Hi its me judi...I am in Ft. Worth Texas on a bad computer connection, hope to check in SOON!

We went to NM, OK. and then have been here for a week, just didn't feel like going home yet.

Southern cookin' might undo MT!

Hi ladies, judi - you are getting really close to my neck of the woods. Glad you are having fun. Cheryl, glad you had fun on your trip and that you enjoy Hot Springs, the Arlington is such fun.

Work starts on the 22nd of this month, but my room is ready to be put back together so I'll be going in 2 or 3 days this week to work on that. Tomorrow will be my official start date to get back on the program w/ food and exercise. I am eating on plan today but will start exercising tomorrow. I am not sure what workouts yet, got to figure that out today.

I promise to start posting more. I have been slack the last few weeks, but look forward to getting back into the groove w/ accountability to you guys.

Hope you all have a good weekend.

Rain rain go away!
 

We have had just about 2 weeks of this weather. It is sooo humid and we are having torrential downpours at times. We just can't seem to get out of this weather pattern. DH has been keeping track of our rain gauge and we've had almost 5" of rain during the week. They say this weather pattern should break by Wed. I hope so.

judi, good to hear from you. You really are doing some traveling. Glad you're enjoying yourself.

ledom, it doesn't seem possible that you'll be going back to work a week from this coming Fri. Where has the summer gone??? How did the exercising go?

Cheryl, Nashua, NH is about 1 1/2 hr. give or take...drive south from where I live. Did you stop at the Pheasant Lane Mall while you were there? That's a great mall. I have a cousin who lives in Lexington (not the one who comes for her 2 week vacation). Did you see anything in Boston while you were there? Have a good time in Hot Springs.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Hey Alice and the rest of the gang. Ugh, sounds like too much rain! We have had the most pleasant summer this year. It hasn't gotten really really hot yet and now that it is mid-August, maybe it won't. We could use a little rain now, but it has been pretty steady throughout the summer w/ no real drought.

Yesterday I started back w/ food. Today I did my first Upper Body Workout. It felt great. Glad to be back in the groove. I am going back to BFL for this next go around. I hope to add a little extra cardio and eliminate a few carbs. Wish me luck, cause I sure could use it. I plan to have free meal instead of free day for this challenge.

This is the final stretch into my 50th b'day. Hope I can be proud of myself on that day w/ some major pounds lost by then.

Just a quick check-in this a.m. I am happy to be back w/ BFL, it feels right. Just finished my morning walk and will be showering and going in to work in a bit.

I am so tired of spinning my wheels w/ dieting. It is obvious I need to go to greater extremes to get rid of body fat. It seems that it take a lot for me to just keep the status quo, no use complaining. I have been trying to come up w/ some ideas that will finally make the difference. I am going to start paying more attention to numbers. One idea is to make a graph to chart my weight. That was really helpful to me years ago when I was doing DietCenter. That is the one time I lost major lbs., of course I didn't keep it off but I am thinking back to what I was doing then. I know it was way low on carbs. I believe I will also set some goal weights to reach. Just small increments.

Fall is always a good time for me to start new things so here goes.

D and I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean yesterday. What fun! If you are a Johnny Depp fan this is the movie, he has lots of screen time. I hate sword fight movies, but somehow if it is JD doing the scenes it is ok!

You traveling girls be careful on the road.

Good evening....
 

ledom, glad you liked the movie. I'm not one for sword fighting movies either, but The Pirates of the Caribbean looked intriguing. When will you be turning 50? This is a good age to be, believe it or not. Good luck to you on this next round of BFL. Have you been on fitday.com? I believe they have all sorts of graphs to chart your progress.

We have had an awful lot of rain these past couple of weeks. The southwestern part of NH got hit very hard with roads washing out. One state route washed out, they were in the process of fixing it when more rain fell and washed the road out again. A couple of towns north of us that abut a river had flood warnings out a few days ago.

Enjoy your evening everyone.

Morning Alice, I am just back from my morning walk. On Sun. I started a new exercise routine and boy am I sore. Went kayaking last night hoping for some full moon paddling but there was a cloud cover. It was still beautiful. The water was perfectly calm at sundown, so peaceful.

The threat of flood is no fun. Today I am going in to work to put back together my classroom that was flooded in May. What a lot of work ahead!

Hope you traveling gals are having fun. Cheryl, you haven't had the sunniest trip to H.S., but also not the hottest either. Can you belive how pleasant this summer has been so far?

Brody is in my lap now, still a sweetheart. D found one of his baby teeth last night. When I looked in his mouth he looks like an old man, many missing teeth. And now that I think about it, his bites haven't been so ouchy lately!

