Yeah I like our vet. It is a husband and wife team. They make it so much easier since I have 4 cats that totally freak out if they see the cat carrier. Plus it would take forever to try to get them all there and done with.

I am not sure I would have the guts to be there when one of my animals had to be put to sleep either but I am sure I would regret it forever if I wasnt. Such a hard decision to have to make.

I have been good for the last 2 days but I bought some Rold Gold cheddar cheese pretzels. YUM!! Those would make a great craving food and they are lowfat. I have been sticking to my serving size so so far so good.

Hey ladies. Nothing much going on here. I'm back OP as of yesterday and today after the usual Sunday overindulgence. I'm feeling pretty darn good after a week of clean eating . It's been a bit rough getting out there and walking again, I really feel it in my legs, but I'm glad my cardio endurance is still good--I'm not having to huff and puff up those hills. I almost hate to say this but I think I've got my mojo back .

Angie, I have a big bag of Rold Gold pretzel sticks too. I sit there and count out the serving size then seal the bag back up w/tape. I'm being really anal about it, which is a good thing in this case. I've never seen the cheddar cheese ones, but I'm sure I would have no problem eating them .

Julie, a haircut can make you feel like a new person and give you that little extra boost to keep you going. Go for it! I'm sure you're hairdresser gave you the over-simplified version of her weight loss story. I know for me when my former co-workers asked me what I've done to lose it, I would tell them rather nonchalantly "stop eating fast food and just exercise". Sounds simple, but it's not. You need to work your butt off and put the fork down! You need to sweat, you need to stay dedicated, you need to WANT it badly. Hehe, sorry to go off on that little rant, but I think you know what I mean.

Kempy, it must've been funny to see Joe acting like a little boy. Sometimes it's endearing, sometimes it's annoying as heck . Yup, wine will make people do funny things.

Dips, yes shrimp cocktail is an excellent choice . Good job on going to the gym even though you don't feel like it. I'm sure once you get there and get going, you'll be glad you did--your friend will be too.

Well, I gotta get back to work--been fooling around on the 'net for too long now. HI to everyone else and hope to see more posts next time I come back. Have a good one!

Angie you and Noelle are doing great. I have had to do the portion thing too. I am still doing it sort to with this plan that I am on.

Well, now Joe is at home sick. He doesn't know if it is a hangover our something else. I bet it is a hangover. See, I was the good one and stopped before it got too bad. Of course we all know that that is not always the case. I just knew that I had to get up and come to work.

So Angie how cold is it up there right now? It is 86 right now but the humidity is REALLY low. My computer weather thing I have says that it is 33%. Kind of strange when we are used to 100%.

Noelle I totally agree with you. She made it sound easy. Its not. It is a struggle at every meal or between them. Whether to lay down on the couch or get up and move. I think I may reset my goal to 20lbs not to lose 30. Sorry to hear about Joe Kempy. Its not fun to be sick! I am just trying to think what I can make for supper..... Ugh....Later girls!

Hi everyone- Angie invited me to join. Some of you I know from previous challenges. I've done well with maintainence, but admit I could use the support to stay on track with exercise. I do great with food choices, but seem to let life get in the way of getting my full workouts in. I'm glad to meet those of you I don't know, and hope to be a part of your group. Take care. Di

Evening Friends. I"m kinda dragging tonight. Feeling defeated, thanks to a friend who basically told me i'm kididng myself to think i'll fid a baby to adopt. Made me feel like dirt. Hurt me a lot.

No news on the baby front, as you can imagine. We've been waiting since Mothers Day,a nd are now home study ready. Meaning, the state has certified us, after 6 moths of background checks, and interviews, references and such. Finally done. We're prety proud of that. It was a long tedious process.

The Darn Pedometer!! Still on, and I think it is in fast mode. Makes like I"m waking 8 miles, when it's only 4 or so. And, the radio has bad reception everywhere around my house, but strangely, get near the water, and it's crystal clear, Country. I do not really like Country, no offense. But, I guess i"ll read the directions better, and try to calibrate my steps as Noelle had mentioned before.

