Hello All!

Anagram: So glad to hear DH is up to doing groceries! This is PROGRESS!
Yes, some doctors are hard to pin down-- DH and I had to tag team one or two during DH's job related injury recovery. Very interesting reaction from everyone when you show up w/ open notepad and write down their answers. ( Hee hee, especially when you ask for name spelling- we needed it to send a thank you but all of a sudden, folks become very concious of what comes out of their mouths). Even now, I have to remind DH every doctor visit ( he has 4 different doctors now) to remind them, of current meds, diabetic, etc, etc. Honestly, it seems as though only on the shows on TV do the charts get read.

And while I'm on a roll, let me share an experience DH had this week at the our General Practicioner's office. Dr opened DH's exam room door and was stopped in the hallway by drug salesmen, 2 of them. DH watched as both salesmen showed our Dr the figures due back to the Dr for the perscriptions written. Kickback, bonus, tip-- don't know what they call it but my point is that these doctors are pressured and motivated to "sell" certain drugs. Sometimes we've had to INSIST for a perscription which would have a lower co-pay. Its truly a buyer beware situation--

Marketing.....$$$$$$$$$$.... let me jump off the soapbox before you all run from the room!!


Hmmm, wonder if I was motivated by the thought of the day??

"There is a time to watch things happen and a time to MAKE things happen"

Well, the quote certainly fits as re health and medicine. It's taken a long time to convince dh that drs these days are not like the one stop fellows we grew up with. Most of his doctors have been great. Unfortunately I think his former internist was not up to his problems for at least the last few years but loyal dh would not switch even though it was a situation he inherited when prior dr retired. And his practice was mainly the one I referred to as having bad communications. There was only one person there in whom I had any confidence and she blew it big last summer.

The name thing is always a good idea even if just for memory. I use that on phone a lot. Whoever answers usually gives name. I jot it down and use it immediately. I really do it mostly to more personalize the phone encounter but sometimes the reaction is as you note. I also usually use it at the end of the call when I'm thanking the person. So many people toil unappreciated that I think it must help to be treated as a person.

Off my soap box for the day. Supposed to be in the 30s so I'm going to stop running water. Really hate to do that but hate to have frozen pipes even more. SIL in Arkansas emailed that it was 9 degrees there when their nights at this time of year are usually in the 40s.

Dollar, great to hear from you and 81 pounds is REALLY good news. And good motivation for a slacker like me.

Friday!!!!

Finally....

Not much happenin' around here - other than rain. I'm going to take off my snow tires next week (probably snow 10 inches the next day). It was almost 60 here yesterday - which is ridiculous... it's WINTER!!!! I'm feel so sorry for all of you freezing! This weather is just plain odd.

Kaylets - That is just wrong - about the Rx guys talking to the Dr. in front of patients like that! I mean, I think most of us know it's going on, but to be so blatant... just seems wrong.
I do agree about the poetry too. There've been many times that I've read something aloud to myself - it does sound different...

Ceara - Thank you for the recipe. Black bean soup is one of my favorites (topped with fat free sour cream!). Add a big ol' serving of polenta with a sprinkling of cheese and voila, the perfect meal!

Anagram - I had a neighbor like yours... we hardly ever saw her or heard from her. Neighborhood kids wouldn't ring her bell at Halloween. I learned when I was older that in the late 60's she'd found her husband murdered in their van that was parked in their driveway. I understood her a bit better then - but it was still so sad that she never reached out to the neighbors that tried to be kind. I guess everyone has their reasons for being the way they are. I'm sure wherever your neighbor is, she's probably touched that you've been thinking about her.

Dollar - So good to see you!!! Congratulations on reaching the 80 pound mark - that is amazing! You're an inspiration.... Check in when you can!

That's if for me, for now... I hope today goes fast - it's been a long week and I'm anxious to begin the weekend!!!!

Terri

Drive-by, then bye-bye! Lots of work to do and waiting for crew to clean and weedeat lawn (we don't mow 'em here)!!! Just very tired and not sure I'll get the exercise all in today, let alone the paid work!

Punkin, it was 75 here yesterday, a little high for January! I do think the weather's strange.

Dollar: I can't see thy post from the screen where I'm at, but congratulations on thy weight loss ... it be good to hear from thee!!!

Kaylets: So agree about the way they market drugs ... another thing that bugs me is they way they market our children's education. Schools need bucks so badly they end up with grants from all sorts of commercial companies ... sometimes they even name the schools after them. They also get grants, resources, contests, you name it from trade and product associations that seek to influence the preferences and thinking of the children ... such as the milk lobbying folks and the meat producers, etc., etc., etc. I have covered "milk is good for you" type poster contests or how many cartons of milk can your school drink contests one too many times! I personally think milk IS good for people, but certainly vegans don't and I don't think the point of view of the milk producers should be shoved down the throat of the nation's children (unless they also have a "milk isn't good for you" or "milk exploits the bovine population" contests also).

