Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
I took some time for myself and had a little shopping trip. Now I have a big problem. I found two perfect dresses for my after pictures. I can't choose. Maybe I will post pics later and see if you guys can help.
Thanks everyone for the support that is given here. I truly could not have gotten this far with this forum!
Hope everyone is have a great weekend! Good luck staying on plan.

I would love to see both dresses and vote and what a wonderful problem to have, normally I can't even find 1 dress I like.

Mariah

Originally Posted by teacherlady79:
I hate spending the money, but I finally broke down and got some new bras today. My bras I've been wearing are huge now, and it's starting to show under my clothes--plus, I don't get the lift I need, anymore. ;)

I went to Lane Bryant for their bra-fitting weekend, with their buy 1 get one 1/2 off sale for their bras (I love cacique bras). I've gone from a tight 44DDD to a 40DD. Wow. WOW.

I told the saleslady that measured me that I needed new bras because I've lost so much weight. She asked me if i was planning on losing any more--and then she told me that if I lose much more, I won't be able to buy their bras anymore--they only go down to a size 38! :) I haven't worn a 36 or 38 bra since the 1990s!

I also picked up some new boy-short undies while I was there--my undies have been too big for a while, giving me a saggy-butt look. ;)

I think my training bra was a 36 or 38 :D I can't buy bras at Lane Bryant anymore because they don't go up high enough in size. I have to go to Catherine's or order them through a catalog. I can't wait to buy new undies & bras! I'm not sure when they remeasure for inches lost.. I thought my center said it was a month into the program but I don't remember. All I know is these pj pants I've had on today keep kinda slipping off my butt. I don't have much of a butt to begin with.. but Yah!

Congrats on your new purchases! I'm sure you won't have buyer's remorse!

Originally Posted by Rzrbackcandi:
I'm not sure when they remeasure for inches lost.. I thought my center said it was a month into the program but I don't remember.

THey usually do a tanita reading and measurements on me every month--sometimes I have to remind them, but they're pretty good about noticing and doing it. :)

My pj pants were some of the first things to go. I wore them pretty loose to begin with (for comfort), so they were the first things to practically fall off of me. :)

Originally Posted by Rzrbackcandi:
I was wondering the same thing. I was feeling a little hungry before my afternoon snack and didn't know if it was ok to have a HNS or if I had to do that along with my afternoon snack. I'm going to ask the center today.

I was warned by my center a while back not to go over the recommended HNS for the day (5 or 4 depending on your menu). The big thing is decreased kidney functions. More doesn't necessarily mean better, as I was told. I found this excerpt on line which can probably explain it better than me:

"So what happens when your diet goes far beyond the recommended level of protein, as you might do if following a high protein diet? One of the main concerns has to do with the stress put on the kidneys.

It is important for people on high protein diets to exercise, because it can help the kidneys flush wastes out of your system more effectively. Make sure you talk to your doctor before beginning a high protein diet, if you have ever experienced kidney problems.

Another issue regarding getting too much protein is leeching of calcium from the bones. The acids released by the body as it digests protein are absorbed with the help of calcium. So if you aren't getting enough calcium, your body will take calcium from your bones. The Nurses Healthy Study even showed that women who ate more than 95 grams of protein were more likely to have broken their wrist than were women who ate less protein."

Wow! I missed a lot this weekend. My highlights were saving $47 at the grocery store Saturday (sales, BOGOs, & coupons). FUN!!! And then 5 loads of laundry on Sunday. It's a wonder we had any clothes to wear. LOL And, pretty much staying OP except for lunch on Saturday when I didn't have anything available to eat (hence, the grocery store run).

Struggling Nicole - What a relief it must be to have your hubby home. Congrats! Not to mention he'll be able to come to your stabilization party with you which will probably make it that much more meaningful. :) Can't wait to see your dresses.

Rzrbackcandi - Congrats on your weight loss!

Boxerlady - Great job! Just stick to the plan and you will see even more results come your way. :)

Teacherlady79 - Can I hire you?! ;) Wow! I was tired just reading everything you did. Awesome about the fitting too. What a great feeling!

Razorbackbritt - All things considered, I think you are doing amazing on your trip. I love when restaurants have menus on line. That way you don't give in to impulse when you get there. Keep up the good work!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!!!! :cheer:

I had some bad things happen this past week and I have been off plan for a couple of days and it worried me. See, last Wednesday, my horse jumped a fence and was impaled on a T-post. Thursday, we had to put her down. Friday we started worrying we were going to lose her 2 month old foal also as he wouldn't eat, Friday night we brought in a surrogate mother for him, just to find out our gelding has adopted him as his own and won't let the surrogate near him, then the two adult horses had to learn to get along and it has been extremely emotional. I didn't eat at all Thursday, but I did manage to get the HNSs in, then I tried to stay somewhat on track over the weekend, but didn't do well at all. I am starting back right today. According to my scale I gained a pound over all this and I hate that, but I am back on track and praying it doesn't cause a stall and I will just start losing right away again.....