Hey ledom,
 

Our weather pattern is supposed to break today. I can assure you it can't come too soon!

I walked 5 days last week, but haven't walked a bit so far this week. I really haven't been feeling up to par. I either have come down with a cold or my allergies are kicking up with all these damp conditions we've been having for the past couple of weeks. I feel better today, but had felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

Good luck getting your classroom in order from the flood last spring. You do have your work cut out for you.

AWWW, you have one of Brody's baby teeth. I found a few of Lacee's when she lost her baby teeth and kept them. Out of all the animals we've had, her's are the first baby teeth I've ever found.

judi, Cheryl, hope you both are having a good time on your trips.

Have a great day everyone.

Alice,

I hope you are feeling better by now. Summer colds are no fun. This afternoon my throat is feeling scratchy - it could be all the dusting and cleaning I have been doing this week though that is irritating it.

Yesterday I logged on to fitday and calculated my calories for the day. I plan to do that for a while. I hope that I can renew my weight loss efforts. I am so tired of working at it but not quite hard enough to really make a difference.

Hi ledom,

Please send some of your weight loss enthusiasm my way. I try, but nothing lasts more than a week. Just as I typed that sentence, it just hit me! :chin: A friend and I have weekly luncheon dates and we're both trying to lose about the same amount of weight. The conversation usually turns to dieting and then her negative comments about never losing weight and resigning herself she's just going to carry this extra weight. That carries over to me, then my resolve disappears. When I was going to WW I had accountability so I did have to stick with my diet. Next week when we have lunch, if she starts talking about dieting, I'll put my hands in front of my face with my index fingers crossed and hiss! :lol:

I am feeling better, thank you! I think it had more to do with allergies than anything. It had been awfully damp, with all the humidity and torrential downpours we had plus we had a tree company trimming overgrown tree limbs along the powerline on our street, then they chipped what they took down. Who knows what they unearthed with all their activity. Hope your scratchy throat is due to your cleaning. Has it gotten any better? Speaking of cleaning, how is it going with your classroom?

Hope you have a great weekend.

Hey judi, where are you now? Still in the good ole U S of A??

Hey Alice. I so know what you mean about your lunch dates w/ your friend. I had an interesting experience this week. I have a friend who comes to kayak w/ me 2 or 3 times a year. We are both heavy and we always talk about what we are doing diet wise. She is about 10 year younger than me and I see her going through some of the mental gyrations I am so experienced with. She was down this weekend and I almost felt offended (not quite), at how she seemed to take comfort that I have not visibly improved my shape. Her stint at Atkins that she was so excited about last time we met did not work for her. At that time I was gung-ho on BRX and we know how that worked out. I let her do most of the talking and just swore in my head that the next time I see her that I will have been successful at taking off some lbs. That will be Oct. 10 for a really neat trip we are going to take together (more about that later.)

I am pretty excited about tracking on fitday right now. When I started logging there back in the BRx days it wore me out, mainly because I was eating so much food it took forever to log it all. Now that I am thinking more about calories and eating much less it isn't the monster I remember.

I have been pretty motivated lately by Meg over on the Ladies Who Lift thread. She has been very kind to share some of her experiences in losing over 100 lbs. in a year. Why don't you check out the thread that is running there this week (LWL 115). She links up to another thread that is written by several successful women's weight loss stories.

Anyway, it has been a good week weight loss wise. With the one exception that I have lost the weight I gained the week before when I took a free week. This is what I have to move beyond, losing the same lbs. over and over.

As far as the cold, oh Alice, it turned into a full blown head cold. I spent most of yesterday in bed resting. Will rest a lot today too because starting Mon. I have a ton of work to do. W/ a helper working 2 days last week we were able to get a lot done, but I feel I still have at least 2 more days of organizing to get close to where I need to be before classes start.

judi, cheryl and cher - hope you'll check in soon.

Hi ledom,

Sorry your scratchy throat turned into a full-blown cold. Hope you feel better soon.

You now have an incentive for losing a few lbs. I know that you will lose some lbs. before you see your friend again. It finally hit me the other day, that losing weight all boils down to how many calories you eat no matter what plan you do. :idea: I don't know why it took me so long to realize that.

I will check out The Ladies Who Lift thread. Maybe I can get some inspiration there. Thank you!

Your kayaking trip in October sounds like a lot of fun. Can't wait to hear about it. Will you be taking your camera along with you to get some nice photos?

How did work go today? Are things slowly getting back to normal for your classroom?

Hi judi, Cheryl, Cher. Where are you guys?

Have a great day.

Hi Gals!!
 

It is nice to be back and read all the posts I missed you guys.

