Hi everyone!
My mood is much improved today. I watched the Dr. Phil show yesterday on bad things husbands do, and it cheered me right up. The guy that never bought gifts or cards for his wife, the bad dresser, the lazy husband, the terrible cook who loved to cook...and so on.
tryin'hard-loved the mitten thing.
I have just made plans to go to the hobby store this Saturday morning with my future sister in law to pick out wedding flowers with her. I am making the bouquets, bouttonieres, corsages, and flower girl baskets, and jasmine is one of the two flower girls. Her and my stepbrother are getting married in the summertime...another motivation for losing some more-I would love to wear cute summer dress to the ceremony.
After that I am dropping the kids off to grandma while I am down there, coming back up here home, and then going to the dance hafla on Sunday-so I have a pretty full weekend.
Today is dance exercise day, and I have a new video I am going to try for the first time with some new moves in it.
My goal of getting in more dairy seems to be working out well too. I need to start doing the diet Jello thing like Holly for evening snacks. I used to make a pan often, and I felt like I was pigging out at night because I could eat the whole thing of 4 servings for like 40 calories! It is great for renting a video and mindlessly pigging out in front of the tube on those occasions when that is what we feel like doing.
It also reminds me of my old party recipe that I have to make every New Years...spiked Jello. I make Jello Jigglers recipe using the correct amount of hot water, and when it is time to put in the cold water, I replace it with an equall amount of Schnapps in a coordinating flavor-such as peach flavor with orange Jello. I did not make it this year, because I really like it, and it has way too many calories...I heard about it from everyone though!
Aphil

Where in the heck is everyone at today?

Come out , come out wherever you are !!!


Nancy

Busy, Busy...been on the move all day. I should have time to post more tomorrow!
Aphil

Aphil - that is so funny ; yes, everything's relative. When we compare our spouse's faults to some of the doozy's that are out there - we then thank our lucky stars!!

Nancy, how is your arm doing? and the rest of you

I am sure that the tanning sessions are helping my mood. And the warmth in there is just so wonderful. So nice to be laying down, with hardly any clothes, but being surrounded by wonderul warmth. As I leave the salon, I have my coat wrapped tight tight around me, to try to keep that warmth as long as possible!

Have lots of jell already made, in single-serve cups ( I keep my yogurt cups, wash & reuse them) ready for my snack attacks!!!

Still feeling highly encouraged by doing my new tape, plus trying really hard on all my leg / butt work.

Have a great day, all!

Your friend, Holly

Hello!
I just got back from the bellydance hafla! It was SO fun. They had the local performance dance troupe there modeling costumes, and then they had some dancers at student level dancing for us. When you start, you go through the beginners courses I and II, and then Intermediates-and then you stay in intermediates until she thinks you are ready for performance level. There are a lot of people in the beginner I class, but as you progress, it gets thinner, and is mostly those that are more serious about dancing. My beginner course starts in 2 weeks. I was so glad to see that the performing troupe had all shapes and sizes...tall, short, thin, heavy-and all shapes. I will not be a bit self conscious now about my extra pounds still to lose.
There was one student performance that I really loved. It was a girl about 20 years old, who is an intermediate student and has been dancing about a year-and she had her little sister dance with her who is at beginner level-she has danced about 2 months. She was only about 9 years old, and a little on the chubby side and a bit nervous. They danced with veils, and after they started, that little girl did so well! At the end, her big sister just leaned over and hugged all over her. It was so nice-and I was impressed with the veilwork that she picked up in only a couple months at her age!
I have had such a busy weekend...I am in charge of flowers for my brother in law's wedding in July, and I had to go pick them out with his fiancee Saturday out of town...I now have a florist shop in my bedroom-enough for 7 bouquets, 6 bouttonierres, and 3 corsages! And when I get all these done and to her, I am doing 2 flower girl baskets and head wreaths! Busy, busy, me! When it rains it pours where my work is concerned!
I am staying the same this week with my weight, but my goal of dairy is going well. I am going to pick up the exercise this week and see if I can get the scale to move again.
Aphil

I don't think I've posted here yet but my poor tired brain cannot be 100% sure so I'm sorry if I have!