I'm back at home! We spent last night at my mother in law's (as its in the town we work in...our home is an hour away). I REALLY wanted to weigh at home this morning...but I guess I'll have to wait until my weigh in tomorrow at MRC.

Yesterday was good. We went to a taco shop for lunch with friends, but they had breakfast stuff....so I got Mexican eggs...eggs, cheese, chicken and veggies. They are normally served with tortillas, but I had a side salad. It was sooooo good!

We stopped at Braum's for dinner traveling through Oklahoma. Its a burger/ice cream place. I got a grilled chicken sandwhich and ate the chicken and veggies. Then instead of my bread, I got a scoop of their sugar free Carb Watch ice cream. They told me one serving was only 100 calories and 4 carbs...so I made that my carbs for the evening. It was a bit higher in calories...but its the choice I made.

Now that I'm home, I'm hoping to keep making great choices!

Congrats on all the smaller sizes ladies! I bought my first pair of size 8 pants this weekend. They are a bit snug fitting (too tight for right now) but they buttoned and were cute, so I bought them to wear 10 pounds from now. It was exciting!

Originally Posted by teacherlady79:
I hate spending the money, but I finally broke down and got some new bras today. My bras I've been wearing are huge now, and it's starting to show under my clothes--plus, I don't get the lift I need, anymore. ;)

I went to Lane Bryant for their bra-fitting weekend, with their buy 1 get one 1/2 off sale for their bras (I love cacique bras). I've gone from a tight 44DDD to a 40DD. Wow. WOW.

I told the saleslady that measured me that I needed new bras because I've lost so much weight. She asked me if i was planning on losing any more--and then she told me that if I lose much more, I won't be able to buy their bras anymore--they only go down to a size 38! :) I haven't worn a 36 or 38 bra since the 1990s!

I also picked up some new boy-short undies while I was there--my undies have been too big for a while, giving me a saggy-butt look. ;)

Too bad we aren't in the same state - I went shopping at Lane Bryant as well for bras and undies!!! I too went down two whole sizes in everything. I managed to get some tank tops too that I can wear to work! I also found some great yoga pants at Old Navy!!

Originally Posted by GoalBound:
I had some bad things happen this past week and I have been off plan for a couple of days and it worried me. See, last Wednesday, my horse jumped a fence and was impaled on a T-post. Thursday, we had to put her down. Friday we started worrying we were going to lose her 2 month old foal also as he wouldn't eat, Friday night we brought in a surrogate mother for him, just to find out our gelding has adopted him as his own and won't let the surrogate near him, then the two adult horses had to learn to get along and it has been extremely emotional. I didn't eat at all Thursday, but I did manage to get the HNSs in, then I tried to stay somewhat on track over the weekend, but didn't do well at all. I am starting back right today. According to my scale I gained a pound over all this and I hate that, but I am back on track and praying it doesn't cause a stall and I will just start losing right away again.....

I am SO sorry that you've had to go through all of this. :( I love animals, and sometimes seeing them suffer is almost worse than seeing a fellow human suffer--at least humans can talk things out and you can try to comfort them with words.

Truly, I wouldn't worry about weight gain/loss from during that awful experience--just focus on taking care of you emotionally and physically until you are strong enough to focus back on the plan.

I hope the horses adjust quickly, for your sake and theirs.

Originally Posted by JenB72:
I was warned by my center a while back not to go over the recommended HNS for the day (5 or 4 depending on your menu). The big thing is decreased kidney functions. More doesn't necessarily mean better, as I was told. I found this excerpt on line which can probably explain it better than me:

Thanks for the info!

Two questions for the group:

1. When you first started the program, did you notice anything different about your body? Like random swelling? Anything at all? And how soon after you officially started?

2. Did you ever lose weight when it is was that time of the month (and you stayed on plan), if so how much?

Thanks!
Carm

1. When you first started the program, did you notice anything different about your body? Like random swelling? Anything at all? And how soon after you officially started?

