Hi Chicks,

Wanted to post a quick note, back from fieldtrip, it was a play at the local university, ANNIE, my 1st gr.'s loved it. The 2nd, and 3rd, grade went also. All was well, until it was time to pass out the sack lunches. We were short 15, and then when we looked in them, the ONLY thing in them was................................a bologna sandwich and a cookie. That is it. It was very hard to ask kids to share the lunch when they had so little themselves. But of course, they are kids, and were happy to do it. So, needless to say, it was a tough ride home with hungry children. And of course, all of the teachers together, brought a total of 13 dollars and didn't really know how to handle it, because then you run into "why does he/she get that?" or "why don't I get a lunchable?" OR, you get the picture. So, we just tried to split up the lunches with the kids, and hope for the best. I just don't know how you can be 15 short? I had 4 of my own students who were ill, and didn't attend. So, really we were alot more short. It was a rough day. Amazing how kids, really don't care. They were hungry, but they managed to have a good time.

I am totally disqusted with the whole "school lunch" program. My DS packs a lunch everyday, so I don't really worry about him, but the system as a whole is not the best. It is definately something that should be addressed.

Question of the day????? Does anyone else see this in their local school districts? Tell me the positives and negatives. I am tommorrow going to join the Health SAC, to see if I can make a difference. It is a group who tries to make some policy's changes. We have alot of them, MATH, Lang. Arts, Science, ect. I am joining the Health one and quit nagging about it, and do something.

Anyway just a vent. Sorry.

Sandi

Good morning,
I feel like I still doing well with my plan. I'm keeping my portion size's down, drinking my water. I'm hoping for another drop when I weigh mon.
My supervisor is doing Atkins. She is so obsessive its funny. There was a b-day cake yesterday. When they asked if I wanted a piece I told them maybe in a little bit (I didn't eat any) She yelled out "You know I'm on a diet and can't have any" and acted very childish about it. I hope I never acted like that on a diet. I don't like anything that severe and restrictive. I've done that and know it just sets me up to fail.
I've got to go. I'll do personals later.

EVERYONE HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Judy:
I know that you are my kinda woman - we'd have a blast together in the city, sipping wine and checking out restaurants. I love tappas! I've never had sangria before, but at the tappas restaurant, people order it by the pitcher! We can still have fun and be mindful, ya know? Have fun this weekend!

Spores:
What a predicament. Considering you are on your feet all day, you are still getting in exercise, ya know...you are burning more calories than you would if you were at home and not working. Maybe it would be helpful if you simple did a good 15 minutes of stretching when you get home. That would help you lengthen your muscles and keep good circulation in your body. A friend of mine started a PT job in the evenings a few months ago. She's on her feet all evening, and she was otherwise quite sedentary...and she's lost 20 pounds by doing that and just eating less at dinner.

Sandi:
The thought of a bunch of 1st graders on a field trip sounds so cute. Reminds me of when I was in 5th grade and we went on a trip to NYC. We ate our sack lunches in Central Park and we had the opposite situation - they totally overpacked the lunches of sandwiches and cookies (we had four small cookies in each bag). We had TONS of sacks left, at least 30, and we gave them to the street performers and homeless. Sad at the thought of the hungry kids! I think you guys handled the situation quite well. If we were near a store, maybe I'd have bought enough bananas so each child could have one. I have no kids, so I'm not into the local school system here...but I'm sure it's just as messed up! How could they have been so short ya know? It is a travesty!

Debbie:
Funny observation about your coworker. Many women on diets are like that. I think the main thing to realize is that we have the power to control what we put in our mouths, and it come down to that. If you tell yourself you CAN'T have any, you'll be more likely to want it and eat too much. Otherwise, if you tell yourself you CAN have it, but realize you don't want/need it, or just have a tiny bite and say "I had a taste, it won't help my body in any way, I'm done".

People who are overweight tend to ignore their bodies and listen to their feelings. Unfortunately, feelings can't gain weight...bodies do.


I dropped Dh off at grad school last night and went to the bookstore and looked through the gossip magazines like InStyle and Us Weekly. I was reading the diet tips of the stars and started to think about the tips that they gave and the samples of meals. I need to eat more greens. I should try to have greens with at least lunch or dinner each day. Salmon and romaine, grilled chicken and romaine, etc...any meat/seafood goes well on top of romaine, not necessarily with salad dressing...but just instead of serving it on top of rice or with potatoes. I want to try this this weekend, I love romaine but never have any. I'm going to buy one of those huge 3 pound bags of prepared romaine so all I have to do is throw it onto a plate and top it with whatever. I've been eating too much sugar and starches.

I'm still feeling bloated today - hate TOM. I have a softball game tonite so there's exercise. I've been tired this week - can't wait to sleep in on Saturday...and I want to see if DH will take a hike with me!