I'll be back in a bit.

So, today is my day to think too much. I feel irritated by my friend, discouraged in my wait for the baby I've prayed for, and generally concerned about my hubby, who seems to be getting sicker before my eyes.

We're heading off to take a walk together, and hopefully i'll get this stress out of me.

In other news, I'm celebrating on Feb 10th, 2004, because that would be one year at my goal weight,a nd that's a big big big big deal for me. So, I've been at goal for....7 months now. Woo-Hoo! That's someting to smile about. Chow for now.

Chris you and I really have not had a chance to chat that much but I want you to know you are in my prayers. I hope the best for you and your husband. You are just such an inspiration for your weight loss. You should be so very proud of yourself. It takes a strong person to accomplish what you have done. Take care Julie

Heh jbbm, I could use some better-than-sex-cake. Yum! What was it like? Oh tell me, tell me! You know, this makes me think, I bet you could write some great erotic stuff just about food, with no sexual innuendoes (sp?) even. Last night, I was SOOO hungry and the smells of food cooking as I was out in the city were just so unbelievably good smelling. It was definitely borderline erotic!

angieME, too bad your camping plans were wrecked. But, yeah, no sense going if it's going to be no fun and besides, it could be dangerous. Hiking, I gotta do some of that. I used to go a lot and love the mountains and woods. Just haven't gone at all in months, maybe years now.

Any sign of that cat you found. She may have seemed freaky but she was probably traumatized or just very wary of humans, and with good reason. The few that would help her are far outnumbered from those who would harm her. I rescued a cat last year that had her paw mangled and was near death. She was wild and on attack mode. Really dangerous, she was but I managed to care for her and she got well. I found a vet who was willing to treat her even though she was literally feral, or just so badly traumatized so as to never trust humans again. She now lives two doors down and still won't let anyone touch her. It was a little frustrating but it's better she's like that then friendly and dead! Here in Tokyo animals are caught and bought and sold by wholesalers who sell them to labs and so, so the friendly ones are the first to be caught. I worry about another of my four who I found in a pool of blood last year as well after he was hit by a car. I mean, I found him then, he wasn't my cat and I took him home thinking it was just a matter of minutes till he died, got a vet to give him intravenous for three weeks and he has recovered. But he had severe brain damage and a broken jaw. He has recovered slowly from the brain damage and is a beautiful cat but much too friendly and I worry about him when he's outside. Well, I'm glad to hear there are other animal lovers out there and thanks for trying to help that little one you found.

dips, I'm still wavering on going to the States. I must decide soon though. My friend is getting married on the 11th on the Upper West Side. My aunt's in Brooklyn, uncle in Queens. I'm from Pgh and will be there to see my father probably (if I go) from early Oct. When will you been in NY and do you mean the city or upstate? It'd be great if we could get together for a bit. Are you just on leave or are you getting out?

OK, Kempyd, you asked for it! Ms. Bugwoman herself getting squeamish with the toilet talk!! I figure now you just HAVE to see for yourself what we're talking about so here is a link to the Japanese toilet. Now, mind you, I did not send you the gross one, which there was, a really gross one. Of course you can surf for it yourself if you'd like. As a fellow American I consider it my obligation to educate those who have not had the opportunity to expand their worlds, especially in such BASIC areas. Here is a look into the world beyond the doors (you know which doors I'm talking about!) in Japan! Besides, this way if you ever make it over here you can act like an old pro. Oh, Japanese-style, no problem! WARNING: Do not go to the links listed under this one, however, unless you really want to be grossed out!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2003.html toilet link


jackieO, How are you doing. Thanks for the support with the nonmoving scale. I'm feeling I must be losing these past few days as I haven't been eating much at all and I have been working out a lot. But I'm not even going to get on the scale. If it hasn't moved then it'll just diminish my efforts and they were fantastic! If it has moved, then fine, my seeing it won't change anything. Besides, the clothes will start loosening and then I won't care either way anyhow!