Have you had your birthday yet Ledom? Alice is right, the 50's are good, in fact this last year has been the happiest and most content year of my entire life I think.

Well, I managed to hang on to 9 pounds of the 8 weeks of MT on and off...then in Texas, finally OFF. But I am beginning a new 8 week set today and am looking forward to it.

We had such a nice trip. The people in Ft. Worth were so nice. I also bought clothes and shoes, shopping was good.

My garden is completely gone wild. I am going to do a bit every evening in it, I like that time best to work outside.

Are you still at the lake Alice? How is miss Lacee doing? Marley had to have a severe hair cut in the south, he was suffering even with the air conditioning. Well, the breed originated in Tibet and it must come down in the DNA because he was feeling bad.

Is your daughter gone bsck to school Ledom?

My BIG news is the I am going to be a grandmother...I am excited!!! I can hardly wait, now I am working on being a grandmother of a MARRIED daughter, they are dragging their feet about that.
It is nice to come back to weather as nice as we are having, high 70's.

Cher and Cheryl, how are you doing?

Judi! Congratulations on the new baby! Married or no, babies are special...

Ledom--I have always lurked over at LWL from my brief stint with Body for Life (which I'm doing again--starting today). I love reading what Meg writes (and Mel and MrsJim and Ilene......). On this go around w/BfL, I'm going to try to correspond my food choices with WW points--yes, I know that's frowned upon, but I'm gonna do it anyway. I actually think I can staw within my points range AND eat enough to life if I eat the right combos of food.
From reading your posts here and over there, you sound geared up again. I think that maybe your stint with BRx didn't do you as well as it could have. Maybe 12 more weeks of BfL will help you get back your va-voom.
Hot Springs was glorious!!! No humidity the week I was there and great temps! I think I must've pleased the vacation gods this year. Wonderful weather has been everywhere I've gone----except HOME!! :(

Alice--hope you're doing well! I guess what I've been saying about using the WW points system to track my BfL food choices this time around really ties in with what y'all are saying about calories being important no matter what type of diet you're doing!

Glad to be back--Cheryl

Hey everyone, it is good to have everyone back in the fold. Well, except Cher. Are you still out there Cher?!?

judi - a grandbaby, what exciting news! What fun that will be.

Cheryl, glad you had a beautiful vacation week. Yeah, it got really hot here too this week.

Judi, my birthday isn't until Nov. 20 - I am just anticipating it.

My cold got pretty nasty, but I am one to nurse a cold. I have rested for the last 3 days and I am beginning to feel it leave the house. Thank goodness.

Sweet dreams to all - glad you're back and posting.

its a judi...
 

Yes, I am thrilled about the baby...if it is a girl it will be "Ella" and if a boy it will be "Nathan". I like both those names.

WW Points: I am going to count WW points with MT. Those points are a good way to go I think...if you slip up and eat something "Off" the diet you can add it in because in WW there is no "off". I am kind of toying with doing ww again but much fewer carbs. And not eating any bread, is a biggy for me. I bought some Atkins baking mixes etc. when I was in the US and they are lower in carbs just for when I have to have something like a muffin.

Sorry about your cold Ledom,:( !

Good luck on your BFL Cheryl.

Hi there!
 

judi, Cheryl WELCOME BACK!!!!:high: We missed you guys.

ledom, glad that you are feeling better. I went into the thread you recommended and the posts were very motivating. Thank you for sharing it with me.

judi, a grandchild..what an exciting time for you and your family. When is the baby due? I too like the names Ella & Nathan. Congratulations to all of you! Sorry about Marley's new do, but Texas is very hot. How were Marley & Esteban on the trip? Lacee is doing fine, a little :devil: as usual. I haven't spent much time down to the lake since my cousin left. It's funny you should mention WW. My IL's came up yesterday. They both are on WW and are doing great. So, after they left I dug out all my WW material and am thinking of possibly counting points again because that was the only thing that worked before. Who knows how long it will last. :^:

Cheryl, glad you had such a good time in HS and that the weather was perfect for you. It's nice to see you back.

:lucky: :lucky: Good luck to all of us with our old/new eating plans :lucky: :lucky:

Have a great day everyone.

old new diets
 

Alice, you are so right on about that...I am thinking of doing WW again too, just low in the carbs and no bread unless it a low carb Atkins thing....I am so sick of fish, and face it...I can't give up dairy products for 8 weeks...I would sooner eat cottage cheese and count it as my protein...the thing is they ALL would work if I could be consistent and add exerecise and do it consistently as well.

The dog and the cat fought the whole time like a couple of bad kids.

Speaking of bad kids, mine isn't speaking to me this week because I am pushing for them to get married apparently I am so "traditional"...so is that a swear word?:dizzy: Suddenly I feel like I am very very old.

