It's me again. Busted ~ I should be "doing" something and not playing on here. Procrastination in action :o

Thank you Mary for the pep talk. I agree, that feeling better is more important than food. My thought is though ~ if I can do it without getting out of control, being able to have some of those things I like from time to time. And that that would be ok. To me, it isn't realistic to think I will never eat another __________ (fill in the blank) again. My strategies for doing this is to do my eating at gatherings where (because I don't want to look like a pig) I do pretty well at being in control and with the single serving size things when I do allow myself to have these things. A lot of times, just that single portion is enough to satisfy the craving. And by having the single serving size, I don't have a whole bag or what ever of anything in a cupboard here at home calling my name.

About the cleaning/exercising ~ I didn't mean you didn't need to exercise ~ I guess what I was thinking is that that activity is better than just sitting around all the time. It may not be enough, but it is better than nothing at all.

I have the Cozi thing too, but find that I actually use the calendar that is part of my Yahoo where I do my e-mail. Stuff I put in there shows up with a reminder in my e-mail.

Yes I understand what you mean. I try to do it that way too. As long as it's not in my house at least I eat better although I can overeat on anything, even healthy food, but still that's gotta be better.

It would be nice if housework were enough exercise, wouldn't it!:D

I've gotten somethings transferred over to the my bathroom. Now planning meals for the week and putting them into Cosi. Glynne, I think you can have it send you emails too, its in the settings. I bought the Gold version so maybe it's not in free:?: I thought it was though. I love that with Gold you get the shopping version of your shopping list and can check the items off as you buy. I've had that before with other apps, but this seems to work better for me, so far, although I do wish it was divided into categories...perhaps they will add that in later versions. Also, Glynne, I have the Flylady version...its a little different in that it auto loads the housework tasks, but not sure if it's different any other way. Having the tasks auto load was the main reason I went back to Cosi...I didn't have that before. I liked my Google calandar but couldn't get the tasks to come up right..with Flylady there is a different zone where you work each week and they wouldn't come up in the right week, at least I couldn't get it to no matter what I tried. Whatever works for you ...I LIVE by my calendar!

Well, the scale had gone up this morning ~ it has been creeping back up ~ I've gained back 5 pounds since my doctor's appointment in December. It kind of goes up and down a little, but not making any progress.

Carol Sue ~ you said: I have decided that I am going to start exercising every day, doing some weights even, and getting my legs, arms and core strengthened so I don't lose my mobility, even if I don't lose weight. Wonder how long it's going to take me to shuck that plan?

I hope for you that you are able to stick with your plan. I need to do what you said. I worry that slowly, little by little, if I don't get moving, I am not gonna be able to do much. Like they always said in nursing school ~ if you don't use it, you'll lose it. Why do I have such a hard time making myself get moving?

I did do a little better with the food today. One day at a time.

Hope you all rest well tonight.

Good morning everyone,
Today is Ash Wednesday so I'll be going to mass this morning. Food wise my diet has been going well so far this week (just Mon. and Tues). I'm still not getting any walking exercise in due to my ankle which is being very persistent in healing.

Sandy I hope your daughter finds a suitable place to rent out with good renters.

Carol I would never use all the new technology that they are putting in new cars. I don't even fully understand what blue tooth means. I was shocked to learn that cars now beep if you go over the road lines....wow.

Mary I just have one closet and one cupboard to declutter and then the house is finished with that job. I need to do the other household cleaning today sometime. Sorry you went up a little in weight - keep trying as I know you are very disciplined.

Gayle Hope you are feeling better. It truly is hard to diet when cravings start nagging at you - just do your best.

Have a good day everyone,
Karrine

WOW Karrine your house free of clutter sounds unreal. I really try hard to put things where they belong, but my coat closet is near computer desk. I find that I constantly put things down here no matter what part of the house I'm going to, plus, all the filing cabinets are here and shelves. Alll things will be here in their place - when I do it right.

