[CountryMom4Him]

Oh, it is so good to be back at home. The surgery went well and my hubby is home resting on the sofa. The doctor put quite the bandage on his hand. It reminds me of a character from the kids show "Land of the Lost". Thank you all so much for your encouragement and prayers. They are what sustain me when things are stressed. Eating wasn't as bad to day as I thought it might be. I had a couple of crackers to tide me over until I could come home and eat. Once we got home I found some fried cabbage. I had that and some pickled beets...yum yum. I know the beets have sugar but I think they are good for us so I eat them. Dinner is going to be burritos. I found some ground sirloin on sale yesterday and I use fat free refried beans. The other day we found some ancho chilies and I'm going to give them in a try in the burritos.

Email Tip:
Your Ticket To Weight Loss
Write down your goals. You know what it is you want to do. Now you just need to see it in black and white. Take out a pen and a piece of paper and jot down your goals. It may be as simple as drinking more water or as complex as hiring a personal trainer. Regardless of how basic or how lofty your goals are, put them in writing so you have a reminder of what it is you're trying to accomplish.

One of my personal tips is seasoning. If food is bland I tend to feel less satisfied and look for other things to fill my cravings.

Toni.. I hear you about the nuts. Robert keeps a can by the bed and they are so handy to grab a handful.

Mercee...how nice of your friend. If you get something that isn't on plan maybe you could eat just a little bit of that part and eat more of the part that isn't so bad. And if you haven't had a splurge in a while if probably won't effect the scales at all. You are doing such a good job.

Solly...it will be okay. One meal unless it is loaded with salt probably won't show on the scales. Sometimes when I'm giving fried items I pull the breading off. Don't know how many calories that saves but it makes me feel better.

Ellen...I am tired just reading about the party. What an awesome Grandma you are. And a wonderful hostess. You will be blessed for your kindness.

NurseDee...I sure hope you are doing okay. We really miss you at the board.

Tech...where are you at this fine day? Workin'?

Bob...where or where are you at

Scrappinhut...hope all is well with you.

((Everybody)) Be encouraged and know that you are the BEST you there is and everyday you keep on trying is a good day. Even when we slip and fall it can be a learning lesson.

God bless,
Crystle

[CountryMom4Him]

Howdy, just me again. The ancho chilies ended up going in a cactus salsa. Not too bad if I say so myself. Both boys said they liked it. That in itself is amazing. It will be interesting to see how it sets up when it is cold. The cactus has a bit of slime to it so I think it will be a lot like the green salsa.

Off to do some dishes.

God bless,
Crystle

[techwife]

I'm discouraged. Its so hard to stay on plan when you're broke.

this morning I had some huge strawberries I got at Walmart the other day with some Monk's Bread toast (made by monks south of Rochester and the flour is stone ground wheat...it has sunflower seeds in it...its yummy!) and some NSA orange juice. For lunch, I dunno what I'll have and for dinner, we are flat broke. I mean, flat broke. I went to Walmart the other day and used the debit card for a little over $11 and then went to the store and used it for about $23 and apparently I put us in the whole and now we are $80 in the hole because of bounced checks. Derek doesn't get paid again until next week! I have a haircut to do today at noon and a color tomorrow which she always pays me $55. I also have one of my favorites on Saturday...a grumpy old lady that I just love to pieces. I wish I could talk her into letting me use the curling iron as now I don't have a dome dryer to set her hair with, but I told her I'll come over in the morning and come back a couple hours later to comb her out. Its Vera...I'd do just about anything for Vera. I love grumpy old ladies.

We just got Derek's social security statement in the mail...the one where they tell you how much you'll make if you retire when you're 62. It also lists what you made in each year. I was shocked that Derek is making $15,000 less than he was when he got laid off in '06. At least he has a job, but it helps explain why the purse strings are so tight lately.

Okay...I have to go straighten the house and do my hair so I can to do hair on others!

TTFN!!

[Solly]

Good morning ladies.

Just finished my books for our presentation and they just left. The metal monster has me up 1-2 pounds this morning. I expected it, with the bad eating this weekend and not getting any exercise this week. The only exercise I am getting is carrying my bag back and forth from home to work and back. ha-ha. I had to work late last night and by the time I got home and did dinner and cleaned up the mess, then I had to run get balloons and a cookie cake for my baby's 30th birthday today so we other DD can deliver it to her at school. It was half time of the ball game and I wanted to sit down. Saw almost all of the BL last night, but was too tired to finish it so I did not see who got voted off. I think there were 3 left to weigh-in. I will finish it off tonight.

Mercee, sometimes you just can't help what others bring you to eat. I guess you could eat half of it and say you are full. That would never happen with me.

Crystle, glad Robert is home and meding. I am sure you are giving him lots of TLC. Good job with your eating yesterday.