Gotta go![/COLOR]

hello friends, well i survived another day in the school world. i turned in my first two assingments today, (cross your fingers)lol, oh well i done my best. thank you all for the support, i need it more than you know...
the wheather here is really cold even for ohio, yesterday the wheather guy said it was the coldest day of the year. we got like way below 0 temps.brrrr. its hard to get motivated in the morning when everything is frozen,haha.
well i cant wait till spring, thats all i gotta say about that,lol
my body may not be ready but i am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
im thinking of taking Radiolgy in school or being a radiation therapists, sounds interesting, who knows still reading up on my options, well bed calls i havent been getting enough sleepso i'll write more later, have a great weekend everyone..later and lighter senamay...

Hello All!!

Opened my eyes when the alarm rang but closed them again!!
1.5 hrs later nature called and I decided I that I was ready to stay awake.

DH just left to put a few hours in so I am now just sitting down to send my Thought of the Day and to post here.

This am we tried "Tofu Scrambler " by Fantastic Foods. A very pleasant suprise!! We added vegetables we had ( zucchinni, scallions, fresh tomato) and I'm still feeling full ! I love omlettes and scrambled eggs but find they don't stay with me very long.
I think because the Scrambler has you add Tofu is why I'm not looking for more 2 hrs later. Some grocery store carry their products and we've seen them in the Health Food Coop too.
The serving size makes me think its designed as a side dish as 1 serving is 1 tablespoon( 35 cal no fat) --we only had the scrambler and toast- 12 oz of tofu w/ 1 packet of Scrambler = 8 pts shared btwn us- plus 2pts of rye toast
6 pt breakfast that tastes good and stays w/ you is a big plus in my book. And there's another packet in the box for another meal! 3 stars!! Officially added to the arsenal!!

Here's the website if you'd like to take a look: www. fantasticfoods.com

While we were at their website ourselves this am, we printed down the nutritional info to add to " Our Cookbook". Going to add the point values and use plastic sheet protecters in a 3 ring binder. If we can't find the values on a product on line, I'll cut it from the packaging but either way, I am motivated !!

Dollar!! I did notice you stopped by!! Don't think you can just casually stop by, just mention, "down over 80 lbs now" and not have us notice!!!

-- Page 2--

( afraid I'd lose the post w/ the smilies)

GOOD FOR YOU DOLLAR!! I am impressed!!

Arabella- You mentioned last week how you DGS-proofed the house and what a big difference it made. I can relate in a small way-- Now that we've got the fridge "beagle proofed" ( DBD???
) its great not to wonder and worry. I'm sure DGS noticed you were much calmer too.

Empress- Not sure if Dishsoap would work in the car- my first thought was to throw it out the window! But then, if there wasnt much traffic, I might be tempted to back up and find whatever I had thrown!!

Ok-time to start setting the timer for 15 minutes and getting some stuff done around here. I'll be around!

Today's thought is:
It doesn't matter how slowly you go...as long as you don't stop!" -- Confucius


To the best choices!!

Now, Kaylets, how in the world did it let thee post all those smilies? I am jealous! (But Dollar has earned every one of them, so maybe the system said, "Ok, just this once!"

I am keeping in mind thy Confucius quote as I try to overcome my attention problem and finish the work that needs to be filed today!

I like another Confucius saying and am sending it along to (by way of 3FC) to George Bush, the Younger: "Govern a country as you would cook a small fish—do not overcook it!" Hmmmm.

I've had the tofu scrambler and agree it's pretty good, though I just can't get into no eggs in an omelet. We have Fantastic Foods here and I like a lot of their products; ate more of them when I was vege but they are really healthy. Wonder if it'd be good to use half tofu and and eggs in the scrambler? It's a thought!

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger, o' o' Quotes, Amarantha would also go back and pick up the chocolate (or vanilla) she'd thrown out the window! Might also be a bad idea as one might hit a motorcycle or mounted police officer with a peanut butter cup or something. This would not be a good thing, methinks! Probably no jury would convict one, though!

Ok, back to work I go! Had a fab workout day already, details in journal.

Just have time to stop by and say hello! DH is sick today and I get some perverse pleasure from hovering to see if he needs anything. All's well with my quest--did an abbreviated walk today and that was my plan. Also did my 22nd Pilates workout in as many days and am loving it!
I'll stop back later when I can stay longer. Keep the kettle on for me.....