Gail Your scale and mine must be in a plan to set us crazy. Mine kept going up till I almost thru it outside!

Lent begins today and after receiving ashes today, I'm resolved to using the next period of time till Easter in a far healthier way and probably will increase spiritual as well. Met up with some friends that were dumb like us and went out in the snow storm. After being gone most of the day we are finally safe at home and the snow stopped.

CarolSue Thought of you and your new car as we paid payment 29 of 36 on our car that we love. We don't keep get new cars often, and this one is driven so few miles I hope it lasts many years longer.

It's been a busy day so far...we had to get up early as dh had an eye appt and wanted me to be there. I'm glad I was sometimes he didn't hear what they said/asked. He thought his vision was worse, but the doc said it's the same as it was in Aug. His eye pressure was actually pretty good and even lower in the eye with worse vision. However, the surgery he had to open up a way to drain out the fluid did not work...the opening is almost totally blocked and the doctor said it is the drops he uses that is helping him now, so to us that surgery was in vain. Dh complains of eye fatigue and droopy right eye and also occasionally has double vision. The doctor scheduled a full exam to check the muscles and everything, then he may need new glasses. I think sometimes when he is grouchy it is because of how his eyes feel. He is also having trouble getting his hearing aides to help me enough. He says sometimes they are more of a hindrance than a help. I feel so sorry for him and pray that things don't get any worse for him.

After the appt we went out for breakfast and I got blueberry pancakes, but I didn't eat them all. I got milk to drink, wished they'd had nonfat but it was 2% and kinda upset my tummy. The pancakes were good though.

My dd who sells LulaRoe gave all us girls Valentine leggings and I gave them out. I gave my dil the one meant for me. The pair I kept were too tight and I didn't feel comfortable in them. Today we exchanged and these fit much better. Not sure how I will feel wearing them in public but they are not quite so tight and I like the color better. I now need a long tunic to wear over them so my butt doesn't show. :o I hope my dil likes the ones she got though cause I know she really liked the ones I gave her. I'm surprised they weren't baggy in the waist cause she is smaller than me there but she said they were only a little too long for her.

Then we went grocery shopping and I left my phone in the cart where you put a list or small purse etc. I called and at first they couldn't find it but then later called me back with the good news that someone had turned it in. I prayed many blessings on that good person! Even though I was careless, I really enjoyed using the new Cosi shopping app.

Tired now and still much to do here at home.

ETA I can't find the place where I can edit my weight thingy under my picture.

Good morning GG's,

Up early ~ still dark outside (when I started this). 51* outside right now ~ supposed to go up to 80* today.

Head started aching last evening ~ I had layed down ~ sciatic pain was hurting and sitting in the chair was too painful. But while laying down, my head got stuffy and started to ache. I took something, but guess it kept aching and I woke at about 4:30 and it was still aching. So, took something more and stayed up. It seems like it won't go away if I am laying down ~ think it is maybe sinus related and like the sinuses can't drain if I am laying down. Next step, headed to the hot shower to see if I can't steam it out.

I ate pretty good again yesterday. Did part of my PT exercises twice. I went out to mail some letters and it was so nice outside, I kept thinking I should go walk today. So after Maddie got home from school ~ while she was busy having her after school snack and doing her homework ~ I went for that walk. I decided that maybe I can get a routine going at that time of day for a walk. That will work, unitl it gets summer time with the blistering hot heat, then I will have to figure out something else.

I enjoyed my walk. I think I have mentioned before that I like to walk to this little nearby park that has a pond with a fountain. I went by way of the walking path instead of on the street. I was looking for the route that would equal 15 minutes to get there ~ turns out either way is the same amount of time. The walking path is safer because I don't have to walk on the edge of the street and worry about the cars going by. So, I can get in my 30 minute walk ~ and stopping at that park gives me a nice little break to rest up and also enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the spot before I head back home.

