hello everyone.
Ceara... well going back to school is like well???? hello wake up call im not 18 anymore.haha its all i can do right now to kep up with the pace, i'm unfit just walking around the campus,and ohyhea i lost my car one day lol tried not to make it obviouse. I'ts hard doing homework and housework and the kids homework, haha im like srceaming hellp!! oh well im trying thats all i can do, im 33 yrs old and beleive it or not i seen women over there well older than my mother. so go fo it, haha i just dont know what i want to be yet//????? except a singer and they dont have that class over there lol.
by the way i also locked my son in a runing car in his car seat along time ago, it was my dads car and i dident know if you got out while the car wasd running it automatically locked, well thats what i did . i agree with ya panic time. the cops came and unlocked it for me, how embarrassing i was hoping they wouldnt get me for child endangerment,haha

well later and lighter guys, keep up the good work no idea what i weigh i gave my scale to my friend haha so i have to weigh over there....senamay

I had a big ol' whiny baby episode this morning. I did my weekly weigh-in and I'd lost nothing! So I started the internal rant of "you're working so hard, you're staying so aware of it all, you're putting everything into it now and for all your effort--NOTHING!" I was indeed a big honkin' whiny baby. Naturally my first thought was to have some of the fudge left over from Xmas at work.[yeah, that'll show me.] But I gathered myself together, did a reality check and remain fudge-free. So the search for the Holy Grail continues.....

I've lost all my Xmas weight---I mean I'm 5 pounds down from Jan. 1st. I guess I just wanted a steady loss of 2 pounds a week till I get down to 135. oh well.....soon, my pet, soon.

Punkinseed, take heart, my friend! Life is always interesting, huh? No reason to lose touch just because he won't be working at the same place!

Thanks for the words of advice and 'go get 'ems', I really appreciate it!!!

I/we have had a good day (compared to yesterday) with lots of long chats, mostly about nothing. I believe he's already got "short-timer's syndrome". Anywho, every time in my life I've tried to force or guide something the way I want it, it's fallen apart. So, with this, I'm sticking to my gut feeling of 'just let it happen - whatever "it" is'. I'm a happy girl, and that's what matters....

Senamay - I can imagine going back to school would be hard! I remember running from class to class with no problems - now I'd be winded until class was 1/2 over! (ok, kidding) Keep up the good work though - think of it as extra exercise.

Amarantha - Hey, 3 is better than having to go back to Wally World because you ate ALL of them!!! Good for you for getting them outta the house. Let them go live on someone else's thighs!

Eydie - Press on girlfriend, press on... With time, perseverance, and a lot of whining, we'll all get there.

I too must away to Curves and grocery shopping . I loooove grocery shopping!!!! Oh! and I have to check on my feather bed!!!! They didn't receive their shipment on Monday and said to check back today. (belated b-day prezzie)

Hugz all,

Terri

You've got it right, Punkin. Being a happy girl is the important thing. Still, I think we'd all like to see this work out for you. A little spice here and there doesn't hurt. But enjoy what's here and now as you wait for the next step.

Eydie, I was expecting a real whine. But losing five pounds since the first of the year is a brag. You'll probably have a good loss next week for all your efforts.

Empress, we know peanut butter can be part of a successful weight loss program - it's that darn chocolate that goes around it that's the problem. I'm sure you'll make up for it with exercise and all that driving. Hope you enjoy the visit with friend.

I'm getting the urge to go to Wally's too. It's been a while but I'll try to avoid the candy aisle.

Hello all!

Well Punkin, I'll tell you what...maybe you just caught him off guard...you'll know more as time goes by.... and you're right-- try not to waste any time stressing about what will happen next-- try to enjoy each day -- Things will work out -- with this gentleman or another--You're still great, you're still special, you're still Queen of Friday--And even Princess Di had trouble finding someone worthy of her.

Its late - been cooking for awhile getting soup and chili together so its there waiting the next few nights.

Dh saw the doctor again and the worst seems to be over but he is now to take a less strong antibiotic for 4 weeks. Even made a pan of Kruzatz cranberry muffins and added extra cranberries as a boost.

