I am freshly motivated to continue along my path of restraint and calorie (and fiber) counting. Seems to be working, and I’m hoping to be looking close to acceptable by Memorial Day weekend. I’ve got to say that you-all have really set good examples, and for a little negative reinforcement, whenever a thought creeps to mind involving my eating something that isn’t on the menu I created for myself, I remember your comment, Gayle, about “Jabba the Hut”, think about my view in the mirror of myself sitting on my bed struggling into a pair of panty hose, and any desire for off-plan food immediately drops out of my thoughts. Gawd, what a picture, huh? (Thanks, Gayle, for this very valuable visualization…) I did manage, with a lot of assistance from dh (washing veggies, cleaning up as I went along) to make a nice big pot of chicken veggie soup for us to have through the week. I used mustard greens, celery, onions, carrots, black beans and about 9 skinless, boneless, organic, antibiotic-free, humanely raised, etc., etc. chicken breasts chopped into @ 1” cubes. Used lite College Inn chicken broth and boullion, seasoned it with cumin, pepper and garlic…and YUM-O. We had it for supper last night and will probably have it again tonight and freeze the rest in individual-sized portions to take out as needed. So far, so good. 
Nancy, Like you, I have no problem looking older if that’s what it is we’re looking when we shed the weight that’s been keeping our faces puffy and baby-ish. I think we should age not only gracefully, but elegantly, and there’s nothing more elegant that a “mature” woman with nice bones – bones that you can actually see, I mean. So, enjoy your bones, lady, because they look danged elegant, as far as I’m concerned!
Mary, so you’re a nurse, too? Wow, we sure seem to have a lot of nurses in here. I’m glad you-all don’t know about me fainting at the sight of blood. (It’s true…I’m growing faint just thinking about it…)
Karen3, I think that must be why I am becoming more and more hermit-like, the older I get. See, I wouldn’t want VP responsibility, so if you wanted to take on the job, as far as I would be concerned, you could have it, and I not only wouldn’t oppose you, I’d feel eternally grateful. I’ve been sitting on the boards of several local foundations and such for a number of years now, and I see the same sort of thing go on in those meetings. They don’t worry about me issuing any challenges to their positions, because I flat out don’t want ‘em! In fact, once I retire from my day job, I think I’ll be letting the board memberships go, too. I might take up fishing or something. SOLO fishing, that is. Or not. Come to think of it, with SOLO fishing, I’d be the only one there to put the worm on the hook, right? Ack! Okay, not fishing, then. Something alone, though. After working with a bunch of looney tunes for the past ten years – well, for the better part of my life, actually – and always having to deal with people, I think I’m going to need a little time without any people in it for a while. Or with very few, anyway. However, having said all that, I must say that I enjoyed your whining immensely. SO nice to have someone other than myself do it!
I shall indeed offer up a pat on the back, Karen31! Somehow, as I’ve always believed was needed to truly stick to a weight loss plan, you have had that little “click” go off in your head, and you’re now in the groove and on your way to a happy, healthy new Karen. I am absolutely delighted for you – loved the wedding pictures, and also the one you showed us some time ago (years?) of you and your Dad. If I were you, I’d have that one pinned to my refrigerator door. Soooo pretty!
Bunti, Hmmmmm. Rockin’, you say? I was actually aiming for a more sophisticated image at the wedding. I love my intended daughter-in-law, but really can’t stand her parents. Since my son is mixed racial (and about the handsomest man imaginable) it’s taken them a very long time to reconcile themselves to the match, even though he is capable of, and already does provide for their daughter in grand style. That, plus the fact that they are a perfect couple in every respect. I’m afraid it’s going to take every bit of self-restraint that I can muster to be pleasant and civil towards them, and I will, of course, be exactly that, but not without a huge effort, trust me.
Freda, I’m not exactly sure how formal or informal the actual wedding will be – I’m just getting bits and pieces – a catered pig roast Saturday night, garden wedding on Sunday – and only know for sure that the bride’s sister is maid of honor and my son-in-law (DD’s husband, twin’s dad) is the best man. I think they’re keeping the actual wedding party just that small because if they open it up to the groom’s sisters and the bride’s friends (she is still close to a whole bunch of sorority sisters) the thing will turn into a circus, and no matter how many they DO include in the wedding party, there will be an equal number with hurt feelings because they weren’t. But, having said that, there will be a huge number of guests staying at a hotel not far from the wedding site, and they’ll be included in all the festivities all 3 days. Omigawd….now I’m beginning to wonder how much this is all actually going to cost! Oh – sorry the son’s birthday dinner wasn’t so hot. I hope he enjoyed the shopping, tho….let me guess, some new electronic gadget???
Good going, Lyn….and yes, we’ve got to stick together on this. After all, WE are the Massachusetts team – just you and I, chickie. Now, let’s show ‘em what we’re made of! (NOT sugar & spice & everything nice and filled with empty calories, either!)
Hope you’re enjoying the tropics, Lynn. We’re expecting snow today. Boooooooooooo!!!!!
Omigoodness, Tea! Bullriding? Well, we don’t see much of that hereabouts, I must say. Continued thoughts and prayers, and heartfelt wishes that once recovered, he decides to take up Chess!
Bobbi, if you were even THINKING about Zumba, you’re not nearly as lazy as I am, because I wouldn’t even THINK about it, trust me…
Hope your weekend was nice, Rosey, and hope your dh is doing better.
Hey, PT…any more snow out your way? We’re supposed to be getting some today. Ack. Spring, right! Sometimes I just wanna get on a plane and….I dunno…..land on some deserted tropical island…wait a minute….a DESERTED island means no stores, no Olay regenerating lotion, no Bath & Body works, no Fiber One cereal….okay. I’m staying put. The snow has to melt sooner or later, doesn’t it?
Okay. I have undoubtedly missed folks. Please know that I’m apologetic, but hey, this IS an “over 50” group, y’know? The memory tends to get a little foggy when I haven’t seen someone post for awhile.
Love ya, tho…
Z
congrats on your loss and the same to everyone else thats dropped a few..thanks for the well wishes for my dh,his tests said hes normal and his dr said hes just taking time to heal and by nature my dh is avery impatient man.. i spent the day playing with my beads i was tired of scapbooking(temp. im sure) but havent done any bead work for ages. my dd told me last nite that a friend of hers son is terminal brain cancer and the only hope is a treatment out of the usa not covered by their ins,they are having an auction to raise funds so i thought i would make some hair barretts and amulet purse necklaces to donate..fun for me and a worthwhile cause.nothing else new accept my new exercise equipment came.i'll post a picture..boy my dh better watch his P&Q's now 
ttfn (((hugs))) rosey 
That is awesome! Sure makes you feel good to see that ticker move!