Noelle, glad you like my bone story. Yeah, the Japanese are some of the worst for the sex tours, especially in the Philippines and Thailand. They become monsters out of Japan, but then I think that holds for a lot of people, not just Japanese. The Europeans can be pretty gross too, especially in Thailand.

Oh, I have another funny thing. Last night was the second night that I haven't eaten anything after 6 p.m. and this is hard for me because it has meant not eating from mid afternoon and after a heavy workout in the gym, lots of walking or cycling home and maybe jogging in the gym. Now, I did have a protein shake so I wouldn't eat up too much of the muscle I'm puttting on but I still have been SOO hungry. But anyhow, last night I was lying in bed and I felt this rumbling. I thought it was my mobile phone going off. I have it vibrate and then ring. But I realized it was my stomach growling!!

Welcome aboard grizzlychick, good to see you. I'm new here myself and love the upbeat chatty mood of this thread. Hope to hear from you lots. What kind of exercise do you do? or want to do? Tell us more.

SvelteChicky, I'm sorry to hear you got bummed out by your friend's comment. But don't be. So, you're looking to adopt? Cool! Why did her saying that make you feel like dirt though? It shouldn't. I don't know that much about adopting but if you're just going through your normal channels and it sounds like that may be the case because you only mention the state then I do think it is hard to find a baby because they try only to get you together with the babies that are most easily placeable. If you're willing to give a child that is really in need a home, even if the child is from another country, handicapped, of a different race, etc. then you have a much better chance. A relative's friend found a little girl from Russia some years ago but they went through a lot to get her. I think they may even have had to pay. There are agencies who make big business doing this and there are agencies who are pretty legitimate. In any case, I know it took a long time and there were some disappointments along the way. I met this girl (who is now quite big) a couple of years ago when my father got remarried and she is wonderful. Are you aware of all the adoption possibilities? A lot depends on your determination and you're not limiting yourself to the children who are the least in need. Good luck to you and if you'd like I could put you in touch with the people I know who adopted. It may be good for at least some insight into things.

Hey everyone!
Wow this board is hopping! Sorry I've been AWOL- you know how it gets when you feel you are only whining..."I wanna, but I'm not doing it..."
Well, I have had the "CLICK" and I'm on a roll! It's really happening this time yep, gonna do it...
Well, I just wanted to check in tonight- bb tomorroW!
g'night

Ciao Ladies,

It's HUMP DAY!!! We made it to the middle of the week and we have just a few more til the weekend!!

Noelle- Don't give me kudos today because I neer did make it to the gym. I got home around 5 pm and I thought I'd sleep off my fatigue for about 20 mintues to make it to my aerobics class by 5:30. I woke up at 6:30 but I figured, 'Okay, I miss aerobics but I can still pump some iron so I'll go at 7. I woke up again at 8:30 and just said screw it! I felt bad but I went to aerobics this morning before work and if I catch the evening aerobics after wrk today then I would've made up for yesterday. I don't know what was wrong with me yesterday but i felt so out of it. I'm well rested today so I should be back on track. I was so tired I skipped dinner so I guess it wan't too bad.

GRIZZLEY- Welcome back!! I haven't seen you around in a while, glad you found your way back to us, we missed you

Jelynn- same to you, chica. Good to see you again.

Angie- You and your pets...you are such a caring pet owner.

Kempy, I din't realize we were on at the same time. I'm 6 hours ahead of most of you, more if you're on the west coast so I always feel that when I come on I'm by myself. Hope your hubby feels better soon.

Red- should be home on the 15th but only for 2 days because then I go to florida for two weeks. If you're around until Halloween then i should be able to catch up with you. I'm going back to the city and I'll be all over the place. I'm getting out of the military so I'll be home for good.

Hi JULIE- How's everything going? Hope you're doing well this week. How nice of you to encourage everyone the way you do, you're so sweet.