Anyway... I had me a baby girl on January 26th! I got my VBAC!
She was a big girl... 8 lb 15 oz and 20.5 inches (my first was only 7lb 7oz)! We named her Kairi Jean.

If you want to see pictures go here:
http://sedman.home.mindspring.com/kairi

A few more weeks and I'll be ready to start back on the diet bandwagon! My 6 week appt is March 10th.. then I can exercise again.. if i feel up to it.. I had a 3rd degree tear (ouch!) and so far its still not feelin too great!! I have lost 20 pounds so far though... but it seems its going to stop there without some help!

Hope everyone is doing well! I'll try to keep checkin in...

Christine

Oohhhh! COngratulations, Christine! Enjoy every moment and we look forward to having you back with us then you're up to it. In the meantime, take it easy!!!

It's A Girl...and she is beautiful. Congratulations Christine! She is just too cute, especially in her little headband

I hope everyone is doing well. I have been trying to do everything and I think I am going to wear myself thin before the semester is over. Thankfully I don't go to school in the summer and I am so looking forward to it already.

Take care.
Kina

Hello!
Christine-the baby is beautiful! I couldn't put cute little headbands on my daughter when she was a baby-they always popped right off! She is really cute! I hope you are feeling well, and we look forward to having you back with us soon!
Kina-I know how you feel about being overwhelmed and busy! I have so much to do-I have been working on my dance veil (it has to be hand sewn and sequined) and all of these wedding flowers-my hands are about raw-I had to take a break! It seems in my "work" (crafting and sewing) that I won't have a project for a while, and then when I do-I have 5 to get done at once! After the last couple nights of wading through Martha Stewart books, flower stems, and hot glue sticks to get into bed-he asked me when he could have his bedroom back!
My exercise is going well-I have upped my ab routine a bit-including abs on my dance days as well as the strength training days-since they are the only muscle group that can be done every day-and since I will soon be baring it in class! So-my abwork has went from 3 days a week to all 5 weekdays-but the rest of my schedule is the same.
I had an idea for a little conversation topic on this board...I would like everyone to list 10 little facts about themselves-so we can all learn a little more about each other.
Here is mine:
1.) I prefer dark/semi-sweet chocolate over milk-except for a yearly Cadbury egg.
2.) My favorite colors are taupe and black
3.) I have three tattoos
4.) My favorite cars a Pontiac Vibes and Azteks-just because of all the cool attachments-cell phone holders, coolers, etc.
5.) Both of my remarried parents and their spouses are very successful right now-and people who didn't know me that far back often think I was raised in a well to do household as a child-but the truth is that my parents struggled before and after their divorce-and didn't have the money, cars, etc. until after I was in college. My mother, stepmother, and I were all actually in college at the same time! I so proud of all of them for going back to school and being successful.
6.) I have a wonderful relationship with both of my stepparents-and am actually glad that my parents got divorced and found spouses that they love so much. (How many kids can say that!)
7.) I love thrift stores and Big Lots.
8.) My only expensive habit is that I love Yankee brand candles.
9.) I think the sexiest movie character of all time is Legolas from Lord of the Rings.
10.) I hate clowns and ventrouloquist dolls.
Aphil

Thanks guys...

The headband she's wearing was on just long enough to snap the picture... even her 14.25 inch head was too little for it.. lol

Ten things about me... let's see... I'll have to think on that one and come back to it.


Christine

Ten Things about me…

I moved to Australia in June 2001 to be with my soul mate and got married in September 2001. I used to live in Edmonton, Alberta, which is 150 km from the farm I grew up on and that my parents still own.

I have one brother who is 2 years younger than me that owns a farm 1 mile from my parents. He is a heavy equipment mechanic and works 600 km from the farm he owns. He has a fantastic, independent minded girlfriend who is also a mechanic. I hope he keeps her around.

I have one living grandparent and I still call her once a week. I think of her as one of my best friends. I am also very close to my parents and speak to them every weekend and sometimes I sneak a phone call in while I am working during the week. My parents have been married for 33 years. My husband’s parents are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary this year. That is very rare today!!