Anagram, what an awful way to hear that news! Was it your DH' s doctor or ..... ?? Believe it or not, lots of folks who work in hospitals and clinics don't know very much about illness. They think they do because often they are talking to scared and initmidated people who don't challenge them. I know I sound cynical but I've learned the hard way and unfortunately, more than once. -- The other side of it is that everyday there are breakthroughs in science-- your princesses may have a cure waiting for them if need be.

Eydie-- GOOD FOR YOU! 5 lbs is good news! I'm jealous too!

Senamay-- You're doing GREAT!! Keep your chin up!! Just think about it! YOU"RE GOING TO COLLEGE!!! You are MAKING YOUR DREAM COME TRUE!

Empress A-- Here you go, here's a couple of NO GUILT CARDS- still warm from the press-- could have been worse--
could have been a DEEP FRIED TWINKIE!!!

Did I see Arabella come thru??

HANG IN THERE EVERYONE!!!

Well, after blowing this streak sky-high the day before yesterday (gruesome details in journal, if anyone is prone to the same morbid curiousity as I am ), I sort of made up for it yesterday. And am back in the saddle. I bit the bullet and weighed this a.m. and am up 4 pounds from before Christmas. BAH. I know I should have weighed in earlier, as our Emperess suggested, because I might have been scared straight sooner. SO. I'm more determined, and refuse to listen to the voices that tell me I'm getting nowhere. I'm going to do this!

Oh, what do I love about me today? I'm feeling some resistance to coming up with anything (pause for thought...this could take a while...) Okay. I love the joy and "rightness" I feel when I start to get things in order. And I feel, in some ways, like it's all or nothing - I'm a mess, my house is a mess, my life is a mess, work is a mess, all at the same time. And when I start to address any of these areas, everything gets better

Punkin O' Tomorrow, you are so wise in your attitude! "Anywho, every time in my life I've tried to force or guide something the way I want it, it's fallen apart. So, with this, I'm sticking to my gut feeling of 'just let it happen - whatever "it" is'. I'm a happy girl, and that's what matters...." That urge to force things, especially relationships is one of the curses of womanhood! I've done it, and seen others do it, over and over and over - we want a relationship, and push things along. Forget about letting things happen naturally, just relaxing and enjoying life. And you're right - it just never works out well. One of my sisters, almost as soon as she meets a reasonable guy is "in love." She barely met this last one one night, and called him the next day to tell him that she thought if she didn't call she might not see him for a week, and that she couldn't wait that long. That's not love, that's willed obsession!

Anagram, sending best wishes for your beloved princesses! One thing in their favor is that they're so young, there are bound to be terrific advances in medicine before they have to deal with this, even if worse comes to worst and they have it. You've really been having a lot of health issues with your nearest and dearest lately, and have done so wonderfully throughout.

Kaylets, hmmm... I did swing thru a day or so ago, but have been mostly lurking and keeping up my journal. I feel like, bit by bit, I'm getting this all together to make a full-fledged attack on my full figure! Your stats are really motivational to me, because you started out not too far from where I am, and I know how much better I look and feel where you are now!

Amarantha, darn peanut butter cups! They're the worst! To borrow from AA, one is too many and a thousand is not enough. Actually, I feel like about six would be a good number right now , but want to try to stay away from sugar (second day, and counting). Congrats on not eating the lot!

Eydie, 5 off since Jan. is great! And go ahead and be a big ol' whiny baby if you feel like it - this is the place for it, for sure. That said, though, you'll likely have a bigger loss next week to make up for this week. You're doing great!

Wildfire, are you enjoying your new purchases from that bargain blitz? I LOVE clothes, being able to wear different things is one of my major thrills in weight loss.

Valentines, let's get out there and make it a good one! Love to all mentioned and unmentioned!

Hello all!

Ta da because I thought it would never get here!

