Hi chicks, I am restarting the monthly chat thread. What's new in your life or what do you want to say? Check in or touch base with us if you like, or just say HI! Every chick is welcome! Let's give support to one another...

I am doing well, I just got back from swimming! I feel like I am becoming more active and I am eating healthier and smaller portions. I still am annoyed by all the food allergies that I have and how they are disguised on labels.

Tomorrow I am seeing friends and then Monday I get my second batch of allergy shots, and as much as I don't want to get them, they weren't that bad last time.
I can't wait until I feel comfortable staying at a lower weight so I can breathe better, feel prettier, and be healthier! I have been more gentle with myself lately and am really making an effort to practice self love. It seems to be working!

On that positive note, I hope that all you chicks are having a pleasant weekend!!

:

Hi Seabiscuit!

Your attitude is absolutely amazing. Positivity is contagious and good luck with the allergy shots!

I have surgery (laser lipo) scheduled for Monday. I know some don't "agree" with the route I've chosen, but I feel like it will make a difference in how I feel about my "kangaroo pouch". I'm actually a little scared - I feel like a child awaiting a lecture, and I'm ready to get it over with.

Off to cook Saturday dinner - Souvlaki, falafel, and greek salad. I think dinner's going to be delicious!

Hey grneyedmustang-

Thank you for your nice compliment!! I have been much more positive lately and smiling a lot more, which is great. On the flip side, I have been crying a bit more too, perhaps because I am communicating with a guy online and I am nervous about it. I will do anything to avoid arguments and conflict even if that includes avoidance which is a negative coping skill.

I am seeing my friends tomorrow and I can hardly wait! We don't know what we are going to do yet but it will be fun, I can feel it in the air...

I wish you all the best with your surgery. I seriously considered lipo too but then decided it wasn't for me. I sincerely hope everything goes well!

Allergies and asthma are awful things, yes but I am fortunate to be able to get allergy shots and that my insurance covers them. They aren't very painful, but my allergies are acting up enough already that the shots aggravated my asthma a little bit. I am supposed to be avoiding certain foods that I am allergic to, and tonight I cheated. Well, my skin was reddish, that must be a slight allergic reaction! There will be no more of that food!

Have a good rest of your weekend chicks!

Hey seabiscuit! Thanks for starting the May chat thread. Sorry to hear your allergies are bugging you. I'm getting some Spring allergy flare ups too - itchy eyes, runny nose, all that fun stuff. Zyrtec is my friend, lol. Also, good luck talking to someone new. It's normal to be nervous - hopefully it's a good nervous, like "the butterflies in your stomach" kinda feeling.

Hi mustang! Good luck with your surgery tomorrow! Don't worry about anyone who doesn't agree with your choice to have surgery. You have to do what's right for you. What is the recovery time on it? Is it a relatively painless procedure? Cheers to a successful and healthy surgery! Let us know how it goes

As for me, we moved last week and we're finally getting the place livable, lol. It's amazing how I require order and cleanliness in my life these days, whereas in college/high school, I could easily have my room/apartment looking like a hurricane passed through it without disturbing my daily routine and concentration. Not the case these days. With that, you can imagine how two weeks of eating take-out and leftover take out in a messy apartment has thrown me off track. I certainly anticipated it, but I'm still very worn out from the move. So, it's doubtful that I'll see any weight loss for a few weeks, but that's fine since my scale is packed away in a box I haven't found yet, lol!

Ah well, I know I'll get back on track. It'll just take some time.

Have a good week ladies! Mustang, good luck on the surgery. Keep us posted!

I've felt horrible for a while. Then on Friday I learned that one of my friends on a support chat I go to died, then on Saturday, I found out another one had a heart attack and died. So now I feel more horrible. I was one of the last people my one friend talked to, and I don't understand why she didn't ask for help! I wish I could've been more attentive. She seemed ok, when she said she was going to leave for her psychiatrist. I wished her good luck. Why can't people ask for help!!!! I always do, even though that means I'm going to be in the hospital for weeks at a time.