DH is going back to Ca. on Thurs. but I am staying home...enough travelling for awhile for me, however nice and it was nice.

Big smooch for Lacee.

Hi!
 

judi, KIDS!!!! The 2 legged kind and the 4 legged kind. :dizzy: Sorry that your D isn't speaking to you this week. Probably the best thing to do is just be supportive in whatever her decision is. If you keep pressing her about getting married the more she is going to rebel. Maybe once she thinks about it she'll come to the decision on her own to get married.

I see that WW is changing the way they count points. I heard that you get a set of points per day, then have flex points to use throughout the week. In the WW section of this site, there is a topic going on about the new plan for 2003. I tried counting points yesterday, but made a salad and put about an ounce of chopped walnuts in it. OOOPS!!!! Those walnuts cost me 5 points!:(

Have you looked at the South Beach Diet? If you go to Prevention's website and click on the South Beach Diet you can see what the whole plan is about. There is also a forum on this website about the South Beach Diet.

Lacee sends a BIG slurpy kiss your way! Speaking of which, I saw a pillow in one of the many catalogs I receive that says, "My Dog Can't Hold Its Licker" It is soooo true! I laughed so hard when I saw it.

Hi ledom, Cheryl, Cher

Have a wonderful day.

Hey judi- daughter's, just when you think you got'em raised and you might have a little peace and quiet in your life! I thought it was going to get easier when they grew up, my experience is that it hasn't happened yet. I guess we really do pay for our raising! But, I think Alice has good advice, at least you might not be tieing yourself in knots. At 19, my D has pretty much has decided what she is going to do and unless she actually asks for my advice I might as well save my breath. Not that I do mind you. Sigh. My big regret of the summer is that I didn't take a little trip w/out her, sometimes moms need a break! Hey, it'll all work out and you are going to have a grandbaby to love.

Headed in to work and I slept late so that's all for now.

Good morning,
 

My girlfriend and I had lunch at the Olive Garden yesterday. It was sooo good. I took a good portion home with me, which I had to throw away. We went shopping afterwards, and the insulated bag I brought with me only keeps food hot or cold for up to 2 hrs. It was in the bag more like 5 hrs. :( Next time I'm going to remember to bring a cooler with an ice block with me.

Today I am going to lunch with another friend. I am just the social butterfly!:df: This friend is up for the summer and she'll be going home right after Labor Day!:cb:

Well, I have come to a decision dietwise. Since I am tired of following any eating plan at the moment, I have decided to forget a dieting frame of mind. I'll eat when I'm hungry, stop when I'm satisfied, watch my portions, make healthy choices, and exercise. I did lose weight once doing this, but for one reason or another I stopped eating that way and gained a few lbs. back. So, I thought I would give it another go and see where it leads me.

ledom, how does it feel being back to work?

Hi judi, Cheryl, Cher

Have a good day.

ledom & alice
 

You are both right about my D....I will just give it a rest:(

Well, I am down 4 pounds again but it is the same 4 pounds again and again...up/down

My DH and the cat left this morning, so I am on my own for a bit.

South Beach diet is pretty restrictive, kind of like MT. I dunno.

Do you hear about all the forest fires happening in the province of BC.? Really bad, there are all kind of warnings on the island about not lighting outside fires of any kind, the island water level is low as well. We have ok water because we have our own well but as regards fires everyone has to be super vigilent.

I am going to Vancouver for the day:) Have a good one everyone!

Hey girls, judi the B.C. news hasn't filtered through to me. Be careful and I hope you get some good rain soon.

Alice, work officially starts tomorrow and classes resume next Wednesday. I guess I am ready to go back. I have committed to teach 1 class w/ 2 other teachers that I just wish I had not agreed to. I don't think there is any way out of it and it does mean extra money. I guess I'm a little stressed but I'll try to make sure to do plenty of fun things to de-stress.

The weekend of Sept. 13-14 the state canoe club has a big rendesvouz and I have volunteered to lead a group of paddlers to one of my favorite haunts, then on Monday I am taking a day off work to travel to Memphis w/ a friend to see Lucinda Williams. That will be lots of fun. The weekend of Oct. 10, I am going to kayak w/ a group of 10 women down 23 miles of the Buffalo Wilderness area. These women are serious outdoor folks, many of them working for the state game and fish commission so it'll be a lot of fun and I'll meet some interesting ladies. About a month later is the big b-day and I hope to rent a cabin for a couple of days then so I have made sure to schedule some good play time in there.