Arabella- so well said- so true for me too-- seems as though I get into more trouble relying on things I can't control--For instance, last night, I mentioned cooking ahead- that was Plan B as most nights, DH and I eat together but his job has had him working late nearly every night. Initially, when I got home, my first instinct
was to grab anything " because who knows when he'll get here". Instead, I forced myself to make tea and started chopping vegatables for soup. Some of those vegatables wound up in my mouth but could've been much worse. And then, just as you said, once I got one pot of soup going, I said, "ok, you're here cooking, lets do some veg chili too...'' and it went from there- By time DH got in 7:30, the kitchen was tidied up, load of clothes started, even had a Kiko Matsui CD playing as pots were simmering on the stove.

The speaker at Toastmasters used this idea yesterday: No matter the size of a ship or its sails, the direction is still by a very small rudder-- Small changes can make enormous differences!!

Got to get going-

Today's thought is:
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"

To the best choices!

Another fun-filled action day planned! Just a quickie...want to get some dog time in this a.m....and it is so cold out there I don't like to leave them out for long...-25C (I think) with the wind-chill. It is a pain being on the border...you get both temp measurements and then you really don't know which way is up. All I know is that when I was out at 7, my nose hairs shrank!!!!!!!!!
So that is COLD

Arabella, glad to see your equilibrium has kicked in...mine too. What's with this good over the hols and horrible after? Geez. But we must keep our resolve up....reminds me of an old hymn...I am resolved to longer to linger here in the (add your 10's of weight) In my case it is the 90's. Have had that ditty flying through the brain for a few days now....works...got me past the chocolate cake on the stove! (a benefit of a skinny 18yr old who cooks)

Kaylets, I think I'll make some soup....what an inspiration you are!

Anagram....tough news on the disease....but truly was the source someone who knows?...besides worrying (which I'd be doin') I'd be bustin' to find a reliable source. Good work on the lifestyle choices though...keep on that path with us Lady!

Punkin, things happen for the best...I've seen that in hindsight, which doesn't help the present. maybe he'll move up to your neck of the woods ! You are wise O'Woman to let things just work out. Pressure is not good.

Senamay, I admire your perserverance

Hmmmm long fingered here....gotta go!
See you on the trail, Victorious Valentines!

Ceara

[SIZE]"It is morning, Senlin says ... in the middle of a whistling void I tie my tie ..." I forget who wrote that poem ... I think on the alternachick forum or somewhere there's a poetry thread ... wonder if they'd mind my starting one here sometime ... as I rarely get over there but like the idea ...

Happy Girl Punkin: Glad thou feeleth better and hath made thy way to the sacred sanctuarial o' Curves! Thou be wise in letting things just happen as they will (although Amarantha continueth to believe we have the power to shape our own destinies). Whatever thou decideth will likely be for the best!!!

Arabella: I also have that feeling that all things are either in order or a mess ... I think at its healthiest it is an idea that life should be in balance, at its unhealthiest it is that we must always be all good or all bad ... all on program or off program, so to speak ... for me that's the crux of everything ... that I'm either on the slippery slope to eternal doom or floating through pink clouds to heaven ... also that I'm either on my way to the queendom of total obesity or on my way to goal weight, never any in between. For me, these are all fallacies ... there IS an in-between and that's where most of us exist most of the time. I really need to learn to like that place, because I'm there so much!

Kaylets: I adore thy quotes! Thanks for another good thought to mull over for the day!

Ceara: Sorry thy be so cold where thou dwelleth! Amarantha will abstain from mentioning the temp where she abideth!

Speaking of plans that don't work out (the Land o' In-Between), Amarantha completely forgot to take the extra PB cups (sigh) to her friend yesterday. Then she was offered cranberry juice to drink. She liketh cranberry juice though it be over her calories and she drank two glasses. The All-or-Nothing Demon kicked in the rest of the evening and the result was a calorie count of 3260. Sigh. Had one PB cup this a.m., then threw them out. (Yes, it be the chocolate that is the problem!)

Must work and walk Old Dog then SHOP!! One hour of exercise (including 10 minutes lower body weight work) already done! Woo-hoo![/SIZE]

Happy Friday eve!!!!

Whadda' week! I'm looking forward to the Super Bowl, fun new commercials and sleeping in this weekend!!!

Made it to Curves yesterday - the place was busy with all the New Year's resolutioners, but no one was really talking to each other and I got a really good, drippy (as in sweat) work out in.
Still no feather bed at the store - they said the shipment hadn't come in and to check again on Friday...