Didn't notice any swelling, except when working out (which is typical for drinking so much water and not having a lot of sodium...it happens to runners who drink a lot of water during a long race...they swell. Some sodium will offset the issue). So only swelled a bit when working out for a few weeks after starting. I was drinking 120 ounces of water a day, and eating very low-sodium (don't add it to anything, and buy low sodium stuff...only get it from HNS and naturally). So when working out, I would swell a bit.

2. Did you ever lose weight when it is was that time of the month (and you stayed on plan), if so how much?

Never. Even when I was on plan 100%.

1. Not really. Like razorbackbritt, I did swell some during exercise. Also, my period/pms has changed (even though I'm still on the pill). Stronger cramping, heavier period, longer period (only 1 or 2 days longer). It took a couple months before that started happening, though.

2. Only once. Last week. I lost 1 lb. I'm attributing it all to the SlimQuick supplement I started using the weekend prior (non-MRC). Probably because SlimQuick has caffeine in it, and caffeine is a diuretic (and often found in PMS medications). Honestly, I think the only way to lose while on TOM is with some kind of additional supplement.

Originally Posted by carmendmv:
Two questions for the group:

1. When you first started the program, did you notice anything different about your body? Like random swelling? Anything at all? And how soon after you officially started?

2. Did you ever lose weight when it is was that time of the month (and you stayed on plan), if so how much?

Thanks!
Carm

1. About week 2 after upping my water to 120 oz daily I did see some swelling in my knees and ankles - by the end of week 3 everything was back to normal. I have had some water retion (bloating with TOM).

2. I have not actually lost during TOM but usually have a larger than normal loss the week after (I assume I retain water during TOM, but this is only my 2nd month (TOM twice while on program) so I don't know if this will change in the future or not.

Mariah

Thanks everyone for your thoughts/experiences on swelling. I am noticing some swelling on my arms - and I think you have it correct - drinking SOOOO much more water than I usually do, exercise and the much lower sodium intake.

My doctor said she was happy that I am doing the program and I got a clean bill of health, so I figured it had something to do with what I'm taking in - and that is pretty much a ton of water and HNS'.

:tread: Back to the gym today! I still had my toe wrapped up from my ingrown removal so it got a little uncomfortable but I pushed through. I set the timer on the treadmill for 30 min but I was so close to 1.5 miles, I continued until then.. so it was 33 min! Felt good to get out of the office and go do that for my "lunch". Since I eat lunch earlier, now, and at my desk.. getting out around 2pm was nice. Two weeks ago I was doing 2 miles in an hour.. so I'm getting faster and that makes me happy. :)

The consultant that did my WI last Thursday, when I gained the pound (probably due to pain meds - water retention) called me today to congratulate me on my WI from Saturday (lost 4)! That was a great pick me up for a Monday! I'm going tomorrow for the Regulating Emotions Class and another WI.

Hope everyone has a great week!
~C

I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

I went on my lunch break to a nice hospital fitness center. Its in the town we work in now (and where we will be moving after I graduate). And they gave me a job to teach 2-4 times a week starting in May after I graduate! Woohoo!

They really want me to get certified to teach Zumba to kids...so I am looking into that as well. That would give me 4 classes a week, where if I just do regular Zumba it would be 2 a week.

I am so excited! This makes me feel not fat anymore. Surely they wouldn't have hired a fat person to teach aerobics...but they hired me! :-)

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

I went on my lunch break to a nice hospital fitness center. Its in the town we work in now (and where we will be moving after I graduate). And they gave me a job to teach 2-4 times a week starting in May after I graduate! Woohoo!

They really want me to get certified to teach Zumba to kids...so I am looking into that as well. That would give me 4 classes a week, where if I just do regular Zumba it would be 2 a week.

I am so excited! This makes me feel not fat anymore. Surely they wouldn't have hired a fat person to teach aerobics...but they hired me! :-)

:congrat: What town will you be moving to?

New to MRC and Loving It!!
 

Hi, all! I'm new to MRC, but not new to 3 Chicks. I've had several logins here--seems every time I try a new diet, I come here for support, lose some weight, get cocky and think I can do it by myself, fail miserably, and then try something new. I just got back from weighin--10.5 pounds in 11 days!! I am sooooo excited! I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, though--have to go to a conference for work and those are always set up for a feeding trough all day long. I'm going to take my HNS, string cheese, oranges and Melba--hopefully that will get me through.

Kathy

Originally Posted by Rzrbackcandi:
:congrat: What town will you be moving to?

We are moving to Fort Smith. We live in Fayetteville and I go to grad school Tues/Thurs...but my hubby owns a business in Fort Smith and I work there part time (M/W/F)....and we are building a house just outside of town. So I will be living, working, (and now) teaching Zumba there after I graduate in May!