I go see my psychiatrist tomorrow, so hopefully he won't send me to the hospital or tell me I can't work. I've been having such a hard time with work, I get so stressed out, then I just sit there and cry. I made the realization that I can't do what I used to do anymore, because I just can't handle it, and that makes me even more depressed. I hope he's just going to raise my lamictal. So we'll see what happens.

I'm also a total failure at life this weekend because I started smoking again.

Hey there.

Coffeeshopgirl- It's great to see you! I hope you get settled into your new home. Moving can be so traumatic. I am considering a new move but I have been reconsidering whether or not I really want to do it. I think you'll get back on track. I take Xyzal for my allergies, it's a prescription, very similar to Zyrtec. It helps me out a lot but this has been one bad allergy season, not to whine. Well, as for talking with that guy, I said goodbye to him on the dating site because he was so horny. I think he has a good heart but he scared me off.

Moreta- I am very sorry for all of the loss that you are experiencing in your life. Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. I would cut yourself some slack about smoking. Hey, at least it seems to me that you realize that you want to be smoke free, which is great! Perhaps you can set a goal for yourself to limit your cigarettes and then quit again? I have never smoked but I know many people who smoke and I applaud anyone who wants to quit and actually does it.
Do you like your psychiatrist? Hopefully he will listen to you and not throw you into a hospital. If you feel unsafe though, perhaps a hospital is where you should be. I don't like psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric wards at all but they do serve a purpose. What good coping skills can you use- take a bubble bath, journal, deep breathing, imagery, and continuing to reach out to others are a start! Take good, gentle care of yourself. We care about you.

As for me, I am doing pretty well. I feel a lot happier than before I was exercising and eating healthier. I still crave carbohydrates but I know some foods are good in moderation. It was great for me to see a friend today, who is actually my long term ex-boyfriend. We both know each other like books and he always make me laugh. I want to make more friends but I am grateful for the close ones that I have and I am sincerely grateful for all of you.

Good night

Hi Moreta - I'm so sorry to hear about both of your friends. I honestly don't know why people don't feel like they can ask for help. All we can do is be a friend to the extent that people will let us. And I'm sure you are a great friend.

Good luck with the visit to your psychiatrist - I hope it goes well. With all the loss you've had this weekend, I can completely understand why you would start smoking again. Sure - it's a habit you're trying to break, but it's also a better coping skill than most things like overeating, drinking alcohol, etc. I certainly wouldn't call that a failure.

*hugs* Keep us posted and let us know how you're doing.

Hi Seabiscuit - Good to hear that you're feeling happier. Isn't it amazing what exercising can do for our mood? I'm also glad that you stopped talking to the horny guy. There's a time and place for that, but it sounds like you're looking for a relationship, not a quick route to sex.

You're so right about this Spring's allergies! I woke up late over the weekend and couldn't breathe well at all! I was all stuffy and it was because I didn't take my usual Zyrtec at 8am, lol. Glad we both have a defense strategy

As for me, today didn't feel like Monday. I'm not sure what day it actually felt like, just not a Monday. And, I was chatting on Facebook with two friends I haven't talked to in a while, when my account crashed! Talk about disappointed. I'll have to get in touch with them once my account is up and running, but talk about a pain! It's such a rare occasion when I have time to catch up with people. Ah well, tomorrow is another day. Just needed to whine about it I suppose.

Did everyone have a good Monday?

I went to my psychiatrist yesterday, and he raised all my meds....which I'm ok with.

He also said "I'm surprised you've lasted this long without coming to see me."

Oh well. it's eerie how well he knows my limitations, but I did see him every month for 2 years. He really wants me to succeed at working, and so do I, so he's going to do whatever it takes.

Hope everyone has a good tuesday.