Svelte- The adoption proccess is tough, I have several adopted kids in my family and my aunt is about to adopt a child, she had the baby since he was 2 weeks old and the divorce should be final right after his 5th birthday. So you see how long the proccess is, but if it's what you really want, stick with it because it's worth it.

Well, that's all for now, chat with you all later

-Dips-

Lets try this again. I typed out a huge entry last night and then lost it when I hit enter. Then I couldnt get the sight to come up for the night.

Noelle, I agree she made it sound easier than it is. I know when I hit goal last time I got sick of explaining to EVERYONE every thing I did so I just simplified it myself. Maybe that is what she did.

Kempy, Is Joe feeliong better today? I hope it isnt a cold or anything. It has been really warm up here for this time of year. We have also had nasty humidity. Today it is gone again thank god.

Di, YEAH you found us!!!! We have missed you so much!!! I am happy to hear that you are doing good at maintaining and eating right. YOU definately inspire me, you have done such a great job. I dont have any trouble with the exercise but I do have alot of trouble with my food choices. Exercise will be a dillemma when it gets cold out and I have to workout inside again though. YUCK! I have been weaning myself into it lately. I walk 3 miles in the morning and then at night I have been doing 15 minutes on the elliptical and some hand weight exercises instead of my nighttime walk. WELCOME BACK

Chris, Is Chris getting sick again? I dont have any words of wisdom on the adoption because I have never been in your situation but I agree with everyone else. If you really want it it will happen so keep your chin up and positive thoughts.

redballoon, No I havent found the cat yet. I have taken in alot of strays and never had them just take off like that before. Usually they stay where the food is. I have been walking around the neighborhood calling to it. My neighbors feed stray cats so I am confident that someone will find her and take her in. I just wished I could find her and try it again.

Emily, YEAH FOR YOU!!!! I feel like all I have done is whine myself lately. I hate that feeling too. I think I have my "click" also. I hope so anyway.

Joe is better this morning. I really think it was just a hangover. It was nice to come home yesterday and have all of the nasty lovebugs vaccumed already. I have been doing it everyday when I get home. It is a habit. I can't believe that I can make vaccuming bugs a habit but not eating perfect.

Di I am so glad that you are with us. I really miss that thread too. we have few of us oldies and the new people make it even better.

Dips I gues I thought that you were really far ahead of me. Just when I am getting started you are finishing up your day. That is that way it is with Noelle and I. It is 3 here and she is just getting to work.

Angie I try to take in everything too. The cats and Joe put their foot down though. Echo was bleeding this morning from somewhere and we can't figure out where. She isn't supposed to go into heat for another month so she must have caught herself on something. Sorry to say this but it is 61 right now down here. On days like this I want to work outside. I just hope that this kills those bugs. You guys have been hearing me complain about them for almost a month now.

Emily glad that you herad your click. I love that sound.

Red I don't think I could use that. I think my legs would give way when I was hovering.

Chris what a terrible thing for your friend to say. Don't give up. You guys have been through so much I know that everything will workout great. Send Chris my best wishes. I know it is hard when he is hurting. Did he get better over the summer?

OK I really need to get to work.

To Julie, Jackie Holly and enyone else I missed i look forward to hearing from you.

Hi everyone.
Red do you really want to know whats in the cake? Ok here it goes, sorry if I make anyone have cravings after hearing this:
I don't know the exact measurements but it is german chocolate cake mix baked, then you poke holes in it with the back of a fork and pour sweetened condensed milk over it and then pour carmel sauce over the holes and top it with cool whip and crushed heath bars. Yum!!!!
Kempy glad to hear your hubby is feeling better. Those darn hangovers. Thank god I have not had one in awhile.
Hi Dips countdown is on!!!! Just keep yourself busy (it sounds like you always do) and time will fly by!!!!
Hello to Angie, Tonya Chris, Holly, Jackie and everyone else!! Bye check in later. Julie

Yeah- that cake is good! I've one similar with chocolate pudding as a layer and skor bar on top- I think they are very close to a Heath. But it's not even tempting me today- YAY

bbl- gotta get lunch ready for DH and the kids...