Tech, I feel your pain. My DH gets paid every other week and it is hard stretching the funds to that time. I do get paid weekely, but sometimes it is not enough, like this week when we need groceries and the mortgage is due. Hang in there. When I see that SS statement, it makes me sad to think I can't retire for many years.

Toni, hope the scale was good to you today.

Nursedee, Sure hope you are feeling better.

BOB, thought you said you were going to post the other day?

Anyone I missed, hope you are doing great.

Off to log my food. Have a great day.

[NurseDee]

Nurse Dee is crawling back from the dead.....

Hello, my dear friends! I am FINALLY on the mend from some of the sickest days I've had in my entire life (getting the swine flu in 1976 is the only thing in memory that was worse). I've had such a terrible lung/sinus infection, coughing, weakness, lost my sense of taste and smell for almost 2 weeks, no sleep whatsoever, etc. etc. I was completely laid up. At last, things are starting to function again. Still coughing a lot but at least it's nothing like it was. I'm having the newly-discovered "bonus" of perimenopausal night sweats. Ach! Waking up at 3am with everything soaked is NOT fun. Any of you ladies who have sailed through this have any tips on dealing with this? One of the reasons I hate to exercise is that I hate to sweat!! Now I'm sweating anyhow!

I'm afraid that in my agony over not being able to taste/smell anything I wanted to eat everything just for a little satisfaction (which of course, it didn't provide because I couldn't TASTE it!). I was good on not eating sugar foods, but the infection has made my blood sugars high no matter what I do. Trust me: if you're not diabetic, DON'T BECOME ONE. It's one major drain. I wish I could have known about sugarbusters when I was 20.

When my sense of taste/smell finally did start to return I couldn't stop eating! I think my downfall was great big spoonsful of peanut butter...too many almonds. At least I passed on the rice, potatoes, pasta, sweets. With that plus the salt I'm up 1.3 this week. I've been bad on water and veggies, too. I'll take my knocks and move on. I need to find my food diary from the week where I lost 5 lbs. and try to duplicate that again. I need to get on track.

You guys have done so much living since I've been off the board! I hope you're all well. Tech, I'm SO sorry about your money woes. I think most of us are living on the edge right now. I'm constantly looking for ways to bring more money into the house and cut back on expenses. I will not go back to hospital nursing - so my options are limited. Yes, we're lucky to have jobs these days in our families, but the future can often look so uncertain. I think we have to remind ourselves constantly of our blessings. We have roofs over our heads, great, healthy kids, no earthquakes... still, it's scary.

Crystle, I'm sorry that I'm late on the news on Robert but I just prayed for him anyhow (there's no time in Heaven, right? ). I hope this is his (and your!) last ordeal and that he can just be on the mend now. Sounds like you're still the best chef in town! What does cactus taste like? I've been hungry for chipotle lately so I think I'm going to go cupboard hunting and try to make up some sort of sauce.

Toni, it sounds like you are doing very well! I think we all have to form a "nuts anonymous" subgroup...what IS it about those things?? Just for SURE keep me away from the cashews! They are a narcotic in this house.

Mercee, how're you doing? Oh, I felt bad just reading about your prime rib story. Food carries so many messages, doesn't it?? It's love, it's security, it's friendship, it's comfort...all it SHOULD be is a nutrient that fuels our bodies, but at least in my life I can't ever imagining it being just that. I do agree that it's important to be gracious about these things, but I have a hard time, too. You're doing great with the treadmill. Mine is still calling me. I plan on taking my first walk today or tomorrow. Hopefully I won't choke to death - I'm coughing my lungs up just typing!!! Hope your w/i went well.

Solly, your poor life sounds like a whirlwind!!! You sound like the best person at adapting to stressful and immediate challenges that I've come across in a long time. I could never begin to handle all of the things you do! I feel terribly lazy when I read your posts! How are your hands? Weren't you having foot trouble, too?

Ellen, send me some of those low blood sugar vibes, would ya? I'm sure that your aerobics are doing wonders for them! Oh, I'd kill for a pool today. Congrats on surviving the party! I agree with Crystle- you are an AWESOME Grandma! Keep up the fabulous work! I need some of that "wiped out in a good way" - I know exactly what that feels like and I miss it. The book sounds interesting! Can you provide any more tips?

For those asking about Wii fit, we have it and we love it. We got it with FSA money last year. There are even some exercises on there that aren't too hard for me to do, so there is a wide range of activities. Lots of fun games, too. My kids don't watch TV - they play Wii and it's so good to have them up off the couch. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Scrappinhut, don't give up. Every day can be a new day. I hope you're doing well and will be back with us soon.

Time to blow my nose, drink more water, and think about making a decent breakfast. I'm exhausted already and it's not even noon yet...