In Canada I was a commercial property manager and in Australia I am a Database Administrator for a national bank. I am responsible for the correct payment of the rent for 4500 branches in Australia and about 3000 in the UK. ($18 million/month)

I had 2 Siamese cats in Canada. I almost spent $4000 Canadian to have one sent here. She was like my child. 2 weeks after I got married she was stolen from my best friend’s house and we have never heard of her since. She was chipped and tattooed. It broke my heart and to this day I still regret not spending the money to have her shipped to Australia. My other cat is happily living with former co-workers and is totally spoiled. I saw him at Christmas and I truly believe he remembered me! We now have 2 cats here that we rescued from animal shelters and they have helped ease the pain of losing my precious Phoebe.

I have one tattoo, and 2 body piercings other than my ears. I have had them about 4 years.

I collect anything with hummingbirds (kind of hard in Aus) and wooden cats of all sizes, shapes and colours.

My favourite car in the world is the ‘65-’69 Mustang. I have a 70% restored ’65 hard top coupe stored at my brother’s farm. It is red. I miss the car a lot.

I love motorbikes and have had a license for a year. My favourite place to ride is along the ocean. When I reach my goal weight I am going to buy a set of custom fit racing leathers. Black with neon pink and purple, so that I can be recognised as female on the motorbike!

I am friends with 5 people I went to school with since kindergarten. I live in Aus, 3 live in Alberta, one lives in Scotland. It has been 5 years since all of us were in the same place drinking beers at the same table. I miss them heaps.

What a great idea!

1. I am 40 years old and have maintained my 100+ pound loss for a couple of months.

2. I am married to a great guy 10 years my senior who is a saint for living with me! We've been married 15 years and still kiss and hold hands like teenagers!

3. I have a 10 year old daughter who is very bright. SHe has many interests and excels at all of them.

4. I work 2 jobs. I am a teacher at a small catholic school and I also work part time for Johns Hopkins Univ for a program that recruits under priviledged children to its summer academic programs. I am currently applying to be a principal.

5. Both my parents have passed away, but I have a good relationship with 2 of my 3 brothers. Even though they live in Fl (I live in CT), we talk regularly.

6. I love the beach. At any time of the year, I find such peace there. My DH often says I'm a teacher only because I need something to do when the beach is closed! I love being tan and feeling the sun warm my body. (FYI--it was 10 degrees here this a.m.!!!)

7. I am a morning person. I would much rather go to bed early and get up at 5 a.m. than watch the 10 pm news!

8. I am addicted to Diet Coke. (I wonder if they have DC Anonymous???) I can tell you when it is 11:45--Diet coke time!

9. I love the color red. My students make sure I have something red every day!

10. I love to read cookbooks and recipes! I always make the same old thing for dinner, but I sure love reading about recipes that take hours and hours to prepare!!

Aphil-- I have stepped up my ab-work also. I am going to a great karate-aerobics class twice a week and he has us doing a lot of ab work. On the days that I don't go, I try to do between 50 and 75 crunches and some leg lifts. We'll be ready for summer!!

Have a great day everyone. Kina, keep it all in perspective and don't loose your focus-- you're doing amazingly great things with your life!

Looking forward to reading everyone else's lists!!

Christine - CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is wonderful. Thank you so much for letting us know.We wish you a speedy recovery from delivering (and the tear - ouch), so you can join us in exercising again!!

Aphil, your poor hands, dealing with the flowers! I know everything you do will be just beautiful. Your family is lucky to have you, as the talented, creative person to do the flowers.

Hi Kina! A big congrats to you for holding it all together as wife, mom, employee and student!!

Let's see, ten facts about me:

1. I was born in Princeton, NJ, while my dad was a professor at the University. (I did not inherit his brains )

2. Like Kanola, I earned my motorcycle license last year, and absolutely love riding.

3. We have had dogs since our marriage, as husband is allergic to cats, but I miss having kitties.

4. I would like to get a tattoo, or a piercing, in a private place someday!

5. Just two days ago, I accepted an offer for a full-time, year-round job just 5 miles from home. It will be sad for me to give up the seasonal job at the private club, but it is what I need economically, and will make the best of it.