Kaylets - I should clarify - the "oh" wasn't in the negative sense, when he called me back in private (in his car!) he said it was an "oh" as in "oh, and I'm not even gonna' be here" - and he couldn't say that in front of the whole office... We're cool. I don't know exactly *how* we're cool (great friends? more?) and that's the big ? - but no, no stress about it either... isn't that odd? I'm so ok with everything... like being on a natural form of Xanax!

For you and Amarantha - I do believe there's someone out there for everyone - and I've always heald fast that when I'm supposed to meet him, it will happen, when I'm ready. I do believe we can (and do) shape our destiny or fate and I believe there's also a time for just letting the universe settle a bit. I've always done what I can myself, then have great faith (regardless of if it's love, finances or whatever) in giving it over to the powers that be (name your diety). Everything, good or bad, has a natural order and reason for being. I also believe that my lesson in this life is to learn patience - I just wish I'd hurry up and learn it!!!

Arabella - I normally do exactly what your sister does! "Hi, nice to meetcha', I love you, wanna get married?" Not good - actually this describes my first marriage!
Take one of Kaylet's No Guilt cards for that weigh in - it is better to know than not, IMO anyway. Think about this too - how many pounds would we have normally gained over the holidays? 4 pounds is nothing compared to the "norm"! (now kick those four 's to da' curb!)

Ceara - I heard about the cold out there! Bundle up... I wish I could send you some of our unseasonably warm weather! It was 58F yesterday, and it should be in the 20's-30's!

Amarantha - for thowing those evil pb cups out!!!! Who was it that said "if you buy them and eat them, or just throw them in the trash, you're still paying for them either way" (or something like that). I'd rather waste the money than have to work and extra month to exercise it off my butt!

Now, does someone have the number for the Royal Spa? I need to call the pool boy and have him heat the jacuzzi.... Anyone care to join me?

Terri

Hello!

Its 14 degrees and 7:14 pm- any guesses on what it'll be at midnight?? Dogs are running out and back so fast I don't even bother leaving the door-- Stopped to get gas and put a stocking cap on to save my ears and as SOOOO glad I did. And its getting WINDY too!!!

Punkin- thanks for clarifying- wasnt sure how to read "his" reaction-- And you're right-- relationships can't be forced--

Empress A- I am blushing at such high praise- Especially coming from a wordsmith!!
I know that chocolate siren -- think I could recognize it on a dark night during a blackout. Another trick I learned years ago from a WW leader is to quickly throw the culprit in the sink with the water on it full blast and quickly pour dish soap on it-- these culprits are filthy dirty and need a good scrubbing. You must make sure you've gotten soap all over it. Now, you may eat it...


Ceara-- No fair!-- what kind of soup are you making? Is it vegatarian? tell all!

Arabella- I couldnt resist and went to your journal for a couple entries and just have to ask- the red lentil soup... Is it your recipe? ---

Poetry -- I tell you-- ever since I listened to Maya Angelou talk about how poetry is really written to be heard read out loud -- I feel cheated somehow just reading it--

Its 13 degrees now-- CRAZY I tell you!!

Evidently the muffins were pretty good. DH and I between us ate 3. There were 9 left. Until DS found the muffins. At 4 am when dogs had to go out, there was 1 lonesome muffin left.
******did you think I was going to tell you it was the dog again??****



BTW, the dog is doing fine-- think if anything was going to happen, we'd know by now. And the baby proof lock on the fridge works great.

Till later!

OK, Now I did the same thing, checked out that journal. Thought it sounded good too...come on Arabella, cough up the recipe.

Here's what I made...yes vegetarian (not that I am )..from one of the light Canadian Living cook books.

Black Bean Soup

2 onions chopped,
2 tsp (I just pour a bit) of olive oil
4 tsp chili powder
Saute these until onions are clear...5-8 mins...don't burn!!!!
1 3/4 C chicken stock (I use powered stuff)
1 can black beans...drained
1 cup frozen corn...or canned
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped corriander (which I never have so haven't used)

Heat through and serve.
I often put grated Romano or parm. cheese on top....and sometimes hunks of plain tofu in it....pretty simple.

