A gorgeous weekend here and I spend it on the couch.

Yesterday was Nyquil, couch, sleep, Nyquil, couch, sleep, Nyquil, couch, sleep, Nyquil, couch, sleep. Today I am attempting to shower first then Nyquil, couch, sleep, hopefully this will be the end of this cold. Head colds seem so hard to get rid of. I have been using a little face steamer and that makes my nose and throat feel a lot better.

Well, this has exhausted me - I will check in after my nap. (geez it's only 10AM and I am talking naps)

LLB: Get well soon * Hands over a box of kleenex*

DeterminedToSuceed: You are awesome!! I am so proud of you for holding your ground with those manangers that were fighting around your horse....Horses are sensitive to their environment and can tell if the atmosphere is bad and it will make them un easy too...I bet your DH is proud of you too!

MichelleK...Vampirism huh?? Let me see your smile!!!! Sounds like you are doing really good with your schoolwork...Hope you start feeling better soon. :>

QSilver: I am glad that you and your friend could talk things out...Never good to harbor resentment. Congrats for being out of the 300's!!! WTG!!

Amy, Paperdoll , I am glad to meet you * puts out hand for a friendly howdy* I am a long time member of this group, but don't always post regularly...*blushes*

Jehari: Oh if you only knew how often I have thought of you and am wishing you could have your DH home safely in your arms!!! Thank him for what he is doing to keep us safe, and for the sacrifces you are making too, thank you. God Bless you both.

Hi *waves* to Granny.

2ute: I hope by the time you read this that your sister is still improving!!! You have been in my thoughts/prayers every day.

Ageoldie: Hello, good to see you again too, at least you didn't gain...and your dh did lose....so it wasn't a total bust!

For those I may have forgotten...I apologize...where is Thin? She is one of the busiest people I know...but always there for you when you need a friend...3 cheers for Thinthinker!!! Hip Hip Horray X 3...lol

As for myself, I am doing some better, still very tired and not much energy...but the weight loss is steady although S L O W .....I want it to be gone NOW!!!! I know you all understand that comment!!

Have a good day one and all ....

Hi everyone! No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth! Just busy, busy, busy. I know, like all of you. I have come in and read, so I'm trying to stay up to date. Just haven't had the time to do replies so didn't post at all. I know, I know, I don't HAVE to do replies to post, but some of you will know how I feel. Probably won't get to ALL the replies today either, but just couldn't stay away any longer.

I was working, as usual, most of the week. This next week will be busier. #1 Son turns 25 on Tuesday. My but I'm getting old!

"Doris-sitting" went well this week. They have put her on new medication and it seems to do her better. I'm sooooo glad, for her, and her family. It was not very pretty the past couple of weeks.

Speaking of Doris and dementia, wasn't Nancy Reagon just a real saint with Ronnie? She really stayed by his side to the very end. (Literally, stayed by his side.) Bless her heart, God rest his soul! Tough disease for patient AND family.

I got a chance to go flower shopping the other day. Got some cool, different stuff, Lamb's Ear, Balloon Flowers, Carnations. I also finally found my Mosquito Plants for this year. If you are going to look for them for yourself, they go by several different names: Mosquito Plant, Citronella Plant and Scented Geranium. That should make it a little easier to find since each store seems to call them something different.

#1 Son and I got them all in the ground yesterday after dinner. He's such a great kid. He'll do anything I ask him to do and he's always by my side to do my plantings in the Spring.

The "baby" is in St. Louis this weekend. I took him to the airport on Thursday morning. He's due back tonight. I have to run to the airport at 9:30 to pick him up. He plays an online game called Gemstone and he is in St. Louis for their annual conference.

2cute: I bet you've gone off back to MO to be with your sister. Thanks for dropping in and giving us an update. I've been thinking of yous and praying for yous every day. I sure hope she can pull this one out of the fire once again. She's a real fighter and has been down and out before.