Wow, Eydie, 22 days in a row! Thou be the Queen of Perseverance.

And, Kaylets, thou must be the Queen of Smilies today.

So today, Empress, thou canst be the Queen of diligence so thy work be completed and thou can have a stress-free Sunday.

And today I think I'm the Queen of lazy and in need of a fresh start. Dh and I did the mall a bit today. Walked around it once with two timeouts for rest and wandered through a store or two (he, one; I, two). But it was OUT. And I did an omelet today, too, but it was a Western omelet WITH eggs. But I have not had an urge to nibble so maybe I'll make up the overload by skipping the many small things (though healthier) like apple, etc.

Thanks for the comments on deceased neighbor. And the reminder that we never know for sure what goes on with anyone else. I'm sure she had a full life, was apparently well educated, well employed, etc (obit published post private funeral). So I know more about her than I did in her lifetime. And (lest thou think me just a nosy hen), twas not that I hankered for any great intimacy. (Just thought it sometimes took effort to ignore me/others. I'm still a little too large not to see me.) And it's all been yet another reminder of how quickly life can end. She apparently went to hospital Sunday, died Tuesday. And only 50.

Very relaxing afternoon so far. Must try to salvage today and get ready for yet another Fresh Start.

I am not entirely sure where I am but I'm doing okay. Spent most of today running around after DGS went home noonish. I woke up at 4:30 because some people walking by the house were having a LOUD conversation. Bah! I intended to get in a good workout, but haven't managed it. Oh well, I guess one day off won't kill me.

Kaylets, DGS probably DID notice that I was calmer, but I'm not sure he thinks that's a good thing. He really loves going up stairs and exploring all the territory up there and having me chase him. He still had a good time on this visit, but to be honest, I think he prefers the more intensely interactive visits. Doesn't really get what's so desireable about this "sitting down" thing.

Eydie, what's Pilates like? I don't really know anything about it. I know that there are tapes, but do you need equipment too? How would you compare it to yoga? I like to do a half-hour or so of yoga and a set of tai chi every day, but it would be fun to try something different.

Anagram, sorry about your neighbour. I know how awkward those things feel sometimes, and I always wonder why people cut themselves off from others around them. I know when I'm down I don't feel like seeing anyone.

Amarantha, I like eggy omelets, too. I just recently started making them sometimes on a Sunday, with mushrooms & green peppers and other good stuff. If the asparagus is ever less than a king's ransom again, I'd like to use it in one. MMMMmmmmmm (to quote DGS, who says that every time he spies food). I'm hungry!

Senamae, good luck on your assignments! I think I heard recently that there's a big demand for radiologists. BTW, I went back to school when I was 34 my own self, so I can sympathize with you!

Ceara, that soup sounds great - I'll have to make it soon. I'm a big coriander fan, but it comes in such huge bunches that it's hard to use it all up, and seems like a lot of work to wash it and separate the leaves and stuff. I wonder if I could grow some on the windowsill or if it's too tall for indoors?

Punkin, 60 degrees sounds like heaven! We've only had a couple of days in the last few weeks where you didn't feel like you were in danger of freezing to death every time you stepped out of the house. I'm trying to summon up some enthusiasm and a good attitude, but it's just so freakin' cold

Dollar, WOOOOOO-HOOOOO for you! You're an inspiration! Congrats!

Wildfire, how are you doing, of Cape Breton?

I'm off to find some dinner. I've exhausted my typing fingers here, so I'll post some semblance of a soup recipe tomorrow. Have a great night, all!

Hello all!!

Anagram-- Western Omlette shouldn't been too off track unless it was a monster one w/ lots and lots of eggs -- I think I've been places that make them w/ meat - maybe that's what you mean..
My problem always is the homefries-(fried chunks of potato) If they're done right I could eat a whole plate!
That carbohydrate thing again.
There you go, you made your Mini-Goal w/ DH! AT THE MALL!! WALKING!! I remember the day he came home from the hospital you were looking forward to this day!



I've been doing chores around the house at a slow pace- made some more muffins and added lots of extra cranberries.
As I was cutting the cranberries I watched a few episodes of the Discovery Challenge. I enjoyed that. There was one episode where the pastry chef from the 1st challenge came in to show them how to make their favorites but lo cal. He has kept the 60lbs off that he lost. They didnt give itemized recipes but you did see enough to get some general ideas. His point was-- You don't always have to avoid your favorite- you can tweak it to make it safer.

Scale was up 3lbs this am!! Better be TOM again or I'm in trouble!
The only thing I can imagine is maybe the SF cocoa has salt in it too that's making me retain.