The last week and a half of my new diet regime is going great. I can't believe how using fitday has helped me. I also have a graph set up that I use to monitor my weight and that visible graph seems to be a lifeline in a way. I am at least aware of what I eat and what I weigh and I have knocked off about 8 lbs. Like you judi, the same 8 lbs., but this time I am saying goodbye to them.

Judi, this summer my dear sweet D decided to take up smoking! When I found out I just had the biggest hissy fit you can imagine. Not MY precious, perfect daughter. She was so defiant about it! I just had to let it go - w/ the exception that I wasn't to see it. I am not sure, but I think it has been a passing fancy. She's too smart to keep it up but I just had to let it go even though it just broke my heart. By the way, she moves back into the dorm Sun. It is horrible how ready I am for her to move out, last year at this time I was freaking out about it. I find I like not having a play by play view of her life. It makes mine so much more peaceful.

Of course I understand your concerns w/ your D. It is just out of your hands though, isn't it. I am watching one of my dear friends w/ her first grandaughter now. Her S and DIL have put her through the ringer, but boy does she love that grandbaby and she has a great attitude about it. Even though your kids are old enough to have kids, they are still growing up themselves. I guess we were like that too.

TGIF!
 

We had another hot day today, but by tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 70's. My cousin, the one who spends her 2 weeks in July here, will be coming up tomorrow morning and we will be going to a craft fair in the town where I used to live. They block off the main street and the vendors set up their wares on either side of the street. It's quite an affair and we always enjoy ourselves.

judi, I just got this week's edition of Women's World Magazine, and they did a story about Vancouver and all the wonderful sites there. The scenery was simply awe inspiring. You are so fortunate to live where you do.

ledom, your weekend in Sept. sounds like a lot of fun leading the group. Also, the weekend in Oct. sounds great, especially meeting new people. You will probably learn alot from these women who are outdoor people. Have a good time Monday in Memphis.

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

Goodmorning friends!
 

You part of the world is beautiful as well Alice. One our best trips was out to see the autumn leaves in the east. But it is quite nice out here too, that is for sure.

Smoking....my D. started smoking as a teenager and then when she found out she was pregnant she and her BF quit cold turkey and neither have had a cigarette since. When they would come to visit I would make them sit outside and smoke and dump the ashes into an old tuna tin. I do have a fabulous big Mikasa ash tray but there is a pillar candle in it.:s: But I hear you ... what is it with smoking and young beautiful girls...???? In my day it used to be "Well, I smoke because I don't want to get fat..." But then you would see those SAME people fat AND smoking.:smoking: Please any smoking lurkers don't be offended...just wondering aloud. If your D. Ledom has just started smoking lately she probably will give it up because it isn't that nice in the beginning. Maybe it is just a "I am seperating from my mom thing." Tee hee, but as WE all know if giving enough time we all become clones of our moms:s: I remember in when I was in my 20's my mom would say why are your clothes so drab ... all maroons, browns, blacks etc. and would try to entice me to buy bright colors and I would have a fit and say no that is SOOOO tacky. But ha ha:lol: mom got her own back this year I bought so many things black with monster colored flowers on them, as well as hot pink things and lime colored stuff. My mom would TOTALLY approve. She is probably up in heaven right now having a laugh. Mom's get the last laugh in the end...console yourself with that:smug:

You are going to see Lucinda WIlliams!! I have every Lucinda WIlliams CD!!

Good job on the 8 pounds too.

Have you started counting points yet Alice? I don't know what I am going to do. I have been doing all right with my eating this week but I am not on anything or point counting. I also am staying away from bread totally and carbs like pasta, beans etc.

In the US you can get a Spelt bread mix made by Arrowhead, Arrowwheat? It is made in the bread maker. It is so good and I think it is lower in carbs. I bought it at Fred Meyer's in the health dept. I sent my DH with the empty box and that is to try to buy a case of it and bring it back. He liked it too.

Well everyone enjoy your Sat.

Sunday...
 

We are having fall like weather now and it feels so nice after the heat we had been experiencing.

My cousin drove up from Mass. and we went to that craft fair. She bought a few things, but I really didn't see anything that interested me except for this one quilt for $1400.00:eek: It was beautiful though.

judi, I saw on the news last night about that terrible wildfire in BC. Is the fire anywhere near you? My heart went out to the people who lost their homes.

My point counting lasted 1 day. :o I did get something in the mail from WW about their new flex point system and coupons for me to join. I haven't decided whether or not I want to join again. I have a week to decide, as the coupon I want to use expires 9/6. My "non-diet" approach went well last week and I even managed to lose 1 1/2 lb., then Fri. came...the weekend is my downfall. Hopefully I didn't do too much damage. Doing the non diet approach I was not obsessing about everything I put in my mouth and it felt really good. I think I will see how this week goes with my new approach and then decide whether or not I want to join WW again. Have you come to a decision what you would like to do?