Love y'all,
Dee

[Mercee]

Hi Ladies;

Wellmy weight stayed the same. I'm not surprised. Next week will be better. At least I am still walking on my treadmill and I refuse to give up no matter what the scale says. I know I am making progress my blood sugars are great and my clothes are lose. Ladies we will win this battle.

Crystle- I am glad everything went well with surgery. great job staying on point yesterday. I thought my husband was the only one who kept nuts by the side of the bed.LOL Thank God I am not a big nut fan.

Solly- I am trying to catch my breath for you after your whirlwind on yesterday. We will see results next week.

Toni- Glad you are well not just leave those nuts alone. LOL. I hope you make it to the treadmill soon.

Techwife- Sorry to hear about your troubles. I was in the same boat last week. I wrote a check I forgot to write in my log. (I hate when I am overdrawn) This economy is really rough on a lot of people. Prices on food are outrageous. I hope things tun around soon.

Nursedee_ Glad to see you are making a comeback to good health. We missed you here.

Well ladies I have to go. Have a nice day everyone.

[CountryMom4Him]

Good afternoon. Jess is trying to find adjectives and Tator is working on his algebra so here I am playing. After a gazillion trips to the little girls room to eck out that last ounce I am down one pound. Nothing to write home about for the month of January but I've been eating every day and didn't gain so no complaints. As a reward I ate a nice big breakfast. Pickled beets, asparagus, and scrambled egg with a bit of hamburger.

Since we've been talking about nuts I thought this email tip was a good one:

Read This Before You Go Nuts
Don't go nuts for nuts. Although many variations of nuts are rich in good fats -- monounsaturated fats -- they can still pack on the pounds when consumed in excess. It's important to observe proper portion control. Also, avoid nuts that are laced with sugar or salt. These additives detract from the nutritional value. Stick to nuts that are in their natural form.

After posting about needing to stay out of the nuts the other night I went straight in the room and grabbed a handful...err

NurseDee...so glad you are back among the living. ((hugzz)) Thanks for much for the prayers. There is never a time we can't benefit from prayers. I'm not really sure how to describe catus..it's kind of slimy with a slight tart taste. It is really good sauteed down then scrambled with eggs. Don't overdo on the treadmill. Let your body guide you. Your weight will start coming off once your body recovers from being ill.

Mercee...you are so right now to give up because of what the scales say. You can barely have a loss one or two weeks then all of a sudden you'll get a big drop. Plus it is about more than the weight loss. It is about being fit and healthy. The fact that your clothes are getting loser is more indicative of how you are doing than the scales.

Solly...it is probably just water weight and will be off before the next weigh in. You are one busy lady. I haven't watched BL yet either. Hoping to sneak in there later if I can get Robert out...LOL

Tech...I am so sorry that you are going through this rough spot. There have been times in my life when I had to choose between food and something I needed. ((Hugzz)) I pray that God will bless you will monies you don't expect and are able to meet your needs. Hang in there.

Toni...how are you doing this morning? Are you still getting snow? We have yet another wave of rain coming in. It's so wet I can't walk in the garden to pick the carrots. Hopefully they are holding up with all this water.

Ellen...Hope you are feeling better since going to the chiro. Are you resting up from your busy weekend? I'm having lazy day and am still in my jammies...sshh don't tell anyone.

((Everybody)) Each of you is a blessing and add so much to this board. Thanks for sharing and encouraging.

God bless,
Crystle

[Beth2374]

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted here!! It's so wonderful to see so many familiar faces, though!

Boy a LOT has happened to me since my last post. I've gotten divorced, since then gotten engaged to a wonderful man!! This past June we went through a horrible tragedy and my fiance's 2 year old daughter drowned in an awful accident while she was at grandparent's visiting. Anyway... needless to say none of this has been good for my eating habits or my WEIGHT!

I'm right now within FIVE pounds of my HIGHEST weight EVER! That includes being pregnant!!! I'm just miserable. My wonderful guy tells me how beautiful I am, but we all know that when you don't FEEL beautiful, it doesn't do any good!! I feel horrible. I can't breathe, I am not comfortable in even my fat clothes and I flat refuse to buy more!!! I've tried pills, fads, even starving myself and that works right up until you put a bite of food in your mouth... the only thing I have done... IS GET MY FAT BUTT BACK ON SUGAR BUSTERS!!! WHY?!?!?!? I know it WORKS... I've DONE IT! But somewhere along this last year I've totally lost my motivation to do ANYTHING about my weight and I really need it back.

It took me a while of looking on these boards to find where they hid you wonderful ladies, but I've found you and I'm throwing myself at your mercy... PLEASE help motivate me back on Bob's Wagon!!! COME GET ME BOB!! I'm READY!!!!

I'm sick of being miserable.... I need some JOY and to feel HEALTHY again!!

I'm getting married in St. Thomas in May, and I will NOT do it in these size 20 pants!!!! NOT HAPPENING!


