Ah, a couple hours off and away from this place!! :) Just what the doc ordered. It was nice most of the day but the clouds rolled in just as I was leaving here and it was raining, complete with high winds and blowing leaves, etc., by the time I got home.

BUT WHO CARES!?!?!?!?!?! Rich and I did some work on the floor. About half of the living room is done. Now's the time to think about where some of the furniture's going to go, etc. I love it! :love:

Speaking of love, who said chilicheesefries!?!?! Tiger, was that you? :devil: Nah, couldn't have been our park-walking, great outdoors, healthy Tiger! ;) Ah well. Sometimes you just gotta do it!

And speaking of gotta do it.... I'd been calling the phone number on the "Coming Soon" banner where the Curves is going near my house. Finally got through on Monday to a machine that said to leave name and number and they'd schedule me for an orientation, tour, etc. during the week of April 21 for their grand opening on April 28. Got a call back yesterday right before I left here! Very nice guy who told me they'd had almost 500 calls :yikes: and that I was #34 so I'd be sure to be in one of the first groups.

I CANNOT WAIT!!!!! I'm very excited about this. :cb:

Hey DNW, hope you remembered to wave my way when you were over across the river in PA! Glad to see you back here on the forum.

Cafe, glad to see you check in even if you don't have much to say. I think we should all do that! Hint hint Dyan and Tiff. :?:

Quilter, thanks for the info. I'm still really nervous about washing the quilt but maybe I'll give it a try.

Well, I'm off to sneak a peek at Tiger's photos. And then maybe I'll get some work done. Boss is actually flying home today and will be in the office tomorrow. Rats. :( Gotta have some fun while I can.

That's my motto. ;)

Good morning ladies!

Tiger, I loved your pics! Esp. the one of you and your DH. :)

Jello, I'm glad you got your extra bit of time off! Sometimes it IS just exactly what we need.

DNW - nice to see ya...

All others I'm missing :wave: Looks like everyone is busy lately!! Got to get back to my work. I'll try to stop by in a bit...

Just a quick "HOWDY". Had a dentist appt yesterday morning and when I got back didn't have time to look up. Had a bag of peanuts for lunch........such dedication!

Tig, Love the pictures, and what a very nice looking family you have. I bought a digital camera, haven't had time to really set down and figure out how to do anything really neat with it yet.

Okay, gotta run. Bye for now.:wave:

Good morning, ladies and lurkers. The following article was taken from a newsletter I subscribe to. I thought it was good enough to share.

4 PROVEN WAYS TO NURTURE YOUR WILL-POWER
==============================================

- by Jonni Good
© 2003 Jonni Good - All Rights reserved
http://www.stress-free-weight-loss.com

Do you wonder how people ever find the will-power to
stay away from the fattening foods you love?

Here's a simple plan in four steps that will help you
create the persistence and will-power that's needed
in order to follow through with the decision to lose
weight.

1. Discover your true purpose for wanting to go on a
diet.

Right now, say to yourself "I need to lose weight."
Did that statement excite you? Probably not.

To be successful in following through with any major
life change, including a healthy new diet, you need
help from the powerful control center in your
subconscious mind.

So do what it takes to build a strong, positive
picture of success that your subconscious mind can
get excited about.

Can you truly say you have a burning desire to lose
weight? If you can't say that yet, it's a pretty good
bet that sooner or later you'll find a piece of
chocolate cake on your plate.

Work on this step - nurture it, feed it, build on it
-until you feel a compelling desire for change.

2. You need a plan that is reflected in your actions.

"Intending to" or "trying to" do the plan does not
count. Most people stop at this step, simply
imagining themselves taking steps towards change, but
never actually changing anything.

Don't let that be you. Find the weight loss program
that meets your needs, and then act as though it
matters each time you make a choice of what you eat.
It will matter, if you've paid attention to step #1.

When you get up each morning, think about the choices
you made the day before, and compare those choices
with the plan you've chosen.

Did you make sure that your plan was reflected in
your actions?

If not, recommit yourself each morning. If you find
that you never follow the plan, it may be time to
reconsider the program, and find one that better fits
your needs.