Yesterday, a funny thing happened on that walk. When I got to the little park, there was a man already there sitting in that little arbor thing. So, I sat on one of the other benches that are around the edge of the pond. It was really sunny and there was a glare, so it was hard to see. I sat there for about 20 minutes, then got up to head back home. After I got up, I noticed that the man had gotten up before me and was headed out. I worried that he would think I was trying to leave at the same time as him and maybe strike up a conversation or something. I kept going, but I don't go very fast. He had stopped at the drinking fountain but was coming behind me. Eventually he got up to where I was ~ I kept hoping that he didn't want to strike up a conversation. He wished me a good afternoon and kept on going. He was a guy probably about my age and wasn't walking very fast either, but faster than me. Eventually he got ahead of me and out of sight. I crossed the street and continued on the path that would take me home, when I got to the end of the path and ready to turn on the street, there was that man ~ he had stopped to talk to a man who was out in his yard. Turns out he was going the same way as me, but because he was faster, I didn't realize that until he stopped and I saw him. I thought, uh oh, I hope he doesn't think I was following him. He continued on his way, and turned left onto the same street where I needed to turn left also to head home. How ironic. I wasn't real close behind him, but he probably saw me. He turned off onto a cul-de-sac that is a few houses down from my house. Guess that is where he lives. It was just kind of a funny occurance. I want to walk again at the same time, but am hoping I don't see him again ~ don't want him to think I am trying to connect with him or something ~ LOL.

Doctor's appointment today ~ the new rheumatologist.

Headache is better now ~ thank goodness.

I had made some vegetarian chili and was eating some for supper the other night while Maddie was still here. She wanted a taste, so I gave her some. She said ~ that's delicious and wanted more, so I fixed her a little bowl. She really liked it, which surprised me because she isn't much into stuff with vegetables in it. I think it was the shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top that was melty that made her like it. She loves cheese. She wanted some again yesterday for her after school snack.

Got a message from my daughter in SC this am. I had asked for some ideas for gifts for her little boy's upcoming birthday. She asked me to make a smaller version of one of those no-sew fleece blankets like I had already made for him. I guess he loves the one I already made him, but it is big ~ like the size of a throw. He drags it around with him and I guess because it is bigger it gets dragged on the ground and gets dirty fast. I'd better get on the ball

Gotta get ready to go in a bit ~ be back later hopefully for personals. Hope you all have a nice day.

Gayle, I think it is so nice that your children and grandchildren get things that you make. And you do such a nice job with them. It's also good that Maddie liked the healthy chili that you made.

I haven't done any formal exercise since I made that statement a few days back. We have been shopping a lot and I have had a lot of exercise walking in the stores. I did some leg lifts while sitting in my chair watching TV. My knee has gotten a little worse. I don't know if I'm helping it or hindering it by exercising. I bought a new knee brace that I might start wearing when shopping. I leave my old one in my exercise room and only use it for exercising. I don't want to have surgery on it if I can help it.

Maybe you should get to know that man. He might not be as persnickety as Steve can be at times. LOL Just kidding!!

Bobbi, DH constantly blames me for things that I don't do. I'm used to it and just say "Ok, Jerry." He doesn't do it in a mean way. In fact, I don't understand why that thing was beeping. He was not going over the lines. It's something about if you go over the line without using your turn signal the car thinks you are just drifting into the other lane. I don't understand it and I'm glad there was a way to shut it off. Another feature is if you try to change lanes and there's a car in your blind corner, a little icon flashes in your side mirror to warn you that they are there.

Mary, one time I was walking through Target with a cart and a phone started ringing. It was in the cart. I tried to answer it but didn't know how. I took it up to customer service and the girl said the guy tried calling his phone but when no one answered it he left. She ran outside but I don't know if she found him. I would think that he would check back later to see if anyone found his phone. He might not have been sure where he lost it. It's not like she could call him and tell him someone turned in his phone. LOL

Back when I first got a cell phone I was shopping and heard this phone ringing and ringing. I thought "I wish someone would answer that phone,
then I realized it was mine. LOL DH was calling me.