Hi Coffeeshopgirl and Moreta-

Thank you, yes I have been feeling a bit happier. These allergies are really getting the best of me though, or at least they are, if I let them. I got my second round of 3 allergy shots yesterday, 2 in one arm, and 1 in another, then the nurse said that my arms looked fine. Well, I beg to differ because they were sore, they were slightly bruised and there was a little red rash near the injection site!! I called my allergist's office this morning and was a bit irritated with them because I feel that my serum is too strong. This morning I had itchy eyes, I felt exhausted, I felt more congested and I actually had to leave volunteering because I felt so awful!! So, I apologized for being irritated with the nurse but she is going to leave a message for my allergist because something is not right with the allergy shot serum, either too many injections or the serum is too strong or something. It felt good to get that out, thank you for listening.

I just really get fed up with all of my health problems. I am so congested nasally and I want to be able to swim front crawl and put my head in the water but I am nervous because I am so congested. I have my first swim lesson on Tuesday. I am quite a good swimmer but I want to improve. I see my ear, nose and throat doctor a week from Friday.

Yes, I am glad that I said goodbye to that horny online dude. He was irking me. There are more fish in the sea, as they say.

Coffeeshopgirl, I hope your computer gets fixed! Computer problems are such a nuisance! Do you know a good computer tech?

Moreta, I hope you continue to succeed at working and use good coping skills. Do you like this psychiatrist?

I see my rheumatologist for my Fibromyalgia tomorrow and my psychiatrist Thursday.

Have a great rest of the day and great Wednesday everyone!

Thank you so much for listening.

Hi Moreta - I hope the increase in meds helps you feel better. You've certainly been through a rough time as of late.

Hi Sesbiscuit - Sorry to hear about your allergies. Seems like they're giving you a lot of trouble Not sure if this is an option for you, but when I was having bad allergy attacks, EmergenC Vitamin C drink (with hot water, I drink it like tea) really was a quick fix. Hope that helps!

Speaking of EmergenC, I started drinking some tonight. The Raspberry flavor is my favorite. My throat has been really hurting lately, and I hope I'm not getting sick. I've been running myself down ever since the move, and I haven't been eating that healthy and certainly not exercising. My goal is to get back on track this weekend. We're all moved in and just have some cleaning and organizing to do.

This weekend I'll be sure to get back on track. I can't afford to get sick, lol.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Hi Coffeeshopgirl!

Thanks for the tip about EmergenC- I will ask my pharmacist about it. I have heard good things about EmergenC. I really appreciate the advice and I am glad that it helps you.

How are you doing with the move? I hope everything is going well with getting adjusted to your new surroundings. Are your neighbors nice, do you like the neighborhood?

I am seriously considering moving to Philadelphia, currently I live in suburb of Philly. I wrote a long list of why I should stay in the suburb, but I really would like the independence of living in Philadelphia. It would be slightly more expensive to live in Philly, and I am not in charge of my finances, my family and Social Security pay my bills. My family is pressing me to find a job and while I am nervous and have a lot of anxieties about jobs, it would be easier for me to find a job in Philly. I don't drive and it is hard for me to get around out here in the 'burbs, I am reliant on a public transportation company that takes me to my medical appointments, I pay individuals to take me to places that I cannot or get a ride to and it gets pricey. There is a bus and train nearby, but hands down, there is more public transportation in Philly. I am nervous about a move because I would have to switch mental health providers, but two of my specialists are already in Philly. For me to switch my insurance, it would be very easy or so my case worker says. I am going to look at some areas in Philly with a relative a week from Saturday, but then I need to reinforce my case to move there to another relative who has a financial stranglehold on me so I can move there, and this lease expires in August.

What are all of your thoughts? I don't mind moving. I know the relative of mine who needs convincing about my moving, he wants me to secure a job first. This has been a long battle with him and how I feels that he controls me, hence we don't talk or see each other often. He thinks I should commute to Philly to get a job which is at least an hour train commute.

Sigh, I don't know what to do.

Have a good night.

I think its been like 3 months since I posted.