6. I am so glad I made amends with my dad before he passed away. A lesson in "don't put off 'til tomorrow..."

7. I have two sons; 12 1/2 yr. old, and other is going to turn 20 in 3 days!

8. I make panoramic sugar eggs for Easter, and sell a few if I can. I'll try to get a pic of them here by Easter, for fun.

9. Secretly, I would like to be an exercise class leader, just for local ladies, informally.

10. I love to write correspondence, lists, whatever, by hand; I have a love of actual writing with nice pens, sharp pencils! My favorite pen is a Mont Blanc, given as a fare-well gift from a former employer.

I need to go do an exercise tape now; thanks, Aphil, for the idea of the list! Another way for us to know each other better.

Have a great day, ladies!

Your friend, Holly

I have been so busy today...I have been searching the clearance parts of websites from Old Navy, Children's Place, etc. to find some new clothes for Jasmine-she is getting too tall for all of her size 4's-and I need to find her some things to wear that are cute and on sale!
I have also been hand sequining on this veil for the past 2 days-and had to take a break, because I was getting a slight headache. I will be glad when it is done. Jasmine did the cutest thing yesterday-she draws a lot, and she came in with a picture she drew for me-it was a bellydancer! Now you have to picture it in a 4 year olds artistic capability-it had the cute arms in the air with an odd amount of fingers, and a long skirt-and her torso consisted of being an oval shape with a dot in the middle for the belly button. It was so cute that she even watched what I do enough to be able to try and draw it! She was so excited!
Jason is ordering me a tribal belly chain for Valentine's day that I have been wanting for my costume-it is a woven belt like chain decorated with cowry shells, siny silver bells, and antique silver coins-it is just gorgeous-I cannot wait to get it! He is so great!
Today is my abs and dance day for exercise-I really need to get that done-and I really need to eat something-it is almost 11, and I have been too busy to eat yet! (bad, bad, bad!)
I am finding all of your lists so far interesting! tryin'hard-it is great that you and your husband still act like teenagers! (My husband and I act more like little kids-we have as many toys as the kids do! ) Your exercise program sounds great too!
Nola-you will look absolutely fabulous when you get your custom leathers! My sister in law and her boyfriend do Motorcross type dirtbiking-and she just got a suit and gloves in black, white, and lavendar-and she looks so good in it-and everyone can see that she is a girl with her helmet on!
I hope everyone is doing great-I have talked my husband into taking some pics of me this week-so hopefully he will get to it and I can finally let you all know what I look like! (Don't get your expectations up too high now-Cindy Crawford I ain't!)
Well-I need to have a bite, and get my exercise in-you all have a great day!
Amy

1) I'll be 28 next month (the 26th) and my husband is 25.. got me a younger man

2) I met my husband on the internet (on a telnet chat). We talked on and off for about 2 years, each dating someone else until we finally wound up becoming available at the same time We have been together for almost 5 1/2 years and married for a little over 2 years.

3) I have 3 cats (even though my husband is allergic too!) and would love to get a dog someday, when I have my own house with a yard!

4) Since going away to college at the age of 18, I have not lived in one place for any longer than 15 months. Although, I am about to sign a new lease here which will put my total time lived here at 23 months by the end of that lease.

5) I collect shotglasses. I'm working on getting one from every state in the US. If I had to take a guess, I'd guess I'm about 1/3 of the way there.

6) I was born, raised and attended college in New York. Born in Queens. Raised there and Long Island. Attended college at a few different schools upstate NY.

7) I do not have a driver's license because I am afraid to drive.

8) I love to travel but unfortunately can rarely afford to. I'd love to someday drive (or be driven.. see #7) across the country and just take my time and experience the US!

9) I've only held one full time job in my life... building Lexmark laser printers on an assembly line. I quit after 11 months because I was having my first daughter.

10) I have an associates degree in liberal arts.. the result of changing majors so many times that I finally gave up on finding the right one! I'd like to return to college some day but I still don't know what to major in! I have too many interests!