Pat: Sorry I hadn't weighed in until now on the heel spurs. I had them too. My remedy was the shots and wrapping them with an ace bandage to keep that stretched out right. Then once I was feeling a bit better, the Dr. made me orthodics for in my shoes. I have to say I have not had them since and that was probably about 10 years ago now.

Lucky: So sorry you are under the weather. It's even worse when it's nice outside. Hope the Nyquil and the naps for these couple of days will snap it out of you! [[[hugs]]]

Syn: Good to see you posting more. Glad that you are feeling some better. I haven't seen you online lately. Maybe we're just missing each other.

Terri: WOW, nice barn manners, eh??? You'd think that if they were management material, they'd have some manners. Good for you, stepping up to the plate. I bet DH was speechless, in awe of his little wifey!!!! Glad Ginger is doing better. * Your plan for a healthier you sounds like it's moving right along. Good for you!

Amy: Glad you stopped by. Your stats are impressive! GREAT JOB! Hope you'll stop in again. We'd love to have you join us.

Michelle: Well, my goodness, girlfriend. It is soooo good to see you! You have been a busy little beaver! Glad your classes are going so well. I still don't see how you do it. Full time job, full time mom, full time student. YIKES! Take some time for YOU!!!

Jen: [[[HUGS]]], honey! What a roller coaster your life has been on. Hope you and your DH can get the information straight and you'll know just what to do. Don't forget about us. Check in because we really do worry about you. Here's to a safe flight or a hubby coming home, whichever it happens to be.

Andria: Hey, lady. Sounds like you've got another busy day going on. I'm glad you and your friend had a chance to talk. *Hope your celebration/confirmation goes as you have planned.

Lisa: Scrapbooking does sound like fun. My problem is that I have so many craft projects that I've spent so much money on already and never find the time to do. I bet your girls will really appreciate the books you are doing about their lives.

Barbg: I'm sure that even though the food was all prepared, there was still a degree of will-power involved to not snack on nasty stuff during the day and evening. Just goes to show, there is NO foolproof way of losing this weight other than making up OUR MINDS to do it! Maybe we need to make 3x5 cards that say "JUST SAY NO" and post them in various trouble spots around the house. Pantry, freezer, fridge, etc. If I thought it would really help, I'd do it!!!

Mary: Nice to see you peeking in. Hope all is well in Mississippi. Did the new girl at the library work out. How is your son and his new job? Inquiring minds want to know these things!

Katrina: Where ya be???? Hope you're out having some fun somewhere.

Well, my dears, I hope I didn't miss anyone in my attempt to do replies. If I did, I'm truly sorry. I think I will say so long for now. Need to get some eBay stuff packaged up and I have a bunch more auctions closing today. That is really sooooo time consuming.

Honey is chomping at the bit for something to eat. Guess maybe I should go make some lunch too. There's laundry stacked to the ceiling downstairs. Geez, no rest for this wicked woman on Sunday. Honey will be watching the NASCAR race. Wee *twirling finger in the air*!!!!

You guys take care of yourselves. I'll see ya later. Love ya bunches.

Heeelllloooooo!!!!
Did anyone miss me???? I missed you all. I was tempted to check in while we were gone, but never touched a computer!!! I will try to catch up with everyone later on, for now here is a quick summary of the past 8 days....

The first 2 days were spent in Los Angeles with my old friend Cheryl. We did a whirl-wind tour of the city! Then it was onto Vegas. We enjoyed some great shows...."Showgirls of Magic" - well, maybe not in the "great" category, but a cheap show and good for a laugh. Basically topless magic and a little raunchy comedy. Next on the show schedule was the "Blue Man Group" at the Luxor. Awesome show!!! Not sure what to say about it. 3 men painted blue (started this act on the streets of NYC) doing incredible percussion work on pvc pipe contraptions and lots of other comical acts. We decided it was time to see Mr. Vegas himself, and took in the "Wayne Newton" show. Very good show --- his voice is going, but he still packs the house. Women are crazy about him. We both got to shake his hand. Lastly was "Zumanity" on our anniversary. This is a Cirque du Soleil show, but a new side of Cirque. It's and adult only show and quite risqué. Must have an open mind and be comfortable with sexuality. The skill of the performers is incredible. Impossible to really explain.

Our 10th anniversary was celebrated by starting the day with room service for breakfast, a limo picking up up and taking us to the "Little White Chapel" where we renewed our vows by a sweet, young, Mexican minister who had quite an accent. Then it was off to NY, NY for dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and then the show, Zumanity, mentioned earlier.

On Sunday were were scheduled to leave Vegas at 4:45 and return to PA at 12:30am. We didn't end up leaving until around 10:00pm and got home about 6:30am. Luckily the airline called my cell phone and left messages with updates on the delay so we didn't have to sit around the airport - we stayed and gambled more....luckily we did....I ended up hitting my biggest slot win ever....on a 25 cent machine I won $950!!!! WooHoo!!! I also had a pretty good day at blackjack. All in all we came out a little ahead for the trip!

Attached is a picture taken of us at the Wayne Newton show. You can tell we got a little sunburned - especially Jeff with his white forehead (and balding head - he was wearing a baseball cap while we were driving around in the convertible). I'll post more when I find time to download from my camera....for now I need to finish unpacking and do some laundry...back to real life tomorrow!

It probably goes without saying that food was horrible last week. I did try to make and extra effort to drink lots of water and turn down the "free" alcoholic drinks while gambling. We usually ate 1-2 big meals a day. Things start again for me - right now!!!

I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to catching up with you...

2cute - Thoughts and prayers going out to you sister and your family. I am relieved to hear that she is improving.

Andria - I am so sorry that we didn't get to meet up in Vegas. Next time!!! Hey, maybe we should plan a fling out there!!!

Love Ya!
Barb

Welcome Home, Barb!!!
Of course, we missed you! Glad you had such a nice trip.

Just a quick hello. Again no replys but hopefully I will get back to normal by the end of the week.

My sister was taken to a regular room today. Her speech is very
s l o w and she is worried about it. The doctors told us the longer on the respirator the more chances of damage to the vocal cords. I hope it is temporary. Only time will tell.
I am soooooooo far behind on everything in my life and still feel the need to be there for my sister a little longer. I hope to return to my own life soon.

2cute: Glad you stopped by to give us an update. WooHoo, glad for your sister's news. Looks like maybe she'll be able to pull this one out of the fire again. I'm so happy things are going better for her. I'll keep praying and hope that she continues to recover. And God Bless You on the road for safe journeys back and forth to Joplin. You're putting alot of miles on and I know that your guardian angel is on your shoulder. [[[hugs]]]

I'm still here, kind of....just busybusybusybusy...no time to post. Renewed efforts to lose weight are once again in place...This it it, I'm tired of starting over.

I hope to be back later, but I'm in the middle of cutting the grass, dh is putting together (trying to, anyway) our new shed. He's already been to Lowe's once today...let's see how many more trios will be made before the day is out!

Lots of good thoughts and well wishes to all of you!

Hi ladies,

I'm on vacation!

I got up at 5:20 to bike ride with the gal across the street. We rode for 35 minutes. Good grief, that's early to be out attacking hills. But she's right, we need to work hard to be able to ride in September. And it should help my weight loss efforts. Now, as long as I don't do something stupid and eat to make up for all the work.

DH killed the garbage disposal on Saturday. This morning, I was using the microwave and it made a horrible noise and then completely shut down. No light, no clock, nothing. Deader than a door. We just got back from Sears where we bought a new garbage disposal, microwave and flat top (ceramic?) stove. DH has been wanting to replace our stove for a couple of years now.

This afternoon, we're off to the lawyers to get started on wills and all that lovely stuff.

I bought weights to add to my curl bar while at Sears. I'll be doing conditioning work this afternoon while DH mows.

Time for a little nap now!

2Cute - That is so great to hear about your sister. When she goes home, is there someone to help her or will that be you? Take care and God Bless to both of you!

Kat - Good to see you. I've been thinking about you and wondering how the walking is going or if you're biking.

Thin -I found out the "barn manager" that I wanted to kick his butt is a pro wrestler. I don't think I would have lasted long! But he's gone for good now. I did not like Nancy Reagon when they were in office but I have a whole new respect for her on how she protected her husband and stood by his side. What a testament to standing by your spouse "for better or worse". You had posted a while back that we were to hold you accountable for your weight loss effots - or something like that - how have you been doing? Any Curves in your future?

Lucky - Girl, you need some zinc! Take care and get better soon.

Barb - Your vacation sounds like it was lots of fun. Just what you too needed. And renewing your vows - how fun! Hope you survive reentry into real life!

Syn - Great post from you! Hope you're feeling better too.

I better get my nap in or I'll be yawning in the lawyer's face.

Have a great day! Make it healthy!

Hello all,

Just popping in to see how everyone is. I am doing okay. Still exercising, but food hadn't been great. Yesterday I had probably my best food day. I even went to Applebee's and had the sizzling chicken and the chocolate raspberry cake. Both were pretty good and only 11 points!

Today has been good so far, but the munchies are trying to come out.

2Cute: Good to hear that your sister is doing better.

Everyone else, I miss you all, but just haven't been able to spend too much time online.

Susie

Hey everyone

Just doing a quick check in. I'm supposed to be sleeping, but coming here to read sounded like a lot more fun.

2cute, thank you for the update. I am so happy your sister is improving!

Barb, sounds like the trip to Vegas was an all around winner. I have been wanting to see Blue Man Group for ages now, and I would give about anything to see a Cirque show.

Hrm... the girls just reminded me of something else I need to do before heading back to bed. I'd better get outta here.

Andria

Hey, I'm back but only for a minute. I have to get some sleep. I've been outside ALL DAY working, working, working and now I have to nap for work tonight.

Food has been fabulous today...I'm keeping track on FitDay.com (again). I have come in under my limits for the day and I'm clamoring for nutritious goodies to fill in the gaps. Call me crazy, but I'm just going to eat a balanced diet: get lots o' fruits and veggies in, good protein at each meal, stick to whole grains and try to eliminate starchy white foods, drink lots of water...and exercise. I feel silly saying it again, because I've said it so many times before, but that's all I (WE) have to do to be successful.

So...that's that. I'll try to catch up on replies but I don't have much to share...unless you want to hear about me hauling rocks all afternoon!

Welcome home, Barb! Your trip sounds like it was a blast!
Terri...You continually amaze me...NOW you're picking fights with WRESTLERS? You go girl!
Lucky...I hope you're feeling better!
2cute, I'm glad your sis is improving! She sounds like a fighter!
Jen...glad to hear from you...I hope your hubby is home soon!
MICHELLE! Hey, studious one! I'm glad to see your little self pop in for a minute.
Mary...Same to you! Come back soon, both of you!

Oh boy...they're hounding me to get into bed...that's because they have the unpleasant task of WAKING ME....<<shudder>>

Hi to everyone else, I didn't mean to snub anyone...just out of time...AGAIN.

See you all soon...

Hi Everyone!
Just a quickie Hello for tonight! Today was a crazy day back at work. I had an early morning meeting and then my work computer got a virus and was messed up all day. I finally had to turn it over to the tech guys. It should be fixed in the morning. I still have to try to review all my e-mail from my home computer. DH must be having a rough first day back, he still isn't home and I haven't heard from him.

Lousy news on my IVF process....I needed to have my period by yesterday in order to start birth control pills (step one) in order to try again beginning on July 2. (My Dr. works on group start dates). Anyway, my period decided not to show up! I have been regular all my life until all this mess started. So, my endeavors to get pregnant are put off for yet another couple months. It's so frustrating.


Gotta run for now, hopefully I'll have more time tomorrow.

Love to all!
Barb

Hi all! I should be doing a couple of job's paperwork, but of course I came by here to visit with all of you first.

I had breakfast this morning with my cousins. We try to do it once a month. I'm so glad to be included. These are my aunt's (the one I was so close to that died 3 years ago from cancer) children. Being an only child, I really enjoy my visits with the three of them.

We celebrated #1 Son's birthday with the grandparents tonight at his choice steakhouse. I did well. A small steak, baked potato and salad. I bought a small carrot cake (again, his favorite) and we split it 7 ways for just a taste after dinner. Tomorrow night after he gets off work (that's his REAL birthday and he works til 9:00) we'll have cake and ice cream and give him his gifts. I promise to behave once again.

I have a cut and perm scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. It is looooong overdue. I needed it before I went to Oklahoma and all I could find time for was dye job. Now it's time for the total overhaul!!!

Terri: Ok sarg you're right, I asked for some accountability. I finally got on the scale this morning (it had been 2 weeks) and I was down 1.6 pounds. Believe me, I'm not proud of my efforts, but it is in the right direction. I'm back to wearing my WW bracelet again tomorrow. That really does help keep me focused. * You're doing a GREAT job BTW. Congrats to you for staying so positive.

BarbPA: I'm so sorry to hear about the IVF. That's the pitts! * On my end, Mother Nature is messing with me (and I don't like it), but that's the whole age thing.

Katrina: Wow! Hauling rocks???? Geez, girl. That's hard work! * I love it when stuff finally clicks in and we're clamoring for healthy stuff like fruits and veggies to fill the day. I'm feeling that way lately too.

Andria: You're as bad as me. You're giving up sleep to be here and I'm not doing my paperwork to be here! I think it's another ADICTION!!!

Susie: Good to see you. I've been meaning to call you. How did DH's surgery go? I'm good for lunch next week. I'll email you.

Barbg: I'm sorry I didn't go back far enough to catch you for replies before. I meant to tell you how sorry I am for all of your storm damage. I guess the plus side is that no one was hurt and merchandise can be replaced. [[[hugs]]] Doesn't make it any easier. Hope you get to check in here again real soon.

I don't think I told you that I went to the Dr. on Friday finally. She said the spot on my leg looks like some kind of trauma. I told her it didn't hurt anymore. She said to keep an eye on it and if it changes size she would have me see a dermatologist. She said that the skin discoloration from a trauma doesn't always go away quickly.

Also, my blood pressure was up. She put me on blood pressure meds for the next month and then wants to see me back for a check. If they've done the trick then she'll prescribe them for me. She said that she is not a real advocate of pushing pills that aren't needed and that if things change in the future (she was referring to diet and exercise) she would be happy to take me off of them again. I told her that my weight was finally catching up with me as far as health goes.

It seems as if I always push things to the limit. Even on WW, I would see just how many points I could go over and still lose weight. Or how many WOW chips I could eat before getting loose stools. The list goes on and on, but the fact remains that I really want to break this trend before I try to decide just how fat I can get before I have a heart attack, stoke or die.

Boy, that just kind of came out of my fingers. My brain and my fingers seem to be attached tonight and I'm not even really thinking about what I'm saying. As I go back and read it, I guess I am making a whole lot of sense, at least to me.

My big accomplishment for the past two days has been to avoid anything chocolate. Remember the PB Cups? Well, I've decided the only way to stop eatting chocolate is to avoid it altogether. That means chocolate in general as well as Cafe Mochas at Tim Hortons. On the Cafe Mochas I'm just telling myself it's too hot to drink hot beverages. I think that will help.

Well, my dears, I'm outta here. Gotta get this stuff done, it's due tonight. Love ya bunches!