Talk to you later!

Girlie

Hello, hello HELLOOOOO!!!!!
My modem got blasted in a big lightening storm Wednesday night. I miss you all soooo much. I was just plain sad last night because I didn’t get here to read and post. I journalled at home this morning for a few pages in word perfect.It felt good to write it but it is no the same as here.

DD has her dance recital tonight.Both sets of Grandparents are coming. The dressed rehearsal last night was chaotic and stressful.
I am looking forward to the weeknd.
I did weigh in at tops on Wed before the layout meeting. I was up to 235. I haven’t weighed this in months. My scale says I am 229 today. It may have been a sodium blip!!! I have been much more aware the last week.
Just 1 toddler right now. We are soon off to get some healthy groceries for the weekend. I am at the library right now. I come again tomorrow aft. They are closed on Sunday. Sigh.
HUGS DEAR CHICKS!!!! I will do a bit of reading!!!

Edit This Entry

Hi ya ladies. Just have a second....My doc appt went well yesterday. Everything good except Colestrol(SP) it was 259, I was down 6 lbs from last month, which she was very pleased with. Wants me to be down 10 lbs in two months at next check up end of June. The best news was my BP was 112/80. The lowest it has been in months. Had chinese for lunch, not the best but ate mushrooms, greenbeans, several crab rangoon (bad), and many shrimp. It was all very good. Don't think I will have dinner tonight, as I am way too full.

Have to work both days at Kohls this weekend, whew wee.

Everyone have wonderful OP day.

Hugs

Annie

Hello,
I had another really busy day, but I think I'm getting to the place that I might have things in order again...at least until I go in on Monday. My job is very hetic. I knew it would be when I took it. What's killing me is that I'm handling 2 territories--midwest and west. They are looking to hire a west claims person, but can't seem to find the right person for the job. My Western Sales Reps don't want to loose me. They say I'm doing a great job (so do my midwest reps). I'm trying my hardest, but it's starting to get to me. Just trying to keep the paperwork straight. I'm usually very organized, and I am now, it's just that it takes a lot of time to keep it that way.

Tomorrow morning I'm meeting my TOPS area coordinator along with 3 other women to plan a TOPS walk. I'm very excited about being a part of this.

Know what else I need to get excited about? Getting this weight off. I want to..but I'm in the frame of mind, that I'll start tomorrow. Well, tomorrow I am starting. I need some accountability here ladies...don't let me get by with not starting and staying the track. I really need your help!

Thanks!
Susie

Morning.
Not sure if it is good or not. I woke up rested and quite happy. Played a game of cranium with the kids.
Now our satelite is out. Hmmmmm. Maybe it is a message from the Gods saying we are too dependant on technology.
DH woke up in a flurry. He has had a LOT to say about ever little, miniscule, tiny thing I do ar say. I am not amused. I asked to come upstairs and talk about it in private instead of criticizing continually in front of the kids. He went outside. Good place for him.
He hates his job. Nothing new there. He went on and on repeating himself for an hour and a half last night.

Instead of watching Law and Order after a BUSY day. I listened. He did have an interview on Thurs but felt it was odd. the manager didn’t say anything so DH just talked about himself.
Anyhow, on to nicer things. The dance recital was FABULOUS. The choas of the dressed rehearsal was MIA.
I felt inspired to get moving. The senior students were worthy of any big stage production i have been too. I mpressive. DD did great, was monumentally cute and all the GP’s LOVED it!

I am quite proud of the fact that while on the phone with a Tech I opened my computer tower and took apart my modem, reconfigured stuff......... This is definitely a new acheivment for me!!!

I am off to buy a new external modem for way less$$ then Dell. I am hanging out in the PEACE of the library.I am liking this.... a LOT!!!

Foo, water has been good. exercise had only been running up and down the stairs 500 times a day. Apparently thats not enough.
Have a wonderful day. I will try to get back tomorrow if I am not in jail for murdering my husband.

Good evening,
It's been a full day for me. I went to the planning meeting for theTOPS walk that our area captian is trying to get going. It was a lot of fun to start the planning and we have a date and place in mind. We should be able to find out this week if the date is available at the park we choose, and then we will be able to move forward with it.

After the meeting I met a friend who lives in the area that we were in for the meeting and she and I had lunch at O'Charlies. Then we went over to the Mall for a look around. I bought some really cute note cards at Michaels (and they were only a $1.00 for the packs!). Also bought some cute post-earrings to wear in my ears when I'm not wearing earrings that go with an outfit. I needed something for just whenever. They are "diamonds" in the shape of a triangle. I also bought some new lotion at Bath and Body. It's called Ylang-Ylang Myrrh. It says it's "Sensuality" soothing body lotion. It smells so good and it does seem to have a calming effect. It felt nice to "pamper" myself. It reminds me of the lotions they used when I had my massage.

I did pretty good with the food and water all day. Only had one "sugar" snack and that was some cookies and milk. I had them after dinner. I thought about having them when I got home from my trip. I was really tired and when I get tired I associate it with being "hungry". So I told myself to lie down and take a nap and if I wanted the cookies when I woke up I could have them. I didn't want them until after dinner, so I feel that's a step in the right direction again.

Tomorrow is a new month lady. Feels like a new beginning to me? What about you? I'm setting a new goal for myself. My new weight goal will be to be at 229 by June 7, (my 40th b-day). Also, May is going to be my "Kick off to Summer Sensuality". I LOVE summer and I want to be ready for it. I want to look good...feel good...feel sensual. So that's my focus this next month.

Anyone else have a plan?

Holly: I'm so very proud of you for taking that computer apart! I have one of those "great hubby's". Mine is the sweetest, soft-hearted man...but when he gets frustrated, there is no living with him and we can really make each other miserable. Sometimes I just want to tell mine to grow up when he's acting like that. I don't have an answer to solve the problem, but I do want you to realize (and I have to make myself understand this as well), that when they are in that frame of mind, it's not our place to fix it, put up with it, and we certainly didn't cause it. It's not our place to add to it eithier. So I just tell myself (and him) sometime, that I know he's frustrated and that I love him, and I support him, and if he needs something from me to help him move from that frustration I will try to provide it, but I can't do it for him.

Ladies, I'm going to go put on my new lotion, brush my teeth, wash my face and get into bed with some of my magazines and relax and fall asleep.

Good night.

Susie

Susie~ thanks and I agree!! What a nice post!! You goal sounds perfect!!!!

I didn't murder DH.I was kind of a b*tch yesterday.
A funny B*tch, but one none the less.
I think it is PMS.Could be my husband or non stop yipping kids.
Anyhow......
I simply just did not want to hear or talk to anyone and they ,of course, did not disappear. I did get lots of laundry done. I was going to paint but my heart wasn’t in it so i went out side to think and ended up moving some primrose that were taking over my bluebells to the north side of the house. The smell of the wet earth was good therapy.
DS went for a sleep over. There is so much less drama when he is out. A nice break. DD fell asleep at 6:30, hence the monumental whining all day. DH made a brilliant effort not to be a knob.
We watched Hidalgo together. Viggo( LOTR) was delightful. Good movie. Some beautifully shot scenes.
Wen to bed at 10. Read for an hour. Clara Callan( Richard B Wright) is FANTASTIC!!!
Slept well! I am teaching SS at 9. I have hair appts in London all aft. (not thrilled but must be done).
Is is really May????? Where did April go??????????????

Goals...hmmm? didn't even get close to the last one, not sure I ever started. Must think!!

I've just taken some time to really read through your posts this week, instead of zipping through them like I've done at work. A lot has been going on!

Girlie--I agree that the elliptical trainer can get to be boring. Have you tried alternating with the backwards motion? It's really hard for me, if I do five minutes forwards, I can do maybe two or three backwards before switching back to the normal motion. When I use the aerobic machines in the exercise room, I tend to do 10-15 minutes on the most boring (bike) and finish up on the easiest (treadmill), for at least 45 minutes total. I actually managed 15 minutes on the rowing machine on Friday, a personal best for me!

Hey, Spores! I'm so sorry to hear about your feet! Can you invest in some really comfy shoes? When my feet hurt, I put them up in the evening and rub them with soothing peppermint lotion. The only exercises I can think of that won't aggravate your feet are the bike (boring) and swimming. I hope your feet adjust soon.

Debbie--I'm a flax meal person, too! I put a spoonful in my smoothie, and sprinkle it on cottage cheese and yogurt. I laughed when I read about your cranky dieting co-worker. I feel like snapping sometimes, too. One of my favorite colleagues is about as big around as my thigh, but she's always plying me with french fries and cookies, a natural way she has of being generous and showing affection. I finally spoke with her very seriously about my long-term goal, and why it's so important to me that I get down to a healthy weight. She's been very supportive ever since.

Susie--I hope things go well for you at work on Monday. Thanks for getting us to think about new goals. Mine is to be 225 or under. Not quite as sexy as "Summer of Sensuality," so I'll think of a zippy tagline or slogan this week!

Annie--I really relate to overeating after a "bad" weigh-in. I've done it, and wondered what was going on to make me add insult to injury. Anger, I guess. At any rate, clearly you've had mostly good days last month. Congratulations on losing 6 lbs, and making the doctor smile!

Jodi--I'm still astonished that you were actually able to give away chocolate, chocolate that was a gift (meaning that diet rules don't apply ). Good for you, tasting a few and saying good-bye to the rest. You go, girl!

