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! This friend is up for the summer and she'll be going home right after Labor Day!

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. 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 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 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

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.

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 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. 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.

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.

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!"

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

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. Even though it seems you will be getting the job, I will wish you good luck anyway. 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.

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 Maybe for friends for Christmas, I discreetly questioned and found out favourites.

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!

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 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.