I just started the 17 day diet Monday (I gained all my weight back that I lost 2 years ago....but there was a lot going on and life had a major change!) I have lost 8 pounds since monday which most of it probably is water weight since I pee ever 20 minutes now!! I have to stick with this. It seems to be working! We had planned a trip home for Easter and I really messed myself up and gained about 15 lbs before we went back. I tried to juice fast and could only make it till 5 or 6 o'clock and then I would binge and start over the next day. I tried this day after day after day....I dont know WHAT I was thinking I just made things worse. I tried to be all vegetarian and i would feel empty and by 5 or 6 I would binge again...So I am so pumped that without exercise this has worked (Now I am busy with two boys on two different baseball teams and my calorie burn daily around 2,900 (according to my bodybugg)

Well the computer keeps freezing and missing letter so I will type more later....hope everyone is doing ok!!

Momof4, HI!! good to hear from you! I hope you continue your current diet success! let us know how you're doing

Mustang - how did the surgery go?

Moreta - oh my gosh I am so sorry about those tragic losses!!

coffeeshopgirl, congrats on the move

Seabiscuit - hmm I don't know how to advise on the move. Though it would put you right in the hub of things, compared to the 'burbs. Sorry about the allergy problems!

I am back to the summer job I love, yay! It is the pastry baking job so that is difficult for a chronic dieter :rolleye: but usually I have alot more willpower in the summer. I have actually GAINED weight since 'trying harder' to watch what I eat and work out harder. And I did measure and I am not smaller! so I gotta change something!!

Hello ladies. I am sooooooo sorry I've been absent from the thread. These past 10 days have just flown by.

Work is going ok. This has been a busy week as my daughter has come home from college and we had to move her home on Wed. It was just me and her and my car to move all her stuff home. I was so tired Wednesday night, then had to turn around and get up at 5 am Thursday morning. whew

Anyway, Jennifer is home now and that makes me happy.


I am so glad today is Friday, i really need the weekend to recoup.

I went to the Y today and walked for 20 minutes. I got a good workout doing that. My heart was pounding and my I was breathless. Then i worked on my back muscles. i did 3 sets of 10 at 175 lbs. My lower back is weak and needs a lot of work. I am determined to work on it, that and my arms and legs.

I've missed you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi everyone,

Momof4- Good luck with your weight loss plan. I hope that it works out well for you. It's great to see you around here.

VermontMom- Hey, it's great to see you! I appreciate you being understanding about my allergies and moving situation, thanks! How is it going as the pastry chef? That sounds delicious but so tempting. I bet you will do great with it! I think it is always important to know one's boundaries and limitations. Positive coping skills are also helpful too, I need to use mine more than I do.

Ohio- I've missed you too! That's great that your daughter is home, I am really happy for you! Have a great time with her! Good for you for going to the Y again!


I am doing okay, but the highlight of my day and something that is so special to me is that I got to meet Ron Turcotte today, Secretariat's jockey!!! He was signing autographs in my town and I paid some $$ for an autographed black and white photo of him and Secretariat. It is beautiful and a family member is going to pay to have it framed for me, I am so excited! I am very happy because I have a piece of history in my home and I used to ride horses, I even showed Ron Turcotte the photo of me and my horse when I had him years back. Sigh, how I miss Wally.

It has been rainy weather here. I wanted to go to the Y and go swimming today but it has been so wet, rainy almost all week. Fortunately it looks sunnier in the forecast for the next few days! I even have my first swim lesson on Tuesday! I want to encourage myself to swim more often in between lessons so I can show my instructor what I have been working on. I am a good swimmer but I want to improve and I am really looking forward to this.

I guess I am doing okay, a bit depressed though lately. I saw my psychiatrist who I like and he doesn't know of another medicine other than the one that I am currently on that would help me the way this one does without the memory side effects. I also want to see my therapist every other week and she wanted to do every week but I am tired of spending hours in an office every week. So, we're trying every other week and we'll see what happens.

I don't have many plans for tomorrow. I haven't gone to church for awhile so maybe I should do that. I have to do more laundry too. I would like to go swimming.

Have a great Saturday night everyone!!