Hugs to all you familiar faces, and HI to the new ones who I haven't met yet... I'll introduce myself/explain more about me later!!

[NurseDee]

I'm just checking in for a second to keep myself honest before I start with a roast pork dinner...

Beth, it's great to meet you! I've only been on for a couple of months but yes SB is the way to go! Don't say the ONLY thing you've done is get back on - it's pretty close to all you need! I'm sorry for your horrific year. I think we'd be all hard-pressed to cope with just one of the trials you've had to endure. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful future for you! Hope aboard and be encouraged. You already know how great this board and its people are!

Crystle, don't ever dis a one pound loss! Hold a pound of butter and realize that that just melted off of you (and on to my rear end! LOL). Congrats on the loss and keep going!!

Mercee, sorry about the stalemate on the "metal monster" (I LOVE THAT). You know it'll move next week, but in the meantime your clothes are getting looser. I'd way 500 lbs if I could wear a size 10!! Well, YOU know what I mean. Hang in there. You're doing all the right stuff.

Solly, - we'll tell that 1+ pound where to go next week. We WILL do this.

I had a blueberry/lf cottage cheese smoothie for BF, leftover cabbage roll casserole with some brown rice for lunch, 1 ounce (to the GRAM) of almonds for afternoon snack along with about 4 halved brussels sprouts I roasted with olive oil in the oven. So I think I've been pretty good today. My DH found a pork loin roast that was about 2 to 2½ FEET LONG at Sam's club for $7.99! So I'm roasting about 10 inches of it in the crock pot with some roasted tomatillos tonight and it smells delicious. I will forego the potatoes and have a big salad with it instead. Maybe an apple for dessert. I'm trying to limit myself to 2 fruits a day until my blood sugars improve.

Hope everybody's having a great OP day, and again Beth: it's so nice to meet you!

Love,
Dee

[CountryMom4Him]

It is so cold. Okay it's not really that cold but I feel cold. BETH...((hugzz)) howdy. So glad to have you back with us. I'm so sorry for the challenges you have faced this last year. Even though it's been a while I remember how well you did on SB before. You will do great again. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding.

NurseDee..Laughing about the stick of butter. Pork loin is great because you can slice it really thin and trick the mind into thinking it is getting more.

Tonight is going to be burgers on these really thin wheat tops I found at the store. I'm not sure if I'm going to eat a burger or a giant salad. Sometimes I like salad because you can eat so much of it. It is the chewing that satisfies me I think. As much as I love, and I do love soups, they always leave me wanting something to crunch.

Check in later to see how everyone is doing this evening.

God bless,
Crystle

[Toni48]

Sorry I've been gone most of the day. We went out of town to grocery shop so were gone most of the day. I'm now pooped so I'll have to come back tomorrow after a good nights sleep. Sorry I'm to tired to do replies. But do want to welcome Beth back. Its good to see you posting again. Night all.

[THE BIG ORANGE BABE]

HEY GIRLFRIENDS!!!

I swear a woman can't hide out anywhere these days! A few years ago is was Ellen swinging that broom and threatening me with her coming down I-75 to get me...Now...Jackee's over on Facebook lurking around on my page just waiting on her chance to nab me!! I'm not safe anywhere!

Nothing new on the home front...Still no job, but Kate is still doing good.

It's chilly down this way right now. It's supposed to be in the 40's with wind so I'm getting ready to climb up in the bed and snuggle with Tippy. She's already up there and I hear her snoring.

BOB

[CountryMom4Him]

WTG Jackie getting Bob out of hiding. Good to see ya Bob.

Toni...hope you get a great nights sleep. Look forward to seeing ya tomorrow.

I ended up eating a giant salad with a burrito on top. Low calories but tons of food.

((Everybody))

Love and hugs,
Crystle

[techwife]

Bob: I just sent you a facebook friend request so now there's even MORE of us to stalk you!!

[techwife]

Oh...its WIW, isn't it. Mine's about the same. So, I'm just leaving it.

I have some hair to do this week. Which is good because it gives me some food money. I am being persistant in making sure I leave time for ME and my sanity. I had a customer today that wanted me to come over tomorrow, but I already have a color and a cut and that should take me till about noon and at that time, I need to get home for lunch and to pick up the house and things. Friday I have another haircut...a flat top for a really sweet man in a wheelchair. I just love him and his wife. Absolute sweethearts. So, I'll do the other haircuts after school is out and hopefully Derek has the van back by then. The haircuts are outside of town and I could ride my bike there, but not in SNOW. Anyhow...I just have to remind myself to keep a steady pace and save time for ME.

Okay...I have to run along now. I'm drinking my decaf Red Rose tea. I love the stuff...I can have it with no sugar/splenda or cream. Its so good. And I love the ceramic figurines...I have them all along my windowsill in my kitchen.

G'night!