There.

Did the groceries this p.m. Have another eating opportunity tomorrow night ....have been on track for 5 days now...have to make it through 6! And tomorrow will be busy...am off to Ann Arbor to visit my good friend...I wish we lived closer!

May lurk on by later tomorrow night. Keep on the victory way Valentines!

Ceara

Kaylets, those muffins sound so good. Glad your dh is doing better but, of course, he would go to work no matter the weather.It's my hope/thought too that things will be found in my kids/grandkids lifetime that will change the course for them. Actually so much has improved the last twenty years (they keep telling me). We see the nephrologist this Wed. I think she's good but sometimes communication (when not direct) leaves some things to be desired. Still have lots to learn to make sure I ask the right questions. But I think dh's is the best "What happened to me?" and he'll ask it, I'm sure.

Arabella and Amarantha, I confess to the same trait. I always think things are in such dire straits but putting one small portion aright makes me feel so much better and more "in control". Then a few things back up and I feel the whole world is askew. What I like about me today is I'm not quite as easily askewed as I used to be. I guess that's good.

Ah, Punkin, enjoy the moment. I'm sure guy enjoys your companionship (though it be electronic). Suspect he has many things on mind just now as well and a little "direction" might not work too well. Though I do think it's fate that you'll be in his city and see no reason not to suggest a friendly "face to face". Closer to the time of course.

And Kaylets, what a nice image of dh coming home to pots simmering, music and clean laundry plus a woman pleased with her accomplishments. Also love the quote. And it reminds me of one of my lifetime favorites "It's better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness". Empress, I shall oft picture you floating on little pink clouds to heaven. Another pretty picture.

Have been running water to be sure the pipes don't freeze and otherwise feeling like a pioneer woman just because it's so cold.
Dh felt up to going for groceries with me today and insisted on checking out, loading the car, carrying it all in. Big improvement! But we've been oh so lazy since. I had a touch of a bug last night (very uncomfortable but not anything real gross) and a bit returned tonight.

Learned today a woman across the street died two days ago. Sad to say I can't tell you what she looked like though she must have lived there more than ten years. I'd see her driving by but she'd never look, wave, toot. Was never outside. The fellow she lived with when she first moved in was friendly enough and seemed nice but he passed away probably seven years ago. She later married/divorced and I never saw that fellow either. But I feel strange that she's gone and I can't do any of the usual bits of comforting anyone. I have to assume that's the way she'd have wanted it - no obit published yet that I can find to, say, even make a contribution in her memory. She was relatively young, in her 40s according to the woman who lives next door to her who has also had little contact and almost all confrontational on the part of the deceased. I'm sure she had a full life in areas I know nothing about but it still leaves a strange feeling that she could live so isolated in the midst of really a group of nice people - I think I've mentioned how kind the neighbors have been to us. Guess I'm feeling a bit contemplative tonight.

DIL called last night and said their "mud room" (a converted carport) was broken into and one of her mountain bikes was stolen (fortunately for some reason it was the less expensive one). Apparently no attempt was made to enter the house which was alarmed. DS is still in Hawaii (business). She's quite competent and has handled all the paper work, etc. but I think it shakes your sense of "self" a bit when any type of intrusion like that occurs. I think she'll be ok though. But as she says, DS will wig out when he gets home. Our home was broken into once when he was a kid and then he was robbed at gunpoint and pistolwhipped in his apartment before they were married. So another stress he doesn't need.

Warmer weather coming - hope to get to 30 over the weekend!

Well Im back. I just don't eem to get here very much but I do think of you all often. I haven't been able to keep on top of all the news just too much reading to do to catch up but Im going to try to get here more. My work schedule is starting to settle down now back to my 7 days in 2 weeks plus one or two more. Weigh in was good this week down 1.8 so I finallly made my 80 lbs 81 to be exact. Im just getting ready to head to work so I better get a move on need to warm my car up this morning even if the heat isn't working and it is darn cold here. I thik I live in Alaska. Anyway i will keep in touch.