgain: I'm sorry for your struggles. Some things in life don't get any easier as we get older. Grrr...:tantrum: Remember that one thing you always have control over is you! And a quick Thank You for always being supportive, with humor, even when you're not having a great day!

Magicsusan: So true about March! Funny how time goes by faster as we get older. I would pitch in to you Purchase Spring fund. Here's a few flowers just to remind you of what's surely coming...:flow1::flow1::flow1: