Hi ladies.

Came in to catch up on the threads for a few minutes. I'm running errands today and am going to walk around town to pay my bills. This was a part of my routine before my surgery and now it's time to park the car and start walking again.

Pam - I am eating crow as Auburn beat Tenn this weekend.

Tina - I don't have kids but I will comment that I think Trey's teacher could find a better way to get her message across. It is not nice to purposely embarrass people, young or old. I still remember teachers and kids that would embarrass me on purpose when I was in school. Maybe she was having a bad day? I think you should speak with the teacher about the situation, just wait until you can do it calmly. Let her know your feelings and give her a chance to tell her side of the story (there are always two sides you know).

Joanne - so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Hope you are okay.

I'm about out of time here, so gotta run. I'm sorry for causing confusion about the Sat-Sun chat, I didn't even see that when I started the new thread.

First of all...... I want to thank those of you that responded to my post with advice. I KNOW I can always count on you guys (especially Thin) for opinions. Also.... I do NOT mean that last comment as a negative thing. That is one of the reasons why I Thin so much, is because she tells me exactly the way it is and makes me see things that sometimes you just don't see because you let emotions color your thoughts and feelings.

Having said that, I still don't know whether I will talk with his teacher or not. I've understood from the beginning that he WAS told to clean his desk to begin with. He told me that the problem was, that he didn't know when he was supposed to clean it. She didn't tell him a specific time and he said that his day was full of activities and he didn't want to get into further trouble by cleaning it when he was supposed to be doing something else. I asked him if she had dumped anyone else's desk so far and he said no, that she had threatened a couple of times, but that she had never done it. Part of me DOES understand that it may be one of her consequences for not doing what she asks......however I just feel there are better ways to get a child's attention. I mean, she could have taken away something fun from him, made him write sentences.....something like that. I just don't think a child can learn anything from being embarassed. Yeah, he DID learn to keep his desk neat, but at what cost? School is hard enough anyways, especially at his age and being overweight certainly doesn't help......then having all your belongings dumped out in front of the whole class...was just harsh in my opinion. Anyways...... I'm still thinking it over.
Thanks again for all your opinions.

Thin: Hey lovely lady..... Thank you for your opinions on the matter... I can always count on you to make me look at the other side. Also, what an inspiration you are to me. Even though you most certainly expected a gain after eating all that candy and then to even make them weigh you with shoes and still showing a loss? Geeez, maybe I should try the candy diet too? One HAS to wonder though.....if you did that well eating the candy, wonder what you would have lost if you hadn't of eaten it? Nevertheless, a HUGE victory for you and definite inspiration for us!

Mary: Thanks for the Apple Bundt cake recipe! It sounds yummy!

2cute: Sounds like you have been super busy lately and we sure have been missing you around here. Uh.....by the way, were you OH SO GOOD at this year's reunion? I know, leave it up to me to ask the tough questions. I was just wondering since you didn't say whether you were or not. And by the way..... yes, another year has went by and you may still be overweight, but you are still trying and I think that says something, don't you? I'd rather fall down a hundred times and get up and try again than to just lay there and give in, wouldn't you?

J-ann: Thanks for your input too. I really appreciate it. I have to say..... I sound abit like your mother when it comes to the boys keeping their room clean. Trey has sat in his room all day before because he wasn't allowed out until it was clean and he is doing MUCH better. Once he realizes I'm not letting him out of the house until it's done, he gets right on it!

Pam: Good for you for getting your wheels back! How nice it was of your sister to loan you the $$ too. Good for you!

Andria: SO sorry you've been feeling icky. I absolutely hate having a virus. They can absolutely drain you and make you feel......well for lack of a better word, YUCK. I've been worrying and wondering about you and whether you went into work. I know you have responsibilies....but you have to take care of YOU sometimes too. {{{hugs}}}

Sandy: Leave it to you to mirror my feelings sweetpea..... I just KNEW you would react the same way I did because we are so much alike. It is hard to look at the other side sometimes.....but sometimes we have to do it. Thanks for posting what you added to the potato soup recipe.... it sounds really . By the way..... don't worry about that little pound. I'm sure you are perfectly right.....it was the salt and it will be gone in a couple of days. Good for you for keeping your head on straight!

Connie: Sounds like you have a really good idea there...... walking around town to pay your bills. I wish I was able to do something like that. Not only are you getting in your exercise, but you're taking care of those pesky bills at the same time! AND.... don't you be eatin no crow girl! Auburn just got LUCKY! If stupid Clausen hadn't of thrown that interception, I just know we would have won! One loss this year isn't so bad, we'll get em next week! Go VOLS!!

Michelle: I haven't read Dr. Phil's book yet, but a friend of mine bought it and I am definitely going to borrow it from her. I taped the show today and plan on watching it later. Those lobster stuffed salmon pinwheels sound so good..... how were they? BY THE WAY..... I haven't had a good long post from you in awhile and I've been missing you. (Nothing like a good guilt post huh?) Also... how is WW? You are still going, aren't you?

Ok..... I've replied to everyoen on the thread so far and I feel complete with that. Hello to everyone else and know that I love you all. I'll be going to WI later tonight so keep your fingers

Last but not least...... here's a recipe that I got off another site I visit and everyone has given them rave reviews!

Slimfast Cupcakes

One chocolate cake mix (I used Ducan Hines Double Chocolatey)
One can chocolate Slim Fast (I used double fudge)

Mix ingredients together and add half a can of water. Mix until contents are well mixed and no lumps are present. Bake according to package directions for cupcakes. It makes about 18 and they are 2 points a piece.

Enjoy with a dollop of cool whip free on top or even take the top off, put it inside, and put the top back on and they taste like DING DONGS!!!

They are to die for!!!!

Like I said, several people on the site have tried them and say they are absolutely awesome and how can you go wrong with only two points?!


Thin, let me know how they are because I know you'll probably be the first to make them!

'Afternoon all!

Tina, honey, you are too bad for words! "Thin, let me know how they are because I know you'll probably be the first to make them!" What? Who? Me? And...."I KNOW I can always count on you guys (especially Thin) for opinions." What? Who? Me? I told you guys long ago, if you don't want an opinion, don't ask for one. I gave you all fair warning! AND... "if you did that well eating the candy, wonder what you would have lost if you hadn't of eaten it?" You cannot even imagine how many times I've asked myself that question. I do try not to dwell on that one though...it's pretty depressing! THANKS ALOT!!!!

Connie: Sounds like walking the town is a great idea. Hope that works for you. You must be feeling better. That's great!

Mary: There's just something about that apple and spice combo that really sounds good. *whispering here* Don't tell Tina, but I may be trying YOUR cake before HER cake!

Andria: Are you feeling better? I hope, if you did decide to stay home, that you got your article finished. Keep your chin up.

Sandy: I'm glad you liked the soup recipe. Did you use regular hash browns (like the shredded kind) or the Southern style (like the little cubey ones)? I found that the gravy with the sausage bits was "cheaper" (stats wise) than the plain too so that's what I use. I love the flavor.

Pam: I'm glad your sister is giving you the loan for your car repairs. I can't imagine being without wheels for any length of time.

J-ann: Been anywhere fun with the dog this weekend. I bet with the fall weather it's beautiful to be out in the fields with him/her. (sorry, don't remember which)

2cute: WOW, you were one busy woman this weekend. I'm glad your sale was such a success. Did the purchase go through? That would be even better.

Michelle: Well, girl, you haven't been around in ages, and then a couple of lines is all you can muster? And at that, you post you're making something yummy for dinner and you didn't give us the recipe? Ok, kiddo, we're waiting for something a little more substantial from you, including the how to's for those pinwheels.

Well, girls, I've caught up with this thread. I apologize that I didn't go back further, but I had to start somewhere. Everyone else come out and post and I'll talk to you too. But don't ask for any opinions, cuz I just might just give 'em to you!

Oh, before I go. I found this in the WW newsletter that I get and with it being fall and apple season, I thought it looked real good (and only 2 WW points too).

Weight Watchers
baked apple streusel

POINTSŪ | 2
Servings | 8
Preparation Time | 15 min
Cooking Time | 45 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

desserts | Our spice-infused apple streusel is the perfect tummy warmer on the coldest of winter days.

4 medium apple(s), peeled, cored and thinly sliced (use firm apples)
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup uncooked old-fashioned oats
3 tbsp reduced-calorie margarine

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Stir together apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice; pour into a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
3. Cut flour, oatmeal, remaining brown sugar and margarine together with a pastry blender or fork in a medium bowl; sprinkle over apple mixture.
4. Bake until apples are tender and top is browned, about 45 minutes. Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.



Gotta run. Love to all.

Ok another quickie! The lobster stuffed salmon pinwheels were really super easy!

1. Get in your car

2. Drive to the supermarket

3. Purchase the fish

4. Drive it home

5. Preheat your oven to 400*

6. Bake fish for 20 minutes

7. Enjoy! They were absolutely deliscious!!

See I cheated....they were already made in the seafood dept. I just had to ask for however many I wanted!

Gotta go eat my delmonico steak now...John just brought them off the grill!

Tina..I haven't been to WW for a couple of weeks now...I was sick, Andrew was sick and I started my classes and have been trying to keep up with that and housework, and work and the boy and his swim lessons. Plus some issues w/John that we have finally resolved...for now anyway!! I am going to read Dr. Phil's book and see what i come up with that may help me along until I can get on a schedule with all this stuff going on....plus now Andrew will be going to preschool....have to get his physical this week and try and get a 3 yr old to pee in a cup for the dr. Don't see that happening! LOL

OK gotta run...I'll be back!

Michelle

Hi ladies!

What a gorgeous weekend we had here in the Midwest. Absolutely my favorite kind of weather.

Friday night was the night all the siblings and our spouses got together for dinner out. My sister and her family were in the area for the Nascar (?) races. We had a great time. Of course, it was not WW friendly but I noticed that I did eat a lot less this time as I did not go home feeling miserable as we normally do.

Then on Saturday, my sis and I drove east about 3 hours close to St. Louis for a family reunion of my mom's siblings and all the kids and grandkids. It is held at my grandpa's farm (he's been gone for 20+ years but the farm is still in the family). The house is unpainted still and is only 3 rooms and NO indoor toilet. Its always been that way and they want to keep it that way. Sure brings back fond memories of grandma. Grandpa was always gruff and quiet. He is fondly (or not) called a hard-headed, stoic German who begat hard-headed children. Food was great and in over abundance so I didn't do so well this weekend. I have no regrets because I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and every bite.

I'm back on track this morning with no hesitation. So, maybe, I am finally get a handle on the food stuff. I have noticed that I do eat a lot less than I used to and when I have bad food days or meals, it does not spiral into days upon weeks. I won't be getting all superior about it because I know it could all so to heck in a handbasket if I'm not careful.

I've been following the Dr. Phil shows still. Some of the people seem rather phoney. But I'm curious to watch them and do feel their pain.

We're also Survivor fans. That one team is dying quickly. There don't seem to be any 22 yo mouthy chicks or dudes this time. They all seem to be a bit older but not too old.

What a great bunch of recipes! Is slimfast sugar free by any chance?

Thin - I had to chuckle when reading your post about the WI and the shoes. I've had exactly that kind of thinking - like what can I leave off clothing-wise so that I won't show a gain? Good for you for fessing up and being honest. Dr. Phil would be proud! He would also give you a can of whup-a$$ about all the candy too!

Barb - When do you leave on your cruise?

Tina - I don't have kids so I can't really help with the advice. Your son is such a cutie. I'd say something to the teacher but acknowledge that you appreciate her trying to teach him about consequences but gee, couldn't there have been a better way? Good luck!

J-Ann - Wasn't it hard to admit that mom probably did you a favor in the long run?

2Cute - Hmm, family reunion too? It would be a hoot to find out that we were at the same one! Coulda, woulda, shoulda.....jump back on track and forget about what didn't happen. So, you weren't a 100 pounds lighter, but look at the exercise that you've been doing - could you do that last year?