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

I went on my lunch break to a nice hospital fitness center. Its in the town we work in now (and where we will be moving after I graduate). And they gave me a job to teach 2-4 times a week starting in May after I graduate! Woohoo!

They really want me to get certified to teach Zumba to kids...so I am looking into that as well. That would give me 4 classes a week, where if I just do regular Zumba it would be 2 a week.

I am so excited! This makes me feel not fat anymore. Surely they wouldn't have hired a fat person to teach aerobics...but they hired me! :-)

That is amazing! Congratulations!

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
We are moving to Fort Smith. We live in Fayetteville and I go to grad school Tues/Thurs...but my hubby owns a business in Fort Smith and I work there part time (M/W/F)....and we are building a house just outside of town. So I will be living, working, (and now) teaching Zumba there after I graduate in May!

Darn! I was hoping you would be moving to the north toward Bentonville :-) I can't believe you guys make that drive but it's got to be great building a house and graduating! Two huge things. Good luck with everything.

~C

Choices??
 

Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

I went on my lunch break to a nice hospital fitness center. Its in the town we work in now (and where we will be moving after I graduate). And they gave me a job to teach 2-4 times a week starting in May after I graduate! Woohoo!

They really want me to get certified to teach Zumba to kids...so I am looking into that as well. That would give me 4 classes a week, where if I just do regular Zumba it would be 2 a week.

I am so excited! This makes me feel not fat anymore. Surely they wouldn't have hired a fat person to teach aerobics...but they hired me! :-)

Yay! Congratulations!

And you are absolutely right--they don't hire fat people to teach aerobics! They hire fit people! ::)

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

Def. the darker one. They both look terrific, but the darker one is the winner. My hubby is standing over my shoulder and said the same thing :) So, from both a male and female perspective, we vote the blue one.

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

I agree with Ashley-- definitely the blue one. It looks nicer in the photograph. The white one is cute, but in the photo (probably because of the way cameras pick up the lighting/flash) it kind of washes you out and makes you look plain. The darker one is stunning on you!

You look fantastic!

That would be a bummer if you have to miss the party, but I'm glad that things are moving forward on your son's diagnosis/treatment.

Honestly, if you end up having to miss the party, this is what I would do: A nice dinner out with the family, wearing the blue dress, then go out and get a new family photo done (somewhere not to expensive), to include a couple poses of just you--no one else--to get a really great "after" picture and show off your weight loss. :)

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

I vote blue - you look amazing in it! I'm glad is being admitted and hope that they can help. I also hope you can make it back for the game and the party, but if not . . . I agree with teacherlady that you should go out and celebrate!

Mariah

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

So Awesome!!! Congrats! :bravo:

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

EIther is gorgeous - congratulations - you look fantastic!

Originally Posted by Razorbackbritt:
I got a job teaching Zumba today!!!

I went on my lunch break to a nice hospital fitness center. Its in the town we work in now (and where we will be moving after I graduate). And they gave me a job to teach 2-4 times a week starting in May after I graduate! Woohoo!

They really want me to get certified to teach Zumba to kids...so I am looking into that as well. That would give me 4 classes a week, where if I just do regular Zumba it would be 2 a week.

I am so excited! This makes me feel not fat anymore. Surely they wouldn't have hired a fat person to teach aerobics...but they hired me! :-)

That is so awesome!!!! :congrat:

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

The white one looks great on you, but I LOVE the blue one. And, I agree with Teachlady's suggestion. If you can't go to the center's stabilization party, have your own! What you did is quite an accomplishment that should be celebrated!!!! :cheer:

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

I agree with everyone! Both of them are great but the darker one makes you shine a bit more. Good luck with your son.. I hope everything works out for your family.

Laughed at myself this morning....
 

I was running a bit late for work this morning but I think it was for a great reason! I put on a pair of jeans, they were baggy.. put on another pair, they were baggy. So I went to my "haven't worn in years" stack of jeans - tried on a pair and they were still too snug. I started to get frustrated because I kept thinking.. I'm late.. I'm late but not for a very important date.. just work. Then I sat on the bed and thought for a minute. Am I really getting frustrated because I have to find a SMALLER pair of jeans!?! Really?!?! So then I just laughed. I think my two boys (yorkies) thought I was going insane. The next pair of jeans I tried on, fit! I haven't worn these jeans in over 4 years! Just thankful I kept my smaller jeans because I knew one day I would weart them again.. and I am! :carrot:

Teacherlady, I just noticed how close you are getting! That must be so exciting, only 7 pounds to go!!