How are you and Marley doing now that DH & Esteban are on the road? A BIG HUG and SMOOCH for Marley.

ledom, hope your're having a good weekend. I honestly don't understand why young people want to start smoking with all the warnings out there. Soon smoking will lose its appeal to her. Both my parents smoked and when I was 12 all the kids were sneaking behind their parents' backs to smoke. Well, my mother sat me down and gave me permission to smoke because she would rather me do it in front of her than sneak off behind her back. My mother was smart, smoking lost its appeal to me and I never took it up. I did try it in my later years, late teens/early 20's but hated it. I have never smoked.

Take care and enjoy your Sunday.

Hello everyone,
 

judi-that is so neat that you are a Lucinda Williams fan too. Isn't she great? I have seen her once before. I don't have her latest CDs, I think there might be a new one out. My favorites are her very earliest ones!

Moved D back into the dorm yesterday. I am reclaiming my space at home! I know I sound awful! She is my life, but I am looking forward to a bit more peace and quiet.

Not much new here. I had a little lapse last evening in my strict dieting but not too bad and hopefully I am back in control today. Need to go visit fitday and log my food for the day. It is really helping me keep myself honest.

Monday evening
 

Lucinda: The first time I ever even heard of her was one of those compilation CD's that Starbuck's puts out. THe song that was on it was "Metal Firecracker" and I loved it so much that I started tracking her CD's down.

The fire is on the mainland quite a bit inward. It is a real nightmare because it is so dry.

$1400.00 US for a quilt...that what is called an "objet d'art" (?) right? I think $200.00 is a darn good quilt!

I had my hair cut and more platinum high lights put in...hmmm, I think I am looking pretty good.."get on outa here with my own fat self!":smug:

Speaking of Marley: You know how I haven't bought bread for awhile... well, today I cracked and bought some fabulous bread and I was slicing it with the electric bread knife and I felt drips on my the top of my feet:?: and thought what the heck???...I looked down and the carbo loading (deprived) dog was drooling on my toes...so the poor guy got the yummy crunchy crust. I froze most of the bread though, so I don't get back into eating bread again.

As you can tell I don't have any exciting news....

A friend and I are going out for a pancake breakfast this morning. We always do something special at the end of the summer before she goes home.

judi, the quilt was beautiful. It was made up of all 2" or 3" squares sewn together. The middle was this light pink floral material, then as she worked towards the edge she used darker material, and the edge was a dark purple. There was a lot of work involved, but I thought that was rather steep. It was that sort of craft fair where prices were expensive. Your hair must look fantastic....you are looking pretty good!

ledom, you don't sound awful about enjoying your peace and quiet. Sometimes it's really nice to just kick back and relax.

Hi Cheryl, whatcha been up to? Haven't heard from you in awhile.

Have a great day everyone.

How were our pancakes Alice? I love pancakes. Also, I have a recipe for diet chocolate pancakes that are really good if you guys would like to try them.

Just think about the time involved in that quilt girls. If you consider the time and materials and I am supposing superior craftsmanship, well $1400 probably doesn't cover it. Though I certainly wouldn't be able to afford it I can understand it. It sounds beautiful. D and her roomate both have quilts as spreads in there dorm rooms. You can buy some very beautiful manufactured ones these days.

Doing great on my diet and have let the ball drop on exercise! After I get this first week of school behing me I must not let work be an excuse not to exercise. It makes me feel bad that I haven't been doing it.

Very busy here these days but once we get going things will be better. Today is the first day of classes. Must get up and in the shower now.

Wow, you all sure have been busy little posters!!!!! :)

Sorry I've been out of touch for so long--they're still remodeling my work place, so I've been in a different county, with no internet access.

I went through a smoking phase. Decided it tasted too bad to do regularly. Anything that stays after I brush my teeth generally doesn't sit too well with me! For some odd reason, though, in the spring of the year, I still want a lone cigarette. Don't know why--I'm just weird, I guess.

I had a job interview on Monday. I think it went well. According to the unofficial state chatter, I'll be getting the job. I learned quiet awhile ago, however, that one should not count chickens before the eggs are hatched. (Learned that one the hard way, too--funny how you can hear a phrase like that your WHOLE LIFE but not appreciate it until you do something stupid like buy a new truck because you're supposed to be getting a raise and then have the raise put off for 6 months....)

Anyway, if I do get the job, I'll be moving to Texarkana (AR). That city is actually about 30 miles away from the job site, but I love the idea of no state income tax :)

Still doing awful on the weight front!! At WW last night I tipped the scales at 242 1/2. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???? I am all sorts of disgusted with myself.