Andria - Hope you're feeling better soon.

Sandy - Sorry about being up a pound but looks like you've got the right attitude. The potato soup sounds wonderful.

Connie - Hello! Good job on the walking and taking care of bills.

Pam - What a great sis!

Michelle - Those things did sound yummy. Too bad you don't have a recipe. Cute post!

Okay, well I need to get out of here and go sit with the dog so he'll eat. Then I was supposed to get in some time on the bike but DH has it blocked in the garage and I can't get to it. I'll try to get some time in on the spinner instead. Then of course, the dog will need to be walked too. Sheesh, never enough time for all the household chores, relaxing AND exercise.

OBTW, I walked down 3 flights and then back up today after lunch. Then we walked down 7 flights and came back up 2 floors at a time. We'd walk up 2 then walk around that floor to recover and then up 2 again. And I didn't pass out either!

Have a great night!

Hi Gang!
I still need to go back and catch up on some of the messages. Just popping in for a quick post. Feeling a little blue right now. Still dealing with the PMS symtoms - I wish TOM would just show up so I can get it over with for vacation. Trying to do a million and one things before we leave on Friday. That's the good part!!! We fly out Friday morning to Orlando, drive to Port Canaveral and meet up with the rest of my family on Friday night and the cruise leave on Saturday. It's a 7 day cruise.

Then the real bummer of the day....Jeff got into a car accident! He is fine - there were no injuries - thank God!!! It's just such a headache to deal with. It was not his fault - a guy swerved right in front of him and he was cited. So the insurance co. shouldn't give us a problem paying up. We'll see. The problem is that we still owe $ on the car (Isuzu Rodeo) and we think the damage may be more than the car is worth. So we are probably going to lose $ in the deal. It'll all work out! I'm just thankful it wasn't worse.

I know this post has been far from positive!!! Sorry guys!!! I am sure I will feel better over the next couple days!!! I am really excited about the trip!!

I'll stop back in tomorrow, hopefully in a better mood!
Love,
Barb

THIN: I *know* that you know how much I love you....that's why I know I can speak my heart to you and you can speak your heart to me. That's why I love our friendship SO much.

So..... I am reporting my WI. (not Wisconsin) I am now officially in TWOTERVILLE! AND.... I will NEVER go back to Threesomeville again. Hmm, Threesomeville? Dh.... Tony..... Dh.... Tony. ME... Hmm, Threesomeville might not be that bad of a place to visit though. Oh my! What am I saying?!

Since arriving at Twoterville, QueenB has lost her mind!

I would also like to mention that even though I only (don't you love that word) lost 1.8 this week, that 1.8 was lost eating all my points, including ALL my Flex Points AND a Snickers, some M&M's and a rather large plate of spaghetti and too much garlic bread. However, that same 1.8 was lost drinking all my water this week and then some and walking 10 miles with my WATP dvds! So.... all in all, I earned that loss!

Have a great night and I'll talk at ya in the am!

Good evening everyone. I am writing this offline in hopes of finding time later to come read and post. My life has been VERY BUSY and when I had time off I just wanted to do nothing... not even read. I really need to get back on track again.
Thin... losing weight 4 weeks in a row !!!!!
That was a very manipultive way of doing it but you did it just the same.
I think our get together in the spring would be great to be girls only.
I hope to get us an additional room large enough for all of us to sit and just "girl talk" too. Like a conference room or something PRIVATE. Lobbies are great for small chit chat... but there are always strangers near by listening too.
I also plan to stay at the hotel with everyone else. It just makes for a better bonding experience.
Some of you may want to share a room and save some money... others like myself will want a private room. BUT I also want a single gathering place for everyone.
I am soooooo excited and can't wait. I have decided to put away some of my garage sale money now so that will help out next spring. As Sarah used to say about dieting... "A year from now you will wish you had started today". Even $5 -$10 a week will make a BIG difference next May or June.