When I woke up this morning dh was gone fishing. I haven't done much except have breakfast and daily clean the bathrooms and make our bed. I hope to get a haircut today. That and to clean a bit more in the kitchen is all I have planned. Oh and dh wants me to plan how we are going to use some timeshare points that are going to expire in a few mo. I'm not very interested in going anywhere but don't want to lose them either. Will call the co for possibly more options.

Glynne - Glad you got your walk in. Funny about the man. You keep busy with the projects for your family. I hope you enjoy it and I'm sure it gives you pleasure to know they enjoy it too.

Hi to Sandy, Bobbie! :)

This morning I had DH pull the stove out because something fell down behind it. Boy was it dirty back there! So now I feel better knowing it's cleaned out. I don't know how the dirt gets there with the stove sitting on top of it. LOL

CarolSue Your discovery behind the stove sounds like mine on top of Refrigerator. I'm too short to see it, but when I reached up to get something, boy was it sticky.

Gayle, loved the idea of making a good "blanket" for your grandson to enjoy carrying without it getting dirty. Enjoyed hearing that Maddie liked the veggie Chili.

Mary You still go places a lot more than we do. Sometimes the time share is a real gift, other times a problem. What did you two decide?

We got a great surprise when our Credit card statement came in today. It is the lowest ever!!! A gift from all that snow that kept DH out of stores. Most charges are for gas or food. We live 12 miles from a store so gas is spent more than normal when we lived close to store.

Sandy

Bobbi, DH cleans behind the refrigerator regularly. He had a friend who's refrigerator started a fire because of the dust on the coils. Many people don't think of that. I know I wouldn't if I were alone.

Gayle, I just realized that the Joel Osteen quote you have in your signature is from the book I'm reading, You Can You Will. Do you have that book? I got it from the library and am about half way through it. I really like it and want to have my own copy to refer back to from time to time. It really teaches you to think positive. Reminds me of The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

Sandy, I can't see or reach the top of the refrigerator either, but DH keeps his candy up there and reminds me when it needs cleaned. LOL I stand on my little step stool. What would I do without that?

Our credit card statements have improved since I stopped impulse buying. I figure if I don't have it by now, I don't need it.

Another busy day. Our gs's (9) dance competition is this afternoon...he dances a duo, with a girl (he does this every time), and then tomorrow he dances his first solo. Excited for him. So this Sat we have three gc competing for our attendance at their activities, but it is his turn because he doesn't do anything every Sat. Don't like going to Portland for it though as will probably get into bad traffic coming home today.

Last night we ate out and our son surprised us by getting here before we left and joining us. We had a nice time talking with him. I ate a little bit of a lot of things and my weight is up again to 173. I've increased that weight increasing medication too so that may be part of it. I mainly increased it (by 1/2 tab) because I got tired of having to cut it in 1/2 plus it hasn't helped my am bs, but if I don't see an improvement in my bs I'll decrease it again.

Carol Sue - I remember seeing all the dirt and debris the last time we pulled our kitchen stove too. Now I think about it and in a way want to pull it out and clean but also don't want to. :dizzy: Like you, I don't see how the dirt gets under there. I'm sure some gets swept under there from the kitchen floor but that much:?: I clean the top of the fridge on a regular basis and sometimes under it in front but don't get to the back very often. Should do that more...I haven't pulled out this new bigger fridge but the previous one I could easily do myself.

We don't get credit card statements. I just check the websites (2 cc) and pay whenever I see a balance. No surprises because we only charge what we have money for and it is already set aside for it in our budget.

We still haven't decided about the trip.

Well, gotta get moving, as before I know it it will be time to get ready for the dance competition. You all have a good day!