Glad to hear all y'all are doing well. Ledom, keep up the good work diet-wise! I need to exercise more, too!

Alice--fall weather already? Wonderful! The first Arkansas State football game is Saturday, so we should be getting cooler weather in a week or two. I always equate fall with college football, for some reason--just love the way the weather feels during about the 2nd home game--crisp, sunny air.....Sigh.....

Judi--One of the problems I have with Body for Life is the major food repetition (re your fish problem). It's really hard for me to get in the protein consistantly.

I really like the new WW plan......All they've done is up the points categories, like, I used to be in the 26-31 pt range, and now I can have 28-33, which is what the weight category above the one I'm in now could have on the other plan. They're allowing more food. They seem to be touting wise food choices this time, too. And instead of those little recipe cards they used to give out, now they're giving out cards w/exercise for the different muscle groups.......We'll see. The program will only work for me if I work at it! :)

Enough for now!

Cheryl

Hi everyone!
 

Cheryl, don't be too hard on yourself. We all have those moments. Just dust the cobwebs off and start fresh again. Congratulations on your job interview. :bravo: Even though it seems you will be getting the job, I will wish you good luck anyway.:lucky: :crossed: Glad you like the new WW flexpoints. I was wondering what it was all about.

ledom, yes, this quilt was superior craftsmanship. I have seen another quilt in a gift shop similar to this one, but done in different hues, either by this same person or someone else, and the price tag was much higher. Yes, I would love the recipe for the diet chocolate pancakes. The pancakes were delicious, and as usual ate way..way too much. They serve you 6 pancakes, 3 at a time. I only can manage 3 or 4 of the pancakes. You can request a 1/2 order, but I never remember to do that. Needless to say I did not eat until dinnertime. How did the first day of classes go?

Hi judi, whatcha been up to?

Have a great day.

goodmorning!
 

Cheryl, don't be hard on yourself...it is counter productive, you have to LIKE yourself...at least that is what I am learning lately. It is easier to move forward out of a positive feeling then a negative one, negative ones seem to keep one trapped. That is great about the job...things sound exciting in your part of the world.

It is quiet here. WW has more points, eh?

Good for you on diet Ledom.

Alice, hhhmmm...pancakes, I haven't had them for awhile. That might be a good idea;) or for me maybe not...

I wish I could get settled on a food program, I don't get as much satisfaction out of eating what I want as I do when I am eating on a program:?: I would like MT again but it is all that darn fish...blech...I guess, I could substitute a lesser amount of cheese but that ISN"T on the program. I also have eggs made by chemists too (not the real ones) that is ok though, I just wish I could have something else.

Did anyone try the South Beach diet? I know you had mentioned once I think Alice?

Back at school already Ledom? Man, where DID the summer go?

Did you all see Mars the other night? I did, it was very flashy and kind of pinkish light from where we were.

I talked to my D. yesterday, but she got mad and hung up on me...I feel like I am walking on egg shells around her all the time, I can never say ANYTHING but she has a hissy fit about it...:(

Good thing I have mass to go ... it is a restorative for the whole day. I feel so much better after. After mass today I might go to Costco...they have a huge bin of perfumes, any type for $35. I bought Dolce Gabbana's "Lite Blue" last week. I might get a couple more:cool: Maybe for friends for Christmas, I discreetly questioned and found out favourites.:s:

Mel's Chocolate Pancakes

4 egg whites
1/2 c. cottage cheese
1/3 c. oatmeal(dry)
1 tbs. cocoa (unsweetened)
dash vanilla
2 packs sweetener of choice
Wing it around in the blender till smooth, cook like a pancake.

(Actually I don't blend mine, just mix it w/ a spoon in a mixing bowl.)

I also lay a few frozen blackberries on top when I get it in the pan. Spread w/ 1 tsp. of natural peanut butter and sf syrup. It's a great way to get in your protein!

The first day went fine. Lots of fresh faced eager students. It looks like a good group.

Have a great day all.

Good luck w/ the job Cheryl!

Hey there....
 

It got down into the 40's overnight. It's supposed to warm up later on. Yesterday I started out wearing shorts & a t-shirt, but that changed to jeans & a sweatshirt a little while later.