Andria... I hope you got my PM. Your post was soooooooooo awesome.
Barb... congrats on your 3 lbs!!!
Natalie... that was a beautiful bridge picture. I made a note about you to myself... but can't read my own writing now.
Tina... leave it to YOU to ask me how good my food was. LOL Your right... I didn't mention it on purpose. Need I say more ??

I can't remember any more info off the top of my head.
I am sooooooo far behind on my paper work I feel TOTALLY OVERWHELMED.
I need to get off here and do at least one hour on it. I probably have 10 hours of work waiting on me.

Hey everyone

Thank you all for the well wishes. I'm starting to feel a whole lot better now. I did end up going in to work. Our town clerk has had severe migraines every day of her life for the last 12 years. When she calls me and says this one is so bad she can't lift her head off the pillow, I know she isn't kidding. Besides, it reminds me that my little aches and pains are miniscule in comparison. I ate saltines, drank part of a Dr. Pepper and had a really light vegetable soup to eat, and with keeping busy as well, the day went quickly and turned out ok. I even managed to do a quick edit on the article between jobs and sent it off to the editor tonight.
I'll be honest with you, it isn't the best thing I've ever written. It isn't anywhere near as clever or insightful as I would have liked, but it doesn't stink either. I really do think it wasn't bad for a first attempt. Let's put it this way... I'm going to buy a copy of the magazine and send it to my grandma, and I wouldn't do that if it was junk.
I guess this editor chick has some faith in me even though she hasn't read my piece. She gave me a shorty assignment due by Friday. It is a Christmas wish list for the kitchen enthusiast. I'm supposed to choose 6 or so "hot" items. Eeek! Ok, sounds like fun mostly because I AM a kitchen enthusiast, but giving me that kind of latitude... and I only get to pick a half dozen? Hrm... BTW, pitch in any ideas you all might have. Friday is way too close!

Ok, I was planning this to be a short little post, but since it already isn't, I should probably get in some replies as well.

2cute, I did get the PM. I've been thinking about what you said about your reunion and how you weren't 100 lbs. lighter than last year, etc. I know you aren't down 100, but you have come so far! I'm remembering back to the very start of this thread. I was a lurker back then and actually remember when you began writing. You have changed so much in that amount of time. I remember the woman who conquered her fear of a bathing suit to begin swimming. I remember the woman who could hardly walk. So what if you haven't lost 100 lbs. in the last year. You have made amazing progress and we love you.

Ummm... ok, I was doing replies, but DH is sitting over my shoulder now and being all cute and cuddly. Don't get any ideas, you all. I'm still a sicky! But he is awfully adorable and pretty darn snuggly. I'm going to head to bed.

Andria

Quick stop. I'll try to get back later with a long post but, even with my slip last Wed. that used up all my Flex Pts. I lost 1/2 lb at WI yesterday. Since the week before was a big (4.5 lb.) loss I didn't expect too much this week and I'm thrilled to be down at all.

Hey Gals!
No time to catch up right now, but I was thinking about you all so I just wanted to stop in with a quick hello!!!

hAD TO BRING US TO THE TOP we were at the bottom fixing to drop off

TINA, CONGRATS ON MOVING TO TWOTERVILLE!!! THAT IS FABULOUS! It will be a while before I join you, but I am coming to stay too!

J-Ann, many congrats on your recent losses, you are doing great girl!

Barb, sorry to hear of the accident, I am thankful Jeff was okay. That is a scary thing.

Thanks all for the great recipes of later, they all sound yummy to me

check in with you girlies later...have a good evening

TOPS weigh-in tonite. Lost another pound! Tina, I'll soon be joining you in TWOterville! WTG on your losses!

Barb: I'm glad your DH is o.k. Hope you get a good report from the insurance company. Don't let this spoil your trip!

J-ann: You're doing great

Andria: I'm glad you're feeling better.

Thin: Thanks for posting that receipe-I'm going to try it soon!

Got home after my meeting and shopping. Didn't feel like cooking anything, so I gave in to the I'm getting back on track tomorrow.

Pam, 2 Cute, Natalie, Jen, Peek, and anyone I've missed-Have a lovely evening!

And, by the way: GO RED SOX!!!