Originally Posted by struggling Nicole:
Here are the two dresses. I am just notsure what to do. I'm leaning more towards the blue one.

I'm kind of scared now that we might not be able to go to the stabilization party. My son is getting admitted to the Minnesota Epilepsy Group next tuesday. We are not sure how long we will have to stay. Hope we make it back in time for the Husker Spring game on Saturday (family tradition to go every year) and for the stabilization party on the 18th.

Definately the darker one.You look fantastic.. Both dresses are lovely, but I like the darker one..

Patzi

Hello..

My weigh in today went well.. I lost 2 pounds, bringing me 2 pounds below goal, so that is a good thing.. I did not do the full stabilization, I did what the counselor suggested , I took half of things to add , and it worked out well.

This week is week 5, and I am to add fat.. I can have one tablespoon of peanut butter and that is great, as when I have a real hunger feeling, I can take the peanut butter and it stops it within minutes. This week is nice, can add cream cheese, avocado, peanut butter, some nuts, I think they are almonds, and they have increased some of the other add ons to daily vs. 3 times a week, but they suggest I not do that with my history, until I feel ready.

So nice to have half an english muffin, winter squash, etc., soy milk.

If any questions please feel free to ask .

For those who order from Diet Direct, they have a sale on the liquid gel drinks, which are same as MRC liquid drinks, not the powdered, but the liquid.

Forgot to mention, struggling Nicole, you look very THIN & great in those pictures. I think you mentioned you were close to goal.

Patzi

Originally Posted by Rzrbackcandi:
I was running a bit late for work this morning but I think it was for a great reason! I put on a pair of jeans, they were baggy.. put on another pair, they were baggy. So I went to my "haven't worn in years" stack of jeans - tried on a pair and they were still too snug. I started to get frustrated because I kept thinking.. I'm late.. I'm late but not for a very important date.. just work. Then I sat on the bed and thought for a minute. Am I really getting frustrated because I have to find a SMALLER pair of jeans!?! Really?!?! So then I just laughed. I think my two boys (yorkies) thought I was going insane. The next pair of jeans I tried on, fit! I haven't worn these jeans in over 4 years! Just thankful I kept my smaller jeans because I knew one day I would weart them again.. and I am! :carrot:

Great.. Happy for you. Isn't it a wonderful feeling?
Patzi

Oh my. What a morning. Weighed in and lost nothing. NOTHING. I was soooo good all last week and this weekend traveling...and still lost nothing. When I sat down to put my shoes back on, I started crying. "...I can't justify working so hard and having no results. Its a waste of money. My weeks run out at the end of May. I'm out of time...." It all hit me.

The center manager (luckily) jumped in the room to help. (I'm not a huge fan of the consultant who I was meeting with, she talks all the time about being naturally thin, so I don't think she relates to me).... and the manager suggested I do two weeks of meta-protein. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

The menu looks soooo different from what is "normal" to me now on MRC.

Breakfast: one serving from the chicken, turkey, bison etc group (group A) OR one from egg, cheese group (group b), one fat (canola, olive, walnut oils, etc), and one other fat (cream cheese, one slice bacon, butter, cream), and one serving veggies.

Lunch and dinner: Protein group A AND B, fat, other fat, vegggie.

And 3 clear HNS daily.

Seems like so much extra bad stuff with the other fats and whatnot...but I'm giving it a try. I'm just a little concerned about next weekend when I will be a bridesmaid in a wedding 10 hours away. I guess I will pack myself a cooler of food and live on what I bring and just tell my bride friend sorry that I'm not indulging in everything.

Ya'll something's gotta give. We looked at my chart, and I've basically been 4-5 weeks without a substantial loss. I heard a song on the radio that really hit home, and I added a quote to my siggy from it. I'm a change in the making (let's hope!).

[QUOTE=Razorbackbritt;3792413]Oh my. What a morning. Weighed in and lost nothing. NOTHING. I was soooo good all last week and this weekend traveling...and still lost nothing. When I sat down to put my shoes back on, I started crying. "...I can't justify working so hard and having no results. Its a waste of money. My weeks run out at the end of May. I'm out of time...." It all hit me.


Aww - sorry to hear this. :?: I hope the new plan works for you.

~C

Originally Posted by patzi:
Hello..

My weigh in today went well.. I lost 2 pounds, bringing me 2 pounds below goal, so that is a good thing.. I did not do the full stabilization, I did what the counselor suggested , I took half of things to add , and it worked out well.

Thanks for the update Patzi. I'm a long way from stabilization but I'm glad things are working for you!
~C