I can't believe this is the last hurrah for the summer. It went by to quickly. Now that the restaurant I frequented this summer will be closing Sun., hopefully I can get back to serious dieting.

ledom, thank you for the pancake recipe. It sounds delicious. How many servings does it make? I was wondering if I would have to double it for DH & I. Glad that your first day went well and that you had a lot of eager faces. Hopefully that will continue :D I have been wondering if the BFL diet would work for someone who wasn't doing the intense body building. I would be walking and doing some strength training but not with heavy weights. The non-diet approach hasn't worked well this past week, and I am looking into other options.

judi, sorry you are having such a hard time figuring which eating program you want to do. I'm there too. I did try the SB diet, lasted only 1 week on phase 1. Having turkey bacon & eggs every morning gave me acid reflux which in turn screwed my stomach up. After switching back to cereal and fruit, it took a few days to straighten out. I have been toying with the idea of starting SB diet, but starting with phase 2, or going back to WW and see what the flexpoints are all about. I like the food on SB diet, and the accountability at WW. You do eat a lot of meat, chicken, and fish on this diet. You can have beans even in phase 1. If you go to the SB thread on this site there are lists of foods you can eat in Phase 1 & 2. If you go into Prevention's website and go into the SB diet message boards, there may be some people who are vegetarians that are doing it. Maybe we both can figure out what to do.

Cherly, how are things going with you?

Have a great holiday weekend.

Good morning, The pancake recipe is for one serving. Also, I use 2 T of choc. instead of 1.

judi, maybe D's moodiness is related to her pregnancy. How is she feeling?

On your diet question Alice. I think BFL would work if you weren't doing the exercises, especially if you take out one of the 6 meals and make one meal carb free. That is what I am doing now and it seems to be working. Unfortunately I haven't been exercising much either - which is soon to change by the way.

I was so happy this a.m.! I had one of those scale kerplunk moments which hardly ever happen for me. I was down 1.75 lbs.! I have been logging my calories daily on fitday too and have had quite a few days in the 1300 cal range up to 1600. I am measuring my food. I have 5 oz. servings of meat and 1/2 c. to 6 oz. unprocessed carbs for each meal except one which I have a big salad w/ protein. I am on a big baked turkey kick right now. I have started going to a butcher instead of the grocer for meat. I figure I'm worth it! It is what I am living on and even if it is more expensive I am still probably spending a lot less on food now than when I ate everything in sight!

I don't know what has gotten into me w/ this exercise avoidance, truly it isn't like me. I have decided to give myself a full week of this sloth and then that is it. I'll keep you posted!

I am JEALOUS of your fall weather Alice. I am excited because our lows are supposed to be in the 60's next week! And I do think I might feel better about exercising when it cools off. We have been in a heat wave the last 2 or 3 weeks here.

o.k. I decided!
 

Mornin' gals!

South Beach it is! I spent most of the night reading about it and then signed up for the diet online. It is $29 for the first month and then $6.95 after, a really good sight with tons of info and tools. I can do the egg subs. and bacon substitute for breakfast (anything is better than fish):p And the 1st phase is only 2 weeks unlike MT which is 8 for the whole thing. It makes veg. eating much easier too. The website address is www.southbeachdiet.com if you want to take a look at it. I made a binder of the info I printed off. So now I am jazzed! Stayed jazzed judi!!! That would do the trick alright. I know we are getting down to the wire for the under 200 lb thing but I still have hope..

Had a great day yesterday! Went to mass, then my D and I went out for lunch, big long walk and I went to her new apt. We stayed away from the conversational mine fields and just had a great time. Mr. Bentley was beside him self with joy to see me.

Those pancakes are healthy pancakes Ledom! Thanks for the recipe, I thought they would be sinful ones:devil: ...I should have known better if you were giving the recipe.

We have good weather scheduled for the long weekend. Do the Americans have a long weekend too? What is it? It is "labour" day here.

Go judi - we must have been posting at the same time. YES a long weekend and we call it "labor" day. Glad you and D had fun together. Talked to my D last night and she is having a blast. Seems she has gotten her year started off right as far as having fun. Now for the study part dear........?

judi, glad your jazzed about the SB diet. There is a whole support board at www.prevention.com dedicated to the SB diet. You have to register but it's free. Good luck to you! I agree with ledom about your D. It's probably the hormones. Glad you had a good day with her.

ledom, thanks for the info about BFL. I don't mind making 1 meal a carb free meal I do it all the time. I'll look into it. Glad that your D is having a good time this year.

judi, You don't have to register w/Prevention to view the SB Diet support board, but you do have to register if you want to post. I wasn't very clear on that....sorry.:sorry: Also if you register you can pick which format you would like to view the posts in.

I just wanted to give you guys a heads up!! There was an article in one of the papers that on Thurs., Sept. 24th, (EST), the pilot for The Brotherhood of Poland, NH will be on CBS. The article said that the pilot will have all the scenes they shot from Plymouth, NH and some of the folks in town were extras. Depending on how you get there, Plymouth is either the next town to us, or 2 towns away. Hope you'll watch it or tape it that night.