3. Do not allow any negative suggestions to come into
your mind from your relatives, friends or
acquaintances - or yourself.

They don't mean to, but many people who really care
about you will offer the opinion that you've chosen
the "wrong program" (no matter which program that may
be). They will try to get you to change your mind, in
the spirit of helpfulness. Or they'll offer you
sweets and treats, saying that "you deserve it, just
this once." Or they'll tell you that you look just
fine, and don't need to diet at all!

Don't allow this kind of loving sabotage destroy your
commitment to health.

And remember that your own internal judge may also
offer you negative, discouraging thoughts. Gently
move these thoughts out of your mind. If you really
desire a thinner, healthier body, you'll need to let
go of the habit of picking on yourself.

4. Join with a group of people who share your burning
desire, and who will help you follow through with
your plan.

Look for someone who is already losing weight, and
who shows some real excitement about it. She'll love
to have your support and encouragement, and her own
enthusiasm will be contagious. You can actually gain
a lot for your own morale by giving her help when she
seems to need it.

But remember, choose your diet buddy wisely.

Serious about losing weight? Then print out this
short list, and check yourself daily to see if you're
nurturing your will-power with your attitudes and
actions.

********************

Another beautiful day here - had a bit of rain last night. One of the men here brought me a huge boquet of Daffadoils for my desk. Lots of spring flowers and trees blooming now. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to trees and grass. Get my allergy shots every month so I usually do pretty well if I don't stay out too long. Had to cut the grass for the first time this year. We have a very nice young man in his 20's who lives next door and usually takes on the yard chores for us. My husband is disabled from arthritis and can't get around very well. I bake pies and cakes for Junior because he won't let us pay him but he appreciates desserts. Fortunately, I can bake them and not feel like I have to eat them.

Doing pretty well sticking to my plan for now...at least the scale is going down.

Thanks Quilter! I've printed out your post and am going to "study" it further. I've got to sit down and do some serious thinking about my weight-loss efforts. :chin:

Tiger, great pictures! Nice looking family you have there!

Well girls, I took my month or so off and had given myself until the end of the first quarter to make some decisions and make a plan of action. Like I just said, I've got to sit down and make a plan. I'm going to take some time this weekend and think hard about what's possible. Hm, maybe Sunday when I have time to sit inside and think because we're supposed to get ... dare I say it ... SNOW!!!! :yikes:

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the opening of the new Curves in my town. But even before then, I'm going to have to think about getting this body moving and menu plans and fresh fruits and veggies and all that other good stuff. I did OK during my sabatical from weight-loss. Had a little bit of a gain :( but certainly not the huge one I was afraid might happen. But now it's time to get serious again.

Hey, who's in for a new challenge for April? And are you guys planning another exercise challenge for April? If so, I'm in. :strong:

So that's it for my rambling today. Boss is due back in any moment and I'm so not looking forward to it. Don't know how the show he was at went so I'm not sure what his mood will be but I am sure it won't be good. Never is. :rolleyes:

But you know what? I've been in a good mood this week and it felt great! So who's to say that I should let that :censored: ruin it for me?

No way! :smug:

:sp: Got me some springbreak sleeping-in today...after I saw DH out the door at 5am. Poor DH. Sometimes I feel so guilty for staying at home...until the toilets need cleaned, the yard needs mowed and everyones hungry.:p

Does anyone have any great weekend plans? We will be doing the usual, working on the downstairs. And for variety, we might go pick out a new entry door and storm door. :dz:

Is anyone planting a garden? I usually plant tomatoes, but would like to add more things. I'm so ready for fresh fruits and veggies. There's a blueberry patch down the road from my house. Can't wait to go pick'n. :T

Quilter, nice article. I'm going to print, highlight and hang it on the frig.

Semo, get that digital camera going! I love mine. I take pictures almost every day. But, since I'm usually the "taker" I seldom get to see myself in photos. Shocked when I do.:fr: Strange I don't see myself the same way in the mirror. hmmmm.