Eydie--That's just me on your left, I'm trying to catch your "drag" and hope that if I keep going thru the motions I'll get back in rhythm. Good going!!

Kettle is staying nice and hot. In fact, I think I 'll pour us all a nice cup. Empress, there's ice in the bucket if you'd prefer cold tea. I think you're part of the world is the only place its warm!!


I need to go back thru the threads to find the Canadian Flamenco musician. I will bug DH to let me use his computer so I get up to speed on this gentleman!

Eggplant Parmigean for dinner -- What's everyone else having??

Oh my omelette was a three egger with bits of ham, onion, pepper, no cheese. Two slices of whole wheat toast. Funny you should mention homefries ---as no good omelette should be served without them IMHO. However, our waitress informed us they had no homefries but I could have FRENCH FRIES if I wanted, no other substitution possible. Well, FFs are never high on my list of foods though I'd have had grits or some such if they ever served them in PA. So I was SAVED from the homefries. I'm sure I'd have had some; I like to think I'd have been moderate but haven't been in many things lately.

Those muffins sound so good, esp with extra cranberries. Yes, the mall walk was a goal. We're hitting a lot of them these days. He was going to drive himself to dialysis tomorrow but Friday he was told the port in his neck is only being held by one stitch so they would make an appt for him on Monday to have that taken care of. He was also told he'll need another temporary port installed as the current one is not doing well after the infection. And of course if on Wed. we get the new dialysis will be ongoing, then he'll need to have a fistula installed. These things are normally outpatient procedures but since he's on blood thinners, for him it turns out to be a hospital stay - a week if we're lucky.
He seems to take it all in stride - he's always been a stoic but I could understand if all this became depressing.

So I spent some time cleaning kitchen cupboards (ala FlyLady just about 15 minutes worth at a time) and doing some research on computer in prep for meeting w/doctor on Wed. With any kind of luck and fifteen minutes here and 15 minutes there, I might get close to organized some day.

OF COURSE, DGS wants you to be interactive, Arabella. I'm sure he doesn't want anything to do with sitting still. He's got too much to do and too much to discover.

Eggplant P sounds scrumptious. I just had a salad and a small sandwich. Probably have room for a 1/2 cup serving of lite ice cream later or some fruit. Have had over 48 oz of water and four cups of tea, 2 green and 2 regular. No real exercise. Well, the little mall walk and climbing up and down for the cupboards.

Must shut this machine down before Trading Spaces comes on. I think I saw the second one that's on so may be up and around again at 9:00 or so. But I think I'm just going to put this to bed and do something else at 9:00.

Oh my omelette was a three egger with bits of ham, onion, pepper, no cheese. Two slices of whole wheat toast. Funny you should mention homefries ---as no good omelette should be served without them IMHO. However, our waitress informed us they had no homefries but I could have FRENCH FRIES if I wanted, no other substitution possible. Well, FFs are never high on my list of foods though I'd have had grits or some such if they ever served them in PA. So I was SAVED from the homefries. I'm sure I'd have had some; I like to think I'd have been moderate but haven't been in many things lately.

Those muffins sound so good, esp with extra cranberries. Yes, the mall walk was a goal. We're hitting a lot of them these days. He was going to drive himself to dialysis tomorrow but Friday he was told the port in his neck is only being held by one stitch so they would make an appt for him on Monday to have that taken care of. He was also told he'll need another temporary port installed as the current one is not doing well after the infection. And of course if on Wed. we get the new dialysis will be ongoing, then he'll need to have a fistula installed. These things are normally outpatient procedures but since he's on blood thinners, for him it turns out to be a hospital stay - a week if we're lucky.
He seems to take it all in stride - he's always been a stoic but I could understand if all this became depressing.

So I spent some time cleaning kitchen cupboards (ala FlyLady just about 15 minutes worth at a time) and doing some research on computer in prep for meeting w/doctor on Wed. With any kind of luck and fifteen minutes here and 15 minutes there, I might get close to organized some day.

OF COURSE, DGS wants you to be interactive, Arabella. I'm sure he doesn't want anything to do with sitting still. He's got too much to do and too much to discover.

Eggplant P sounds scrumptious. I just had a salad and a small sandwich. Probably have room for a 1/2 cup serving of lite ice cream later or some fruit. Have had over 48 oz of water and four cups of tea, 2 green and 2 regular. No real exercise. Well, the little mall walk and climbing up and down for the cupboards.

Must shut this machine down before Trading Spaces comes on. I think I saw the second one that's on so may be up and around again at 9:00 or so. But I think I'm just going to put this to bed and do something else at 9:00.

See you in the morning.