Sandi--I don't have kids, so I don't know much about the local school system. But they print the breakfast and lunch menus in the paper every week, and trust me, these kids aren't getting bologna sandwiches! The selections are quite a step up from the fish sticks and mystery meat I remember from years ago.

Holly, good question....I take pleasure in reading, in losing myself in a good novel or a long feature in a magazine like the New Yorker. I love playing Home Spa (which I did this afternoon), luxuriating in suds, smells and softness. I love cooking, so I like to spend time grocery shopping and cooking up a big batch of soup or something, that I can freeze in portions to have later on. Besides the slicing, stirring, etc., I love the way the smell of good food lingers in my little apartment (unless it's fish or cabbage, and even then, I'm cool with it). I enjoy walking, particularly among flowers and trees, or along the water. And i'm beginning to really enjoy my attempts at yoga and meditation.

Hope everyone's week gets off to a fantastic start! Take care--judy

I have had a hard couple of days emotionally. I have had 5 big things to deal with sort of under the surface of every day stuff and I just kind of broke down today. DH was great and stepped in. i spent time with my grandma and DD. It is 1 am I have to be up in 5 hours and I cant turn my brain off. I have been crying.I called a friend who does reflexology yesterday I guess i knew it was building up but we couldn't connect.
Tomorrow is a new day.

Good morning everyone.
I can't believe it's Monday already. I feel like I need one more day to myself!
I did have a good day yesterday. My Sunday afternoons are usually taken up by Accounting Homework. Well, I didn't have any yesterday and I made a decison to use the day for me, instead of trying to get ahead by reading the next chapter (most of you know this Accounting class has been a real challenge for me and I can't wait for it to be over!). Instead of doing Accounting related things, I cleaned the car out. Read a magazine. Went to the tanning bed, and went and worked out. It felt so good to be doing things I really wanted to do!

Holly: I'm not surprised you didn't have a breakdown before now! You are an amazing woman, who takes on a lot of things. I think that's really just a part of your personality and for the most part that works, but even you can get tired and overwhelmed. I hope you are feeling like your usual self this morning. Remember every day to take a little time for you.

I'm off to work. Have a good day.
Susie

Good morning:
I was doing well on my plan till dh decided to bring home an order of nacho's that would feed a small town. You know how that story goes. I'll have to eat VERY good today. I weigh tonite.
I made it to curves 4x last week. I'll need to pack a bag and move in there if I keep eating like I did last nite.

Spores: It'll take time for your feet to adjust. I have bad feet and have to wear arch supports. They now sell them everywhere. You might try some and see if it helps. A good soak and rub is always a good bet.

Holly: I am wishing you a day of peace and tranquility. Big hugs.

Annie: CONGRATS! 6lbs down. fantastic job.

Sandi: After I read your post about the kids lunches I checked to see what dgs was eating and It seemed to be well
balanced. When they have field trips they are told to bring a sack lunch. The school provides lunches for the kids on the free lunch program and make a few extra to allow for the ones who forget to bring one.

Susie: I admire your ability to deal with school and a stressful job. You rock.

Everyone have a great day.

I was up til after 2 am. Thinking ,crying, writing...... I feel much better today. I had another exchange with my Sis.

My good friend Madcat said sometimes we need to rise above. I have been told that before and i am not sure what that means exactly or how to do it. My family oftens says that, but they mean, tell yourself all the lies you can to make yourself the winner no matter what. It is no wonder they all drink a bottle of wine to get to sleep at night.
Food has been quite good. I did have a donut yesterday. DD came to London with me. It was nice. We stopped at Tim Hortons for a drink and donut. It was soooo much fun. She thought she was quite grown up.
DS has had a good morning and off to school.
I am off to clean the kitchen.I have asked DH 3 days in a row for help. There are no clean pots right now. I am not sure what he thinks I will cook his dinner in. LOL!
My strike in the kitchen didn't really work.

10:30 am.....I am feeling quite liberated. I feel as though I have worked through the emotions of the Grandma thing, the son things, the troll at church thing, the death of friend thing and I feel able to face the world. I have done the dishes and it didn't hurt and i have made phonecalls for the church directory and I will start working on the title pages today!!!! That is the fun part!
4 girls watching Cinderella and 1 baby boy sleeping!!!

I included the exchanges with my sis in my journal if you want to read them.

Hi all. Sorry this wil be a quickie, and I will have to do personals later. Had a bad weekend food-wise, but was nevertheless down 1/2 a pound at weigh-in this morning. That makes me feel good. This is the final week of the semester, so I am hoping to get my workouts in despite the insanity. Im feeling kind of blah abut everything right now -- food seems boring, exercise seems impossible, etc. Maybe I will get with it as the day goes by.

Hope everyone is well. Thinking of all of you!