I let my boys camp out on the livingroom floor last night. The mess awaits me. joy.

Hello Gals, and just where is my Happy Friday dancer??? :dance: :dancer: :dance:

Been all tied up this morning trying to get a new hire a drug screening! All the dr offices around here have quit using the company that we use. Poor guy had to drive 30 miles one way to take his potty test.

Okay, I'm on day 53/90 of my Power 90 progam!! I think I'm gonna make it! WooHoo. I'm not losing like I would like but I'm not gaining either! Hopefully it's muscle growing under this flab!

Thinking about calling my sister to see if we can do lunch tomorrow. Like I need to go shopping, which is what we always end up doing. I'll just have to leave my credit cards at home, and then I know I won't write a check unless it's something I really, really have to have. I'm really tight with my money when I have to write a check or use cash but spend freely with a cc.

Gotta get back to work, yes I'm up for any challenges. April exercise will be posted on Monday, so join in if you can.

Lub you girls (((huz)))

HI everyone.

Tiger, you're such a fun mom. Know what you mean about photo shock. Yow! But at least I know how to avoid the experience.

Jello, DON'T let them destroy your good mood. When they start to, set that brain to developing a strategy to solve the problem. In my post-vacation battle to save the good vibes, I have realized I need to do this a LOT! Pretty much daily. Even still I have had a couple of bad days. But I think overall it's working.

I need to get with the program too. I've been in maintenance mode for too long. I keep hoping that stress control will bring me to the point where the weightloss idea feels like something I'm ready to take on? I haven't gained.... but I've been in a "duck and cover" mode for so long - if I don't adapt how will I ever fulfill my other goals? Something in my life has got to give. I wish I knew what it was, but if I try to plow ahead I guess I will soon see what I need to target. I don't know if that even makes sense, LOL.

But I guess I still have to celebrate the fact that I'm not giving any ground and I keep trying.

In January I decided that my focus this year would be to live with greater awareness of the real issue and to attack the roots of the weeds in my personal garden instead of running from one to the other yanking and winding up with a mere handful of leaves after a LOT of effort. I'm not sure how far I've gotten at quarter end, but I sure needed that vacation because I spent February in total burnout and it really helped me to try on a new perspective. So this is the end of my 3rd week back and I've got to get over that 3-weeks-and-quit personal hurdle of mine and keep striving for the right kind of change.

Geez, you guys always make me start thinking and then I ramble. LOL!

Anywho, I _*REALLY*_ liked the article, Quilter, I'm going to mull over it too.

:wave: to everyone and happy Friday!

Hi SEMO... Just wanted to give you a WOO-HOO! on day 53 and say I'm so proud of you! I'm want to be like you when I grow up. :)

Shh!!!! :sssh: Guess what! Boss rolled in about 9:30 ...

... and rolled out 5 minutes ago!!!!!

Oh the heck with the "shh!" stuff! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!! :cb:

No old *itch today. No boss today. All this equals ... no work for Jello today!!!! :s:

Well, not quite but I feel much better. And I can come in here and post too!! Grinnin' from ear to ear!! Happy Friday!!

Semo, I'm with Cafe! I want to be just like you too. Day 53! I don't THINK you're going to make it - I KNOW you are!!

Cafe, I'm with you. I'm getting the stress under control (trying anyway :stress: ) and I think it's going to make me stronger to tackle this weight loss thing too. I like your "duck and cover" analogy. That's how I'm feeling too. Yes, it makes perfect sense to me. I especially liked the garden analogy. What a great idea/plan!! :idea:

Tiger, speaking of gardens literally now :lol: , I plant one every year. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, peas, lettuce and whatever else tickles my fancy. Our soil here is too "clay-ey" for underground veggies like carrots or radishes. I usually save a little corner for herbs but haven't quite figured out what to do with them when they come up. But sure do smell good. Hm, maybe my goal for this year is to find/create some recipes that use fresh herbs. :chef:

Huh! Jello? Cook!?!?! Who on earth said that!?!?!

Ah well, this talk of food is making me think about lunch. Guess I'll go now. Maybe take a little extra time. No boss this afternoon, have ya' heard!? :devil:

Cafe, you silly girl, believe me you don't! :lol: Guess I'm lucky to have a very short attention span, I get bored quickly. Therefore, I don't dwell on any one problem for very long, at any given time. Now DH can think a problem to death!!! I do worry about things but not every minute of the day. I guess, if I've learned anything at all, it's that you have to roll with the punches. If this doesn't work then try plan B and just never give up. 9 times out of 10 we worry about things that never, ever happen. So why waste time! Okay, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story.......

Big problem here in Jello World.

I'm bored! :dz: I've actually been playing computer games for the past hour or so!! Man, I think I'd rather be really busy.

Oh well. Some people are just never happy eh? :rolleyes:

Have a great weekend all!

Hey There Everyone!!

Tiger: You're husband and kids are really quite adorable. And your oldest favors you and the youngest I think is a mix ofyou and your DH.

Semo: You are my inspiration and I cannot tell you how many times I think about your progress everytime I think I can't do it 'cause I am too old and too tired....I have to say well Semo's doin' it and she and I are about the same age....you are shaming me back into action girlfriend!

Jello: I was in W. Conshohocken. Is that near you or are you farther out? Anyway the hotel beds were too soft so I was glad to get back to my rock on the third day.

Cafe: Hope all is well with you and you sound really upbeat.

Quilter: thanks for the article. And way to go on the recent loss.

I am slowly being worked to death...but for me busy is good. Still trying to get in only a teeny bit of the news in each day....not good for my underlying depression so I avoid it, at least until the Prozac starts to take effect. Also DN is a Vietnam Vet and refuses to watch it at all as he is totally opposed to this war and the whole thing is just giving him a lot of bad flashbacks.


Hello to all those I miss alot: Huntress, Tiffany, Brighter, Holly, Dyan, Kayla.....
Smoochies!! :grouphug:

Good Morning to All.
 

This was in my email this morning and thought it was appropriate for our group. I've seen it several times but still thought it was worth the post.

Send this to the people you'll never forget. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop," The devil's name is Depression.

4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that is all that you can afford. When they are in college, that is all that you can afford. When you are on retirement, that is all that you can afford.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be alive while you are alive, don't put out a mailbox on the highway of death and just wait in residence for your mail.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, foreign country, but not to guilt country.

10. Tell the people you love, that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

May today, there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

"The flowers of all your tomorrow's will bloom from the seeds that you plant today"

.................................................. ...........................................
Thanks guys for all the encouragement on the exerciseing. Usually I don't EVER feel more engery by exercising but I am this time. Gotta keep this 'ol bod in tip top shape. :D

Hey all,

SEMO: love the words of wisdom! Congrats on the day 53+ on your program. Definitely, an inspiration , woman!!!!

DNW: glad you are busy and sound better....

Jello: the master gardener....wow! You really have a big garden!

Tiger: nice pixs of the family! My youngest has that spiked hairdo also!

Quilter: nice article....have to think that over, also.

Cafe: I don't know about you, girl, but I could stand some warm weather stories again. I think it got down below 30 degrees last eve. We have frost warnings for the spring flowers and tender vegetation this am. Where did my wonderful spring go?

Huntress: Hey girl, how's it going? YOu got any warm weather to blow this way from TX?

Hello to Dyan, Tiff, Kayla, and all others I may have not mentioned!

My last weigh-in was good---I haven't completely plateaued but it is coming if I don't start my consistent exercising again. I lost the 2 # I gained the week before so I'm down ~14#. I have 5 more # to go before I hit the 10% mark. Slow but sure, I guess. I did try on a pair of jeans that I want to wear again and could button them but they are tightly uncomfortable. I'm sure that 5 fewer #s will help. I tend to like to blame any extra #s(or my inability to lose wt.) at this time of the month to PMS so I'm anxious to see what happens after Aunt FLO visits.

Gotta go....the weekends are my sanity.....many stressful days anticipated this week, both personally and professionally.

:cool: Hoping for a whopping dose of sunshine,

"Bright"